MySpace might not be the only division of Fox Interactive Media to experience layoffs this week: it’s been reported that “corporate FIM staff” is being cut, though the numbers are, as yet, unclear.

And, apparently, what they left behind is not — repeat, not — up for grabs by the survivors (if any exist). See this email that hit our inbox this afternoon:

From: FIM IT Notifications
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 12:13 PM
To: REDACTED
Subject: User’s Computer Equipment

All employees are requested to not move or take possession of any IT equipment (Laptops, Desktops, Docking Stations, MACs, Accessories etc) that was used by former employees.

FIM IT is currently recovering the hardware for Legal Discovery purposes. If you need any hardware or access to any users files feel free to submit a request to REDACTED and we will grant access as we are able to.

Thank you for your compliance.

Our understanding is that, while the SF MySpace office remains open for now (BTW, we never said it closed) a mass layoff ranging from the immediate to two month buyouts (that means, they tell you you have to get to keep working for two more months, and in exchange they give you a little more money) means that will not always be the case.

This memo suggests that Those Who Are Left Behind are already being looked upon with suspicion. That’s going to be a long two months.

the author

Eve Batey is the editor and publisher of the San Francisco Appeal. She used to be the San Francisco Chronicle's Deputy Managing Editor for Online, and started at the Chronicle as their blogging and interactive editor. Before that, she was a co-founding writer and the lead editor of SFist. She's been in the city since 1997, presently living in the Outer Sunset with her husband, cat, and dog. You can reach Eve at eve@sfappeal.com.

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