Entertainment
The Proposal by Elon Musk for Paid Twitter Verification Receives a Chilly Response
Users are not enthusiastic about spending $8 for a checkmark.
In the past week, since assuming control of Twitter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been implementing significant changes in the platform’s workforce and structure. These changes aim to boost the platform’s revenue, as Musk believes that income from advertisers is insufficient.
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One of Musk’s strategies to capitalize on Twitter’s user base is to introduce a fee for users to obtain the blue verification checkmark on their profile. Initially, Musk suggested a monthly fee of $20 for this feature, but the idea faced immediate backlash from users of all sizes. Notably, Musk engaged in a discussion with acclaimed author Steven King, who declared his intention to leave the platform rather than paying for verification.
“$20 a month to retain my blue check? Forget that, they should compensate me,” King tweeted. “If that is enforced, I’m exiting like Enron.”
“We need to generate revenue somehow!” Musk responded to King. “Twitter cannot solely rely on advertisers. What about $8?”
Musk evokes thoughts of Tom Sawyer, who is tasked with whitewashing a fence as a penalty. Tom persuades his friends to do the task for him while charging them for the privilege. That’s what Musk aims to do with Twitter. No, no, no.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) November 3, 2022
The reduced pricing proposal has not fared any better than the original, with many online and TV personalities criticizing Musk for suggesting such a plan.
“So, here is my inquiry: If you wish to create parity on Twitter, why charge anyone for verification? Just assign a blue checkmark to everyone,” remarked The Daily Show host Trevor Noah on Wednesday evening. “Why impose charges on people? It conflicts with the notion of offering it as ‘equality’ and then attaching a price tag, do you perceive my point? Can you envision if MLK was proclaiming, ‘I have a dream. I have a dream… and I will share it all with you for $8.99 per month.’ It would not convey the same message.”
