Twitter Blue is a paid subscription available for 1.5 years. Its price will increase from $ 5 to $ 8, but above all people who have a blue tag of a verified account will only be available to Twitter Blue subscribers.
Even before the details were announced, Stephen King wrote that he should be paid. Elon Musk replied that “they have to pay the bills too.” Before the acquisition, the billionaire announced that he wanted to increase the company’s revenues, and strengthening Twitter Blue is one of the elements of Musk’s business strategy. However, the changes that will affect the blue marker were received without enthusiasm, not to say with hostility.
Elon Musk criticized for Twitter fees. The creators want to pay them
Why does Stephen King think Twitter should pay the writer to use the platform? In other media, radio or television, content creators are paid. Publicists do not have to pay for the possibility of writing on Internet portals.
On Twitter, however, the situation will be the opposite. This problem (still in the context of rumors about the fee of $ 20) was noticed by the publisher and writer Nate Silver.
I’m probably the perfect audience, I use Twitter a lot, I can afford $20 a month, I don’t mind Elon much, but I’ve created a lot of valuable and free content for Twitter over the years so my reaction is – sp********* you
Silver wrote. He added that if he wanted to promote something on Twitter, he would consider paying, but he still doesn’t quite understand what he would get other than being tagged as a “nerd”.
Journalist Kara Swisher, also in response to the reports, criticized Musk’s idea. “Definitely not. For half that amount ($10, which is slightly more than the final $8 for Twitter Blue – ed.) I have Netflix, and on it Cobra Kai, The Crown, Call My Agent and more for free and I don’t have to put up with the senseless and stupid jokes of the CEO of Netflix,” Swisher writes. She structured subsequent entries in the same way, but instead of Netflix, she listed Apple Music, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and Microsoft 365.
Kara Swisher on Twitter photo Kara Swisher Twitter.
Honestly, I wouldn’t pay a dime for verification. It’s social media that should pay creators and treat them with respect, instead of sending jerks on them
concludes Swisher.
The blue marker is a safety issue
Journalist Emily Nussbaum, in turn, writes that the only reasonable reason to pay for a blue tag is to avoid impersonators. “Once people start paying for it, it will be a clear message that they are suckers – and as the trolling intensifies, big users will leave. Maybe it’s the best solution, but it will certainly increase misinformation and chaos.”
When it was brought to her attention that this was already happening, Nussbaum agreed and replied that verification should be available to everyone for free or for a small fee, but it should not be a subscription that creates a number of new problems.
Forcing people to pay for verification is just blackmail. Anyone who cannot afford it will become unprotected
– said the journalist.
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Emily Nussbaum on paid Twitter photo Emily Nussbaum Twitter
Actor Rob Kazinsky also raised the issue of security. He recalled his example from years ago when he played in “Eastenders”. He was contacted by parents of children aged 11-15 who allegedly wrote to him online. One of the children is missing. However, the actor did not have a social media account at the time, so the children wrote to the scammer.
I felt powerless about someone using my name and face to deceive people. Then there’s the verification. It’s important to protect people. It wasn’t about reach or money, it was about protecting people from scammers. I think in the age of social media some CEOs have forgotten how important it is to protect people or have trusted sources
Kazinsky wrote. He added that he struggles with many problems in life, he is afraid of, among others, internet, but has a verified account so that others cannot impersonate him. “If Musk removes this simple ability to protect people, protect children, his company is dead,” the actor concluded. And he added that he hopes someone will explain the one he tagged in the post.
Verification is a public service, it’s a good deed by companies that, in my opinion, contribute very little to the world. We should be making verification simpler for everyone, not making it harder. It’s their responsibility, not a business strategy
Kazinsky concluded.
Rob Kazinsky on Twitter photo by Rob Kazinsky Twitter
Advertisers and free speech
Stephen King also spoke after Musk gave details of the new plan. He compared the billionaire to Tom Sawyer, who was supposed to paint the fence as punishment. However, he managed to manipulate his colleagues, who did the job for him and had to pay for their privilege. “The same Musk wants to do with Twitter. No. No. No.” – assessed the writer.
He was answered by the user NeuroSpark, who stated that Elon Musk does not understand the fundamental principles
We users are not customers. We users are the product. Advertisers are users. Working hard [Musk – red.]to lose both groups
NeuroSpark wrote.
Columnists have already announced that Musk can and does stand for freedom of speech, but the market will quickly verify it. Advertisers will require certain restrictions because they do not want to be associated with hate speech, and to interpret freedom of speech in an absolute way, as Musk does.
The billionaire was also hit by the left-wing politician Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.
Laughter from the audience, the billionaire is trying hard to sell people the idea that “free speech” is actually an $8/month subscription plan.
the Democrat wrote.
We appreciate your feedback, now pay $8.
Elon Musk replied.
Source: Gazeta
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
