New Twitter owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is going in a housekeeping spree, making numerous changes to the platform including high-profile firings, content moderation adjustments, and now reinventing the blue checkmark subscription service.
In a series of tweets that were likely hastily fired off from the porcelain throne, Musk responded to famed horror writer Stephen King’s grievances with the rumoured $20 per month blue check subscription fee, clarifying that the service would only cost $8 each month, which amounts to $96 annually (or an inverted 69, whichever suits readers’ fancy).
Musk, who now refers to himself as the Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator, argued that the “current lords and peasants system” is “bullshit,” and insisted that anyone who can fork over $8 per month should have a shiny blue checkmark next to their name. However, the subscription fee would vary by country and be based on purchasing power, but all subscribers nonetheless would have access to “priority in replies, mentions & search,” as well as the “ability to post long video & audio” without as many advertisements.
According to Musk, viewers will still be able to distinguish between a pubic figure and someone who has an extra $8 lying around to pay the subscription fee, as the former will have a secondary tag below their name. Moreover, according to the Wall Street Journal, Twitter Blue users will also lose access to ad-free articles from various publishers including the Los Angeles Times and Insider. It remains unknown if ‘blue check’ subscribers will have a grace period before they have to sign up for $8 service or risk losing their Blue status.
Information for this briefing was found via Twitter and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
