[Updated] X (fka Twitter) possibility of being a paid service met with backlash, here's what users say

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on September 21, 2023) follows:

X (fka Twitter) has come under heavy backlash due to the potential shift towards a paid or subscription-based model.

Elon Musk recently proposed introducing a paid model during a detailed talk about artificial intelligence with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Musk believes that this approach can be an effective means to combat the presence of bots on the platform.

However, by looking at the reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), it appears that this proposition has not been well received by existing X users.

Apparently, they (1,2,3,4,5) are not interested in paying even a minimal monthly fee to continue using this platform.

They further state that they will abandon X and switch to alternatives if a subscription-based model is introduced.

People argue that Musk has destroyed former Twitter and transformed it into a secondary version of WeChat with additional censorship.

Some believe that the new model has nothing to do with bots and is primarily motivated by revenue generation. They argue that a peak election year is about to commence, and this move can help X boost its profits rapidly.

A few say that they’d rather create and share posts and stories on Instagram instead of paying a monthly fee. In addition, a subset of users have even questioned the need to implement such a model on the platform.

It’s nothing to do about bots. It’s everything about generating revenue,as peak election year commences. An opportunity for twitter to rake in the moolah. Anyways a fair deal, a certain fees to pay,to use the platform.
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Some people are hopeful that Musk will realize that the policy is a disaster and will not implement it. They are also advising others not to leave the platform right now.

Some argue (1,2,3,4) that such a move will be the last nail in the coffin for X. They assert that a large section of the userbase will not be inclined towards paying.

He gutted Twitter, made it X (a second-rate WeChat censorship platform), and now wants ME to pay HIM to USE IT. Oh no. No to all of that.
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Also, they believe that users will switch to free-to-use platforms like Threads.

On the other hand, a section of users (1,2,3,4,5) agree with Musk’s decision to introduce a paywall. They say that they don’t mind paying a nominal monthly fee to get rid of bots and spam from X.

People assert that they will happily pay a subscription fee to freely express their opinions and perspectives without censorship.

Interestingly, a user claims that they will pay the fee if Musk abandons the rebranding to ‘X’ and reverts to the original name. While others contend that they will pay if they don’t get ads or sponsored posts again.

I would pay up to $5/mo if it meant I never saw an ad or sponsored post on Twitter again. Since I run several accts, I’d have to decide which one I wanted.
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However, you should not worry, as the platform will not be locked behind a paywall. Elon Musk has just mentioned that a lower-tier pricing model might be introduced to combat spam.

Additionally, the platform’s algorithm will prioritize posts from subscribed users. This will help prevent the bots from getting a lot of engagement. Although individuals who don’t pay might lose out on engagement.

In the meantime, we will keep tabs on this topic and notify you whenever we come across some new information.

06:36 pm (IST): Elon Musk’s Twitter revolution, now known as X, has introduced a new feature where users can block unverified accounts from replying to their posts, granting premium users greater control over their interactions.

This development, however, has sparked a division among Twitter’s community. Some express concerns that restricting replies to verified accounts may hinder engagement, particularly for users with predominantly unverified followers.

Critics argue that this move could transform Twitter into a pay-to-chat platform, eroding the platform’s free speech values (1,2,3,4,5).

IM NOT “verified” and “Restricted “, cant reply,like or repost or follow . Elon made X a ” pay to chat” platform. Free spech is restricted, any critic is forbidden, in short a”USELESS” platform to make more money and PR for Elon idilization and BS….its sad if you must pay
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In contrast, there are those who view this change as a positive step in the ongoing battle against bot accounts and in favor of meaningful, human-driven conversations (1,2).

Elon Musk’s rationale for this decision is rooted in the need to combat the persistent issue of bot presence on the platform.

While the new feature may polarize Twitter’s user base, its ultimate impact on the platform’s dynamics remains to be seen as users navigate the balance between controlled engagement and open dialogue.

04:55 pm (IST): Elon Musk has recently confirmed the imminent launch of two premium tiers for X. The first tier will encompass all features but will not reduce the current frequency of advertisements. On the other hand, the second tier will offer a completely ad-free experience at a higher price point.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Twitter section, so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured Image: X.

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