Would you pay to use Twitter? You might have to
Twitter occupies a strange place in the constellation of social media sites. On one hand, it’s not even the biggest platform you can use — that dubious honor goes to Facebook. On the other, it’s home to some of the most important public figures on the planet, such as industry leaders, celebrities and even the President of the United States himself.
That said, Twitter has been rightfully criticized for a number of unusual shortcomings, such as its lack of transparency on trends and algorithms. In fact, the recent site-wide hack exposed a bizarre back-end control panel that appears to show specific users can be removed from trends altogether. Tap or click here for more details on the hack heard ’round the world.
Between unusual back-end shenanigans and an infamous culture of trolls and harassment, there’s no doubt that Twitter has some work to do to reach its full potential. But a new proposal for the platform may end up changing it in unprecedented ways. Twitter is considering adding paid subscription options for users, and you might not have a choice but to participate.
A different kind of Twitter: Paywall considered
After a sizable downturn in ad revenue, Twitter is considering adding a paid subscription model to “complement” the existing free service on its platform. According to reports from CNN, job listings are already being posted by Twitter for a mysterious project codenamed “Gryphon,” which appears to relate to constructing new subscription services.
Following these reports, Twitter’s stock rose 4%, which shows investors are interested in new revenue options from one of the webs most popular platforms. As it stands, Twitter’s primary income stream comes from ad revenue, targeted ads and data collection.
Adding a subscription service would allow the company to collect money directly from users to further bolster its value. And following the recent string of high-profile hackings, the company needs all the value it can muster.
As of now, there are no hard details as to what the subscription service will include or exclude, but CEO Jack Dorsey emphasized that any subscription services would be available alongside the existing free services any user can access. He also mentioned that all of this development is in its earliest stages for the time being.
What would a subscription version of Twitter even look like?
Because there are no official details, any information on changes to Twitter are nothing more than pure speculation.
Still, it’s important to consider how adding a paywall can drastically reshape the platform as we know it. What services would free users be excluded from or potentially lose access to? How much would it all cost? What would encourage people to even consider paying for use?
3 reasons you need wireless earbuds
Now that many of us are sheltering in place, finding privacy can be difficult since there’s always someone around. If you’re working from home, there are sure to be business conversations for your ears only.
And if you’re trying to listen to music or on a personal call, what you’re hearing is still for your ears only. There must be a better way! Thankfully, there is. Now’s the perfect time to get a pair of wireless earbuds.
You can pay a celebrity to be on your next Zoom call
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Out of all the groups impacted by COVID-19, America’s graduating seniors may bear some of the most significant social scars. Not only were they robbed of their end of year festivities like prom, grad night and others, but they’ve also lost out on once-in-a-lifetime commencement ceremonies.
The great 5G coronavirus conspiracy
“A lie can travel around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots.”
– Mark Twain (and others)
Wacky 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories now being shared by celebrities
Many questions about the coronavirus still remain, but few prompt as much heated discussion as the true origin of this deadly pandemic.
Based on what we know, there’s little doubt that the virus is of animal origins. Despite piles of scientific evidence, some still insist on spreading baseless conspiracies. Tap or click here to see why COVID-19 is not a bioweapon.
Personal info of 10 million hotel guests, including Twitter CEO and Justin Bieber, leaked online
Is there anything more relaxing than sipping a tropical drink on a glorious beach? Most would agree the answer is no.
The worst part about getting away for a vacation like that is all the planning you need to do ahead of time. Tap or click here for travel hacks that can help make preparation a cinch.
Binge everything in 10 minutes or less with this new streaming service
Since the mid-2010s, short-form videos have been some of the most popular means of viral entertainment. Apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Vine have changed the way we consume content, proving short videos still have staying power in a digital ecosystem that demands “engagement.”
Get celebrities to send greetings for you
Have you ever struggled with getting a loved one a birthday present? This new site can help you solve that problem in a cool, unique, and sometimes inexpensive way. Give your friend a shout out from their favorite celebrity. Pseudo-celebs like self-made YouTube stars and legends like Brett Favre are getting into the birthday-wish game, for prices ranging from $10 to over $1,000.