avatarJennifer Geer

Summary

Elon Musk has announced plans to introduce long-form text capabilities and monetization options on Twitter, drawing comparisons to Medium's platform.

Abstract

Elon Musk is set to transform Twitter by integrating long-form text features and introducing monetization strategies for content creators, reminiscent of Medium's business model. Musk's recent tweets have indicated that users will soon be able to attach long-form text directly to tweets, eliminating the need for workarounds like notepad screenshots. Additionally, Twitter will roll out a subscription service priced at $7.99 per month, which will initially offer a blue check mark to subscribers, with future benefits including fewer ads, longer video posts, and priority content ranking. The article's author, while critical of Musk's leadership style and political involvement on the platform, remains curious about Twitter's evolution and the potential for it to become a new revenue stream for creators. The author also notes the controversy surrounding Musk and the mixed reactions to his management of Twitter, yet expresses a willingness to observe the platform's transformation.

Opinions

  • The author is critical of Elon Musk's abrupt workplace cuts and his political statements on Twitter, which contrast with his promise of a politically neutral platform.
  • Despite these criticisms, the author is intrigued by the possibility of Twitter becoming a platform where creators can earn money from their content, similar to Medium.
  • The author expresses skepticism about the value of the blue check mark losing its exclusivity, as it will be available to anyone willing to pay for the new subscription service.
  • There is a concern that the introduction of a subscription service could lead to a proliferation of advertisements and alter the authenticity of the platform.
  • The author has personally experimented with Mastodon as an alternative to Twitter, reflecting a broader exploration of alternatives by some users.
  • The author is not immediately inclined to purchase the new subscription service but is open to the potential benefits and changes it may bring to Twitter.
  • Musk is recognized for his significant contributions to technology and society, such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, alongside his polarizing actions and opinions that have sparked controversy and debate.

Next for Twitter: Elon Musk Announces Long-Form Text and Monetization

Will Twitter operate more like Medium?

Image by crop_/depositphotos.com

I read an interesting article from Susie Kearley this morning on an announcement Elon Musk made regarding Twitter:

I’ll admit I’m not a fan of the way Musk abruptly made his workplace cuts, which I wrote about here. Musk is known for his harsh leadership style, and he’s not one to make changes slowly, which has caused a lot of chaos for Twitter employees.

I’m also not a fan of how Musk is tweeting political statements after promising a “politically neutral” social platform. I even gave the rival social platform, Mastodon a try this weekend.

But that doesn’t mean I’m leaving Twitter. At least, not yet. Twitter may transition into a platform where creators can make money posting content, just like on Medium.

Changes are coming for Twitter

In the past few days, Musk has tweeted the following:

  • “Twitter will soon add ability to attach long-form text to tweets, ending absurdity of notepad screenshots.”
  • “Followed by creator monetization for all forms of content.”

Monetized, long-form texts? That sounds like Medium!

Also similar to Medium, Twitter is adding a subscription service for $7.99 per month. The service was originally announced to give anyone that pays the blue check mark, making the blue check mark utterly useless. The blue check mark was created to help people identify authentic users, like journalists, government figures, entertainers, and brands. Now anyone can get one for $7.99.

However, down the road subscribers will also get:

  • Fewer advertisements
  • The ability to post longer videos
  • Priority ranking for the content they post

It may end up being necessary to buy a subscription to monetize. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m not jumping to buy a blue check mark anytime soon. But I will keep an eye out to see what changes are in store for Twitter. It may become another stream of income at some point.

Controversy surrounds Elon Musk

Musk is such a polarizing figure. While he’s done amazing things for the world, like Tesla cars, SpaceX, and sending Starlink to Ukraine, he’s driving people mad with his opinions and constant tweets.

Still, I’m hanging in there, for now, waiting to see what comes next.

What do you think of Musk’s Twitter takeover? Would you be interested in monetizing content there?

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