Twitter replaces original logo, high-profile accounts refuse to pay for verification

Twitter Changes and Elon Musk's Trolling

This section discusses the recent changes on Twitter, including the replacement of the Doge icon with a blue bird. It also covers Elon Musk's trolling of his own users and the surge in shares of Dogecoin.

Twitter's Verified Check Mark Removal

• Twitter promised to remove the verified check mark from all "Legacy" accounts by April 1st.

• Here we are on April 3rd, and they have only removed one account: The New York Times.

• The New York Times' 55 million follower account no longer has the verification check.

• Other accounts, such as The Washington Post, The White House, and LeBron James, have refused to pay for verification through Twitter Blue.

Why Pay for Verification?

• According to Rob Flaherty from The White House, Twitter Blue does not provide person-level verification.

• All the blue checkmark does is serve as a verification that you're a paid user.

• It makes no sense for anyone to pay for something that simply says you've paid.

• Many business accounts won't be willing to pay $1000/month for organization plus $50 thereafter per employee.

Elon Musk's Trolling

• Elon Musk tweeted that he would remove The New York Times' badge after finding out that they refuse to pay for Twitter Blue.

• He attacked The New York Times tweeting "their propaganda isn't even interesting."

• Elon Musk has been known to attack journalists who have been critical of him in the past.

Criticisms of Elon Musk's Leadership at Twitter

This section discusses criticisms of Elon Musk's leadership at Twitter and how it has affected advertisers, ad revenue, dialogue/discourse on the platform, and the company's valuation.

Elon Musk's Leadership at Twitter

• Elon Musk has done nothing quantifiably positive since taking over Twitter.

• Advertisers have fled the platform in mass, and ad revenue has plummeted.

• The dialogue/discourse on Twitter has arguably gotten worse under his leadership.

• The company's $44.44 billion valuation is now less than half of that.

Employee Cuts

• More than half of Twitter's employees have been cut.

• It is hard to see a turnaround plan taking shape anytime soon.