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Elon Musk, the enigmatic billionaire and owner of the social network X, has made a surprising move by reversing course on his stance regarding the distribution of blue verification checkmarks. Musk announced last week his decision to provide free premium features, including the coveted blue checkmarks, to select users with more than 2,500 verified followers.

This week, several users noticed the reappearance of blue checkmarks on their profiles, signaling the implementation of Musk’s pledge. However, some recipients of the blue checkmarks were left puzzled as to how they had obtained them, prompting the company to send notifications to explain the change.

Traditionally, X users had to subscribe to the platform’s premium monthly service to receive a blue badge, which was previously used by Twitter’s former management to verify the identities of notable individuals. Musk had been critical of this practice, denouncing it as a “lords and peasants” system. Upon assuming ownership of X, Musk promptly removed all legacy blue checkmarks, requiring users to pay for verification instead.

Now, after 18 months at the helm of X, Musk seems to be embracing a different approach. This shift represents a departure from his previous stance, signaling a willingness to adopt elements of the old company’s strategy. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for X declined to provide further details on the decision.

The move by Musk to offer free premium features, including blue checkmarks, underscores his evolving vision for X and his desire to cater to the platform’s diverse user base. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the dynamics of X and its user community in the long run.

As it is known, Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as ‘X,’ for a jaw-dropping $44 billion last October, left the world wondering what kind of ride this eccentric visionary would take us on. As we mark a year of his reign at Twitter, it’s time to buckle up and delve into a journey that’s been nothing short of extraordinary.

Here’s a glimpse of his first year at the helm, told through some of his most intriguing tweets:

1. “Let That Sink In”

Musk’s first post, bearing a photo of himself lugging a bathroom sink into Twitter Headquarters, was both cryptic and iconic. It hinted at the unconventional path that lay ahead.

2. Donald Trump’s Account Reinstated

Barely a month into his Twitter ownership, Musk made waves by reinstating accounts banned in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol Hill insurrection. Among them, the return of former US President Donald Trump garnered significant attention, justified via a poll: “The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated. Vox Populi, Vox Dei.”

3. “Instagram Makes People Depressed”

In January 2023, Musk launched a Twitter poll asking users to choose between Instagram and Twitter, provoking the statement that “Instagram makes people depressed & Twitter makes people angry.” This sparked discussions and even a challenge to Mark Zuckerberg for a cage fight, all in a bid to enhance user engagement.

4. Twitter to Share Ad Revenue with Creators

By February, Musk unveiled a strategy to boost Twitter’s advertising revenue. He encouraged users to subscribe and create content to access a portion of the company’s profits, aiming to reverse Twitter’s reported daily losses of $4 million.

5. “Trying My Best for the Humans”

March saw Musk embrace a Twitter algorithm change that amplified his voice. It began with a meme portraying him as the savior of mankind, and he responded with a tweet simply stating, “Trying my best for the humans.”

6. “Soros Reminds Me of Magneto”

In May, Musk sent ripples across Twitter by comparing investor George Soros to Magneto, the infamous supervillain from X-Men comics, sparking debates about anti-Semitic tropes. When a Twitter user highlighted Soros’s Holocaust survivor background, Musk’s response stirred controversy, suggesting that Soros “hates humanity.”

7. “I’m Up for a Cage Match if He Is”

June unfolded a fresh chapter in Musk’s Twitter journey when Mark Zuckerberg launched a Twitter rival named Threads. Musk threw down the gauntlet by challenging him to a cage match. Zuckerberg, known for his jiu-jitsu skills, accepted the challenge. The stage is set for a unique showdown, with the tech world buzzing about the potential outcome.
Elon Musk’s first year at Twitter has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with intriguing tweets and audacious moves that have kept the world on the edge of their seats. As he continues to steer the ship of ‘X,’ the future of this social media giant remains an exhilarating enigma, promising more thrills and surprises in the days ahead. So, stay tuned for the wild ride!