Elon Musk: I nicked Twitter fees idea from Monty Python
Elon Musk has said Monty Python’s classic ‘argument’ sketch inspired his controversial decision to charge verified Twitter users to retain their blue tick.
The world’s richest man shared a link to the 1970s skit, in which Michael Palin pays a fee at a clinic in order to have a spat with John Cleese.
Musk has agreed to cut his planned tick charge to $8 a month from the $20 he originally suggested, following a backlash.
And the SpaceX boss tweeted yesterday: ‘To all complainers, please continue complaining, but it will cost 8.’
He added: ‘Totally stole the idea of charging for insults and arguments from Monty Python tbh.’
Those unimpressed at the decision to start charging for the ticks had included US horror writer Stephen King.
The best-selling author commented: ‘20 a month to keep my blue check? F*** that, they should pay me. If that gets instituted, I’m gone like Enron.’
Musk said: ‘We need to pay the bills somehow! Twitter cannot entirely rely on advertisers.’
According to US reports, users will be given 90 days to sign up or lose their blue tick. Twitter has not commented on the plans.
In the sketch, Palin’s character asks for an argument and is told ‘try Mr Barnard, room 12’.
He and Cleese commence arguing and he stumps up for another five minutes when told his time is up.
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