PAPA: So, what is the news today, Piya? And what’s that stuff you’re eating for breakfast?
PIYA: It’s bun maska, Papa, and the news in the paper is that Elon Musk the new owner of Twitter is now asking everyone to pay eight dollars for a blue tick.
PAPA: Is that a one-time payment? For a lifetime maybe.
PIYA:No, it’s a monthly fee.
PAPA: My God! It’s like a water bill.
PIYA: I suppose so.
PAPA: No, it’s more than that. It’s like an electricity bill.
PIYA: I suppose so, Papa. (pause) Do you think some politician may offer towaive the fees?
PAPA: You’re joking.
PIYA: No, I am not. If water bills can be waived, electricity bills can be waived, why shouldn’t politicians offer to pay for Twitter blue tick charges?The millennial vote is very important, Papa.
PAPA: As I said, you must be joking. But tell me, aren’t your friends upset?
PIYA: Yes, they are. Celebrity authors like Stephen King have protested, and threatened to leave Twitter.Mr Musk hasn’t listened. He has fired staff and says he needs to make Twitter financially viable.
PAPA: What is the use of a blue tick to your Twitter account?
PIYA: It means that my account is verified.
PAPA: Is that a big deal?
PIYA: There are other benefits as well.
PAPA: Such as?
PIYA: The blue tick Twitter users will get priority in mentions and search.
PAPA: But I thought it was content that mattered.
PIYA: That is the idea, yes.
PAPA: But if you have all this blue tick business, doesn’t that mean money will also matter, aside from content?
PIYA: That’s true, I suppose, Papa.
PAPA: Isn’t that unfair?
PIYA: I suppose it is, Papa.
PAPA: Aren’t young people protesting?
PIYA: People are protesting, but Mr Musk will not be swayed.
PAPA: When I was young, we used to be paid to voice our opinions in print.
PIYA: Even now people are paid to voice their opinions, and they are paid much more than people of your generation ever were.
PAPA: Really?
PIYA: Yes, they are. Such people are called Influencers.
PAPA: So why don’t you become an Influencer?
PIYA: It’s not so simple. I have to keep posting interesting material.
PAPA: So, do that. What stops you?
PIYA: Before I can become an Influencer, at least my account should be verified.
PAPA: So, you mean getting the blue tick will be a kind of investment?
PIYA: Exactly, Papa.So, are you going to give me eight dollars for the blue tick?
PAPA: How much is that in rupees?
PIYA: The newspaper says its 710 rupees.
PAPA: As much as that?
PIYA: So, will you pay?
PAPA: Just be happy I’m paying for your bun maska. Elon Muska can wait.
PIYA: Please, Papa!
PAPA: Not open for discussion – and let me tell you no amount of muska is going to help you there.
PIYA: Not funny, Papa.
Rajesh Talwar is an author of 35 books across multiple genre.