Another question: Why didn't Twitter just keep using whatever vetting process it used in the past on these Blue Check applications, but just charge for it now? From a semiotics standpoint, the signifier didn't change, but the signified changed from "verified account" to "paying account", which seems like a hugely confusing UI blunder.

Dumb question, but how could you even be allowed to change your name on a verified account (old blue check), without some re-verification?