To think I have thought of a brilliant thriller/novel/movie idea?

[Knobblybobbly]

Im not skilled artistically in any way. But today my brain did a fart and I reckon this is actually a really good idea for a book or film.

It’s called “The Password”

It’s a story about an online ‘persona’ or ‘username’ or whatever you call it who is anonymous but has a massive following, like on Twitter etc. This person has a massive cult following and can say or do anything and hugely sway public opinion. Everyone is on the edge of their seat to hear/see what they might say next. However, the person behind the username changes fairly regularly, a bit like Dr Who. The person who is currently using the username eventually gives the password into someone else who they deem worthy. That new person then has to change the password (so only they know it) and then they can take the reigns over this online persona and use it to their own devices. Could be for good or evil.

People want to be ‘chosen’ as the next person to be given the password. So they try to be as impressive as possible. Some people do this by being clever, some by being funny but most disturbingly (and I suspect this is where the book will focus on) with increasingly controversial and alarming/disturbing content.

What nobody realises is that it is a poisoned chalice. Being in control of the username is actually a curse. Although I haven’t worked out the finer details of this curse yet.

I’m happy to let whoever wants this idea to go forth and write the book/film and just give me a couple of million when the oscars start rolling in.

#yourwelcome

I’m now sure how the public find out the person behind the username changes.... I think it would happen gradually.

Personally I would scatter some clues about the truth to keep people guessing, but make the actual reveal as sudden and dramatic as possible.

I agree with pps - why not start writing it?

I would the most commented thread on my current knobbly username was one I started about my haemorrhoids.

It wouldn’t take the daily mail long to work out that the new author of this amazing book had to write it standing up!!!

Lol

• I would, BUT.....

Maybe at least one password keeper passes on the torch because they can’t handle the consequences that their posts have on people? Maybe even a family member who doesn’t know it’s them?

I’ve had a really good idea for a book for years, but I’m not telling because one day I will find the time to write it. Honest.

You could go more dystopian with it, and the password is allocated at random via some sort of lottery - some people really want it, and those with the means can try to influence the system, whereas others don’t. I’d make the book about the person who doesn’t want it being selected. The role would have to come with a minimum level of unsavoury work for this to work though - perhaps they’re responsible for promoting the state narrative, covering up atrocities and this is the story of the person who takes the system down...

Maybe.

@sinkgirl

Write this one! I like the lottery idea for one of the hangovers.

It's a bit Black Mirror, isn't it? So def a viable idea!

I love the sound of it !

I agree with @64sNewName, there is a slight flaw. It's in the DNA of social media for things to be very short-term. They trend then die.

What is it about Username that makes their input so valuable in the long-term? Do they have access to alternative sources of information perhaps?

Like it
Kind of 'Handmaid's Tale' undertones I think.

Yeah, I think there needs to be something specific about the situation that makes the power and influence of the account concrete and sustainable - something that makes the stakes high and supplies tension or conflict. I think it’s a good scenario, but that crucial bit is missing, and it isn’t a bit you can gloss over really or it just wouldn’t be satisfying as a narrative.

Keep turning it over in your mind though and it might fall into place! I don’t mean to be down on an exciting idea at all.

Iant that Gossip Girl

I love it!

I'm thinking Hunger Games meets Black Mirrror meets Die Hard 4 the cyber terrorist one.

This is genius OP.

I like it! It's a bit like Saw, Qanon and Black Mirror had a baby.

Reminds me of gossip girl too. Except the fight to be the chosen one.

I would think of Username as sort of a modern day Big Brother (Orwell, not TV show). Except that, due to the current way social media etc influences the public, it’s necessarily a member of the public in that role. Exploring how a civilian could be drawn in to doing the state’s dirty work could be very interesting.

@HebeMumsnet it’s true. They were really very bad!! I keep meaning to change it but then I went and blurted out this post with my piles-related name.

Ok, I’m really liking these more recent ideas. But it’s going way beyond my very limited capabilities as a writer and general intelligence.

I’m thinking the original user of the username was just really clever and an impressive social commenter. A bit like the Secret Barrister on Twitter. Or Banksy.

We have no idea who these people are or if they are working alone. If Banksy died or was dying but wanted to pass on the reigns to a young, talented artist, he could and none of us would be any the wiser, provided the new Banksy behaved like old one.

However, in this case it does become known. However, the replacements are chosen because they earn it in some way on social media.... naturally this spirals towards evil misconduct.

I think I’m basing it on the premise that it’s a cult following. People follow because they are intrigued more than anything. Lots of people would never admit they follow and are secretly trying to impress in order to be passed on the role.

The new person maintains their normal life by the way, and any other online presence they have. The username is all done in secret.

Knobbly, you don't just have a great idea - you have a really engaging writing style! Dry, funny, self-depracating ... why do you think YOU cannot write this blockbuster?

Like the dread pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride! Amazing story idea. Love it

Got my post moved to creative writing where people who can write might see it and take it on!

Hope to see it on Netflix one day!