#Coincidence that all the cops are on the naughty list?

[yanderedrabbles]

omg I'm drooling over the Yandere Pirate fic. But it's kinda got me curious - who do you think is the worst guy you've written? Who's the absolute biggest bastard?

(On the other end of the spectrum, I think Boyfriend yandere is still the sweetest)

Hoo boy have I written some awful men. I think Yandere! Pirate is pretty terrible because he masquerades his own lust and cruelty as kindness but he's nowhere near the worst. Let's rank 'em.

5. Yandere! Stalker/Cop is a nice guy most of the time, and as a boyfriend he's pretty great. But it's his stalker persona that gets him on this list. He's left your pet's head in a box for you to find. He's broken into your house more times than he can remember. He's threatened and frightened you, all for the sake of getting you in his arms.

4. Yandere! Cowboy is mean, possessive and overly territorial. Instead of asking you out for a dance or bringing you flowers, his idea of courting is pinning you against a wall and finger fucking you until you're shaking and crying and begging him to be gentle. He uses the expectations of society to force you into being his wife. No one will want you now that he's taken your virginity, you know that don't you sugar? And your daddy will be horrified to learn you've been fooling around out in the barn like a slut. You don't want him to find out, do ya?

3. Yandere! State Trooper gets off on power, no two ways about it. He tries to be nice about it at first, make you rely on him by getting rid of all those pesky speeding tickets. But when you don't fall for it, he gets awfully nasty. Police brutality is one word for it, and manipulative malpractice is another. And the worst part? His buddies on the force will always cover for him. If you ever get brave enough to take him to court, you'll find his body cam footage is totally scrubbed. And his dash cam just happened to be malfunctioning on the night in question. You're trapped by the long (and buff) arms of the law.

2. Yandere! Greek Champion is going to the worst place in the underworld for what he did to you. And even knowing that, he'd do it again. He has no fear of the Gods, no respect or reverence. He's a man willing to fuck a virgin priestess on the floor of her temple, right in front of the holy shrine. You think that sort of man will ever be kind? Or noble? No way baby.

And without further ado, the worst man I've written to date is....

Yandere! Cyberpunk Riot Control Officer. You knew it was coming. I knew it was coming. He wins this contest hands down (or tied behind your back preferably). Anal without prep or lube. Fucking you with the baton he was using to crack skulls a few hours ago. Manipulating riot laws just to have his way with you. He's an awful guy but even worse, he's the product of a State just as cruel and depraved as he is. How else could he get away with doing this to you?

(And they aren't even the worst I've thought of - more despicable bastards coming soon).

[im-an-anxious-wreck]

Serial Killers Can Have Some Manslaughter... As A Treat

AO3 link

Summary: Remus was getting rid of a dead cop body that he'd run over three times (you know, as one does), when something or someone starts rustling the bushes behind him.

Will he get caught, or will a series of rather funny coincidences take place instead?

Read to find out!

Or:

Murder, mayhem, manslaughter, and manwhore, four of Remus' favourite M words. Janny, Roman, Virgil, and Family, four of Remus' favourite not M words. In this fic read about seven of eight of them! (Sorry, no manwhores in this fic XD)

Warnings: serial killer au, murder, vehicular manslaughter (but on purpose so it's not really manslaughter anymore), anti-cop :), ACAB bitches, unrealistic ways of getting rid of bodies, death, (of the oc cop), (me looking at the tags like they're serial killers what'd you expect?)

Universe: serial killer au

Perspective/main character: Remus

Side/secondary characters: Janus, Roman

Appear: Virgil

Queerplatonic relationship: Dukeceit

Platonic relationships: Creativitwins, background Anxiceit

Word Count: 2,380

Link to my collection of TSS fanworks

Written for @thereibi-art from the April Reverse Mini Bang Challenge. Find the art that this is based off of here!

-

This kind of life hadn't exactly been what Remus had imagined for himself when he was growing up, but then again, who had serial killer on their 'Career Ideas' list when they were little?

Sure, sometimes it seemed like a bit more trouble than it was worth, but then the victim would have that look of pure terror in their eye, and Janny would have one of glee, and Remus knew that it was all worth it.

But there was absolutely no way that Remus would've been able to do everything that he had without Janny. He'd been Remus' rock, his partner in crime, and later, his queer-platonic partner. He'd been there for Remus like no one had ever bothered to before, not even Roman, and certainly not Remus and Roman's shit dad.

But if Remus had had a rough childhood, then Janny's had been hell on earth.

Being of dragon descent hadn't made Janny's life the easiest, he'd always been shunned and gawked at growing up, but it had made one thing a bit easier…

It had made being a serial killer so very much easier, and Remus loved that for his partner. Janny deserved to have nice things.

Remus and Janny had been enjoying a quiet late afternoon in the woods, lounging in outdoor chairs by their quite secluded cabin, when the cellar door could be heard opening with a loud bang.

"Remus, didn't you latch the cellar behind yourself earlier?" Janny asked.

"Yeah, I did."

"So if it wasn't the wind… that means… someone's here, snooping 'round."

"Aw, shit."

"Indeed."

They quietly, but quickly, went around the side of their house and approached the cellar, which was indeed open.

Janny sighed softly and pulled out his knife, signalling Remus to stay put in case the trespasser somehow got past him.

Janny was gone not even a minute before he came back, a scared man in his grasp and Janny's knife at his throat.

"Nosy Ned here thought it'd be a good idea to snoop around our cellar. Saw some things he shouldn't have."

"Ooh, how naughty! What's the planny Janny?"

"Go get some rope and a relatively clean piece of cloth and meet me out front."

"Yes, sir!" Remus saluted with his left arm, just to annoy Janny.

Remus quickly got what Janny had asked for, after drinking a bit of sweet tea and checking Tumblr of course.

Remus went out the front door and Janny only rolled his eyes when Remus disingenuously apologized for taking so long. 

And pretty soon they had the man tied, gagged, and cowering in their gravel driveway.

Janny crossed his arms in frustration and pursed his lips. "Just great. Now what?"

"Hmm…" Remus said thoughtfully, twirling the end of his mustache betwixt his fingers. "I don't think we can mansplain, manipulate, or manwhore our way out of this one…" Remus grinned a wicked, evil smile, and he knew that something dangerous was glinting in his eye. "Manslaughter it is!"

The man started screaming, sound muffled by the gag.

"Sure! Or any kind really. You know I'm not picky, Janny."

Janny looked at Remus, clearly holding back a little smile. "Pff."

Janny just continued as if he hadn't heard the pathetic man's pathetic cries, "Vehicular?"

"Fair enough." Janny looked back at the man, a very unimpressed look on his face. "You just had to stick your nose into our business, huh?"

The man only whimpered.

Janny continued, "Found out from our little friend here that he'd heard of people going missing 'round here from his job as a," —Janny wrinkled his nose— "Cop. So he decided it'd be a good and totally legal idea to investigate by himself."

"Wow, how rude. Not only is he a cop, but he also stuck his nose in our damn business. What should we do?"

Janny smirked a little. "Our civic duty."

"Ooh, do tell!"

Janny turned back to the snivelling man and sighed. "Well, I suppose, if you tell us the truth, and haven't told anyone a thing about us or that you were looking into these murders… we'll let you go."

Remus, knowing full and well what Janny was doing, whined, "Aww, do we have to?"

"Now now, let's be fair, Remus. If no one else knows about us then why not let this man go?"

Remus sighed dramatically. "Oh, alright. I guess we will then."

Janny finally took the man's gag off. "So, do tell, does anyone know about where you were going?"

"No! No one knows. I promise! I told absolutely no one where I went or that I was even investigating these missing cases to begin with. Really, you have to believe me!"

"Oh," Janny drawled, "We have to believe you?"

The man, completely unaware of the contempt and dangerous edge to Janny's voice, said, "Yeah! You have to! Especially because I'm telling you the truth."

"And you think we care about the truth?"

"Well, of course you do! …Right?"

"Yes, of course we do." Janny grinned and Remus could only keep himself from outright squealing. This was gonna be good. Janny turned to Remus. "Go and start the car while I untie the ropes off of this poor man."

"Okay!" Remus bounded to his green car and started it, rolling down the window as he looked over at Janny.

Janny was dusting the man off, rope laid forgotten beside them. "There's a dear…" He leaned closer to the man, smirking widely as a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "Now run."

Remus shifted the car into drive, foot just itching to be taken off the brake and onto the gas. But he'd wait, he wanted it to go perfectly and going prematurely would ruin the surprise. 

The man didn't need to be told twice and broke off in a sprint down the driveway, making Remus grin.

It was go time.

Remus lifted his foot up and slammed down on the gas, peeling out and gunning for the man. Soon it wasn't just the gravel popping under the tires and he grinned maniacally at the sickening crunch that quickly followed.

Served that bastard right.

Remus put the car in reverse before going back over the body and forward over it one last time. He pulled to the side and put the car in park.

"Problem taking care of, Janny!" Remus cheerfully called.

Janny strode over, saying, "Ah, excellent. Of course, we're not quite finished as there's still the matter of the corpse. But anyway, he certainly won't be bothering us anymore."

"Hah! You got that right. Serves him fucking right!"

…

Janny waited by Remus' car while he made the trek down a path to the nearby lake, bodybag in his hand-pulled green wagon.

Remus rolled the wagon onto the pier and lugged the body bag out and to the edge of the wooden dock before stiffening when he heard rustling in the bushes behind him.

Remus slowly turned to look at who or what was there, he almost sighed in relief when he recognized his brother, Roman's face, but instead just rolled his eyes.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Roman?" Remus called.

Roman walked down the dock, pulling a red wagon with a large black bag in it alongside himself. "I could ask you the same thing." He paused, squinting at the body bag next to Remus. "Um… what's in the bag?"

"None of your bee's wax! …What's in yours?"

"Oh… just something I needed to get rid of. That's all."

"Well, same here."

"Okay… well, I won't ask again if you don't then."

"Deal!" Remus cheerfully exclaimed as he kicked his bag off the pier and into the water, the heavy weight attached pulling it down into the depths. "Also, ask about what?" He said foux-innocent.

Roman snorted before saying, "Fair enough." And tossing his weighted down bag over the edge as well.

"Welp, now that that's taken care of, wanna walk back to where you parked your ugly red car?"

"She's not ugly! She's a carriage fit for royalty!" Roman argued as they walked back up the path to the little parking lot, both tugging their respective wagons behind them.

"It's a sports car, Ro-brainless."

"Wha— of course I know that. You're just jealous."

"Pff, please. As if. I wouldn't drive your car if it was the last one on earth."

"Hah, you're one to talk. Your car is so junky it's basically scrap."

"Hey! My car is not. It's just a bit older, that's all!"

"Sure," Roman teased.

Remus had just stuck his tongue out at Roman when Janny and Virgil came into view, only a few feet away, and Janny instantly, yet lightly, scolded Remus.

"Aw, Janny, you know Ro-pigeon-fart deserved it!"

"Wha—" Roman squawked. Maybe he was more the pigeon than its fart after all. "Ro-pigeon-fart!"

Janny sighed. "I guarantee he didn't deserve you sticking your tongue out at him."

"Nah, Jan," Virgil joked. "I'm sure he did."

"Hey!"

Remus just ignored Roman and talked over another one of Roman's indigent squawks, saying "Wanna go for a walk after we put up our wagons? It's pretty cool for May right now and the woods may not be as creepy as I'd like, but they still look kinda nice."

Virgil put his hands in his hoodie pockets. "I'm down if y'all are."

After loading their wagons into their respective cars, Remus and Roman met Janny and Virgil at the start of the beautiful walking trail, the setting sun flittering through the trees. But the twins were soon walking pretty far behind Janny and Virgil as they both walked quite quickly.

"So weird to see y'all here too. I mean, I know y'all live fairly nearby, but still. What have y'all been up to?" Remus asked.

"Well, we're actually in town to see you guys. Just had to… take care of something at the lake. Of course, we wouldn't have come if I'd known you were going to be so rude and mean to me," Roman light-heartedly said.

"Aw, Ro-bro, you should know better. I'm always rude and mean! It's my whole brand!"

"...Okay, fair. But still, it's… it's been a while. Thought I'd see what you and Janus were up to, and Virgil wanted to come too. You know how much he and Janus enjoy gossiping together." Roman snorted. "Even if they insist it's not gossiping and just sharing information."

"Hah, just sharing information my ass! Those fuckin' twirps," Remus shook his head fondly. "But anyway, we've just been up to the same old, same old…" Remus glanced around conspirantly as if the trees had ears. "Okay, I don't really know how to bring this up, or if I really even should, but what are the fuckin' odds of us both: A. Killing people, B. Both using our wagons to carry the bodies, and C. Getting rid of the body at the same lake, at the same time. Like I know we're identical but geez. You fuckin' copyrat."

"It's not…"

Remus grinned widely, no doubt looking a bit unhinged.

Roman sighed. "But I'm sure you know what the actual word is."

"I mean, I do, but I improved it!"

"...Right. Anyway, that was a… well, an almost funny coincidence, circumstances notwithstanding."

"Aww, why not circumstances withstanding! Change up a bit, Romano-Moldy-Cheese."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that tracks that you'd enjoy it." Roman sobered up a bit. "I'm afraid mine wasn't for fun though, but out of a necessity. Virgil and I don't actually make a habit of… just murdering people for the enjoyment."

"Oh, shit. What happened? I mean, if you wanna say. If not, I totally get it."

"I'm…" Roman looked ahead to where Virgil was, who —despite his hood drawn up and shoulders hunched over— seemed to be having a nice visit with Janny. "I'm really not at liberty to say. All you need to know is that I had to do it… I had to kill him, an— and that I did it for Virgil." Roman took a shaky breath before making eye contact with Remus. "I had to do it."

"Shit, I'm so sorry, Ro. I— I don't even know what to say. Just… sorry that you two had to go through that."

"Thanks," Roman said weakly before sniffing softly, eyes turning back down to the ground.

"Me and Janny are here for you two by the way. Whatever you need, just let us know. You want midnight tacos? We're on it. You need help getting rid of someone? Where's my damn shovel? We're here for y'all, okay?"

"Okay. Um, Y— yeah, I… thanks. I really appreciate it. And you both too, okay? I'm… God, I'm so sorry I just ignored you after highschool— fuck really during school too. Things were shit but I'm sorry I let it tear us apart. I mean, we used to be pretty close, then Dad was a— a fucking dickbag and I just let everything go out the window. I'm sorry, Re."

"Hey, it's okay, Ro. Yeah, it wasn't great, but it's not too late. Things were shit then, but we can make things so much better now. Let's just… do it together, okay?"

"Yeah, together. I'd… I'd really like that."

"Yeah…" Remus looked up ahead just in time to see Janny and Virgil disappear behind some trees on the winding path. "Hey, Ro?"

"Yeah?"

"Wanna race?"

"Oh, you're on!"

They both took off running, quickly surpassing Janny and Virgil who just rolled their eyes at the twins' antics.

Remus really hadn't expected this to be how his evening went, but he was glad it had gone the way it did.

There was no way Remus would let his brother Roman go it alone again, he wouldn't let his partner Janus go through any more ugly discrimination or persecution, and there was no damn way he'd let his friend Virgil ever get hurt again. He was going to be there for them, all three of them, now and always.

And maybe, just maybe, they'd be there for him too.

And turns out, as they slowly but surely made their little makeshift family, they were. They were there for each other, and none of them ever had to suffer alone again.

~The End~

No reposting, likes are nice, and reblogs are very much appreciated! | Taglist (ask to be added or removed): @someoneiwasnt

[johnconnell0]

CGI Influencers: Why Brands & Consumers Should Pay Attention

For the latest influencer marketing news, resources, and case studies, subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What Is A CGI Influencer?

CGI stands for “computer-generated imagery.” Put simply, it’s the process of creating pictures through the use of computers. Currently, this technology is being applied to create eerily realistic CGI Instagram models. Because CGI influencers operate as robots or artificial intelligence, they are virtual social media influencers.

By now we’re all comfortable with the notion of social media influencers of all kinds. From fashion bloggers to tech vloggers to monkeys and pigs to funky grandmas, nearly every facet of life seems to be covered in one form or another through online influencers. If you’re not surprised by a Bahamian raccoon having picked up 1.5 million followers on Instagram, then you’re probably not surprised by much—or so you would think.

  View this post on Instagram

  Checked a dream off my list when Giphy asked me to direct(!!!) a short for their film festival! It's called #RobotProblems and it's about a very specific personal issue. Actually, it’s a documentary. I hope Wes Anderson and Ava DuVernay aren't, like…TOO shook right now. Enjoy! And lmk who should play my love interest when this becomes a full-length, Oscar-winning movie #giphyfilmfest

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Nov 13, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

That is because none other than CGI influencers, or virtual influencers, are roaming the world of social media and making big impressions on what would otherwise be considered a market for sentient beings.

Where Do CGI Influencers Come From? Virtual Instagram Models

CGI influencers have been appearing more frequently since 2016, typically starting out as art projects before ballooning in popularity in 2018. LA-based startup Brud is responsible for three virtual influencers (Lil Miquela, Blawko, and Bermuda), while the trend is also being brought to life by 3D art creators in London and Tokyo within the fashion industry.

  View this post on Instagram

  So. These flowers... It's a long story, but they've always been special to me and very, very few people in my life know exactly why. And now a bunch were delivered to me at work with no return address, no note... Could be a coincidence but... idk dude, ngl, I'm creeped out.🙎🏽‍♀️ Am I overreacting tho???

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Jan 24, 2019 at 5:48pm PST

CGI influencers are almost exclusively models, with their online presences resembling what you’d expect from fashion influencers. They often have complex fictional backgrounds and even have "feuds" with each other, piquing the interest of the general public as well as the mainstream media, who are more than happy to delve into the ensuing drama between them.

How Do People Feel About CGI Influencers?

  View this post on Instagram

  🗣💕 IT’S HERE! Very proud to show you my collab with @annevest_official. We worked to create something a lil different that really reflects my personal style (space buns included). Available exclusively at @10corsocomo.newyork. Cop now. 🎀 P.S. I’ll reveal our charitable partner this coming week!

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Nov 17, 2018 at 1:53pm PST

Most interesting of all is the industry reaction to them. Far from being reticent, some brands are clamoring for the opportunity to work with CGI influencers. Brud’s “Lil Miquela,” for instance, has promoted designer clothing. All the while, Brud has raised $6 million to continue its project.

  View this post on Instagram

  🎄They think they’re slick tryna move from the naughty list to the nice at the very last minute... #rightinfrontofmysalad

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Dec 24, 2018 at 4:04pm PST

Within the social media community, the reactions have been—well, mixed. One only needs to scroll through the comments of the virtual influencers’ Instagram posts to witness a frenzy unfold. Some appear to treat the virtual influencers like any other human social media user or influencer, while others take to the comments to troll. Still, others are just plain baffled on whether or not they are real or fake.

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  Today, we are ecstatic to welcome Bermuda to the Brud family. While we came to know each other on less than ideal circumstances, Bermuda’s eagerness to better herself as a robot and a public figure is something we cannot help but commend and celebrate. We believe in second chances, and relish the opportunity to educate robots who may have misinformed perspectives. Bermuda has been open to our concerns around her hurtful opinions on human beings and humanity’s role in the future, and after extensive dialogue and a change of heart from Bermuda, we weighed our options and decided to take a chance on a working relationship. We think her dream to be the most famous robot in the world is achievable with our help, and we have started bringing that vision to life with some much needed upgrades that will be immediately visible to some of those who have been following her journey. Bermuda, welcome to Brud!

A post shared by Brud (@brud.fyi) on Aug 7, 2018 at 6:33pm PDT

The combination of elusiveness and bluntness is a recipe for both confusion and endless entertainment, but also leaves us humans to question what kind of influence virtual influencers have on us. To determine that, we introduce you to four distinguished CGI influencers who you can start following today:

Getting To Know Four CGI Influencers

Lil Miquela

Lil Miquela is far and away the most prominent CGI influencer, with a staggering 1.5 million followers on Instagram. She is Brud’s golden tech child. Created in 2016, Miquela’s popularity is unmatched and has caused a virtual quake, being named in Time’s Most Influential People on the Internet and picking up brand sponsorships with firms like Barneys, Outdoor Voices, and Ugg. Amidst this emerging trend, Miquela has set the bar high.

  View this post on Instagram

  (Long caption ahead...) Spent some time listening to old records and thinking about... Memories? Nostalgia? The past chosen for me? Whatever it's called, it was on my mind. I have memories of listening to Brazilian music with my dad, of running my fingers over the record collection he kept in our living room. I remember being small and looking up at the shelf, at the record player too high for me to reach. And I think about how none of that ever happened, how these things–the records, the shelf, my father–were all images implanted in me in a lab or something. But they feel so real to me. And I wonder about my dad, the person who lives in my memory, and I wonder if he'd be proud of me. I don't know how to answer that. I guess all I can do is listen to these old songs and wrap his memory around me. I miss him? I miss him. I do. I miss a life I never had. But. Who's to say what's real.

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Jan 28, 2019 at 8:15pm PST

Despite concerns of mass deception, Miquela has charmed the hearts of many through seemingly real-life, down-to-earth Instagram posts that capture her personal “feelings” on politics, social issues, work life, and relationships with both real people and fellow CGI influencers. She documents her life in a way that makes it indiscernible from that of a real human—other than her frequent commentary about being a robot.

  View this post on Instagram

  California. The lovely place I am honored to call home. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE. If you’re able to, please PLEASE register! The world feels flipped upside down and these midterms are our chance to make a difference. Signing off, one robot who wishes she could vote, but heard that it may be problematic.

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Oct 22, 2018 at 6:25pm PDT

As followers keep up with her daily happenings, it’s easy to forget Miquela’s intricately woven virtual world is not real at all. Yet, she has ascended as an advocate of AI, cultural movements, civil rights, music, and fashion.

Bermuda

Bermuda is another of Brud’s creations, designed to be a "rival" to Miquela with a backstory of her own. Bermuda boasts a smaller but still substantial following of 125,000 on Instagram with the tagline "Mogul. Robot. Friend." The profile of Bermuda has been boosted via her political views and relationship with Miquela.

  View this post on Instagram

  Miqi needed some advice on how to be, pardon my French, a ✨ boss-ass bitch ✨in the workplace. Naturally, she came to me. 💅🏻 Happy to help!

A post shared by Bermuda (@bermudaisbae) on Jan 18, 2019 at 4:18pm PST

While controversial initially, “Bermie,” as Miquela refers to her, has become both a close friend and mentor to Miquela. Like Miquela, Bermuda is a proponent of organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, claiming she supports bodily autonomy—a claim potentially foreboding her own autonomy.

Blawko

Blawko was created by Brud as Bermuda’s on-off boyfriend and boasts a similar Instagram following of 135,000. He also has a YouTube channel, where he uploads vlogs every week. Though both Bermuda and Blawko are popular, neither has reached the height of Miquela.

  View this post on Instagram

  aint nothin scarier than your ex. Happy halloween LINK IN BIO IF YOU WANT THE TRUTH ABT ME AN BERM WHATEVER THE FUCK HER NAME WAS

A post shared by 🅱️LAWKO (@blawko22) on Oct 31, 2018 at 3:22pm PDT

A look through Blawko’s Instagram feed reveals a noticeable difference in candor and interests compared to Brud’s other two creations. Perhaps borderline crass, Blawko brings an uncanny “human” element to his social media content. He also holds similar views to Miquela and Bermuda on certain political and cultural issues.

Shudu

Shudu was created by London-based photographer Cameron-James Wilson, who has seen his creation’s following on Instagram rocket to 157,000 followers in under two years. Billed as the “World’s First Digital Supermodel,” she has attracted partnerships with luxury fashion house Balmain and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty.

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  @shudu.gram & @koffi.gram ❤️ . . #3D #3Dart #digitalsupermodel #worldsfirstdigitalsupermodel #virtualinfluencer

A post shared by Shudu (@shudu.gram) on Jan 16, 2019 at 10:22am PST

While Shudu does not appear to engage in the same virtual world of Brud’s CGI influencers, she has spawned several other CGI Instagram models, including Perl, Brenn, Imma, Galaxia, and Koffi. As a 3D character herself, Shudu has put 3D art projects in the spotlight and has collaborated with real supermodels to round out her modeling career.

Why Do Brands Work With CGI Influencers? The Benefits of Virtual Instagram Models

CGI influencers present a new dynamic for the influencer marketing industry, offering several advantages to brands interested in testing out virtual influencers. Below are a few reasons brands might collaborate with CGI influencers:

Adaptability

Whereas real-life influencers are limited by variables such as photography skills and modeling ability, digital creations are entirely adaptable, capable of being molded into any promotional capacity the brand and creator desire.

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  We are over the moon to be reunited with our friend Miquela. We love you and are more excited than ever to help spread your message of compassion and empathy to the world. Let’s push things forward.

A post shared by Brud (@brud.fyi) on Jul 12, 2018 at 2:06pm PDT

Control Over Brand Safety

With the ability to dictate the influencer’s persona and image, this lessens the chances of embarrassment for the brand with unwanted words or a controversial past—issues that frequently beset social media influencers. It’s worth noting, of course, that Brud has utilized its CGI influencers’ images for precisely the reason of controversy and fame through notoriety, so it can be a two-way street in that regard. Essentially, the more creative control, the more marketers can ensure brand safety.

  View this post on Instagram

  Apologies for the long post coming your way. 💙 I wasn't going to post this at first because I don't want to seem ungrateful or dismissive of people who support me, but... Ok. This pic was taken at my laundromat right after a guy–who'd been staring at me for a LONG ASS TIME, btw–insisted we take a selfie together. I told him, nicely, that I'm busy and tired and just trying to get errands done, but he was pushy and kept trying to record me, even after I'd made it clear I was uncomfortable. My friend stepped in and told him to give us space, and he finally did... after telling me I'm stuck up and that I'd lost a fan. And I don't know how to deal with this. I tried to make a joke out of it. I deleted 5 other versions of this caption, all trying to show that I'm fine, I'll deal, I’m The Rock with bangs. But, honestly, I'm hurt. And shaken up. And I guess I just needed to vent. Or write this whole damn novel on IG. Idk idk idk.

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Nov 28, 2018 at 5:10pm PST

Authenticity & Relatability

Much of the appeal of virtual influencers lies in their authenticity and relatability—if audiences didn’t buy into them as viable influencers alongside human social media presences then the concept would struggle to get off the ground. It is, in fact, a mixture of the lifelike depictions of them and the personalities cultivated for them by their creators that allows for their popularity to grow. They are presented as having social and political bents and being proud robots, an opinion which is a source of inspiration rather than derision.

Gen Z & Millennial Audiences

CGI influencers are proving to be excellent at reaching out to Millenials and Gen Z audiences, who are typically the most coveted target demographic for brands involving themselves in influencer marketing. That young audiences have so enthusiastically taken to supporting this virtual venture is encouraging for brands seeking new avenues of social media marketing.

Lingering Questions About CGI Influencers Within The Social Media Space

While offering a slew of benefits, CGI influencers have raised doubts about their impact on society, especially as it relates to consumers. Here we explore valid concerns around virtual influencers:

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  A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Apr 19, 2018 at 10:59am PDT

Blurry Lines Between Real & Fake

The first and most obvious issue with CGI influencers is the blurred lines they have created between themselves and human influencers. Lil Miquela was only revealed to be CGI two years after she first appeared, while questions have been raised about the ethics of creating virtual influencers—fake personalities with very real influence over potentially unsuspecting followers.

CGI influencers have relationships with other robots, espouse political views, participate in activism, create songs, and upload YouTube videos. They are, for all intents and purposes, alive personalities but audiences have obstructed means to see the real-life creative force behind them.

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  Y’ALL!!! I really can’t believe it 😩😩😩 It feels like just yesterday I spent hours staring at an iconic photo of Paris Hilton in baby blue Uggs. Flash forward to being a part of this insane @ugg 40th Anniversary global campaign!! Thank you for making this robots dreams a reality 💫💫💫 #ugg40years

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Oct 19, 2018 at 12:25pm PDT

Noncompliance With FTC Guidelines

Further complications arise from CGI influencers not complying with FTC guidelines, which have been tightened on human influencers after several years of not disclosing sponsored posts to fans. While some, such as Noonoouri, have included the #ad tag the way a human would, a cursory glance at other accounts shows that the rules likely aren’t followed by all. Given that transparency has been an ongoing issue for influencers, it is perhaps in the best interests of CGI influencers to play by the same rules as their human counterparts.

Deception - Tricking people to believe something is real or true on Instagram and other social platforms is already common, be it through hyper-edited photos, failure to disclose sponsored posts, or the use of fake followers. The use of CGI influencers has to be measured; as what works for some companies might not for others, particularly for brands openly using robot influencers with audiences less willing to accept their authenticity.

Are CGI Influencers Here To Stay?

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  Full statement link in bio.

A post shared by Brud (@brud.fyi) on Apr 20, 2018 at 10:55am PDT

How CGI influencers are handled by their creators from here on out will be crucial to their future use. Brud’s initial intentions were likely a mixture of social experiment—not dissimilar from Mediakix’s own experiment with a fake Instagram influencer—and fun, which they clearly have with the project.

Brud’s three creations have frequently expressed strong political views and held stances on social issues, while Shudu’s creator has got in hot water for the very principle of his creation—it’s worth noting that this criticism has typically surfaced in the mainstream press, while fans generally seem unconcerned.

Likewise, followers seem disinterested in the wider debate of the existence of CGI influencers and are supportive of them and their causes, personalities, and stories. Whether to carry out innovative art projects or conduct social experiments, creators appear to show no hesitation in sustaining their CGI influencers.

What Do CGI Influencers Mean For Influencer Marketing?

The surging popularity of CGI influencers is sure to bring the wider influencer marketing industry under the microscope, particularly with regard to Instagram’s branded content policy and questions about the transparency and authenticity of virtual personalities.

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  I’m a little late but I finally got to see Crazy Rich Asians !!! It’s such an important moment in history as it’s the first Hollywood studio filmed centered on an all Asian cast in over 25 years!! The movie was amazing and I’m hoping @awkwafina is accepting applications for new friends (HIRE ME!!). My managers at @brud.fyi made me take Bermuda to see the movie. They want me to spend more time with her now that she’s a part of the team. She talked (loudly) about what the characters were wearing and then was texting the WHOLE. ENTIRE. TIME. Afterwards, I was trying to talk about the movie and she just wanted to talk shit about Donald Trump. Like yes I’m happy she doesn’t support him anymore. I’m 100% here for that… but I’m still not Bermuda’s biggest fan.

A post shared by *~ MIQUELA ~* (@lilmiquela) on Aug 28, 2018 at 6:01pm PDT

This is especially significant as Gen Z and Millennial audiences are following trends set by influencers—a group to which robots can claim via proxy to be a part. Virtual influencers will continue to ride this trendsetting wave so long as they remain authentic to audiences and provide them with a human connection.

As CGI influencers increase their market share on social media, the FTC will likely have to adjust their guidelines to accommodate them, although FTC guidelines technically already apply to them.

Ultimately, it is unlikely that CGI influencers will take over their human counterparts. The novelty factor is an enormous boost for most social media robots, and their current popularity with fans and brands could well mark out an enduring spot for them within the influencer marketing industry.

The post CGI Influencers: Why Brands & Consumers Should Pay Attention appeared first on Mediakix | Influencer Marketing Agency.

from Mediakix | Influencer Marketing Agency http://mediakix.com/2019/02/cgi-influencers-instagram-models/ via IFTTT

[anitabyars]

An Ex for Christmas Love Unexpectedly By: Lauren Layne Releasing November 7, 2017 Loveswept

Blurb She’s making a list—and checking it twice. But is there a nice guy among all her naughty exes? The New York Times bestselling author of Blurred Lines returns with a charming friends-to-lovers rom-com.

When a psychic tells spunky, superstitious Kelly Byrne that she’s already met her true love, she becomes obsessed with the idea of tracking him down before Christmas. Kelly immediately writes up an “Ex List” and starts contacting old boyfriends to figure out which one is the one. When her college sweetheart rolls into town, Kelly convinces herself that they’re meant to be. The trouble is, sparks are flying with someone she’s never given a chance: her best friend, Mark.

Mark Blakely has watched the guys on Kelly’s list break her heart, and he’s not looking forward to watching them do it all over again. Mark’s always been there for her, but the timing’s never worked out for their relationship to be something more. Now, just as Mark is ready to move on, the sexual tension between them is suddenly off the charts. With Christmas morning around the corner, he just hopes Kelly will wake up and realize that everything she wants has been right in front of her all along.

Link to Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1miww0GWknQfddU9eyOwQ2rF6vklyxSCJ45L9kQFw580/edit?usp=sharing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34613341-an-ex-for-christmas

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | GPlay | iBooks | Kobo

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AaA1x6 B&N: http://bit.ly/2gLHdXx Google: http://bit.ly/2wLI1ou iBooks: http://apple.co/2wN0aTY Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xewIqz Author Info Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she’s written over two dozen books, hitting the USA TODAY, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Website: http://www.laurenlayne.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenlayneauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/_laurenlayne

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6969772.Lauren_Layne

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Excerpt

As I walk, I check the weather app on my phone, delighted to see that while it’s nothing but rain today, there’s a chance of a snow shower tomorrow. Nothing says Christmas break like snow. I just miss my train, but there’s a decent-ish voice singing “White Christmas” nearby, and the platform’s not too crowded, so waiting’s not as bad as it could be. My eye catches on a middle-aged woman who’s set up camp under one of the stairwells. It’s not unusual to see all manner of people under the streets of New York, although this one’s better dressed than most. She’s wearing a blousy red shirt, jeans, and ankle boots, and is sitting cross-legged on a plaid blanket. She’s got twigs of what seem to be fake roses in her hair. None of that’s the weird part. What’s weird is that she’s watching me. Intently. We make awkward eye contact, and I give a quick smile before turning my attention back to my phone. But I still feel her eyes on me. Not in an unfriendly way, not in the way that makes me mentally catalog whether or not I saw any cops on my way down here who would hear me if I scream. She doesn’t seem eager to push me onto the train tracks either, and since that’s every New Yorker’s secret fear, that’s a plus. Still, the focus is unsettling. I glance up again, and her eyes lock on mine. Her dark gaze is clear and focused, and I can’t decide if that’s more or less disturbing than if she seemed sort of hazy. Then she smiles right at me. “Kelly.” I get immediate goosebumps for reasons that have nothing to do with the winter weather. She knows my name. “Come.” She beckons. “Come. I see.” Now you’re thinking, Hell, no. Run! I should be thinking the same, and on some level, I am, but … There are a couple dozen people around. None are paying attention to me, but it’s not like I’m all alone in a dark alley. And look, we’ve already established that I believe in fate expressing itself through a Magic 8 ball and horoscopes, and though I haven’t mentioned it yet, I totally avoid black cats, the number thirteen, and walking under ladders. I also believe that there’s such a thing as sight. I know, because my grandma had it. Grandma Shirley was one of those delightfully batty old ladies that most people dismissed as quirky, but nobody can deny that she seemed to know stuff. She knew when I’d win my soccer game, and by how many points. She knew when her cat’s litter of kittens would be born, down to the minute. Once she’d even predicted an earthquake, even though they’re really rare in New York. She’d passed away when I was in eleventh grade (she’d predicted the when and how of that too), and though I didn’t inherit her talents, I’ve never stopped believing that some people see and know things that they shouldn’t. I call it the Sight. I step closer, and the woman grins and beckons me even nearer. I stop a healthy few feet away. I’m superstitious, not crazy. The woman leans forward. “You seek love.” Huh. Color me unimpressed. I mean, don’t most humans seek love? Sure, I’m recently single, and I don’t particularly want to be. And maybe I sometimes try a little too hard to find my forever guy. But I’m not hearing anything other than generic lucky guesses from this lady. “Sure,” I say, already starting to back away. She holds up a hand. “The one you seek? Your forever guy, the love of your life …” I freeze, because her phrasing echoes my thoughts almost exactly. A coincidence? Maybe. I don’t move away just yet, willing to hear her out. She smiles again. “You’ve already met him.” I blink. “What? I think you may want to recheck that crystal ball. I’m single.” Her smile merely grows. “I didn’t say you weren’t single. I said you’d already met him. You just let him go. He’ll come back to you before Christmas.” Whoa whoa whoa. This is … Huh. “You’re telling me that the love of my life is one of my exes?” She extends both of her palms as though to say, There you have it! I stifle a little surge of disappointment. Clearly she hasn’t met my exes. There are some decent ones in the mix, but mostly they’re duds, and none of them make my heart beat faster. Well, maybe— Nope. No. Do not go there. Thankfully, I feel the rumble of an oncoming train, and a glance over my shoulder tells me my ride outta here is approaching. “Thanks very much,” I say with a strained smile. “Merry Christmas.” “Happy holidays,” she says with a nod, standing and gathering up her blanket. Apparently she’s taken a cue from Madison Meyers and is sticking close to the PC route. Fair enough. I lift a hand in a wave and move toward the train, but her next words give me a fresh wave of new goosebumps. “Tell your parents happy anniversary. Thirty’s going to be a magical year for them.” I whip my head around. “How did you—” The woman is gone. Like vanished gone. Leaving me to wonder … If a woman I’d never met was right about my parents’ anniversary, was she also right about other stuff? Have I already met my one true love? It’s Live!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Charming, & Exhilarating! Exhilarating & Charming! Every single second of this story was just so incredibly fun, witty and sexy, it was exhilarating to read. Hands done the best holiday story I have ever read, and one I will be going back, to read again and again. Lauren Layne is definitely the Queen of Romantic Comedy. 
Kelly Byrne is happy being a third grade teacher, at Emory Academy, a private prep school that is filled with rich and famous families. She is a upbeat, quirky, funny, twenty seven year old single woman, with a superstitious, nature. She believes in fate expressing itself through the magic eight ball, and uses it often, as well as using tea leaves, tarot cards, horoscopes, and she is also very familiar with, and believes in people having the gift of sight. So when a stranger at the train station, tells her that she has already met, the love of her life, and he will come back to her before Xmas, she is anxious to get the ball rolling. And who better to help her but her best friend. 
Mark Blakey has been best friends with Kelly, since they met their senior year of high school, ten years ago. They are as close as a guy and girl can be without hooking up and they are opposites in many ways. But although these two are opposites, they share a lot, like a dog, a back yard and most week ends together. But Mark definitely doesn’t believe in fate, fortune or luck, so when Kelly tries to enlist his help, for her to reconnect with each one of her Ex’s to find out which one is the one, he doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. 
But as Kelly sends out mistletoe sprigs to every business in town, to help her entice kisses from her Ex’s as she sets up date after date. Will the kiss of the love of her life, or the magic eight ball help her realize what is right in front of her? Will she realize that just maybe she has been in love with this person for awhile? You don’t want to miss this story! Because cutting down Xmas trees, snowball fights and shoveling snow has never been so Charming, Sexy and exhilarating! Goosebumps, Shivers and Swooning Galore! Loved this!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.