#Custom Industrial Complexes

[partfae]

thinking about how xaden’s signet has to do with shadows and liam is called violet’s shadow… yeah that hurts

[terrorbirb]

Also I am VINDICATED that literally all bosses and p.e.s at my new job has said to me "wow you're good at this. This is the fastest anyone has picked this up. You'll advance fast if you actually stay here" Because I can spot design flaws that take like idk engineering sense? I just know what kinds of things are important in design.

So vindicated that I'm a good engineer. Vindicated that I held that company together. They can keep it going (because I set them up to be able to do that) but there is nothing to hold them together. I told the principals that what they'll lose with me is someone to make sure all the parts of the business work together and someone who can make holistic solutions, and that's what they're seeing.

The implication was always that I wasnt a talented engineer. That's what they thought from literally week two (which I know from sources). I wonder what about me made them think in two weeks I was bad at engineering 🤔 I wonder what about me made them think that when I was still learning things like who our customers were and being introduced to people 🤔 literally before I ever took on an engineering project 🤔 not sure! A mystery!

As I was saying in the 'think of things no one has thought of' business class: I have come up with industry standard systems. Is it small? Yes. But it was 100% my design with no co-designers.

[erik-powery-for-america]

[boof-chamber]

they used the murder of a 12-year-old girl to give a gift to private prisons

[medical-billing-service-0]

The Key to Sustainable Business Growth: How Consulting Services Can Boost Your Revenue

In today’s fast-paced and competitive marketplace, businesses are under constant pressure to innovate, grow, and streamline operations. However, the journey toward sustainable revenue growth is often complex and requires specialized expertise. Consulting services have become a valuable resource for organizations aiming to navigate these challenges and achieve their business goals. In this blog, we’ll explore how specialized consulting services can fuel business growth and provide strategic support in critical areas.

Driving Revenue Growth through Consulting

One of the most critical aspects of business success is finding ways to continually increase revenue while optimizing operations. Revenue growth consulting is a specialized service that helps businesses identify new opportunities and implement effective strategies to maximize earnings. By analyzing current revenue streams and assessing market trends, consultants provide tailored advice on how to expand sales channels, improve pricing models, and enhance product offerings. Businesses that invest in revenue growth consulting can achieve long-term stability and avoid stagnation in an ever-evolving economic environment.

Business Expansion Strategies for Success

Expanding a business involves much more than merely increasing operations; it requires strategic planning, market understanding, and resource management. Professional consultants offer in-depth business expansion strategies, helping companies identify new markets, assess the competitive landscape, and define clear growth goals. Whether a company is looking to expand domestically or internationally, consulting services ensure that businesses take calculated steps, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve scalable growth. An expert consultant can develop a roadmap that takes into account everything from market entry to supply chain management, providing a holistic approach to expansion.

The Importance of Market Research Services

Successful business decisions are built on a foundation of accurate and comprehensive information. Market research services are an integral part of the consulting process, providing businesses with critical insights into customer behavior, industry trends, and competitive dynamics. By leveraging market research, companies can develop products and services that align with customer needs and market demand. Consultants use various data collection methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, to provide actionable insights. This empowers businesses to make informed decisions that lead to enhanced market positioning and better ROI.

Streamlining Operations with Production Management Consulting

In addition to identifying growth opportunities, businesses need to ensure that their operations run smoothly and efficiently. Production management consulting helps businesses optimize their production processes to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency. From supply chain optimization to workflow automation, consultants help companies refine their operational models to produce better results with fewer resources. This type of consulting is particularly valuable for manufacturing firms and businesses with complex operational processes, as it allows them to stay competitive while maintaining high standards of quality.

Strengthening Financial Health with Balance Sheet Maintenance Services

Financial health is the backbone of any successful business, and maintaining a solid balance sheet is essential for long-term stability. Balance sheet maintenance services, offered by financial consultants, ensure that a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity are well managed. These services involve evaluating financial statements, optimizing capital structure, and identifying potential risks. By working with consultants, businesses can ensure they have accurate financial reporting, enabling them to make sound financial decisions and avoid unnecessary liabilities. This strengthens a company’s financial foundation and prepares it for future growth and investment opportunities.

[inventopasay]

The Top Branding Agency in Pune

In today’s competitive market, branding is more important than ever. A strong brand can set you apart from the competition, create loyal customers, and help your business thrive. That’s where Pasay Invento, the most trusted branding agency in Pune, comes in. With years of experience, a deep understanding of market trends, and a commitment to excellence, Pasay Invento has earned its reputation as the go-to trusted branding agency in Pune.

Why Branding Matters

Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline—it’s the essence of your business. It conveys your company’s values, mission, and personality to your target audience. Without a clear and compelling brand identity, businesses often struggle to connect with customers on an emotional level. As a trusted branding agency in Pune, Pasay Invento understands the complexities of branding and is equipped to deliver results that resonate.

What Sets Pasay Invento Apart?

What makes Pasay Invento the most trusted branding agency in Pune is our client-centric approach and the ability to craft unique, effective strategies for each business. We take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and the essence of your brand to develop solutions that align with your vision.

We don’t just create brands—we help businesses build trust with their audience. In a city like Pune, where industries are diverse and the market is competitive, choosing a trusted branding agency in Pune is critical. Pasay Invento’s in-depth market knowledge ensures that your brand is not only visually appealing but also speaks to the local culture and consumer behavior.

Comprehensive Branding Services

At Pasay Invento, we offer a wide range of services that make us the most trusted branding agency in Pune. We cover everything From logo design and messaging to complete brand strategy development. Our team of expert designers, strategists, and marketers work together to ensure that your brand leaves a lasting impression.

Some of our key services include:

Logo Design: A well-designed logo is the foundation of any brand. We create logos that not only look great but also tell the story of your business.

Brand Identity: From color schemes to typography, we help businesses develop a consistent and compelling brand identity.

Brand Strategy: Our strategic planning ensures your brand’s message reaches the right audience at the right time, making us the most trusted branding agency in Pune for long-term results.

Digital Marketing: In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is a must. We help brands grow through SEO, social media marketing, and more.

Why Trust Pasay Invento?

Our commitment to delivering quality work on time and within budget makes us the most trusted branding agency in Pune. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish your presence or an established business aiming to rebrand, we are here to help.

Our client testimonials and case studies speak volumes about our ability to transform brands. By working with Pasay Invento, you’re not just partnering with a branding agency; you’re collaborating with a trusted branding agency in Pune that has your best interests at heart.

Conclusion

In a bustling city like Pune, finding the right partner to handle your brand can make or break your business. Pasay Invento has proven time and again to be the most trusted branding agency in Pune, offering top-notch services that build brands, increase customer loyalty, and drive business growth. If you’re looking for a partner who understands the intricacies of branding and can help your business stand out, look no further. Pasay Invento is the trusted branding agency in Pune you’ve been searching for.

Reach out to us today to start your branding journey with the most trusted branding agency in Pune.

[digitalwibe]

Europe Aircraft Leasing Market: Rapid Development and Value Trends Forecast (2024-2032)

The Europe Aircraft Leasing Market is on a trajectory of rapid development, driven by evolving value trends and a robust aviation sector. As European airlines and operators navigate the complexities of fleet management, leasing has emerged as a strategic solution to meet both current and future needs.

Europe Aircraft Leasing Market showcases the following key aspects:

Fleet Expansion and Modernization: European airlines are increasingly turning to leasing to expand and modernize their fleets. This approach allows them to quickly integrate new aircraft models that enhance operational efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

Economic Uncertainty and Flexibility: Leasing provides airlines with greater financial flexibility amid economic uncertainties. It allows operators to manage capital expenditure more effectively and adjust their fleet size according to market demand.

Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced technologies in leased aircraft supports better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. European airlines benefit from these innovations without the long-term financial commitment of owning the aircraft.

Regulatory Pressure: Europe’s stringent environmental regulations drive the demand for modern, eco-friendly aircraft. Leasing offers a practical solution for airlines to meet these requirements while minimizing financial risk.

Geographical Distribution: Key markets in Europe, such as the UK, Germany, and France, are at the forefront of the leasing trend. Their well-developed aviation sectors and strategic positions contribute to the overall growth of the market.

The forecast for the Europe Aircraft Leasing Market is characterized by robust growth and ongoing development. As airlines continue to seek flexible and cost-effective solutions, leasing will remain a vital component of the region’s aviation landscape.

About US

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions. To stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.

Contact us:

Market Research Future (part of Wants tats Research and Media Private Limited),

99 Hudson Street,5Th Floor, New York, New York 10013, United States of America

Sales: +1 628 258 0071 (US) +44 2035 002 764 (UK)

Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com

[codehunger]

Decoding App Development Costs in India: What to Expect

Embarking on the journey of app development is an exciting venture, but one that often comes with questions about costs. In India, where the tech industry is thriving, understanding how much an app developer charges is crucial for planning and budgeting. In this guide, we’ll delve into the factors influencing app development costs and provide insights into what you can expect when hiring an app…

[jcmarchi]

Streamlining Operations with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/streamlining-operations-with-intelligent-warehouse-management-technology-technology-org/

Streamlining Operations with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology - Technology Org

Warehouse management technology plays a crucial role in the efficient and effective operation of warehouses. With the increasing complexity of supply chains and the growing demand for faster and more accurate order fulfillment, intelligent warehouse management technology has become essential for businesses to stay competitive in today’s market. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of intelligent warehouse management technology, its benefits, key features, and how it can be used to optimize various aspects of warehouse operations.

A warehouse – illustrative photo. Image credit: Timelab via Unsplash, free license

Benefits of Streamlining Warehouse Operations

Streamlining warehouse operations through the use of intelligent warehouse management technology offers numerous benefits for businesses. Firstly, it increases efficiency and productivity by automating manual processes and optimizing workflows. By automating tasks such as inventory tracking, order picking, and replenishment, businesses can significantly reduce the time and effort required to complete these tasks, resulting in faster turnaround times and increased productivity.

Secondly, intelligent warehouse management technology helps reduce errors and waste. By providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations, businesses can minimize stockouts, overstocking, and misplacements. This not only reduces the risk of errors but also eliminates unnecessary costs associated with excess inventory or lost items.

Thirdly, implementing intelligent warehouse management technology improves customer satisfaction. With accurate inventory information and faster order processing times, businesses can ensure that customers receive their orders on time and in full. This leads to higher customer satisfaction levels and increased customer loyalty.

Lastly, streamlining warehouse operations with intelligent technology can result in significant cost savings. By optimizing workflows, reducing errors and waste, and improving productivity, businesses can lower operational costs and achieve a higher return on investment.

How Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology Works

Intelligent warehouse management technology utilizes a combination of hardware and software solutions to automate and optimize various aspects of warehouse operations. The hardware component includes devices such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, mobile computers, and sensors that capture data in real-time. The software component consists of a centralized management system that processes and analyzes the data collected from the hardware devices.

Intelligent warehouse management technology integrates with other systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, transportation management systems (TMS), and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This integration allows for seamless data exchange and synchronization between different systems, enabling businesses to have a holistic view of their supply chain operations.

Furthermore, intelligent warehouse management technology can be customized to fit specific warehouse needs. Businesses can configure the system to match their unique workflows, processes, and requirements. This customization ensures that the technology aligns with the existing infrastructure and operations of the warehouse, maximizing its effectiveness and efficiency.

Key Features of Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology

Intelligent warehouse management technology offers several key features that enhance warehouse operations. Firstly, it provides automated inventory tracking, allowing businesses to have real-time visibility into their inventory levels, locations, and movements. This eliminates the need for manual inventory counts and reduces the risk of stockouts or overstocking.

Secondly, intelligent warehouse management technology enables real-time data analysis. By collecting and analyzing data in real-time, businesses can gain valuable insights into their operations, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their processes.

Thirdly, intelligent warehouse management technology incorporates predictive analytics capabilities. By analyzing historical data and patterns, the system can predict future demand, identify potential issues or risks, and recommend proactive measures to mitigate them. This helps businesses optimize their inventory levels, reduce stockouts or excess inventory, and improve overall supply chain performance.

Additionally, intelligent warehouse management technology offers mobile accessibility. Warehouse staff can access the system through mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, allowing them to perform tasks on the go and have real-time access to critical information. This improves operational efficiency and enables faster decision-making.

Lastly, intelligent warehouse management technology provides customizable reporting capabilities. Businesses can generate customized reports based on their specific requirements and KPIs. These reports provide insights into key metrics such as inventory accuracy, order fulfillment rates, and labor productivity, enabling businesses to monitor their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Real-time Inventory Management with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology

Real-time inventory management is a critical aspect of warehouse operations, and intelligent warehouse management technology plays a crucial role in achieving this. By utilizing real-time data capture devices such as barcode scanners or RFID readers, businesses can track inventory movements and updates in real-time.

Real-time inventory management offers several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it improves inventory accuracy by eliminating manual data entry errors and providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations. This reduces the risk of stockouts or overstocking and ensures that businesses have the right products available at the right time.

Secondly, real-time inventory management enables businesses to optimize their order fulfillment processes. With accurate and up-to-date inventory information, businesses can quickly identify available stock for customer orders, allocate inventory efficiently, and fulfill orders faster. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and increased order fulfillment rates.

Real-time inventory management can be used in various industries. For example, in the retail industry, real-time inventory management allows businesses to have accurate stock levels across multiple sales channels, such as brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms. This ensures that customers can purchase products online with confidence, knowing that the items are in stock and will be delivered on time.

In the healthcare industry, real-time inventory management is crucial for managing medical supplies and equipment. By tracking inventory levels in real-time, healthcare facilities can ensure that they have sufficient stock of critical items such as medications or surgical instruments. This helps prevent stockouts during emergencies or high-demand periods.

Optimizing Warehouse Layout and Space Utilization

Intelligent warehouse management technology can also optimize warehouse layout and space utilization. By analyzing data on product dimensions, demand patterns, and storage requirements, the system can recommend the most efficient layout and storage configurations.

Optimizing warehouse layout and space utilization offers several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it maximizes storage capacity by utilizing the available space more efficiently. By optimizing the placement of products and utilizing vertical space, businesses can increase their storage capacity without the need for additional warehouse space.

Secondly, optimizing warehouse layout and space utilization improves operational efficiency. By reducing travel distances and minimizing congestion, businesses can streamline their workflows and reduce the time and effort required to complete tasks such as order picking or replenishment. This leads to faster turnaround times and increased productivity.

Optimizing warehouse layout and space utilization can be applied in various industries. For example, in the e-commerce industry, where warehouses often handle a large number of SKUs, optimizing warehouse layout and space utilization is crucial for efficient order fulfillment. By organizing products based on demand patterns and optimizing storage configurations, businesses can minimize travel distances and improve order picking efficiency.

In the manufacturing industry, optimizing warehouse layout and space utilization is essential for managing raw materials, work-in-progress inventory, and finished goods. By analyzing production schedules, demand forecasts, and storage requirements, businesses can optimize the placement of materials or products within the warehouse, ensuring that they are easily accessible when needed.

Enhancing Order Fulfillment with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology

Intelligent warehouse management technology can enhance order fulfillment processes by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, optimizing order picking workflows, and improving accuracy.

Firstly, by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations, intelligent warehouse management technology enables businesses to quickly identify available stock for customer orders. This eliminates the need for manual checks or physical counts, reducing the time required to allocate inventory for orders.

Secondly, intelligent warehouse management technology optimizes order picking workflows by recommending the most efficient routes and sequences for picking tasks. By analyzing factors such as product locations, order priorities, and picker availability, the system can generate optimized picking lists or routes, minimizing travel distances and reducing the time required to complete picking tasks.

Enhancing order fulfillment with intelligent warehouse management technology offers several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it improves order accuracy by reducing the risk of picking errors. By providing real-time visibility into inventory locations and using barcode scanning or RFID technology to verify picks, businesses can ensure that the right products are picked for each order, reducing the risk of shipping incorrect items.

Secondly, enhancing order fulfillment improves order cycle times. By optimizing order picking workflows and reducing the time required to allocate inventory and complete picking tasks, businesses can fulfill orders faster. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and increased order fulfillment rates.

Enhancing order fulfillment with intelligent warehouse management technology can be applied in various industries. For example, in the food and beverage industry, where products have limited shelf life, enhancing order fulfillment is crucial for ensuring that customers receive fresh products. By optimizing picking workflows and reducing order cycle times, businesses can minimize the time between order placement and delivery, ensuring that customers receive their products in the shortest possible time.

In the fashion industry, where seasonal trends and fast-changing styles require quick turnaround times, enhancing order fulfillment is essential for meeting customer demands. By optimizing picking workflows and improving order accuracy, businesses can ensure that customers receive the right products on time, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Improving Supply Chain Visibility with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology

Intelligent warehouse management technology improves supply chain visibility by providing real-time data on inventory levels, movements, and locations. This visibility enables businesses to have a holistic view of their supply chain operations and make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.

Improving supply chain visibility offers several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it enables better demand planning and forecasting. By analyzing historical data and patterns, businesses can identify demand trends, seasonality factors, or other factors that may impact demand. This helps businesses optimize their inventory levels, reduce stockouts or excess inventory, and improve overall supply chain performance.

Secondly, improving supply chain visibility allows businesses to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in their supply chain processes. By analyzing data on lead times, order fulfillment rates, or transportation costs, businesses can identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures. This leads to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.

Improving supply chain visibility with intelligent warehouse management technology can be applied in various industries. For example, in the automotive industry, where complex supply chains involve multiple suppliers and manufacturing facilities, improving supply chain visibility is crucial for managing inventory levels and ensuring timely delivery of components. By having real-time visibility into inventory levels and movements, businesses can proactively manage their supply chain and minimize the risk of production delays or stockouts.

In the pharmaceutical industry, where strict regulations and quality control requirements apply, improving supply chain visibility is essential for ensuring product integrity and traceability. By tracking the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers and pharmacies, businesses can ensure that products are stored and transported under the required conditions, reducing the risk of product spoilage or counterfeiting.

Reducing Labor Costs with Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology

Intelligent warehouse management technology can significantly reduce labor costs by automating manual processes, optimizing workflows, and improving labor productivity.

Firstly, by automating tasks such as inventory tracking, order picking, and replenishment, businesses can reduce the time and effort required to complete these tasks. This eliminates the need for manual data entry or physical counts, freeing up labor resources for more value-added activities.

Secondly, intelligent warehouse management technology optimizes workflows by recommending the most efficient routes and sequences for picking tasks. By minimizing travel distances and reducing congestion, businesses can streamline their operations and reduce the time required to complete tasks.

Reducing labor costs with intelligent warehouse management technology offers several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it lowers operational costs by reducing the number of labor hours required to complete tasks. By automating manual processes and optimizing workflows, businesses can achieve higher labor productivity and reduce labor-related expenses.

Secondly, reducing labor costs improves operational efficiency. By eliminating manual data entry errors and optimizing workflows, businesses can minimize the risk of errors or delays, resulting in faster turnaround times and increased productivity.

Reducing labor costs with intelligent warehouse management technology can be applied in various industries. For example, in the logistics industry, where labor costs account for a significant portion of operational expenses, reducing labor costs is crucial for maintaining profitability. By automating tasks such as order picking or inventory tracking, businesses can achieve higher labor productivity and reduce labor-related expenses.

In the retail industry, where high-volume order fulfillment is required, reducing labor costs is essential for meeting customer demands while maintaining profitability. By optimizing order picking workflows and reducing the time required to complete picking tasks, businesses can achieve higher labor productivity and reduce labor-related expenses.

Integrating Intelligent Warehouse Management Technology with Other Systems

Integrating intelligent warehouse management technology with other systems such as ERP, TMS, or CRM offers several benefits for businesses.

Firstly, integration enables seamless data exchange and synchronization between different systems. This eliminates the need for manual data entry or data duplication, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring data consistency across different systems.

Secondly, integration provides a holistic view of supply chain operations. By consolidating data from different systems into a centralized management system, businesses can have real-time visibility into their entire supply chain, enabling better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

Integrating intelligent warehouse management technology with other systems can be applied in various industries. For example, in the manufacturing industry, where ERP systems are used to manage production schedules and inventory levels, integrating intelligent warehouse management technology with ERP systems allows for real-time inventory updates and optimized order fulfillment processes.

In the transportation industry, where TMS is used to manage transportation routes and schedules, integrating intelligent warehouse management technology with TMS allows for real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations, enabling better coordination between warehouses and transportation providers.

The Future of Warehouse Management with Intelligent Technology

In conclusion, intelligent warehouse management technology plays a crucial role in streamlining warehouse operations and optimizing supply chain performance. By automating manual processes, providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, optimizing workflows, and integrating with other systems, businesses can achieve higher efficiency, reduce errors and waste, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve significant cost savings.

The future of warehouse management lies in the continued advancement of intelligent technology. With the increasing complexity of supply chains and the growing demand for faster and more accurate order fulfillment, businesses need to embrace intelligent warehouse management technology to stay competitive in today’s market.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. These advancements will further enhance the capabilities of intelligent warehouse management technology, enabling businesses to achieve even higher levels of efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

In conclusion, businesses should consider implementing intelligent warehouse management technology to optimize their warehouse operations and stay ahead of the competition. By embracing intelligent technology, businesses can achieve higher efficiency, reduce errors and waste, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve significant cost savings. The future of warehouse management lies in the continued advancement of intelligent technology, and businesses that embrace this technology will be well-positioned for success in the evolving market.

[creepyscritches]

I read your post about open enrollment for the ACA and was hoping you might expand on why you believe it would take years to dismantle. I've been terrified that with a Republican house/senate, Trump could just snap his fingers and make it go away within months of taking office. I'd love some reassurance that that's not possible.

Hiya, sure I can share some thoughts on the matter! First, it's very important to understand the ACA is a huuuuuuuuuuuuge system with subject matter experts in dozens of places throughout the process. I'm one of those SMEs, but I am at the end of the process where the revenue is generated, so my insight is limited on the public facing pieces.

What this means is that I am professionally embedded in the ACA in a position that exists purely to show what conditions people are treated for and then generate that data into what's called a "risk score". There's about 6 pages I could write on it, but the takeaway is that the ACA is

1) intricately interwoven with the federal government

2) increasingly profitable, sustainable, and growing (it is STILL a for-profit system if you can believe it)

3) wholeheartedly invested in by the largest insurance companies in the country LARGELY due to the fact that they finally learned the rules of how to make the ACA a thriving center of business

4) since the big issuers are arm+leg invested in the ACA, there is a lot of resistance politically and on an industry level to leave it behind (think of the lobbyists, politicians, corporations that will fight tooth and nail to protect their profit + investment)

The process to calculate a risk score takes roughly 2 years. There is an audit for the concurrent year and then a vigorous retro audit for the prev year - - this is a rolling cycle every year. Medicare has a similar process. These are RVP + RADV audits if you would like the jargon.

Eliminating the ACA abruptly is as internally laughable as us finishing the RADV audit ahead of schedule. If Trump were to blow the ACA into smithereens on day 1, he would be drowning in issuer complaints and an economic health sector that is essentially bleeding out. You cut off the RVP early? We have half of next RADV stuck in the gears now. You cut off the RADV early? No issuer will get their "risk adjusted" payments for services rendered in the prev benefit year (to an extent, again very complex multi-process system).

The ACA is GREAT for the public and should be defended on that basis alone. However, the inner capitalistic nature of the ACA is a powerful armor that has conservatives + liberals defending it on a basis of capital + market growth. It's not sexy, but it makes too much money consistently for the system to be easily dismantled.

Or at least that's what I can tell you from the money center of the ACA. they don't bring us up in political conversation because we are confusing to seasoned professionals, boring to industry outsiders, and consistently we are anathema to the anti-ACA talking points.

I am already preparing for next year's RVP for this window of open enrollment. That RVP process will feed into the RADV in 2026. In 2025, we begin the RADV for 2024. If nothing else, the slow fucking gears of CMS will keep the ACA alive until we finish our work at the end of the process. I highly doubt that will be the only reason the ACA is safeguarded, but it is a powerful type of support to pair with people protecting the ACA for other reasons.

I work every day to show, defend, and educate on how many diagnoses are managed thru my company's ACA plans. My specialty is cancer and I see a lot of it. The revenue drive comes from the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rule stating only 20% MAX of profit may go to the issuer + the 80% at a minimum must go back to the customer or be invested in expanding benefits. The more people on the plan using it, the higher that 20% becomes for the issuer and the more impactful that 80% becomes for the next year of benefit growth. It is remarkably profitable once issuers stop seeking out "healthy populations". The ACA is a functional method for issuers to tap into a stable customer base (sick/chronic ill customers) that turns a profit, grows, and builds strong consumer bases in each state.

The industry can never walk away from this overnight - - this is the preferred investment for many big players. Changing the direction of those businesses will be a monumental effort that takes years (at least 2 with the audits). In the meantime, you still have benefits, you still have care, and you still have reason to sign up. Let us deal with the bureaucracy bullshit, go get your care and know you have benefits thru 2025 and we will be working to keep it that way for 2026 and forward. This is a wing of the federal government, it is not a jenga tower like Trump wishes.

[imarketer4udma-blog]

MARKETING CASE STUDY: COMPLEX MARKETING PROMOTION IN COMPETITIVE PLUMBING NICHE

The plumbing industry is a vital sector that caters to essential water supply, drainage, and sanitation needs. It operates within a competitive niche, where companies strive to establish their presence and capture market share. This case study explores the complex marketing promotion strategies employed by a successful plumbing business. Throughout its operation, this company has achieved its goals. However, the competition is fierce, with well-established companies boasting strong reputations and substantial budgets. Despite starting with only three trucks, our client has experienced remarkable growth, expanding their fleet to over ten trucks. In the past three years, they have consistently doubled their profits annually by offering plumbing services and responding promptly to service calls.

MARKETING CHALLENGES IN THE PLUMBING NICHE

One of the key marketing challenges faced in the plumbing industry is the localized nature of business operations. Companies are often restricted to advertising within the areas where they operate. This limitation on geo-targeting options restricts their ability to expand into other markets. Since plumbing services are primarily service-oriented, it is crucial for businesses to maintain a strong local presence. Additionally, the plumbing niche deals with a “hot” customer base, where clients require immediate solutions. This poses a challenge in capturing and converting customers swiftly. The target audience consists of individuals seeking services “here and now,” necessitating adjustments in the advertising approach to effectively cater to their urgent needs.

MARKETING STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES

The company’s marketing objectives in the competitive plumbing niche are focused on successful and repeat sales, as well as conversions, particularly inbound calls and inquiries. Rather than simply aiming for broad reach or website views, the company places emphasis on identifying the specific sources from which leads originate. To overcome marketing challenges, a comprehensive strategy was implemented to establish a strong presence across various niches where customers seek plumbing services. This involved maximizing visibility on relevant social media platforms, with a particular focus on local business platforms such as Google My Business, YELP, and NextDoor. The marketing team diligently tracked and analyzed the effectiveness of every lead source, strengthening the resources that proved to be most successful.

Target Audience and Customer Segmentation

In this niche, the company did not have a specific target audience in terms of demographics or psychographics. The potential clients for plumbing services could be anyone residing in a house or apartment. However, a segment of the target audience included companies involved in real estate operations, rentals, and commercial real estate. This encompasses a wide range of businesses, including those in the restaurant industry and other small businesses. By utilizing channels such as YouTube, social media marketing (SMM), search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, the marketing strategy is designed to reach and engage both residential and commercial customers effectively, capturing their attention and driving conversions.

Learn how to find your target audience and effectively promote your business in a competitive niche by visiting our blog: How to find a target audience for your business.

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The implementation of the marketing strategy in the competitive plumbing niche was accompanied by diligent measurement and tracking of marketing performance and results.

The organic website traffic also exhibited positive growth, with 90 monthly visits in 2021, reaching 330 monthly visits in 2022. For the first five months of 2023, the website received an average of 437 monthly visits.

Sales directly attributed to marketing promotion displayed a notable increase, with 600 thousand generated in 2022 at an average of 50 thousand per month. In the first five months of 2023, sales amounted to 425 thousand, averaging 85 thousand per month.

The number of incoming targeted calls lasting more than 30 seconds also showed positive trends, with 2,209 calls in 2022 (184 per month) and 1,473 calls for the first five months of 2023 (294 per month). Additionally, 834 incoming calls were specifically attributed to Google My Business (GMB) and social media marketing (SMM) in 2022, while 774 calls were recorded for the first five months of 2023.

The return on marketing investment (ROMI) currently stands at an impressive 300%, reflecting the direct sales generated from the marketing promotion efforts.

LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Through a comprehensive analysis of the marketing campaign and key metrics, valuable insights have been gained for future marketing strategies in the competitive plumbing niche. The analysis revealed that SEO optimization proved to be the strongest channel, providing a high return on investment despite its relatively low cost. On the other hand, Google Ads showed weaknesses, attracting spam and yielding poor results.

In light of these findings, we recommend to focus on localized promotion strategies for a local business like plumbing. Understanding the preferences and behaviors of the target audience, including personal networks, friends, and neighbors, can provide valuable insights into effective marketing approaches. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor and evaluate traffic sources to ensure they align with the areas where the company’s services are available. This will help avoid investing resources in areas that do not yield meaningful results. It is essential to continually refine and optimize the marketing strategy based on the performance analysis of different channels. This includes reallocating resources to strengthen the most effective channels, such as SEO, while considering alternative advertising avenues that may better suit the nature of the plumbing industry. By leveraging these lessons learned and recommendations, future marketing strategies can be tailored to achieve maximum impact and drive sustained growth in the competitive plumbing niche.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the case study findings demonstrate the importance of effective marketing in the competitive plumbing industry. By implementing a targeted approach and leveraging platforms such as Google My Business, YELP, and NextDoor, the company successfully established a strong presence in the local market. The emphasis on SEO optimization proved to be a cost-effective strategy, driving organic website traffic and contributing to revenue growth. The analysis highlighted the need for localized promotion and understanding customer preferences. Overall, effective marketing played a crucial role in overcoming challenges and driving success in the competitive plumbing niche.

HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN COMPETITIVE NICHE – CALL IM4U AGENCY

Ready to promote your business in a competitive niche? Take the next step and call IM4U Agency today. Our expert team specializes in crafting effective marketing strategies tailored to your industry. Let us help you navigate the challenges, stand out from the competition, and achieve your business goals. Contact us now and unlock the potential of your brand in the competitive landscape.

Oleksandr Yaremenko

[astrocafecoffee]

Destiny Matrix

(predicting some events of your life and characteristics of your fs)

• For entertainment purposes only, enjoy •

•☞ Masterlist

Guys, destiny matrix chart is So gorgeous 😭 , I fell in love. I am new to this, but it's so fascinating, so I am sharing with you guys. Obviously I learnt a lot from ann_matrix_destiny insta page. I explained some of her work here, rest is mine.

✨What is Destiny matrix chart?

-A spiritual and metaphysical chart that reveals a person's life path, soul purpose, and potential.

✨How is it calculated?

-Based on a person's birth date, using a complex system of numerology and astrological correspondences.

💫 How to see some important events of your life?

see this area(perimeter line)of your chart , this will explain many important events of your life.

💚Age of getting married/ meeting with your significant other/ spouse:

- look at your age in your chart, if you see 3,5,6,19,20 at the top of your age then at that age you will get married/ meet your significant other/ start a family. Like in this chart I have shown above '5' is top of the age of 23.5- 24, so this individual will meet their spouse at that age/ get married.

• Going through Transformation in your life :

- if you see 13 or 16 at the top of your age , then at that age your life will drastically change/ you will go through a huge transformation of your life. You will change your location/ your career/ will shift to another country or city.

⚡Moving abroad/ travelling:

If you see 7,10,21,22 above your age then this is the best age for travelling or going abroad.

if you find 21 in your love line(circled part)then most probably you will marry a foreigner.

And if you find 7, 10 , 21 or 22 in this positions then most probably you will go abroad/ find your partner there .

Now , the future spouse part : -

💖 Hints about your future partner :

Look at the number below the heart symbol to know about your future partner. In this chart it's 21.

So, let's explain each numbers -

•Number 1: The magician

- creative and innovative

- skilled and talented

- confident and charismatic

- however they may also struggled with over - confidence and arrogance.

- gemini / Virgo zodiac sign placements

- profession : musicians, writer, public speaker, coaches and mentors , scientist, entrepreneur, marketing and advertising professionals.

- meeting: conference or seminar, art galleries, meuseum, workshop or studio, networking events or industry conference, class or training session.

• Number 2 : High Priestess

- intuitive and wise

- mysterious and enigmatic

- maybe quiet and reserved.

- soft spoken and considerate.

- cancer zodiac sign placements.

- profession: councillors, therapists, psychologist, Nurse or healthcare professionals, social workers, spiritual leaders, energy workers.

- meeting: secret or private settings, libraries, coaching, weddings , meeting in the context of any spiritual retreats.

• Number 3 : Empress

- Full of life , energy and vitality.

- encouraging others to grow and flourish.

- committed, dedicated and faithful.

- Taurus and Libra zodiac sign placements.

- profession: fashion designer , sculptors, teachers and educators,event planer, environmentalists, musicians, healthcare.

- meeting through : parties, gatherings, festival, fair, creative workshops, artistic projects ,meuseum, concerts.

• Number 4 : Emperor

- Natural born leader, authoritative, commanding.

- makes tough decisions with clarity and conviction.

- commited to family and responsibilities.

- zodiac sign: Aries placements.

- profession: executive, CEO, leader or manager, military officer, architect, Engineer, government officials, buisness owner.

- meeting : buisness meeting, job interviews, formal events , official ceremonies.

• Number 5 : Hierophant

- values established customs, rituals, and institutions.

- upholds ethical standards and moral principles.

- prioritise stability and security over change and uncertainty.

- Taurus zodiac sign placements

- profession: spiritual leaders and mentors, councellor , advisor or consultants, traditional healers or healthcare professionals.

- meeting: spiritual or religious gatherings, traditional ceremonies or rituals, educational and training sessions , counciling or therapy sessions, church,temples , mosques.

• Number 6 : The lovers

- collaborative, work well others.

- empathetic and aware of others feelings.

- true to themselves and their values.

- zodiac sign: Gemini placements.

- profession: counselors, coaches , writer , journalist, artist, musicians, public speaker, philosophers , scientist, researchers.

- meeting : social getherings or parties , creative or artistic collaboration, Beauty or fashion events , community or networking meeting.

• Number 7 : The chariot

- Determined, self disciplined.

- ability to overcome any obstacles and setbacks

- has clear direction

- zodiac : cancer placements

- profession: nurses , social worker, military, architect, psychologist, chefs , nutritionist, hospitality professionals.

- Meeting: family gatherings, home or domestic settings, caregiving or helping professions.

• Number 8 : strength

- courageous, brave , have inner strength.

- has capacity to forgive and let go.

- has self discipline and self control.

- zodiac sign: leo placements

- profession: artist , designer, performers , public speaker, motivator, executives, philanthropist, teacher, councellor, athletes, trainers.

- meeting: park or garden, fitness or wellness center, creative studio or art space, festivals, social gatherings.

• Number 9 : Hermit

- quiet, reflective, and introspective often preferring to spend time alone

- serves as guide or mentor

- discerning and concious about every step they take.

- zodiac sign: Virgo placements.

- profession: therapist, counselors,teachers , coaches , writers, editors, healthcare industry, social worker.

- meeting: therapists or counselor office, library , spiritual or religious sanctuary, coffee shop , book store.

• Number 10 : wheel of fortune

- flexible, able to adjust to changing circumstances.

- believes in destiny

- have philosophical outlook on life.

- zodiac sign: Taurus, leo, scorpio, Aquarius placements.

- profession: life coach, astrologer, environmentalists, entrepreneur, investors, historians.

- meeting: a farm , airport, bus station, temple, monastery, party,park , near mountain or river.

• Number 11 : Justice

- impartial and balanced

- they make descision based on reason and logics.

- have strong sense of morality and ethics.

- zodiac sign: Libra placements

- profession: lawyer, judge, counselors, social worker, activists, advocate, journalist, analyst , or spiritual leader.

- meeting: courthouse, law office, government building, council chamber, community centre, places of worship, philosophical organization.

• Number 12 : Hanged Man

- they are reflective , look inward for answers.

- they are open to new settings.

- courageous, deep understanding of themselves.

- zodiac sign: Pisces placements

- profession : spiritual leaders, therapist, counselor , artist, writer, healthcare industry, motivator, life coach.

- meeting : temples , church , meditation room , yoga class , hospital, library, therapy office,art studio, gym.

• Number 13 : Death

- they are like phoenix from the ashes.

- they can navigate difficult situations and come out stronger.

- constantly growing and evolving.

- zodiac sign: scorpio placements

- profession: therapist, estate lawyers, spiritual leaders, scientist, healthcare professionals.

- meeting: counselling centre, place of worship, innovation hub or entrepreneurship centres, hospital, wellness center.

• Number 14 : Temperance

- they strive for equilibrium in all aspects of life .

- they prioritise physical, mental and emotional well-being.

- have creative sides.

- zodiac sign: Sagittarius placements .

- profession: doctor or nurse , therapist or counselor, artist or musicians, spiritual leader, international relation specialist , life coach , designer .

- meeting : art galleries or museums, embassies or international conference centres , community centres, clubs , parks , garden , spiritual center , yoga class.

• Number 15 : The devil

- they thinks outside the box and brings fresh ideas .

- magnetic personality, can attract others.

- unconventional, transformative.

- zodiac sign: Capricorn placements.

- profession: politician, CEO, artist, law enforcement, military, detective , investigators, activists, occultist.

- meeting: historic mansion or estate, a secret rooftop, art galleries, studio , book store, library , cafe.

• Number 16 : Tower

- they seek honesty and transparency even if it's uncomfortable.

- rebellious, resilient, revolutionary.

- they are open to new ideas.

- zodiac sign: Aries placements.

- profession : scientist, inventor, engineer, architect, military officer, crisis manager, technologist.

- meeting: transformation hub, a unique event space or art studio, bookstore, library, co-working space.

• Number 17 : Star

- they have a optimistic outlook of life and believe in a bright future.

- inspiring, peaceful, compassionate.

- creative and imaginative mind.

- zodiac sign: Aquarius placements.

- profession: creative expression, artist , industry related to healing and wellness, science and technology, humanitarian work, counselors.

- meeting: yoga studio or wellness center, botanical garden or peaceful outdoor setting, co-working space, concerts? , innovation hub.

• Number 18 : The Moon

- they trust their instincts and have a strong connection to their subconscious mind.

- deeply in touch with their emotions.

- unpredictable, may surprise other with their actions.

- zodiac sign : Pisces placements.

- profession : psychic or medium, artist or writer, musician, poet , spiritual teacher, healer, counselors.

- meeting: mystical or esoteric shop, secluded beach, art studio, a spiritual or metaphysical bookstore, coffee shop.

• Number 19 : Sun

- they exude self assurance and positivity.

- optimistic, enthusiastic, charismatic.

- warm hearted , willing to share blessings with others.

- zodiac sign: leo placements.

- profession: actor or performer, artist, CEO , teacher or mentor, event planner, musicians, life coach, designer.

- meeting: cafe / restaurant/ hotel , studio , gathering hall, auditorium, music festival.

• Number 20: Judgement

- they are introspective and willing to confront their past and inner self.

- self aware, have deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

- awakened, courageous, honest.

- zodiac sign: scorpio placements

- profession : spiritual teacher or guide , therapist or counselor, life coach, researcher, artist or creative expression.

- meeting: spiritual center or temple, yoga class, a writer's workshop, park , garden , therapy or councilling office.

• Number 21: The world

- they have achieved their goals and fullfill their potential.

- compassions, wise, confident

- adventurous and global minded.( Most likely a foreigner)

- zodiac sign: Taurus, Capricorn, leo , placements.

- profession : global diplomat, artist ( global or universal theme) , cultural ambassador, world traveler, humanitarian work.

- meeting: while traveling, international conference centres , airport, spiritual retreat, international art or music venues.

• Number 22 : The fool

- they are willing to take risks and embark on new journeys.

- spontaneous, carefree , open minded.

- have faith in themselves and universe.

- zodiac sign: Aquarius placements.

- profession: entrepreneur or startup founder, activist, humanitarian work,coach or consultants, designer, scientist,teacher, journalist.

- meeting: spontaneous meet-up or pop up events, inspirational seminars, creative workshops,cafe or coffee shop, outdoor adventure location.

----------------✨✨----------------

END .....( I am tired af 😭)

☞ Healing through marriage

Thanks for reading 💓

-Piko ✨

[pebblegalaxy]

Unlocking CX Industry-Specific Factors: Designing Exceptional Customer Experiences in Every Industry

Introduction: Customer experience (CX) has become one of the most important aspects of any business in today’s competitive market. CX refers to the overall perception of a customer about a brand or company based on their interactions and experiences with the company, which includes everything from the products or services offered to the communication channels and customer support. Every…

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Surveillance pricing

THIS WEEKEND (June 7–9), I'm in AMHERST, NEW YORK to keynote the 25th Annual Media Ecology Association Convention and accept the Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity.

Correction, 7 June 2024: The initial version of this article erroneously described Jeffrey Roper as the founder of ATPCO. He benefited from ATPCO, but did not co-found it. The initial version of this article called ATPCO "an illegal airline price-fixing service"; while ATPCO provides information that the airlines use to set prices, it does not set prices itself, and while the DOJ investigated the company, they did not pursue a judgment declaring the service to be illegal. I regret the error.

Noted anti-capitalist agitator Adam Smith had it right: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."

Despite being a raving commie loon, Smith's observation was so undeniably true that regulators, policymakers, and economists couldn't help but acknowledge that it was true. The trustbusting era was defined by this idea: if we let the number of companies in a sector get too small, or if we let one or a few companies get too big, they'll eventually start to rig prices.

What's more, once an industry contracts corporate gigantism, it will become too big to jail, able to outspend and overpower the regulators charged with reining in its cheating. Anyone who believes Smith's self-evident maxim had to accept its conclusion: that companies had to be kept smaller than the state that regulated them. This wasn't about "punishing bigness" – it was the necessary precondition for a functioning market economy.

We kept companies small for the same reason that we limited the height of skyscrapers: not because we opposed height, or failed to appreciate the value of a really good penthouse view – rather, to keep the building from falling over and wrecking all the adjacent buildings and the lives of the people inside them.

Starting in the neoliberal era – Carter, then Reagan – we changed our tune. We liked big business. A business that got big was doing something right. It was perverse to shut down our best companies. Instead, we'd simply ban big companies from rigging prices. This was called the "consumer welfare" theory of antitrust. It was a total failure.

40 years later, nearly every industry is dominated by a handful of companies, and these companies price-gouge us with abandon. Worse, they use their gigantic ripoff winnings to fill war-chests that fund the corruption of democracy, capturing regulators so that they can rip us off even more, while ignoring labor, privacy and environmental law and ducking taxes.

It turns out that keeping gigantic, opaque, complex corporations honest is really hard. They have so many ways to shuffle money around that it's nearly impossible to figure out what they're doing. Digitalization makes things a million times worse, because computers allow businesses to alter their processes so they operate differently for every customer, and even for every interaction.

This is Dieselgate times a billion: VW rigged its cars to detect when they were undergoing emissions testing and switch to a less polluting, more compliant mode. But when they were on the open road, they spewed lethal quantities of toxic gas, killing people by the thousands. Computers don't make corporate leaders more evil, but they let evil corporate leaders execute far more complex and nefarious plans. Digitalization is a corporate moral hazard, making it just too easy and tempting to rig the game.

That's why Toyota, the largest car-maker in the world, just did Dieselgate again, more than a decade later. Digitalization is a temptation no giant company can resist:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wwj1p2wdyo

For forty years, pro-monopoly cheerleaders insisted that we could allow companies to grow to unimaginable scale and still prevent cheating. They passed rules banning companies from explicitly forming agreements to rig prices. About ten seconds later, new middlemen popped up offering "information brokerages" that helped companies rig prices without talking to one another.

Take Agri Stats: the country's hyperconcentrated meatpacking industry pays Agri Stats to "consult on prices." They provide Agri Stats with a list of their prices, and then Agri Stats suggests changes based on its analysis. What does that analysis consist of? Comparing the company's prices to its competitors, who are also Agri Stats customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/04/dont-let-your-meat-loaf/#meaty-beaty-big-and-bouncy

In other words, Agri Stats finds the highest price for each product in the sector, then "advises" all the companies with lower prices to raise their prices to the "competitive" level, creating a one-way ratchet that sends the price of food higher and higher.

More and more sectors have an Agri Stats, and digitalization has made this price-gouging system faster, more efficient, and accessible to sectors with less concentration. Landlords, for example, have tapped into Realpage, a "data broker" that the same thing to your rent that Agri Stats does to meat prices. Realpage requires the landlords who sign up for its service to accept its "recommendations" on minimum rents, ensuring that prices only go up:

https://popular.info/p/feds-raid-corporate-landlord-escalating

Writing for The American Prospect, Luke Goldstein lays out the many ways in which these digital intermediaries have supercharged the business of price-rigging:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-06-05-three-algorithms-in-a-room/

Goldstein identifies a kind of patient zero for this ripoff epidemic: Jeffrey Roper, a former Alaska Air exec who benefited from a service that helps airlines set prices. ATPCO was investigated by the DOJ in the 1990s, but the enforcers lost their nerve and settled with the company, which agreed to apply some ornamental fig-leafs to its collusion-machine. Even those cosmetic changes were seemingly a bridge too far Roper, who left the US.

But he came back to serve as Realpage's "principal scientist" – the architect of a nationwide scheme to make rental housing vastly more expensive. For Roper, the barrier to low rents was empathy: landlords felt stirrings of shame when they made shelter unaffordable to working people. Roper called these people "idiots" who sentimentality "costs the whole system."

Sticking a rent-gouging computer between landlords and the people whose lives they ruin is a classic "accountability sink," as described in Dan Davies' new book "The Unaccountability Machine: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions – and How The World Lost its Mind":

https://profilebooks.com/work/the-unaccountability-machine/

It's a form of "empiricism washing": if computers are working in the abstract realm of pure numbers, they're just moving the objective facts of the quantitative realm into the squishy, imperfect qualitative world. Davies' interview on Trashfuture is excellent:

https://trashfuturepodcast.podbean.com/e/fire-sale-at-the-accountability-store-feat-dan-davies/

To rig prices, an industry has to solve three problems: the problem of coming to an agreement to fix prices (economists call this "the collective action problem"); the problem of coming up with a price; and the problem of actually changing prices from moment to moment. This is the ripoff triangle, and like a triangle, it has many stable configurations.

The more concentrated an industry is, the easier it is to decide to rig prices. But if the industry has the benefit of digitalization, it can swap the flexibility and speed of computers for the low collective action costs from concentration. For example, grocers that switch to e-ink shelf tags can make instantaneous price-changes, meaning that every price change is less consequential – if sales fall off after a price-hike, the company can lower them again at the press of a button. That means they can collude less explicitly but still raise prices:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/26/glitchbread/#electronic-shelf-tags

My name for this digital flexibility is "twiddling." Businesses with digital back-ends can alter their "business logic" from second to second, and present different prices, payouts, rankings and other key parts of the deal to every supplier or customer they interact with:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/19/twiddler/

Not only does twiddling make it easier to rip off suppliers, workers and customers, it also makes these crimes harder to detect. Twiddling made Dieselgate possible, and it also underpinned "Greyball," Uber's secret strategy of refusing to send cars to pick up transportation regulators who would then be able to see firsthand how many laws the company was violating:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/technology/uber-greyball-program-evade-authorities.html

Twiddling is so easy that it has brought price-fixing to smaller companies and less concentrated sectors, though the biggest companies still commit crimes on a scale that put these bit-players to shame. In The Prospect, David Dayen investigates the "personalized pricing" ripoff that has turned every transaction into a potential crime-scene:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-06-04-one-person-one-price/

"Personalized pricing" is the idea that everything you buy should be priced based on analysis of commercial surveillance data that predicts the maximum amount you are willing to pay.

Proponents of this idea – like Harvard's Pricing Lab with its "Billion Prices Project" – insist that this isn't a way to rip you off. Instead, it lets companies lower prices for people who have less ability to pay:

https://thebillionpricesproject.com/

This kind of weaponized credulity is totally on-brand for the pro-monopoly revolution. It's the same wishful thinking that led regulators to encourage monopolies while insisting that it would be possible to prevent "bad" monopolies from raising prices. And, as with monopolies, "personalized pricing" leads to an overall increase in prices. In econspeak, it is a "transfer of wealth from consumer to the seller."

"Personalized pricing" is one of those cuddly euphemisms that should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. A more apt name for this practice is surveillance pricing, because the "personalization" depends on the vast underground empire of nonconsensual data-harvesting, a gnarly hairball of ad-tech companies, data-brokers, and digital devices with built-in surveillance, from smart speakers to cars:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/12/market-failure/#car-wars

Much of this surveillance would be impractical, because no one wants their car, printer, speaker, watch, phone, or insulin-pump to spy on them. The flexibility of digital computers means that users always have the technical ability to change how these gadgets work, so they no longer spy on their users. But an explosion of IP law has made this kind of modification illegal:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

This is why apps are ground zero for surveillance pricing. The web is an open platform, and web-browsers are legal to modify. The majority of web users have installed ad-blockers that interfere with the surveillance that makes surveillance pricing possible:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

But apps are a closed platform, and reverse-engineering and modifying an app is a literal felony – several felonies, in fact. An app is just a web-page skinned with enough IP to make it a felony to modify it to protect your consumer, privacy or labor rights:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/07/treacherous-computing/#rewilding-the-internet

(Google is leading a charge to turn the web into the kind of enshittifier's paradise that apps represent, blocking the use of privacy plugins and proposing changes to browser architecture that would allow them to felonize modifying a browser without permission:)

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/02/self-incrimination/#wei-bai-bai

Apps are a twiddler's playground. Not only can they "customize" every interaction you have with them, but they can block you (or researchers seeking to help you) from recording and analyzing the app's activities. Worse: digital transactions are intimate, contained to the palm of your hand. The grocer whose e-ink shelf-tags flicker and reprice their offerings every few seconds can be collectively observed by people who are in the same place and can start a conversation about, say, whether to come back that night a throw a brick through the store's window to express their displeasure. A digital transaction is a lonely thing, atomized and intrinsically shielded from a public response.

That shielding is hugely important. The public hates surveillance pricing. Time and again, through all of American history, there have been massive and consequential revolts against the idea that every price should be different for every buyer. The Interstate Commerce Commission was founded after Grangers rose up against the rail companies' use of "personalized pricing" to gouge farmers.

Companies know this, which is why surveillance pricing happens in secret. Over and over, every day, you are being gouged through surveillance pricing. The sellers you interact with won't tell you about it, so to root out this practice, we have to look at the B2B sales-pitches from the companies that sell twiddling tools.

One of these companies is Plexure, partly owned by McDonald's, which provides the surveillance-pricing back-ends for McD's, Ikea, 7-Eleven, White Castle and others – basically, any time a company gives you a hard-sell to order via its apps rather than its storefronts or its website, you should assume you're getting twiddled, hard.

These companies use the enshittification playbook to trap you into using their apps. First, they offer discounts to customers who order through their apps – then, once the customers are fully committed to shopping via app, they introduce surveillance pricing and start to jack up the prices.

For example, Plexure boasts that it can predict what day a given customer is getting paid on and use that information to raise prices on all the goods the customer shops for on that day, on the assumption that you're willing to pay more when you've got a healthy bank balance.

The surveillance pricing industry represents another reason for everything you use to spy on you – any data your "smart" TV or Nest thermostat or Ring doorbell can steal from you can be readily monetized – just sell it to a surveillance pricing company, which will use it to figure out how to charge you more for everything you buy, from rent to Happy Meals.

But the vast market for surveillance data is also a potential weakness for the industry. Put frankly: the commercial surveillance industry has a lot of enemies. The only thing it has going for it is that so many of these enemies don't know that what's they're really upset about is surveillance.

Some people are upset because they think Facebook made Grampy into a Qanon. Others, because they think Insta gave their kid anorexia. Some think Tiktok is brainwashing millennials into quoting Osama bin Laden. Some are upset because the cops use Google location data to round up Black Lives Matter protesters, or Jan 6 insurrectionists. Some are angry about deepfake porn. Some are angry because Black people are targeted with ads for overpriced loans or colleges:

https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/04/meta_ad_algorithm_discrimination/

And some people are angry because surveillance feeds surveillance pricing. The thing is, whatever else all these people are angry about, they're all angry about surveillance. Are you angry that ad-tech is stealing a 51% share of news revenue? You're actually angry about surveillance. Are you angry that "AI" is being used to automatically reject resumes on racial, age or gender grounds? You're actually angry about surveillance.

There's a very useful analogy here to the history of the ecology movement. As James Boyle has long said, before the term "ecology" came along, there were people who cared about a lot of issues that seemed unconnected. You care about owls, I care about the ozone layer. What's the connection between charismatic nocturnal avians and the gaseous composition of the upper atmosphere? The term ecology took a thousand issues and welded them together into one movement.

That's what's on the horizon for privacy. The US hasn't had a new federal consumer privacy law since 1988, when Congress acted to ban video-store clerks from telling the newspapers what VHS cassettes you were renting:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_Privacy_Protection_Act

We are desperately overdue for a new consumer privacy law, but every time this comes up, the pro-surveillance coalition defeats the effort. but as people who care about conspiratorialism, kids' mental health, spying by foreign adversaries, phishing and fraud, and surveillance pricing all come together, they will be an unbeatable coalition:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/06/privacy-first/#but-not-just-privacy

Meanwhile, the US government is actually starting to take on these ripoff artists. The FTC is working to shut down data-brokers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/16/the-second-best-time-is-now/#the-point-of-a-system-is-what-it-does

The FBI is raiding landlords to build a case against Frontpage and other rent price-fixers:

https://popular.info/p/feds-raid-corporate-landlord-escalating

Agri Stats is facing a DoJ lawsuit:

https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/market-news/agri-stats-loses-motions-to-transfer-dismiss-in-doj-antitrust-case

Not every federal agency has gotten the message, though. Trump's Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell – whom Biden kept on the job – has been hiking interest rates in a bid to reduce our purchasing power by making millions of Americans poorer and/or unemployed. He's doing this to fight inflation, on the theory that inflation is being cause by us being too well-off, and therefore trying to buy more goods than are for sale.

But of course, interest rates are inflationary: when interest rates go up, it gets more expensive to pay your credit card bills, lease your car, and pay a mortgage. And where we see the price of goods shooting up, there's abundant evidence that this is the result of greedflation – companies jacking up their prices and blaming inflation. Interest rate hawks say that greedflation is impossible: if one company raises its prices, its competitors will swoop in and steal their customers with lower prices.

Maybe they would do that – if they didn't have a toolbox full of algorithmic twiddling options and a deep trove of surveillance data that let them all raise prices together:

https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-06-05-time-for-fed-to-meet-ftc/

Someone needs to read some Adam Smith to Chairman Powell: "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/05/your-price-named/#privacy-first-again

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[thecrabbybarista]

We should talk about The Lords in Black I'm gonna do that right now because I wanna talk about their trope subversion and symbolism and shit.

So obviously The Lords in Black are a subversion of Cosmic/Eldritch horror and I'm gonna explain how using an ant metaphor

So the classic ant metaphor for cosmic horror is to imagine that you're an ant encountering a piece of human technology, right? I believe it's usually a circuit board. The whole point is you're witnessing something deeply incomprehensible and unfamiliar.

The ant metaphor for the Lords in Black is: imagine you're an ant and a teenager starts burning you with a magnifying glass.

It's still incomprehensible, but not in the way the complexities of a circuit board is. If you were suddenly stricken by a scalding beam of light, the only way you could rationalize that is that it was an act of a god. You and your ant colony would invent and fear this god.

The Lords in Black each represent a kind of strange and inscrutable cruelty that the modern world offers, the cursed lasers that cut into our souls, from places we have no power over.

Wiggly is obviously the idol of capitalism. Animalistic desperation, commodity fetishization, and the exchange of money, products, and emotions. All of the things that the other Lords represent stem from elements of capitalism, hence why Wiggly is THE Lord in Black, the leader of his brothers. What Wiggly offers will never be enough. He is what leaves you always unsatisfied.

Nibbly is the idol of the consumption of human beings as products. Obsession with self image and presentability, trends of all kinds, and the beauty and fitness industries. People in the modern age are desperate to be consumable, and some would go to any lengths to do so. This is an attitude that especially impacts women, who feel that they need to wear make up every day just to earn respect. And when we feel the need to change to be respectable, the need to look appealing and to be consumable, the bourgeois eat well. Our quest to look special makes us like any other customer, filling. It's no mistake that the two leads of Honey Queen are women desperate to be noticed and respected. It makes them all the more eager to be eaten.

Tinky is the idol of infinity and repetition. Dead end jobs, middle class suburbia, and the inability to escape one's circumstances. It's no coincidence that the first time we see Tinky is at a wedding, a ceremony dedicated to eternal commitment, or that he's associated with CCRP, a company in which most of the workers do useless busywork all day. When you look at the life you have ahead of you, it can feel crushing. Will you ever have a real career to be proud of, or will you be stuck at this job until you die? Will you ever not struggle to make rent? Will you really love your spouse forever? What if you don't? Isn't it just easier to continue the routine than to address the problem? After Ted is driven to insanity by the Bastard's Box, after he discovers that he can't escape the person he's become, he becomes homeless, one of the most terrifying eternities a person can find themselves in, fully dependent on random acts of kindness to survive while your situation drives you further into insanity.

Blinky is the idol of the panopticon. Gossip, public drama, and unwanted attention. One of the first things Blinky does on screen is sexually objectify a girl who's fresh out of high school, and this plainly displays a consequence of living in a content driven world. There is constant scrutiny and interpretation given to your every action. At any moment, you could have over a thousand eyes on you, whether you want them there or not. The panopticon we live in captures us in moments of time, and turns the person we were in that moment into an object deserving anger, embarrassment, lust, admiration, judgement, or anything else a watcher might assign. But Blinky also targets another fear, the fear that we feel when we can't see the danger, and cannot protect ourselves or those we love. Alice's anxiety that Deb might cheat on her when she's not around are made manifest in Watcher World, and Bill's frustration at not being let into Alice's life are used against the family. We are inclined to both want and fear the panopticon. We hide, and we seek, and we expose.

Pokey is the idol of tyranny. Complacency, sedation, and obedience. The world revolves around the few and uses the many in service of this. We are all expected to fill some role in service to the rich, to work for a corporation and to buy the products of those corporations, and when we cannot fill these roles we are at risk of starving, or being kicked out of our homes. We must join them in their quest for profit, or die. But we must also accept their pacifiers or we will be driven insane. We must choose between complacency or despair in confronting our place in the world as a pawn, as an ant in the colony. Isn't it easier to accept the comforting lies? Your job is important. Corporations give people what they want. People in power deserve their power. People in power are using it well. We are happy. America is great.

These are the magnifying glasses that are being used to torment us, that we cannot make reason out of, that we've made dark gods out of. But this isn't the first time humanity has encountered scorching light from the heavens. When the people of ancient Greece witnessed burning rods of light, falling viciously from the heavens, they invented Zeus.

But we know where lightning comes from now. We know the science behind electricity and its place in the world. We know what keeps lightning away and what attracts it. We can protect ourselves from it.

But there's an important difference. Lightning is natural. It's existed long before we have and it will continue when we're gone.

The unorthodox cruelty of being alive today is not natural. We cannot logic our way into surviving it because it does not operate under a sound logic. But we can make things a little more bearable by focusing on what is sound, understandable and natural.

There is humanity. There are families friends and lovers who would go to the ends of earth to protect each other. As long as we have this humanity, we have hope.

That's why Miss Holloway's deal with the Lords erases her from living memory after her temporary deaths. To have the powers that she does she gave away the power most important to have under the Lord's rule: human connection. The only real thing we have left.

Alice and Bill escaped Blinky's manipulation through the love they have for each other

Emma survived the longest out of any character in tgwdlm because of the genuine hope Paul gave her of a better future

Lex snapped Tom out of Wiggly's control by reminding him of what his son really means to him

Ted couldn't escape Tinky's plan for him because he was too jaded to make a genuine connection with a woman.

Linda was eaten by Nibbly because she didn't have a loving connection with her father, because her father always made her believe that she was never good enough, because this mindset led her to take for granted the connections she did have in her life.

The world no longer cares about us. We have to care for each other. It's the only thing we have left