#Distribution Automation Market Share

[energyandpowerresearchreport]

Global Trends in Distributed Control Systems: Market Size and Share Analysis

According to a research report “Distributed Control System Industry by Component (Hardware, Software, Services), Application (Continuous, Batch-Oriented), End-user (Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Chemical, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Metal & Mining), Region – Global Forecast to 2028″ published by MarketsandMarkets, the distributed control system industry is projected to reach USD 26.7 billion…

[janetushar1]

Distribution Automation Market to Hit $20.05 Billion by 2032

The global Distribution Automation Market was valued at USD 11.76 Billion in 2024 and it is estimated to garner USD 20.05 Billion by 2032 with a registered CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2024 to 2032.

The report throws light on the competitive scenario of the global Distribution Automation Market to know the competition at global levels. Market experts also provided the outline of each leading player of the global Distribution Automation Market for the market, considering the key aspects such as the areas of operation, production, and product portfolio. In addition, the companies in the report are studied based on vital factors such as company size, market share, market growth, revenue, production volume, and profit.

The global Distribution Automation Market is fragmented with various key players. Some of the key players identified across the value chain of the global Distribution Automation Market include GE (US), ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), Itron (US), Landis & Gyr (Switzerland), Hubbell (US), CE Power Engineered Services (US), S&C Electric Company (US), Eaton (Ireland), Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (US), G&W Electric (US), Xylem (US), Beckwith Electric (US), Toshiba (Japan), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Minsait ACS (US), Ingeteam (US), Kalkitech (India), Trilliant Holdings (US) and others. etc. Considering the increasing demand from global markets various new entries are expected in the Distribution Automation Market at regional as well as global levels.

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Top Competitors:

GE (US), ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), Itron (US), Landis & Gyr (Switzerland), Hubbell (US), CE Power Engineered Services (US), S&C Electric Company (US), Eaton (Ireland), Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (US), G&W Electric (US), Xylem (US), Beckwith Electric (US), Toshiba (Japan), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Minsait ACS (US), Ingeteam (US), Kalkitech (India), Trilliant Holdings (US) and others.

Understanding the Industry's Growth, has released an Updated report on the Distribution Automation Market. The report is mixed with crucial market insights that will support the clients to make the right business decisions. This research will help new players in the global Distribution Automation Market to sort out and study market needs, market size, and competition. The report provides information on the supply and market situation, the competitive situation and the challenges to the market growth, the market opportunities, and the threats faced by the major players.

Regional Analysis

-North America [United States, Canada, Mexico]

-South America [Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru]

-Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland]

-Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa]

-Asia-Pacific [China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia]

You Can Buy This Report From Here: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/buy-now/distribution-automation-market-1828/0

Full Analysis Of The Distribution Automation Market:

Key findings and recommendations point to vital progressive industry trends in the global Distribution Automation Market, empowering players to improve effective long-term policies.

The report makes a full analysis of the factors driving the development of the market.

Analyzing the market opportunities for stakeholders by categorizing the high-growth divisions of the market.

Questions answered in the report

-Who are the top five players in the global Distribution Automation Market?

-How will the global Distribution Automation Market change in the next five years?

-Which product and application will take the lion's share of the global Distribution Automation Market?

-What are the drivers and restraints of the global Distribution Automation Market?

-Which regional market will show the highest growth?

-What will be the CAGR and size of the global Distribution Automation Market during the forecast period?

Read Full Research Report with [TOC] @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/distribution-automation-market-1828

Reasons to Purchase this Distribution Automation Market Report:

-Analysis of the market outlook on current trends and SWOT analysis.

-The geographic and country level is designed to integrate the supply and demand organizations that drive industry growth.

-Distribution Automation Industry dynamics along with market growth opportunities in the coming years.

-Distribution Automation Market value (million USD) and volume (million units) data for each segment and sub-segment.

1 year consulting for analysts along with development data support in Excel. Competitive landscape including market share of major players along with various projects and strategies adopted by players in the last five years.

Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative analysis including the impact on financial and non-economic aspects.

Complete company profiles that include performance presentations, key financial overviews, current developments, SWOT analyzes and strategies used by major Distribution Automation Market players.

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[keehomania]

business proposal (제안서) — kim seokjin (김석진)

✧.* 18+

a closer look reveals the hidden multitude of narcissists roaming freely across the earth. they moved through life as ordinary figures—doctors, lawyers—sharing the same vulnerability of human blood. yet, there lingered a belief in their superiority, an unspoken arrogance. among them, businessmen appeared to embody that conceit most profoundly.

kim enterprises had the value of 1.5 billion won. a leading technology firm specializing in cutting-edge ai solutions and smart home devices. founded on the principles of advancing human-technology synergy, the company designs state-of-the-art gadgets that seamlessly integrate with daily life. under the visionary leadership of kim seokjin, the president’s son, the company has gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards. currently, it lies at the forefront of revolutionizing smart technology, with a diverse portfolio ranging from intelligent automation systems to next-generation personal assistants.

impressive, really. it'd have been much more impressive if he was as likeable as his company. he was a narcissist in the purest form, no matter how much he cared for the company and his employees. only because no care would amount to the kind he put into himself.

the company had been running smoothly under his care for nine years, as his father had fallen ill and was unable to sustain it on his own. he knew he was making the right decision when he deemed seokjin the next heir, the next in control. he was smart, charming, persuasive. he knew every corner and end of a business deal, how to tie the knots and when to cut off loose ends.

“kim, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. i must say, kim enterprises has been on our radar for quite some time.” seokjin shook his hand firmly, returning the smile. “the pleasure is mine, james. i've been following your company’s progress closely as well. it’s impressive how you’ve carved out a niche in ai development.”

james’s eyes lit up. “thank you. we’re particularly interested in your smart home integration systems. from what i understand, your latest model has seen a significant uptick in market share.” seokjin’s smile widened, “yes, our quantum series has been a game-changer. we’ve seen a 30% increase in market penetration over the past year. the integration of adaptive ai has really resonated with consumers, allowing for a more intuitive user experience.”

james nodded, clearly pleased. “exactly. that’s why we’re keen on a partnership. our research indicates that your technology complements our upcoming product line perfectly. what terms are you envisioning for this deal?” seokjin considered the question thoughtfully. “given the scope of the integration and the potential for cross-promotion, i’d suggest a revenue-sharing model. we propose a 60-40 split in favor of kim enterprises for the first two years. this would allow us to leverage your distribution network while providing you with a substantial stake in the revenue generated.”

james raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. “that’s a fair proposition. but considering the development and marketing costs, how about adjusting the split to 50-50 initially, with a performance-based adjustment thereafter?” seokjin weighed the offer, then nodded. “i see your point. let’s compromise at 55-45, with a performance review after the first year to reassess the terms. we can draft a detailed agreement to reflect this.”

james’s expression softened into one of admiration. “agreed. your understanding of both the technology and market dynamics is impressive, kim. it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

seokjin’s eyes sparkled with resolve. “thank you, james. i believe in building partnerships that are beneficial for both sides. our goal is not just to expand our market presence but to also deliver exceptional value through innovative collaborations.” james raised his glass with a smile. “well said. i look forward to working with you. let’s toast to a successful partnership.”

he truly was a natural, he knew exactly what to say and how to say it. however, even if he was reluctant to admit it, he couldn't have done it on his own.

you navigated the room with a calm, poised demeanor, your sharp eyes scanning for any potential issues or tasks that needed attention. you approached seokjin with a subtle nod, a tablet in hand. he acknowledged the gesture, his eyes flickering with appreciation. “i’ve just received the finalized draft of the agreement,” you said quietly, sliding the tablet over to him. “i made sure to include the revised revenue split and the performance review clause you discussed with james.”

he glanced at the document, his expression approving. “perfect timing. you’ve captured all the necessary details. thanks for handling this so efficiently.” james, intrigued, looked at you. “i must say, it’s clear that you play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. your attention to detail must be invaluable.”

you smiled modestly. “thank you, james. it’s my job to make sure that the priorities are met and that every aspect of our deal is thoroughly managed. it’s a pleasure to contribute to the success of our partnerships.” as you stepped back, you made a quick call to coordinate a follow-up meeting with the legal team, ensuring that all paperwork would be processed without delay. your presence was a testament to the meticulous planning that underpinned seokjin's success.

although he was the brains behind the operation, you were the one that made sure the operation was in action. you coordinated all of his appointments and travel arrangements, handled all of his phone calls, drafted all of the reports and presentations, organized all of the meetings, supported all of the projects, and so much more. you were good at your job, and you loved it.

it was one of the many reasons why that same night, in the back of seokjin's limo, he had met your words with a look of horror displayed on his face. you remained stoic as you adjusted the hem of your dress, pushing your hair past your shoulder before meeting his gaze once more. “you want to quit?” you nodded in confirmation. the question itself held more shock than intended, but he couldn't help it. your announcement had put a dent in the night. you had been his left hand for exactly nine years and, out of the blue, you had announced that you were ready to leave the company.

the city lights blurred past the windows as you sat in the back of seokjin's sleek, black limousine. the leather seats were soft beneath you, but there was tension in the air that makes you sit a little straighter, hands folded tightly in your lap. seokjin was beside you, scrolling through his phone with a practiced ease, oblivious to the storm brewing in your mind.

“it's personal,” you explained, trying to keep your tone even. “i have some matters in my life that need my full attention right now.” he stared at you, disbelief etched on his features. “after nine years? just like that?”

“i'm sorry,” you said, your heart aching with each word. “but it's something i have to do.” seokjin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. “if that's your decision, i won't stand in your way.” the rest of the ride passed in heavy silence, the atmosphere between you both laden with unspoken words and shared sorrow. you could only gaze at the fleeting cars through the window, oblivious to the hurt etched into what was supposed to be his stoic expression.

that night, he found himself tossing and turning in his grand, empty bed. sleep eluded him, chased away by a persistent nightmare. in it, he saw a woman with long, black hair, her back always turned to him. no matter how much he called out and cried, she never looked back, slipping further away with each step. he woke up in a cold sweat, the image of the woman haunting him. the clock beside his bed read that it was only four o'clock. frustrated and unsettled, he spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the sense of impending loss.

the following morning, he stood in front of the mirror in his expansive bedroom, the morning light filtering through the curtains. his shirt was buttoned, but his tie lies undone around his neck. he waited, as he always did, for you. when you arrived, your expression was composed, professional. "good morning, vice chairman."

he nodded, his eyes fixed on your reflection in the mirror. “morning, secretary (y/n).” you stepped forward, deftly tying his tie with practiced hands, the sound of your name stinging more than necessary. the proximity, once a simple part of your routine, now felt charged with the weight of your impending departure.

he gazed at himself in the mirror, his ego surfacing as a way to mask his vulnerability. “do you see that? the beauty?” you glanced at the mirror, assuming he meant the sunlight casting a golden glow across the room. “yes, the sunrise is beautiful.” a faint smirk touched his lips. “no, not the sunrise. me. my aura.”

you suppressed a sigh, knowing that it was nothing but the the standard for him. “yes, very dazzling, vice chairman.” satisfied, he turned away from the mirror and straightened his suit jacket. “let's go. we have breakfast at my parents' house.”

the drive to the kim family estate was quiet, the earlier tension replaced by a heavy resignation. seokjin's family home was grand, an imposing structure surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. inside, you were greeted by his mother, her warm smile a stark contrast to the austere demeanor of the chairman. “good morning, hyeon. (y/n), it's always a pleasure to see you.”

“good morning, mother,” seokjin replied, his tone polite yet distant. the chairman nodded at you both, his presence commanding respect. “let's eat.”

breakfast was a formal affair, the table laden with an array of traditional dishes. conversation was polite, centered around business and family matters. seokjin's parents were unaware of your decision to leave, and you caught seokjin's gaze more than once, a silent understanding passing between you. as the meal progressed, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. that world, so intertwined with his, had been your life for nearly a decade. leaving it behind wouldn't be easy.

breakfast ended, and the chairman suggested that he and his son retire to the study room for a private discussion. you followed his mother to the sitting room, where she invited you to join her for tea. she was a gracious host, her demeanor warm and inviting. “how have you been, sweetheart? it feels like forever since we had a proper chat,” she said, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.

you smiled, taking the offered cup. “i've been well, mrs. kim. thank you.” her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “tell me, what do you think about my hyeon? he talks about you often.”

you paused, considering your words carefully. you knew she was an older lady, so you didn't question the way she misnamed him. her memory had probably grown shabby. “he's an exceptional leader, very dedicated to his work. it's been an honor to work with him.” she nodded, her smile widening. “yes, he's always been very driven. but tell me, is my son seeing anyone? he never mentions these things to me.”

you shook your head. “despite all the girls around him, he's not dating anyone.” mrs. kim's eyes widened in horror. “he's not— gay, is he?”

you stifled a laugh, shaking your head again. “no, mrs. kim, he's not. he's just very focused on his work.” she sighed in relief, placing a hand over her heart. “thank goodness. it would be wonderful for him to finally get a girlfriend. he's not getting any younger, you know.” you couldn't help but wonder at her words. the idea of him with someone else felt oddly unsettling.

in the study room, seokjin's father, chairman kim, sat behind an imposing oak desk, his expression stern. “i heard a rumor, seokjin. (y/n) is quitting?” his jaw tightened, but he met his father's gaze steadily. “it's true. but i won't let it happen.”

chairman kim raised an eyebrow. “and how do you plan to stop it?” seokjin's voice was firm. “i'll find a way to convince her to stay. she's indispensable to me.”

a moment of silence passed before chairman kim's lips twitched into a faint smile. “are you dating her?” seokjin blinked, momentarily taken aback. “no, father, i'm not.”

the chairman feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “oh, i feel faint. my son, the great seokjin, not dating his perfect secretary.” he rolled his eyes, a rare display of exasperation. “i've seen your medical records, father. you're perfectly healthy.”

chairman kim waved a dismissive hand. “you should do your father a favor and find a wife, give us grandchildren. it's time you settled down.” seokjin sighed, the weight of his father's words lingering. he had never been in a relationship, and neither had you. it was one of the reasons you knew you had to quit. your life revolved around your work, as did his. only, you weren't satisfied with that. it wasn't that he wasn't attracted to anybody, because he was, but nothing mattered more than his craft. he felt off about women touching him, in any case. it made him anxious, and brought up memories he fought to keep hidden.

you and seokjin departed for the office, the morning sun casting long shadows across the driveway as the car pulled away from the estate. the ride was initially silent, both of you lost in thought. he finally broke the silence, “what exactly did you mean by personal matters?” his tone was careful, almost hesitant.

you turned to him, offering a small smile. “i'm looking to settle down, vice chairman. i want to get married, have children.” he fell silent, the weight of your words settling over him. the rest of the ride to the office was steeped in an unusual quiet, your declaration hanging in the air like a specter.

upon arriving at the office, he moved through the halls in a daze. his usual commanding presence seemed diminished, his mind clearly elsewhere. he entered his office, finding his younger intern already there. “good morning, vice chairman,” jungkook greeted cheerfully, his youthful energy a contrast to seokjin's subdued demeanor.

he barely acknowledged him, slumping into his chair. jungkook, sensing something was off, leaned forward with a curious smile. “you look like you've seen a ghost. what's up?” seokjin rubbed his temples, sighing. “it's secretary (l/n). she wants to quit.”

jungkook raised an eyebrow. “oh? did you try offering her a promotion, bigger pay, fewer working hours?” he nodded in response. “i did. she dismissed it all. said she wants to settle down, get married, have children.”

jungkook's eyes twinkled with mischief. “and that shocked you?” seokjin glared at him, but his grin remained unshaken. “why does it bother you so much, vice chairman? do you like her more than just a secretary?” the question lingered in the air, met with silence. his mind raced, trying to comprehend why your decision affected him so deeply. he couldn't deny the pang of jealousy at the thought of you with someone else, starting a life that didn't include him.

jungkook leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “maybe it's time to ask yourself why her leaving matters so much to you.” he remained quiet, lost in thought. How could marriage and a family be more important than the bond you shared with him? the realization struck him hard—perhaps it wasn't just about losing an exceptional secretary. maybe, just maybe, it was about losing you.

a knock on the door disrupted the tense silence between the two men. you entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and three cookies on the side, exactly how seokjin liked it. the aroma of the tea briefly lightened the atmosphere. he looked up, his expression softening momentarily at the sight of you. “thank you, secretary (l/n).”

you placed the tray on the table, pouring a cup of tea for him and setting it in on his desk. “i've sent out emails looking for a future secretary. one of the primary candidates is on her way.” jungkook observed the way his face twisted with hurt at your words. despite the pain evident in his eyes, seokjin maintained his composure. “join us while we wait for her.”

you nodded, taking a seat beside the young intern. the room fell into an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock. seokjin sipped his tea, the familiar taste doing little to ease his troubled mind.

a few minutes later, the door opened, and a young woman entered. she had a bright, cheerful demeanor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “hello, i'm jung keulgi. it's an honor to be here.” seokjin straightened, adopting his usual authoritative posture. “miss jung, are you ready to devote yourself to a perfect company?” she beamed. “absolutely! i'm very excited for this opportunity.”

you couldn't help but roll your eyes at the narcissistic question. “are you prepared to handle working for someone with an ego as big as the company?” keulgi sensed the underlying tension but maintained her cheerful facade. “i'm sure i'll manage.”

seokjin continued, his tone growing sharper. “will you stay devoted instead of quitting due to silly things like personal matters?” the tension in the room escalated. you snapped, unable to hold back any longer. “are you done, vice chairman?”

his eyes flashed with anger. “about as done as you are, secretary (l/n).” keulgi, clearly uncomfortable but trying to stay positive, interjected softly, “if you hire me, i'll do my best.”

seokjin didn't take his eyes off you as he replied, “you're hired.” as he turned to you, his voice was cold and demanding. “you have a month to turn her into your carbon copy. after that, do as you please.” the room fell silent once more as the weight of his words settled over you. keulgi glanced between you and him, her cheerful demeanor now tinged with apprehension.

he stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “that will be all for now. welcome to kim enterprises, miss jung.” she nodded, offering a hesitant smile. “thank you, vice chairman.”

as she left the room, you remained seated, the gravity of your situation sinking in. seokjin's harsh command echoed in your mind, a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between you. jungkook, sensing the need for a distraction, cleared his throat. “well, this is going to be interesting.”

seokjin shot him a glare. “you're dismissed, jungkook.” with a playful salute, he left the room, leaving you and him alone once more. the silence was heavy, filled with the unspoken emotions and unresolved tension. he finally broke the silence, his voice softer but still edged with hurt. “you can have the rest of the day off.”

you glanced up at him in disbelief, but you weren't willing to argue any further. all you could do was nod and bow before leaving the room. he was alone, once more. he couldn't do anything but watch as you left, gulping as if to hold himself back from calling out your name. you could train all the candidates in the world, yet it would never be the same.

you stood at your kitchen sink, washing the last of the dinner dishes as the sun set, casting a warm orange glow through the window. the evening was peaceful, the kind of tranquility you had been craving. as you dried your hands and prepared to head to bed, the sudden blare of a car horn startled you. peeking out the window, you saw seokjin standing next to his sleek black car, looking up at your house.

heart pounding with a mix of surprise and curiosity, you hurried outside. “vice chairman? is everything okay?” he shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “no emergencies, secretary (l/n). i just needed to see you.” you frowned, puzzled. “at this hour? what's so urgent?”

his eyes locked onto yours, intense and searching. “are you serious about quitting to settle down?” you nodded, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. “i am. i'm ready to put all my attention on a relationship.”

his expression shifted, the gravity of your words sinking in. he took a deep breath, and then, to your astonishment, he did the unthinkable. he dropped to one knee and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

“marry me, secretary (l/n). i'm rich, handsome, and more than capable of giving you everything you want.” you stared at him, completely taken aback. his usual confidence seemed both reassuring and out of place in this moment. he continued, his voice earnest, almost pleading. “i'm perfect for you. accept my proposal.”

his words hung in the air as you tried to process what was happening. finally, you leaned in close, your face inches from his, and inhaled deeply. seokjin's heart stopped, anticipation flickering in his eyes. but instead of a kiss, you pulled back, your expression skeptical.

“are you drunk, vice chairman?” he blinked, clearly taken aback. “no, i'm sober. i'm serious.”

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “i believe you. but vice chairman, i don't want a perfect life with a perfect man. i just want to be with an ordinary guy from an ordinary family.” his face fell, his confident facade crumbling. “why not me? i'm perfect!”

you smiled, despite the annoyance of his narcissistic words clawing at your nerves, and you chose the easy way out. assuring him that he was nothing but flawless was the only way to get him to stop talking about it. “that's exactly why. you deserve someone who sees you that way, but it's not me.” the rejection hung heavy between you as you turned and walked back into your house, leaving him kneeling in the fading light.

the following day, he recounted the entire incident to jungkook, who listened with wide eyes. when he finally finished, the intern burst into laughter, unable to contain himself despite the glares from his boss.

“vice chairman, you can't just propose out of the blue like that, this isn't the eighteenth century,” jungkook said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

his frown deepened, but he couldn't argue with jungkook's logic. “so, what should i have done, then?” he shrugged, still grinning. “maybe start by asking her on a date? get to know her outside of work. build a relationship first. you can't skip straight to marriage, no matter how perfect you think you are.”

the elder mulled over his words, realizing the truth in them. he had acted impulsively, driven by a fear of losing you, but dating? he was actively unfamiliar with the entire thing. in fact, he thought it was pointless. nothing but a waste of time, but if it meant stopping you from quitting, maybe it was wasting time in the best way possible.

you sat in your office, typing away at your computer, but your mind kept drifting back to the previous night. the image of your boss on one knee, his earnest proposal, and your subsequent rejection played on a loop in your head. the weight of your decision and its implications loomed large.

“hey, (y/n),” a familiar voice broke through your thoughts. you looked up to see kim namjoon, the head of finances, standing at your desk. his expression was a mix of concern and curiosity. “is it true? are you really leaving?” you offered him a kind smile and nodded. “yes, namjoon. it's true.”

the news seemed to ripple through the office. baekhyun and sooyoung, who were nearby, immediately voiced their protests. “you can't be serious!” baekhyun exclaimed, his usually cheerful demeanor clouded with disappointment. sooyoung nodded vigorously. “yeah, you've been here forever! what are we going to do without you?”

keulgi, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. “i've heard so much about your amazing work. it's going to be hard to fill your shoes.” you felt a pang of guilt but tried to reassure them with a smile on your face. “we'll all stay in touch. it's not like i'm disappearing.”

sooyoung then brightened, a mischievous glint in her eye. “how about we have a dinner after work? to welcome keulgi and to honor your nine years of hard work.” you hesitated, not wanting to make a big deal out of your departure. but keulgi's encouraging smile swayed you. “come on, it would be nice.” with a reluctant smile, you agreed.

the moment was cut short as the door to the office opened and seokjin walked in. the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him. he let the silence hang for a moment before speaking, his gaze locked onto yours. “am i invited to this dinner as well?” the tension was palpable. baekhyun hesitated before responding, glancing around at the others. “of course, vice chairman. you're welcome to join us.”

seokjin's smile was tight as he nodded. “very well. i'll see you all there.” he left the room as suddenly as he had entered, leaving your heart heavy with unspoken emotions. namjoon broke the silence, his tone light but his words carrying weight. “is it just me, or did it suddenly get cold in here?” the others murmured their agreement, exchanging glances.

“i don't know what's going on,” baekhyun said, shaking his head. “but he's been awfully on edge lately.” you remained silent, the weight of your decision and seokjin's reaction pressing heavily on your mind. the upcoming dinner promised to be an eventful one, but you couldn't shake the feeling that it would also be pivotal in the worst way possible.

you stood in front of your mirror, giving yourself a once-over. you had opted for a casual outfit, perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the local barbeque spot where your colleagues were hosting your farewell dinner. just as you were adjusting your hair, a loud honk interrupted your thoughts. curiosity piqued, you peered out the window to see none other than seokjin, leaning against his car, looking as out of place in your neighborhood as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

you opened the window and leaned out. “what are you doing here?” he glanced up, a smirk playing on his lips. “i'm not here to propose again, if that's what you're worried about. i'm here to pick you up.” your eyebrows shot up in surprise, “why?”

“isn't it so ordinary of me to go with my coworkers?” he replied, clearly pleased with himself. you shook your head, amusement dancing in your eyes. “yes, well done, vice chairman. give me a minute.”

you grabbed your bag and headed downstairs. as you stepped outside, you noticed his attire—an expensive suit that screamed high-end fashion. you stifled a laugh, knowing he would stand out like a sore thumb at the spot you had all agreed on. nonetheless, you entertained his gesture and got into the car. the drive was filled with light conversation, mostly about work and the upcoming transition. despite the casual nature of the evening, you could sense his effort to blend in, which you found oddly endearing. when you arrived at the restaurant, the familiar scent of grilled meat and beer wafted through the air, making seokjin's face contort in mild disgust. you chuckled at his reaction. “welcome to the real world, vice chairman.”

inside, your colleagues greeted you warmly, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw their boss. he maintained his composure, though you could see his discomfort. at the table, he attempted to take charge. “what's everyone drinking?” he asked, clearly expecting a sophisticated answer. “perhaps an old variation of whisky?”

a stunned silence fell over the group, everyone staring at him in disbelief. you nervously laughed. “they only serve beer and soju here, vice chairman.” for a moment, you expected him to bristle at the lack of his preferred drink. instead, he stifled a sigh and nodded. “beer it is, then.”

as the evening progressed, you found yourself reminiscing. it had been nine years since you first joined kim enterprises, and you vividly remembered celebrating your first day in this very spot. you were drinking beer when a younger seokjin had approached you, his demeanor confident and slightly arrogant. “do you know who i am?” he'd asked, and you'd honestly had no clue. little did you know back then just how egotistical he was.

now, years later, you watched him attempt to navigate this ordinary setting. as the night wore on, you noticed the subtle signs of him getting tipsy. his cheeks flushed, his laughter louder and more uninhibited. eventually, you decided it was time to call it a night. “i think i should take him home,” you said, standing up.

your colleagues protested, but you promised to make it up to them. they relented, and you guided a slightly unsteady seokjin to his car. the drive to his house was quiet, his head leaning back against the seat, eyes half-closed.

when you arrived, you helped him inside, supporting his weight as you guided him to his bedroom. you gently eased him onto the bed, intending to leave as soon as he was settled. but just as you were about to turn away, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you down onto the bed. you fell on top of him, your faces inches apart. his eyes, though slightly glazed, held a seriousness that made your heart race. “pretty ordinary of me to get drunk off beer, right?” he slurred, a lazy smile on his lips. your breath caught in your throat. “yes, very ordinary.”

“thank you, secretary (l/n),” he mumbled, his eyes closing. he fell asleep almost instantly, his grip on your wrist loosening. you stayed there for a moment, your heart pounding, before carefully tucking him in. you watched him for a few seconds longer, your emotions a whirlwind. finally, you tore yourself away, quietly leaving his house and heading home, your mind a jumble of thoughts and feelings you couldn't quite name.

the following morning, you arrived at the office early, keen to begin the handover process with keulgi. the usual hustle and bustle of the workplace greeted you, but today there was an undercurrent of anticipation and anxiety. it was the beginning of your final month at kim enterprises, and you wanted to ensure everything transitioned smoothly.

as you were explaining the intricacies of the office dynamics to keulgi, seokjin entered, looking visibly worse for wear. he massaged his temples, clearly nursing a headache from the previous night. you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. you followed him into his office, where he promptly sank into his chair, wincing slightly.

“good morning, vice chairman,” you greeted, trying to keep your tone professional despite your concern. “morning,” he muttered, barely looking up.

despite your concern, you exited the office, re-joining keulgi in order to show her around. “so, these are the folders you'll need to keep track of—client files, project updates, and financial reports. everything is color-coded for easy access. emails are prioritized into high, medium, and low urgency. make sure to flag anything that needs immediate attention.”

she nodded, absorbing the information. “got it. and what about his schedule?” you handed her a tablet with his meticulously planned itinerary. “his schedule is very tight. make sure to coordinate with all department heads and external partners. he's very particular about his meetings being on time.”

as you continued the walkthrough, keulgi mentioned, “oh, by the way, i noticed one of the legs on his chair was falling apart, so i put it together with some cables.” your eyes widened in shock, “what kind of cables?”

“rubber cables,” she replied, confusion etched on her face at your reaction. your heart sank. without another word, you rushed into seokjin's office, your pulse racing. the sight that greeted you confirmed your worst fears. he was on the floor, shaking, his head in his hands, his entire demeanor shattered.

“vice chairman!” you cried out, rushing to his side. “i'm so sorry, she didn't know—” he didn't respond, his breathing erratic. you quickly reached for the chair and cut off the rubber cables. the moment they were gone, his shaking subsided, though his face remained pale and his expression haunted. keulgi, realizing the gravity of the situation, joined in the apologies, her voice frantic. ”i'm so sorry, vice chairman. i didn't know—“

seokjin's gaze was ice cold as he finally looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and something you couldn't quite place. “is this how you're carrying out your duties, secretary (l/n)?” you stood there, stunned and silent. the warmth and camaraderie of the previous night seemed like a distant memory. his words cut through you like a knife, and for the first time, you had no response.

seokjin struggled to his feet, regaining his composure with great effort. “leave,” he commanded quietly, the tension in his voice unmistakable. you and keulgi hurried out of the office, the weight of the incident heavy on your shoulders. outside, you tried to reassure her, but the shock of your boss's reaction lingered.

inside his office, he sat down once again, burying his face in his hands. he mentally cursed himself for his harsh words. his eyes fell on the rubber cables now discarded in the trash can, and a shudder ran through him. memories he'd fought to bury resurfaced, and he struggled to push them back down. the trauma, long kept at bay, clawed its way to the surface. he knew he had overreacted, and he hated himself for it. he had to apologize to you, but the thought of facing you after what had just happened seemed insurmountable. how could he explain the depth of his fear, the reason for his reaction? for now, he could only sit there, the remnants of his vulnerability on display, hoping he hadn't irrevocably damaged the fragile relationship he had with you.

he sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light filtering through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. the cityscape of seoul lay sprawled out behind him, but his attention was far from the view. instead, his eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the stack of documents in front of him. his mind was elsewhere, fixated on the conversation he'd had with his intern just days ago.

jungkook, seated opposite to him with his laptop open, was discussing the final preparations for the launch of their new art gallery. the young intern's enthusiasm was palpable, his voice animated as he detailed the latest developments, the artists who had confirmed their participation, and the final touches needed for the grand opening. but despite his energetic briefing, seokjin's mind kept wandering back to a single, pivotal point in their earlier exchange.

“you can't just propose out of the blue,” jungkook had laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “you need to take it slow. ask her out on a date first.”

seokjin's usually sharp mind was dulled by the weight of those words. proposing had seemed like a logical solution to him. a clear, decisive action to keep you from leaving. but now, in the wake of jungkook's advice, he realized how absurd it must have seemed. how uncharacteristically rash and desperate. the thought of asking you out on a date, a simple date, felt strangely daunting.

“vice chairman? are you listening?” jungkook's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present. he blinked, forcing his attention back to his intern. “yes, jungkook. i'm listening. the gallery—” he trailed off, struggling to find the thread of their conversation.

he raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “the gallery launch is on track. but you don't seem very interested today. is something on your mind?” he sighed in response, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. he prided himself on his composed and unflappable demeanor, but today, he felt anything but. “it's nothing. just some personal matters, as some would say.” he couldn't bare to focus on the project at hand. no, in fact, he was ready to execute a project of his own.

the soft hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery filled the air as you and your friends settled into a cozy corner booth at a chic restaurant. the atmosphere was relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that made it perfect for a catch-up lunch. your girlfriends were animated and full of news, and you found yourself caught between genuine happiness for them and a pang of wistful longing.

one of your friends, jiho, was regaling the table with stories about her recent wedding. her eyes sparkled with joy as she described the ceremony, the heartfelt vows, and the beautiful reception. you smiled and applauded her enthusiasm, but inside, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. the idea of finding such happiness seemed elusive, and your heart ached slightly at the thought.

“you're going to love being married,” jiho said, her voice full of contentment. "it’s just wonderful." you nodded, offering a supportive smile. “i'm so happy for you, jiho. it sounds like it was a perfect day.”

as she continued sharing details, your other friend, minji, leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. “speaking of perfect days,” she began, “i have something to tell you. my husband’s friend saw your profile on social media and, well, he’s been asking about you.”

your heart skipped a beat. minji's husband had been a close friend of yours for years, but you had no idea who the friend in question was. the idea of someone from his circle showing interest was both flattering and daunting. “what’s he like?” you asked cautiously. minji grinned. “he’s a nice guy, charming and successful. i think you’d get along. how about we set up a blind date?”

you hesitated. the idea of a blind date was daunting, but the prospect of meeting someone new, especially someone vetted by friends, was appealing. you glanced at your friends' eager faces and took a deep breath. “okay, i’ll do it.” minji clapped her hands excitedly. “great! i'll set it up and let you know the details.”

just as the conversation shifted to wedding anecdotes and dating possibilities, a cheerful waitress approached your table with a friendly smile. “excuse me, ladies,” she said. “we’re conducting a survey to improve our service and, in exchange, we’d like to offer you a free appetizer. would you be interested?” your friends, always up for a little extra perk, agreed enthusiastically, and you followed suit. the waitress handed over a clipboard with a short survey and left to fetch the appetizer.

thu looked over the questions with mild curiosity. the first asked, “ideal date spot with your significant other?” the second, “ideal activities with significant other?” and the last, “ideal gift given by significant other?” you answered thoughtfully, trying to balance your idealistic dreams with the reality of your current situation. as you finished filling out the survey and handed it back to the waitress, you felt a slight nagging sense of familiarity with the tone of the questions. they seemed familiarly bosay and demanding, almost like they were trying to gauge your relationship ideals with a hint of urgency. but you brushed off the feeling, focusing instead on the excitement of the impending blind date and the lively conversation with your friends.

in the dimly lit rec room of seokjin's luxurious house, the soft clack of pool balls punctuated the otherwise quiet evening. jungkook lounged on the leather sofa, his gaze fixed on him, who was confidently taking shots at the pool table with practiced ease. the game seemed to serve as a backdrop for their conversation, but jungkook's attention was focused on the stack of papers spread out on the coffee table.

“you did what?” his voice was a mix of incredulity and disbelief as he stared at the surveys before him. the questions and answers were neatly recorded on the forms, and jungkook couldn't believe what he was seeing. seokjin, with a proud smirk, took another shot, his movements graceful and deliberate. “i paid the restaurant to hand out those surveys,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “i wanted to see what kind of answer i'd get. and now, i need you to find the one with her name on it.”

jungkook’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “you’re seriously crazy, this is way over the top.” ignoring the incredulous glares from his elder, he picked up the stack of surveys and began sifting through them. his hands moved quickly, flipping through each paper as he muttered under his breath. “this is insane. what are you trying to accomplish?”

seokjin, meanwhile, remained focused on his game, the smirk never leaving his face. his confidence was unwavering, but jungkook could sense a trace of anxious anticipation beneath the surface. after what felt like an eternity to him, he finally spotted the survey with your name. he held it up, slightly hesitant. “here it is. this is the one.”

his eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and triumph. he rushed over, snatching the paper from his hands with a deft movement. his gaze was fixed on the survey, and as he read through your answers, his smirk broadened into a genuine, if somewhat smug, smile.

“how childish,” he remarked aloud, his voice laced with a blend of amusement and satisfaction. he began reading your responses aloud with a playful tone. “ideal date spot: an amusement park. ideal activities: rides, very charming. ideal gift: a teddy bear.” jungkook watched, his initial skepticism replaced by bemused curiosity. “seriously? you’re actually taking this seriously?” he had never been more serious.

the call came just after you wrapped up your brief lunch with your friends, the sound of seokjin’s voice crackling through the speaker, urgent and commanding. “you need to meet me immediately,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. he gave you the coordinates, and you found yourself driving across town with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. arriving at the amusement park, you were surprised to see it eerily quiet and closed for the night. you sat on a bench near the entrance, trying to piece together what he could have possibly wanted in such an unconventional setting. the minutes ticked by slowly until seokjin finally appeared, stepping out of the darkness with his usual confident stride.

“what’s going on?” you asked, rising from the bench to meet him. “why did you bring me here?” his eyes twinkled with a secretive glint. “we’re going to be here for the night. i have a ‘free pass,’ so to speak.”

you blinked, puzzled. “a free pass? but the park is closed.” seokjin simply smiled, taking your hand and leading you towards the entrance. “just follow me.”

as you walked through the empty park, the moonlight casting long shadows across the deserted grounds, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. he guided you to one of the rollercoasters, and despite your protests, he insisted on riding it first. the rollercoaster roared to life, and as you climbed higher and higher, your heart raced with a blend of thrill and terror. when the ride finally came to a stop, you were visibly shaken, your hands still gripping the safety bar as if it were your lifeline.

he turned to you, his face stoic but his eyes searching. “did you have fun?” you hesitated, your voice trembling. “it was fun, i guess.”

he raised an eyebrow, sensing your unease. “why do you seem so hesitant?” you sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “it was too scary. i wasn’t expecting it to be so intense.” he looked at you with a mixture of concern and amusement. “then why did you go on it?”

“because you asked me to,” you admitted. a smile curved his lips, and he quickly shifted gears. “alright then, let’s go on rides you want to enjoy.” your face lit up with relief and excitement. you led him towards the merry-go-round, and as the ride spun in gentle circles, you felt a wave of childhood nostalgia. you waved enthusiastically, feeling the pure joy of the moment. he watched you, his gaze softening as he took in your happiness.

the merry-go-round went around seven times, and as you disembarked, you couldn’t stop smiling. seokjin then guided you into the park’s restaurant. to your surprise, the place was completely empty.

“what’s all of this?” you asked, glancing around in awe. he shrugged casually. “i rented everything out for the night. consider it a going-away present.”

your heart fluttered at his gesture. “thank you, vice chairman.” he smiled, slicing a steak and placing it in front of you. as you dug into the meal, he glanced at you with genuine interest. “why did you enjoy the merry-go-round so much?”

you hesitated, then opened up. “it was one of my favorite rides as a child. i used to watch it from afar, because my parents never had the money to let me actually ride it.” hiw expression softened, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. “i'm sorry to hear that.”

the meal continued in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clinking of cutlery. after you finished, hw told you there was one more surprise. “just be patient,” he said with a hint of mischief in his eyes. curious, you followed him outside to a spot overlooking the sea. As you waited, the crackling sound of fireworks filled the air, bursting into vibrant colors against the night sky. your eyes widened with delight as you watched the display.

“isn’t it pretty?” you asked, turning to seokjin. his gaze was fixed on you, not the fireworks. “beautiful,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.

the car ride back was filled with a charged silence. as you stared out the window, a memory of the survey and its bossy tone flashed in your mind. you turned to Seokjin, your eyes wide with realization. he looked at you with a smug smile, clearly enjoying the surprise. before you could ask more, the car pulled up to your home. he exited and opened your door, handing you a large, stuffed teddy bear from the trunk. you were overwhelmed with gratitude and, in a moment of pure joy, you hugged your boss tightly.

to your astonishment, he hugged you back, his embrace warm and reassuring. as you pulled away, both of you were so close. too close for comfort. you knew better, stopping yourself as you glanced at the time. “it’s getting late,” you said softly. he nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “good night. i'll see you in the morning.”

the morning sun streamed through your bedroom window, casting a gentle glow over the room as you prepared for another day at work. you had almost forgotten about the stuffed teddy bear seokjin had gifted you the night before. as you reached for it, something shifted inside its pocket. curiosity piqued, you reached in and pulled out a small, elegant box.

opening it carefully, you found a delicate silver necklace inside. the intricate design and glint of the metal took your breath away. you were momentarily stunned, not expecting such a thoughtful gift. after a moment of hesitation, you decided to keep the necklace. you slipped it into your pocket, planning to wear it later.

at the office, you settled at your desk, the necklace still weighing on your mind. as you worked, you fished it out of your pocket and admired it, the silver catching the light. unbeknownst to you, he was watching from his office across the hall. his gaze softened as he observed you, a small, admiring smile on his lips. the sight of you, glowing with a mix of wonder and appreciation, made him think how gorgeous you were.

you finished adjusting the necklace around your neck, and as you headed to the bathroom, your phone rang. it was minji, her voice excited and insistent. “hey, i was just wondering if you’re still up for that blind date with my friend today? i know it’s short notice, but he’s really looking forward to it!”

it took a moment for the reminder to hit you. the blind date slipped your mind amidst the whirlwind of yesterday’s events. you agreed, albeit with some reluctance. “sure, i’ll meet him. just let me know the details.” as you entered the bathroom, keulgi emerged from a stall behind you, startling you. she had apparently overheard your conversation.

“are you going on a date?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity. caught off guard, you nodded, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. “yes, but please keep it quiet.” keulgi, ever enthusiastic, promised to keep it to herself. however, her enthusiasm got the better of her. as soon as you left the bathroom, she couldn't resist sharing the news with the rest of the office.

when you returned to your desk, the atmosphere in the office had noticeably shifted. colleagues whispered excitedly and shot you curious glances. the office buzzed with the news of your impending date. seokjin, who had been outside his office listening to the commotion, seethed with jealousy. his earlier soft smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl that betrayed his irritation. he paced back and forth, trying to control his frustration.

the excitement and chatter from your colleagues did nothing to ease his anger. his mind raced with thoughts of the date and the implications of your newfound interest. he couldn’t shake the feeling of possessiveness that gnawed at him, and the thought of someone else taking you out only fueled his frustration. the more he listened to the enthusiastic reactions of his staff, the more he felt his grip on his emotions slipping. he knew he needed to act, but he was caught between his pride and the undeniable feelings he had been trying to cast away.

the date began at a quaint, upscale café, where you met your blind date, taehyun. he greeted you with a polite smile and an amiable demeanor. as you made small talk, discussing interests and hobbies, taehyun seemed genuinely pleasant, though his compliments caught you off guard. “you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” he said with a warm smile.

you blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise. “thank you,” you replied, attempting to refocus the conversation. as you chatted, you noticed that his tie was hanging loose and uneven. it irked you more than you expected, and you reached over to fix it, hoping to tidy up his appearance. he watched with a smile as you deftly adjusted the tie, clearly appreciative of the attention to detail.

just as you were about to continue the conversation, a loud, urgent yell interrupted the moment. “secretary (l/n)!”

you and taehyun both turned to see seokjin striding toward your table, his expression stormy and his eyes locked onto you with barely concealed anger. your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. “vice chairman?” you asked, confusion mingling with concern. “what’s going on?”

he stopped in front of your table, his demeanor tense. “i need to see you urgently,” he said, his voice firm and unwavering. you glanced at taehyun, apologetic. “i’m so sorry, it seems to be an emergency.”

you followed him outside, where he led you to his waiting car. the drive began in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. the car came to a sudden stop in the middle of the road, and you turned to seokjin, your anxiety growing. “what’s the matter?” you asked, trying to keep your voice calm despite the unease you felt.

his gaze was cold, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a stern, almost menacing composure. “never do that again,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.

you frowned, confusion clouding your expression. “what do you mean? what did i do?” his eyes locked onto yours with intensity. “never let me see you with another man like that again.”

you didn’t respond immediately, and his jaw clenched as he seemed to wrestle with his emotions. finally, he added, “i don’t want to see you with anyone else. it’s not something i'm willing to accept.” the confession left you stunned. you stared at him, a mixture of surprise and realization dawning on you. the implications of his words were clear, and the protectiveness in his tone was undeniable. the car ride continued in silence, with the weight of his words lingering between you.

back at home, you went through your evening routine, attending to various tasks around the house. the day's events had left you both physically and emotionally drained. you found solace in a small ritual that had been a comforting presence throughout your life—your diary. sitting down at your desk, you pulled out the well-worn book, its pages filled with a mixture of memories, dreams, and sketches. as you flipped through the pages, you came across a series of drawings. they depicted a younger you and a boy, playing and laughing together. the accompanying writing read, “i miss you, brother.” the words tugged at your heart, and you felt a pang of sadness.

the drawings were a testament to a bond that had once been a central part of your life. as you closed the diary and set it aside, you felt the ache of missing something—or someone—important. the day’s events had stirred up memories you weren’t quite ready to confront.

later that night, as you drifted off to sleep, the familiar haze of dreams enveloped you. in your dream, you found yourself in a dimly lit basement, a place filled with shadows and echoes of the past. the little boy from your diary appeared, standing before you with a stern expression. you felt tears streaming down your cheeks, overwhelmed by a mixture of regret and longing. the boy began to scold you, his voice echoing with an authority that seemed to pierce through your sorrow. despite the scolding, you felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“thank you, kim soo—seo—” you started, trying to recall his name. but before you could finish, the boy cut you off with a tsk. “no, stupid. my name is kim seo—” the name was just on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t quite grasp it. the dream began to fade, and you woke up with a start, heart racing and breath uneven.

sitting up in bed, you felt the weight of the dream pressing on you. the name “kim seo” lingered in your mind, but it was elusive, slipping away before you could fully remember. the dream had left you with a deep sense of loss and confusion, and you were left grappling with the fragments of a memory that seemed to evade your grasp. as you lay back down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something significant you were missing, a connection that was just out of reach. the memory of the dream and the name echoed in your thoughts, haunting you as you tried to find solace in sleep once more.

seokjin arrived at work the following day with a heavy air of exhaustion surrounding him. he trudged through the office, his usual confident stride replaced by a sluggish, disoriented gait. as the morning wore on, it became increasingly clear that he was struggling to stay awake. his head bobbed with fatigue as he sat at his desk, his eyes slipping shut despite his efforts to remain alert.

concerned, you approached his desk, gently shaking his shoulder. “vice chairman, are you alright?” when there was no response, you shook him harder, your worry mounting. his body felt unnervingly heavy, and it became clear that he was deeply asleep, his breathing uneven. panic surged through you as you realized the severity of the situation. without hesitation, you grabbed your phone and dialed for emergency services.

the paramedics arrived swiftly, their professional demeanor a small comfort amidst the chaos. you watched anxiously as they wheeled him into the ambulance. your heart pounded in your chest, and despite knowing it was likely nothing serious, you refused to leave his side.

in the hospital, as the medics prepared him for further examination, they reassured you that his condition wasn’t critical. “he’s just exhausted,” one of the paramedics said. “it’s likely just severe fatigue. you can go in once we’re done.” when you were finally allowed in, he was still asleep, his face pale and drawn. you took a seat next to him, trying to steady your breathing as you buried your face in your hands. the sight of him, knocked out cold, was deeply unsettling. It reminded you of something from your past—something too familiar.

as you stared at him, your thoughts drifted back to the boy from the basement. the way he was unconscious on the floor when the lady had taken you—the same position, the same labored breathing, the same pale complexion. the memories came rushing back, painful and vivid. the name “kim seo” echoed in your mind, but it didn’t quite fit. then you remembered the boy’s full name, “kim seohyeon.” the realization came with a jolt. “kim seohyeon,” you whispered to yourself, the name feeling strangely natural as it rolled off your tongue.

your relief was fleeting, however, as a chilling thought struck you. seokjin’s mother had asked you not even a couple days ago, “what do you think about my hyeon?” it wasn’t just a fragment of a bad memory—it was a piece of a puzzle falling into place. hesitantly, you turned your gaze back to him, who remained motionless. your heart raced as you said, “kim seohyeon.” your voice was shaky, trembling with the weight of the revelation.

for a moment, the room was silent, and you felt a brief sense of relief as though your words had broken the tension. but then, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. his gaze was bleary, and he blinked at you in confusion. “what is it?” your heart sank as you saw his groggy, disoriented expression. the name you had just spoken had clearly registered with him, but his response was laced with irritation and confusion. you were left grappling with the enormity of the realization that seokjin—kim seohyeon—was more deeply connected to your past than you had ever imagined.

you took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions surging within you. “kim seohyeon,” you repeated, your voice trembling as you looked at seokjin. his eyes, which had been closed in exhaustion, flew open at the sound of his name. the shock and recognition dawned on his face as he fully grasped the situation. “it was you,” you said, your voice laden with disbelief.

your heart pounded as you pieced together the fragmented memories that had haunted you for so long. “i remember now,” you began, your voice quivering. “there was a boy—you were in the basement with me.” his expression shifted from confusion to horror as the realization sank in. “the dreams i’ve been having,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “a black-haired woman, a basement—i’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.”

the pieces began to fall into place for you. “the boy i kept searching for, the one i couldn’t remember clearly—it was you. we were together in that basement. i’ve been trying to find you all this time, but i didn’t know it was you.” the enormity of the realization hit you like a tidal wave, and you began to sob uncontrollably. you had spent your entire life searching for the boy from the basement, the boy whose memory had haunted you for years. to discover that he was right under your nose all along, that seokjin was the one you had been seeking—it was overwhelming.

the flood of emotions surged through you, and the connections you had been struggling to piece together suddenly fell into place. the cables, the fear, the strange sense of familiarity—all of it made sense now. the sobs wracked your body, and you felt a deep, raw anguish as you realized how close you had come to losing him without ever knowing.

his gaze softened as he watched your breakdown. his usual composure and egotism crumbled in the face of your distress. weakly, he reached out to you, his hand trembling slightly. “it’s okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a tender concern that was rare for him. “i’m here.” you hesitated for a moment, but then, seeking solace, you moved into his embrace. his arms wrapped around you, providing a comfort that felt both foreign and deeply familiar. you continued to cry, each sob a release of the pent-up fear and sorrow that had built up over the years. he held you close, his own breath shaky as he struggled to process the gravity of the situation. he stroked your hair gently, his touch soothing and steadying. the warmth of his embrace provided a sense of security that you hadn’t felt in a long time.

as your sobs began to subside, he pulled back slightly, tilting your chin so that you looked up at him. his eyes were filled with a mix of empathy and resolve. “you found me,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the weight of the moment. his words, though simple, carried a profound meaning. the realization that you had finally found him, the person you had been searching for, was both a relief and a heartbreak. in that moment, the intensity of your emotions reached a peak, and he leaned in, closing the gap between you.

his lips met yours in a kiss that was gentle at first, but quickly grew more passionate. it was a kiss that spoke of the pain, the longing, and the deep connection that had been forged through shared battles. you responded, kissing him back with equal fervor, allowing the years of separation and anguish to dissolve in the intensity of the moment. when the kiss finally broke, you both pulled back slightly, breathless and awestruck. the weight of the past had been acknowledged, and the connection between you was solidified in a way that was both profound and healing.

he looked into your eyes, his expression a mix of vulnerability and resolve. “we'll be okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a newfound determination. you nodded, feeling a deep sense of relief and hope.

the weeks following the revelation passed in a strange, uncomfortable silence. despite the deep bond you and seokjin now shared, an unspoken tension lingered in the office. the connection between you had shifted, but neither of you quite knew how to bridge the gap between your past traumas and your present reality.

he had revealed to you the reason behind his name change to seokjin. his parents had insisted on the new identity as a protective measure, believing that if seohyeon no longer existed, the woman who had once terrorized him would never be able to find him. this revelation, while reassuring, had also created a chasm between you two that was hard to navigate.

one afternoon, as the silence in the office grew increasingly heavy, he called you into his office. his demeanor was serious as he gestured for you to take a seat. you entered, your heart racing slightly, unsure of what to expect. “thank you for coming,” he began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of something you couldn’t quite place. “i need you to do something for me.” you straightened in your chair, adopting a professional tone. “what is it?”

seokjin looked at you with an intensity that made your breath catch. “i need you to be my girlfriend.” the words hung in the air between you, and you were momentarily stunned into silence. “what?” you managed to ask, your voice betraying your shock.

his gaze softened as he continued, his expression vulnerable. “i’ve been thinking a lot about us. after everything we’ve been through, i realized how much i care about you. i need you in my life, not just as my secretary, but as my girlfriend.”

his confession touched you deeply, and you felt a swell of emotion rise within you. “vice chairman” you began, struggling to find the right words. “i didn’t expect this.”

he nodded, his gaze never leaving yours. “i know. it’s sudden, and i understand if you need time. but i wanted to be honest with you about how i feel.” the sincerity in his voice, combined with the gravity of his words, made your heart ache with a mix of relief and hope. you were touched by his honesty and the way he had finally allowed himself to be vulnerable with you.

he then leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more earnest. “there’s one more thing,” he said, his voice lowering. “i need you to kiss me.”

your eyes widened at his request. the gravity of the moment, coupled with your feelings for him, made your pulse race. you nodded slowly, feeling a surge of emotions—affection, longing, and a deep connection. you stood up and walked over to him, your heart pounding in your chest. his gaze followed you, his expression a mixture of anticipation and tenderness. as you reached him, you leaned in, closing the distance between you.

the kiss was tender, filled with the emotions you both had been holding back. It was a sweet, unspoken promise of a new beginning. he responded gently, his hands resting on your back as he deepened the kiss. when you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your faces flushed with the intensity of the moment. he looked at you with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the vulnerability and affection that had been building between you.

his voice was soft and teasing as he traced his fingers gently along your back. “this means you’ll be my girlfriend, doesn’t it?” the playful tone in his voice, combined with the tender touch, made you smile despite the whirlwind of emotions you were feeling. you nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and affection. “yes, it does.”

his eyes lit up with a genuine smile, his teasing demeanor giving way to something more heartfelt. “i’m glad to hear that. i’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time, but i didn’t know how.” you laughed softly, shaking your head. “you didn’t need to wait so long. i think we both knew how we felt about each other.”

his smile widened as he pulled you into a gentle hug, his arms encircling you with a sense of relief and contentment. “i guess it’s true,” he said, his voice warm and sincere. “sometimes, the things you’re looking for are right in front of you.” they really were, as it seemed.

the next few days at work were marked by an underlying tension that neither of you could quite shake off. seokjin was noticeably less cold and demanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. the change was subtle but significant. he found himself taking more interest in your presence, often waving at you from across the office with a grin that was almost boyish. each time you waved back, his smile would widen, and a look of genuine joy would light up his face.

the change didn’t go unnoticed by your colleagues, who observed the shift in seokjin’s behavior with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. however, no one dared to comment, respecting the unspoken agreement that something had clearly shifted in the office dynamics.

as the days passed, his new feelings for you started to manifest in ways he hadn’t anticipated. while he relished the sweetness of your new relationship, he found himself increasingly aware of the more physical aspects of your presence. he couldn’t ignore how his pulse quickened when he noticed the way your tight skirts accentuated your figure, or how the sight of your bare legs and hair pulled back made him sweat in the middle of meetings.

he tried to maintain his composure, but the intensity of his feelings became difficult to manage. his attempts to focus on work were often disrupted by thoughts of you, and he struggled to keep his desires in check.

one afternoon, unable to ignore his escalating emotions any longer, he called you into his office. his voice, usually commanding, now carried a hint of nervousness. “can you come in here for a moment?” you nodded, entering his office with a sense of anticipation. seokjin closed the door behind you and gestured for you to lock it. his eyes were intense as he watched you comply. he then moved to pull down the blinds, casting the room into a more private, dimly lit atmosphere.

“what’s going on?” you asked, your voice tinged with concern as you approached him. he looked at you with a mixture of longing and hesitation, his gaze fixed on yours. “i need you to understand something,” he said softly. “it’s not just about what we’ve been through, or about being together. i—”

he paused, taking a deep breath as he reached out to pull you closer. the seriousness in his eyes gave way to a softer, more vulnerable expression. “i need you to know how much i care about you. and right now, i can’t help but feel…”

before he could finish, he leaned in and kissed you. the kiss was different from before—less tender, more urgent and needy. it was filled with the intensity of emotions that had been building up inside him. you responded to the kiss, your own feelings mirroring his. the kiss deepened, and the world outside the office seemed to fade away as you both lost yourselves in the moment.

it was a kiss that spoke of months of unspoken yearning, a kiss that shattered the professional façade you had both so carefully maintained. his hand found the small of your back, pulling you closer. his other hand cupped your cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of your mouth as you kissed him deeper. his tongue slipped past your lips, tasting, exploring. you gasped, your body responding instinctively to his touch.

that was it. the moment you had both been waiting for, the moment that would change everything. you could feel the tension in the room, a tight coil winding tighter with every passing second. the sound of a zipper echoed through the room as seokjin stood, lifting you onto his desk. your legs wrapped around his waist, and you could feel his erection pressing against you, hot and insistent. your breath hitched as he kissed along your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

he stepped back for a moment, looking into your eyes, searching for permission. you nodded, unable to form words, and he took that as his cue. his hands found the buttons of your blouse, deftly undoing them one by one. your bra was next, revealing your tits to his hungry gaze. He took one in his hand, squeezing gently, and your moan filled the room.

he leaned in, taking your nipple into his mouth. you arched your back, the sensation shooting straight to your core. he sucked, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak, and your hips rolled against him. he groaned, his grip on your hip tightening. the anticipation was palpable as he reached for his belt, his eyes never leaving yours. you could see the need in them, the same need that was building within you. as he stepped closer, you felt his hardness pressing against your thigh, and you knew there was no turning back.

he whispered something in your ear, something filthy and thrilling, and you could feel your cheeks flush with arousal. his hands found the zipper of your skirt, sliding it down with a sound that seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet office. your skin prickled with excitement as the fabric fell away, revealing your lacy underwear. his hand slid under the fabric, his fingers finding your wetness. he groaned again, his breath hot against your neck. “you're so wet for me,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

you nodded, your eyes closing as he began to stroke you, his touch tentative at first, then growing bolder as your moans grew louder. your body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation. you knew you were his, and he was yours, in this every stolen moment of passion.

with a final tug, his hand found your bare skin, and you gasped as he touched you, his fingers exploring your folds with an urgency that mirrored your own. you could feel your core tightening around his touch, desperate for more. he pulled back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched your reaction. “you like that, don't you?” he asked, his voice a low growl. you nodded, your eyes glazed over with desire. he leaned in, capturing your mouth again in a bruising kiss as his thumb began to circle your clit. the sensation was overwhelming, and you felt yourself getting closer and closer to the edge. you didn't know if you could hold on much longer.

suddenly, he stopped, his hand moving away from your panties. you whimpered in protest, but he just chuckled, a dark sound that sent shivers down your spine. “patience,” he murmured, “we're just getting started.”

with surprising strength, he flipped you over, so that you were now lying face down on his desk, your ass in the air. he stepped back, and you could feel his eyes on you, taking in the sight of your exposed body. you felt a thrill of exhibitionism, knowing that he was seeing you in such a vulnerable state.

he leaned over you, his breath hot on your ear. "you're so fucking beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with lust. his hand came down in a firm smack on your ass, and you yelped in surprise. the sting was quickly replaced by a warmth that spread through your body, making you wetter than ever.

he smacked you again, harder this time, and you moaned. the sound seemed to spur him on, and his hand began to move in a steady rhythm, alternating between gentle caresses and firm slaps. you felt yourself getting wetter with every hit, your body begging for more. “do you like that, baby?” he asked, his voice strained with his own need. “yes,” you managed to gasp out, your voice shaky. “more.”

he complied, his hand coming down harder and faster, each smack echoing through the room. you could feel yourself getting closer, your body trembling with the effort of holding back. and then, with one final, brutal slap, you shattered, your orgasm ripping through you like a storm. he leaned down, his breathing ragged, and kissed the back of your neck. “you're mine,” he murmured, his voice possessive. “mine to claim.”

and with that, he reached for his own pants, his hands shaking with desire. he freed himself, and you could feel the tip of his cock brushing against your wetness. without another word, he pushed inside you, filling you up in one swift, agonizingly sweet motion. you yelled, the pleasure overwhelming as he claimed your virginity, your body stretching to accommodate his size.

he didn't stop there, though. he began to move, his hips pistoning into you with a relentless rhythm that had you seeing stars. you could feel every inch of him, and it was more than you had ever imagined. each thrust was a declaration of ownership, each moan a promise of more to come. you pushed back against him, meeting him halfway, your body moving in perfect sync with his. you were lost in the sensation, the pain and pleasure melding into something indescribable. your hands gripped the edge of the desk, knuckles white, as you held on for dear life.

“fuck, you're tight,” he grunted, his voice strained. “so tight.” your response was a whimper, your throat too tight to form words. all you could do was moan and arch your back, taking him deeper, letting him fill you completely. the room spun around you as he picked up the pace, his hands digging into your hips as he drove into you. you could feel his climax building, his breaths coming in harsh pants against your neck. and then, with a final, guttural groan, he came, his warmth flooding into you.

you collapsed onto the desk, your body spent, as he pulled out and leaned over you, his chest heaving. he kissed your shoulder, his breathing slowly returning to normal. the room was silent, save for the sound of your ragged breaths.

for a moment, you both just stayed there, basking in the afterglow of what had just happened. but reality began to seep back in, and you felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. you were his secretary, and you had just had unprotected sex on his desk. the implications of your actions were just beginning to hit you.

seokjin must have noticed the change in your demeanor because he leaned in, whispering in your ear, “don't worry, i've got you.” his words were soothing, but they didn't entirely ease the anxiety coiling in your stomach. he helped you sit up, and you both began to straighten your clothes, trying to erase the evidence of your passionate encounter. your heart was racing, and you couldn't help but steal glances at him, seeing him in a new light. “we can't do this again,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “what if someone finds out?”

he turned to face you, cupping your cheek. “they won't,” he assured you. “this is our secret.” his eyes searched yours, and you could see the determination in them. “but if they do,” he trailed off, a smug smile playing on his lips. “well, then they'll just have to deal with it. you're my girlfriend, after all.”

you couldn't help but smile back, his confidence infectious. but deep down, you knew that this was just the beginning. the line between professional and personal had been irrevocably crossed, and there was no going back.

✧.*

a/n: literally no one asked for this idc this is so funny to me i based the name off one drama and the plot off another goodbye

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The Collective Intelligence Institute

History is written by the winners, which is why Luddite is a slur meaning “technophobe” and not a badge of honor meaning, “Person who goes beyond asking what technology does, to asking who it does it for and who it does it to.”

https://locusmag.com/2022/01/cory-doctorow-science-fiction-is-a-luddite-literature/

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/2023/02/07/full-stack-luddites/#subsidiarity

Luddites weren’t anti-machine activists, they were pro-worker advocates, who believed that the spoils of automation shouldn’t automatically be allocated to the bosses who skimmed the profits from their labor and spent them on machines that put them out of a job. There is no empirical right answer about who should benefit from automation, only social contestation, which includes all the things that desperate people whose access to food, shelter and comfort are threatened might do, such as smashing looms and torching factories.

The question of who should benefit from automation is always urgent, and it’s also always up for grabs. Automation can deepen and reinforce unfair arrangements, or it can upend them. No one came off a mountain with two stone tablets reading “Thy machines shall condemn labor to the scrapheap of the history while capital amasses more wealth and power.” We get to choose.

Capital’s greatest weapon in this battle is inevitabilism, sometimes called “capitalist realism,” summed up with Frederic Jameson’s famous quote “It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism” (often misattributed to Žižek). A simpler formulation can be found in the doctrine of Margaret Thatcher: “There Is No Alternative,” or even Dante’s “Abandon hope all ye who enter here.”

Hope — alternatives — lies in reviving our structural imagination, thinking through other ways of managing our collective future. Last May, Wired published a brilliant article that did just that, by Divya Siddarth, Danielle Allen and E. Glen Weyl:

https://www.wired.com/story/web3-blockchain-decentralization-governance/

That article, “The Web3 Decentralization Debate Is Focused on the Wrong Question,” set forth a taxonomy of decentralization, exploring ways that power could be distributed, checked, and shared. It went beyond blockchains and hyperspeculative, Ponzi-prone “mechanism design,” prompting me to subtitle my analysis “Not all who decentralize are bros”:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/12/crypto-means-cryptography/#p2p-rides-again

That article was just one installment in a long, ongoing project by the authors. Now, Siddarth has teamed up with Saffron Huang to launch the Collective Intelligence project, “an incubator for new governance models for transformative technology.”

https://cip.org/whitepaper

The Collective Intelligence Project’s research focus is “collective intelligence capabilities: decision-making technologies, processes, and institutions that expand a group’s capacity to construct and cooperate towards shared goals.” That is, asking more than how automation works, but who it should work for.

Collective Intelligence institutions include “markets…nation-state democracy…global governance institutions and transnational corporations, standards-setting organizations and judicial courts, the decision structures of universities, startups, and nonprofits.” All of these institutions let two or more people collaborate, which is to say, it lets us do superhuman things — things that transcend the limitations of the lone individual.

Our institutions are failing us. Confidence in democracy is in decline, and democratic states have failed to coordinate to solve urgent crises, like the climate emergency. Markets are also failing us, “flatten[ing] complex values in favor of over-optimizing for cost, profit, or share price.”

Neither traditional voting systems nor speculative markets are up to the task of steering our emerging, transformative technologies — neither machine learning, nor bioengineering, nor labor automation. Hence the mission of CIP: “Humans created our current CI systems to help achieve collective goals. We can remake them.”

The plan to do this is in two phases:

Value elicitation: “ways to develop scalable processes for surfacing and combining group beliefs, goals, values, and preferences.” Think of tools like Pol.is, which Taiwan uses to identify ideas that have the broadest consensus, not just the most active engagement.

Remake technology institutions: “technology development beyond the existing options of non-profit, VC-funded startup, or academic project.” Practically, that’s developing tools and models for “decentralized governance and metagovernance, internet standards-setting,” and consortia.

The founders pose this as a solution to “The Transformative Technology Trilemma” — that is, the supposed need to trade off between participation, progress and safety.

This trilemma usually yields one of three unsatisfactory outcomes:

Capitalist Acceleration: “Sacrificing safety for progress while maintaining basic participation.” Think of private-sector geoengineering, CRISPR experimentation, or deployment of machine learning tools. AKA “bro shit.”

Authoritarian Technocracy: “Sacrificing participation for progress while maintaining basic safety.” Think of the vulnerable world hypothesis weirdos who advocate for universal, total surveillance to prevent “runaway AI,” or, of course, the Chinese technocratic system.

Shared Stagnation: “Sacrificing progress for participation while maintaining basic safety.” A drive for local control above transnational coordination, unwarranted skepticism of useful technologies (AKA “What the Luddites are unfairly accused of”).

The Institute’s goal is to chart a fourth path, which seeks out the best parts of all three outcomes, while leaving behind their flaws. This includes deliberative democracy tools like sortition and assemblies, backed by transparent machine learning tools that help surface broadly held views from within a community, not just the views held by the loudest participants.

This dovetails into creating new tech development institutions to replace the default, venture-backed startup for “societally-consequential, infrastructural projects,” including public benefit companies, focused research organizations, perpetual purpose trusts, co-ops, etc.

It’s a view I find compelling, personally, enough so that I have joined the organization as a volunteer advisor.

This vision resembles the watershed groups in Ruthanna Emrys’s spectacular “Half-Built Garden,” which was one of the most inspiring novels I read last year (a far better source of stfnal inspo than the technocratic fantasies of the “Golden Age”):

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/26/aislands/#dead-ringers

And it revives the long-dormant, utterly necessary spirit of the Luddites, which you can learn a lot more about in Brian Merchant’s forthcoming, magesterial “Blood In the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech”:

https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/brian-merchant/blood-in-the-machine/9780316487740/

This week (Feb 8–17), I’ll be in Australia, touring my book Chokepoint Capitalism with my co-author, Rebecca Giblin. We’ll be in Brisbane tomorrow (Feb 8), and then we’re doing a remote event for NZ on Feb 9. Next are Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. I hope to see you!

[Image ID: An old Ace Double paperback. The cover illustration has been replaced with an 18th century illustration depicting a giant Ned Ludd leading an army of Luddites who have just torched a factory. The cover text reads: 'The Luddites. Smashing looms was their tactic, not their goal.']

[industrynewsupdates]

Future of Power Transformer Market: Innovations and Developments

The global power transformer market was valued at USD 22.83 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for electricity in both emerging and developed countries, coupled with significant investments in infrastructure. As urbanization and industrialization continue to accelerate, the need for reliable and efficient power distribution systems is expected to fuel market growth. Additionally, the rising focus on modernizing the existing energy grid systems and improving energy efficiency will be key factors driving the demand for power transformers over the forecast period.

A major contributing factor to the market's expansion is the growing adoption of smart grid technology. The development of smart grids, which incorporate advanced technologies like smart meters and automated control systems, is creating a significant demand for more sophisticated power transformers. Smart meters, in particular, are integral to the efficient functioning of smart grids as they enable real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption. The widespread push for smart grid development, along with government initiatives to modernize power infrastructure, is expected to have a positive impact on the power transformer market over the next several years.

In addition to smart grids, the power transformer market will be further supported by the rising focus on renewable energy sources and the increasing need to develop transmission networks for remote and off-grid locations. The integration of non-traditional energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, into the power grid requires efficient power transformers that can manage variable power outputs and ensure reliable electricity distribution. 

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Power Transformer Market

Phase Insights

The power transformer market can be segmented based on phase type into two categories: single-phase and three-phase transformers. As of 2022, the three-phase transformer segment accounted for the largest share of the market, with a dominant market share of 62.2%. This segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate, with a projected CAGR of 7.2% by 2030.

Three-phase transformers are widely used in various industrial applications due to their high efficiency and ability to handle large power loads. They are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, mining, petrochemicals, automation, and telecommunications, among others, for both power generation and distribution. These transformers are especially suited for industrial settings because they are more affordable, compact, and lightweight compared to other transformer types, especially when dealing with high power ratings.

In addition to being cost-effective, three-phase transformers offer several operational advantages. They are ideal for low-voltage distribution systems that experience high fluctuations in voltage. Their design allows for superior isolation, common-mode interference suppression, and they can be customized to meet specific end-user requirements. Furthermore, they are particularly effective in environments that require a stable and continuous power supply, making them indispensable for a wide range of applications, including precision machinery and automated systems.

Given their many advantages and the growing number of industries relying on them, three-phase transformers are expected to continue dominating the market and experience robust growth during the forecast period. Their versatile applications and increased adoption across multiple industrial sectors further underline their critical role in the development of power distribution systems worldwide.

Order a free sample PDF of the Power Transformer Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[starsincline]

Hi, I hope you're doing well. I'm writing to you with a heavy heart and an urgent request for help. My family is in a very danger situation due to the ongoing war, and I've launched a GoFundMe campaign to save them. Could you please reblog my campaign post from my profile? Each share could be a lifeline for my family. 🙏 Feel free to share it in any other social media platform if you would like. Our campaign has been verified ⭐️ by operation olive branch, and is entry number 26 on their spreadsheet. Also with ⭐️ Project watermelon,line 249/(212) on their spreadsheet. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you in advance for all of your support and kindness.

I really hope your family's circumstances improve soon🙏

vetted (line 26) ,

€92,309 raised of €100,000 goal

I, Haya, suffer from severe allergy to penicillin-derived medications, and my sister, Amal, also suffers from severe allergies to medications from my family such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. These allergies create a deep sense of fear and anxiety for us, as we live in a constant state of tension and fear of anything that may require a visit to the hospital. We fear being given inappropriate medications due to the unavailability of suitable treatments in Gaza because of war or lack of awareness and not informing the doctor of our allergies, which could lead to serious consequences threatening our lives.

My father owns an automated food factory that produces a popular dish called "Maf'toul," named "Couscos Al-Sham." He established it in 1996 and distributed its products to all markets in the Gaza Strip, both north and south. Recently, he was seeking to export his product outside the Gaza Strip. However, when the war came, his factory was completely destroyed, ceased operation, and my father's income became zero.

As for my younger sister, she is a student studying at the College of Architecture. She has always carried a big dream in her heart, a dream of being part of changing Gaza, of making it more beautiful and better. She looked forward to the day when she would receive her degree and start building this dream. But the beginning of the war changed everything. The destruction of infrastructure and universities cast shadows of despair over her dreams.

The goal of this fundraising campaign is to rescue my family - my parents, my siblings, and me - through the Rafah Crossing to Egypt, which currently requires $5000 per person. This campaign is our only chance to stay alive, and I humbly request your assistance at this critical time. 

[learnandturn]

Hi, I hope you're doing well. I'm writing to you with a heavy heart and an urgent request for help. My family is in a very danger situation due to the ongoing war, and I've launched a GoFundMe campaign to save them. Could you please share my campaign post from my profile? Each share could be a lifeline for my family. 🙏 Feel free to share it in any other social media platform if you would like. Our campaign has been verified ⭐️ by operation olive branch, and is entry number 26 on their spreadsheet. Also with ⭐️ Project watermelon,line 249/(212) on their spreadsheet. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you in advance for all of your support and kindness.

Please help Haya get her family to safety. I started this blog to be a studyblr and am mutuals with a lot of studyblrs. Think of all of the students and their families stuck in Gaza. Their universities are destroyed and their lives are in danger. Haya's family has only reached 81,114 of the 100,000 they need to get to safety. If you are able, please help them reunite with their brother in Belgium.

From Haya's campaign:

Dear Humanity,

I'm Haya from Gaza , from a family of 8 people: my parents, two sons, and four daughters (two of them suffer from allergies).

I've witnessed the evidence of the tragedy that has struck our lives in Gaza, where my family and I have survived amidst numerous previous wars. But today, we face the most dangerous and fierce battle in the current war. The urgent need intensifies for us, as we have nothing left and are unable to secure our basic needs such as food, water, and safe shelter.

Here is our story - On October 7th, our lives changed forever, my family and I evacuated from northern Gaza to southern Gaza, hoping to return soon, but it wasn't meant to be. Our home was surrounded, burned, and then completely destroyed, Our home, once a fortress of hope, now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of our shattered dreams.

The night before we left from the north to the south was terrifying. Shelling sounds were everywhere, making a loud noise that felt like it went through our souls. Every explosions shook the ground like earthquakes, sending shockwaves of fear through our trembling bodies. filling us with fear. The air smelled of destruction and blood, making it hard to breathe. When dawn came, we saw the devastation around us, realizing our home was now a symbol of loss and despair.

We ran into the streets and with each step we took into the unknown streets, we felt as if we were plunging deeper into the abyss of our shattered existence, leaving behind everything we own in our home: Clothes, important official documents, the car, and literally it's almost everything - the enormity of our loss weighed heavily upon us.

Our home it was where we found hope, safety, and made precious memories. Losing it felt like losing years of our lives, leaving us adrift amidst the wreckage of our shattered existence.

Desperate Plea: Escaping Gaza's Allergy Nightmare

I, Haya, suffer from severe allergy to penicillin-derived medications, and my sister, Amal, also suffers from severe allergies to medications from my family such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

These allergies create a deep sense of fear and anxiety for us, as we live in a constant state of tension and fear of anything that may require a visit to the hospital. We fear being given inappropriate medications due to the unavailability of suitable treatments in Gaza because of war or lack of awareness and not informing the doctor of our allergies, which could lead to serious consequences threatening our lives.

This situation breeds a storm of doubts and worries, so we appeal to you to help us leave Gaza and rid ourselves of the anxiety and fear due to allergies.

My father owns an automated food factory that produces a popular dish called "Maf'toul," named "Couscos Al-Sham." He established it in 1996 and distributed its products to all markets in the Gaza Strip, both north and south. Recently, he was seeking to export his product outside the Gaza Strip. However, when the war came, his factory was completely destroyed, ceased operation, and my father's income became zero.

Our dreams are heading towards oblivion in the labyrinth of an uncertain future

My story, along with my siblings, represents a united team of four individuals, three of whom are skilled programmers and one graphic designer. We work as freelancers in the world of freelancing.

Since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023, our lives have come to a complete halt. There's no work, no workplace, not even electricity or communication. Our workplace was destroyed, and the entire infrastructure in our area was crippled, leading to the loss of all our projects and sources of income. Thus, my family and I have become without any means of livelihood.

As for my younger sister, she is a student studying at the College of Architecture. She has always carried a big dream in her heart, a dream of being part of changing Gaza, of making it more beautiful and better. She looked forward to the day when she would receive her degree and start building this dream. But the beginning of the war changed everything. The destruction of infrastructure and universities cast shadows of despair over her dreams.

Despite this, she continues to dream, working diligently to rebuild Gaza, to achieve her vision of a city full of life and beauty. Her story remains a story of resilience and hope, carrying within it a strong determination to succeed despite all challenges.

When I think of my brother in Belgium, I can't help but feel deep sadness. He has been suffering from unbearable anxiety and insomnia since the outbreak of the war. Sleep eludes him at night, and his physical and mental health collapses under the weight of these heavy burdens, negatively affecting his performance at work. Problems and challenges pile up in front of him without the slightest opportunity for rest.

We all feel psychological pressure and extreme anxiety. The war hasn't been limited to external attacks but has deeply infiltrated our daily lives. We search among the rubble for a little safety and the basic resources for survival. Every day comes with a new challenge that we must overcome.

As we sway amidst the rubble of shattered dreams, our souls wrestle and our hearts beat strongly challenging the ravages of war.

Our parents earnestly seek a way to rescue us from this hell, feeling the heavy responsibility for every moment we spend under the shadows of fear and destruction. They dream of a safe place where they can build for us a better future, filled with security and hope, for we deserve life in all its meanings of comfort and peace.

Perhaps this fundraising campaign represents a light in the midst of darkness, it is indeed the only hope we cling to firmly.

I appeal to the world as a whole to hear my cry and the mournful cry of my family in Gaza. We need the helping hand that reaches out to wipe our tears and build a bridge to safety.

Your donation is not just a donation; it's an opportunity to rebuild life and brighten a better tomorrow. Be part of our hopeful story, for we need your hand to start anew.

The purpose of the fundraising campaign

The goal of this fundraising campaign is to rescue my family - my parents, my siblings, and me - through the Rafah Crossing to Egypt, which currently requires $5000 per person. This campaign is our only chance to stay alive, and I humbly request your assistance at this critical time. I will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses, committing to transparency and clarity.

Breakdown of Expenses

• Passport fees: €135 per person (a total of €945 for seven family members)

• Rafah/Egypt crossing: €5000 per person (a total of €35,000 for seven family members)

• Minimum living costs: €1,700 per month (a total of €10,200 for six months)

Thank you for your kindness and support.

.جزاكم الله خيراً

yours sincerely;

Haya Alshawish.

[peacebewithpalestine]

Hi, I hope you're doing well. I'm writing to you with a heavy heart and an urgent request for help. My family is in a very danger situation due to the ongoing war, and I've launched a GoFundMe campaign to save them. Could you please share my campaign post from my profile? Each share could be a lifeline for my family. 🙏 Feel free to share it in any other social media platform if you would like. Our campaign has been verified ⭐️ by operation olive branch, and is entry number 26 on their spreadsheet. Also with ⭐️ Project watermelon,line 249/(212) on their spreadsheet. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you in advance for all of your support and kindness.

[ Verification source has been stated in the ask ]

☪︎ ִ ֶ֢࣪⋆ Description

Dear Humanity, I'm Haya from Gaza , from a family of 8 people: my parents, two sons, and four daughters (two of them suffer from allergies). I've witnessed the evidence of the tragedy that has struck our lives in Gaza, where my family and I have survived amidst numerous previous wars. But today, we face the most dangerous and fierce battle in the current war. The urgent need intensifies for us, as we have nothing left and are unable to secure our basic needs such as food, water, and safe shelter.

Here is our story - On October 7th, our lives changed forever, my family and I evacuated from northern Gaza to southern Gaza, hoping to return soon, but it wasn't meant to be. Our home was surrounded, burned, and then completely destroyed, Our home, once a fortress of hope, now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of our shattered dreams. The night before we left from the north to the south was terrifying. Shelling sounds were everywhere, making a loud noise that felt like it went through our souls. Every explosions shook the ground like earthquakes, sending shockwaves of fear through our trembling bodies. filling us with fear. The air smelled of destruction and blood, making it hard to breathe. When dawn came, we saw the devastation around us, realizing our home was now a symbol of loss and despair.

We ran into the streets and with each step we took into the unknown streets, we felt as if we were plunging deeper into the abyss of our shattered existence, leaving behind everything we own in our home: Clothes, important official documents, the car, and literally it's almost everything - the enormity of our loss weighed heavily upon us. Our home it was where we found hope, safety, and made precious memories. Losing it felt like losing years of our lives, leaving us adrift amidst the wreckage of our shattered existence.

A brief video depicting the devastation that struck our home and our entire neighborhood in Gaza.

I, Haya, suffer from severe allergy to penicillin-derived medications, and my sister, Amal, also suffers from severe allergies to medications from my family such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. These allergies create a deep sense of fear and anxiety for us, as we live in a constant state of tension and fear of anything that may require a visit to the hospital. We fear being given inappropriate medications due to the unavailability of suitable treatments in Gaza because of war or lack of awareness and not informing the doctor of our allergies, which could lead to serious consequences threatening our lives.

This situation breeds a storm of doubts and worries, so we appeal to you to help us leave Gaza and rid ourselves of the anxiety and fear due to allergies.

MY Father Income My father owns an automated food factory that produces a popular dish called "Maf'toul," named "Couscos Al-Sham." He established it in 1996 and distributed its products to all markets in the Gaza Strip, both north and south. Recently, he was seeking to export his product outside the Gaza Strip. However, when the war came, his factory was completely destroyed, ceased operation, and my father's income became zero.

Our dreams are heading towards oblivion in the labyrinth of an uncertain future My story, along with my siblings, represents a united team of four individuals, three of whom are skilled programmers and one graphic designer. We work as freelancers in the world of freelancing. Since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023, our lives have come to a complete halt. There's no work, no workplace, not even electricity or communication. Our workplace was destroyed, and the entire infrastructure in our area was crippled, leading to the loss of all our projects and sources of income. Thus, my family and I have become without any means of livelihood.

As for my younger sister, she is a student studying at the College of Architecture. She has always carried a big dream in her heart, a dream of being part of changing Gaza, of making it more beautiful and better. She looked forward to the day when she would receive her degree and start building this dream. But the beginning of the war changed everything. The destruction of infrastructure and universities cast shadows of despair over her dreams. Despite this, she continues to dream, working diligently to rebuild Gaza, to achieve her vision of a city full of life and beauty. Her story remains a story of resilience and hope, carrying within it a strong determination to succeed despite all challenges.

When I think of my brother in Belgium, I can't help but feel deep sadness. He has been suffering from unbearable anxiety and insomnia since the outbreak of the war. Sleep eludes him at night, and his physical and mental health collapses under the weight of these heavy burdens, negatively affecting his performance at work. Problems and challenges pile up in front of him without the slightest opportunity for rest. We all feel psychological pressure and extreme anxiety. The war hasn't been limited to external attacks but has deeply infiltrated our daily lives. We search among the rubble for a little safety and the basic resources for survival. Every day comes with a new challenge that we must overcome. As we sway amidst the rubble of shattered dreams, our souls wrestle and our hearts beat strongly challenging the ravages of war.

Our parents earnestly seek a way to rescue us from this hell, feeling the heavy responsibility for every moment we spend under the shadows of fear and destruction. They dream of a safe place where they can build for us a better future, filled with security and hope, for we deserve life in all its meanings of comfort and peace. Perhaps this fundraising campaign represents a light in the midst of darkness, it is indeed the only hope we cling to firmly. I appeal to the world as a whole to hear my cry and the mournful cry of my family in Gaza. We need the helping hand that reaches out to wipe our tears and build a bridge to safety.

Your donation is not just a donation; it's an opportunity to rebuild life and brighten a better tomorrow. Be part of our hopeful story, for we need your hand to start anew. The purpose of the fundraising campaign The goal of this fundraising campaign is to rescue my family - my parents, my siblings, and me - through the Rafah Crossing to Egypt, which currently requires $5000 per person. This campaign is our only chance to stay alive, and I humbly request your assistance at this critical time. I will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses, committing to transparency and clarity.

Breakdown of Expenses • Passport fees: €135 per person (a total of €945 for seven family members) • Rafah/Egypt crossing: €5000 per person (a total of €35,000 for seven family members) • Minimum living costs: €1,700 per month (a total of €10,200 for six months) Thank you for your kindness and support. .جزاكم الله خيراً yours sincerely; Haya Alshawish.

Credits: @/cafekitsune for the dividers ♥️

[tokenlauncher]

Exploring Multi-Sender Transactions: Importance on the Solana Blockchain

Understanding Multi-Sender Transactions

Multi-sender transactions on Solana represent a breakthrough in blockchain functionality, allowing multiple entities to initiate and execute transactions concurrently. Unlike traditional blockchain networks where transactions typically involve a single sender and recipient, Solana’s architecture supports simultaneous transaction submissions from multiple parties.

How Multi-Sender Transactions Work

Solana achieves this capability through its innovative consensus mechanism, combining Proof of History (PoH) with Tower BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerance). This hybrid approach ensures high throughput and fast confirmation times, making it feasible for numerous senders to interact within a single transaction batch.

Practically, multi-sender transactions facilitate:

Collaborative Payments: Where multiple parties contribute to a single payment, streamlining processes like shared expenses, group purchases, or payroll distributions.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Enabling complex transactions such as liquidity provisioning across different pools or executing automated market-making strategies simultaneously.

Governance and Voting: Allowing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and governance platforms to conduct collective voting and decision-making efficiently.

Importance of Multi-Sender Transactions on Solana

1. Scalability and Efficiency

Solana’s scalability is a cornerstone of its multi-sender transaction capability. With the ability to process thousands of transactions per second, Solana supports high-frequency trading, gaming transactions, and other applications requiring rapid and efficient transaction processing.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

By consolidating multiple transactions into a single batch, multi-sender transactions reduce network congestion and transaction fees. This cost-effectiveness is critical for users and developers seeking to optimize operational costs while maintaining high throughput.

3. Enhanced User Experience

For end-users, multi-sender transactions enhance usability by minimizing transaction delays and simplifying complex interactions. Whether it’s participating in token sales, distributing rewards across multiple accounts, or executing cross-platform transactions, users benefit from streamlined processes and improved transaction management.

4. Innovative Use Cases

Developers leverage Solana’s multi-sender functionality to create innovative decentralized applications (dApps). These applications span various sectors, including supply chain management, digital asset management, and real-time data processing, thanks to Solana’s robust infrastructure and developer-friendly environment.

Implementing Multi-Sender Transactions

Developers can integrate multi-sender transactions into their applications using Solana’s comprehensive developer tools. Solana’s JavaScript SDK (SolanaWeb3.js), Rust programming language support, and Solana Command Line Interface (CLI) provide essential resources for building and deploying applications that harness multi-sender capabilities effectively.

Future Outlook and Potential Innovations

Looking ahead, Solana’s multi-sender transactions are poised to catalyze further advancements in blockchain technology. As scalability improves and interoperability expands, Solana remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation, enabling new use cases and fostering growth across decentralized finance, gaming, and digital economies.

Conclusion

Multi-sender transactions on the Solana blockchain represent a pivotal advancement, enhancing scalability, efficiency, and user experience in blockchain interactions. By enabling multiple parties to engage in simultaneous transactions, Solana empowers developers to create sophisticated decentralized applications and drives innovation in digital finance and beyond.

Embrace the potential of multi-sender transactions on Solana to unlock new opportunities and propel your journey into the decentralized future.

[mediabowmandigital]

The Power of Digital Marketing in the Modern Business Landscape

In the era of digital transformation, the way businesses market their products and services has evolved dramatically. Traditional marketing methods are no longer sufficient to reach and engage today’s tech-savvy consumers. Instead, digital marketing has emerged as the cornerstone of modern marketing strategies. This comprehensive article explores the various facets of digital marketing, its core components, and the profound impact it has on businesses.

Understanding Digital Marketing

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing refers to the use of digital channels, platforms, and technologies to promote and sell products or services. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and more. The primary goal of digital marketing is to connect with potential customers online, where they spend a significant portion of their time.

The Evolution of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has its roots in the early days of the internet, but it has rapidly evolved with advancements in technology. The proliferation of smartphones, social media platforms, and high-speed internet has revolutionized how businesses reach and interact with their audiences. Today, digital marketing is data-driven, highly targeted, and capable of delivering personalized experiences to consumers.

Core Components of Digital Marketing

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the practice of optimizing a website to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). By improving the visibility of a website on search engines like Google, businesses can attract organic traffic from users actively searching for relevant products or services. SEO involves keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and technical SEO.

Content Marketing

Content marketing focuses on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, eBooks, and more. The goal is to provide valuable information that addresses the needs and interests of the target audience, thereby establishing the business as a trusted authority in its industry.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing involves using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others to promote products and engage with customers. Businesses can create and share content, run paid advertising campaigns, and interact with their audience in real-time. Social media marketing helps build brand awareness, foster customer loyalty, and drive website traffic.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is the process of sending targeted emails to a list of subscribers. It is a powerful tool for nurturing leads, promoting products, and building relationships with customers. Effective email marketing campaigns include personalized messages, promotional offers, newsletters, and automated workflows to keep the audience engaged.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

PPC advertising is a model where businesses pay a fee each time their ad is clicked. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow businesses to create ads that appear on search engine results pages or partner websites. PPC campaigns are highly targeted, enabling businesses to reach potential customers based on keywords, demographics, and interests.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves partnering with third-party websites or influencers to promote products in exchange for a commission on sales generated through their referrals. This strategy leverages the reach and influence of affiliates to expand a business’s customer base.

Analytics and Data

Digital marketing relies heavily on data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing analytics provide valuable information on user behavior, campaign performance, and return on investment (ROI). By analyzing this data, businesses can make informed decisions and optimize their marketing strategies.

The Impact of Digital Marketing on Businesses

Increased Reach and Visibility

One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is its ability to reach a global audience. Unlike traditional marketing methods limited by geography, digital marketing allows businesses to connect with potential customers anywhere in the world. This increased reach translates to higher visibility and brand recognition.

Cost-Effectiveness

Digital marketing is often more cost-effective than traditional marketing. Many digital marketing strategies, such as SEO and content marketing, require minimal financial investment compared to print ads, TV commercials, or billboards. Additionally, digital marketing campaigns can be scaled to fit any budget, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Enhanced Targeting and Personalization

Digital marketing enables businesses to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This level of precision allows for highly personalized marketing messages that resonate with individual consumers. Personalized marketing not only improves customer engagement but also increases conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Real-Time Engagement and Interaction

Social media platforms and other digital channels allow businesses to engage with their audience in real-time. This immediate interaction helps build stronger relationships with customers and fosters a sense of community around the brand. Real-time engagement also allows businesses to respond quickly to customer feedback and address any issues promptly.

Measurable Results

One of the key benefits of digital marketing is its measurability. Businesses can track the performance of their campaigns in real-time, using various metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, click-through rates, and more. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement and ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with business goals.

Challenges and Future Trends in Digital Marketing

Keeping Up with Technological Advancements

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging regularly. Businesses must stay updated with the latest trends and tools to remain competitive. This requires ongoing learning and adaptation.

Data Privacy and Security

With the increasing reliance on data for personalized marketing, businesses must prioritize data privacy and security. Adhering to regulations like GDPR and ensuring transparent data practices are crucial to maintaining customer trust.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is transforming digital marketing by enabling more sophisticated data analysis, personalization, and automation. AI-powered tools can predict customer behavior, optimize ad targeting, and enhance customer experiences. As AI technology continues to advance, its role in digital marketing will likely expand.

Voice Search and Visual Search

Voice search and visual search are gaining popularity, driven by the widespread use of smart speakers and mobile devices. Businesses need to optimize their digital content for these new search methods to remain relevant and accessible to consumers.

Conclusion

Digital marketing is an indispensable component of modern business strategy. Its ability to reach a global audience, deliver personalized experiences, and provide measurable results makes it a powerful tool for driving growth and success. While the digital marketing landscape presents challenges, staying informed and adapting to new trends will ensure businesses continue to thrive in the digital age. Investing in digital marketing is not just about staying competitive; it's about seizing opportunities to connect with customers in meaningful ways and building a sustainable future.

[exitrowiron]

Investing 101

Part 4 of ?

What to Buy

I've been procrastinating this post because I have a broker who provides buying/selling recommendations to me as I'm not an expert. Having said that, I can provide some information.

The first decision to make is whether to buy stocks or bonds. I explained the difference between the two in previous posts but I should add a caveat. Normally bonds are considered a safe but lower return investment to balance your portfolio and reduce risk. The moves by the Fed to control inflation however have raised interest rates on bonds to levels not seen in >40 years. For the first time in a long time, very safe bonds (ex. US Treasuries) are yielding more than equities and you can lock in those rates for a long time. Normally I'd advise a young person to avoid any bonds, but this is a strange time and some bonds would be a good investment for almost anyone. As with stocks, you can buy individual bonds or a bond fund.

What is a fund? Let's imagine that you want to own a basket of tech stocks (or bank stocks or consumer goods stocks, etc.). You could research various companies and make your purchases or you could buy a mutual fund. Mutual funds are actively managed investment pools with specific investment philosophies (ex. focused on tech stocks) - you purchase shares in the fund and the fund manager uses your money (and the $$ of other fund investors) to buy/sell shares in accordance with the philosophy/purpose of the fund. Actively managed means that there is a management team doing investment research and then buying and selling shares. Of course the management team costs money and they deduct their fee from the earnings pool prior to distributing the fund's earnings back to the owner/investors of the fund. Fund managers argue that their active management improves your earnings while lowering your risk. Detractors argue that management fees are too expensive and over the long run, investors can do better on their own (more on that later). Management fees aren't regulated (that I'm aware of) so investors have to be cautious - some funds have very expensive management fees while others are more frugal. Morningstar is a great resource for researching investments of all types, including funds.

An alternative to a Mutual Fund is an Index or Exchange Traded Fund. These funds are designed to mirror the composition and performance of an entire stock exchange (ex. NASDAQ). So if the NASDAQ goes up 10pts today, the related Index or Exchange traded fund will also go up 10pts. This is a low cost way to invest in the performance of the overall market. Many advisors recommend these investments for superior long term growth. These funds aren't actively managed by a human, but their low cost makes them a winner.

Speaking of humans, AI managed funds are increasingly a hot topic. I may own some of these funds and not even know it, but I'm not seeking AI management. In fact, automated trading can be problematic and cause 'flash crashes' for the market when every AI algorithm tries to sell at the time.

Target Date funds are another kind of mutual fund which is increasingly popular in 401Ks and 529 college savings plans. A target date fund is designed to manage risk and volatility with a specific life goal in mind. For example, you might establish a goal retirement date of 2040 and buy a Target Date fund for that year. The 2040 fund will automatically invest in higher risk/higher return equities in the first 20 years and gradually shift more of the portfolio to lower risk investments (like bonds) as your target date approaches.

Money market funds are a very low risk way to earn better returns on your emergency fund cash than allowing it to wallow in a bank savings account. A money market is a kind of mutual fund, but it owns very safe investments - the odds are very small that you'd lose money and instead you'll have a very liquid, safe investment that you can use in case of emergency.

What about individual stocks? Some investors follow the simple strategy of buying the stocks of companies whose products they know and admire. Ex, "I like my iPhone so I'm going to buy Apple stock." In >30 years of investing I have never purchased an individual stock. My rationale is that there is an entire industry of very smart people who do nothing but research and invest. The odds that I can outsmart them and pick a company which everyone else has undervalued are small. If I've read about it in the Wall Street Journal, so has everyone else and the opportunity to buy something cheap is long gone. In my opinion, buying individual stocks is like going to Vegas - of course you will hear stories of big winners, but in general the house (full time investment professionals) always wins. For a non-professional like me, the odds of selecting individual stocks and assembling a winning portfolio over the long term aren't in my favor.

[taramjitsita]

Business Operations Plan for Eco Green Candles

Eco Green Candles is a sustainable candle business located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Our mission is to provide environmentally friendly candles made from natural ingredients and packaged using eco-conscious materials. This operations plan outlines the key strategies and processes we will implement to ensure the smooth functioning of our business.

Production Process

Ingredient Sourcing: We will source high-quality natural waxes such as soy or beeswax, along with essential oils for fragrance, from trusted suppliers with a commitment to sustainability.

Candle Making: Our candles will be handcrafted in small batches to maintain quality and consistency. We will utilize environmentally friendly production techniques and minimize waste throughout the manufacturing process.

Packaging: Eco Green Candles will be packaged using biodegradable and recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact. We will work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.

Inventory Management

Stocking Levels: We will maintain optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing excess stock. Regular inventory assessments will be conducted to ensure efficient stock turnover.

Quality Control: All incoming materials and finished products will undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure adherence to our high standards of quality and sustainability.

Sales and Distribution

Sales Channels: Eco Green Candles will be sold through multiple channels, including:

Online store

Local retailers specializing in eco-friendly products

Farmers' markets and craft fairs

Distribution Strategy: We will establish partnerships with local courier services for efficient and eco-friendly delivery of online orders. For wholesale orders, we will work closely with retailers to ensure timely delivery and replenishment of stock.

Marketing and Promotion

Brand Identity: We will develop a strong brand identity centered around our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Online Presence: Our website and social media channels will serve as platforms to showcase our products, share our story, and engage with customers.

Promotional Activities: We will participate in community events, collaborate with local influencers, and offer promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Customer Service

Communication: We will maintain open and transparent communication channels with our customers, responding promptly to inquiries and addressing any concerns or feedback.

Customer Education: Eco Green Candles will provide resources and information to educate customers about the benefits of using eco-friendly candles and the importance of sustainability.

Operational Efficiency

Workflow Optimization: We will continuously review and streamline our operational processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

Technology Integration: We will leverage technology solutions such as inventory management software and automated systems to streamline operations and improve productivity.

Financial Management

Budgeting: We will develop a detailed budget outlining projected expenses and revenue streams, allowing us to effectively manage our financial resources.

Profitability Analysis: Regular financial analysis will be conducted to assess the profitability of our products and identify areas for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance

Product Safety: We will ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards for the manufacturing and sale of candles, including safety labeling and product testing.

Environmental Regulations: Eco Green Candles will adhere to local and national environmental regulations regarding waste disposal, emissions, and sustainability practices.

Conclusion

The successful operation of Eco Green Candles relies on the effective implementation of the strategies outlined in this plan. By prioritizing sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction, we aim to establish Eco Green Candles as a trusted provider of environmentally friendly candles in Greater Sudbury and beyond.

Thank you for your support as we embark on this journey to promote environmental stewardship through our business endeavors.

[elizacrypto]

The Top 10 Web3 Crypto Coins Set to Explode by 2025 

In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, investors are always on the lookout for the next big thing. As we approach 2025, the focus is shifting towards Web3 crypto coins that promise explosive growth. These digital assets are not only volatile but also have the potential to reshape industries. Let's delve into the top 10 Web3 crypto coins that are set to explode and make waves by 2025.

1.Filecoin

Filecoin stands out as a beacon of innovation in the world of cryptocurrency. Developed by Protocol Labs, Filecoin operates as an open-source, public cryptocurrency and digital payment system. Its primary purpose is to establish a blockchain-based cooperative digital storage and data retrieval method. Transactions within the network are facilitated using FIL, the native currency of the blockchain.

2.Theta

Theta, a blockchain-based network founded in 2018, is a game-changer for video streaming enthusiasts. Operating on a decentralized network, Theta allows users to exchange bandwidth and processing resources peer-to-peer. The goal is clear: enhance video streaming quality, making it more efficient and cost-effective. As the demand for high-quality streaming rises, Theta positions itself as a key player in the industry.

3.Chainlink

Co-founded in 2014 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, Chainlink has emerged as a pioneer in connecting off-platform sources to smart contracts. With a robust foundation in decentralized systems, Chainlink is a dominant force in a growing market. Investing in Chainlink is akin to putting trust in a technology that seamlessly integrates data into smart contracts.

4.Internet Computer

Internet Computer (ICP) plays a crucial role as a utility token, enabling users to participate in and govern the Internet Computer blockchain network. Designed to assist developers in creating websites, enterprise IT systems, internet services, and DeFi applications, ICP offers versatility. Notably, ICP can be staked or converted into cycles, powering computation for decentralized applications (dApps) and traditional applications alike.

5.BitTorrent

BitTorrent, a popular peer-to-peer distributed communication technology, revolutionizes data distribution. By eliminating the need for a central server, BitTorrent ensures reliable simultaneous distribution of large files to multiple clients. The protocol's efficiency and decentralized nature make BitTorrent a cornerstone in the era of massive data sharing.

6.Uniswap 

Uniswap, an Ethereum token, drives the automated liquidity provider designed for exchanging Ethereum (ERC-20) tokens. Unlike traditional exchanges, Uniswap operates without an order book or central facilitator. Token exchanges occur through liquidity pools defined by smart contracts, providing a decentralized and efficient trading experience.

7.Ethereum 

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has witnessed a remarkable surge in value, reaching as high as 800% in the last year. Ethereum's significant role in expanding decentralized finance (DeFi) contributes to its widespread acceptance and substantial investments. As the crypto landscape evolves, Ethereum continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance.

8.Decentraland

Decentraland, a 3D virtual reality platform built on the Ethereum blockchain, offers a unique space where users can create and monetize content and applications. Functioning as a shared metaverse, Decentraland allows users to purchase virtual plots of land. Its immersive experience and user-owned network contribute to its growing popularity.

9.Polkadot 

Polkadot distinguishes itself by seamlessly connecting heterogeneous blockchain networks. Its capability to facilitate communication between diverse blockchain projects positions it as a promising investment. The Polkadot ecosystem is witnessing a surge in projects built on its foundation, making it a reliable choice for investors seeking decent returns.

10Cardano

Cardano stands out as a digital currency with impressive growth, driven by its commitment to optimizing transaction time and energy consumption. As the crypto community emphasizes sustainability, Cardano's approach aligns with the evolving preferences of investors. Its growth trajectory indicates a promising future in the competitive cryptocurrency landscape.

FAQs----------------------------------------

How Can I Start Investing in Web3 Crypto Coins?

To invest in Web3 crypto coins, start by creating an account on a reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Purchase popular coins like Ethereum or Binance Coin and explore emerging projects with potential.

Is Web3 Technology Safe for Investments?

Web3 technology introduces enhanced security features through decentralized frameworks. While risks exist, thorough research and due diligence can mitigate potential issues, making it a relatively safe investment avenue.

What Sets Web3 Apart from Previous Crypto Generations?

Web3 introduces decentralization on a broader scale, emphasizing user control and security. It aims to address scalability, interoperability, and sustainability, marking a significant evolution from previous crypto generations.

Which is the Best Blockchain Development Company In Mohali, Punjab ?

Wisewaytec stands at the forefront of cutting-edge blockchain development, offering innovative solutions that redefine the digital landscape. As the Best Blockchain Development Company in Mohali, Punjab we are committed to empowering businesses with transformative technologies that enhance security, transparency, and efficiency.

Can Web3 Coins Replace Traditional Financial Systems?

While Web3 coins aim to revolutionize finance, complete replacement of traditional systems is a gradual process. They coexist, offering diverse options for users seeking decentralized alternatives.

Are Web3 Crypto Coins Suitable for Long-Term Investments?

Many Web3 projects demonstrate potential for long-term growth. However, due diligence is crucial. Research each project's fundamentals, team, and community support to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

The top 10 Web3 crypto coins mentioned above are poised to explode by 2025. Each coin represents a unique value proposition, catering to the evolving needs of investors and enthusiasts. As the market embraces innovation, these cryptocurrencies stand as beacons of potential growth and transformation.

Disclaimer: Any financial and crypto market information written for informational purpose only and is not an investment advice. The readers are further advised that Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. I do not represent nor own any cryptocurrency, any complaints, abuse or concerns with regards to the information provided shall be immediately informed here.

[nishakrishnan1996]

Unveiling the 5 Ps Framework: A Complete Guide to Digital Marketing Mastery

In the ever-expanding realm of digital marketing, the key to success lies in a well-crafted strategy. One such framework that has proven invaluable is the 5 Ps framework. Originating from traditional marketing principles, this framework seamlessly transitions into the digital age, offering marketers a systematic approach to crafting and executing effective marketing campaigns.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into each of the 5 Ps – Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People – and explore their application in the digital landscape.

1. Product: Understanding Your Offering

At the core of any marketing strategy is the product or service being offered. In digital marketing, comprehending your product goes beyond its features and specifications. It involves identifying its unique value proposition and how it addresses the needs and pain points of your target audience. Whether it's physical goods, digital services, or subscription-based offerings, a profound understanding of your product is essential for crafting compelling marketing messages and driving customer engagement.

2. Price: Determining the Right Value Proposition

Setting the appropriate price for your product or service is a delicate balance. In the digital era, consumers have access to a plethora of information and choices, making pricing decisions more critical than ever. Competitive pricing, value-based pricing, and dynamic pricing are just a few strategies digital marketers can utilize to capture market share and optimize profitability. By analyzing market trends, competitor pricing strategies, and customer preferences, marketers can identify the optimal price point that aligns with their business objectives and resonates with their target audience.

3. Place: Leveraging Digital Channels for Distribution

Gone are the days when "place" in marketing solely referred to physical locations. In today's digital landscape, "place" encompasses the multitude of online channels and platforms used for product distribution and sales. From e-commerce websites and mobile apps to social media platforms and online marketplaces, digital marketers have a wealth of options at their disposal. The key is to select the channels that effectively reach and engage your target audience. By leveraging digital channels strategically, marketers can expand their reach, enhance brand visibility, and drive sales in the fiercely competitive online marketplace.

4. Promotion: Crafting Compelling Marketing Messages

Promotion is the driving force behind awareness, interest, and conversions. In digital marketing, the promotional landscape is vast and diverse, encompassing content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, SEO, PPC advertising, influencer marketing, and more. The key is to develop cohesive and integrated promotional campaigns that resonate with your target audience across multiple touchpoints. By harnessing the power of storytelling, personalization, and data-driven insights, digital marketers can create compelling marketing messages that cut through the clutter and drive meaningful engagement with their brand.

5. People: Understanding Your Audience

At the heart of every successful marketing campaign lies a deep understanding of the target audience. In digital marketing, this entails creating detailed buyer personas that capture the demographics, psychographics, and online behavior of your ideal customers. By understanding their needs, preferences, pain points, and aspirations, marketers can tailor their messaging and offers to effectively address specific customer segments. Moreover, by leveraging data analytics and marketing automation tools, marketers can deliver personalized experiences that resonate with individual customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

In summary, the 5 Ps framework provides a holistic and structured approach to digital marketing strategy. By comprehending the interplay between Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People, marketers can develop and execute effective marketing campaigns that drive results and achieve business objectives. In the dynamic and fast-paced world of digital marketing, mastering the 5 Ps is essential for staying competitive and driving growth in today's digital landscape.

[vickutz1]

TITLE: PrismNET Asia-Pacific Leaders Symposium: Launch of the 319 Global Service Center Initiative

On May 7th, the PrismNET Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Symposium was successfully held at the Cordis Hotel in Hong Kong, bringing together service center heads and community leaders from various countries and regions within Asia-Pacific to discuss the expansive plans for PrismNET. At the event, Marlik Luno, the Chairman of PrismNET Global Development Committee and Chief Operating Officer, welcomed the representatives of the Asia-Pacific community and outlined the development plans for the upcoming months. Luno highlighted the current global societal transformation characterized by significant shifts in productivity. PrismNET is at the forefront of this transformation, leading the development in the AIGC artificial intelligence industry. The company has addressed the industry’s core challenge of GPU power supply for energy in artificial intelligence, having upgraded 13 GPU power clusters globally with a total capacity reaching 1100P. Furthermore, the platform is developing the PrismNET Chain (PNC), a global distributed power cluster blockchain network aimed at consolidating idle and redundant GPU power for scheduling and distribution, thus maximizing the application value of individual GPU capacities.

Subsequently, Tomy Tang, from the Platform Education and Development Committee, analyzed the current state and future value of the AI+DePin industry track for the leaders. He discussed how PrismNET positions itself as the first platform globally to implement an AI+Web3.0 ecosystem. The platform’s GPU power leasing service has already provided cost-effective energy solutions for more AI enterprises. Using AI for content publication, data streaming, and automated sales through e-commerce server rooms built around the world, along with matrixed account operations, the platform has achieved over $7000 in sales profit per account on TikTok, demonstrating the deep application of AI in e-commerce.

Following this, William delved into an in-depth analysis of PrismNET’s business model and its long-term value prospects. Many community leaders expressed that PrismNET’s business model fully meets everyone’s market expectations and that this mechanism is adaptable to various market conditions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for business expansion. The business model, being a core element of project development, features low barriers to entry, high returns, vast potential for imagination, scalability, user-friendliness, and strong promotional drive, which are significant characteristics of the PrismNET model.

During the banquet, the platform made a major announcement with the launch of PriamAI, an AI short video tool tailored for C-end users, integrating functions like IP creation, graphic generation, video conversion, and digital human cloning. PrismAI provides numerous entrepreneurs with powerful tools for easy use. Additionally, users can utilize PNC for exchanges to enhance their experience significantly, also greatly boosting PNC’s circulation and application value within the ecosystem.

At the banquet, the 319 Global Service Center Plan was announced, which, through the strong support of salons and sharing sessions, aids in the business development of service centers in various regions and rapidly propagates PrismNET’s vast ecosystem in the market. The banquet also recognized outstanding service centers for April, with Chief Operating Officer Luno personally distributing awards to the winners. Additionally, the development and evaluation plans for the community in May and a preview of the PrismNET Global Elite International Symposium scheduled for June were announced.

During this meeting, leaders from the Wutong Community and Xinxin International Community shared their experiences, insights, and market development strategies deeply with the attendees, setting goals and resolutions for May. All leaders present reached a high consensus to strive with full effort to discuss, build, share, and win together, and to collaborate in developing a grand industry ecosystem alongside the platform.

About PrismNET

PrismNET aims to provide cheap computing power and sustainable development super power for global AIGC entrepreneurs and developers in the AI field. It promotes the development of the artificial intelligence industry through the construction of distributed computing power cluster networks and computing power leasing services under trusted networks. Provide global investors with a convenient way to participate in the artificial intelligence track and an AI income path.

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