#Engineering Firm NYC | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

Text

The moral injury of having your work enshittified

This Monday (November 27), I'm appearing at the Toronto Metro Reference Library with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

On November 29, I'm at NYC's Strand Books with my novel The Lost Cause, a solarpunk tale of hope and danger that Rebecca Solnit called "completely delightful."

This week, I wrote about how the Great Enshittening – in which all the digital services we rely on become unusable, extractive piles of shit – did not result from the decay of the morals of tech company leadership, but rather, from the collapse of the forces that discipline corporate wrongdoing:

https://locusmag.com/2023/11/commentary-by-cory-doctorow-dont-be-evil/

The failure to enforce competition law allowed a few companies to buy out their rivals, or sell goods below cost until their rivals collapsed, or bribe key parts of their supply chain not to allow rivals to participate:

https://www.engadget.com/google-reportedly-pays-apple-36-percent-of-ad-search-revenues-from-safari-191730783.html

The resulting concentration of the tech sector meant that the surviving firms were stupendously wealthy, and cozy enough that they could agree on a common legislative agenda. That regulatory capture has allowed tech companies to violate labor, privacy and consumer protection laws by arguing that the law doesn't apply when you use an app to violate it:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men

But the regulatory capture isn't just about preventing regulation: it's also about creating regulation – laws that make it illegal to reverse-engineer, scrape, and otherwise mod, hack or reconfigure existing services to claw back value that has been taken away from users and business customers. This gives rise to Jay Freeman's perfectly named doctrine of "felony contempt of business-model," in which it is illegal to use your own property in ways that anger the shareholders of the company that sold it to you:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/09/lead-me-not-into-temptation/#chamberlain

Undisciplined by the threat of competition, regulation, or unilateral modification by users, companies are free to enshittify their products. But what does that actually look like? I say that enshittification is always precipitated by a lost argument.

It starts when someone around a board-room table proposes doing something that's bad for users but good for the company. If the company faces the discipline of competition, regulation or self-help measures, then the workers who are disgusted by this course of action can say, "I think doing this would be gross, and what's more, it's going to make the company poorer," and so they win the argument.

But when you take away that discipline, the argument gets reduced to, "Don't do this because it would make me ashamed to work here, even though it will make the company richer." Money talks, bullshit walks. Let the enshittification begin!

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/22/who-wins-the-argument/#corporations-are-people-my-friend

But why do workers care at all? That's where phrases like "don't be evil" come into the picture. Until very recently, tech workers participated in one of history's tightest labor markets, in which multiple companies with gigantic war-chests bid on their labor. Even low-level employees routinely fielded calls from recruiters who dangled offers of higher salaries and larger stock grants if they would jump ship for a company's rival.

Employers built "campuses" filled with lavish perks: massages, sports facilities, daycare, gourmet cafeterias. They offered workers generous benefit packages, including exotic health benefits like having your eggs frozen so you could delay fertility while offsetting the risks normally associated with conceiving at a later age.

But all of this was a transparent ruse: the business-case for free meals, gyms, dry-cleaning, catering and massages was to keep workers at their laptops for 10, 12, or even 16 hours per day. That egg-freezing perk wasn't about helping workers plan their families: it was about thumbing the scales in favor of working through your entire twenties and thirties without taking any parental leave.

In other words, tech employers valued their employees as a means to an end: they wanted to get the best geeks on the payroll and then work them like government mules. The perks and pay weren't the result of comradeship between management and labor: they were the result of the discipline of competition for labor.

This wasn't really a secret, of course. Big Tech workers are split into two camps: blue badges (salaried employees) and green badges (contractors). Whenever there is a slack labor market for a specific job or skill, it is converted from a blue badge job to a green badge job. Green badges don't get the food or the massages or the kombucha. They don't get stock or daycare. They don't get to freeze their eggs. They also work long hours, but they are incentivized by the fear of poverty.

Tech giants went to great lengths to shield blue badges from green badges – at some Google campuses, these workforces actually used different entrances and worked in different facilities or on different floors. Sometimes, green badge working hours would be staggered so that the armies of ragged clickworkers would not be lined up to badge in when their social betters swanned off the luxury bus and into their airy adult kindergartens.

But Big Tech worked hard to convince those blue badges that they were truly valued. Companies hosted regular town halls where employees could ask impertinent questions of their CEOs. They maintained freewheeling internal social media sites where techies could rail against corporate foolishness and make Dilbert references.

And they came up with mottoes.

Apple told its employees it was a sound environmental steward that cared about privacy. Apple also deliberately turned old devices into e-waste by shredding them to ensure that they wouldn't be repaired and compete with new devices:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

And even as they were blocking Facebook's surveillance tools, they quietly built their own nonconsensual mass surveillance program and lied to customers about it:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Facebook told employees they were on a "mission to connect every person in the world," but instead deliberately sowed discontent among its users and trapped them in silos that meant that anyone who left Facebook lost all their friends:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/facebooks-secret-war-switching-costs

And Google promised its employees that they would not "be evil" if they worked at Google. For many googlers, that mattered. They wanted to do something good with their lives, and they had a choice about who they would work for. What's more, they did make things that were good. At their high points, Google Maps, Google Mail, and of course, Google Search were incredible.

My own life was totally transformed by Maps: I have very poor spatial sense, need to actually stop and think to tell my right from my left, and I spent more of my life at least a little lost and often very lost. Google Maps is the cognitive prosthesis I needed to become someone who can go anywhere. I'm profoundly grateful to the people who built that service.

There's a name for phenomenon in which you care so much about your job that you endure poor conditions and abuse: it's called "vocational awe," as coined by Fobazi Ettarh:

https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/

Ettarh uses the term to apply to traditionally low-waged workers like librarians, teachers and nurses. In our book Chokepoint Capitalism, Rebecca Giblin and I talked about how it applies to artists and other creative workers, too:

https://chokepointcapitalism.com/

But vocational awe is also omnipresent in tech. The grandiose claims to be on a mission to make the world a better place are not just puffery – they're a vital means of motivating workers who can easily quit their jobs and find a new one to put in 16-hour days. The massages and kombucha and egg-freezing are not framed as perks, but as logistical supports, provided so that techies on an important mission can pursue a shared social goal without being distracted by their balky, inconvenient meatsuits.

Steve Jobs was a master of instilling vocational awe. He was full of aphorisms like "we're here to make a dent in the universe, otherwise why even be here?" Or his infamous line to John Sculley, whom he lured away from Pepsi: "Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life or come with me and change the world?"

Vocational awe cuts both ways. If your workforce actually believes in all that high-minded stuff, if they actually sacrifice their health, family lives and self-care to further the mission, they will defend it. That brings me back to enshittification, and the argument: "If we do this bad thing to the product I work on, it will make me hate myself."

The decline in market discipline for large tech companies has been accompanied by a decline in labor discipline, as the market for technical work grew less and less competitive. Since the dotcom collapse, the ability of tech giants to starve new entrants of market oxygen has shrunk techies' dreams.

Tech workers once dreamed of working for a big, unwieldy firm for a few years before setting out on their own to topple it with a startup. Then, the dream shrank: work for that big, clumsy firm for a few years, then do a fake startup that makes a fake product that is acquihired by your old employer, as an incredibly inefficient and roundabout way to get a raise and a bonus.

Then the dream shrank again: work for a big, ugly firm for life, but get those perks, the massages and the kombucha and the stock options and the gourmet cafeteria and the egg-freezing. Then it shrank again: work for Google for a while, but then get laid off along with 12,000 co-workers, just months after the company does a stock buyback that would cover all those salaries for the next 27 years:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/10/the-proletarianization-of-tech-workers/

Tech workers' power was fundamentally individual. In a tight labor market, tech workers could personally stand up to their bosses. They got "workplace democracy" by mouthing off at town hall meetings. They didn't have a union, and they thought they didn't need one. Of course, they did need one, because there were limits to individual power, even for the most in-demand workers, especially when it came to ghastly, long-running sexual abuse from high-ranking executives:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/25/technology/google-sexual-harassment-andy-rubin.html

Today, atomized tech workers who are ordered to enshittify the products they take pride in are losing the argument. Workers who put in long hours, missed funerals and school plays and little league games and anniversaries and family vacations are being ordered to flush that sacrifice down the toilet to grind out a few basis points towards a KPI.

It's a form of moral injury, and it's palpable in the first-person accounts of former workers who've exited these large firms or the entire field. The viral "Reflecting on 18 years at Google," written by Ian Hixie, vibrates with it:

https://ln.hixie.ch/?start=1700627373

Hixie describes the sense of mission he brought to his job, the workplace democracy he experienced as employees' views were both solicited and heeded. He describes the positive contributions he was able to make to a commons of technical standards that rippled out beyond Google – and then, he says, "Google's culture eroded":

Decisions went from being made for the benefit of users, to the benefit of Google, to the benefit of whoever was making the decision.

In other words, techies started losing the argument. Layoffs weakened worker power – not just to defend their own interest, but to defend the users interests. Worker power is always about more than workers – think of how the 2019 LA teachers' strike won greenspace for every school, a ban on immigration sweeps of students' parents at the school gates and other community benefits:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/23/a-collective-bargain/

Hixie attributes the changes to a change in leadership, but I respectfully disagree. Hixie points to the original shareholder letter from the Google founders, in which they informed investors contemplating their IPO that they were retaining a controlling interest in the company's governance so that they could ignore their shareholders' priorities in favor of a vision of Google as a positive force in the world:

https://abc.xyz/investor/founders-letters/ipo-letter/

Hixie says that the leadership that succeeded the founders lost sight of this vision – but the whole point of that letter is that the founders never fully ceded control to subsequent executive teams. Yes, those executive teams were accountable to the shareholders, but the largest block of voting shares were retained by the founders.

I don't think the enshittification of Google was due to a change in leadership – I think it was due to a change in discipline, the discipline imposed by competition, regulation and the threat of self-help measures. Take ads: when Google had to contend with one-click adblocker installation, it had to constantly balance the risk of making users so fed up that they googled "how do I block ads?" and then never saw another ad ever again.

But once Google seized the majority of the mobile market, it was able to funnel users into apps, and reverse-engineering an app is a felony (felony contempt of business-model) under Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. An app is just a web-page wrapped in enough IP to make it a crime to install an ad-blocker.

And as Google acquired control over the browser market, it was likewise able to reduce the self-help measures available to browser users who found ads sufficiently obnoxious to trigger googling "how do I block ads?" The apotheosis of this is the yearslong campaign to block adblockers in Chrome, which the company has sworn it will finally do this coming June:

https://www.tumblr.com/tevruden/734352367416410112/you-have-until-june-to-dump-chrome

My contention here is not that Google's enshittification was precipitated by a change in personnel via the promotion of managers who have shitty ideas. Google's enshittification was precipitated by a change in discipline, as the negative consequences of heeding those shitty ideas were abolished thanks to monopoly.

This is bad news for people like me, who rely on services like Google Maps as cognitive prostheses. Elizabeth Laraki, one of the original Google Maps designers, has published a scorching critique of the latest GMaps design:

https://twitter.com/elizlaraki/status/1727351922254852182

Laraki calls out numerous enshittificatory design-choices that have left Maps screens covered in "crud" – multiple revenue-maximizing elements that come at the expense of usability, shifting value from users to Google.

What Laraki doesn't say is that these UI elements are auctioned off to merchants, which means that the business that gives Google the most money gets the greatest prominence in Maps, even if it's not the best merchant. That's a recurring motif in enshittified tech platforms, most notoriously Amazon, which makes $31b/year auctioning off top search placement to companies whose products aren't relevant enough to your query to command that position on their own:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/25/greedflation/#commissar-bezos

Enshittification begets enshittification. To succeed on Amazon, you must divert funds from product quality to auction placement, which means that the top results are the worst products:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/06/attention-rents/#consumer-welfare-queens

The exception is searches for Apple products: Apple and Amazon have a cozy arrangement that means that searches for Apple products are a timewarp back to the pre-enshittification Amazon, when the company worried enough about losing your business to heed the employees who objected to sacrificing search quality as part of a merchant extortion racket:

https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-gives-apple-special-treatment-while-others-suffer-junk-ads-2023-11

Not every tech worker is a tech bro, in other words. Many workers care deeply about making your life better. But the microeconomics of the boardroom in a monopolized tech sector rewards the worst people and continuously promotes them. Forget the Peter Principle: tech is ruled by the Sam Principle.

As OpenAI went through four CEOs in a single week, lots of commentators remarked on Sam Altman's rise and fall and rise, but I only found one commentator who really had Altman's number. Writing in Today in Tabs, Rusty Foster nailed Altman to the wall:

https://www.todayintabs.com/p/defective-accelerationism

Altman's history goes like this: first, he founded a useless startup that raised $30m, only to be acquired and shuttered. Then Altman got a job running Y Combinator, where he somehow failed at taking huge tranches of equity from "every Stanford dropout with an idea for software to replace something Mommy used to do." After that, he founded OpenAI, a company that he claims to believe presents an existential risk to the entire human risk – which he structured so incompetently that he was then forced out of it.

His reward for this string of farcical, mounting failures? He was put back in charge of the company he mis-structured despite his claimed belief that it will destroy the human race if not properly managed.

Altman's been around for a long time. He founded his startup in 2005. There've always been Sams – of both the Bankman-Fried varietal and the Altman genus – in tech. But they didn't get to run amok. They were disciplined by their competitors, regulators, users and workers. The collapse of competition led to an across-the-board collapse in all of those forms of discipline, revealing the executives for the mediocre sociopaths they always were, and exposing tech workers' vocational awe for the shabby trick it was from the start.

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/2023/11/25/moral-injury/#enshittification

#pluralistic #moral injury #enshittification #worker power #google #dont be evil #monopoly #sam altman #openai #vocational awe #making a dent in the universe

561 notes · View notes

clementine-kesh · 1 year ago

Text

concocting a modern voyager au based on don’t trust the b where harry’s the good midwestern boy who moved to nyc for his first post-grad job as a software engineer when the firm he’s supposed to be working at goes under and he has to totally rethink his life. he meets tom while apartment hunting and tom tries the whole roommate scam on him (presenting himself as a great roommate at first then turning into a total nightmare to drive them to break the lease so he can keep the deposit) but harry toughs it out and they become besties + tom develops a huge fat crush on him. janeway is the broadway diva tom is somewhat inexplicably best friends with. b’elanna is the person who was supposed to train harry at his software engineer job/manager of the coffee shop he eventually works at (she got the coffee shop job like ten minutes after getting laid off). idk who everyone else would be but they’d be there too

18 notes · View notes

moonchildreads · 2 years ago

Text

small town

Chapter 7 - The Search Is Over

IN THIS CHAPTER: A planned birthday party, nerdy father figures, and The Present Ritual [4.1k]

WARNINGS: brief mentions of deceased parents

masterlist - prev - next | playlist

Now I look into your eyes, I can see forever The search is over, you were with me all the while

Saturday, April 26th - 1986

“Honey, there’s someone here to see you,” James knocked on the wooden frame of his daughter’s bedroom door.

“Huh?” she lifted her head from her pillow and looked at the clock next to her bed: 11:02.

Without saying anything else, Dottie’s dad disappeared down the hall, his footsteps heavy on the stairs. Who on Earth was dropping by to see her on a Saturday before noon? Rushing to the bathroom to brush her teeth, she heard her dad yelling from down the stairs again.

“Dorothy, did you hear me?”

“Yes, yes! I’m coming, hold up!” she screamed back at him, grabbing the railing so she wouldn’t trip on her slippers on her way down the stairs.

Dottie opened the front door with a hurried yank and was surprised to find no one at the other side. Worried that whoever had been waiting for her to show up had gotten tired and walked back to their vehicle, she peered around, craning to see down the street. Again, nothing. Not even a soul. There wasn’t even a car parked nearby, only an elderly neighbor spraying his bushes with a slinky hose. Extremely confused, and frankly still rather sleepy, she closed the door and stared blankly at the handle. She turned around and began making her way to the kitchen, questions burning the tip of her tongue. Unsolved mysteries were terrible on her anxious little heart.

Her words died in her throat as she heard familiar voices coming from behind the closed shutters of the passthrough kitchen window. Her eyes widening, she tripped over the rug, throwing herself to the shutters and pulling them open. They hit the walls with a loud bang and the three men on the other side turned to look at her.

“What the fuck are you two doing here?!”

“Jesus, kid, we can leave if you want.”

A loud chortle made its way out of her throat as she leaped through the door to hug one of the two men, the one who wasn’t currently holding a mug of coffee. Joseph looked up from the teenager between his arms, smiling at James and Robert who were watching the very dramatic act unfolding at the kitchen island.

“Did you really think we were gonna miss your 18th birthday, kiddo?” Robert said, stealing the girl from his friend’s arms and squeezing tightly.

“I just never thought- why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“And ruin the surprise? Natalie is sorry she couldn’t come, but she got this for you. She said you should wear it for the party,” Joseph slid a large gift bag across the island.

Uncles Joseph and Robert were two of James Burke’s best friends from college. The three of them met as classmates while pursuing an Engineering degree but Joe and Rob had switched to a more social sciences oriented program during junior year before heading off to Law school after graduation. They had a small but successful firm together in NYC; Joe’s strength was litigation and Rob’s was transactions so it felt natural for them to partner up and navigate the post-graduate world together. As they often said, life was so much easier with the right people around you to raise you up when you stumbled.

It only made sense then that when Dottie’s mom passed away, they took it upon themselves to raise both James and Dorothy up as much as they possibly could. As such, the young girl had spent countless hours at their budding law firm, her short legs swinging from the tall chairs as she doodled or worked on her homework, waiting for her Dad to pick her up after a meeting that ran particularly late. Uncle Joe was the eternal bachelor; born and raised in New York, he always knew the most obscure and fascinating places to take her to. One of her favorite memories was from the time he’d taught her to ride a bike in an old abandoned parking lot that had a fantastic Italian-owned pasta place right around the corner. She’d scraped one of her shins until it bled but they had wonderful gnocchi afterwards so overall it had been a great day. On the other hand, Uncle Rob was married to Natalie and had two kids: six-year old Nate, whom Dottie had babysat numerous times, and newborn Lily, whom the teenager hadn’t been able to meet yet due to moving to Indiana. When they sat down to have a late breakfast, Dottie’s first question before she had even opened Natalie’s gift was to ask for pictures of Lily, which prompted Rob to pull out a stack of recently developed memories from his coat pocket like he had been waiting for her to request them all along.

Aunt Natalie had sent her a precious pair of black ruched booties with the tiniest hint of heel; as she was admiring them, Uncle Joseph appeared behind her with a stack of presents from the rest of the gaggle of aunts and uncles she missed so dearly. There was a small selection of leather-bound Shakespeare books from Aunt Mary Elizabeth and Uncle Johnny, a black skirt with suspenders from Auntie Rachel (You should wear that with the boots tonight, honey!), a gorgeous dainty set of silver earrings with a matching necklace from Uncle Joseph himself, a handmade wooden jewelry box from Uncle Robert, a few rare vinyls from Uncky Paul, and a pair of comfy pajamas from always practical Aunt Barbara. Dottie glanced at the wrapping paper and bows lying around her on the kitchen floor and realized she would never have anything to fear as long as she had these people in her corner.

“Well, now that presents are out of the way,” Uncle Joe began, a dangerous glint in his eye. “Tell me about these D&D nerds who are coming to your birthday party.”

“It’s me, I am the D&D nerd in case you forgot,” she said as nonchalantly as she could, feeling a burst of anxious energy at the thought of her dear uncles meeting her new friends. Thank God Uncle Johnny wasn’t here or he’d offer to DM a campaign out of his ass for everyone.

“To be fair, there was no way on Earth you wouldn’t be a nerd with the dad you have,” Rob said.

“And with the Uncles she has,” James quipped.

“And also the Aunties,” Joe finished, remembering how Rachel used to be their de facto leader during their adventures. “But don’t change the topic, I wanna know about your new friends.”

“You’ll meet them soon enough,” Dottie said with an innocent smile. “You’re gonna love Erica.”

Eddie glanced at his wristwatch again after parking his van outside the address Dottie had scribbled for him on a piece of paper. The watch said 7:53, and he took a deep breath knowing he was more late than he had wanted to be. Henderson probably got here fifteen minutes before the party even started, he thought bitterly. He grabbed the terribly wrapped gift - the reason he was way past fashionably late - from his passenger seat and walked up to the front door, taking a few deep breaths to calm his nerves.

Dottie’s house was a typical suburban two-story house. The front lawn looked a little bare aside from the mailbox but seemed to be well taken care of, and there was a big tree to the side of the concrete path that led to the front door. The only indication a party was going on inside the house was a colorful banner hanging from the door frame. He rang the doorbell and waited in silence, straining to hear footsteps approaching.

“Hi there,” a man’s voice said. He was tall, had graying hair and light blue eyes. He looked nothing like he had imagined Dottie’s dad would look like. “You one of Dottie’s friends?”

“Y-yeah,” Eddie said nervously and cleared his throat. “Yes, sir, I’m Eddie.”

“Come on in, kid, you’re just in time for the pizza. You can leave your gift on that table, we open them at candle time. Dorothy! You’ve got one more!”

The man hurried down the hallway leaving Eddie to his devices. The teen looked around curiously, taking the opportunity to get into his usual confident persona in private. He noticed a stack of gifts on the entrance table next to the door and felt incredibly shy putting his on top of them; he’d used at least three times more tape than everyone else had used. Hanging his winter coat amongst the myriad of other jackets already on the rack, he rolled his shoulders and walked down the entryway towards the direction the man had disappeared into. Eddie found himself standing in a cozy and modern-looking living room, the rest of the Hellfire Club lounging around on the couch, the floor or on a few beanbags. Jeff, Mike, and Donny were playing cards at the coffee table with another man, dark haired with a short but carefully kept beard. Dustin had thrown himself on a beanbag and was listening to Erica argue about the Supreme Court with the man that had opened the door, and he spotted Gareth coming in from the kitchen with two bottles of soda on his hands, one of them Dr. Pepper.

“Hey, man!” Mike said, noticing him. “We thought you weren’t coming.”

“Nah, just couldn’t find the right house,” Eddie lied, but it was innocent enough for them to buy it.

“Hey, I’m Robert, Dottie’s uncle,” said the dark haired man, putting his hand out to shake Eddie’s without getting up from his spot on the floor.

“Dude, her uncles play D&D too!” Jeff exclaimed excitedly.

“You’re the DM, right?” Robert asked, things starting to click into place for him.

“Yeah, I’m-”

“Eddie!” Dottie’s gleeful scream interrupted his introduction.

Eddie’s hello got stuck in his throat when he turned to see her setting down two plates full of homemade pizza on the dining table and rush to greet him with a tight hug. A mass of curly hair collided against him and he had to thank his quick reflexes for instantly putting his arms around her or else he would have looked like an idiot in front of everyone. She was wearing a white button up shirt with a big collar, a black high-waisted suspender skirt, see-through black tights with silver sparkles that glinted when she walked, and black boots. He noticed she had done her makeup and her hair was a little bit curlier than normal; if Eddie had to be pressed for a theory he would have said she had obviously tried to style herself like Molly Ringwald, one of her favorite teen actresses. She looked up at him from her spot against his chest and smiled. He nearly forgot how to breathe.

“Hey,” he forced himself to say, aware that people were watching. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you! You got just in time for pizza,” she said, leaving his warmth to catch one of the plates a third man was carrying from the kitchen and safely putting it down on the dining table. “Are you guys gonna eat here or are we moving?” she leaned over her Uncle Robert’s shoulders, taking a peek at his cards.

“We can eat and play at the same time,” the man answered, patting a spot next to him on the floor. “Sit down, kiddo, you haven’t stopped moving since noon.”

“Where were you?” Gareth asked, putting a plastic cup in Eddie’s hand.

“Got lost on the way, ended up at your house,” he lied again.

“You’re Eddie?” the third man asked, setting a plate and napkins on the coffee table; Mike and Jeff hurried to grab the cheesiest pieces. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Really? About lil ol’ me?” Eddie joked, putting a hand on his chest.

“You’re quite the talented storyteller, Dottie says,” Pizza Man affirmed, Dottie instantly making an exasperated face at him. “I’m James, the Dad.”

“Nice to meet you, sir,” he put on his best winning smile and put his hand out to shake his. “You have a beautiful house.”

“Thanks, kid,” James said, amused, shaking the teen’s hand. “Now what’s this I’ve heard about a pack of gnolls getting distracted by two pregnant mules?”

Eddie felt as if he had stepped into an alternate reality of sorts, a place where parents weren’t afraid of him corrupting their children and he was treated with respect and kindness regardless of how he looked like. James was clearly the coolest dad figure he’d ever met, and Uncles Joseph and Robert were very close behind. The three of them had entertained the teens all night with stories about their college times, their own D&D adventures, and assorted misbehaving. It was clear to all of them, however, that their favorite topic aside from “the good old times” was Dottie.

At some point during the party, a box of photos had come out, and much to Dottie’s shame, the three men had proceeded to tell everyone the most terrible and embarrassing tales from her childhood: from her throwing up on her dad’s car after eating too much at a ren fair at age four to her kicking a boy during her middle school prom after he made fun of the flowers in her hair (Oh, he deserved it, said Erica and everyone agreed with her), not forgetting to take a quick detour on her crush on Silver Spoons’ Jason Bateman.

“Oh my god, it wasn’t that big of a deal!” she hid her face in shame behind Donny’s shoulder, who couldn’t stop laughing.

“Honey, you were in love with the kid.”

“I was 13, that wasn’t love! It was at most a little innocent crush!”

“How in love are we talking about here?” Dustin inquired, rocking back and forth on his knees.

“Oh, we’re talking the whole deal, posters on the walls, love letters-”

“I never sent them!” she tried to defend herself, but Erica already had tears in her eyes. The amount of blackmail that girl was storing away for future use was nearing dangerous levels. “It was just… creative writing!”

“You always did love the bad boys,” Uncle Joe said, much to Eddie’s enjoyment.

“Did?” James commented, getting up to get the cake. “You saw her last year when Better Off Dead came out.”

“No! No, no, no, we’re not talking about this anymore! That movie was terrible!”

“If it was so bad then why did you ask Mary Elizabeth to take you to see it twice?” Uncle Robert said, with an air of finality, making Gareth laugh so hard he lost balance on the couch armrest and had to catch himself on Mike’s shoulder before his ass hit the floor.

As the laughter died down and cake and coffee was being set up at the table, everyone started drifting into different parts of the living room to stretch their legs and break off into little conversations leaving Dottie to collect the photos on the coffee table with incredibly red cheeks. Eddie took pity on her and kneeled down to help, curiously looking at the pictures he hadn’t gotten to see with much interest. Dottie was a puzzle he just couldn’t begin putting together, she was full of contradictions and hidden secrets that pulled him in more and more every time he learned something new about her.

His eyes stopped at a photo that seemed to be stuck to the back of another one; the image on top was a snap of little Dorothy dressed for a school play as an 1800s maiden. Taking a glance at Gareth and Dustin peering through the vinyl collection under the TV, he carefully pulled the two pictures apart and discovered a tender picture of a very young woman holding a sleeping baby against her chest. It didn’t have a date on it but if he had to guess, he was willing to bet his best guitar on the tiny baby being Dottie.

“That’s my Mom,” a soft voice coming from his side said. He looked up to see Dottie leaning close to him, her gaze wistful on the photographic paper in his hand. “That’s the last picture we have of her.”

“How old were you?”

“In this photo? Around six months, maybe? She died before my first Christmas so this is around October.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Eddie said, his own heart raw. “I, uh… I know what that’s like.”

“I know,” he looked up at her admission. “Donny mentioned it once when I told him about my Mom, I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t wanna ask in case you didn’t want to talk about it.”

“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” he smiled and moved his eyes again to the photo. “What was her name?”

“Margaret,” Dottie said, love dripping from every syllable. “Maggie, if she really liked you.”

“She was really pretty.”

“She was. I look nothing like her,” she chuckled.

It wasn’t a lie; Dorothy Burke was practically a carbon copy of her Dad. Her hair was a much lighter shade of brown than his, and while his was straight, hers was naturally wavy, but every other distinctive feature was from James, not Margaret. Her long thin fingers, her straight nose, her full eyebrows, they were all James, James, James. Margaret had a button nose, short stubby fingers and blonde hair. Dorothy often thought that life had been rather unfair to her; she couldn’t look at her Mom in the mirror as she aged and feel like she was growing up with her nearby. She didn’t resent looking like her Dad, she loved him, but there was always a part of her that shone brighter right after someone told her that she resembled her mother in any way.

“You’re right, you don’t,” Eddie admitted, slipping the picture into the box on her lap. “Doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful too.”

Dottie watched him get up and go stand next to her Uncle Joseph who was trying to convince Erica she’d be a great lawyer one day, and from the looks of it, had her on board with it. He thinks you’re beautiful, her brain chimed in. Eddie Munson thinks you are beautiful. She put the lid back on the box and went into the kitchen to help with cake preparations, her heart feeling both heavier and lighter at the same time.

“Open ours first!” Dustin said while he thrust a big box wrapped in glossy gift paper into Dottie’s arms.

“We asked my Mom for ideas, hope it’s okay,” Mike said, a little bit embarrassed he had to ask for backup for something as simple as a birthday present for a friend.

“I’m sure I’ll love it,” Dottie reassured him, tearing into the paper. “Aw, guys! This is so cute!”

They were sitting around the coffee table again after blowing the candles, James and Robert passing out pieces of cake on paper plates as they completed The Presents Ritual as directed by Uncle Joe. Inside Dustin and Mike’s box, there was a stationery set complete with a yellow folder covered with a daisy pattern and a matching pencil case.

“We know you love yellow and daisies,” Dustin said. “And now you can use this for Hellfire instead of your old ass binder.”

The old ass binder in question had fallen apart last Friday during a particularly intense fight that involved a horde of pixies and a bunch of terrible rolls. Next presents were equally thoughtful and Hellfire Club related; Jeff had gotten her a set of glittery dice (“So you don’t gotta use your Dad’s anymore”) and Erica’s little box had contained a set of mini figurines and paint. Donny’s bag, however, was full with a bunch of oversized colorful earrings and jelly bracelets (“My sisters said you might like these”). Gareth and Eddie looked at each other, silently deciding who was gonna go last.

“Alright, who’s next?” Uncle Joseph asked, looking at the two boys.

“You can go first,” Eddie hurried to say, acting like he was giving up his spot out of the kindness of his heart. A Beatles Greatest Hits vinyl was playing in the background.

“Mine’s a little bit… weird,” Gareth said, looking shy all of a sudden. “And it isn’t in the color I wanted but-”

“Dude,” she put her hand on top of his. “Shut up.”

“Okay,” he laughed, watching her rip the soft tissue paper and unfold a gray fuzzy blanket.

“A blankie?” Jeff looked at him, a joke ready on his tongue.

“Michigan gets really cold so…. I thought you might like this since I’m not gonna be around for you to steal my flannels anymore.”

“That’s… shit, you can’t do this to me, I’ve been crying all week!” she grinned at him. “You’re so sweet, G, thank you,” Dottie pulled him into a hug, the blanket bunched up between them.

“I wanted yellow, blue or white but they only had red or gray in this size.”

“Gray is perfect, I love it. I’m gonna take it to class with me when it snows.”

“Hold on, why did you say Michigan?” it was Mike’s turn to be confused.

“She got into UMich,” Donny told him.

“Wait, what?” Erica did a double take.

“You’re the full ride Michigan kid?” Jeff said, putting two and two together.

“You didn’t know?” Gareth asked.

“I only told you and Donny,” Dottie admitted, looking at the floor.

Eddie felt something akin to an arrow to the chest. She hadn’t told them. She only told Gareth and Donny. She didn’t tell me.

“Why didn’t you tell us? A full ride is awesome, you should talk about that more,” Dustin said.

“I don’t know, I… I haven’t really thought about college yet. We still have to finish the campaign, and there’s prom and finals first. It’s not a big deal.”

“Dottie, a full ride absolutely is a big deal,” Uncle Robert reminded her, aware of her tendency to minimize her achievements. “You should be proud of it, you earned that on your own.”

“I know but like… I don’t leave until September. Other things feel more important to me right now, I don’t wanna think about it yet.”

“Sorry I spilled the beans,” Gareth looked sheepish.

“No, it’s okay, I should have told you guys. I’m glad everyone knows, though, I promise I wasn’t hiding it. It just really never came up.”

“Well, with a 3.74 GPA we should have guessed it was you,” Eddie smiled, infinitely proud of her and yet terrified that she was pulling away before he even had a chance to make himself at home in her life. “Don’t be a stranger when you’re gone, alright? Don’t join another party without us.”

“You think you can get rid of me that easily, Munson?” she joked back, slipping into their usual banter for comfort.

“Alright, why don’t we open the last present before James starts moping about his baby leaving for college?” Uncle Joseph said, looking at his dear friend’s face.

“I’m not moping!” he defended himself, but it was clear to everyone that he was.

Eddie cleared his throat dramatically, walked towards her, dropped to one knee with his head bent, and presented the gift like one would present a sword to a king. She laughed and grabbed the soft package; he sprung instantly to his feet and put his arms behind his back, waiting. Dottie narrowed her eyes at him as she undid the ribbon and teared into the crinkly paper. She unfolded a very familiar looking shirt and stared at it with an unfocused gaze.

“It’s been almost a month and you still didn’t have one, so I printed one for you,” Eddie explained. “I hope it’s the right size.”

She looked up at him like he’d just given her his firstborn and threw herself at him with teary eyes. Welcome to Hellfire, Eddie had said during her first session, but this, this was different. This wasn’t a “Welcome to Hellfire” or an acceptance to his club. This was Eddie saying you belong with us in the form of a shirt. In the background, they could hear the boys making a scene, teasing him and complaining that they had had to make their own shirts when they had joined.

“Thank you,” she muttered against his chest. It seemed to Eddie that she did that more and more often every day: hiding her face into his body. He wasn’t complaining. “This means more than you know.”

“Means a lot to me too, darling,” he lowered his face into her hair and whispered back. “Happy birthday.”

Dottie was only vaguely aware that Oh! Darling was playing through the speakers as he squeezed her like he never wanted to let go.

taglist (let me know if you want me to add you!): @munsonology

#bunny writes #small town fic #eddie munson x female character #eddie munson x oc #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fic #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #hellfire club #stranger things 4 #gareth stranger things #jeff stranger things #dustin henderson #mike wheeler #erica sinclair #joseph quinn #baby's first fic

49 notes · View notes

rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

Text

National Skyscraper Day

Skyscrapers have become pretty commonplace in modern times, and National Skyscraper Day is our golden opportunity to appreciate these architectural marvels and feats of engineering. Skyscrapers grace our big cities with their bold presence and define our skylines with mighty buildings that literally seem to scrape the sky. But skyscrapers have only been around for about 130 years. The world’s first skyscraper was completed in 1885 in Chicago and it stood only 138 feet tall, a mere 10 stories that would not even count as a skyscraper today. But the name stuck, and initially any building that towered high over the surrounding structures was dubbed a skyscraper. Over time, our ability to engineer and construct skyscrapers improved drastically, and now a building must have at least 40 floors to be classified as a skyscraper at all. In crowded urban areas where land space is at a premium, skyscrapers allow us to build upwards rather than outwards, converting a single allotment of land area into 40 or more floors of potential living space. For National Skyscraper Day on September 3, we invite you to join us in taking a long look up.

National Skyscraper Day timeline

1870 Elevators Rise in Popularity

According to one of the top NYC PR Firms, the Equitable Life Building in NYC was the first tall office building with an elevator.

1884 The First Skyscraper

Chicago's Home Insurance Building is built; at 138 feet, it is considered the world's first skyscraper

2010 Burj Khalifa Opens

Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world at 2,722 feet, including the antennae

National Skyscraper Day Activities

Visit the top of your local skyscraper

Explore your local architecture or engineering

Build your own skyscraper

Chances are, you live within visiting distance of a skyscraper, and National Skyscraper Day is the perfect excuse to see your local skyscraper up close. Take a trip to your skyscraper and get a sense of the building from the inside. Ride the elevator (or dare to climb the stairs) to the top of the building and look out the window at the city around you. The top floors of many skyscrapers have restaurants, tours, or other ways to engage visitors, so poke around the offerings at your local skyscraper and have some fun!

Most of us weren't cut out to be architects or engineers, but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate these two crucial professions and what they bring to many aspects of modern life. National Skyscraper Day is a great opportunity to learn about the styles of architecture in your area. Or if you prefer something a little less artsy, you can read up on the engineering challenges that were overcome to construct the skyscrapers near you. Every area is different, and regional construction challenges had an impact on how your local skyscrapers were built.

Most skyscrapers have a steel framework that works to support various curtain walls, but you can make a miniature version at home with building blocks, dry pasta and glue, or even toothpicks and tongue depressors. Decide on your materials ahead of time, and challenge your friends to a skyscraper contest! Give everyone the same amount of building time, and see who can make the tallest skyscraper of all. You could even hold a skyscraper party with a number of teams all competing for that top spot.

Why We Love National Skyscraper Day

Their lofty top-down perspective

They bring the prestige

They combine science and art

No matter how you slice it, there's one thing all skyscrapers have in common — they're tall. A modern-day skyscraper boasts at least 40 floors from bottom to top, and it can offer you some really unparalleled views of the surrounding cityscape. The higher you go, the smaller the bustle on the ground looks, and the tallest skyscrapers around the world can make the people and even the cars seem like tiny little ants. Whether you're struggling with some mundane problems or seeking a more big-picture outlook on life, there's nothing quite like looking down from the top of a skyscraper.

Whenever a new skyscraper makes the list of the world's tallest buildings, it creates a considerable amount of prestige for the city, state, and country it calls home. Skyscrapers really define the skyline from which a city derives a lot of its identity and unique personality. Hosting a skyscraper is really a mark of your city's economic prowess, and cities with more skyscrapers tend to see more business activity than cities with lower rooftops. If you've ever opted for a hotel's penthouse suite or felt impressed by a top-floor corner office, you've experienced the allure of skyscraper prestige firsthand.

Though the official origins of National Skyscraper Day are unknown, it remains clear that skyscrapers are a true testament to the awesomeness of humanity. They are gargantuan projects that rely on heavy-duty science and the artistry of design in equal measure. Skyscrapers require brilliant architects who can design beautiful buildings that will proudly feature in the city skyline for generations to come. But skyscrapers also rely on ingenious engineers to turn architectural designs into a real-world plan of action founded on modern scientific principles.

Source

#travel #original photography #vacation #tourist attraction #landmark #architecture #cityscape #summer 2023 #reflection #Vancouver #British Columbia #Canada #downtown #National Skyscraper Day #NationalSkyscraperDay #3 September #Marine Building

4 notes · View notes

kicksaddictny · 2 years ago

Text

PUMA All-Pro NITRO Lime Squeeze

PUMA Hoops has launched its latest basketball silhouette, the All-Pro NITRO.

Available in a lime-squeeze colorway, the All-Pro NITRO is a direct descendent of the original Clyde All-Pro NITRO which was previously released in 2021.

The All-Pro NITRO is the first PUMA Hoops shoe to feature NITRO™ SQD foam, a soft inner layer of NITRO™ foam for cushioning combined with a firm outer layer of NITRO™ foam for multi-directional movements. This silhouette includes a specially engineered knit upper made with multi-zoned materials for targeted support, a supportive but breathable fit, as well as cord lock-down lacing system in the forefoot for lateral stability that extends down through the shoe.

Retailing for $130, the All-Pro NITRO is available now on PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store and at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports

#puma #kicksaddict #hoops

2 notes · View notes

siteitnow · 13 hours ago

Text

Why Choosing The Best NYC SEO Company Can Boost Sales?

Introduction to SEO and its importance in today's digital market

In today's fast-paced digital world, standing out from the competition is more critical than ever. Enter SEO—the magic ingredient that can propel your business to new heights. With millions of websites vying for attention, having a strong online presence is no longer optional; it's essential.

But what does it take to rise above the noise? This is where a top-notch NYC SEO agency comes into play. They possess the expertise and local knowledge necessary to navigate the unique challenges of New York's bustling market. By leveraging their strategies, your business will improve its visibility and drive meaningful engagement and sales.

Whether running a small startup or an established enterprise, understanding how effective SEO can impact your bottom line will change everything for you. Let's dive deeper into why choosing the right NYC SEO company could be one of the best decisions you'll make for your brand's growth!

How NYC SEO companies differ from other SEO agencies

NYC SEO companies bring a unique flair to the digital world. Their understanding of the local market dynamics sets them apart from other agencies.

These firms are deeply attuned to New York City’s fast-paced environment. They grasp what resonates with local consumers and businesses and tailor strategies accordingly.

Moreover, NYC is a melting pot of cultures and industries. This diversity allows these companies to implement creative approaches that reflect various demographics.

Additionally, access to cutting-edge technology is another advantage. Many NYC SEO firms leverage advanced tools and analytics for superior insights into consumer behavior.

The city's competitive nature also fosters innovation. Agencies here constantly adapt to stay ahead of trends, ensuring clients benefit from contemporary tactics.

By focusing on localized marketing strategies combined with industry expertise, NYC search engine optimization companies deliver results that resonate deeply within the bustling urban fabric.

Key factors to consider when choosing the best NYC SEO company for your business

When selecting an NYC SEO company, experience should be a top priority. Look for agencies with a solid track record of improving search rankings and driving organic traffic.

Next, consider their approach to strategy. A tailored plan is essential; one-size-fits-all solutions rarely yield results.

Transparency in reporting is also crucial. You want a partner who provides regular updates on progress and insights into campaign performance.

Check client testimonials and case studies to gauge effectiveness. Real-world success stories can give you confidence in your abilities.

Assess communication style. The best companies maintain open lines of dialogue, making collaboration more straightforward and effective.

The Impact of effective SEO strategies on Boosting sales and Revenue

Effective SEO strategies can transform a business’s online presence. They help improve visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic to your website. The more visitors you attract, the higher the chances of converting them into customers.

When users find your website easily, trust builds quickly. This credibility increases sales as potential buyers feel confident in your offer. A well-optimized website enhances user experience, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find what they need.

Higher rankings lead to more clicks and engagement. Each click represents an opportunity for conversion, whether through purchases or inquiries about services offered.

Moreover, effective keywords connect your products with the right audience at critical buying moments. Investing in a NYC digital marketing agency creates a direct link between digital marketing efforts and revenue growth that cannot be ignored.

Case studies of businesses that have seen success with the help of NYC SEO companies

One notable case is a local bakery partnered with an NYC SEO company. They revamped their website and optimized it for search engines. Within six months, organic traffic increased by over 150%. Customers started flocking to the store after discovering them through online searches.

Another success story involves a tech startup focused on app development. After engaging with an NYC digital marketing agency, the startup saw its rankings soar on Google. Its lead generation doubled within three months, translating into substantial revenue growth.

A fashion retailer experienced similar results through targeted SEO strategies tailored to their audience. The combination of keyword optimization and local search tactics resulted in a remarkable increase in foot traffic and online sales.

These examples highlight how partnering with an effective NYC SEO company can turn visibility into tangible business outcomes.

Tips for working with an NYC SEO agency and maximizing results

Effective communication is key when working with an NYC SEO agency. Be clear about your goals and expectations from the start. This clarity sets a foundation for success.

Regular updates and meetings ensure everyone is on the same page. Discuss progress, challenges, and new opportunities frequently.

Be open to their suggestions, but also share insights about your audience. Your knowledge of your market can effectively guide their strategies.

Set measurable objectives to track results over time. Understand metrics like organic traffic, conversion rates, and keyword rankings to evaluate performance accurately.

Stay flexible. The digital world changes rapidly, and adjustments may be necessary as trends evolve or new technologies emerge. Embracing this adaptability will keep your strategy relevant and effective in driving sales growth through effective SEO practices.

How can working with Site It Now be results-driven?

Site It Now stands out for its results-driven approach when selecting an NYC SEO company. This digital agency understands the metropolis's unique market and tailors strategies that resonate with local audiences.

Site It Now combines innovative techniques with in-depth market analysis to develop effective campaigns that improve online visibility and enhance user experience on your website. As a premier NYC web design company, they ensure that every aspect of your site is optimized—from aesthetics to functionality—making it easy for potential customers to navigate and engage.

Their expert team collaborates closely with clients, focusing on measurable outcomes like increased traffic, higher conversion rates, and, ultimately, more sales. Using data analytics tools and staying updated on industry trends, Site It Now ensures its SEO strategies are constantly evolving.

Partnering with this leading internet marketing agency means you’re supported by professionals who prioritize your business goals while implementing best practices in SEO. Working alongside Site It Now can transform how you connect with customers and drive revenue growth effectively by focusing on accurate results rather than just rankings. Call (312) 442-0352 or email [email protected] to discuss your requirements.

#NYC SEO Company #NYC Digital Marketing Agency #NYC Web Design Company #Site It Now #Site It Now NYC #SEO Agency NYC #SEO Marketing NYC #Online Marketing NYC #Internet Marketing Company NYC #NYC Digital Marketing Services #Digital Marketing Company New York City #Web Design Agency NYC #NYC Website Designer #NYC Website Design Services #Web Development Company NYC #New York City Website Development

0 notes

versaiconcepts · 30 days ago

Text

Richmond Plaza, Bronx (NYCHA)

We are delighted to collaborate and serve our clients across various industries and scales. Regardless of the sector, businesses depend on well-maintained facilities to support their operations, productivity, and growth. Over the last few years, we have proudly grown from assisting individual private clients to working with billion-dollar companies such as Verizon and the Moinian Group. Irrespective of the occupants and owners of the structures, the challenges and approach to addressing them is very similar. For this reason, we treat each project with the same care, dedication and attention to detail.

#Engeenering #Architecture #Full Service Architecture #Engineering Firm #Medium #versai project portfolio #architecture and engineering firm nyc #full-service architecture and engineering firm #artists on tumblr #engineering firm nyc #writers on tumblr #batman #cats of tumblr #photographers on tumblr #tumblr milestone

9 notes · View notes

nycerny · 2 years ago

Text

Protecting Your Building's Exterior: The Importance of Facade Repair and Maintenance Services in NYC

The exterior of your building is the first thing people see when they approach it. A well-maintained and visually appealing facade can make a great first impression and increase your property value. However, over time, wear and tear can take a toll on your building's exterior. That's where facade repair and restoration services in NYC come in.

Facade repair and maintenance services in NYC specialize in repairing and maintaining building exteriors. They can help protect your building from the elements and ensure it looks its best for years to come. Here's what you need to know about facade restoration services in NYC and how they can benefit your building.

What is Facade Restoration?

Facade restoration is the process of repairing and restoring a building's exterior to its original condition. This can involve repairing cracks, replacing damaged materials, and repainting or refinishing the exterior. The goal of facade restoration is to improve the building's appearance and protect it from further damage.

Why is Facade Restoration Important?

There are several reasons why facade restoration is important. First and foremost, it can help protect your building from the elements. A well-maintained exterior can help prevent moisture from seeping into the building, which can cause mold and other damage.

Secondly, facade restoration can improve your building's energy efficiency. When your building's exterior is properly insulated and sealed, it can help regulate the temperature inside and reduce your energy costs.

Finally, facade restoration can increase your property value. A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior can make your building more attractive to potential tenants or buyers, which can increase its value.

Facade Repair and Restoration Services in NYC

If you're looking for exterior facade repair and restoration services in NYC, you have several options to choose from. Many companies specialize in facade repair and maintenance services, and they can provide a range of services to meet your needs.

Facade repair services can include repairing cracks, replacing damaged materials, and cleaning the exterior. They can also provide preventative maintenance services, such as sealing and waterproofing the exterior to prevent future damage.

Contact us at 212-279-0000 today or Use our quote form to submit all details of your project. Get your Free Estimate - https://nycerny.com/quote/

#facade restoration nyc #structural engineering design firm #structural engineering and architectural design firm #facade #architectural design firm #building surveying services #structural engineer #structural engineering design services #building structural engineering services #architects and building designer in nyc #architecture building design #structural engineering #architectural design firm in nyc #best structural design engineering firm in nyc #building design #architects and building designer #exterior facade repair and restoration #facade restoration company nyc #facade restoration services in nyc

2 notes · View notes

nycseoagency · 5 days ago

Text

NYC Website Design & SEO – Increase Sales

As businesses grow, their online presence becomes more important than ever. If you're based in New York and looking to enhance your digital footprint, utilizing services from a reliable New York SEO firm can be a game-changer. This comprehensive guide will explore how an SEO agency in NYC can help increase your sales through website design, digital marketing, and local SEO strategies.

Introduction to NYC SEO Agencies

The digital world is evolving rapidly, and for businesses to thrive, staying ahead of the curve is essential. In one of the busiest, most competitive cities in the world, New York, having a strong online presence is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. That's where NYC SEO agencies come into play.

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher on search engines like Google. This ultimately drives more organic traffic to your site, improving your visibility and sales. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of SEO services in New York, how a reliable SEO company in NYC can help you succeed, and why combining it with top-notch website design is crucial for increasing your sales.

Why SEO is Critical for Businesses in New York

NYC’s Competitive Digital Market

New York is home to countless businesses across different industries. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, competing for attention in such a bustling market requires strategic digital marketing. Without SEO, even the most beautifully designed website might remain hidden from potential customers.

How SEO Influences Online Visibility

SEO directly impacts how your website is perceived by search engines. By optimizing for SEO, your website gains higher visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for prospective customers to find you. Local businesses in New York, especially, benefit greatly from SEO by appearing in local searches, which leads to higher foot traffic and conversions.

The Role of a New York SEO Firm

Choosing the Right SEO Firm

When selecting an SEO firm in New York, it's important to ensure they understand your industry and can tailor their services to meet your specific business needs. A good SEO agency in NYC should offer comprehensive services including keyword research, on-page SEO, backlink building, and detailed analytics.

Benefits of Professional SEO Services

Working with a professional SEO agency New York means you get access to expert knowledge and strategies that can help your website stand out in the competitive New York market. Professional services also save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on running your business while they work on increasing your online presence.

What Makes SEO Agencies in NYC Different?

Local Expertise and Knowledge

An SEO agency in NYC is uniquely positioned to understand the local market and customer behavior. They can implement SEO strategies that resonate with local users, helping you tap into the local market more effectively.

National and Global SEO Strategies

While local SEO is crucial, top SEO agencies also have the expertise to implement national and even global SEO strategies. This helps expand your reach beyond New York, capturing customers from different states and countries.

NYC SEO Services Offered

Comprehensive SEO Services

A professional SEO company NYC offers a range of services aimed at improving your website's ranking. These services typically include:

Keyword research: Identifying the best keywords for your niche.

On-page optimization: Enhancing website content and structure.

Off-page optimization: Building backlinks to improve domain authority.

Local SEO: Optimizing for local searches in New York.

SEO audits: Regular analysis and adjustments to improve rankings.

Local SEO Strategies in New York

Local SEO is a key component for businesses in New York. By optimizing for local SEO NYC, you can ensure that your website shows up for local searches, driving traffic from nearby customers who are more likely to convert.

National SEO Services

For businesses looking to expand their reach beyond New York, national SEO strategies ensure that your website ranks well in search results across the United States.

SEO Services in New York: What You Can Expect

Detailed Keyword Research

A vital aspect of SEO services in New York is detailed keyword research. SEO experts dive deep into keyword analysis to find terms that your potential customers are searching for. This helps create content that targets these search queries, boosting your website's ranking.

On-Page and Off-Page Optimization

On-page SEO includes optimizing content, meta tags, and internal links, while off-page SEO focuses on building backlinks from reputable websites. Both are essential for improving your website’s authority and search engine rankings.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on improving your website’s backend to ensure search engines can easily crawl and index your site. This includes optimizing site speed, mobile-friendliness, and the structure of URLs.

Benefits of Local SEO in New York

Targeting Local Audiences

Local SEO NYC is all about helping businesses get found by local customers. By targeting specific geographic areas like New York, businesses can attract customers who are more likely to convert into paying clients.

How Local SEO Boosts Sales in NYC

When your website ranks high in local searches, it increases your visibility, which can lead to more phone calls, website visits, and in-store visits. This direct influence on sales makes local SEO a vital part of your business growth strategy.

The Best SEO Company in NYC

What to Look for in the Best SEO Company

The best SEO company in NYC should have a proven track record of success. Look for reviews, case studies, and testimonials that demonstrate their ability to drive results for clients. They should also use up-to-date, ethical SEO practices to ensure long-term success.

Top-Rated SEO Experts in NYC

Hiring an SEO expert New York can take your website to the next level. These professionals bring years of experience and expertise to the table, offering tailored solutions for your business’s specific needs.

SEO Experts and Consultants in New York

How SEO Experts Improve Your Online Ranking

An SEO expert in New York knows exactly what it takes to improve your rankings. From optimizing your content to improving your website’s structure, SEO experts work on all aspects to ensure your website appears at the top of search results.

Choosing the Right SEO Consultant in NYC

When choosing an SEO consultant in New York, make sure they understand your industry and can offer actionable insights that align with your business goals.

Digital Marketing and SEO Services

Digital Marketing Firms in New York

A digital marketing firm in New York goes beyond SEO, offering services like social media marketing, pay-per-click advertising, and email campaigns. Combining SEO with these strategies helps increase your overall online presence and drives more conversions.

Online Marketing Strategies for Business Growth

Effective online marketing strategies include SEO, paid ads, and content marketing. Combining these strategies creates a powerful, cohesive plan that enhances your visibility and increases sales.

Website Design and SEO: A Perfect Match

Why Website Design is Important for SEO

Your website’s design plays a significant role in how well it ranks on search engines. A well-structured, user-friendly website enhances the user experience, which Google rewards with better rankings.

Enhancing User Experience for SEO Success

A seamless user experience, from fast loading times to mobile optimization, is crucial for both SEO and customer satisfaction. Good website design ensures visitors stay on your site longer, which can boost your search engine rankings.

Choosing the Right Website Design Company in New York

Key Elements of Effective Website Design

Effective website design goes beyond aesthetics. It should include fast load times, clear navigation, mobile optimization, and SEO-friendly architecture.

Working with a Website Design Agency in NYC

A website design agency in New York can help you build a website that is not only visually appealing but also optimized for search engines and conversions.

Website Development Services in NYC

Custom Web Development Solutions

Custom web development solutions allow you to build a website tailored to your business’s specific needs, ensuring you have all the features necessary to improve your customer experience and SEO.

E-Commerce Website Development for New York Businesses

For businesses in New York looking to sell products online, an e-commerce website is essential. Working with a website development company in New York ensures that your online store is optimized for both SEO and user experience.

Web Development Agencies in NYC

The Role of Web Developers in SEO

Web developers play a crucial role in ensuring your website’s technical aspects are optimized for search engines. From site speed to mobile optimization, developers help improve your website’s performance, directly impacting your SEO success.

Selecting the Right Web Development Agency

Choosing the right web development agency in NYC is key to creating a high-performing website that aligns with your business goals and enhances your SEO efforts.

Final Thoughts

Integrating effective SEO strategies with beautiful, user-friendly website design is essential for any business in New York looking to increase its sales. Whether you’re seeking SEO services in New York, working with an expert SEO consultant in NYC, or building a website with a New York website design company, the right combination will ensure your business stands out online. Stay ahead of the competition and watch your sales soar by investing in both SEO and website design services tailored for your New York business.

Read more:-https://substack.com/@nycseoagency/note/c-91438742

Get in Touch Websites- www.webinfomatrix.com Mobile - +91-9212306116 WhatsApp - https://call.whatsapp.com/voice/9rqVJyqSNMhpdFkKPZGYKj Skype - shalabh.mishra Telegram - shalabhmishra Email - [email protected]

#seo agency in nyc #nyc local seo #seo services new york

0 notes

talhive · 14 days ago

Text

Why New York Headhunters Are Essential for Business Growth

New York, often heralded as the heart of the business world, is a city where competition for top-tier talent is fierce. Companies across industries rely on professional New York headhunters to identify and secure the best candidates for pivotal roles. These recruiters bridge the gap between exceptional talent and organizations aiming to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive market.

Talhive: Revolutionizing Recruitment in New York

Talhive, a global leader in talent acquisition, exemplifies the essence of headhunting in New York City. With a strong foothold in the region, their New York headhunters specialize in delivering unparalleled hiring solutions, catering to diverse business needs — whether it’s ERPs, startups, or established enterprises.

Their approach emphasizes the following pillars:

Curated Talent Networks: Talhive maintains a robust database of professionals, ensuring access to candidates with specialized skill sets tailored to the unique needs of each company.

Agile and Structured Hiring: The team employs methodologies designed to minimize lead time and maximize the quality of hires.

Global and Local Expertise: Combining in-depth local market knowledge with a global reach, Talhive connects businesses with the right talent, even in niche markets.

Why Businesses Trust New York Headhunters

The success of New York headhunters lies in their ability to navigate the complexities of the job market while addressing individual company goals. Talhive’s NYC-based team collaborates closely with businesses, offering a transparent and personalized approach to recruitment. This results-driven strategy includes comprehensive processes, from diagnostic talent evaluations to seamless onboarding plans.

Key Industries Served by NYC Recruiters

From technology to marketing, New York headhunters like those at Talhive cater to a wide range of industries. They’ve built a reputation for scaling teams in:

Tech & Engineering: Finding innovative minds to drive technological advancements.

Product Design: Recruiting professionals to craft impactful customer experiences.

Marketing & Revenue: Sourcing experts who can transform brand presence into measurable success.

A Proven Track Record of Success

Talhive’s impressive portfolio showcases collaborations with clients like the NBA and Sequoia, among others. By completing over 800 projects and maintaining an outstanding NPS (Net Promoter Score) of 92%, they’ve cemented their reputation as a trusted recruitment partner.

Joining Forces with NYC Headhunters

For businesses and candidates alike, partnering with New York headhunters opens doors to unmatched opportunities. Whether you’re searching for interim executives, niche professionals, or strategic leadership, firms like Talhive offer solutions tailored to your vision.

New York’s competitive job market demands more than just filling positions — it requires insight, strategy, and expertise. Talhive’s New York headhunters deliver on all fronts, empowering organizations to thrive and enabling professionals to achieve career growth.

0 notes

mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

Text

This day in history

Tomorrow (November 29), I'm at NYC's Strand Books with my novel The Lost Cause, a solarpunk tale of hope and danger that Rebecca Solnit called "completely delightful."

#15yrsago Peak Population: when will population growth stop, why, and how? https://www.alexsteffen.com/peak_population_and_sustainability

#15yrsago James Boyle’s “The Public Domain” — a brilliant copyfighter’s latest book, from a law prof who writes like a comedian https://memex.craphound.com/2008/11/29/james-boyles-the-public-domain-a-brilliant-copyfighters-latest-book-from-a-law-prof-who-writes-like-a-comedian/

#10yrsago NSA and Canadian spooks illegally spied on diplomats at Toronto G20 summit https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-snowden-docs-show-u-s-spied-during-g20-in-toronto-1.2442448

#10yrsago New CC licenses: tighter, shorter, more readable, more global https://creativecommons.org/Version4/

#10yrsago Berlusconi kicked out of Italian senate https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/27/silvio-berlusconi-ousted-italian-parliament-tax-fraud-conviction

#5yrsago Sennheiser’s headphone drivers covertly changed your computer’s root of trust, leaving you vulnerable to undetectable attacks https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/sennheiser-headset-software-could-allow-man-in-the-middle-ssl-attacks/

#5yrsago New York City’s municipal debt collectors have forged an unholy alliance with sleazy subprime lenders https://www.bloomberg.com/confessions-of-judgment

#5yrsago Here’s how the Pentagon swindled Congress with $21 trillion worth of undocumented, untraceable, unaccounted for expenditures https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/pentagon-audit-budget-fraud/

#5yrsago The prosecutor who helped Jeffrey Epstein escape justice is now a Trump Cabinet member https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html

#5yrsago Reddit takes a stand against the EU’s plan to break the internet https://www.redditinc.com/blog/the-eu-copyright-directive-what-redditors-in-europe-need-to-know/

#5yrsago The secret history of science fiction’s women writers: The Future is Female! https://memex.craphound.com/2018/11/29/the-secret-history-of-science-fictions-women-writers-the-future-is-female/

#5yrsago Redaction ineptitude reveals names of Proud Boys’ self-styled new leaders https://splinternews.com/proud-boys-failed-to-redact-their-new-dumb-bylaws-and-a-1830700905

#5yrsago Redaction ineptitude reveals Facebook’s 2012 plan to sell Graph API access to user data for $250,000 https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/11/facebook-pondered-for-a-time-selling-access-to-user-data/

#5yrsago Google engineer calls for a walkout over China censorship and raises $200K strike fund in hours https://twitter.com/lizthegrey/status/1068208484053856256

#5yrsago Correlates of Trump voting: searches for erectile dysfunction, hair loss, how to get girls, penis enlargement, penis size, steroids, testosterone and Viagra https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/11/29/how-donald-trump-appeals-to-men-secretly-insecure-about-their-manhood/

#5yrsago Google’s secret project to build a censored Chinese search engine bypassed the company’s own security and privacy teams https://theintercept.com/2018/11/29/google-china-censored-search/

#5yrsago Mozilla pulls a popular paywall circumvention tool from Firefox add-ons store https://web.archive.org/web/20181130141509/https://github.com/iamadamdev/bypass-paywalls-firefox/issues/82

#1yrago The Big Four accounting firms are one (more) scandal away from collapse https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/29/great-andersens-ghost/#mene-mene-bezzle

#pluralistic

14 notes · View notes

internationalestimating · 25 days ago

Text

The Best Estimating Services in NYC: A Guide to Reliable Cost Estimation

Introduction

Finding the best estimating company NYC can make a significant difference in managing your project’s budget and timeline. At International Estimating, we pride ourselves on delivering accurate and reliable estimates tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can optimize your project planning.

Benefits of Partnering with the Best Estimating Company NYC

Partnering with a professional best estimating company NYC ensures your projects are planned efficiently and stay within budget. International Estimating provides services that cater to various industries, ensuring accuracy and consistency in every estimate.

Key Advantages of Working with Experts

Accurate Cost: Analysis Avoid overspending with detailed cost breakdowns.

Time-Saving: let professionals handle the complexities of estimating.

Customized Solutions: Estimates tailored to your specific project requirements.

Advanced Tools: Leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure precision.

Why Outsource Estimating Service NY is a Smart Choice

Outsource estimating service NY offers businesses a cost-effective solution to manage project budgets without compromising quality. By outsourcing, you gain access to experienced estimators who bring expertise and precision to your project. At International Estimating, we simplify the process and deliver exceptional results. Contact us today for reliable outsourcing services.

Benefits of Outsourcing Estimating Services

Cost-Efficiency: Save on hiring and training in-house estimators.

Access to Expertise: skilled professionals with industry knowledge.

Flexibility: Scale services up or down based on project needs.

Improved focus: Concentrate on core business activities while we handle estimates.

How outsourcing enhances project success

Reduced errors: Professional estimators minimize mistakes, saving time and money.

Quick Turnaround: Estimates are delivered promptly to meet tight deadlines.

Industry Insight: Benefit from knowledge of current market trends and pricing.

Electrical Estimating Outsourcing NYC for Complex Projects

Electrical estimating outsourcing NYC is ideal for handling complex electrical projects with precision and efficiency. Our team at International Estimating has the technical expertise to deliver accurate electrical estimates that align with your project requirements.

Why Choose Electrical Estimating Outsourcing?

Technical Expertise: Professionals experienced in electrical systems.

Reduced Errors: Accurate calculations prevent costly mistakes.

Timely Delivery: Provided within your required timeframe.

Detailed reports: Report for better decision-making.

Industries That Benefit from Electrical Estimating Services

Construction Firms: Ensure precise budgeting for electrical installations.

Architectural Firms: Plan electrical layouts efficiently.

Engineering Firms: Streamline electrical system designs.

Manufacturing: Create accurate budgets for industrial projects.

Key Components of Electrical Estimating

Material Costs: Comprehensive analysis of required materials.

Labor Costs: Accurate estimation of labor costs needed.

Project Scope: Detailed evaluation of all project requirements.

How International Estimating Streamlines Your Projects

At International Estimating, we use advanced tools and industry best practices to deliver accurate and detailed estimates. Whether it’s a commercial, residential, or industrial project, our team ensures you receive the insights needed to make informed decisions. Reach out to us today to optimize your project planning.

Our Estimating Process

Initial Consultation: Understand project scope and requirements.

Detailed Analysis: Perform in-depth cost analysis and material take-offs.

Final Report: Deliver comprehensive estimates tailored to your needs.

Follow-Up: Support to assist with adjustments and queries post-delivery.

Tools and Technology We Use

Estimating Software: Estimating Software for precise calculations.

Industry Standards: Adherence to the latest industry guidelines.

Custom Templates: Custom Templets for clear and concise reports.

Cloud-Based Systems: Secure and accessible data management.

Success Stories with International Estimating

Large-Scale Construction Projects: Delivered accurate estimates for multimillion-dollar builds.

2. Small Business Support: Helped startups save costs with precise budgeting.

3. Quick Turnaround Projects: Provided estimates within tight deadlines for urgent projects.

Additional services offered by International Estimating

Beyond traditional estimating: we offer a range of services to meet your project needs:

Project Management Support: Assistance in planning and execution.

Bid Preparation Services: Comprehensive support for competitive bidding.

Value Engineering: Identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the best estimating company NYC is crucial for accurate project planning and budgeting. International Estimating offers a range of services, including outsourced estimating service NY and electrical estimating outsourcing NYC. Our expertise and commitment to quality make us the ideal partner for your projects. Contact us today to avail of our services and take your projects to the next level.

#best estimating company NYC

1 note · View note