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[mostlysignssomeportents]

A link-clump demands a linkdump

Cometh the weekend, cometh the linkdump. My daily-ish newsletter includes a section called "Hey look at this," with three short links per day, but sometimes those links get backed up and I need to clean house. Here's the eight previous installments:

https://pluralistic.net/tag/linkdump/

The country code top level domain (ccTLD) for the Caribbean island nation of Anguilla is .ai, and that's turned into millions of dollars worth of royalties as "entrepreneurs" scramble to sprinkle some buzzword-compliant AI stuff on their businesses in the most superficial way possible:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/08/ai-fever-turns-anguillas-ai-domain-into-a-digital-gold-mine/

All told, .ai domain royalties will account for about ten percent of the country's GDP.

It's actually kind of nice to see Anguilla finding some internet money at long last. Back in the 1990s, when I was a freelance web developer, I got hired to work on the investor website for a publicly traded internet casino based in Anguilla that was a scammy disaster in every conceivable way. The company had been conceived of by people who inherited a modestly successful chain of print-shops and decided to diversify by buying a dormant penny mining stock and relaunching it as an online casino.

But of course, online casinos were illegal nearly everywhere. Not in Anguilla – or at least, that's what the founders told us – which is why they located their servers there, despite the lack of broadband or, indeed, reliable electricity at their data-center. At a certain point, the whole thing started to whiff of a stock swindle, a pump-and-dump where they'd sell off shares in that ex-mining stock to people who knew even less about the internet than they did and skedaddle. I got out, and lost track of them, and a search for their names and business today turns up nothing so I assume that it flamed out before it could ruin any retail investors' lives.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, one of those former British colonies that was drained and then given "independence" by paternalistic imperial administrators half a world away. The country's main industries are tourism and "finance" – which is to say, it's a pearl in the globe-spanning necklace of tax- and corporate-crime-havens the UK established around the world so its most vicious criminals – the hereditary aristocracy – can continue to use Britain's roads and exploit its educated workforce without paying any taxes.

This is the "finance curse," and there are tiny, struggling nations all around the world that live under it. Nick Shaxson dubbed them "Treasure Islands" in his outstanding book of the same name:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780230341722/treasureislands

I can't imagine that the AI bubble will last forever – anything that can't go on forever eventually stops – and when it does, those .ai domain royalties will dry up. But until then, I salute Anguilla, which has at last found the internet riches that I played a small part in bringing to it in the previous century.

The AI bubble is indeed overdue for a popping, but while the market remains gripped by irrational exuberance, there's lots of weird stuff happening around the edges. Take Inject My PDF, which embeds repeating blocks of invisible text into your resume:

https://kai-greshake.de/posts/inject-my-pdf/

The text is tuned to make resume-sorting Large Language Models identify you as the ideal candidate for the job. It'll even trick the summarizer function into spitting out text that does not appear in any human-readable form on your CV.

Embedding weird stuff into resumes is a hacker tradition. I first encountered it at the Chaos Communications Congress in 2012, when Ang Cui used it as an example in his stellar "Print Me If You Dare" talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njVv7J2azY8

Cui figured out that one way to update the software of a printer was to embed an invisible Postscript instruction in a document that basically said, "everything after this is a firmware update." Then he came up with 100 lines of perl that he hid in documents with names like cv.pdf that would flash the printer when they ran, causing it to probe your LAN for vulnerable PCs and take them over, opening a reverse-shell to his command-and-control server in the cloud. Compromised printers would then refuse to apply future updates from their owners, but would pretend to install them and even update their version numbers to give verisimilitude to the ruse. The only way to exorcise these haunted printers was to send 'em to the landfill. Good times!

Printers are still a dumpster fire, and it's not solely about the intrinsic difficulty of computer security. After all, printer manufacturers have devoted enormous resources to hardening their products against their owners, making it progressively harder to use third-party ink. They're super perverse about it, too – they send "security updates" to your printer that update the printer's security against you – run these updates and your printer downgrades itself by refusing to use the ink you chose for it:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

It's a reminder that what a monopolist thinks of as "security" isn't what you think of as security. Oftentimes, their security is antithetical to your security. That was the case with Web Environment Integrity, a plan by Google to make your phone rat you out to advertisers' servers, revealing any adblocking modifications you might have installed so that ad-serving companies could refuse to talk to you:

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

WEI is now dead, thanks to a lot of hueing and crying by people like us:

https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/02/google_abandons_web_environment_integrity/

But the dream of securing Google against its own users lives on. Youtube has embarked on an aggressive campaign of refusing to show videos to people running ad-blockers, triggering an arms-race of ad-blocker-blockers and ad-blocker-blocker-blockers:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/where-will-the-ad-versus-ad-blocker-arms-race-end/

The folks behind Ublock Origin are racing to keep up with Google's engineers' countermeasures, and there's a single-serving website called "Is uBlock Origin updated to the last Anti-Adblocker YouTube script?" that will give you a realtime, one-word status update:

https://drhyperion451.github.io/does-uBO-bypass-yt/

One in four web users has an ad-blocker, a stat that Doc Searls pithily summarizes as "the biggest boycott in world history":

https://doc.searls.com/2015/09/28/beyond-ad-blocking-the-biggest-boycott-in-human-history/

Zero app users have ad-blockers. That's not because ad-blocking an app is harder than ad-blocking the web – it's because reverse-engineering an app triggers liability under IP laws like Section 1201 of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, which can put you away for 5 years for a first offense. That's what I mean when I say that "IP is anything that lets a company control its customers, critics or competitors:

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

I predicted that apps would open up all kinds of opportunities for abusive, monopolistic conduct back in 2010, and I'm experiencing a mix of sadness and smugness (I assume there's a German word for this emotion) at being so thoroughly vindicated by history:

https://memex.craphound.com/2010/04/01/why-i-wont-buy-an-ipad-and-think-you-shouldnt-either/

The more control a company can exert over its customers, the worse it will be tempted to treat them. These systems of control shift the balance of power within companies, making it harder for internal factions that defend product quality and customer interests to win against the enshittifiers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/microincentives-and-enshittification/

The result has been a Great Enshittening, with platforms of all description shifting value from their customers and users to their shareholders, making everything palpably worse. The only bright side is that this has created the political will to do something about it, sparking a wave of bold, muscular antitrust action all over the world.

The Google antitrust case is certainly the most important corporate lawsuit of the century (so far), but Judge Amit Mehta's deference to Google's demands for secrecy has kept the case out of the headlines. I mean, Sam Bankman-Fried is a psychopathic thief, but even so, his trial does not deserve its vastly greater prominence, though, if you haven't heard yet, he's been convicted and will face decades in prison after he exhausts his appeals:

https://newsletter.mollywhite.net/p/sam-bankman-fried-guilty-on-all-charges

The secrecy around Google's trial has relaxed somewhat, and the trickle of revelations emerging from the cracks in the courthouse are fascinating. For the first time, we're able to get a concrete sense of which queries are the most lucrative for Google:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/1/23941766/google-antitrust-trial-search-queries-ad-money

The list comes from 2018, but it's still wild. As David Pierce writes in The Verge, the top twenty includes three iPhone-related terms, five insurance queries, and the rest are overshadowed by searches for customer service info for monopolistic services like Xfinity, Uber and Hulu.

All-in-all, we're living through a hell of a moment for piercing the corporate veil. Maybe it's the problem of maintaining secrecy within large companies, or maybe the the rampant mistreatment of even senior executives has led to more leaks and whistleblowing. Either way, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the anonymous leaker who revealed the unbelievable pettiness of former HBO president of programming Casey Bloys, who ordered his underlings to create an army of sock-puppet Twitter accounts to harass TV and movie critics who panned HBO's shows:

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/hbo-casey-bloys-secret-twitter-trolls-tv-critics-leaked-texts-lawsuit-the-idol-1234867722/

These trolling attempts were pathetic, even by the standards of thick-fingered corporate execs. Like, accusing critics who panned the shitty-ass Perry Mason reboot of disrespecting veterans because the fictional Mason's back-story had him storming the beach on D-Day.

The pushback against corporate bullying is everywhere, and of course, the vanguard is the labor movement. Did you hear that the UAW won their strike against the auto-makers, scoring raises for all workers based on the increases in the companies' CEO pay? The UAW isn't done, either! Their incredible new leader, Shawn Fain, has called for a general strike in 2028:

https://www.404media.co/uaw-calls-on-workers-to-line-up-massive-general-strike-for-2028-to-defeat-billionaire-class/

The massive victory for unionized auto-workers has thrown a spotlight on the terrible working conditions and pay for workers at Tesla, a criminal company that has no compunctions about violating labor law to prevent its workers from exercising their legal rights. Over in Sweden, union workers are teaching Tesla a lesson. After the company tried its illegal union-busting playbook on Tesla service centers, the unionized dock-workers issued an ultimatum: respect your workers or face a blockade at Sweden's ports that would block any Tesla from being unloaded into the EU's fifth largest Tesla market:

https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-sweden-strike/

Of course, the real solution to Teslas – and every other kind of car – is to redesign our cities for public transit, walking and cycling, making cars the exception for deliveries, accessibility and other necessities. Transitioning to EVs will make a big dent in the climate emergency, but it won't make our streets any safer – and they keep getting deadlier.

Last summer, my dear old pal Ted Kulczycky got in touch with me to tell me that Talking Heads were going to be all present in public for the first time since the band's breakup, as part of the debut of the newly remastered print of Stop Making Sense, the greatest concert movie of all time. Even better, the show would be in Toronto, my hometown, where Ted and I went to high-school together, at TIFF.

Ted is the only person I know who is more obsessed with Talking Heads than I am, and he started working on tickets for the show while I starting pricing plane tickets. And then, the unthinkable happened: Ted's wife, Serah, got in touch to say that Ted had been run over by a car while getting off of a streetcar, that he was severely injured, and would require multiple surgeries.

But this was Ted, so of course he was still planning to see the show. And he did, getting a day-pass from the hospital and showing up looking like someone from a Kids In The Hall sketch who'd been made up to look like someone who'd been run over by a car:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorow/53182440282/

In his Globe and Mail article about Ted's experience, Brad Wheeler describes how the whole hospital rallied around Ted to make it possible for him to get to the movie:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-how-a-talking-heads-superfan-found-healing-with-the-concert-film-stop/

He also mentions that Ted is working on a book and podcast about Stop Making Sense. I visited Ted in the hospital the day after the gig and we talked about the book and it sounds amazing. Also? The movie was incredible. See it in Imax.

That heartwarming tale of healing through big suits is a pretty good place to wrap up this linkdump, but I want to call your attention to just one more thing before I go: Robin Sloan's Snarkmarket piece about blogging and "stock and flow":

https://snarkmarket.com/2010/4890/

Sloan makes the excellent case that for writers, having a "flow" of short, quick posts builds the audience for a "stock" of longer, more synthetic pieces like books. This has certainly been my experience, but I think it's only part of the story – there are good, non-mercenary reasons for writers to do a lot of "flow." As I wrote in my 2021 essay, "The Memex Method," turning your commonplace book into a database – AKA "blogging" – makes you write better notes to yourself because you know others will see them:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/09/the-memex-method/

This, in turn, creates a supersaturated, subconscious solution of fragments that are just waiting to nucleate and crystallize into full-blown novels and nonfiction books and other "stock." That's how I came out of lockdown with nine new books. The next one is The Lost Cause, a hopepunk science fiction novel about the climate whose early fans include Naomi Klein, Rebecca Solnit, Bill McKibben and Kim Stanley Robinson. It's out on November 14:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865939/the-lost-cause

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/2023/11/05/variegated/#nein

[darklordazalin]

Azalin Reviews: Darklord Malus Sceleris

Domain: Nosos Domain Formation: 732 BC Power Level:💀⚫⚫⚫⚫ Sources: Domains of Dread (2e), Islands of Terror (2e)

It is said that Darklords are the reflections of their Domain and none more so than Malus. Malus Sceleris, whose name roughly translates to “tree crime”, is the Darklord of Nosos, a stinking pile of refuse and burning coal.

Save for small patches of brown grass that grow in the estates of wealthy nobles on the outskirts of the city, no plant life can survive in the poisonous air and garbage choked earth of the disease-infested land of Nosos. In fact, Malus’s people only survive by trading gold and coal produced by their numerous mines with other Domains.

Malus is the son of two Druids who dedicated themselves to the protection of the same forest. His mother died in childbirth, leaving his father to raise him on his own. Not an easy task, especially when one must raise a child to carry on their legacies while maintaining rule of their Dominion.

As the life of any ruler is divided between the rule of the land and their family, Malus’s father spent little time with his child and the time he did spend was often times of instruction and discipline. A tale I am all too familiar with…

Malus did not take kindly to his constant discipline and the resentment that developed soon turned into poisonous hate. The young lad studied poisons and diseases until he came up with an elaborate plan to commit patricide.

He purchased old blankets that he contaminated with diseased wrappings from the terminally ill, dead bodies, and lepers. He then set up a lumber operation guarded by hired mercenaries, and instructed them to brutally tear down the trees of his father’s forest, knowing his father would come to defend it.

The old druid defended his forest and was severely injured while doing so. Malus cared for his wounds, using the diseased blankets and wrappings he had gathered to do so. Then he sat by his father’s side, silently watching as he died in agony.

With his father out of the picture, Malus opened a coal mine and set about deforesting the region. By the time the Mists came for him, the area was so choked in smoke that no one noticed.

As a Darklord, Malus continues to study disease and is said to be the most knowledgeable epidemiologist in all the Demiplanes. He can use a far more potent version of “cause disease” on any target and, though it causes him blinding headaches, he can use “charm” as well. Otherwise, he is a well-guarded nobleman who uses his oily charisma to deceive his people into believing he wants Nosos to thrive and become the great area it once was, not the stinking garbage heap it now is.

Malus’s Domain can appear at the edge of any other Domain he chooses. The last time he came near Darkon, I had to spend months and far too many resources cleaning out all the rivers…

Is Malus’s rebellion against his father worth a lifetime spent with the smell of refuse, constant plague, and depleting oxygen levels? He seems to pretend so. Enjoy your garbage heap, you greasy bastard. 1/5 Skulls.

[megashadowdragon]

volume 0 of jjk is more important then you think

because the idea that a burdensome level of strength is nothing but a curse, is literalised with Yuta. Rika is literally a curse that's formed out of love. this same plight is not as apparent with Gojo Satoru and Kashimo Hajime. with these two, their mannerisms say far more.

what's noteworthy is that the resolution of Gojo's own crisis is 100% opposite of how Yuta's was resolved, and it looks to be the same for Kashimo as well. Yuta forgoes his overwhelming strength by dispelling the curse on Orimoto Rika, and prioritizes his bonds with his people.

after all, that's the central theme of volume 0. as such, the most interesting thing about the shift between the prequel and the main series is just how COMPLETELY the main series contradicts the themes of the prequel.

the main series, so far, has severely punished anyone that prioritizes their bonds over a robust sense of self + selfish pursuit of power. the special grades are the best example of this. Tsukumo Yuki worked with Tengen and Choso; she didn't fight with her own domain.

only in death could he stand on an equal footing with his comrades. the framing of these demises in the main series is so deliberately opposed to how the thematic framework of JJK 0 functions. and the reason is none other than the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna.

Sendai, the City of Trees. established in the year 1600 by the daimyō Date Masamune. Date Masamune was a descendant of the Fujiwara. any JJK reader knows the significance of the Fujiwara clan in the series

the emphasis JJK gives to the Fujiwara cannot be understated. lemme run through some key examples rq. the turning point of the series, the Shibuya incident, happens in the vicinity of the Meiji Jinguu, a shrine dedicated to Empress Shōken, a deified member of the Fujiwara clan.

the revival of the Heian era, which saw the supremacy of the Fujiwara clan in the political scene, also plays a part in this. Onmyōdō, or sorcery, was at its peak in the Heian era. Ashiya Dōman, one of the most prominent sorcerers in history, was a hiree of the Fujiwara.

and this specific fact is called back to in the New Shadow Style: Simple Domain, developed by Ashiya Sadatsuna, being utilised widely in the series. the relevance of all this to the topic at hand is that Yuta is a descendant of the Sugawara clan.

symbolically, literally and meta-textually, Yuta is removed from a position of importance, and a guy from a Fujiwara-established city replaces him.

all of this is why some wouldn't feel confident about Yuta continuing to be in good health for the rest of the series 💀🚩

all the special grades in the series have been murked, except Yuta. you can clearly see why people would think he's next. BUT NOT ME! and here's why: in the Sendai colony, i.e. in the same city established by the Fujiwara, he beats Uro Takako, a hiree of the Fujiwara.

he cyclicality that JJK is obsessed with plays out on various levels, but Yuta is the only exception. and I mean the ONLY exception. not even Gojo was exempt. Yuta, a Sugawara, beats someone that was associated with the Fujiwara. it plays out the opposite of how it's meant to.

in conclusion, i think we should put our stocks in Yuta. someone that won't be the next Gojo Satoru sounds about desirable rn. Vol-0 is a treasure trove of hints when we reread with new context. i hope i gave you new insight, or at least a fun read.

"

I can’t wait for Yuta vs Sukuna, the themes of strength, loneliness, love and modernity vs history finna clash like crazy

The Queen of Curses vs The King of Curses 😤😤😤

Furthermore Yuta as the previous MC whose succeeded despite contradictory themes with Sukuna…

"

[megsiepoo]

Cult of the Lamb/Inscryption Crossover

Aka Hard-drive AU

The Lamb

The Lamb is a freelance software developer. They were hired by a mysterious organization called TOWW. They don't know anything about the organization besides the fact they pay well and they want a job done. The task? They are to investigate a floppy drive and hack into the code in order to discover any hidden secrets. It seems like an easy enough task until they discover the characters in-game are sentient and the things that are hidden on the disc might should stay that way.

Leshy

Leshy is the Scrybe of Beasts. A generally chaotic being, he likes to toy with the Lamb but mostly just wants them to play with him. He's very fond of games, however the Lamb learns that the game they are presented with is not the true game and there are other characters hidden within the cards. The Lamb beats Leshy in a game and manages to revert the game world back to its true state, revealing the other scrybes and unknowingly stepping closer to ending everything.

Heket

Heket is the Scrybe of Technology. She is a fearsome creature and is generally cruel and sarcastic, berating the Lamb as well as her fellow scrybes. Her cards are decent, not great not terrible, but the boss mechanic can present quite a challenge, especially if the Lamb has a powerful deck and is unable to defeat her before their cards change sides.

Kallamar

Kallamar is the Scrybe of Magic and is one of if not the most challenging bosses the Lamb faces. His decks are very rng based, moreso than with the other scrybes, which means it can take several attempts to defeat him and frequently leaves the Lamb frustrated anytime they have to deal with him. He's a coward and often warns the Lamb to close the game and go no further, begging them to turn back before they destroy everything.

Shamura

Shamura is the Scrybe of the Dead. A charismatic and cheerful being, they like to give riddles and have the Lamb perform puzzles in addition to the primary gameplay. They are one of the Lamb's favorite scrybes to visit, not just because they have the best cards, but they're also just very fun to be around and tend to give great advice. They can seem a bit flighty though, and while nice, they are not to be trifled with, making for an extremely challenging boss fight. They have the gift of prophecy, though the Lamb doesn't learn that till much later, and is working towards a hidden agenda that not even the other scrybes know about.

Narinder aka The Old Data

The Old Data is some code hidden deep within the game files. This is what TOWW has hired the Lamb to uncover. By converting the game back to its original format, the Lamb has made it easier for The Old Data to come through and influence the world, signs of his presence appearing in hidden corners of the map. If all of the scrybes are defeated, the game will break and The Old Data will become free, leading to disastrous consequences.

The Witnesses

This is a singular being that appears in a different form depending on which part of the map you're in, matching the scrybe that rules the area. They are a neutral being, incredibly aware of both the real world and the dangers of The Old Data, but understand how fickle the Lamb as a player is, offering warnings but not stopping them as they proceed.

Focalor

A minor npc the Lamb encounters in Shamura's domain, he was once a real world being just like the Lamb before dying and being reincarnated as an NPC within the game. While his code limits him and his abilities to interact within the game, he is still sentient. He was a developer at TOWW and originally discovered what was hidden within the game. He decided to alter the game into the format the Lamb originally sees, binding the scrybes onto playing cards and leaving Leshy in charge of things since he was the least likely to protest and cause problems. Though he didn't like Focalor's plan, he went along with it since he genuinely liked Focalor and really just likes having fun. Focalor also threatened to alter the game without getting Leshy's opinion on design and mechanics so might as well go along with it. He was sad that Focalor died but is glad that he's in the game. Shamura has a soft spot for Focalor, finding him charming albeit foolish, and Heket just likes making fun of him.

[tsreviews]

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[worstfuture]

#001: The Pet Project

A short story about purpose and the creative process.

After 8 months of tiring, stressful, monotonous work, we did it. We had the app, its front-end and back-end vigorously tested, all the legal questions answered and all the user-end contracts written up - no loopholes or potential for misinterpretation. The Pet Project was ready to go live, and it was most definitely not a cult. Legally, anyway.

It came to you at your worst. A way to solve all the floundering and hopelessness you couldn't escape, to give people like yourself an actual purpose. Half dating app, half adoption service, half maid-for-hire posting board, full of sly dogwhistles targeting only the most damaged of people like you. Using the app itself didn't bind or ensnare you in anything insidious - it was exactly as it described itself to be. But it provided the resources, the contracts and the framework, to form the kinds of relationships you longed for - someone to live for, in a place where you'd finally be safe.

It wasn't the kind of thing you could fund easily, though. It was all done out of your own pocket. You had some rudimentary programming knowledge, though it hadn't seen any use for years - the first couple of months were fruitless, producing only a handful of scrapped client prototypes and some amateurish logo designs. It was a bitter pill, but you swallowed it and went out looking for help.

None of them could really know what they were working on. It was too important, and you knew they'd question the ethics. So you hired three of them, set yourself up as the project manager, and told them you were handling everything else yourself. They never knew each other, even now.

There was Maya, and she handled the legal side. You met her once at a careers fair, when you were strongarmed into representing your company as a "great example of our diversity practices". Meeting her helped stave off the anxiety, and as far as you could tell, she only clocked you from the trans flag pin they had you wear. You hit it off with her pretty easily, though you couldn't match her bubbly enthusiasm, either for legal studies or the trans life as a whole. After a couple dates that went nowhere, you kept in touch somewhat.

Hearing a very rough pitch for your idea, her giddy enthusiasm reared its head again, though you couldn't really answer many of her questions at all. She wanted to know everything, and that... Just wasn't a good idea. Still, she was more than happy to help, even offering to work for less than your lowball offer - you felt bad, but she flat out refused to take any more from you. You made sure to pay for the coffee, the drinks, the movie, every time you met with her after that - it was her enjoyment of the whole thing that drove you forwards some days.

Dani was someone you'd known since you were around 15, who only ever referred to herself as an "autistic failson" - and given everything she told you about her life, you'd struggle to say she was wrong. You met on one of the many failed forums she'd set up and taken down over the years, places she'd tried to establish a community of trans girls unlike all the others - and when they devolved into long threads of dysphoria posting and drama, she'd scrap the whole thing, redirect the domain to gore videos, and start up a new one. The most success she'd had was on her discord server, but she refused to see that as a community. She wanted to make something independent, aesthetically pleasing, and just a little bit scary - she was the perfect fit for your backend developer.

You tried to keep her in the dark about what you were really making, but she twigged pretty quickly. She knew you, and you'd spent years back-and-forth spitballing psychosexual concepts. She was on board immediately, and she was convinced it would change the world. It wouldn't, but with how passionately she talked about it, you almost found yourself believing her.

Then there was Jade. Jade was someone you always had a bad feeling about, even now. At first, she seemed... Normal. Like, really, really normal. Cis, but as well, just... A normie. You didn't really get a lot of her jokes, or references, or... Anything she said, but she was nice to you. You were both assigned to do pair programming when you first got your job, and she was always asking things you didn't really know how to answer. What it's like being you, how you dress when you're not at work, what pills you take, and so on. It was clear she clocked you from day one, but it was clear she meant well. She was the only person you really talked to at work, but it's not like you had anything in common. Or so you thought.

You and her usually went for drinks after work at the end of the week, and by the end of the night, she'd disappeared with someone she'd met that night, and you'd be left to get yourself home. She'd never bring it up or talk about it either, so you figured that was just... Normal for her. It was like that every time, until the one night she got way too drunk. She could barely stand, and you knew from the stares you were getting, they either wanted her out, or they thought you'd spiked her. When the bouncer at the door asked if she knew the "guy" she was going home with, something must have clicked in her. Immediately, she seemed to regain her senses. She practically exploded, yelling "what fucking guy?", singing her "bestie's" praises in one sentence and threatening to outright kill the next person to give her shit in the other. Soon as you got in the taxi, she was practically crying, trying to wipe away your nonexistent tears and comfort you with threats towards anyone who even looks at you wrong. All... Oddly sober.

When the cab got to her place, she hurried you in with her, refusing to hear no for an answer. And when you saw her flat, it all clicked into place. Dog cage, gaming PC, RGB lighting, razors on the nightstand, straight up porn framed on the walls. Before you could ask about any of it, she'd grabbed your hand, led you to the bed, and pushed you onto it. Then, she asked you that question, the one you're still working out how to answer; "Please tell me, how fucked up are you?"

You didn't get a chance to respond. You froze up while she stared at you after that. Then... Nothing. Her gaze relaxed, and her hand drifted from her purse to her head, clutching it like she was thinking. You tried to ask her if she was okay, before she cut you off, snarling "I'm fine". The silence after that was deafening. Then suddenly, she resumed the drunk act, making sure to state how drunk she was, slurring her words while asking if you wanted to crash there tonight. She curled up on the bed, facing away from you, grabbing your arm and wrapping hers around it. You laid there for what felt like hours, surveying the room, all the illustrated porn on the walls, the tablet on her desk, before working up the courage to ask her.

"Hey."

"Mmh?"

"I'm working on something big. Wanna help?"

"What is it?"

And you told her everything. And with every detail, she sat more upright, her eyes widening, watching, listening, with her look of fascination turning to a trance-like wonder as you veered into the reasons why you wanted, no, needed to make this. And she got it. She didn't ask any questions about it. She said yes. But with one condition.

"When it's all done, can you help me with mine?"

You asked what. She was silent. Finally, she shook her head.

"I'll tell you when we're done with yours."

And like that, you had your artist. You never talked about that night again, but the project was underway. For the rest of its duration, you never talked about anything else, and you never talked to anyone else. You fulfilled your duties doing the front-end, with Dani on the back end, consulting with Maya for the legal side, and working with Jade to bring the aesthetics all together.

And just like that, it was done.

You weren't really sure how to feel. There was nothing more to do. You never really had a plan for advertising, other than dropping it into some trans spaces and letting word of mouth do its thing. And now... It scared you.

What even was this thing? Some kink-as-a-lifestyle dating app? A way to sign yourself up for a hyperspecific contract-bound fantasy? An adoption app for fully grown adults? Hell, who the fuck would even use this? Roleplayers, abusers, people who don't know what they're getting themselves into? It's all there, but the concept itself is... Shaky at best. What the fuck?

You had to ask them. Maya at least deserves to know what she's been working on. Maybe they'll have ideas.

Maya was... Honestly, kind of horrified. Half because of the thing itself, but moreso because you'd been lying to her all this time. She really thought it was just something for trans people to find trans live-in maids, for a little bit of kinky fun. When you tried to explain why you wanted to make it, she just got worried. About you. She didn't really know what to make of it all, but she wanted to be here for you, and... Yeah, no. You don't want to be pitied. You dipped from that one.

Dani still thought it'd change the world. There's tons of trans girls out there who want this, on both sides, so why wouldn't it be a good thing? Apart from, yknow, everything you just said. She didn't want to hear it. She was convinced you were just flaking because you didn't really want to deal with the obligations of being a "webmaster", whatever the fuck that meant. Fuck her, she's literally a jannie.

And Jade... Kind of got it. She said she understood, but a lot of work went into this, and it's not the kind of thing that could be easily repurposed. And she raised a good point - it doesn't need to launch now. We could wait on it. And... She got at something you hadn't really thought about. Maybe having some purpose made this whole thing seem a little... Redundant. So with time, it might seem important again. But if it's purpose that you wanted, she had something. Her thing.

So you asked.

And she's going to tell you. At her place, tomorrow. You're both calling in sick to work, and making a day of it. She hasn't really let on yet, but she says you'll find it's... Kind of the right call, really.

Sounds fun.

[titanassist]

The Benefits of Hiring IT Consultants for Your Business

In today's digital age, having a reliable IT infrastructure is essential for the success of any business.

Entrepreneurs and start-up owners may not have the necessary expertise to manage all aspects of their businesses, and IT consulting firms can provide valuable insights and support.

Here are some key reasons why hiring an IT consultant is a wise investment for businesses.

Access to Specialized Knowledge and Experience: IT consulting firms have extensive experience in various technology domains, enabling them to address complex IT challenges effectively.

By hiring an IT consultant, businesses gain access to specialized knowledge and years of experience, ensuring that they have the right resources to tackle any IT-related issues.

External Perspective for Problem Solving: One of the main advantages of hiring an IT consultant is gaining an external perspective on business challenges.

An IT consultant can bring fresh ideas and approaches to address problems, as they have worked with numerous clients in the past. This external perspective can lead to better understanding and more effective solutions.

Expert Support: IT consultants possess specialized skills and knowledge in their respective fields, making them invaluable resources for businesses.

They can provide support across a wide range of technologies, ensuring that businesses have access to the right expertise when they need it.

Employee Training and Mentorship: IT consultants can also serve as mentors for employees, helping to develop their skills in specific areas.

By providing training and sharing their knowledge, IT consultants can empower employees to handle future challenges independently, reducing the need for ongoing IT consulting services.

Cost-effective Solutions: Hiring a full-time IT employee can be expensive, with costs including salary, benefits, and maintenance.

In contrast, IT consultants are typically hired on a project basis, providing a more cost-effective solution for addressing specific IT problems.

This allows businesses to leverage specialized expertise when needed without having to commit to long-term contracts or additional overhead.

Hiring IT consultants can provide numerous benefits to businesses, including access to specialized knowledge, an external perspective for problem-solving, expert support, employee training, and cost-effective solutions.

By leveraging the expertise of IT consultants, businesses can ensure their IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and efficient, positioning them for success in the digital age.

[rootwaysinc]

eCommerce Website Development Services by Rootways

Rootways Inc. began operating in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Greater Toronto Area), in 2001. Despite our modest beginnings, we are pleased to report that we now have a clientele of over 2500. We appreciate our customers for allowing us to assist them, their confidence in us, and for helping our learning and development. We have created solutions for clients in various industries, including eCommerce, wholesale, real estate, finance, legal, cosmetics, travel and tourism, non-profit organizations, government, and many others. Please check our work page for a complete list and a closer look so you can get a better sense.

Our company initially focused on developing websites, but today we also design web applications, e-commerce software, mobile apps, bespoke software, social media apps, web hosting, and domain name registration, and offer internet marketing services to small, medium, and large businesses. In the Greater Toronto Area and across the Canada, we are experts in developing WordPress® websites and the Magento® online cart. Our goal has always been and always will be to provide our clients with the finest possible service.

Through comprehensive testing and your feedback, our team of skilled designers, developers, and project managers will create creative, personalized solutions.

Give us a call at 416-879-8623 or send us an email at help@rootways.com if you're looking for a local expert in Mississauga or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We can offer you a free first consultation for your web project.

Adobe Bronze Solution Partner  

We are happy to announce that Rootways has joined the Adobe Bronze Solution Partner programm. Our membership in the Adobe Partnership is a testament to Rootways' reputation as a prestigious business. At Rootways, we are thrilled to offer our customers only the best Adobe products together with our skilled personnel.

Although Adobe's ecosystem is simple to use, many applications require expert expertise, which is where Rootways comes in. Adobe products have a lot of power. Rootways can assist our clients in realizing the full potential of Adobe products for a better user experience because we are now an Adobe partner.

Magento ECommerce Services  

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Magento Website Development

Rootways is a licenced partner of Magento Solutions. We have produced several packages for your online business. Select the package that best satisfies the requirements of your online store, and our team will work with you to bring it online so that you may start selling. Specific requirements? Contact us to know more.

Starting at $985.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Ecommerce Website Packages

solutions that combine website design and hosting with e-commerce management. We design your Magento-powered web store, host it for you, and manage it. Maintaining servers, troubleshooting software problems, updating shopping carts, and many other tasks are not your responsibility. You aren't required to work with an IT company or person.

Starting with a monthly minimum of $59.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Hire a Magento developer

Work on your store can begin right away, thanks to our team of Magento experts. Depending on your needs, you can buy Magento developer hours or choose fixed monthly ones.

Starting at just $27 an hour.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Monthly Magento Support and Maintenance Packages

Contact us anytime through the 'Support' section of Rootways Inc. if you have any questions or issues, and we will deal with your problem immediately. Likewise, please contact us if you have any questions before buying the module.

Starting at $260 for 8 hours each month.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Upgrade Magento 1 to Magento 2  

Since June 2020, Adobe has stopped providing support, bug fixes, or security upgrades for Magento 1. Your online customers' data and online business are at risk if you continue running your online store on Magento 1 without the bug fixes and updates. Let our team of qualified Magento developers work with you to update the most recent version of Magento 2. We have upgraded numerous Magento versions.

Upgrading your Magento version for as little as $1,579.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Magento Version Upgrade  

Upgrade the Magento version before it’s too late. You run a greater chance of being hacked using an outdated Magento version of your e-commerce platform, which can quickly end your company. On the other hand, improvements to Magento's security, scalability, and new features result in improved store speed. To avoid problems and fully use the latest version, experts advise upgrading the eCommerce store as soon as possible.

Starting at only $ 549.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Web APIs Creation for Magento 2  

One of Magento's most important features is its web API, which enables developers to use online services that interact with the Magento system. Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and REST are the two architectural types of web APIs that Magento 2 offers (Representational State Transfer). In addition, based on your needs, we are offering unique Magento APIs.

Starting from as low as $99.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Magento Extension Customization

Bring a unique service for Magento extension customization. Our developers adhere strictly to project deadlines, have years of experience, and are experts in developing Magento websites. According to the requirements of your business, we are offering our extension. We guarantee the highest standards of extension customization at the most affordable costs.

Starting with an hourly rate of $40.

ECommerce Website Development Services by Rootways: Magento Security Patch Installation Service  

We assist you in effectively installing security updates for your eCommerce store with our Magento Security patch installation service. Since you can strengthen security and pinpoint holes in the system, you can defend your Magento stores from hacker assaults. We offer a service for installing the Magento Security patch and to perform this service, we require certain information from your end. Depending on the intricacy of the website, the installation procedure can take anywhere from two to four working days to finish.

Starting at only $249.

And many more services; check it out on our website www.rootways.com/magento-services  

10 Reasons to Choose Rootways  

Adobe Solution Partner

Rootways is a recognized Bronze Solution Partner for Adobe Magento.

Magento 2 Certified Developer  

A certified Magento 2 developer creates an extension.

Secure Payment Process  

We employ a secure checkout procedure and don't keep any delicate consumer credit card information.

Simple Licensing  

Use a single Magento installation for an unlimited number of stores and websites.

Professional Installation Service  

We will be pleased to offer you expert installation services. For expert installation, please contact us.

No Cost Update

We provide free updates for a lifetime on your purchased products from Rootways Inc.

Complete Open Source

No encoding, open source extensions code, and no disorientation. It is simple to customize.

Following Magento® Standards

While coding any of our extensions, we constantly adhere to Magento standards.

Modules tested by professionals

By testing the functionality and performance of our extensions across different browsers, our QA staff does its best to preserve the quality of our add-ons.

Significant Documentation

An Installation guide, User Guide, and FAQs are all accessible, with a complete description of every extension.

[hireanydomain]

Need a versatile expert? Hire a full-stack developer who can handle both front-end and back-end development with ease. Let’s create something amazing together!

Visit: https://hireinanydomain.com/full-stack-developers/

[onlineecommercestore]

Build your own eCommerce store with the Right Solution

It is impossible to comprehend how time-consuming and detailed the procedure is if you have never started an e-commerce store from scratch. When you look at any e-commerce website, you never give much thought to the fact that someone had to write the content and load each product individually. In addition, before the actual listing process even begins, you must negotiate with each manufacturer to be able to list their products online.

In addition to the amount of work required to construct the website, my experience working in a marketing agency made me aware of how discouraging it can be to have a functioning website and business model that you have put so much effort into, but not to generate organic traffic. As a result, while simultaneously building our website, we began our SEO strategy early, one year prior to the launch of our website. Since we already required this amount of time for growth, why not make the most of it and slay two birds with one stone?

1. Invest in a domain name

Before you decide to create your website to sell electronics online, you need to look for a domain name. This is pretty easy to understand. A domain name that perfectly identifies your brand is required. Avoid overthinking the procedure. You can get a domain name for less than $10.00 by purchasing it from a website like GoDaddy.

2. Look for a web developer

When you launch your website using an eCommerce solution, this is a very important part. When it comes to hiring a developer, be sure to conduct your due diligence if you want to launch your website quickly and professionally. Get recommendations from the developer's previous e-commerce websites. Request a timetable detailing the anticipated duration of the site's launch. They will be able to crop images in a way that matches your website if they have a background in graphic design. Make sure to inquire about the developer's previous work with the e-commerce platform you select (see step 4).

3. Obtain all necessary paperwork for a legitimate business

Get a vendor's license, register your business, and start researching legal business issues before you decide to sell electronics products. To get assistance setting up your business, you should get in touch with a local attorney. Despite the upfront cost, it will probably save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

4. Choose a platform for hosting websites and e-commerce

Choose a well-known e-commerce platform to save time and money. Because most developers are familiar with these, integrating plugins, payment processing, and other features is simple. Make sure the platform comes with a pre-made custom catalog software.

5. Choose a theme that complements your e-commerce strategy

You can save even more time by purchasing a theme from ThemeForest to find a layout that resembles your desired ecommerce look and feel. Over 28,000 website templates and themes start at $2 on ThemeForest. They are the best place to buy templates for websites.

Don't try something new. Download a template from ThemeForest or a site that is similar to it instead of starting from scratch to build eCommerce store.. We discovered through experience that the customization procedure can be extremely time-consuming and discouraging. Therefore, picking a theme that appeals to you will probably save you a lot of time and effort.

[pongkosray]

Why WordPress is a popular CMS?

WordPress is a popular CMS (Content Management System) because it is open-source software, which means that it is free to use and modify. Additionally, it is user-friendly and easy to learn, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It is also highly customizable, with a large selection of themes and plugins available to enhance its functionality. Furthermore, it has a large and active community of users and developers, which provides support and resources for people who use the platform. This community also continuously contributes to the development of new features and improvements. Lastly, it is SEO-friendly and offers a lot of options for optimizing your website for search engines.

WordPress CMS is Free?

Yay!!! It's FREE! It’s always a good idea to choose WordPress CMS as it is a free platform. Well, free means you can surely download it without any charge, make use of it and modify it to as per your demands to create a variety of websites.

WordPress is used by newbie developers, bloggers, freelancers, influencers, small businesses, and corporate business owners.

No wonder WordPress is free, but you essentially require a domain name and web hosting to install it.

How Does a CMS Work?

A CMS provides a platform to create and manage web content. But, how does it function? CMS works through two key components: content management application (CMA) and content delivery application (CDA).

CMA is the graphical user interface that allows designing, editing, and, if needed, deleting unnecessary content from a website without any prior HTML knowledge.

The other component, i.e. CDA, offers back-end services for support, management, and content delivery once the user is ready in the CMA.

⬇️Hire WordPress Developer:⬇️

Benefits of using a CMS:

No wonder a good CMS comes with numerous benefits to keep your website on the go! So what are those advantages that help us while choosing the suitable CMS?

Read below and find out:

Easy to use: No need to worry if you’re not tech-savvy. CMS, a graphical user interface, offers easy-peasy usage without any complications.

Universal accessibility: Access your content using any device from anywhere with a CMS. All you need is internet connectivity.

Search for information easily: Looking to find something out? A built-in search feature provides quick results to users for what they are searching, quite similar to a query made at the Google search engine.

Easy to scale: A CMS allows multiple users and makes it easy for businesses to incorporate new web pages as the business shoots up, that too without any need for a developer.

Manage content effortlessly: Whether you’ve to create content or need to remove any, it’s super easy! Updating websites with a great CMS is not a tough task at all.

Instant content updates. A CMS enables users to manage and update content in real-time — without needing to wait for a developer.

[paradoxcase]

This reblog of this post came across my dash yesterday, I casually looked this up, and while this is pretty strange, I'm hard-pressed to see where the scam actually is.

So this is the original article about the girl who supposedly names Chinese babies, who is not this lady and whose name is Beau Jessup, from the BBC.

Then Buzzfeed has this article about some questionable things they see about this girl's website.

It's worth noting that several other usually reputable news sites also ran stories similar to the BBC's, and as far as I can tell, none of them have been redacted in any way, and also as far as I can tell, Buzzfeed is the only organization calling this out at all. That doesn't necessarily mean that Buzzfeed is wrong, but I'm just pointing that out.

The Buzzfeed article doesn't really outline how this is definitely a scam, it just points out some odd stuff about the website. IMO, stock photos on a website put together by a teenager is not really a red flag of any kind - Buzzfeed seems to think that some of the photos are meant to be pictures of "employees" working for this girl, but like, she was 16 and all of the other articles are presenting this like she is doing this on her own, and not actually running a company or employing anyone, other than hiring a freelance web developer to make the site. (The Chinese text on the site claims that she is the CEO of a company, but does not mention any employees. Or rather, that's what it did claim at the time of the Buzzfeed article - there are no longer any stock photos on the website and the layout seems to have changed since then.) One interesting thing Buzzfeed does find is that the website is owned by her father's company - they claim there's an actually completely reasonable explanation for why this is the case, which is that you have to own a Chinese bank account to get a Chinese domain name and she can't get a Chinese bank account because she's 16 and lives in the UK. That sounds totally believable to me, and either Buzzfeed didn't discover this was false, or they just didn't check at all. The father's company is also about educating Chinese people about western culture, so sure, it seems like maybe it's not so much that she is doing this on her own as that her father is actually running this.

Except... the website doesn't actually seem to be doing business. According to what Buzzfeed found, it didn't have much traffic according to Alexa, and most actual Chinese people were not aware that the website existed until after it was reported on. Also, the number given for the number of babies named is impossible if you are going with the idea that this was done by one person in the span of time during which the website's domain name was even registered, but a CNBC article is claiming that the generation of the actual names is done automatically using a fairly simple database lookup, so she doesn't actually have to do this manually (and if you go to the modern 2024 website, you can indeed get a list of names with just a few clicks). It looks like they put in the absolute minimum amount of effort necessary to get the website on a Chinese domain name and visible in China and that might have been it.

So, if the website is not actually doing any business and no one who can read the language its written in knows it exists, it's hard to see where this could be scamming anyone. Was it just bait for news articles like this? The articles don't even mention her father's company, so it's hard to see what the point of that could be. Is it a front for something? Maybe they were hoping the news coverage would make Chinese people aware of the website and hook the first clients, but like, the father already runs a business targeting Chinese people, so you would think he would have no trouble getting his daughter's site out there. Was this just a ploy to beef up the daughter's future resume? Or, maybe Alexa and/or Buzzfeed was wrong about the site traffic for some reason, and Chinese people are in fact using it. I have no idea. It's kind of strange, mainly just because of the site traffic stats, but I think it's probably not a scam. The technical details of what the CNBC article describes her doing with the automatic name choosing system are simple enough that it would probably actually be more effort to set up a scam than just write an algorithm and populate a database to do what she claims she's doing.

I wish this was my job.

[mnbsoftsolution]

Software Development Company: Empowering Businesses Through Innovation

In today’s technology-driven world, software development companies are pivotal in shaping industries, streamlining operations, and enhancing customer experiences. A software development company specializes in creating, designing, deploying, and maintaining software solutions tailored to address specific business needs. This blog delves into the key aspects of software development companies, their services, their benefits, and how they contribute to global digital transformation.

What is a Software Development Company?

A software development company is a team of skilled professionals, including developers, designers, project managers, and quality analysts, who collaborate to create software applications. These solutions range from simple mobile apps to complex enterprise systems designed to optimize business processes, improve user engagement, and achieve organizational goals.

Core Services Offered by a Software Development Company

A reliable software development company offers a comprehensive suite of services to cater to various industries and requirements:

1. Custom Software Development

Custom software development involves creating tailor-made solutions designed to meet a client’s unique needs. This ensures optimal functionality and efficiency, setting businesses apart from their competitors.

2. Web Application Development

Web applications provide businesses with robust platforms accessible from any browser. Whether it's an e-commerce website, a CRM system, or a SaaS product, web applications ensure seamless interaction and scalability.

3. Mobile App Development

Mobile applications have become indispensable in the modern era. Software companies develop apps for various platforms, including iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks, ensuring a wider reach and improved user experience.

4. Enterprise Software Solutions

Enterprise software solutions, such as ERP and supply chain management systems, help organizations automate operations, enhance productivity, and make data-driven decisions.

5. Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud computing is integral to modern software solutions. Development companies provide cloud-based applications, ensuring scalability, security, and remote accessibility.

6. Software Maintenance and Support

Software solutions require regular updates and maintenance to stay relevant. Companies offer support services to fix bugs, enhance features, and ensure software longevity.

How to Choose the Right Software Development Company

Selecting the right software development partner is crucial for the success of your project. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Expertise and Experience

A company’s portfolio showcases its expertise and the industries it serves. Opt for companies with experience in your specific domain to ensure they understand your requirements.

2. Technology Stack

Modern software development requires proficiency in cutting-edge technologies, including AI, ML, IoT, blockchain, and AR/VR. Ensure the company has a versatile and updated tech stack.

3. Agile Development Approach

Agile methodologies ensure flexibility, faster delivery, and adaptability to changing requirements. Choose a company that embraces this approach.

4. Communication and Transparency

Effective communication is the backbone of a successful partnership. Ensure the company provides regular updates and is open to feedback.

5. Post-Development Support

A reputable software development company offers continuous support and maintenance even after the project delivery.

Benefits of Hiring a Software Development Company

1. Expertise and Innovation

Software development companies bring together experienced professionals who leverage innovative technologies to create state-of-the-art solutions.

2. Cost-Effective Solutions

Outsourcing software development to a company is often more economical than maintaining an in-house team. It eliminates costs related to recruitment, training, and infrastructure.

3. Faster Time-to-Market

With streamlined processes and skilled teams, these companies ensure faster delivery without compromising quality.

4. Scalability

As businesses grow, their software needs evolve. Development companies provide scalable solutions that can adapt to changing demands.

5. Enhanced Security

Protecting sensitive data is critical. Software companies implement robust security measures to safeguard business and customer information.

Industries Benefiting from Software Development Companies

The versatility of software development companies enables them to serve diverse industries, including:

1. Healthcare

Custom healthcare software streamlines patient management, telemedicine, and electronic health records, enhancing the overall quality of care.

2. Retail and E-Commerce

E-commerce platforms, inventory management systems, and personalized shopping apps revolutionize the shopping experience.

3. Finance

Banking apps, digital wallets, and financial analytics software empower users with secure and convenient financial services.

4. Education

E-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and student management systems transform traditional education methods.

5. Real Estate

Property listing platforms, virtual tours, and CRM tools for agents enhance client interactions and streamline property management.

6. Manufacturing

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and automation solutions optimize supply chains, production, and distribution processes.

Emerging Trends in Software Development

To stay competitive, software development companies are embracing these latest trends:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI-powered solutions enable predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automation, offering smarter tools for businesses.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT solutions connect devices, enabling remote monitoring and smart automation in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain ensures transparency and security, especially in financial transactions, supply chain management, and voting systems.

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs combine the best features of web and mobile apps, offering a seamless user experience with faster loading times.

5. Low-Code and No-Code Development

These platforms enable faster app development, empowering businesses to create solutions with minimal coding expertise.

Case Studies: Success Stories with Software Development Companies

1. Retail Transformation

A global retail brand collaborated with a software development company to create an omnichannel e-commerce platform, resulting in a 30% increase in sales within a year.

2. Healthcare Innovation

A leading hospital implemented custom telemedicine software, allowing patients to consult doctors remotely, significantly improving access to healthcare.

3. Manufacturing Efficiency

A manufacturing giant adopted an ERP system developed by a software company, reducing production downtime by 20%.

Conclusion

A software development company serves as a strategic partner, enabling businesses to innovate, streamline operations, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, investing in custom software solutions can unlock new opportunities and drive success.

[tranktechnologies]

What are the factors that influence the eCommerce Development Cost in New York? Why is eCommerce web development essential? Is it worth hiring a company and handing over your business's future to them? Is it costly, or is it a waste of money? All these questions create chaos when a business looks to sell products or services online. The rapidly growing online shopping industry is influencing startups to invest money in developing e-commerce websites. 

Not only startups but many businesses revolve around customers looking to hire an eCommerce Web Development Company in New York. Furthermore, several businesses hire companies to revamp their websites, showing the rising demand for this service. But, what questions are undoubtedly the same are the factors affecting the cost of eCommerce web development. This blog aims to share all the relevant details on this subject. 

Factors Influencing An eCommerce Development Cost in New York

Indeed, New York is a global IT hub, and hiring any company from this city will benefit your business. However, knowing whom to choose and what factors affect the eCommerce Development Cost in New York is essential. 

Here are the factors that influence the cost of eCommerce web development:

Website Type And Design

One of the influential factors affecting the cost of website development in the eCommerce industry is website type and design. Every design and kind of website is different, and creating user-friendliness and the demand for unique designs add extra cost. Customization in design involves a professional design agency that charges money accordingly. The selection between a custom website design and a template-based design highly impacts the eCommerce Development cost in New York. 

Features, Functionality, And Number of Pages

Other factors that affect the cost are features, functionality, and the number of pages. The more features and functionality you demand, the more you need to pay. Creating an eCommerce website is not limited to one page; it requires several pages. Similarly, the more pages you add, the more figures are added to the cost. This factor demands additional technology, development work, and increased research part. The complexity of features, including buttons, screens, and much more, also influences the eCommerce Development Cost in New York.

Role Of User Interface (UI) And User Experience (UX) Design 

Using UI and UX Design in eCommerce website development is vital to enhance the user experience and capture attention. It is also helpful in creating a solid brand identity that helps increase the retention rate. The higher a website's retention rate, the greater the chances of increased sales. This factor directly affects revenue growth; hence, using UI and UX Design positively impacts eCommerce websites. A well-planned UI/UX Design might add extra value to an eCommerce Development Cost in New York. Still, it is considered a worthwhile investment as it grabs users' attention and converts them into potential customers.

Software Integrations

Lastly, integrating software into an eCommerce website can add to the development cost. By integrating systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), you will add more figures to the pricing of the eCommerce Web Development. These integrations demand an experienced developer or a professional company with a history of expertise in this domain. It might add more value to the cost but enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction, and data accuracy. 

In Sum Up

The earlier list showcases the factors that affect the cost charged by an eCommerce Web Development Company in New York. Other factors include the company's years of experience, the use of advanced tools and technologies, the cost of hosting, the choice of platform, the use of SEO practices, product visuals, payment methods, and much more. It is essential to hire a company that has expertise in your domain. It is best to create an outline of your project. 

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Performance Improvement Consultant

Hmsa is the best Management Consulting Firm providing Strategy and Operations advice to corporate Clients for existing or new businesses. Hmsa offers Big-4 Quality without the Big-4 Price tag. To deliver this, Hmsa has a team of 40 advisors and consultants, most of whom have 20+ years of experience working for either one or more of the Big-4. 

Hmsa is India’s ‘go-to-firm’ for Project Reports, Feasibility Studies, SOPs / Manuals and HR Advisory. Hmsa is the preferred management consultant for clients who have high project stakes and cannot afford to go wrong but do not wish to hire a Big-4 firm for any reason. Clients value its independent advice and the ability to deliver required industry expertise on a project through its network of associates and strategic alliance partners.

Established in 2014, Hmsa’s team has serviced a large number of extremely well-known corporates and our advisors are highly respected as expert consultants in the industry.

As Project Report Consultants, Hmsa offers project reports at three levels of detail - Basic, Standard and Detailed - to suit the requirements and budget of clients. As performance improvement consultants, Hmsa often engages in Standard Operating Process (SOP) development and cost reduction through performance improvement. As a relationship-focused and quality-conscious firm, Hmsa believes in delivering top-notch advice and takes delight in solving business problems, often improvising on the typically followed conventional wisdom. Engaging Hmsa, you will realize that innovation, creativity, and professional insight are the guiding spirits of our solutions.

Hmsa’s capabilities are sector agnostic and yet given the repetitive exposure to advising clients in specific domains, it claims to have a certain level of industry specialization in Development & Government, Power, Transportation & Logistics, Capital Markets & BFSI, and Manufacturing. Irrespective of the industry you belong to, Hmsa’s confidence in advising you emerges from working with a wide range of clients from different sectors. You can have a look at some of the industrial solutions and service offerings in the five sectors and those are Development & Government, Capital Market & BFSI, Transportation & Logistics, Manufacturing, Power.