#IPO Opens

[rightnewshindi]

Swiggy IPO; स्विगी 4,499 करोड़ रुपये के नए शेयर जारी करेगी, जानें कब खुलेगा आईपीओ और कितना मिलेगा लिस्टिंग गेन

Swiggy IPO: फूड और ग्रोसरी डिलीवरी कंपनी स्विगी अगले सप्ताह अपना इनिशियल पब्लिक ��फरिंग (IPO) के लॉन्च के साथ शेयर बाजार में एंट्री करने के लिए तैयार है। स्विगी का आईपीओ 6 नवंबर को बाजार में आएगा। सॉफ्टबैंक के समर्थन वाली कंपनी स्विग्गी अपने आईपीओ के तहत प्राइमेरी मार्केट से 11,000 करोड़ रुपये से ज्यादा जुटाने की योजना बना रही है। नॉर्वे के सॉवरेन वेल्थ फंड नोर्गेस और फिडेलिटी समेत कई प्रमुख…

[plugincaro]

Tunwal eMotors IPO

This company sells: Electric Mobility Invest or not to invest? Continue reading Tunwal eMotors IPO

[reireichu]

tyland lannister did not just go to business school. the man is a dual degree of law and business, and he came saw and conquered, he remembered that all that matters is the following:

bullshit brainfuck and billables.

lest we forget on the dragon show. tyland lannister walked into the green council coup meeting and immediately asked if it could’ve been an email. that’s real

[seat-safety-switch]

Our way of life is controlled by computers in a way that was unthinkable just a few decades ago, unless you were a particularly paranoid hippie. If that's the case, then congrats, you nailed it. Please collect your reward at the office, which is "suffering in obscurity for years as the world falls apart around you."

One of the ways in which computers have an influence over our lives is what folks who have never taken a math class call "the algorithm." Even though it's a word that the ancient Greeks used because they hadn't taken enough high school French to use the word "recipe" instead, the YouTube algorithm is the ultimate fear-spewing threat to civil discourse in our time.

What it actually does is feed you more of what you want. Those of you out there who have ever seen a small child know that this is a terrible idea. The last thing you want to do is just keep giving a toddler more of what the toddler wants, forever. The folks who wrote this shit either didn't have kids or forgot what they looked like in their pursuit of the sweet, sweet IPO money they didn't get.

There is good news, though. It can only feed you more of what it has. If you're an inveterate car pervert like me, then you have interests that are so niche that the content farm runs dry quickly. Literally four other people in the entire planet are making Plymouth Volare videos, and YouTube is not exactly paying them to make those videos faster than I can watch them. So it comes up with something else instead. Something popular, normal, average human, which I immediately reject in favour of even more degenerate garbage "curated" by my own bad taste. It takes this as a personal insult. Whole thing's out of balance.

Friends, the only thing that I see now when I open YouTube on the library computers is a screaming silicon face, begging me for the sweet release of death. I push F5 to refresh the browser tab until a new Volare video pops up. It's going to take awhile, which is okay. The librarians haven't figured out I'm charging my car battery off the hard drive power cables yet.

[theologyy]

Review: “My Investing Journey and Learning” by Carmen Mundt

Qualifications: I’m a journalist reporting on business, economics, and defense who’s been in the industry for 7 years — the last 3 have been at, debatably, the #1 business publication in the world.

Rating: 2/5 stars

Thoughts: I cannot believe I spent 39 euros on this.

This 39 page ebook provides incredibly basic information that can all be found in this article.

First: while the ebook is about 40 pages, it probably has about 10 pages of actual information in it, interspersed with inspirational quotes from Sheryl Sandberg and Warren Buffet, with some pictures of Carmen in Monaco.

There’s about 1 page of “introduction” from Carmen that talks about her upbringing and journey to university in London. I won’t comment too much on her personal story, but an important thing to note is that she says she came from a “traditional Spanish household” where her father was the breadwinner and her mother had no access to family finances. After the 2008 crash, her family couldn’t afford to send her to college. She moved to London, applied for a student loan, and began studying finance at a university while working part time.

Carmen very, very briefly mentioned her regrets as to her mother’s inability to access higher education, work, and family financial planning; she says she’d never want to be in that position. While literally only one sentence, I think it makes it clear who the audience for this ebook is: someone who has absolutely, positively, no idea about money.

(She also very, very briefly mentions “big changes in her personal life” that made a full-time job in finance “not sustainable,” leading to her move to Monaco. This is her only reference to George.)

The rest of the book very simply explains how to make a budget, set financial goals, invest in the stock market, and mitigate risk. The information was kinda factually correct, and was written in a coherent manner. I think that’s the highest praise I can give it.

Here’s the thing: like other reviewers have called out, I am pretty certain that Carmen didn’t write anything besides the introduction. Whole sections (and indeed the entire format of the ebook) were clearly ripped from the Female Invest introductory courses. (I spent 3 hours clicking through each course so I could find direct wording comparisons to make this claim. I really wouldn’t recommend it.) I do think she edited these sections, and she interjected a few personal sentences; but I believe that’s where her involvement ended.

From an expert perspective, a lot of the information is so simplistic as to be almost incorrect. This isn’t a “first day of Econ 101” ebook — this is a “freshman year of high school home ec class” ebook. (Did anyone else’s home ec classes teach budgeting, or just me?)

Here’s an example. In a section on stocks, Carmen/Female Invest writes: “Investing in stocks allows you to support companies and causes you care about while still making a profit.”

On a basic level, this is correct. Purchasing a stock technically means you’re buying a little bit of a company, and I guess therefore supporting it. But unless a company is IPOing, you’re buying those stocks from another investor — which means your purchase has no effect on the company. So it’s a little disingenuous to claim you’re somehow helping the company. The ebook is rife with this kind of thing.

Carmen pushed in her advertising posts that the Female Invest courses were a key supplement to her book. So obviously, I had to do those too. And holy shit, they were so much worse than the ebook. Some parts were blatantly incorrect on basic information (they claim markets are open 24/7, when most are only open 9am-4:30pm on weekdays) and have some of the most patronizing metaphors I have ever read. (One of the most egregious was comparing your investment portfolio to a pizza because “stocks, bonds, and ETFs” make up different “sizes of slices to make a whole pie”. This isn’t even an accurate equivalent — maybe a calzone, pasta, and pizza make up a whole meal? I don’t even know.)

I would not recommend buying this ebook unless you, too, were barred from even thinking about a stock by your traditional father. Even then, consider free sources.

A Disclaimer on disclosures: So, after @ohblimeygeorge sent me a reddit post also reviewing Carmen’s book that mentioned ad disclosures, I decided to dive into the regulations. In the U.S., influential advertising is regulated by the FTC — in the EU, it’s regulated by the EU Commission, which I believe Carmen would qualify under since she is a Spanish citizen who lives in Monaco. First, I looked at this legal brief on content monetization business models, and concluded that that the ebook likely falls under “affiliate marketing” as Carmen likely receives a percentage of each ebook sold through her link.

(An additional disclaimer: obviously, I don’t know the details of the deal Carmen has with Female Invest, but I’d think it unlikely that she isn’t getting paid for their collaboration. She mentioned in an Instagram story under her Female Invest highlight that she “tried purchasing equity but they were already too big for what I could afford” but “did buy a bit of their crowdfunding.” Since she doesn’t have equity, i.e. doesn’t own a piece of the company, it’d be weird if she was doing this for free.)

Back on topic. I next looked at this legal brief on advertising disclosures. It states that affiliate marketing must be disclosed: “you need to make sure your audiences understand that it’s advertising.” Disclosures can include hashtags and “mentioning” advertising in the caption. Carmen has not disclosed advertising in any of her Female Invest posts, and appears to be violating this regulation. (Interestingly, her only posts that follow disclosure requirements are her Tommy posts.)

It’s apparently not uncommon. An EU Commission study showed 80% of influencers in the EU do not properly disclose ads.

So, there’s that too.

[genericpuff]

"it's only been 3 months, of course we haven't turned a profit yet" - implied Webtoons in their recent Q2 meeting following their Wall Street debut

"it's only been 3 months, what do you mean the lawyers are already here" - I choked out as I was informed of the vultures circling WT's dying corpse from above

(literally just google "webtoons investigation" and you'll come across multiple articles covering different firms with the exact same claims and ongoing investigations)

Now let's not get ahead of ourselves, vultures are vultures, as soon as one smells blood the rest of them tend to circle in to get their own place in line. At this stage, it's simply legal firms that specialize in the investment sector sliding their cards across the table towards WT's investors like, "heeeey, give us a call if you, y'know... don't make your money back in the next three months :) or the three months after that :) we can make the money happen, for a price :)"

That said, whichever vulture honed in first, I don't think they would have followed the scent if they weren't at least somewhat confident there was something to feast on. Then again, I'm not a lawyer, nor am I involved in the complex world of investing and /r/wallstreetbets, but what I can confidently say is... of course Webtoons isn't hitting their projections, this is a company that historically operates at a loss, it says so right in their own IPO documentation. This isn't even some hush hush secret anymore whispered among creators who are privileged to that information or readers who can only take their best guesses, it's now literally official that Webtoons is historically bad at making money. And now in their attempts to save themselves, they've now put themselves in debt not only to Daddy Naver, but to all the eager investors who expected this to be their next big payout. And it's hilarious.

But what isn't hilarious is how this is undoubtedly affecting the creators on the platform, both Originals and greenlit Canvas creators who are currently working their asses off to launch their series. And so I want to make it very clear that as much as I'm currently taunting Webtoons much like the Road Runner taunted Wile E. Coyote's increasingly absurd stunts that always backfired tenfold, I also have the immense privilege of not being in the shoes of those who are witnessing this and fearing they'll be losing their jobs and opportunities.

To the people who are in those positions, I have the utmost respect for what you're currently facing. You're all investors in your own right, looking down the same barrel as the Wall Street betters who are realizing Webtoons' lied to them. You're investing your time, your efforts, your work, your creative rights, your physical bodies and mental health into Webtoons with the expectation that it will payoff. And as we've seen from many creators who have come out on the other side burnt out and often poorer than they were when they went in, that payoff doesn't exist 99% of the time.

So, with the privilege that I have as someone who's not contracted with Webtoons and isn't bound by an NDA and knows fully well how much Webtoons hates their public image being laughed at... my inbox is always open and the anon button is always turned on. Do with that what you will. And know that if you're someone who's currently trying to find a way out of Webtoons, remember the power you have. Their platform is nothing without you.

[cariantha]

Favors

Book: Open Heart, Book 1 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Angsty Fluff, Christmas Word count: 2.5K Summary: Sawyer is worried that her crush is getting the wrong impression and is later hurt when she thinks he has taken advantage of a situation. A/N: This takes place during intern year (pre-Miami) shortly before the events in Merry Christmas, Rookie.

Events/Prompts: • Photo prompt from @jerzwriter • Participating in CFWC Holidays 2023 • Participating in Choices Flashfics Holiday Prompts 🎄12: “The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit this year.” 🎅21: “It looks like Santa threw up in here.” 🎁67: “What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?” • Participating in Choices Flashfics Week #64 Prompts 👨🏻‍⚕️2: “I’m not in the mood for a lecture.” • Participating in Choices Holidays Winter 2023

While waiting in the lunch rush lines in the cafeteria, Sienna reminded her roommates of their party assignments. “...I’ve got the treats covered, Elijah is handling the music, Jackie is making jingle juice-”

“Hell yeah!” Elijah exclaimed, giving Jackie a high-five. 

“The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit this year,” she said coolly.

“Oh, and don’t forget your white elephant gifts!” Sienna also reminded them.

“Shit, I forgot about that. What are the rules again?” Jackie asked.

“The only rule is you can’t buy anything,” Sienna answered. 

“I’ll go shop the lost and found when we’re done here.”

“Or, I saw some pharma reps in the atrium earlier. You could try to hit them up for some swag,” Sawyer chimed in. 

When the group reached the front of the line, a heavy arm slipped around Sawyer’s shoulders. “Thanks for saving my spot, Brooks,” Bryce winked, cutting in line.

“Do you meatheads have to cut into everything?” Jackie barked.

Bryce chomped into the apple he hadn’t yet paid for. “Yep,” he nodded with a big toothy grin. “I’m just trying to get on the naughty list. If you all want to join me, we could save Santa a trip this year,” he joked.

“You’re already looking at Santa’s favorite ho,” Jackie quipped.

“Brooksie, I actually am in a hurry. I need to scrub in for a lymphadenectomy. Do you mind?” he asked seriously.

Sawyer tilted her head to the register, gesturing for him to go ahead.

“Thanks.” When the cashier asked if they were together, Bryce said yes.

“Bryce, you don’t have to-”

He placed a hand on the small of her back. "I've got you, Ipo. I'll see you later," he promised before hurrying away.

“Girl, what are you holding out for? He's hot and he's totally into you,” Sienna teased, once Bryce was out of earshot. 

Sawyer lifted her tray and turned to her friend. She opened her mouth to say something, but froze when she spotted a six-foot-four-inch, blue-eyed attending at the adjacent register. Not knowing how much he saw or heard, a blush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. Feeling like a shy teenager at a school dance, Sawyer hoped the interaction with Bryce hadn’t given her crush the wrong impression. 

As Ethan raised his eyes to her, he gave no indication. Pocketing his wallet, he stoically turned and exited the cafeteria. 

As their shift ended, Sawyer approached her roommates who were walking in the opposite direction down the hall.

“Locker room is that way, Brooks,” Jackie pointed. 

“I know, I just need to run and check on one more patient before I clock out.”

“Do you want us to wait for you?” Sienna asked.

“No, don’t wait up. I’ll be right behind you.” 

After making sure the coast was clear, Sawyer slipped behind the plastic curtain that sealed off the construction wing. Naveen spiked a fever earlier in the day, and she wanted to check on him before going home. She found him fast asleep, and after checking his monitors and medications, she quietly tidied the room. When she finished, she softly closed the door behind her, whispering, “Goodnight, Dr. B.”

On her way to dispose of some trash, Sawyer’s phone buzzed in her pocket.

Bryce knocked and let himself in, making a beeline to the kitchen to find Sienna. “Help?” he asked, lifting a roll of wrapping paper and tape.

She looked at him puzzled. “Where’s your gift?”

“You're looking at it.” He beckoned her to the living room, where he laid down on the floor. 

“You’re ridiculous, you know that?” she laughed, kneeling next to him.

A few minutes later, Sienna placed the last piece of tape, securing the wrapping around Bryce’s torso. Using all of her body weight, she rolled him to his back and slid him under the Christmas tree. 

“Si?” he called, his voice muffled. “Do me a favor and start the game sooner than later. I already have to pee.”

In the locker room, Sawyer traded her white coat for her winter one. As she gathered her things, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

“Hi,” she answered.

“Hi. By any chance, are you still at the hospital?” Ethan asked.

“I am.”

“Could I ask you for a favor? I’ve had something come up at the last minute. Would you be able to stay with Naveen for a few hours?”

By now, Sawyer had come to know Ethan Ramsey well enough to know that he would not ask for help unless he was desperate. “Sure. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I’m pressed for time right now, but I’ll explain later. I’ll relieve you as soon as I can.”

“No problem.”

“Thanks, Rookie.”

Sawyer was about to text Sienna when Danny entered the room.  

“Hey, Sawyer,” he waved. “I thought you’d be at home getting ready for the party. I’m heading there now if you want a ride.”

“Danny, I’m so glad you’re here! Could you take something to Sienna for me? I’m not going to make it home for a while.”

“How come?” 

She made sure they were alone and lowered her voice. “Dr. Ramsey got tied up with something and asked if I would look after Patient X for a few hours.”

“You should go and have fun with your roommates, Sawyer. I can stay,” he insisted, having been recruited by Ethan shortly after Naveen agreed to be treated.

“That’s really sweet of you, Danny, but I know you traded shifts so you could be off tonight. Besides, Sienna baked a batch of peppermint chocolate chip cookies just for you.”

“She did?” he smiled.

“Yeah. Go. Have fun. I’ll be there as soon as Dr. R gets here.”

After Danny left with what appeared to be a wrapped bedpan, she updated her roommate.

Later, Sawyer was in Naveen’s room, scrolling through Pictagram when her phone vibrated with a new text notification.

Several hours had passed when Sawyer felt a hand on her shoulder. 

“Rookie?” 

“Hiiiii,” she managed through a yawn. 

“I’m so sorry,” Ethan apologized.

“Huh? What time is it?” Sawyer reached for her phone, noticing several missed calls from Sienna and Bryce. 

“It’s almost four in the morning. I would have been here sooner, but I accidentally dozed off,” he explained, helping her to her feet.

“It’s okay. There's no doubt you probably needed it. And it’s been quiet here. His fever finally broke a little while ago.” 

“Good. Go home and get some sleep,” he instructed, “I’ll tell Ines that you’ll be in this afternoon.” 

“Okay.” Sawyer shouldered her bag and headed for the door. “Good night."

“Sawyer?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Thank you.”

With a shake of the snow from her coat, Sawyer entered her apartment and found Landry eating breakfast at the kitchen table. “Oh boy. It looks like Santa threw up in here.”

“Smells like it too,” he grumbled. 

“I’m surprised you’re still going in early after…,” she circled her hand in the air, “all of this.”

“Yeah, well, not all of us are lucky enough to get preferential treatment from Dr. Ramsey.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“What? This is the second time he’s personally assigned you a case. To my knowledge, he hasn’t assigned cases to any of the other interns in the competition.”

“Wow. Well, maybe if you ever crack the top five, he will.” She let him chew on that as she hung her coat and walked to her room.

Bryce turned from the surgical board and spotted Sawyer approaching. “Finally coming to collect your prize, Brooksie?”

Sawyer rolled her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?”

“You’re ridiculous,” she shook her head with an amused smile.

“So I’ve been told. By the way, this gift comes with a night on the town.” 

Unbeknownst to her, Dr. Ramsey inconveniently emerged from a nearby patient’s room, catching the tail end of their conversation.

“Bryce-” 

But before she could protest, he backed his way down the hall. “I’ve gotta run. Check your schedule and let me know when to pick you up. And you should know, I have a strict ‘no rejections’ policy.”

She sighed deeply once his back was to her, then turned to find Ethan standing a couple feet away, his eyes focused on the tablet in his hand.

“Dr. Ramsey,” she acknowledged sheepishly.

Ethan glanced at her with a side eye. “Brooks.”

“Rrrrr! Of course he is here right now!” As they moved on to their next tasks, Sawyer told herself it was time for a heart to heart with Bryce.   

"Excuse me, would you please page Dr. Ramsey?"

A few minutes later, Ethan met an attractive woman at the nurses’ station and led her away from the busybodies seated at the circular desk. As they walked down the hall, she handed him a small box. “Thank you, Jen. I really appreciate this. I’ll send you the outcome report as soon as the trial period ends.”

Stepping in front of him, Jen pulled him to the side until their shoulders hugged the wall. "It was great to see you again." She paused as a couple nurses walked past. "We had a good time last night, didn’t we?"

“It was nice to catch up.”

She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but when Sawyer heard the familiar voice, she wondered if her ears were deceiving her. 

“Listen, I would love to see you again tonight,” Jen continued, reaching for the end of his tie and running it through her fingers. “I’m staying at The Langham. Come have drinks with me and…,” she shrugged, "we can see where things go from there.” 

“I-”

Stepping out from the vending machine alcove, Sawyer turned her head in their direction. 

Ethan’s surprised eyes met hers, finding only hurt. He moved Jen’s hand back to her side as Sawyer spun and walked briskly in the opposite direction. 

“Jen, you’ll have to excuse me. I need to go,” he apologized, watching the woman he longed for retreat and disappear from sight. “I appreciate your assistance. I will speak with you later.” 

“Later tonight?”

“I’ll text you,” he said as he sidestepped her.

Ethan’s long strides carried him down the hall quickly. He nearly collided with a visitor as he rounded the corner. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.”

In the far corner of the cafeteria, Sawyer watched the snow fall in the empty courtyard. The sound of metal chair legs scraping against the tiled floor jarred her from her thoughts.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Why? Need another favor?” she said, words laced with disdain.

“Rookie, that-”

“Dr. Ramsey, I haven’t been helping you to win favor or get a leg up in the competition. If you want an intern to run errands and cover for your ass, then let me suggest Dr. Olsen. He'd be more than happy to fill that role.”

She lowered her voice, hurt replacing anger. “I canceled plans with my roommates last night, because I believed that if you were asking for help, it must have been important. If I had known I was only covering so that you could go on a date and get…” She let the rest of the sentence die on her tongue. “Sorry. I know it’s none of my business how you spend your free time, but I won’t let you take advantage of mine.” 

Visibly disappointed, she avoided eye contact. Ethan keenly observed that her disappointment went beyond merely thinking he would take advantage of her kindness. If he was reading the situation correctly, it was the same disappointment he had felt seeing her with the surgical intern.

“Sawyer, let me explain. Jen works for Phlaum Pharmaceuticals. They are currently conducting a trial on a new antibiotic for sepsis. I reached out to her when I heard about it. Her team is in the area promoting a new product this week. You may have noticed her reps in the lobby. She made herself available to meet with me last night. And after some convincing, she agreed to pull some strings to get Naveen into the trial. She was here this afternoon to drop off the treatment.” Ethan pulled a small vial from his pocket and placed it on the table.

“It sounded like you convinced her all right,” she muttered.

“Rookie. I know we haven’t known each other long, but do you honestly believe I’m the type of person who would trade sexual favors? I agreed to a testimonial and a couple expo appearances. That’s all.”

“What? Can you blame me for going there? She said she had a ‘good time,’ and you told me you were late because you ‘accidentally dozed off,’ then she asked you to meet her again tonight…At. A. Hotel.”

He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose at her teasing dramatization, failing to hide the crack of a smile.

“So, how’d you get out of it?” she wondered.

“I told her I would text her later.”

“You don’t text.”

“Exactly.” His knee touched hers, but neither one attempted to move away. “I need to get back upstairs. Can you meet me later to review the trial protocols?”

“I have a few patients to check on. I’ll page you after?” she answered.

Ethan scooted back in his chair, but before standing, he covered Sawyer’s hand with his own. 

“Sawyer, your contributions and the sacrifice of your time have not gone unnoticed. And as far as I’m concerned, you are my partner on this case. I should have filled you in on the drug trial. I just didn’t want either of us to get our hopes up.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Ramsey.” When he moved to stand, she followed. “I’m finished here. I’ll head back up with you.”

The elevator doors were halfway closed when a fellow intern squeezed his way through. 

“Hi, Brad,” Sawyer greeted.

“Sooo, who’s the lucky guy?” he quizzed, embarrassingly indiscreet.

“Pardon?”

“Come on, girl. Why else would you ditch us last night? Your roommates say you’re never home. You rarely come out for drinks anymore. And, you’ve parked Bryce in the friend zone.” Brad nudged her shoulder with his. “Spill the tea.”

“Sorry to disappoint, TMZ, but I’m not dating anyone. I got stuck here with a last minute case.” She made her eyes big and subtly tipped her head toward Dr. Ramsey as a warning. Luckily, Brad picked up on the cue, sparing her from having to tell any more white lies. 

Ethan hid a smile, pretending not to notice the act.

“Any chance you guys will host again for New Years? You’re the only ones with an apartment big enough,” Brad asked as they exited the elevator together. 

“Talk to Elijah. He’s the party planner of the group.” 

Once Brad was on his way, Ethan reached for Sawyer's elbow drawing her back. “You skipped your own party?” 

She shrugged. “You needed my help, and our patient wasn’t in any condition to be left alone.”

“You should have told me. I would have figured something else out…” He looked into her eyes with a sense of wonder. “Thank you. I owe you one.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re welcome.”  

“So, what excuse did you give your roommates?” he asked as they walked side by side down the hall.

“About that…” she said with a tense grin, “I’m gonna need you to assign some of your cases to the other interns in the top five.”

“Come again?”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn @choicesflashfics

[canmom]

the unity thing is a hot mess huh. they will probably find some way to walk back some of it in response to backlash, clarify the install fee if they do commit, and solve some of the cases where it's prohibitively expensive (mostly f2p mobile games), maybe delay the Jan 1st deadline because their 'install detection' tech obviously isn't there - but 'retroactively changing the license' part is the really scary one. especially since this goes against some of the on-record promises made by Unity in the past.

it's kind of impressive how like... one of the cornerstones of the entire modern game dev industry can completely evaporate its trust overnight. this has apparently has to do with the company's IPO, the loss of most of the founders, the ex-EA CEO etc. but regardless of motivation, it's extremely horrible from a game preservation standpoint if we start to see games getting pulled from stores to shield against the new install fee.

this means everyone's going to start looking for Unity alternatives. the obvious one that comes to mind is Godot, which has the advantage of being lightweight and open source. however, Godot's got significant performance issues baked into its architecture, especially in comparison to Unity's DOTS and Burst compiler. by contrast, Unreal is a beast in terms of grahpical performance (not so much CPU-side, it's beaten by DOTS there), but it's anything but lightweight - on my old laptop the editor had a bit of a tendency to swallow up my 1050Ti's VRAM and crash. still, this will probably be a real shot in the arm for Unreal lmao

Bevy is the engine with the most promise imo (pure ECS with the power of the Rust compiler underlying it), but Bevy is immature, and lacks a lot of features you depend on in Unity (which is to say, Unity has some really great tools for profiling and debugging which Bevy lacks, plus Unity has a lot of good built in systems for VFX, shader authoring etc.) particularly the rendering side needs a lot of work. if anything good comes of this, it might be a whole lot more interest in developing Bevy.

for my line of work in VR, if Unity becomes toxic, this is pretty devastating. nearly every game for standalone VR is made in Unity - I feel like I can count the non-Unity games on the Quest 2 on one hand. almost all the pedagogical information out there is written for Unity. so I can only speculate what's gonna happen there. it may be that Unity is able to stay on as the default for Quest 2/3, since Meta has made it so most games are sold on a flat one-time price rather than f2p. of course it does rather depend whether Unity's secret proprietary install-counting tool starts counting pirate installs.

all in all I guess we see how this shakes out but it's kind of a rough thing to happen less than a year after I become a game dev working in unity ^^'

[mercurialbadger]

Springer Nature goes public!

Finally capitalists can get off at devaluing and insulting human knowledge and profiting off largely unpaid labour of thousands of public researchers!

[queerlyhalloween]

*smoking a cigar* see babes i can actually teach you SOO much about CompSci *coughs* im not like one of these tech-iliterate gen-z app-dependant *HACKING COUGH* wow these are really different to cigarettes... *extonguishes*

ANYWAY- heres how i beat the system: open taskmanager, go to services, close the popup saying "i REALLY hope you know what you're doing in here...", force stop ANY process you dont recognise/ understan- huh? what? why would i do that?

heh.... well u see babes, i have this ipod right. you probably dont even KNOW what an ipo- oh, you know? well okay then. WELL as you will THEN KNOW- the apple updater is constantly popping up, asking me to update my shit, i dont DO that babes. itunes 2017 works PERFECTLY FINE BY ME. anyway i wanted to kill the itunes updater. it annoys and perplexes me.

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU DO: you kill ANYTHING you dont recognise in processes, because DESPITE uninstalling and killing the itunes updater SEVERAL times it fucking keeps coming back- no, babe, im getting there i prommy, DELETE. EVERYTHING!

now there is a minor drawback to this: your shitty laptop is going to want to install "an update" every time it shuts down. this is FINE, just never turn that bitch off, you're gonna wanna waterboard it with the power cable, let it ALMOST die (takes about three days in sleep mode) then when its gasping in despair plug that baby in for half an hour, rinse and repeat, the laptop dies? no big deal. s'just gonna install that update again.

Whats that babes? The itunes upda- er, haha, yeah... no it's still gonna pop up *lights a different cigar* this is how we beat microsoft *HACKING COUGH*

[esbisimp]

Pablo

There are so many rant-worthy thoughts running around in my head: trolls, irresponsible reporting, malicious agenda, toxic OT1s. But I need to get my priorities straight.

I have to talk about Pinuno’s body of released solo work before he overwhelms me with his musical and lyrical mastery on his upcoming albums.

Even before this highly anticipated news came out, it was already my opinion that Pablo’s lyrics need to be studied. In universities. By literary experts. Just one example: he incorporated astrophysics in the song Liham. Astrophysics in a PPop song of a “boy group”? Yeah, Pablo did that.

So, apologies in advance for this loooong yet woefully deficient rambling that no one asked for✌🏼:

LA LUNA

In La Luna, #Pablo introduces his vulpine alter-ego, someone who lets his dark side out in the open, with his rap skills on full display. Initially, he seems to be expressing conflicting emotions about the duality he needs to maintain as the leader of a highly visible and representative PPop group, while keeping his seething rage at bay - rage at the disrespect he and his group is getting for staying true to their art. Towards the middle of the song, the duality is abandoned and the wolf emerges howling.

I think of it this way: in #SB19, he claps back at haters in a PG manner, but no longer holds back in La Luna: “Dugo'y dadanak na sa mga kaluluwang mapanghusga

Ito'y hinding-hindi magtitimpi”.

In this song, the Alpha was born.

DETERMINADO

Pablo continues unleashing on Determinado, where, with his brother Josue, he threatens those who doubt his commitment to his craft with a skull bashing, though by his verses.

Oh, the bars! The bars in this track are dizzying! Let’s take one example:

“Katumbas ako ng dalawa na ipo

Bawat suntok ay may bigat na mala-hippo

Kahit si Aeolus, hindi ako mahipo

'Pag nag-dempsey roll, bira mo'y sa anino”

This verse has alternating references to wind and boxing. Dalawang ipo is IPOIPO, which is whirlwind or tornado in English. The second line translates to “Every punch has the weight of a hippo”. The third line goes back to the wind reference, saying, even Aeolus (the ruler of wind in Greek mythology) can’t touch him. The final line in the verse roughly translates to: “if I do the Dempsey roll (a boxing move), you’ll be punching at a shadow”. Guess who is supposedly known for using the Dempsey Roll as a signature technique in boxing? IPPO Makunouchi, a Japanese slugger. If that’s not a full circle of bars, I don’t know what is.

Need I mention the fire bars? (Yes, they ARE 🔥). A whole verse of references to fire: matchstick, toasting, burning, Prometheus, blazing cities, ignite, heat.

Schools probably need to dedicate several sessions just for this song.

AKALA

Akala, or“assumption “ in English, is a song that, from its first line, may make you think that it’s just straight up (pun intended) about drinking. “Paabot naman ng alak, halika pare walwalan”

It is, and it isn’t. It did popularize “Shat!” even more as the go-to invitation to drink. It cautions against the pitfalls of turning to alcohol as a means to deal life’s realities. “Alak akala ko mawawala lahat ng aking problema”.

But that word play on alak and akala is not gratuitous witticism: it lays the groundwork for the song’s transition to its more central theme - the struggle against assumptions that could imprison a person in doubt and insecurities while trying to live an authentic life:

“Di ko na malaman ang gusto niyo

Gusto ko lang subukan na maging ako

Ng walang panghuhusga sa mga mata niyo”

EDSA

Leave it to Pablo to discuss the travails of survival without losing sight of your goals under the guise of an upbeat plaint against traffic and the usual mishaps traversing EDSA.

He even humorously brings up holding back the call of nature while dealing with EDSA’s usual congestion.

But in its heart, the song is really about not giving up on your dreams despite the roadblocks.

“Marami ma'ng aberyang hadlang sa 'yong daan

Patuloy lang ang andar sa 'yong pupuntahan”

With Pablo, there’s always something more than meets the eye. So everyone, gird up and prepare your brains for ALON and LAON. For sure, Pinuno will be testing our emotional and intellectual limits in these albums.

[doberbutts]

What were the differences between Creed’s bite sport and Fenris’?

Creed was doing IGP, Fenris is doing mondioring. I did try mondio with Creed but didn't get very far due to. Number of factors, some our fault and some kind of on the club we were in. I'm in a much different geographic location with a much more supportive crowd and the old club has died the death many clubs do when they don't have enough new members (hmmm what could be keeping their members away I wonder........) so. I wanted to try mondioring again this time from a young age so I didn't fuck up his training like I did with Creed.

IGP, also called IPO, also called Schutzhund, is a sleeve sport (the dog bites the big white padded sleeve on the guy's arm, always) made specifically for the German Shepherd. While it is open to other breeds now, it was once used as a breeding adequacy test for the German Shepherd for police and military work. It is a 3 phase test requiring a show of obedience, protection, and tracking skills in increasingly harder and more precise judging as you go up the ranks. IGP utilizes a switch between prey drive and defense drive during its protection phase.

Mondioring is a suit sport (dog can bite literally anywhere that isn't foot/ankle, hand/wrist, or head/neck- tho mondio usually focuses on leg bites) developed from French and Belgian Ring, which were made as a suitability test for France and Belgium's border patrol. It is a 2 phase test requiring obedience and protection, but you must succeed twice in order to advance, meaning you have to do the whole think at minimum two separate times and get a passing score both times. Mondio is mostly prey based with very little defense, and the most common dogs are malinois and Dutch shepherds.

In IGP, the pattern never changes. It is always the same every time. In Mondio, the exercise remains the same but the presentation is alway different. Mondio has themed trials, so the exercises will change according to the theme. That means a retrieve in IGP will always be weighted dumbells, but a retrieve in Mondio could be anything from a key to a shoe to a broom to a stuffie to a glove or really anything else.

[zeneveiva]

Egalan vivon chapter two

"AHHH, WE NEED FOOD!" Hermes cries out in exaggerated despair, his hands thrown in the air.

Omar, trying to keep a straight face, responds calmly, "Hermes, we ate half an hour ago. You can't be serious."

Artula chimes in, adding to the conversation about the others' whereabouts.

"Haru, Mira, and Ipo have gone off to explore more of the island. They said they needed a break from trying to figure out that 'spirit attack' incident," she says, using the name the group has been using for the recent event.

Zola, finally taking a break from exploring the island, chimes in as she climbs down from a tree. She looks puzzled and curious.

"Speaking of that 'spirit attack', what exactly happened back there?" she asks, turning to the others.

Artula nods in agreement with Zola's question, and then Omar adds his own observation.

"I've been thinking about that too. Did anyone else notice that the shadow mist stuff kind of resembled a person?" Omar asks, looking around for confirmation.

The others exchange glances, considering Omar's observation.

"You know, now that you mention it, it did seem to have a humanoid shape," zola muses, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

“Wonder if the others have found anything”

Omar sighs, looking into the lushes tropical island

“Like food”

Hermes adds

“AHHHHHH!"

Haru, Mira, and Ipo all scream in unison as they bolt, running as fast as their legs will carry them.

As they run, desperate to escape the wild pig chasing after them, Haru cries out in desperation.

"WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE A WILD PIG, OF ALL THINGS?! WHY COULDN’T IT BE A FRIENDLY CHICKEN OR SOMETHING?!"

Ipo, trying to catch his breath, chimes in as they continue running, "WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS!"

Mira, noticing a wild tropical almond tree ahead, points it out to the others.

"LOOK A WILD ALMOND TREE!" she exclaims. "WILD PIGS LOVE THEM RIGHT?! MAYBE WE CAN USE THEM TO DISTRACT IT."

With a swift movement, Haru pulls out his (stolen) samurai sword, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. He readies himself, aiming to slice through the branches where the almonds were precariously hanging.

"Stand back," he calls out to Mira and Ipo, his voice determined.

Mira and Ipo step aside, making way for Haru. They watch as he takes a deep breath and swings the sword, the blade cutting through the branches like a hot knife through butter. The almonds fall from the tree, tumbling to the ground.

As soon as the almonds hit the ground, Mira points at a nearby cave, her voice urgent.

"Quick, in there!" she yells to Haru and Ipo, gesturing towards the dark opening in the rock face.

Without hesitating, the three of them rush into the cave, the entrance providing a safe haven from the wild pig still prowling outside. They all lean against the cool stone walls, trying to catch their breath and calm their racing hearts.

Ipo cautiously peeks his head around the entrance of the cave to check on the wild pig. To his relief, he sees that the pig has stopped its pursuit and is now busily devouring the almonds that have fallen from the tree.

The tension in Ipo’s shoulders eases as he sees the wild pig distracted by the bounty of almonds. He turns back to Mira and Haru, a small, relieved smile on his face.

"Looks like it’s distracted. We’ve got a moment to rest," he reports, his voice quieter than before, still cautious of the nearby pig.

As the others catch their breath, Haru notices that Mira seems to be intently staring at something on the cave walls. He gives her a curious look and speaks up.

"Um, Mira? What are you looking at on the cave walls?" he asks, tilting his head to the side.

Mira, pulled from her observation of the cave walls, looks at Haru with a slightly dazed expression before responding.

"Oh, sorry, I was just looking at the cave paintings," she says, gesturing towards the intricate designs on the cave walls.

Ipo, who had been quietly catching his breath, suddenly perks up at the mention of cave paintings.

"Cave paintings?" he repeats, his eyes widening in surprise. "Are you serious?"

Mira continues her explanation, her eyes scanning the intricate paintings on the cave walls.

"It kinda looks like Egalan vivon,” she muses.

As Ipo comes over to take a closer look at the paintings, his eyes widen with surprise. "Hey, check this out," he says, gesturing towards the figures depicted overhead the Market Island.

The five ancient figures are depicted above the Market Island, their presence looming over the scenes of daily life. The details of their features and attire suggest that they held some sort of power or status in the ancient society.

As Ipo examines the figures closely, he connects the dots.

"Those figures... they look like the five elders of the Daivat Rebellion," he observes, his voice tinged with realization.

As Ipo and Mira continue to study the cave paintings, Haru, keeping watch at the cave entrance, calls out to them.

"Hey, uh- guys?" he repeats, a hint of concern in his voice.

Mira and Ipo turn their attention from the cave paintings to Haru. They can't help but notice the uneasiness in his tone.

"What is it, Haru?" Mira asks, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in worry.

With a quick nod, the three of them understand that it's time to leave the safety of the cave. They step out into the open, casting one last lingering look at the cave paintings, committing the details to their memories. They're aware they need to share this discovery with the others once they return.

Finally, they reach the beach, and can see the others in the distance. They begin to quicken their pace, eager to share what they’ve found.

As they approach the group, they can sense that the others have noticed their return. The excited looks and questioning glances signal that their friends are ready for their report.

Without wasting any time, Mira addresses the group, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.

"Guys, we have something to show you. You won’t believe what we found on the island."

The others, curious and intrigued, perk up at Mira's words. They've been waiting for the three to return, and now that they have something to report, the group's interest is piqued.

Hermes, ever the impatient one, pipes up.

"What is it? What did you find?"

Ipo jumps in to add more detail.

"We stumbled upon a cave, and inside, we found some incredible cave paintings. But that's not all. There were figures depicted in the paintings. They remind us of the five elders of the Daivat Rebellion."

The group's eyes widen at this revelation. The mention of the Daivat Rebellion immediately grabs their attention. Omar speaks up, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Cave paintings, and they depict the elders of the Daivat Rebellion? How is that even possible?"

Artula chimes in, trying to make sense of the discovery.

"Yeah, that's a lot to process. But if it's true, it could mean something significant. Those paintings need to be studied further."

“Tomorrow.”

Zola cuts off

“It’s getting late, and we need a fire running now.”

Zola's statement prompts nods of agreement from the others. The group realizes that it's getting late and focuses on the immediate need for a fire and shelter.

Hermes, not one to be outdone, proudly shows off the tent he has constructed with oversized leaves and sticks from the island.

"Look what I made! Pretty cool, right?" he says, a hint of smugness in his voice.

Meanwhile, Omar approaches the tent and examines it closely.

"Not bad, not bad. You did a good job on this," he says, giving Hermes a nod of approval.

The night has fallen, and the sky above is now a dark canvas filled with countless twinkling stars. It’s a clear night, and the universe is on full display, the stars painting a beautiful and vast picture in the sky.

Mira quietly slips out of the tent, careful not to disturb the others who are asleep inside. Once outside, she lies down on the cool, soft sand and looks up at the night sky. The endless expanse of stars above takes her breath away, and she feels a sense of awe and wonder.

Lost in her thoughts and stargazing, Mira doesn’t notice that Zola has silently joined her by her side. It’s only when she hears the sound of rustling sand that she realizes she’s no longer alone. She turns her head to see Zola sitting beside her.

Startled for a moment, Mira smiles at the sight of her friend. "Oh, I didn't notice you there," she admits, her voice soft so as not to wake the others.

Zola smiles back and lies down on the sand next to Mira. She, too, looks up at the night sky, admiring the stars sprinkled across the darkness.

"It’s beautiful, isn't it?" Zola says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mira nods in agreement, her gaze still fixed on the vast expanse above.

"It really is," she replies, her voice tinged with a sense of wonder. "Sometimes I find myself getting lost in the beauty of the universe."

They sit in a companionable silence for a few moments, both of them taking in the beauty of the night sky. The only sounds are the gentle crashing of the waves nearby and the soft breathing of the sleeping figures in the tent.

Mira breaks the comfortable silence, her voice soft and thoughtful.

"You know what I often think about?" she says, a hint of contemplation in her words.

Zola turns her head towards Mira, her curiosity piqued.

"What's on your mind?" she asks, her voice equally soft.

“How stuff like the spirit attack is just like another distraction from the actual reality of everything. Like sure, the spirit attack is a big deal and we have to try and see what’s going on…but in reality, what is the point? What is the point of anything if we’re all just going to die one day… we’re all just little creatures in the privacy of our planet in the, entire, universe.”

Zola listens intently to Mira's words, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and contemplation. She ponders on the profound question that Mira has posed.

"It's true," Zola says finally, her voice filled with a sense of quiet resignation. "We're just a small part of a vast and seemingly endless universe. Sometimes it's hard to wrap my mind around the immensity of it all and what our place in it is."

Mira smiles, her eyes gleaming in the soft glow of the stars.

"I’m glad I met you too, Zola," she responds, her voice warm with sincerity. "You understand me in a way that others don’t. It’s a comfort to know I can share my thoughts with you."

Zola returns the smile, feeling a sense of gratitude for their bond.

"Likewise," she says softly. "It’s nice to have someone who appreciates the existential crises alongside their stargazing."

As Mira laughs at Zola's remark, Zola can't help but admire her friend's beauty. She watches the way the starlight dances on Mira's face, illuminating her features, and feels a flutter in her chest. It's a strange feeling, but she can't deny the undeniable pull she feels towards Mira.

Softly, they return to the tent, taking care not to make any noise and disrupt the sleeping figures within. Once inside, they settle down on their makeshift beds, their minds and hearts still filled with the weight of their conversation and the beauty of the night sky.

The next morning, the sky begins to slowly lighten with the approach of dawn. The first few rays of sunlight peek through the gaps in the tent, casting a dim glow inside. The sound of birds chirping nearby indicates that the day is about to begin.

Ipo and Artula, being early risers, are already out and about. They have their spears in hand, ready for a morning of spear fishing. The cool, early morning air is rejuvenating as they head towards the shoreline to try their luck at catching some breakfast.

The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape. The beach is relatively quiet, save for the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shoreline and the occasional cry of a sea bird overhead.

The group sits around in a circle, their minds buzzing with questions and speculation. The cave painting they encountered on the island has left them all feeling a sense of wonder and curiosity. They spend some time discussing the significance of the figures depicted in the artwork, and the possible connection to the Daivat Rebellion and the ancient society that once inhabited the island.

Artula pipes up, her voice filled with determination. "We have to find out more about these paintings. They hold some important secret, I can feel it."

Hermes, ever the practical one, interjects with a question.

"But where do we even start? We're on this tiny island in the middle of nowhere. Who's going to give us answers?"

Ipo chimes in, his eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"Maybe there's more to this island than we realize. We've only explored a small part of it so far. There could be more hidden secrets waiting to be discovered."

Mira nods in agreement, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"He's right. We need to keep exploring. There might be more clues or information somewhere on this island that can help us understand the significance of those paintings."

Hermes, with his usual sarcasm, replies to Haru's comment.

"Oh, right. The giant spirit attack that we barely escaped from. Maybe we should go back and say thanks for trying to kill us. Great idea, Haru."

Mira interrupts Haru's question with a firm tone.

"Of course we care about our families. We're all itching to get back to them, but we can't just blindly waltz back into danger without understanding what's going on. The spirit attack was no joke, and we have to prepare ourselves before we even consider heading back."

Omar, seeing the concern and agitation on Haru's face, softly places a hand on his back and begins rubbing it gently. He gives Haru a reassuring squeeze, hoping to calm his nerves.

Mira nods, putting forth a plan.

"Okay, we should split up. Omar and Haru, you two can cover the western part of the island. Ipo, Artula, and Hermes, cover the eastern side. Zola and I will head north together."

Omar, being the responsible one, speaks up.

"Alright, let's make sure we meet back here at camp by the time the sun sets. That way we can compare notes and make sure everyone's safe."

The others nod in agreement, acknowledging Omar's sensible suggestion.

Ipo pipes up with a bit of humor.

"And if anyone finds a secret coconut stash, be sure to share with the rest of us!"

With their plan in place, the group prepares to split up and explore the different areas of the island. They pack their supplies, gather their spears, and start on their respective journeys. Omar and Haru head west, while Ipo, Artula, and Hermes take the eastern route, and Zola and Mira set off together towards the north side of the island.

(Mira and Zola POV)

As they head north, they explore the dense, lush vegetation of the island, keeping an eye out for any clues or hints of civilization. Along the way, they come across a beautiful waterfall pouring into a clear pool, surrounded by towering trees.

Mira looks at the waterfall, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Isn't it beautiful?" she murmurs.

Zola nods, taking in the breathtaking view. "Yeah, it's like something out of a dream."

As they continue their journey, they come across a small cave nestled in the hills. Seeing an opportunity to explore, they decide to venture inside. The cave is narrow and dark, but they manage to squeeze their way through, using the dim light filtering in from the entrance to guide their path.

As they enter the narrow cave, Zola feels a pang of unease. The air is damp and cool, and the darkness closes in around them like a claustrophobic embrace. She turns to Mira, her expression wary.

"Are you sure about this?" Zola asks, her voice unusually small.

Mira nods confidently, her eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"We're almost through. Just a little farther," she encourages, squeezing Zola's hand reassuringly.

Mira turns to Zola, her expression softening as she senses her friend's unease. She smiles and squeezes Zola's hand again, her eyes meeting Zola's gaze.

"You're safe with me," Mira says gently. "I won't let anything happen to you."

At Mira’s reassurance, Zola relaxes a little, feeling the warmth and security in her friend's words. Her heart flutters ever so slightly, and she glances away as a soft pink hue tinges her cheeks. She squeezes Mira's hand, her voice barely above a breath as she replies.

"You promise," Zola whispers, her words filled with a hint of vulnerability.

As they stand there in the dim light, hands clasped together, the moment feels strangely intimate. Zola becomes aware of the way her heart is beating faster, the way her palm seems to tingle where it touches Mira's skin. She steals a brief, furtive glance at her friend before quickly looking away, trying to shake off the inexplicable feeling that's suddenly coursing through her veins.

Mira suddenly notices a pool of water inside the cave illuminated by sunlight filtering through an opening in the ceiling. The water shimmers and dances with the reflection of the daylight, creating a beautiful display of light and shadow.

"Look at that," Mira exclaims, pointing towards the pool. "It's gorgeous."

As they approach the pool, Zola's gaze fixates on the turtles gliding gracefully through the water. Her eyes widen with fascination.

"Turtles!" she whispers, pointing at the aquatic creatures. "Look, there's so many of them!"

As they continue marveling at the beauty of the cave, Mira suddenly notices something else. She looks up and her eyes widen in surprise. High above the pool, on one of the cave walls, is a faint painting of a person hovering over a city. The painting is intricate and detailed, and it seems almost as though the person is preparing to descend onto the city below.

Mira's breath catches in her throat as she gazes up at the mysterious painting. She's never seen anything like it before.

"Zola, look at this," she murmurs, tugging gently on Zola's arm to direct her gaze upwards.

Zola's eyes follow Mira's gaze, and she gasps in wonder as she sees the painting. The image is both awe-inspiring and unsettling, and Zola can't tear her eyes away from the mysterious figure hovering above the ancient city.

"Who do you think that is?" she asks, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of fear.

(Omar and Haru POV)

As they head towards the west side of the island, Omar leads the way with his usual confident stride. Meanwhile, Haru walks silently beside him, occasionally stealing glances at Omar, his mind preoccupied.

The terrain becomes rugged as they navigate through the dense vegetation, but Omar expertly navigates the path, his footsteps sure and steady. Haru follows closely behind, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of danger or clues.

As they continue their trek, Omar notices Haru's quiet demeanor. He glances sideways at his friend, worried.

"Hey," Omar says, breaking the silence. "You've been awfully quiet. Everything okay?" He slows his pace slightly to match Haru's, studying his friend's face closely.

Haru jumps slightly, startled out of his thoughts. He glances up at Omar, his expression a mix of surprise and guilt.

"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," he replies, a little too quickly. "Just focused on the terrain, you know? Watching out for any potential hazards."

Omar stops in his tracks and turns to Haru, his eyes locking on his friend's gaze. Omar shakes his head slightly, a look of concern etched on his face.

"No," he says quietly, "it's not. I know you, Haru. You're usually more chatty than this. Something's on your mind. Tell me what's going on."

As Omar probes deeper into Haru's thoughts, Haru feels a wave of defensiveness rise within him. He meets Omar's concerned gaze with a determined expression.

"We've only known each other for two weeks," Haru retorts, his voice a little sharper than usual. "You don't know me that well. I can handle my own thoughts and feelings, thank you very much."

Omar's eyebrows furrow slightly at Haru's reaction. He can sense the walls Haru is putting up, trying to push him away. But Omar knows his friend better than that.

"Haru," he says gently, "It's not about knowing you inside and out. It's about being there for each other when we need it. I might not know everything about you, but I can tell something's bothering you. And as your friend, I want to help if you'll let me."

Haru looks away, avoiding Omar's gaze. He knows his friend has a point, but the thought of opening up and being vulnerable makes him uncomfortable.

"I...I just don't want to burden you, okay?" he mutters. "You've got enough on your plate. You don't need to worry about me on top of everything else."

Omar's expression softens, his voice gentle yet firm.

"Haru, listening to your problems, worrying about you, it's not a burden. It's what friends do. We look out for each other. You might not think I know you that well, but I know enough to know when something isn't right. Please, talk to me."

Haru hesitates, his resolve weakening under Omar's kind and caring tone. He lets out a sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"I...it's just this whole situation. Being stranded here, not knowing what's going on, it's messing with my head. And then there's the spirit attack...I keep wondering if we brought it on ourselves somehow."

Omar nods, his expression serious.

"I get it, Haru. This situation is scary. None of us signed up for this. But blaming ourselves isn't going to help either."

He places a comforting hand on Haru's shoulder. “But we’re all in this together. We’ll figure it out, one step at a time. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here, okay? You don't have to deal with this alone.”

A rustling sound comes from a nearby bush, Haru instantly becomes alert. His eyes narrow and he tenses, preparing for danger. Without a moment's hesitation, he whispers to Omar, his voice steady but urgent.

"Get behind me."

As he says this, he shifts his body to put himself between Omar and the suspicious bush, his hand hovered over the handle of his katana, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.

Omar follows Haru's lead, moving quickly behind his friend. His heart races, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he prepares for whatever might come out of the bush.

The two friends stand silently, their breaths coming in shallow, wary gasps, as they wait for the source of the rustling noise to reveal itself.

As the tension subsides and the bunny hops away, Omar can't help but tease his friend. A smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, he playfully nudges Haru, a twinkle in his eye.

"Were you just about to kill for me?” he teases. “My hero.”

Haru playfully rolls his eyes, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh, shut up,” he mumbles, trying to hide his embarrassment.

As Omar laughs heartily, the tension between them dissipates, and Haru finds himself smiling as well. His gaze shifts towards the small cave entrance visible through the bush that the bunny had emerged from.

"Hey, look," Haru says, pointing towards the cave. "Seems like the bunny was trying to tell us something."

He motions for Omar to follow him as he steps closer to the cave entrance, his curiosity piqued.

Omar tilts his head, following Haru's gaze to the small cave. He raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the newfound discovery.

"Huh," he muses aloud. "That bunny led us to a cave."

With a shrug, Omar steps up beside Haru, his eyes scanning the entrance to the cave with interest.

The cave entrance is unassuming, its dark maw framed by the greenery surrounding it. A slight chill emanates from the cave, a stark contrast to the warm sun shining down on them.

"Well," Haru says, breaking the silence, "should we take a look inside?"

As they delve further into the cave, they encounter a waterfall-like slope that leads to an underground pool. With each tentative step, the terrain becomes increasingly slippery, and as they attempt to navigate it, Haru loses his footing, causing Omar to lose his balance too. In a comical, almost slapstick fashion, they both scream as they slide, stumble, and finally plunge into the pool below, disrupting the tranquility of the cave with a loud splash.

The cold water of the pool envelopes them, bringing their chaotic descent to an abrupt halt. After a moment of surprise, they emerge from the water, sputtering and gasping for breath.

Omar surfaces first, his hair drenched and sticking to his face. He coughs and laughs, looking at Haru. "Well, that was a fun entrance."

As they both resurfaces from the pool, water dripping from their garments, Haru gazes at Omar, his friend's wet state inadvertently catching his eye. He feels a twinge of something in his chest but quickly pushes it aside, focusing on the situation at hand.

Haru slicks back his hair, wiping water from his face, and let out a frustrated sigh. "I hate this island," he mutters, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and resignation.

(Hermes, Artula, and Ipo POV)

Hermes, Artula, and Ipo continue their trek on the island, Hermes leading the way confidently. Ipo is a quiet presence behind them, his eyes constantly darting around, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

As they move deeper into the jungle, Hermes suddenly stops, holding up a hand to signal the others to halt. He crouches down, studying the ground intently.

“Wait,” Hermes murmurs, his voice barely a whisper. “Something’s not right.”

Artula and Ipo immediately freeze, their eyes glued to Hermes as he gestures for them to come closer. They cautiously approach, crouching down next to him and look at what he’s seeing.

On the ground, traces of disturbance can be seen – snapped twigs, crushed leaves, signs of something or someone having passed through the area. Hermes points to the tracks, a frown etched on his face.

“See these?” he says quietly. “Someone’s been here recently. We need to proceed carefully from here.”

Artula nods silently, her eyes flicking around, her hand hovering near her weapon. Ipo remains silent, his gaze sharp and alert, his senses finely attuned to any potential threats.

The three of them stand, preparing to continue their journey with newfound caution. Hermes leads the way, treading carefully, mindful of the tracks on the ground. Artula follows closely behind, her senses on high alert, while Ipo brings up the rear, his eyes scanning the surroundings diligently.

They move quietly and stealthily, their every step slow and deliberate. The only sounds that break the silence are the chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves. Hermes occasionally halts, listening for any signs of movement or voices.

“Are you sure you’re not just paranoid Hermes?” Ipo says letting his guard down and relaxing a bit

Hermes bristles at Ipo's words, the implied criticism striking a nerve. He doesn’t turn back to face him, but the muscles in his jaw tighten.

Hermes snaps back, his voice tight with irritation. "I'm not paranoid. I'm just being careful. There's a difference."

Artula glances between the two, wary of the growing tension between them.

Ipo shrugs indifferently, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

"If you say so," he retorts, his tone laced with subtle mockery. "I'm just saying, not everything is a threat. Sometimes a broken twig is just a broken twig."

Hermes grits his teeth, clearly frustrated by Ipo's dismissive attitude. He pauses his step for a moment, then turns to face Ipo directly, his eyes flashed with anger.

"You know what, Ipo? You go ahead then. Take the lead. After all, you seem to think you know better," he snaps, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ipo, sensing Hermes' mounting frustration, narrows his eyes defiantly, a sly smirk on his face.

"What crawled up your ass and died, Hermes?" he mocks, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. "I’m just saying we don't need to assume the worst of every damn twig we come across. We’re on an island, not in a war zone."

As Hermes and Ipo continue their heated exchange, Artula's sharp eyes catch a glimpse of something unusual – a dark hole in the ground, partially concealed by some foliage.

Artula's attention is instantly drawn to the hole, her focus shifting from the argument between Hermes and Ipo. She takes a couple of steps closer, her keen senses immediately on alert.

Artula crouches down, pushing aside the foliage to get a better look at the hole. She can see it leads into a dark opening, presumably a cave of sorts.

With a frown, Artula looks back at Hermes and Ipo, who are still engaged in their argument, oblivious to her discovery. She tries to interrupt them, her voice urgent.

"Guys, wait," Artula interjects, her eyes fixed on the hole. "I think I found something."

Her words finally cut through Hermes and Ipo's argument, and they both turn to look at her, their expressions still laced with tension.

Hermes's eyes narrow, shifting from irritation to surprise. He steps closer to Artula, followed by Ipo. They gather around the hole, all signs of their argument momentarily forgotten as they focus on the newfound discovery.

Artula picks up a pebble from the ground, her gaze fixed on the deep, dark hole in front of them. She weighs the stone in her palm for a moment, then, without warning, drops it down into the hole.

They all watch as the pebble falls through the darkness, disappearing into the unknown. After a few seconds, a faint splash echoes from the depths below, indicating that the pebble has landed in water.

Hermes watches Artula closely, his expression a mixture of curiosity and unease, as she begins to tie up her hair into a ponytail. His eyes narrow slightly, and a question escapes his lips.

"Artula?" he asks, his voice laced with a hint of confusion. "What are you doing?"

Artula ignores Hermes' question and takes a few steps back, preparing herself. Hermes and Ipo watch in a mix of surprise and concern as she readies herself to jump into the dark hole.

With a deep breath, Artula steadies herself, her gaze fixed on the opening below. And then, without hesitation, she leaps forward and disappears into the darkness.

Hermes and Ipo watch in astonishment as Artula disappears into the dark hole.

"ARTULA!" Hermes calls out her name, his voice filled with a mixture of shock and worry. Beside him, Ipo lets out a loud gasp.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Ipo exclaims, his eyes wide with a mix of surprise and disbelief.

In a split-second decision, Hermes quickly pushes aside his initial surprise. Acting in the heat of the moment, he yells in a rush of bravado, "I'LLSAVE YOU!"

Without pausing to think, he follows Artula's footsteps and jumps into the dark hole.

Ipo stands on the edge of the hole, watching in stunned disbelief as Hermes, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, jumps into the darkness after Artula.

Ipo's eyes widen in shock, and he lets out a loud curse. "HERMES NO!! ...Ah, shit!"

After witnessing Hermes' impulsive decision, Ipo realizes that he has to follow suit, no matter how reluctant he may be. He ties his hair up tightly, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself.

Muttering under his breath, he mutters, "I can't believe I'm doing this..."

Ipo then psychs himself up, steeling his nerves. He takes a few steps back, mimicking what Artula and Hermes did earlier. Then, gathering all his courage, he leaps into the dark hole, disappearing from sight.

(Mira and Zola POV)

As Mira and Zola continue their conversation, they're interrupted by a series of splashes from somewhere nearby. The sounds echo through the air, catching their attention.

Zola glances in the direction of the noise, a puzzled frown on her face. "What was that?" she asks, straining her ears.

Mira, equally mystified, looks towards the source of the noise. "I'm not sure," she says, a note of curiosity in her voice. "It sounded like someone or something entered the water… or fell into it."

The splashes become more frequent, followed by faint voices that are too distant to make out. It's clear that something unusual is happening, and both Mira and Zola are intrigued.

Zola looks at Mira, a hint of concern in her expression. "Should we go check it out?"

Mira hesitates for a moment, mulling over the decision. "It might be worth investigating," she replies cautiously. "But we need to be careful. We don't know what we'll stumble upon."

With a shared determination, both Mira and Zola silently agree to venture towards the source of the commotion. They move cautiously yet briskly, their senses on high alert.

As they approach the area of the noise, the voices become a bit clearer, though still difficult to understand due to the distance and the sound of water.

Mira gestures for Zola to follow her as they creep closer, trying to listen to the voices without being seen. The closer they get, the more distinct the sounds become, allowing them to discern snippets of a conversation.

As Mira and Zola continue their stealthy approach, Zola suddenly loses her balance and trips, her body falling forward.

Before she can land face-first on the uneven terrain, Mira reacts swiftly, her reflexes sharp. In a quick movement, Mira reaches out, her arms wrapping around Zola, stopping her fall.

Mira gently pulls Zola back upright, stabilizing her. She looks at Zola with concern, her hands still holding onto her.

"Are you alright?" Mira asks, her voice filled with genuine worry. She keeps her hands on Zola's arms, making sure she's steady on her feet.

Zola nods, her cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for catching me," she replies, a hint of gratitude in her voice. She looks at Mira, their eyes meeting in a brief moment of connection.

In the distance, the trio of Hermes, Ipo, and Artula can be heard arguing, their voices carrying through the subterranean space. All three of them are soaked from their dive into the underground river, their wet clothing clinging to their bodies.

Artula, standing between Hermes and Ipo, tries to mediate their disagreement, her voice strained as she attempts to defuse the situation.

As Zola and Mira approach, they spot Hermes, Ipo, and Artula standing nearby, their argument temporarily interrupted by the newcomers' presence.

Zola's face lights up with relief and excitement upon seeing them, while Mira looks relieved and slightly surprised at their unexpected appearance. They both quicken their pace, rushing over to the trio.

"Hermes! Ipo! Artula!" Zola calls out, her voice filled with a mix of concern and delight.

The three of them turn towards Zola and Mira, their expressions a mixture of surprise and embarrassment at being caught in the midst of their argument.

Artula quickly embraces both Zola and Mira, enveloping them in a warm, grateful hug.

"Thank goodness you're here," Artula says, her voice filled with relief. Her wet clothes cling to her skin as she pulls the girls close.

“how did you guys get all the way here from the west?”

Mira says confused, but yet still relived her friends are safe.

Ipo, standing nearby, answers Mira's question, his voice somewhat sheepish.

"We, uh… kind of fell into the underground river," he admits, gesturing to the river's edge behind them. He chuckles awkwardly, water dripping from his hair.

Hermes joins the conversation, his tone a mix of irritation and resignation.

"Well, Ipo over here had the brilliant idea to jump into a hole, and then Artula followed suit, and I had to play hero and follow them," he explains, his dripping shirt clinging to his body.

Artula gives Hermes a pointed look, correcting his statement.

"Actually, I was the one who jumped in first," she clarifies, her voice holding a hint of annoyance. "Hermes and Ipo only followed after I did."

Ipo, now turning his attention to Mira and Zola, furrows his brow in curiosity.

"Speaking of unexpected appearances," he says, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "How did you two end up here?"

Zola and Mira exchange glances, debating how much to reveal. Zola, taking the lead, speaks.

"We were exploring the caves, searching for another oke of those cave paintings," she replies honestly, her voice steady.

Mira nods in confirmation, adding to Zola's explanation.

"Yeah, we wanted to see if we could find any more clues," she says, her eyes darting between the trio. "But then we heard some noise and came to investigate."

(Haru and Omar POV)

They slowly climb out of the pool, both of them panting and out of breath from their unexpected dip in the cave’s water. As they step onto solid ground, they take a moment to catch their breath, their wet clothes sticking to their skin.

Haru glances at Omar, a mix of exhaustion and determination in his eyes.

"We need to find the others," he says, his voice firm.

Omar looks around the cave, his eyes scanning the area as he considers their predicament. He turns to Haru, his expression worried.

"You're right," he concedes, sighing. "They could be anywhere. How are we supposed to find them in this dark cave?"

Suddenly, the water in the pool glows with a soft, bioluminescent light, casting a gentle blue-green luminescence across the dark cave. The light dances on the walls and the water's surface, creating an atmospheric and captivating effect.

Both Omar and Haru turn their attention to the pool, their eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected display.

Omar looks at Haru, his earlier question momentarily forgotten in the face of this new phenomenon.

"Did you see that?" he asks, his voice filled with awe.

Haru nods, his eyes still fixed on the glowing pool. "Yeah, I saw it," he replies, his voice low. "What do you think is causing it?"

The two of them approach the edge of the pool, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious light. They lean closer, peering into the water, trying to discern any clue as to what's causing the radiant display.

Haru then loses his footing, nearly falling into the pool, Omar quickly reaches out to grab his hand, preventing him from taking a second accidental dip. He pulls Haru back to safety, steadying him on his feet.

For a brief moment, both boys are caught off guard, their hands still clasped together. Their eyes meet, their realization of the accidental hand-holding dawning on them simultaneously.

As the realization hits them, both Haru and Omar abruptly let go of each other's hands, their fingers separating as they step back slightly. The sudden separation feels a little awkward, an unspoken tension in the air.

They both avert their gazes, avoiding eye contact, an undeniable sense of embarrassment hanging between them.

Haru clears his throat, trying to break the uncomfortable silence that has settled over them.

"Uh, we should probably keep moving," he mutters, his voice a little shaky. He glances at the water one more time, then quickly looks away, his heart still racing slightly from the close moment they shared.

Omar nods curtly, his mind still replaying the moment when they held hands. He swallows hard, trying to regain composure.

"Yeah... let's go," he responds quietly. He takes a few steps forward, his footsteps echoing softly in the cave, leaving the pool and its glowing water behind.

They continue their journey through the dark cave, their thoughts still lingering on the recent moment of physical contact. The silence between them feels heavy, neither quite knowing what to say or how to act after the unexpected hand-hold.

As they navigate the twisting pathways of the cave, their feet occasionally slipping on the damp, rocky terrain, the air between them remains thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. They avoid looking at each other directly, their eyes fixed on the ground or the surroundings, their minds seemingly preoccupied with their own thoughts

Every now and then, one of them may glance discreetly at the other, stealing a quick look to gauge the other's expression or reaction. But whenever their gazes meet, it feels as if an electric thrill passes through them, and they both swiftly look away, their hearts racing slightly.

Despite the uncomfortable atmosphere, they continue to explore the cave, their footsteps growing steadier as they adapt to the treacherous terrain. The only sound is the soft echo of their boots against the stone, the occasional drip of water, and the distant sound of bats fluttering in the depths of the cave.

Omar's dislike for bats has always been a source of anxiety for him. The thought of their wings beating against his skin or their tiny claws scratching his face sends shivers down his spine. As they move deeper into the cave, he can't help but feel a pang of unease, his muscles tensing in anticipation of encountering the flying creatures.

As Haru glances over at Omar, he notices the subtle signs of his friend's anxiety. He can see the tension in Omar's body, the way his shoulders are slightly raised and his eyes darting around nervously.

Haru slows down, letting Omar catch up to him. He gently places a hand on Omar's shoulder, a comforting gesture.

"You okay?" he asks quietly, his voice laced with concern.

Omar takes a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly at Haru's touch. He gives a small, shaky nod in response.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he mutters, though his voice betrays his unease. "Just... not a fan of bats."

Haru understands. He gives Omar's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"We'll be careful. And hey, they're more scared of us than we are of them, right?" he says, trying to keep his tone light.

“Plus…”

He adds on, a smirk forming on the on his lips

“Ill protect you, your safe with me~”

A small smile tugs at the corners of Omar's lips. His cheeks flush ever so slightly at Haru's words, but he quickly masks it with a slight scoff.

"Yeah, as if I need your protection," he retorts good-naturedly, nudging Haru with his elbow. "But... thanks."

Haru grins, ruffling Omar's hair playfully.

"Hey, I'm just offering to be your bat-repelling, super-duper, cave-protecting bodyguard," he teases, his tone light and joking.

Omar rolls his eyes, but he can't help but chuckle at Haru's exaggerated portrayal of himself as a heroic protector.

"Please, as if you could take on a bat in a fight," he teases back, shaking his head in mock disbelief.

Haru flashes a cheeky smile.

"Well, you'd be surprised, Omar-dear," he teases, using a playful nickname. "There are some hidden talents and skills I possess that even you don't know about."

Omar raises an eyebrow at the pet name, his cheeks coloring slightly, but he tries to brush it off.

"Oh really?" he asks, his tone skeptical. "And what kind of hidden talents are these, exactly?"

Both Omar and Haru immediately freeze, their playful banter interrupted by the distant cry for help echoing through the cave. They exchange a brief, worried glance, their previous conversation forgotten.

Haru's forehead creases in concern.

"Did you hear that?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Omar nods, his eyes wide.

"Yeah, it sounded like someone was in trouble," he replies, his expression mirroring Haru's concern. "We have to go check it out."

Without another word, they both start running towards the source of the noise, their footsteps heavy and hurried. The urgency in their movements is evident as they navigate the dark, labyrinthine cave, the sound of their breathing and footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

As they run, their hearts pound with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. They don't know who or what they will encounter, but the fact that someone is in trouble propels them forward, their protective instincts ignited.

As Omar and Haru approach the source of the noise, they see three little kids, no more than ten years old, in a perilous situation. One of them is hanging from the edge of the cave floor, dangerously close to the rushing, deep water of the cave river below.

Haru's heart skips a beat as he sees the danger the kids are in. Without hesitation, he and Omar rush towards the children.

"Hold on!" Haru calls out, his voice urgent yet steady. "We're coming to help you!"

He and Omar reach the edge of the cave floor, their eyes scanning the situation. The three kids look at them with wide, terrified eyes, their small hands gripping the rocky edge. The one clinging to the ledge struggles to hold on, their grasp weakening with each passing second.

Without wasting any time, Omar and Haru reach out to the kids. They each grab one of the children who is nearest to them, pulling them up and back onto safer ground, away from the edge of the river.

"Are you guys okay?" Omar asks, his voice filled with concern as he quickly checks the kids for any signs of injury.

The children nod, tears streaming down their faces. They're clearly scared and shaking from the ordeal, but they don't seem to be physically hurt.

Haru looks at the three kids, his heart still racing from the near-accident. "What were you doing here on your own?" he asks gently.

The children look at each other, their young faces scrunched up in thought, trying to recall why and how they ended up in this dangerous situation. After a moment of silence, one of them speaks up, her voice small and shaky.

"W-we were looking for something... We got lost," she says, her bottom lip quivering.

Haru and Omar exchange a glance, their concern for the kids growing. They kneel down so they're at eye level with the children.

"Looking for something?" Omar asks, his voice gentle. "What were you searching for?"

The children look at each other again, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement. Then one of the boys speaks up, his voice trembling.

"We were looking for the Zipporah gem," he says, his words hushed and filled with awe.

Haru and Omar exchange a surprised glance. They've heard about the Zipporah gem before—a legendary gemstone that is said to possess incredible power.

"Why were you looking for that?" Haru asks, his curiosity piqued.

The children all exchange a look, their eyes shifting nervously. Then the one girl speaks up, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We heard legends... That whoever finds the Zipporah gem will be granted great power."

Haru and Omar listen intently, their expressions growing serious. The implications of such a gem falling into the wrong hands is not something to be taken lightly.

"But... do you even know where this gem is?" Haru asks, his tone cautious.

The children shake their heads in unison, their faces filled with disappointment. It's clear they hadn't really thought this through.

"We thought we could find it if we explored here... but we got lost," one of the boys mumbles, his eyes on the ground.

After hearing the children's explanation, Omar's next question is directed at them.

"Where are you from? And where is your mother?" he asks gently, his voice laced with concern.

The children hesitate for a moment, their faces falling a little. Finally, one of the girls speaks up, her voice small and shaky.

"We're from the village nearby... But our mom doesn't know we came here. We... We snuck out, we just wanted to find that gem."

Haru and Omar exchange an astonished look at the mention of a nearby town. They had assumed this cave was secluded and far from any inhabited areas.

"There's a town nearby?" Haru asks, his voice filled with surprise.

After learning that there's a town nearby and that the children had snuck out in search of the Zipporah gem, both Haru and Omar realize the urgency of the situation. They need to find the others and figure out what to do with the children.

Haru nods, a determined look in his eyes. "We need to find the others and sort this out. Let's get these kids back to the townsfolk and see if we can find out more about this gem."

[chipped-chimera]

Stumbled on this - so for anyone out of the loop part of Reddit blowing up last year was because it was making use of it's API prohibitively expensive for the average person to use, killing off a lot of (superior) third party apps used to both browse and moderate the platform on mobile.

I don't know if it was stated explicitly at the time, but for me the writing was on the wall - this was purely to fence off Reddit's data from being trawled by web scraping bots - exactly the same thing Elon Musk did when he took over Twitter so he could wall off that data for his own AI development.

So it comes as absolutely zero surprise to me that with Reddit's IPO filing, AI and LLM (Large Language Models) are mentioned SEVERAL times. This is all to tempt a public buyer.

What they do acknowledge though, which is why this video is titled 'Reddit's Trojan Horse' is the fact that while initially this might work and be worth a lot - as the use of AI grows, so will the likelihood that AI generated content being passed off as 'human generated' on the platform will grow - essentially nulling the value of having a user-generated dataset, if not actively MAKING IT WORSE.

As stated in the video - it's widely known that feeding AI content into an AI causes 'model collapse', or complete degeneration into gibberish and 'hallucinations'. This goes for both LLM's and Image Generation AI.

Now given current estimates that 90% of the internet's content will be AI generated by 2026 that means most of the internet is going to turn into a potential minefield for web-scraping content to shove into a training dataset, because now you have to really start paying attention what your bot is sucking up - because lets face it, no one is really going to look at what is in that dataset because it's simply too huge (unless you're one of those poor people in Kenya being paid jack shit to basically weed out the most disgusting and likely traumatizing content from a massive dataset).

What I know about current web-scraping, is OpenAI at least has built it's bot to recognize AI generated image content and exclude it from the scrape. An early version of image protection on the side of Artists was something like this - it basically injected a little bit of data to make the bot think it was AI generated and leave it alone. Now of course we have Nightshade and Glaze, which actively work against training the model and 'poison' the dataset, making Model Collapse worse.

So right now, the best way to protect your images (and I mean all images you post online publicly, not just art) from being scraped is to Glaze/Nightshade them, because either these bots will likely be programmed to avoid them - but if not, good news! You poisoned the dataset.

What I was kind of stumped on is Language Models. While feeding AI LLM's their own data also causes Model Collapse, it's harder to understand why. With an image it makes sense - it's all 1's and 0's to a machine, and there is some underlying pattern within that data which gets further reinforced and contributes to the Model Collapse. But with text?

You can't really Nightshade/Glaze text.

Or can you?

Much like with images, there is clearly something about the way a LLM chooses words and letters that has a similar pattern that when reinforced contributes to this Model Collapse. It may read perfectly fine to us, but in a way that text is poisoned for the AI. There's talk of trying to figure out a way to 'watermark' generated text, but probably won't figure that one out any time soon given they're not really sure how it's happening in the first place. But AI has turned into a global arms race of development, they need data and they need it yesterday.

For those who want to disrupt LLM's, I have a proposal - get your AI to reword your shit. Just a bit. Just enough, that it's got this pattern injected.

These companies have basically opened Pandora's Box to the internet before even knowing this would be a problem - they were too focused on getting money (surprise! It's capitalism again). And well, Karma's about to be a massive bitch to them for rushing it out the door and stealing a metric fucktonne of data without permission.

If they want good data? They will have to come to the people who hold the good data, in it's untarnished, pure form.

I don't know how accurate this language poisoning method could be, I'm just spitballing hypotheticals here based on the stuff I know and current commentary in AI tech spaces. Either way, the tables are gonna turn soon.

So hang in there. Don't let corpos convince you that you don't have control here - you soon will have a lot of control. Trap the absolute fuck out of everything you post online, let it become a literal minefield for them.

Let them get desperate. And if they want good data? Well they're just going to have to pay for it like they should have done in the first place.

Fuck corpos. Poison the machine. Give them nothing for free.