#Increasing visibility on Amazon

[officialmahmoudsaad]

5 Strategies for Making a Profit from Selling on Amazon

Selling on Amazon has become one of the most popular and profitable ways to make money online. With over 300 million active customers and millions of products available, Amazon provides an excellent platform for entrepreneurs to reach a global market. However, making a profit from selling on Amazon requires careful planning, research, and execution. In this article, we will explore some…

[marketingprofitmedia]

How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins

To rank a brand-new website on Google quickly, focus on high-quality content and effective SEO strategies. Use targeted keywords and build backlinks.

Launching a new website is an exciting venture, but ranking it on Google can be challenging. Success hinges on implementing effective SEO strategies right from the start. High-quality, relevant content is crucial. Incorporate targeted keywords naturally throughout your site. Optimize meta tags, headers, and images to enhance visibility.

Building backlinks from reputable sources can significantly boost your site’s credibility. Engage in social media promotion to drive traffic. Regularly update your website with fresh content to keep users engaged. Lastly, ensure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly to improve user experience. With these steps, you can enhance your chances of achieving a high Google ranking.

Credit: www.linkedin.com

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Introduction To Swift Seo Strategies

Launching a new website is exciting. But how do you get it to rank on Google quickly? Using swift SEO strategies is key. These methods can help your site appear on Google’s first page in just a few days.

The Race To Google’s First Page

Ranking on Google’s first page is like a race. Everyone wants to be there, but not everyone succeeds. By using effective SEO techniques, you can get ahead of your competitors.

Start by optimizing your website’s content. Use keywords that your target audience is searching for. Ensure your content is valuable and relevant. This will help Google recognize your site as an authority.

Another crucial factor is page speed. A fast-loading website improves user experience and ranks higher on Google. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve your site’s speed.

Realistic Timelines For Seo Results

SEO is not magic. It takes time to see results. For a brand-new website, you can expect to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks. But with swift SEO strategies, you can speed up this process.

Follow a consistent SEO plan. Update your content regularly. Engage with your audience on social media. These actions signal to Google that your site is active and relevant.

SEO TaskExpected Time to See ResultsKeyword Optimization1–2 weeksContent Updates2–3 weeksLink Building3–4 weeksPage Speed ImprovementsImmediate to 1 week

Use relevant keywords in your content.

Improve your page speed for better user experience.

Engage with your audience on social media.

Update your content regularly to stay relevant.

By following these steps, you can rank your brand-new website on Google in a short time. Remember, consistency and quality are key.

Keyword Research For Immediate Impact

Launching a new website and ranking it on Google fast can seem daunting. But with the right keyword research, you can see results in just a few days. Keyword research is the cornerstone of SEO success. It identifies the terms your target audience is searching for. This section will show you how to do keyword research for immediate impact.

Identifying Low Competition Keywords

To quickly rank your website, you need to find keywords with low competition. These keywords are not heavily targeted by other websites. Here is a simple process to find them:

Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs.

Look for keywords with low difficulty scores.

Ensure the keywords have a decent search volume.

By targeting low competition keywords, you increase your chances of ranking faster. Focus on these keywords to gain quick visibility.

Leveraging Long-tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They usually have lower search volumes but higher conversion rates. Here’s how you can leverage them:

Think about specific queries your audience might have.

Use keyword research tools to find related long-tail keywords.

Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content.

Long-tail keywords are less competitive. They help you attract highly targeted traffic. This traffic is more likely to convert.

In summary, keyword research is vital for ranking a new website quickly. By identifying low competition keywords and leveraging long-tail keywords, you can achieve immediate impact. Use the right tools and strategies to find these keywords. Incorporate them into your content to see fast results.

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Content Creation With Seo In Mind

Creating content with SEO in mind is crucial for ranking your brand-new website on Google quickly. It involves crafting articles that are not only high-quality but also optimized for search engines. Let’s dive into some key strategies for achieving this.

Crafting High-quality, Relevant Articles

High-quality content is king. Write articles that provide value to your readers. Ensure the content is relevant to your target audience. Use simple words and short sentences for better readability.

Here’s a checklist for crafting high-quality articles:

Research your topic: Understand what your audience needs.

Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon and complex words.

Include images and videos: Visuals make your content engaging.

Format your content: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

Check for errors: Proofread to avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.

Optimizing Content For Featured Snippets

Featured snippets are the short answers Google shows at the top of search results. Optimizing for these can skyrocket your visibility. Focus on answering common questions related to your topic.

Here are some tips for optimizing content for featured snippets:

Identify common questions: Use tools like Answer the Public.

Provide concise answers: Keep answers short and to the point.

Use lists and tables: Google prefers content that’s easy to read.

Use proper HTML tags: Format your content correctly.

Example of a featured snippet format:

QuestionAnswerWhat is SEO?SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It involves optimizing a website to rank higher on search engines.

By following these strategies, you can create content that not only engages your audience but also ranks high on Google.

On-page Seo Essentials

On-page SEO is crucial for ranking your brand-new website on Google quickly. It involves optimizing various elements on your web pages. This helps search engines understand your content. Let’s dive into some key aspects of on-page SEO.

Title Tags And Meta Descriptions

Title tags are the first thing search engines and users see. Make sure they are descriptive and include your main keyword. Keep them under 60 characters.

Meta descriptions provide a brief summary of your page content. Aim for 150–160 characters. Use action words and include your main keyword. This can boost your click-through rate.

ElementBest PracticesTitle TagInclude main keyword, under 60 charactersMeta Description150–160 characters, include main keyword, use action words

Header Tags And Image Alt Attributes

Header tags (H1, H2, H3) structure your content. Use H1 for the main title, H2 for subheadings, and H3 for smaller sections. Include keywords in these headers.

Image alt attributes describe your images. Use them to include relevant keywords. This helps with image search ranking and accessibility.

H1 Tag: Main title, include main keyword

H2 Tag: Subheadings, include secondary keywords

H3 Tag: Smaller sections, include relevant keywords

Image Alt: Describe image, include keywords

By optimizing these elements, you improve your chances of ranking higher on Google. Implement these on-page SEO essentials to see quick results.

Technical Seo For Quick Wins

To rank your brand-new website quickly on Google, focus on Technical SEO. Proper technical setup ensures your site is easy for search engines to crawl and index. Here are key areas to focus on for quick wins.

Improving Site Speed

Site speed affects both user experience and search rankings. A fast website keeps visitors engaged and improves SEO. Here are some ways to boost your site speed:

Optimize Images: Compress images without losing quality.

Minify CSS and JavaScript: Remove unnecessary code.

Enable Browser Caching: Store static files locally to reduce load times.

Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Distribute content globally to speed up delivery.

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed. Make necessary adjustments based on the recommendations.

Ensuring Mobile-friendliness

Most users access websites on mobile devices. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly to rank higher on Google. Follow these steps:

Responsive Design: Use a layout that adapts to any screen size.

Readable Text: Ensure fonts are legible without zooming.

Easy Navigation: Make buttons and links easy to click.

Avoid Flash: Use HTML5 for multimedia content.

Test your site’s mobile-friendliness using the Google Mobile-Friendly Test. Make improvements based on the results.

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Building Authority With Backlinks

Building authority with backlinks is crucial for ranking a brand-new website on Google. Backlinks act as votes of confidence from other websites. They signal to Google that your site provides valuable content. High-quality backlinks can boost your site’s visibility and credibility. Let’s explore some effective strategies to build backlinks.

Guest Posting On Relevant Blogs

Guest posting is a powerful way to earn backlinks. Write high-quality articles for reputable blogs in your niche. Ensure the content is valuable and relevant to their audience. Add a link back to your website within the content or author bio.

Follow these steps for successful guest posting:

Identify blogs that accept guest posts.

Analyze their content to understand their audience.

Pitch unique and engaging topics to the blog owner.

Write and submit the post according to their guidelines.

Guest posting not only provides backlinks but also exposes your brand to a wider audience.

Leveraging Social Media For Link Building

Social media platforms can be a goldmine for backlinks. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Encourage your followers to share your posts. This increases the chances of getting backlinks from other websites.

Here are some tips for effective social media link building:

Create engaging and shareable content.

Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.

Engage with influencers and ask them to share your content.

Join and participate in niche-specific groups and communities.

Social media can amplify your reach and bring in organic backlinks. Consistent engagement on these platforms builds a loyal audience and enhances your site’s authority.

StrategyAction StepsGuest PostingIdentify blogs, pitch topics, write articles, get backlinks.Social MediaShare content, use hashtags, engage with influencers, join groups.

Monitoring Progress And Adjusting Strategy

Monitoring your website’s progress and adjusting your strategy is crucial for achieving a high rank on Google quickly. This ensures you are on the right path and can make necessary changes to keep improving. Below, we delve into the essential aspects of monitoring and adapting your strategy for optimal performance.

Using Analytics To Track Performance

Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website’s performance. These tools offer insights into your site’s traffic, user behavior, and other vital metrics. Here are some key metrics to monitor:

Page Views: Check which pages get the most visits.

Bounce Rate: Monitor the percentage of visitors who leave your site quickly.

Average Session Duration: Track how long visitors stay on your site.

Conversion Rate: Measure how many visitors take the desired action.

Regularly reviewing these metrics helps identify what works and what needs improvement. This enables you to make informed decisions to enhance your site’s performance.

Adapting To Algorithm Updates

Google frequently updates its search algorithm, affecting website rankings. Staying updated with these changes is vital. Here’s how to adapt:

Follow SEO News: Keep an eye on SEO news websites and forums.

Update Content: Refresh your content to align with new guidelines.

Check Website Health: Use tools to ensure your site meets current SEO standards.

Optimize Mobile Experience: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as mobile-first indexing is crucial.

Being proactive and adapting to changes swiftly helps maintain or improve your ranking. This ensures your website remains competitive in search results.

Credit: www.customlegalmarketing.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take For A New Website To Rank In Google?

It typically takes 3 to 6 months for a new website to rank on Google. Results may vary based on competition and SEO efforts. Consistent optimization and quality content are essential.

How To Rank A New Website Fast?

Optimize your website for SEO. Use relevant keywords, create quality content, and build backlinks. Improve site speed and mobile-friendliness. Engage on social media and monitor performance regularly.

How To Rank In Google With A New Website?

Optimize your website with relevant keywords. Create high-quality, engaging content. Build backlinks from reputable sites. Ensure fast loading speeds. Use mobile-friendly design.

Why Does It Take So Long To Rank On Google?

Ranking on Google takes time due to competition, quality content requirements, and algorithm updates. Patience and consistent SEO efforts are crucial.

How To Rank A New Website Fast?

Optimize on-page SEO, create quality content, and build backlinks. Use social media and submit your site to search engines.

Conclusion

Achieving a high Google ranking for your new website is possible with the right strategies. Focus on quality content, effective SEO techniques, and consistent updates. Patience and persistence are key. Implement these tips, and your site can quickly gain visibility and attract more visitors. Success is within your reach.

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Thanks for reading my article on “How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins”, hope it will help!

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Source : How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins

[amazonmarketingagency]

Lab 916: Your Partner in Crafting Winning Amazon Strategies

Introduction: Lab 916's Expertise in Amazon Strategy

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Lab 916 stands as a beacon of expertise, providing businesses with tailored Amazon strategies to succeed in the competitive marketplace. With a deep understanding of Amazon's algorithms, trends, and best practices, Lab 916 helps businesses navigate the complexities of selling on the platform and achieve their goals.

Strategic Planning with Lab 916

Lab 916 takes a strategic approach to Amazon strategy development, focusing on optimizing product listings, implementing competitive pricing strategies, leveraging advertising tactics, and fostering customer engagement. By customizing strategies to align with each client's unique objectives and market dynamics, Lab 916 ensures that businesses can maximize their potential on Amazon.

Optimizing Product Listings for Maximum Visibility

A crucial aspect of Lab 916's Amazon strategy is optimizing product listings to enhance visibility and drive conversions. Through meticulous keyword research, compelling product descriptions, and high-quality imagery, Lab 916 ensures that each product listing is optimized to rank higher in Amazon search results. By improving the visibility and appeal of product listings, businesses can attract more customers and increase sales.

Implementing Competitive Pricing Strategies

Lab 916 assists businesses in developing competitive yet profitable pricing strategies tailored to their market segment. By analyzing competitor pricing data, market trends, and consumer behavior, Lab 916 helps businesses set prices that maximize sales while maintaining healthy profit margins. Additionally, Lab 916 provides guidance on leveraging dynamic pricing tools and promotional strategies to stay competitive on Amazon.

Leveraging Advertising Tactics for Enhanced Visibility

Advertising is a key component of Lab 916's Amazon strategy, aimed at increasing product visibility and driving targeted traffic to product listings. Lab 916 utilizes Amazon's advertising platform to create and optimize sponsored product ads, sponsored brand ads, and sponsored display ads. By strategically targeting keywords and audience segments, Lab 916 helps businesses maximize their advertising ROI and generate sales on Amazon.

Fostering Customer Engagement and Loyalty

Lab 916 emphasizes the importance of fostering strong customer relationships to drive long-term success on Amazon. Through proactive customer service, timely responses to inquiries and feedback, and strategies to encourage positive reviews, Lab 916 helps businesses build trust and loyalty with their customers. By delivering exceptional shopping experiences and maintaining positive seller ratings, businesses can enhance their reputation and drive repeat purchases on the platform.

Conclusion: Achieving Success with Lab 916's Guidance

In conclusion, Lab 916 serves as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to excel on Amazon. With Lab 916's expertise and strategic guidance, businesses can optimize their Amazon strategies and achieve success in the competitive e-commerce landscape. By leveraging Lab 916's insights and best practices, businesses can unlock their full potential on one of the world's largest online platforms.

Introduction: Lab 916's Expertise in Amazon Strategy

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Lab 916 stands as a beacon of expertise, providing businesses with tailored Amazon strategies to succeed in the competitive marketplace. With a deep understanding of Amazon's algorithms, trends, and best practices, Lab 916 helps businesses navigate the complexities of selling on the platform and achieve their goals.

Strategic Planning with Lab 916

Lab 916 takes a strategic approach to Amazon strategy development, focusing on optimizing product listings, implementing competitive pricing strategies, leveraging advertising tactics, and fostering customer engagement. By customizing strategies to align with each client's unique objectives and market dynamics, Lab 916 ensures that businesses can maximize their potential on Amazon.

Optimizing Product Listings for Maximum Visibility

A crucial aspect of Lab 916's Amazon strategy is optimizing product listings to enhance visibility and drive conversions. Through meticulous keyword research, compelling product descriptions, and high-quality imagery, Lab 916 ensures that each product listing is optimized to rank higher in Amazon search results. By improving the visibility and appeal of product listings, businesses can attract more customers and increase sales.

Implementing Competitive Pricing Strategies

Lab 916 assists businesses in developing competitive yet profitable pricing strategies tailored to their market segment. By analyzing competitor pricing data, market trends, and consumer behavior, Lab 916 helps businesses set prices that maximize sales while maintaining healthy profit margins. Additionally, Lab 916 provides guidance on leveraging dynamic pricing tools and promotional strategies to stay competitive on Amazon.

Leveraging Advertising Tactics for Enhanced Visibility

Advertising is a key component of Lab 916's Amazon strategy, aimed at increasing product visibility and driving targeted traffic to product listings. Lab 916 utilizes Amazon's advertising platform to create and optimize sponsored product ads, sponsored brand ads, and sponsored display ads. By strategically targeting keywords and audience segments, Lab 916 helps businesses maximize their advertising ROI and generate sales on Amazon.

Fostering Customer Engagement and Loyalty

Lab 916 emphasizes the importance of fostering strong customer relationships to drive long-term success on Amazon. Through proactive customer service, timely responses to inquiries and feedback, and strategies to encourage positive reviews, Lab 916 helps businesses build trust and loyalty with their customers. By delivering exceptional shopping experiences and maintaining positive seller ratings, businesses can enhance their reputation and drive repeat purchases on the platform.

Conclusion: Achieving Success with Lab 916's Guidance

In conclusion, Lab 916 serves as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to excel on Amazon. With Lab 916's expertise and strategic guidance, businesses can optimize their Amazon strategies and achieve success in the competitive e-commerce landscape. By leveraging Lab 916's insights and best practices, businesses can unlock their full potential on one of the world's largest online platforms.

[kink-tomato]

Our friend Erin was recently kicked out by her landlord and is facing homelessness with her 3 cats. She is currently receiving inpatient treatment for a severe mental health crisis after an incident with her abusive boyfriend. We are trying to raise $2200 to pay the deposit/fees on a rental apartment. This would enable to her and her cats to have a safe place to live and receive the healthcare they need.

Since Erin is currently in hospital, we her friends are writing this post at her request. You can find her original twitter thread about this here. https://x.com/stiffening/status/1811568349798683052

You can donate via ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/erinshelley YouPay https://youpay.me/sinew/fund/moving-costs or direct via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/ at faunlet[at]live[dot]com.

You can also donate Amazon gift cards https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PCMWTSG/ref=s9_bw_cg_GCLPFFST_1a1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=R69487D956H3FAWX0GYR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=eedfdcee-0cec-4508-9a95-96b34e0d6ea4&pf_rd_i=117059571011 to faunlet[at]live[dot]com. Gift cards will be used to buy household necessities once she has moved. All these methods go directly to Erin and her cats. If you are not able to donate, please reblog this post to increase its visibility. For more information on Erin and her situation, please see below. Thank you for reading and for your donations.

Erin formerly lived with her violently abusive father but was finally able to leave in 2022. She moved to a new state which meant she no longer had her license, therapist, doctors etc. which exacerbated her disabilities. Unfortunately, the new living situation turned sour as her landlord became neglectful in his property upkeep which resulted in Erin receiving several injuries. He also became abusive and forbid her 3 cats from leaving her bedroom, as well as stealing food and toiletries from Erin. During this time, her cats developed health issues that require regular medication and monitoring (diabetes, urinary issues) and her own disabilities worsened due to lack of medical care.

The landlord announced his intention to kick her out in May 2024. Erin had applied for Section 8 housing and was attempting to move into a new place, but this fell through due to lack of funds. She had to move into her boyfriend’s apartment to avoid homelessness, however her boyfriend is abusive and neither she nor her cats are safe there.

Due to a severe mental health crisis in mid-July which resulted in a suicide attempt, Erin has now sought inpatient treatment at a local hospital. She has found another potential apartment to rent, however the deposit and fees are not covered by the Section 8 assistance and must be paid upfront. We are desperately hoping to raise this money so that she can secure this apartment and have a safe place to live. She cannot remain at her boyfriend’s because aside from his abuse, his landlord will not allow her and her cats to remain in the unit. She is unfortunately not able to live with any of us because we are internet friends spread worldwide.

Please donate if you can; if not, please reblog this post to increase its visibility. We are frantically trying to secure Erin a safe place to live so that she can be free from abuse and violence and can begin to recover. We really want to keep her and her cats together because we fear that, due to their age and health issues, they will be euthanised if surrendered to a shelter.

Any updates will be added to this post. Thank you for reading and donating.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Climate surprises: Amazonia and the lessons of Brazil’s catastrophic flood in Rio Grande do Sul (commentary)

Brazil’s catastrophic flood in the state of Rio Grande do Sul is helping to raise public awareness of climate change but has had no visible effect on the Brazilian government’s actions and plans on greenhouse gas emissions. The flood provides an example of “climate surprises,” which are expected to increase further in frequency and severity with projected global warming.

Amazonia has already been the victim of a series of such surprises, and these threaten the Amazon forest with collapse and the consequent pushing of global warming beyond a point of no return.

Except for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the rest of Brazil’s presidential administration is on the wrong side of the issue, expanding fossil fuel extraction and promoting deforestation in various ways. An immediate turnaround is needed.

Continue reading.

[breelandwalker]

Worm Moon - March 7 2023

The world is thawing and spring will soon be sprung. Dust off your garden tools and get ready for the Worm Moon!

Worm Moon

The Worm Moon is the name given to the full moon which occurs in the month of March in the Northern Hemisphere. The name is taken from the renewed visible presence of earthworms, which begin to bubble up in gardens and on sidewalks as the spring thaw approaches and increased temperatures and rainfall loosen the soil enough for them to emerge. And of course, this is accompanied by the presence of spring harbingers like robins and local songbirds, who are very happy to see this renewed bounty.

The March moon, if it occurs prior to the spring equinox, is also the Lenten Moon, named for the Christian holiday of Lent. Indigenous names for this moon include Goose Moon (Algonquin and Cree), Sugar Moon (Ojibwe), Sap Moon (Shawnee), and Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe).

What Does It Mean For Witches?

Full moons are both the beginning and end of the lunar cycle. With the Worm Moon, we can look forward to the beginning of spring and the yearly harvest cycle. So now is the perfect time for seasonal divination, plans for the coming months, and the setting of goals for the future, both short-term and long-term. You can also check in with goals you may have set back in January and record your progress. (Remember - even a little progress is still progress!)

If you're an observer of astrology, you might be interested to know that Saturn and several other planets are experiencing transitions this month, some of them for the first time in several years. For those who work in celestial spheres, this may herald a long-awaited breath of fresh air and (hopefully) positive changes to come.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

The Worm Moon heralds the imminent start of the planting season. If you've got green fingers, now is the time to begin planning your garden for the season. Prepare your sprouting trays and browse your favorite seed catalog for inspiration.

As the Spring Equinox approaches (March 20th), this is a good time to start putting together any seasonal observances you'd like to make. It's also time for that all-important spring cleaning, so open up those windows on a warm day and air out all the staleness from winter. As you scrub and dust and declutter, you can also magically cleanse your space of stagnant, disruptive, or unwanted things, replacing them with your own energy and your good wishes and goals for the upcoming season.

Consider also how you can change or begin new routines and habits to improve your life, make better choices, streamline your schedule, or just give yourself a much-needed break. If there's something hanging around that no longer serves you, now is the time to consider bidding it adieu and moving forward to a new path.

This is also an excellent time for spells focused on fertility, optimism, and new growth. It's important to remember that fertility spells don't just have to focus on procreation. They can also be geared toward planting, creating, opportunity, inspiration, motivation, prosperity, abundance, and anything that requires nurturing and productivity.

The season of growth and renewal is upon us, so it's time to Ready, Set, GROW!

Happy Worm Moon, witches! 🌕🌱

Further Reading:

Worm Moon: Full Moon for March 2023, The Old Farmer's Almanac

Worm Moon: The Stunning Full Moon of March 2023, The Peculiar Brunette

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison

(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[ericdeggans]

Why you should care about the TV Critics Association Press Tours, even if you are not a TV critic

Back in the day, years ago, it happened with regularity: A snarky story in one of the entertainment industry trade magazines taking a shot at the Television Critics Association’s twice-annual press tours.

Before we go on, a bit of inside baseball for context: the TCA is a group of critics and journalists who cover the TV industry, and two times a year we hold a conference of sorts in Los Angeles. Loads of major TV outlets participate, rolling out press conferences, receptions, set visits and interview opportunities to promote series and projects rolling out over the next six months or so.

The most recent TCA press tour, which I attended in Pasadena, Calif. (the picture above shows me giving the group's Heritage Award to Twin Peaks during the TCA Awards July 12), concluded in the middle of last week. And, predictable as an afternoon rain shower in Florida, The Hollywood Reporter rolled out a tough piece describing “The Incredible Shrinking Press Tour.”

“Frustrations with a staid press conference format, accelerated by Hollywood belt-tightening and the COVID-era shift away from in-person gatherings, to say nothing of severe budget cuts across the media landscape, have taken a visible toll on the press tour,” read the story, which quoted unnamed publicists of TV programmers sniping about having to participate. “An event that once stretched more than two packed weeks wrapped its latest cycle on July 17 after a thin eight days. Powerhouse streamers such as Netflix, Apple and Amazon were absent, and not a single programming executive took the stage to face down the press.”

(cast of Brooklyn Nine Nine at a TCA set visit)

True enough, this year’s press tour was smaller than previous outings; the event has struggled to return after COVID sidelined much of the TV industry. But Hollywood has also been buffeted by the impact of two strikes last year and concern – so far averted – that there might be a third this year.

A surplus of TV programming, increased production costs and caution about this year’s climate has led some big projects to be delayed until next year – more than one person in the industry joked to me about the phrase many are repeating in Hollywood, hoping to “survive until 2025.” Downsizing in media has also made it tougher for journalists to find the time and financial resources to attend press conferences at a swanky hotel which stretch out over more than a week.

Turns out, there’s lots of reasons why the tour has slimmed down this year, as the industry itself recalibrates and refocuses amid lots of institutional change.

But, as someone who has attended TCA tours since 1997 – yes, I’m THAT old -- I’m here to say that the tour remains a relevant and useful part of covering the industry, despite the anonymous sniping of assorted industry types.

(Yours truly visiting The Price is Right set during a TCA tour.)

When I first began attending tour, as the TV critic for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, the event was filled with critics like me from regional papers from across the country. We were trying to give our local readers insight into an industry which came into their living rooms nightly for hours at time. And for me, the TCA tour was an invaluable crash course in modern television.

Over the years, I got to know publicists who arranged exclusive visits to the sets of ER, Six Feet Under, Sex and The City and Law & Order. I quizzed industry leaders at on the record receptions, including former CBS head Les Moonves, Fox News founder Roger Ailes, Survivor and The Apprentice executive producer Mark Burnett, FX head John Landgraf and Scandal/Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes.

When the late, lamented UPN network created a sitcom that felt a bit too close to being a veiled comedy about slavery – the show was called The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer, look it up – I was there to challenge the network’s executives and its producers. When Ailes and the Fox News anchor Chris Wallace tried to deny the way the cable newschannel favored conservatives, I was there, again, with access I would never have gotten any other way.

Most recently, in February, I asked producers from The Bachelor franchise why the show has struggled to handle racial issues – leading to losing its longtime host Chris Harrison and, possibly, the show’s creator Mike Fleiss. Their eight seconds of silence before a roomful of TV critics spoke volumes and sparked headlines nationwide.

There are few other major industries in America where the people who run things are expected to regularly face a group of journalists asking questions, sometimes pointed, about the decisions they have made. Given that media is occupying an increasing portion of our lives, having a forum where the press can interrogate the work of newscasters, documentarians, reality TV producers, media executives, series showrunners and big stars in public is incredibly valuable – both to journalists and the general public.

(former ABC entertainment president Jamie Tarses faced tough questions from reporters at TCA in 1997.)

The TCA tour has drawn lots of barbs over the years, from complaints from TV outlets about how much it costs to present press conferences, receptions and special events, to criticisms about the value of promotional items given to critics (that’s been severely toned down from the time, decade ago, when one network handed me a free cellphone after a press conference. I handed it back, noting it was far too valuable a gift to accept.)

But, as a former TCA board member from many years ago, I think what really rankles some in the TV industry is how little control they have over what happens at tours. Despite loads of coaching from experienced publicists, it is tough to predict what questions will be asked during a 40-minute press session, and an off-the-mark response can resonate for a while (Besides The Bachelor producers, I remember stars like Roseanne Barr, Katherine Heigl and even Donald Trump earning lots of critical coverage from bad press tour appearances.)

Entertainment trade publications have also often cast shade on the press tour, which regularly invites legions of less powerful and more removed journalists into the kind of access they usually enjoy.

What keeps the tour going, beyond its value to TCA members, is the ever-increasing need for publicity to punch through a media environment filled with more noise, distraction and competition than ever. Those who make TV need more ways to reach consumers, and the TCA tours still offer programmers the opportunity to reach journalists who connect with millions of consumers every day.

If the TCA press tours go away, what will be left is overly stage-managed press conferences wholly controlled by the TV outlets, with access severely limited to journalists and critics in big cities like New York and Los Angeles.

I hope that doesn’t happen. Because my time at the TCA has been among the most rewarding experiences in a long career, offering a window into the TV industry that is unparalleled and always enlightening.

[simplyclary]

The Trailblazers of Representation in Hollywood

(Photo edit by me)

In the always evolving land of Hollywood, the demand for representation and diversity has never been more needed. The film industry, which was historically dominated by a narrow demographic, is gradually awakening to the importance of showcasing a broader range of voices and stories. This change is driven by passionate individuals who recognize and see the power of representation and are committed to making it real. 

Among these trailblazers are two of my favorite actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Taylor Zakhar Perez, both of whom have taken significant steps in order to address and tackle the lack of diversity in Hollywood through launching their own production companies (Benedict already has one, and Taylor has plans to launch one in the future). 

Let’s talk about them, shall we? 

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his versatile acting in roles ranging from Sherlock Holmes to Alan Turing to Phil Burbank to Doctor Strange, is a vocal advocate for gender diversity in filmmaking. Upon recognizing the male-dominated nature of the industry, Benedict has consistently championed the need for more opportunities for women both in front of and behind the camera. His production company, SunnyMarch, was established with a mission to create a platform that promotes gender parity and gives women the space to thrive in both the filmmaking and production aspects. 

Benedict’s commitment to diversity is evident and obvious in his choice of projects and the talents that he collaborates with. He understands and knows that true representation goes beyond casting– it involves creating an environment where diverse and different voices are heard and valued in all aspects of production. Through his production company Sunnymarch, Benedict aims to dismantle the barriers that have traditionally excluded and hindered women from key roles in the industry, thereby fostering a vision for a more inclusive and equitable Hollywood. 

Taylor Zakhar Perez, known for his breakout star roles in “The Kissing Booth” film trilogy as well as Amazon Prime hit movie “Red, White and Royal Blue”, shares a similar vision with Benedict but with a focus on cultural representation. As a Latino actor, Taylor has experienced firsthand the lack of Latin stories and characters in mainstream media. If there ever was one, they would be casted among the category of the “cartel guys” and the “drug dealers”. In short, they are often depicted as negative and bad characters, which in reality, the positive outshines the negative. Taylor’s personal insight then fuels his dedication to amplifying Latin voices and narratives when he eventually starts up his own production company, which aims to highlight the richness and diversity of Latin culture. 

Taylor’s motivation also stems from a deeply personal place. Despite him being in the industry for a decade, he often gets told that he is not “Latino enough” for certain roles, and that is one reason why he only recently rose to stardom. This is also a sentiment that many people from mixed or diverse backgrounds can relate to. This experience then inspired Taylor to bring Latin voices to the forefront, with the goal of ensuring that future generations do not feel the exclusion and inadequacy that he once did. By producing and creating content that portrays the multi-faceted experiences of Latin culture as vividly and accurately as possible, Taylor is not only increasing visibility to the underrepresented yet diverse Latin culture but he also challenges Hollywood’s narrow definitions of cultural identity. 

While Benedict and Taylor focus on different aspects of diversity, their passion and drive for change are remarkably similar. Both of them recognize the transformative power of representation and are using their respective platforms to create tangible change in the industry. The production company that Benedict already has and the one that Taylor aims to build are not just simple business ventures but are deeply personal missions to address and face the systemic issues that have long plagued the great industry of Hollywood. 

Both Benedict and Taylor deeply understand that representation truly matters. When people see themselves reflected in the characters and stories they watch on the big or silver screen, it gives them a sense of validation for their experiences and affirms their place in the world. The sense of being seen and heard is crucial and much needed in the process of fostering self-esteem and breaking down the societal barriers and stereotypes. By championing and bringing diverse voices to the forefront, Benedict and Taylor are helping to build a more inclusive industry where everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race and sexuality, can find their place. 

But their contributions to the film industry is not the only thing that makes Benedict and Taylor trailblazers for change, they are both advocates for certain causes too. 

Both Benedict and Taylor are also advocates for fashion sustainability. They are both conscious of the environmental impact of their wardrobe choices and they actively partner with sustainable fashion brands like Prada. Their advocacy extends to the causes that they support, which demonstrates their commitment to making the world a better place in various ways for the betterment of the future generations. 

Benedict and Taylor are not only focused on the film industry, they are also dedicated philanthropists. They use their respective platforms to support a range of causes, from environmental sustainability to social justice. Their genuine care for the world around them is reflected in their efforts, making them not just actors but influential activists who aim and strive to make a difference. 

The impact of Benedict and Taylor’s efforts extends beyond the projects they produce and take part in. They are setting an example for other industry professionals to follow, demonstrating that commitment to diversity and representation is not just a moral imperative but also a creative and commercial advantage. Their work is paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers and actors who prioritize inclusivity and representation and those who aim to tell stories that resonate with a wider audience. 

Benedict’s production company SunnyMarch is a channel for aspiring female filmmakers, offering opportunities and mentorship that might otherwise be inaccessible in a male-dominated field. Similarly, Taylor’s idea for his production company is to focus on Latin stories and to inspire young Latin creatives to pursue their dreams, knowing that there is a place for their voices in the vast sphere of Hollywood.

The importance of representation and diversity in film cannot be overstated. Actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Taylor Zakhar Perez are leading the charge, using their influence to address the lack of diversity in the Hollywood sphere. Through the production company that Benedict has and the one Taylor aims to build, they are not only creating opportunities for underrepresented groups but also enriching the industry with a broader and wider range of stories and perspectives. 

Their efforts serve as a reminder that true representation goes beyond the concept of tokenism (the idea of casting someone just for show); it involves a crucial shift in how stories are told and who gets to be the narrator. By advocating and pushing for gender diversity and cultural representation, Benedict and Taylor are helping to shape a more inclusive future for Hollywood, a space where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories that are shown on screen. Their passion and dedication serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible when driven by a genuine commitment to equity, equality and inclusion. 

Additionally, their advocacy for fashion sustainability and their philanthropic endeavors further highlight their dedication to making a world a better space. Benedict and Taylor are not just using their talents to entertain but also to inspire and spark meaningful change in society. Their combined efforts in film, fashion and philanthropy make them remarkable figures in the ongoing quest for a more inclusive and sustainable society. 

[ourflagmeansgayrights]

yeah my tl;dr opinion on the second billboard is that it’s gonna have very little impact on making us more visible and probably very little direct impact on our chances of getting renewed, but if it makes some ppl feel like they’re doing something then i don’t rlly care bc it’s not my money. that being said, i’m a little worried that the second billboard might end up hurting the general ofmd fandom’s morale more than helping.

elaboration under the cut bc this shit got long

so the ofmd fandom has already caught the attention of the media, we have new articles being written about us pretty frequently. hbo/wbd is also facing a lot of public backlash for their continuous cancellation of tv shows, especially diverse shows, AND they are specifically getting a lot of shit abt refusing to sell coyote v acme. they have a lot of money to gain via tax write-offs from shelving thay movie and refusing to sell, but refusing to sell ofmd isn’t gonna make them that kind of money. so public pressure + financial incentive combined, there’s a pretty good chance of wbd selling ofmd to another studio.

ironing out a deal with netflix/apple tv/amazon+ is gonna take time tho. from a fandom perspective, it’s already been be a very long, very demoralizing waiting game, and personally i would be surprised if we’re even halfway through it.

so there are two things at play when it comes to the fandom giving djenks et al the best chance of securing the best deal for this show: maintaining visibility and maintaining fandom morale. obviously visibility is more directly affecting the negotiations, but morale is important in keeping as many ppl in the fandom active as we can during this gravy basket of a waiting period.

so the question is, how does the second billboard serve those goals? will it maintain or increase our visibility? will it boost fandom morale?

before i get into the second billboard tho, i wanna talk abt the first billboard.

i think we can all agree that the nyt billboard boosted morale: cast and crew were posting about it, djenks shared a selfie in front of it, the energy on ofmdtwt and in discord servers and here on tumblr was very hopeful and excited. it was an emotional high point that i think we’re all kinda missing as the weeks drag on and we approach the two-month mark since the cancellation.

but did the nyt billboard increase or maintain our visibility? more specifically, did it increase or maintain our visibility to a degree that was proportionate to the amount of money spent?

i’ll be honest, i don’t know the answer to that one. i don’t know much about advertising or about tracking ROI for things like billboards and flyover banners. i think, though, that any significant increase in visibility came not from the billboard itself, but from the social media response to the billboard. the excitement of seeing cast and crew talking abt the billboard had us all hyped up and posting/tweeting in our excitement, and that got us trending. the livestream of the billboard probably had an increase in viewership, which i’m sure is something that gets tracked somewhere. and i’m also sure wbd execs were aware of the billboard, and djenks tagging netflix, apple, and amazon means those executives were definitely made aware of it, too

but i’m doubtful abt how much the nyt billboard raised our visibility outside of a few ppl in the streaming/entertainment industry and outside of the ofmd fandom. there were already articles being written about us by that point—did any publications decide to write more articles abt the renewal campaign directly because of the billboard? did the campaign for s3 reach the general public? did site traffic to the petition actually increase? did anyone on the streets of new york or LA actually follow the link/qr code/whatever to learn more about what was being advertised?

on twitter, at least one person who had been supportive of the renewal efforts and who claimed to have relevant industry experience said that the return-on-investment from the billboard/truck/flyover was shockingly small, meaning that for the amount of money that was spent, we should have received more site traffic, more social media buzz, more mainstream awareness than what we got. this is not me saying the ofmd fandom was scammed—the people who donated money were told what the money was going to be used for, and the money was used exactly as promised. but the criticism was that if the goal was to increase our visibility, perhaps the money could’ve been spent differently.

so that’s the nyt billboard: successful at raising morale, unclear exactly how effective it was at increasing visibility. now for the london billboard, located on the vue cinema on leicester square

first, a few things about the site of the london billboard: the ad space being purchased is not, as i have seen claimed, on a hugely iconic billboard and venue. arguably, it is not even located on leicester square. the giant billboard is on a budget movie theater that is right off the corner of leicester square. people have been confusing the vue theater with the odeon theater, which is an iconic landmark in the middle of leicester square where movie premiers happen and where many tourists stop to take pictures. from what i’ve seen (and heard from various uk fans), the foot traffic by the vue theater is not really comparable to the foot traffic at the location of the first billboard.

so, billboard 2 and visibility. the question of if this billboard increases visibility of the campaign, whether that be via successfully advertising to the people walking by or via generating social media buzz.

the thing with the foot traffic issue is i’m honestly not sure how much of a boon the high amount of foot traffic was to the first billboard. bc honestly, how many pedestrians pay attention to billboards enough to actually check out the thing that’s being advertised? probably not very many, hence why there was criticisms that the billboard yielded a low ROI. if there was any increase in our visibility externally (by which i mean, not within studios or within the industry, and not within the fandom and other ppl already aware of the existence of the renewal campaign), it most likely came primarily from articles and social media buzz.

i personally am doubtful that the second billboard is gonna generate the same kind of attention online. the location is less flashy than the first one, david jenkins probably isn’t gonna fly over to london to take a selfie with it, and simply the fact that it’s a second billboard is gonna decrease the energy in how ppl respond to it. like, we already did this in a very famous tourist location. now we’re doing it again, only it’s around the corner from a different, slightly less famous tourist location. the surprise and excitement we saw from the cast and crew will inherently be lessened when we pull the same trick twice. that might also extend to media coverage—how many times do we think journalists are gonna cover the same media stunt pulled by the same general group of people? there is a possibility that the answer to that is only once.

but, to be fair, i did say that visibility was only one part of the equation. the other important thing was morale and keeping the fandom’s energy up, something that is going to get harder and harder the more time passes without us hearing any news.

a second billboard is definitely one way of tackling that issue. fans can meet up at the billboard, post selfies with it, hang out. it’s kind of a cool thing, to see a huge sign on a billboard and know that it was a bunch of passionate fans put it there. and we already know that the first billboard had everyone pumped. more than increasing visibility, maybe this is the primary goal of the second billboard: to hype up the fandom.

i worry, though, that it’s not going to hype up the fandom in the way people are hoping for. like i said, i doubt we’re going to see the same outpouring of excitement from cast and crew that we did the first time around—even already some of the actors have said to the fandom that it’s not worth it for us to spend our money this way. and even within the wider ofmd fandom itself, i would not be surprised if fans just aren’t as excited by this second billboard simply because it’s the second billboard. already, it seems to me like ofmd fans who aren’t directly contributing to the renewal campaign aren’t responding as enthusiastically to this billboard as they did the first one—there’s a question of why it’s necessary, what it’s going to accomplish. so a less encouraging response to this billboard might make a lot of people feel disheartened, disappointed.

and christ, that’s not even mentioning the fact that that almost every time this fandom is trending, there’s a wave of “ofmd fans kys” sentiment that is quick to follow. i have long ago accepted that suicide baiting as a regular part of my internet experience, but most people have not (and frankly, they shouldn’t). a lot of people just will stop posting about ofmd if they get attacked for doing so. if that happens, it is 100% going to negatively impact the renewal campaign and our chances of getting picked up by a different studio.

even if none of this happens, even if the morale is boosted tenfold by the new billboard, i just feel like there are other ways to keep the energy up without crowdfunding ridiculous amounts of money. we already have samba gradually doling out bts content in tiny doses and catapulting us through the roof with each one. i’m also a fan of what AdoptOurCrew is doing on twitter, sharing articles and info and coming up with silly little games to play with their followers. it’s not a huge stunt like a billboard, and it’s not gonna get us on the front page of a huge pop culture publication, but we already have a pretty consistent stream coming in of articles mentioning ofmd and the renewal effort. also, yes, what aoc is doing is not the huge adrenaline high of the nyt billboard, but this is gonna be a marathon, not a sprint. there are a lot of ofmd fans, so if we just keep the general fandom feeling reasonably good abt posting ofmd content, that’s more than enough to keep our online presence consistent enough that studios will know we’re invested in that s3. but if we keep chasing highs we’re gonna burn out fast—at the very least just bc ppl are gonna run out of cash.

that’s what my concern comes down to, really: the money. because to me, the use of actual real-world money should go towards boosting visibility, and boosting morale can come from simply engaging in the fandom, doing fun projects, spreading positivity. and i am very, very doubtful that this second billboard is going to increase the show’s visibility to people who aren’t already aware of ofmd and what’s going on with the renewal. i understand that the idea was to capitalize on s2 airing on the bbc–a good idea, but if the intention is to reach this new audience, shouldn’t the ads should go somewhere they’re going to be more visible, more inescapable? the underground would’ve been a good choice, imo, bc the cell service down there sucks and ppl have no choice but to stare at the walls while they wait for the train. but this might have been less effective at boosting morale, because it’s less flashy and a significantly worse place for fans to meet up. so it’s about what the priority is here: is the money primarily for boosting morale, or boosting visibility?

like i said, i think prioritizing morale-boosting is the wrong choice. and even if that wasn’t the intention, i think that’s the only thing that’s gonna be affected in any way by the billboard. but like, that’s why i didn’t donate to the crowdfunding for this billboard (or to the first one tbh). bc ppl can spend their money however they want, even if i think it’s a waste. currently the average donation to the SaveOFMD ko-fi is abt £34, or $40. i’m not gonna get that worked up over a few hundred strangers online spending $40 for something i think is a waste. ppl spend all sorts of money on stuff i think is a waste. who cares.

if everything backfires and the billboard ends up hurting the renewal campaign then… idk. i hope if it blows up into drama that the drama gets to be funny, at least.

[tamapalace]

Bandai Chose Amazon Web Services for Tamagotchi Uni for Two Reasons

By now we all know that Bandai partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) when creating the Tamagotchi Uni. This fuels many features from over the air software updates, and more. In a recent interview with Yuri Okamoto (left) and Daisuke Sakamoto (right), they explain why Tamagotchi Uni uses AWS, and not other platforms such as Azure or Oracle.

According to Mr. Sakamoto, there are two main reasons for adopting AWS as a cloud platform that realizes a series of functions. The first is that AWS provided FreeRTOS, which was decided to be adopted as the OS of the Tamagotchi Uni. FreeRTOS is a real-time operating system kernel for embedded devices. This provides ease of cooperation with the cloud, especially AWS.

The goal for Tamagotchi Uni was to be able to get Tamagotchi users excited all over the world, which was critical during the planning stage.

Second, AWS provided the security Bandai was looking for. This included device authentication. "When it comes to releasing it all over the world and distributing content on the same model, technically, in addition to device authentication, security that children are not exposed to malicious intent is important. Based on that, we compared and examined the IoT services of each company, and as a result, we contacted the AWS inquiry window," said Sakamoto.

"Tamagotchi has released a different series in Japan and overseas, and recently the ones for Europe and the United States have become popular. I think that the global visibility has also increased, and I wanted to provide content where Tamagotchi users from all over the world can get excited together here." (Mr. Okamoto).

Using AWS Bandai is also able to collect data on how children play with Tamagotchi. They do not collect personal information but they are able to measure which items are polar, and Bandai will make sure of that information in the future for content production.

"As a feature of products equipped with Wi-Fi and connected to the cloud, we can now see information such as how much it is played. I want to connect such information to the improvement of future play." (Mr. Sakamoto)

Check out the full article here.

[heart-gamer]

ONE OF THE BEST CARDIOPHILE STORIES

You've been trying your best not to let the woman sitting next to you on the plane affect you, but she's far too stunning to let that happen. From the moment her lush, round bottom rubbed up against you on the way to her window seat (her thank you in response to you politely standing up to let her go by sounding as sensual as silk) your blood has been on fire.

You piece together the rest of her appearance by the (hopefully) sly, sneak peeks you've been taking to the right of you: wild ebony curls surrounding a flawless caramel complexion; almond-shaped eyes with a tigress-like tilt at the corners; an upturned nose, and a broad, full lower lip paired with a cupid's bow shaped upper lip. The voluptuous breasts (jiggling at the scooped neckline of her jersey shirt) generous hips, and thick thighs that perfectly complemented that gorgeous fat ass of hers, has you lying your jacket across your lap as though you're a pre-teen instead of a grown man on his way back from a transatlantic business conference. If you were actually able to stand, you'd try to move to the empty aisle seat beside you, or settle yourself with a quick jerk-off in the lavatory.

Except jerking off was getting old. It's all you've been doing to quell your sexual frustration, and alleviate the stress that came from your recent promotion at work, the latter leaving you little time for a social life to take care of the former. For the first time since you'd lost your virginity, you were in a drought. All your friends used to be jealous of how frequently you got laid. But now it's been months since you have, and it's been driving you crazy. All that pent up energy within you was easy to ignore when you were distracted with work, but once you got into bed, the hot blood that seared throughout your veins fueled your pounding heart; you could feel it against your chest, see it pushing against your shirt, hear it in your ears. The sensation of it all always got you horny, because of your heartbeat fetish; thanks to PornHub, you discovered that this is called cardiophilia, and that there's plenty of videos in that category. Before then, you'd just been using a cheap stethoscope you'd purchased on Amazon and used it to listen to your own heart as you masturbated (but never used during your sexual encounters, because you worried it'd weird out the women you were with). At first, those videos gave you more than enough material to satiate all that unleashed lust, but it didn't come close to replacing the touch of a woman.

And the one next to you is exactly what you need.

Shortly after take off, the woman puts in earbuds - and falls asleep in minutes with her head propped against the window. The posture exposes her long, graceful throat, and the vein that throbs there rapidly. Even more tantalizing is the sight of her heartbeat moving very visibly beneath her skin, thrusting through the thin fabric of her shirt, making the tops of her breasts tremble. It's like one of your fetish videos brought to life, right before you, a fantasy practically at your fingertips, yet one you can't quite touch. Or ignore.

The wild pounding of your own heart increases with each second even as you try to keep your breathing under control, stifling a moan as your cock begins thumping and straining against your jeans. You force your eyes closed, hoping to will away your latent arousal, but it's too late - the image of the woman's pulse pumping away in her throat is burned into your memory. And despite yourself, you begin to imagine what it would be like to lay her down, slowly removing her top to reveal the rest of her gorgeous breasts, watching her heart beating between them, then taking your stethoscope and pressing it right to that sweet spot, the cold diaphragm raising goose bumps on her smooth skin, causing her nipples to harden...you'd feel the diaphragm moving up and down between your fingers...then you'd slip in the earpieces of the stethoscope and listen to her heart pound away, deep and loud and thumpy and fast...and then you'd slide your fingers inside her where she'd be moist and creamy and ready...the faster your fingers moved, the faster her heart would pound...thump thump thump thump thump thump...you'd feel her heart pushing hard against that diaphragm as your fingers went deeper inside her, thrusting in and out, in and out...thump thump thump thump thump thump...she'd arch her back and start to moan, coating your fingers with the sweet honey inside her...thump thump thump thump thump thump...you'd hear her heart start to go out of control, hear her getting closer and closer to the brink as the sound of her heartbeat became deafening...

Your eyes pop open just when the orgasm tears through you; you grit your teeth, both hands clinging to the armrests, biting your lower lip to stifle a shout, squeezing your knees together as you cum hard in your pants, for what seems like ages.

Spent, you slump back into your seat, waiting for your breathing to normalize and the insane hammering of your heart to slow down. Once you're much calmer, you risk yet another glance at the woman beside you. She's still asleep, except you can swear - if you're not mistaken - that there's a hint of a smile on her lips.

[trashyswitch]

Wiggle Worm Brandon

Brandon and Cameron finish up filming for the youtube video "Things AMAZON Made Me Buy! (500lbs of LUBE!)". But when Brandon gets really playful...Cameron makes sure to turn Brandon into the ultimate form of himself: Wiggle Worm Brandon.

This fanfic goes out to the guys themselves: Brandon Farris and Cameron Domasky. If I can recall from your 'Things FIVERR Made Me Buy!' video...you were looking for more fanfics about you two. So I personally decided to give you a fanfic myself for the low, low price of COMPLETELY FREE! So, gentlemen...I hope you enjoy.

And for everyone else, check out @imbrandonfarris and @Cameron Domasky on Youtube if you want. Highly recommend!

Cameron was splitting up the Ransom™ magnets and putting one of them onto his magnet bracelet, while Brandon was trying to get the plastic wrap off his deck of Ransom™ cards. “And then…I have to pick you a ransom card, you pick me one, we have to wear it.” 

“Okay.” Cameron replied, picking up the second deck of Ransom™ cards and trying to get the wrapping off. 

Brandon looked at the camera. “You can buy this on Amazon.” He mentioned. 

“This is not for the video, but-” Cameron showed Brandon the bottom card on his Ransom™ deck. 

Brandon let out a breathless laugh, showing Cameron his approval. This made Cameron’s laughter increase in pride. No one really knew, but hearing Brandon laugh always warmed his heart. If he made Brandon laugh, then all was right in his world. Being able to make videos with him was already amazing. But seeing Brandon’s most genuine reactions during their sessions always made his day.

Bits of their back-and-forth conversation slightly hinted at what the card said…but as far as the audience was concerned, that card was a secret between the two of them. 

Cameron had managed to get some of the plastic off, while Brandon reached out in front of him for the box cutter. When he brought his hand back in frame, Brandon visibly shivered. “You cold?” Brandon asked Cam. 

Cam looked over at Brandon. “No, I’m good. Why?” He asked. 

Brandon hummed awkwardly. “No reason.” He said, before attempting to work the box cutter. 

“I turned the air conditioning on.” Cam mentioned, still working at the stupid plastic wrap. 

Brandon watched as the box cutter dropped out of his hand due to his hands still being covered in lube. “Yeah…” He muttered timidly, picking up the knife again. 

Cameron laughed at Brandon’s hesitant ‘Yeah’. “That…pacemaker is popping out at you right now.” He said, following up with an inside joke the two of them had on this video. 

“Pacemaker’s looking a little small…” Brandon joked in reply, making Cameron wheeze and laugh, before coughing. 

“What’d you pick?” Cameron asked. 

Brandon lifted his hand up, and looked at the card and magnet. He twisted his hand so the camera could see the card better. “What’s your biggest regret?” He said. 

Cameron looked at Brandon. “What’s your biggest regret?” Cameron repeated, so it sounded more like HE was asking Brandon instead of the card. 

“This.” Brandon jumped out of his pink office chair, and dove right for the barrel of lube. 

It took a second for Cameron to process what Brandon was doing…and by the time he figured it out, Brandon’s face and shoulders were already deep into the lube. “No-” Cameron reached out and got out of his own chair before attempting to grab at anything on Brandon to get him out. “No- Brandon, no-!” He yelled, When his upper legs weren’t grabbable, Cameron reached higher and gripped Brandon’s middle-to-upper ribs. “No, no!” He reacted, pulling Brandon up. 

“aaAAH!” Brandon screamed naturally high-pitched, jumping up in surprise before landing awkwardly on his feet. Brandon gasped for air when he was out of the liquid, before spitting and coughing to get the dripping lube out of his mouth. 

“God, dude!” Brandon reacted, worried for his friend. 

“What?” Brandon asked, acting as if he hadn’t just shoved his upper body straight into 55 pounds of lube. 

Cameron grabbed a towel and tried to clean off Brandon’s face a bit. Brandon blew into the towel with his lips in the hope to get the lube off his mustache and lips. Though Cameron should’ve been used to Brandon’s crazy endeavors by now, he wasn’t…not even in the slightest. One of these days, Brandon was going to severely hurt himself. And everyday that Brandon tests his limits, Cameron grows more worried. And Cameron is determined to make sure he’s there when it happens. 

Cameron hoped and prayed that Brandon had a limit to his behavior. Surely the man has a line he knows not to cross. He’s a father, for god’s sake! Whatever that line is…apparently jumping into a vat of lube is not on the other side of that line. 

“God dude…” Cameron said, slightly calming down as he placed the soiled towel onto Brandon’s shoulders. 

“Yeah?” Brandon asked, his eyes still squeezed shut. 

“You could’ve died!” Cameron told him. 

Brandon and Cameron moved to the chairs. “What does yours say?” Brandon asked, his upper body glistening brightly due to the lube. 

Cameron tittered as he sat himself into the chair and looked at his own Ransom™ card in the magnet on his wrist. He scooted his chair closer, took one look at the card, and looked at Brandon with a smile. “Where do babies come from, which we also just answered.” Cameron replied. 

Brandon pointed to the tub of lube behind him. Seeing this, Cameron tittered again. “The lube bowl.” 

“The lube bucket.” Brandon said next. 

Brandon looked to his right, and spat out yet more lube. Seeing this naturally made Cameron look away and yell in disgust…only to burst out into a mix of laughter and coughing. While Cameron is busy coughing up a lung, Brandon has gotten up out of his chair and walked himself behind Cameron. 

There, Brandon casually remarked “It-It tastes so sweet.” 

“So sweet, so slick.” Cameron replied in moderate disgust. 

[Fast forward 24:07 minutes]

“That’s probably the worst video I’ve done in a long time.” Brandon mentioned as he pulled the American mullet hat. 

“That-Yeah. Like, I would rather do a spicy video than be covered in lube.” Cameron admitted. 

Brandon walked up to the camera and turned it off. “And cut.” He said before closing the camera lens cover. “There. Another video done.” Brandon said.

Cameron moved his hands through his lubey hair. “Do you need to shower?” Cameron asked. 

Brandon shrugged. “Not right away.” He replied. “I might jump in a couple more times first.” He admitted with a chuckle. 

“Brandon…” Cameron said in a disappointed Dad voice. He gave their off-camera helper the side-eye, before looking at Brandon again. “Am I gonna need to pull you out again?” Cameron asked. 

Brandon looked at the tub…looked at Cameron, then looked back at the tub. He looked over at Cameron once again, and shrugged his shoulders at him. “Maybe?” He said. 

“Brandon!” Cameron yelled. “I’ll have you know, that the lube makes it really hard to lift you out of there.” He told his friend. 

Brandon laughed. “Actually, when you lifted me out the second time, you grabbed me so hard…” Brandon admitted. 

“Well, yeah! You were slippery!” Cameron argued. 

Brandon laughed. “I know.” He walked up. “When you lifted me, it felt like-” Brandon walked up behind him, and tried to wrap his hands around his upper ribs. 

“What are-WaiTDON’T-” Cameron turned himself around and tensed up with a cackle. 

Brandon leaned back with laughter of his own, still holding his lower arms out. “I’m trying to-” 

“WELL DOHON’T!” Cameron shouted amidst his laughter. 

Brandon threw his head back as he let out another fit of laughter. “Ihihi’m trying to show you how you grabbed me!” Brandon tried to explain. 

“YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOW ME!” Cameron argued. 

“Why? You ticklish or something?” Brandon asked, slightly wiggling his fingers in a playful manner as he walked closer to him. 

“I- YOU KNOW THIS!” Cameron argued. 

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” Brandon said in the most obvious lying voice, before losing his composure and laughing.  

“Take another step, and I will destroy you.” Cam warned. 

Brandon paused for a moment, and just stared at Cameron. His hands were down by his sides. 

“Brandon…” Cameron warned. 

He continued staring at him as he veeeery slowly lifted his hands up. 

“...Brandon…” Cam warned again, a slight smile filling his lips. 

But Brandon’s slow teasing only continued. Cameron could easily tell Brandon was planning something evil…and like usual, his protests weren’t stopping him in the slightest. He could feel his nervous smile filling his lips even more as he watched his best friend like a hawk. He was going to do something…he could feel it in the spot just above his ‘pacemaker’. 

But his giddy fear had escalated dramatically the moment Brandon’s fingers had started wiggling once again. And the moment Brandon’s lips twitched into an evil smirk, Cam rapidly stood up out of his seat. “BRANDON-” 

In 2 seconds flat, Brandon had sprinted to Cameron and tackled him into the carpet. An outsider would think this was impossible given the size difference between the men. But Cameron has always learned to never underestimate Brandon’s strength. 

Landing on Cam’s upper torso, Brandon skittered and danced his fingers on his upper ribs. 

“BAHA! WAHAITNO! BRANDON-” Cam quickly curled towards his left side, letting out a high-pitched “EEEK!”. 

Brandon had shoved his hand into his left side, and scribbled his nimble fingers deep into his side. “How ticklish are you here?” Brandon asked way too casually. 

“BAHAHAHA- HAHAHA! STOHOHOP!” Cameron yelled, kicking his feet a little bit. 

Brandon chuckled. “I don’t wanna yet. This is fun!” Brandon admitted.

“GAHAHAHAHAA! YOUR HANDS ARE COHOHOLD!” Cameron cried out. 

Brandon was taken aback by this. “Are they really?” he asked before placing his fingers on his own forehead. “Okay, I feel it. You’re right.” 

This seconds-long moment allowed Cam to take control of his arms again. Desperate to not let this opportunity go to waste, Cam reached up and went straight for his friend’s armpits. 

“Cam-NOdon’tyoudare-” Only a few touches was enough for Brandon to wheeze and go limp. This made his body collapse straight onto Cam’s body. 

“OOF!” Cameron yelped, before laughing. “Gohohod!” 

“Yohou okay?” Brandon asked before poking his ribs. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He asked next with a giggle. 

Cam grunted and yelped as he brought Brandon’s body over to his right side. “Yohohou staharted this! Ihi’m just finihihishing ihihit!” Cameron told him in between his own laughter as he tickled his armpits. 

Brandon threw his head back and bursted out laughing. “GAHAhaha! HAHAhahaha! HahahAHAHA!” He weakly pulled his knees up to his chest. “HAHaha- Yohohou suhuck!” Brandon yelled, trying (and failing) to cover up his armpits. 

“I suck?!” Cameron protested in shock. “Again, you started this! We don’t need video proof to prove that you started this.” Cameron told him. 

Brandon attempted to reach his hands up into his armpits to stop Cam. “Pleheasedon’t- aAAHAHAHAHA!” Brandon shrieked almost completely out of nowhere. 

Cam laughed at his friend as he took advantage of the opening by digging his fingers further into Brandon’s underarms. “Did you really think moving my fingers would help?!” He asked. surprised by the guy’s lack of logic. 

“SHUT UP!” Brandon shouted back at him amidst his laughter. “CAM- NAHAHAHAHA! P-PLEASE!” Brandon yelled. 

Cameron could feel his grip on Brandon slipping slightly. Brandon had always been a crazy wiggler when being tickled…Especially regarding his arms. Cameron could recall Brandon throwing his bony elbow back, and elbowing him in the chest once.

…So I guess you can say that Cameron knew his quirks off by heart. 

But jokes aside, Cameron needed to do something about Brandon’s wiggles. “Okay, hold on.” Cam said as he took a moment to adjust his arms a bit. 

Brandon used his unbelievable flexibility to his advantage. The little bugger reached his arms back and squeezed his friend’s sides. 

“aAH-” Cam paused for a moment. The audacity of this man…

But he quickly turned the tables and pulled Brandon into his arms. “Nope, not anymore.” 

“AAHWAITNO!” Brandon shouted back, suddenly regretting his life choices. 

Cam’s preferred way of handling a thrashing Brandon, was to hug his entire upper body from behind in a frontward X motion. This would effectively immobilize Brandon’s spazzy arms. Cause if he can remember, his legs are not as much of a danger compared to his arms. But with his arms firmly placed in this position, Cam could still tickle him by going for his front upper ribs with his fingers. 

Though this action would likely look unbearable to everyone else, this kind of rough housing was an occasional occurrence between the two men. 

“Having any regrets yet?” Cameron asked him with an evil grin on his face. 

“NAahaha- Nehever! NEVER!” Brandon yelled, kicking his feet a little harder. 

Cam laughed a bit. “Never’s a long time, dude.” He told him. “I could tickle you aaaaall night long.” He teased. 

“I’m gonna kihihihill youhuhu.” Brandon told him. 

“But if you kill me…” Cameron said in an uwu voice. “Then we wouldn’t have any more Amazon review videos.” Cam finished his sentence. He looked at Brandon from the right side. “Your sense of logic is not very good right now.” Brandon giggled. “I think the tickling’s making you stupid.” He told him. 

“Hahahaha! Hahahehehe! Thehehen- Then stohop tickling mehehehe!” Brandon told him. 

Cam hummed. “Right…I guess that’s a thing I can do.” Cameron momentarily stopped his fingers and sat there, lost in thought for a moment. Though Brandon was thankful for the chance to breathe, he was still stuck in Cam’s arms. 

“Cam?” Brandon called, wiggling a little bit. “Cameron?” Brandon called again. 

“Hm?” Cam replied. 

“I’m stuck.” Brandon told him. 

“Really?” Cameron reacted casually, as if he wasn’t holding Brandon hostage at that moment. “How do you know?” He asked, checking his fingernails like a bored woman. 

Brandon grunted and wiggled around a little more aggressively before stopping. “I don’t know…” Brandon stared at the ceiling. “Just a hunch.” 

Cam threw his head back with a fit of laughter. “Just a hunch, eh?” He clarified. Feeling the playfulness overcoming his mind again, Cameron poked and tweaked his sides.

“GAHAHA! CAMERON, I SWEAR TO GOHOHOD-!” Brandon yelled. 

Cam widened his eyes in shock. “Holy sh- Were your sides always this ticklish?” Cam asked, not recalling Brandon being very ticklish there. 

“NOHOHO! THEHEHEY WEREN’T!” Brandon replied. 

“Then…” Cameron tweaked his sides a bit more. “Then why are you laughing so hard?” Cameron asked next. 

“THE LUBE! IHIHIT’S THE LUHUHUBE!” Brandon yelled back. 

“What?” Cameron asked, confused. 

“THEHE LUBE IS TICKLIHIHISH!” Brandon clarified. “IHIHIT’S MAKING IHIT WOHOHORSE!” He shouted next. 

“There’s no way.” Cameron muttered aloud. “Let me try this.” 

Cameron moved his friend’s soaking shirt up, and slipped his fingers under his shirt. All of a sudden, Brandon had gasped before higher-pitched laughter had come bursting out of him. This made Cameron gasp with excitement. “Wait, actually?!” Cameron sat both of their bodies up and picked up Brandon’s torso to adjust him. “One more test, I promise.” 

Brandon took in a few breaths to calm himself down. But the moment he saw Cam’s fingers, Brandon tensed. “Cameron-” Brandon tried to protest, but curled up slightly and squealed. 

God, even Cameron’s grip on his torso was tickling him. 

But when he was positioned correctly, Cameron squeezed and skittered his fingers on his sides to prevent him from protesting any further. “NaHAHAHAHA!” Brandon fell backwards and hugged his sides as his cackles overcame him. 

Cam couldn’t help the surprised little smile that grew on his face. “Oho my god!” Cameron let out a fit of laughter as he put more of his right hand under Brandon’s slimy shirt. “The lube is actually making you more ticklish!” He exclaimed. 

“YAHAHAHAHA! AAHAHAhahaHA!” 

Brandon had leaned over onto his right side and fell against the gray carpet. But Cam’s fingers would follow his body down and continue to tickle his exposed left side, almost identically to how Brandon had tickled Cam’s side earlier. 

“IHIHIT’S-” Brandon wheezed for a moment and squeezed his eyes shut. “AHAhahaha! IHIT’S SO BAHAHAD!” He yelled. 

“I can tell!” Cameron reacted. “How ticklish is it?” Cam asked, before adding a second set of fingers to Brandon’s left side. 

Brandon wheezed again and pounded his fist into the carpet. 

“Dude…Is this too much?” Cam asked. He was beginning to get a little worried. 

Brandon didn’t really reply. All he did was take a breath in, and let out a large fit of hysterical laughter. 

“Dude, I need an answer!” Brandon told him. The man STILL couldn’t believe how much Brandon was laughing. It was wild! He didn’t think Brandon was even capable of letting out this much laughter! It was absolutely surreal! 

*squeeeeak*

Cameron shrieked in horror, pulling his fingers away and looking behind him. OH GOD, WHO’S THERE?! 

But his body exhaled a sigh of relief when it was revealed that it was only Autumn. She had opened the door to the room, and was staring at him and Brandon. The state of the room, the breathless laughter, the soaking carpet, the clothes they were wearing (Specifically Brandon’s)…he could only imagine the crazy theories Autumn was coming up with in those moments. 

The look on her face…was of confusion mixed with disappointment. “I’m not even gonna ask.” Autumn told them both, before walking out of the room and closing the door. 

Cameron slowly looked over at Brandon, who was staring right back at him. In 2 seconds flat…the boys had busted out cackling and laughing. That was one of the best reactions they had ever seen out of Autumn! It made their day, and was certainly worth the jumpscare.

Also one more thing: Your video title states that you have a 500lb barrel of lube...but in the video, you say "55 Gallons of Lube". I had to look it up to figure out which one it was, because I like accuracy. So thank you for making me add "55 gallon barrel of lube" to my search history on Amazon. XD And just because I bring it up, does NOT mean I want you to change it. I find it very 'Brandon Farris' levels of funny.

Also JESUS CHRIST, OVER $3000 FOR LUBE?!

[inventorymanagementsystem]

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[amazonbacker]

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[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Amazonian Whodunnit

Humanity is to blame for the slow death of the rainforest, but we are not equally responsible. The fingerprints of carbon inequality are all over this crime scene

Every morning, I take my dogs for a walk to the scene of multiple crimes, where I grieve for the victims and consider who is to blame.

The location is the bank of the Xingu River, which is a five-minute stroll from my home. I will post a picture here of this beautiful but brutalised panorama so you can examine for yourself the violence that has been inflicted on the landscape in the nine years since I first visited Altamira.

The first victim, very stark in the foreground, is a dead tree, one of the many millions killed when the reservoir of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam flooded the river banks, drowning countless plants and other species unable to flee the rising waters.

The second can be seen on the distant hillside on the far side of the river, where there are two broad expanses of cleared land that were cut out of the forest by neighbouring farmers who wanted more space for their cattle to graze.

The third is the sky, shrouded in an acrid haze from the dozen or so fires that were burning around Altamira over the 24 hours before my walk, according to NASA’s satellite imagery.

Fourthly – and most alarming of all – is the river Xingu itself, which has shrunk back to levels not seen in recent memory as a result of a freakishly long, hot dry season. Compared to the peak of the rainy season, the depth of the river has fallen by four or five metres.

The place where I usually swim is now a mud flat. Rocky outcrops have become visible mid-stream, creating dozens of new islands and adding to the challenge of navigation.The impact on other species is immeasurable.

That such horrors would come to pass was all too predictable. Earlier this year, I wrote that the El Niño on top of the climate crisis would create an emergency within an emergency, which Brazil’s authorities needed to prepare for as this would almost certainly mean a severe drought for the Amazon.

But there has been zero preparation. Across the Amazon, fire fighting units have been over-stretched and transport systems disrupted by the severity of the prolonged drought. Meanwhile land grabbers make things worse by starting fires to clear forest, taking advantage of the tinder dry conditions.

Those blazes cause problems long after the embers are dimmed. Countless studies have shown tree clearance has a local, regional and global warming effect, in addition to weakening the rainfall-generating capacity of the rainforest. Replace the trees with cows, as is the common practice in Altamira and much of the Amazon, and the effect is far worse because the methane burps and farts of the cattle are a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. One of the most shocking reports of the past year was a study showing Brazil’s 220 million cows (almost half of which are in the Amazon) have a bigger climate footprint, when you include their role in deforestation, than all the factories, cars, power plants and 125 million people of Japan.

This brings us to the vitally important question for justice and for solutions: who is to blame?

There are those who would argue that humanity as a whole is responsible for this horrendous year of murderous heat, deadly fires, devastating floods and other global climate calamities, but that is only partly true. Yes, these extremes have undoubtedly been made worse by human burning of fossil fuels. The world is around 1.3C hotter than it was at the start of the industrial revolution. There is growing evidence that this makes El Niño events more likely. Yet despite the ever increasing death toll for all species from this heat, humankind is emitting more warming greenhouse gases than ever.

But “we” are not equally to blame. Not by any means. There is a huge carbon divide between the air-conditioned super-rich, who travel the world in luxury yachts, and the heat-vulnerable poor, who suffer the worst climate consequences even though they are least responsible. A new study by Oxfam and the Stockholm Environment Institute highlights the enormity of this gulf and its consequences.

Continue reading.

[minutiaewriter]

Why Leaving Reviews on Books is Important

I cannot stress this enough: leave a review on Hera: To Catch a Star on Amazon! This helps support me and my work more than you might think--reviews are the best gift I could ask for in this stage of promotion.

There are numerous reasons why leaving reviews is important:

1: This feeds the algorithm, allowing for increased visibility, therefore reaching a broader audience. 

2: Feedback is a gift to all writers, as it helps them further hone and improve their skills. It also lets them know they’re doing their job, that their efforts have been fruitful. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing someone loves your book, so let the author know you did!

3: Good reviews make great promotional material! People love seeing that others have enjoyed the book and that it’ll be worth their time. 

Leave your reviews on Amazon + don’t be shy if you want to send me an ask with your thoughts as well!

And if you haven't secured your copy yet, Hera: To Catch a Star is available now! Purchase here