#Profitable Ventures for 2025

[helomet]

Top 11 Business Ideas to Start in 2025: Success Guide

I love watching the business world change. New tech and what people want changes fast. It’s key to find the best business ideas for the future. Market research shows tech, green energy, and health care are big winners soon. These areas promise high profits. I’ve found lots of useful info on new trends and chances in different fields. For example, AI, green energy, and online doctor visits are…

[astroeleanor]

˚ ༘🪞✨Ultimate Astrology Guide to *GLOW UP* in 2025 + The Blessings You Will Receive✨🪞˚ ༘

2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for growth and receiving blessings. Why? Because the planet of expansion and abundance, Jupiter, is playing a leading role in activating your birth chart. Jupiter, the planet of luck, wisdom, and glow-ups, will be making *waves* as it moves through Gemini in the first half of the year (From January 1st until June 8th 2025) and into its exalted home of Cancer in the second half (From June 9th 2025 through December 2025).

Today I will help you understand how Jupiter’s journey will supercharge your personal glow-up in 2025! Each Rising Sign will see two of their houses being activated in 2025, which means you will receive blessings in two areas of your life. So, make sure to look for both sections for your Rising Sign in this post. Are you ready to dive in?

1H (GEMINI & CANCER RISING): A glow of confidence and optimism, feeling revitalized and energized, major life shifts, being recognized as a source of comfort and inspiration, new lifestyle choices, magnetizing relationships and opportunities with ease, a major life chapter begins, personal growth, radiance, stronger sense of identity and emotional empowerment.

2H (TAURUS & GEMINI RISING): Expanding your income, attracting wealth, cultivating gratitude for abundance, long-term financial security through smart investments or savings, discovering hidden talents that enhance your earning power, unexpected financial windfalls, financial growth, expansion of material possessions or luxuries.

3H (ARIES & TAURUS RISING): Growth in skills such as writing or speaking, profitable ventures through local businesses, strengthened relationships with siblings/cousins/neighbors/people in your ZIP code, a busy and rewarding schedule of short trips or community events, receiving recognition for sharing ideas or educational content, mentors or teachers who open doors, enhanced communication skills and persuasive abilities, success in teaching endeavors.

4H (PISCES & ARIES RISING): Opportunities to invest in or expand real estate holdings, emotional closeness with parents, healing generational trauma, creating your dream home environment, welcoming new family members (the birth of a child), stability and security, a sense of belonging, opportunities to purchase or upgrade property, ancestral blessings, home renovation, relocating.

5H (AQUARIUS & PISCES RISING): A creative renaissance, success in artistic projects, romantic opportunities that feel emotionally fulfilling, blessings related to children or parenting roles, getting pregnant, rediscovering hobbies or activities that bring you joy, being recognized for your talents, healing your inner child.

6H (CAPRICORN & AQUARIUS RISING): Better work-life balance, a surge in productivity, improved daily routines, leadership opportunities in health or service-related industries, gaining recognition for your contributions, health improvements through lifestyle changes, stronger connection with pets, emotional fulfillment through acts of service, workplace dynamics improve, receiving blessings through helping others.

7H (SAGITTARIUS & CAPRICORN RISING): Meeting a soulmate or significant long-term partner, business collaborations that bring financial stability, increased harmony in your relationships, resolving conflicts, legal settlements work in your favor, resolving disputes, expansion and blessings in partnerships, opportunities for marriage, growth through collaborations, favorable outcomes in negotiations, meeting influential or supportive people.

8H (SCORPIO & SAGITTARIUS RISING): Emotional healing, investments and joint projects bring success, positive personal transformation, personal empowerment, strengthened intimacy and trust in your relationships, your psychic abilities growing significantly, resolving karmic debts tied to finances or emotional entanglements, financial windfalls, receiving inheritances, beneficial psychological transformation.

9H (LIBRA & SCORPIO RISING): Life-changing travel experiences, academic success, finding your sense of purpose, gaining wisdom through spiritual practices, favorable legal resolutions, publishing or sharing knowledge with a wider audience, encounters abroad lead to lasting connections, opportunities for long-distance travel, more faith and optimism, success in publishing or teaching.

10H (VIRGO & LIBRA RISING): Professional breakthroughs, leadership opportunities, receiving recognition and rewards in your career, improved relationships with bosses or authority figures, achieving balance between ambition and personal values, public acclaim, guidance from mentors propel your success, career advancement, increased visibility and influence.

11H (LEO & VIRGO RISING): Expanding your influence within social or professional circles, dreams manifesting effortlessly, earning collaborations, accolades from peers and mentors, meeting influential friends, getting access to rooms you couldn't enter before, access to exclusive networks, manifesting a long-held dream, financial blessings through social connections.

12H (CANCER & LEO RISING): Freedom from emotional burdens or self-sabotaging habits, solitude that recharges your soul, hidden sources of wealth or financial relief from unexpected places, protection from unseen challenges, divine intervention, old karmic debts dissolve, peace and closure, spiritual growth, stronger connection to your intuition.

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

These are the blessings waiting for you in 2025. If you would like to significantly increase your chances of experiencing the positive manifestations of Jupiter, I create a free video detailing the best strategies to obtain them.

This is your *fail-proof* guide to GLOW UP in 2025! There are a ton of practical tips covering how to reinvent yourself this year using your Rising Sign.

I explore this topic in-depth on Youtube. If you're excited to own TF out of 2025, here's the guide!

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge. Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely.

• 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

• 🗡️ 50% OFF SALE: BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness. (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

[harvestmino]

hey remember 11 years ago when i was going to make a harvest moon clone starring minoriko but it didn't go anywhere because I was too busy doing absolutely nothing of value instead?

well say hello to the week 1 build of HARVEST MINO, complete with dogshit tiles and the ability to grow a turnip. we're doing it man. we're MAKING THIS HAPPEN. me and my esteemed investors, that is!

I've created this dev blog to talk about the game, so follow if you're interested in seeing this get made from the ground up.

read on for more details!

HARVEST MINO* is Studio Hexeye's next project! it's a touhou-themed farm sim starring Minoriko Aki! The release is targeted for summer 2025.

*(working title that will change later; i doubt natsume's lawyers would like this one very much)

THE STORY

With more youkai and gods seeking refuge from the outside world, Gensokyo's population is growing! That means they need more humans to go around, too. To address this, a number of big name youkai have gotten together and agreed to back off from the HUMAN VILLAGE for a few years and allow it to expand.

Although they're causing fewer incidents, that doesn't mean some of them aren't keeping busy! For instance, KANAKO YASAKA has built YASAKA RESORT TOWN on the side of YOUKAI MOUNTAIN to bring in money from wealthy youkai finding themselves with too much time on their hands.

You are MINORIKO AKI, Gensokyo's lowest-ranking harvest god. With the HUMAN VILLAGE growing, this is a prime opportunity to increase your popularity! KANAKO YASAKA has decided to invest in your venture by granting you a prime piece of farmland near YASAKA RESORT TOWN. If you can ship enough of your divinely-blessed(?) produce to the HUMAN VILLAGE, you're certain to make a name for yourself, leading to faith and riches beyond your wildest dreams! Good luck!

HARVEST MINO DESIGN GOALS

Alternate gameplay modes: CASUAL and SERIOUS

despite being a genre in which you essentially cannot lose, a surprising amount of people find farm sims stressful due to the time management aspects. i intend to cater to this audience with some simple rules changes in an alternate gameplay mode.

SERIOUS is your standard farm sim experience - each day is on a timer, and you'll complete the game and have your performance evaluated after two years. this mode also includes a few additional restrictions to make the resource management of the game a bit more involved.

CASUAL removes the time limits. the clock on each day stops when it hits midnight (like in SNES harvest moon!) so you have all the time you need to wrap up before going to bed, and you complete the game by reaching a certain story goal, whenever you get around to it. it is also more friendly towards filling out your farm with automated stuff like sprinklers, since time doesn't matter anyway.

More choice/depth in farm design

lemme get this out of the way: i hate stardew's endgame. the biggest moneymaker in the game is filling your greenhouse with ancient fruit and turning it into wine; the bulk of your profits come from tossing your fruit into kegs once a week and ignoring your farm otherwise. i think this sucks and one of my design goals is to make the value of income sources proportional to how much manual effort they require.

another thing that has always bugged me about farm sims is that the way you lay out your farm is generally decided for you by the way your tools work. if your watering can upgrade targets a 3x3 of tiles, then all your plots are going to be 3x3. in harvest mino you'll be able to choose from multiple upgrade patterns for your tools, so you can have crops in rows, blocks, the ol' C pattern, or whatever you like. we're going back to old harvest moon rules, where you can't walk through crops after they sprout, so plan your layout well!

Harem end??

let's get real, when it comes to farm sims, the girls are what we're really here for, right?

to be forthcoming, I'm not planning to have marriage in the game per se - I don't think it makes a lot of sense for creatures that are hundreds of years old to make a commitment like that after knowing each other for only a year or so - but the end goal is functionally the same, to get them to move in with you.

now, few, if any, farm sims feature the coveted HAREM END. this is understandable, it would be a design nightmare to have 5+ NPCs pathing through your house at any given time. however, by planning around it from the start, we can make it a reality! in this game, in addition to the usual requirements, each girl you're interested in will require you to build her a specific addition to your house to accommodate her. this gives them their own space to move around and will really improve the vibe that you're living together.

(don't forget that you will need a steadily-increasing bed size as well.)

Fast travel!

you're a 2hu! you can fly! you'll be able to open up your map, just pick a spot, and fly there! (in SERIOUS MODE, this will cost a small amount of daytime).

Adventure!

you're a 2hu! there's gotta be shooting! the game will feature "adventure zones" where you can blast through enemies while searching for forage and loot. exactly what this gameplay will look like is still up in the air, but right now I'm thinking room-based twin-stick shooting, Smash TV style. (don't worry about the difficulty, it'll be approachable for anyone. ASTROLANCER was a learning experience.) plus you'll be able to bring a girlfriend along to help!

Additional note concerning the cast:

the game is currently in very early planning and as such is in roster hell!! the cast is not set in stone so I won't be revealing too much yet. i have to limit how many characters are in the game to keep dev time under control so try not to be disappointed if your favorite 2hu doesn't show up.

[the-vampire-fish-queen]

The UK needs some help with there own Online Safety Act (UK KOSA) that going to end up shutting down both small and big sites starting in March 2025.

It's already starting a online cycling community web forum with over 60K users shutting down because of the UK Online Safety Act (UK KOSA).

Link to more info here

"Reading https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/illegal-and-harmful-content/time-for-tech-firms-to-act-uk-online-safety-regulation-comes-into-force/ and we're done... we fall firmly into scope, and I have no way to dodge it. The act is too broad, and it doesn't matter that there's never been an instance of any of the proclaimed things that this act protects adults, children and vulnerable people from... the very broad language and the fact that I'm based in the UK means we're covered.

The act simply does not care that this site and platform is run by an individual, and that I do so philanthropically without any profit motive (typically losing money), nor that the site exists to reduce social loneliness, reduce suicide rates, help build meaningful communities that enrich life.

The act only cares that is it "linked to the UK" (by me being involved as a UK native and resident, by you being a UK based user), and that users can talk to other users... that's it, that's the scope.

I can't afford what is likely tens of thousand to go through all the legal hoops here over a prolonged period of time, the site itself barely gets a few hundred in donations each month and costs a little more to run... this is not a venture that can afford compliance costs... and if we did, what remains is a disproportionately high personal liability for me, and one that could easily be weaponised by disgruntled people who are banned for their egregious behaviour (in the years running fora I've been signed up to porn sites, stalked IRL and online, subject to death threats, had fake copyright takedown notices, an attempt to delete the domain name with ICANN... all from those whom I've moderated to protect community members)... I do not see an alternative to shuttering it.

The conclusion I have to make is that we're done... Microcosm, LFGSS, the many other communities running on this platform... the risk to me personally is too high, and so I will need to shutter them all.

What and When

So here's the statement...

On Sunday 16th March 2025 (the last day prior to the Act taking effect) I will delete the virtual servers hosting LFGSS and other communities, and effectively immediately end the approximately 300 small communities that I run, and the few large communities such as LFGSS.

It's been a good run, I've administered internet forums since 1996 having first written my own in Perl to help fans of music bands to connect with each other, and I then contributed to PHP forum software like vBulletin, Vanilla, and phpBB, before finally writing a platform in Go that made it cost efficient enough to bring interest based communities to so many others, and expand the social good that comes from people being connected to people.

Approximately 28 years and 9 months of providing almost 500 forums in total to what is likely a half a million people in that time frame... the impact that these forums have had on the lives of so many cannot be understated.

The peak of the forums has been the last 5 years, we've plateaued around 275k monthly users across the almost 300 websites on multiple instances of the platform that is Microcosm, though LFGSS as a single community probably peaked in the 2013-2018 time period when it alone was hitting numbers in excess of 50k monthly users.

The forums have delivered marriages, births, support for those who have passed (cancer being the biggest reason), people reunited with stolen bikes, travel support, work support, so much joy and happiness and memorable experiences... but it's also been directly cited by many as being the reason that they are here today, the reason they didn't commit suicide or self-harm. It's help people get through awful relationship breakups, and helped people overcome incredible challenges with their health.

It's devastating to just... turn it off... but this is what the Act forces a sole individual running so many social websites for a public good to do.

I don't know where to recommend... I know lots of people have moved small groups to places like Signal and WhatsApp, and that some people are on the fediverse, and some are in other websites and groups.

There is no central place that could take us all and preserve the very special thing we had... so it's done.

This is a really special place... the people are special... I guess the next 3 months will be a time of sharing what it meant, and of groups figuring out where they want to go next.

Love you all forever, it's been amazing to be a part of it all, I never thought I'd touch the lives of so many people by running websites, and in turn to give so much reason to my own life. In the end, the person I save most was likely myself.

Dee"

This is very bad and the compliance requirements will affect alot of websites based in the UK and Ofcom seems very out of its depth.

The whole thing is an unworkable mess and will collapse under its own weight. There also alot of privacy and legal issues with it.

This may also affect Tumblr and force the site to leave the UK.

Please spread awareness!

[so-much-for-subtlety]

I’ve been dreaming a bit more about Japan and thought I’d share what I’ve learnt today.

There are over 6 million abandoned houses in Japan (due to shrinking population, and kids who inherit the property don’t want it) they’re called Akiya.

There are various websites that list them in English language eg https://www.akiya-mart.com

You can visit Japan for 90 days twice a year, as a tourist, so essentially you can live there 6 months a year on tourist visa. Anyone can buy property in Japan (you don’t have to be a resident).

Some of these properties are livable, some might require cosmetic repairs, others might require very expensive repairs. Traditional wooden Japanese houses might have termite damage (especially if they’ve been abandoned). It might need earthquake proofing.

You can get a startup visa which will allow you to get residency (and to open bank account etc that tourists can not do) but you need to be able to either invest about $30k USD or hire two Japanese nationals. With this start up visa you used to only have 6 months to get business operational, and were limited to specific areas of Japan, but stating Jan 1 2025 they have expanded this start up visa to all of Japan and now allow 2 years for business to be operational.

My understanding is that after this period you switch to a business manager visa which needs to be renewed every year (and I believe the condition is that your business is profitable).

here’s a post about a couple who went though this process and invested into opening an inn for tourists that they rent on AirB&B

They did this when startup visa was just 6 months, and they purchased while they were on tourist visa and started renovations then so they could be in shape to open and start operating on time.

they have a post about some of the changes to startup visa and they mention that although technically these new easier conditions started 1/1/2025 it might take some time for each local region to get up to speed with offering this.

They purchased on a small island and along with the inn are doing beekeeping for honey and it sounds like although they are foreigners that have only basic Japanese language that they have been warmly welcomed by community and the city has been supportive of their venture.

But if you have ~$30k (I guess you actually need a fair amount more than that because you’d need flights and temporary accommodation etc) and want to live in rural area of Japan it’s a pretty interesting option!

I don’t think I’d want to run an inn, but I can imagine having a small bakery/coffee shop, and if you can get an Akiya in either a tourist area or a residential area I imagine it would be pretty easy to be profitable.

I’ve never even visited Japan, but I guess something to dream about!

[untildawn10thanniversaryzine]

FAQ

Updated: Feb 17, 2025

What is this zine about?

This is a fanzine that is a celebration of Until Dawn's 10th Anniversary on August 25th, 2025. This is a general themed zine with more focus on canon. We are looking at having art (digital and traditional) and short fanfiction represented in the zine.

Who is running the zine?

Mod Zadra and Mod Theo, our meet the mod posts are here!

Will this be a physical or digital only zine?

This will be a physical zine with physical merch! We will have a digital zine and digital merch as well.

What kind of merch will be available for the zine?

We are hoping to have a phone wallpaper and desktop wallpaper as digital merch, and then 2-3 stickers, a double sided bookmark, and a small postcard sized print as physical merch! This will be somewhat dependent on our artists and who is willing and able to contribute to the merch.

What is and is not allowed in zine pieces?

Allowed:

-Gore

-Some non-canon elements (such as non-canon ships)

Not allowed:

-Explicit 18+, nsfw content

-Use of the name of the creature from the game

-OCs and/or Crossovers with other media

What is the expectation for contributors?

Contributors are expected to communicate via email or discord, they will create one complete piece to go in the book or act as merch in 3 months time from when they are accepted into the zine. Exact details and specifications needed for their piece along with templates will be sent via their acceptance email

Page Artists: Create one, 6 x 9" (1875 x 2775 px) portrait oriented piece to go in the book Writers: Write a one-shot fic between 1k - 2.5k words to go in the book

Merch Artists: Create at least one piece of any merch listed below:

-Phone Wallpaper, 1080 x 1920 px

-Desktop Wallpaper, 2560 x 1440 px

-Sticker design of any size so long as it fits between 1" x 1" to 3" x 3" (300 x 300 px to 900 x 900 px)

-Postcard print design, 4" x 6" (1200 x 1800 px)

-Double sided Bookmark design, 1.5" x 7" (450 x 2100 px), for each side

When will we hear from you about our applications?

Contributor Applications for the zine are now closed.

You will hear back from us by February 21st at the latest VIA EMAIL on whether or not you were accepted.

How much will the zine cost?

At the moment we're not certain, it will depend on how big the book will be (a bigger book with more pages costs more to print), and how many merch items we'll have in total. We will know for certain in May once we have the final page count for the book

Where will our money be going?

The cost of the zine will go to cover printing the physical book and merch items, as well as shipping them out to you. This is a non-profit zine and any profits we earn will be going to NiGiNan Housing Ventures as a charity donation!

You can learn more about them on their website or their instagram

How can we contact you?

You may either send an ask to this blog or send an email to untildawn10thanniversaryzine@gmail.com, any questions we have received will be tagged as q&a

[coochiequeens]

Some goods news for women

How Ivuna women farmers are transforming their lives through seed production

In Ivuna Village, Tanzania, a determined group of women leveraged Vikoba loans, mentorship, and improved sorghum seeds to transform their livelihoods, boost household incomes, and inspire others in their community

By Florian Ndyamukama February 4, 2025

“Five of us borrowed $100 from our Vikoba group and invested it in seed production. Not only did we repay the loan with interest, but we also made a profit,” says Skola Sichalwe, a member of an extraordinary group of women who are transforming their community in Ivuna Village, Momba District. Vikoba groups, grassroots savings and credit associations, operate as informal microfinance systems in rural communities, empowering members with access to small loans and promoting financial independence. These groups often provide a lifeline for women seeking financial stability and growth in rural areas. What began as small savings groups has blossomed into a powerful movement of women breaking barriers and creating a legacy of resilience, innovation, and success. These women—once skeptical about venturing into seed production—are now thriving entrepreneurs, producing quality sorghum seeds and inspiring others in their community to follow their lead. Their journey began with a chance encounter with Miss Zainab Hussein, a passionate seed producer and a youth champion. Her vision and mentorship planted the first seeds of change. “I used to think farming was just about survival,” says Pauline Martin. “But Zainab showed us that with the right knowledge and tools, farming can be a business; a way to change our lives.”

A leap of faith in seed production

Before venturing into the world of seed production, these women were members of Vikoba groups, pooling their savings to lend and borrow money. While this system was helpful for meeting immediate financial needs, it offered little opportunity for growth or long-term investment. Everything changed when Zainab Hussein, an experienced seed producer and youth champion, began attending their meetings. Zainab introduced the group to the potential of improved seeds and the opportunities in seed production. She explained how adopting high-quality sorghum seeds could significantly increase yields and profits, far exceeding the returns from what traditional grain farming could offer. Her visits became a game changer, sparking curiosity and inspiring action among the women. “Zainab’s dedication inspired us,” says Skola Sichalwe. “She didn’t just train us. She believed in us.” As a trainer, mentor, and role model, Zainab played a central role in their transformation. She guided the women through the complexities of seed production, teaching them essential planting techniques, helping them understand TOSCI regulations, and offering practical solutions to challenges they encountered along the way. “She showed us how seed production could not only improve yields but also become a profitable business,” recalls Pauline Martin.

Zainab Hussein, a passionate seed producer and mentor whose guidance and leadership inspired the women to venture into successful seed production and transform their lives. (Photo: CBCC)

Inspired by Zainab’s success, the women saw an opportunity to turn their savings into a sustainable investment. This journey was further supported by the establishment of Youth and Women Quality Centers (YWQCs) under the Center for Behavior Change Communication (CBCC) and the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project through CIMMYT. The AVISA project, led by CIMMYT, piloted the YWQC model to address key challenges faced by rural farmers, including limited access to quality seeds, market linkages, and knowledge on improved farming practices. These community-led centers serve as hubs that enhance last-mile seed access by working with seed companies and local producers, ensuring a consistent supply of quality seed. They also facilitate market linkages by connecting farmers with aggregators and off-takers, improving market access and profitability. Additionally, YWQCs provide capacity-building initiatives, equipping youth and women with training in farming practices, local seed production, and business skills. The model further promotes collective action by encouraging farmers to form associations, strengthening their bargaining power and collective marketing efforts. These centers became hubs of opportunity, providing essential infrastructure and resources such as access to certified seeds, extensive training, and advanced farming technologies such as the multi-crop thresher through a cost-sharing arrangement. This technology not only improved efficiency but also ensured the quality of processed seeds, increasing its market value. The project also facilitated crucial linkages between the women and certified seed producers, ensuring they had access to high-quality inputs for their production. In some cases, the project even helped them find markets for their seeds, closing the loop and creating a sustainable business model. And so, they began the journey of seed production, transforming not only their own lives but also their community.

The women’s group plants sorghum using proper spacing techniques, a transformative practice essential for certified seed production, which they adopted after training by CBCC and mentorship from Zainab. (Photo: CBCC)

With loans from their Vikoba groups, they purchased quality seeds and accessed the tools, training, and market linkages provided by the YWQCs. “For years, we saved money but didn’t know what to invest in,” says Halima Kajela. “Seed production gave us a clear opportunity to grow.”

Challenges: A Test of Determination

The journey wasn’t without hurdles. Rodents feasted on the carefully spaced sorghum seeds, a new planting method the women had to adopt for certification. “Broadcasting seeds was easier, but seed production required precise planting and spacing,” Halima explains. “This made it harder to protect the seeds from pests and animals.” Excessive rain washed away seedlings, requiring several rounds of replanting. Cattle from neighboring farms often invaded their fields, causing further damage. Adopting good agronomic practices such as proper spacing, timely weeding, and regular inspections was initially difficult for these women, who were unaccustomed to the disciplined approach required in seed production. Despite these setbacks, the women persevered. With Zainab’s guidance and support from the YWQCs, they implemented solutions like using seed planters which saved time and effort during planting, knapsack sprayers helped combat pests and diseases, and multi-crop threshers simplified the post-harvest process. All these tools saved time and improved efficiency.

Triumph in the fields

And their hard work paid off. In their very first season, the women achieved remarkable success, producing three tons of TARISOR 2, an improved sorghum variety. This achievement not only set them apart from other first-time producers in the district, but also marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

Before the arrival of multi-crop thresher, the women relied on traditional methods to thresh sorghum. Their dedication laid the foundation for their transformation into successful seed producers. (Photo: CBCC)

The impact of their efforts went far beyond the impressive harvest. Ten women became officially registered seed producers with the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), gaining recognition and credibility in the seed production business. Two members received specialized training in seed and fertilizer dealership, equipping them to expand their services and outreach to the community. Four women ventured into distributing essential agricultural inputs, such as maize seeds and hermetic bags, further diversifying their income streams and supporting local farmers. Recognizing the need for efficient post-harvest processing, the group collectively contributed to the purchase of a multi-crop thresher. This crucial investment significantly streamlined their operations, reducing labor and ensuring higher-quality processed seeds. Their efforts quickly translated into financial rewards. Within a short time, they sold one ton of their high-quality seeds, earning over $700. As word of their success spread, demand for their seeds continued to grow, promising even greater opportunities in the seasons ahead.

A ripple effect of change

Their success has had a profound effect on their community. The women’s achievements have earned them respect, and their influence is inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. “Before this, I didn’t believe in seed production,” says Pauline. “But after seeing Zainab’s success and what we achieved, even my husband now supports me fully in this venture.” Their impact extends beyond their fields. Other Vikoba groups have invited them to share their knowledge on seed production, and 10 new women have expressed interest in joining the initiative. By making improved sorghum varieties more accessible, they’ve also helped increase production and reduce food insecurity in their village.

Looking ahead: Planting seeds for the future

Inspired by their success, the women have ambitious plans. With a clear vision for the future, they are determined to expand their seed production enterprise and bring its benefits to a wider community. One of their primary goals is to extend their production to neighboring wards, such as Mkomba. To make their knowledge and improved seed varieties more accessible, they plan to establish demonstration plots closer to the village center. These plots will serve as practical learning sites, allowing more farmers to experience the advantages of using certified seeds and adopting best practices. “The demand for quality seeds is growing,” says Halima Kajela, one of the group members. “We’re committed to meeting that demand and helping more farmers improve their yields.” They are also exploring ways to diversify their operations. They aim to invest in distributing other agricultural inputs and post-harvest services such as threshing, to support farmers in the community and generate additional income. For these women, seed production isn’t just a business—it’s a symbol of empowerment.

[darkmaga-returns]

It feels like there's been a notable shift amongst Democrats in the last month. A recent sense of fatalism - or perhaps just simple resignation to what appears to be an inevitable Trump win. But as it turns out, there are some Democrats who have been preparing for this potential outcome for at least the last year.

(Article by Jeff Carlson and Hans Mahncke republished from TruthOverNews.org)

One of those people is Norman Eisen, and it looks like he’s up to his old Lawfare & Color Revolution tricks again. The man responsible for virtually all of the legal attacks on President Trump now has a new activist group - although it has many of the same players - and they’re preparing for an assault on a second Trump Presidency.

Eisen, a Brookings senior fellow, Obama’s former White House Ethics Czar and Ambassador to Czechoslovakia during the “Velvet Revolution,” has been behind the ongoing Lawfare that has targeted Trump for years. Eisen was one of the primary forces behind the first impeachment of Trump and is also the co-founder of Leftist non-profit CREW or Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Eisen played a lead role in Democrats pre-2020 election war games which predicted a remarkably accurate contested election scenario that ended unfavorably for Trump. Of particular note in regards to his current efforts, Eisen is also the author of the highly influential color revolution manual, The Democracy Playbook.

Eisen’s latest venture, State Democracy Defenders Action (SDDA), bills itself as bringing “together a bipartisan all-star team of experts in safeguarding democracy” and ominously claims they help "shape the long term strategy to defeat Election denial and its logical outgrowth: American Autocracy, starting with preparing for a vigorous response to whatever 2025 - and beyond - may bring.”

Their site claims that SDDA will “fill three key gaps in the fight against election sabotage and autocracy” by going “on offense against democracy deniers who break the law, including through our innovative program of outside public support for criminal prosecutions.”

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Kevin (KAL) Kallaugher

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 23, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 24, 2024

On Thursday, Moody’s Analytics, which evaluates risk, performance, and financial modeling, compared the economic promises of President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. Authors Mark Zandi, Brendan LaCerda, and Justin Begley concluded that while a second Biden presidency would see cooling inflation and continued economic growth of 2.1%, a Trump presidency would be an economic disaster.

Trump has promised to slash taxes on the wealthy, increase tariffs across the board, and deport at least 11 million immigrant workers. According to the analysts, these policies would trigger a recession by mid-2025. The economy would slow to an average growth of 1.3%. At the same time, tariffs and fewer immigrant workers would increase the costs of consumer goods. That inflation—reaching 3.6%—would result in 3.2 million fewer jobs and a higher unemployment rate. 

Trump’s proposed tariffs would not fully offset his tax cuts, adding trillions to the national debt. 

Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, said that Trump’s tariff policy “would be bad for workers and bad for consumers.” Chief Economist of Moody’s Analytics Mark Zandi said: “Biden’s policies are better for the economy.”   

In the New York Times today, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, the president of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute at the Yale School of Management, debunked the notion that corporate leaders support Trump. Sonnenfeld notes that he works with about 1,000 chief executives a year and speaks with business leaders almost every day. Although 60 to 70 percent of them are registered Republicans, he wrote, Trump “continues to suffer from the lowest level of corporate support in the history of the Republican Party.”

Among Fortune 100 chief executives, who lead the top 100 public and private U.S. companies ranked by revenue, Sonnenfeld notes, not one has donated to Trump this year. 

While they might not be enthusiastic Biden supporters, unhappy with his push to enforce antitrust laws and rein in corporate greed, the president has produced results they like: investment in infrastructure, repair of supply chains, investment in domestic manufacturing, achievement of record corporate profits, and transformation of the U.S. into the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world. 

In contrast, they fear Trump. The populist plans that thrill supporters—like hiking tariffs and taking financial policy away from the independent Federal Reserve Board and putting it in his own hands—are red flags to business leaders. Such positions have more in common with the far left than with traditional Republican economic policies, Sonnenfeld says. Those policies reflect that Trump has surrounded himself with what Sonnenfeld calls “MAGA extremists and junior varsity opportunists,” while the more senior voices of his first term have been sidelined. 

On Saturday, Trump spoke in Philadelphia with a message that The Guardian’s David Smith described as “light on facts, heavy on fear.” He appears to be trying to overwrite his own criminal conviction with the idea that Biden’s immigration policy has brought violent undocumented migrants to the United States, creating a surge of crime. He told rally attendees that murders in their city have reached their highest level in six decades, while in fact, violent crime in the city is the lowest it’s been in a decade. 

In February, Trump pushed Republican lawmakers to reject a strong bipartisan border bill so he could use immigration as his primary issue in the election. That focus on immigration was key to the rise of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to power, and it is notable that Trump’s picture of the United States echoes the rhetoric of the authoritarians hoping to overturn democracy around the world.  

On Friday, during a podcast hosted by venture capitalists, Trump blamed Biden for starting Russia’s war against Ukraine by calling for Ukraine’s admission to NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that resists Russian aggression. This statement utterly rewrites the history of Trump’s support for Russia’s annexation of the same Ukrainian regions it has now occupied: as Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort testified, the Kremlin helped Trump’s 2016 campaign in exchange for the U.S. permitting Russian incursions there.

More significant in this moment, though, is that Trump, who is running to become the leader of the United States, is siding against the United States and parroting Russian propaganda. Mark Hertling, a retired lieutenant general of the United States Army who served for 37 years and commanded U.S. Army operations in Europe and Africa, wrote: “This statement is—to put it mildly—stunningly misinformed and dangerous.”

Trump told host Sean Spicer that the U.S. is a “failing nation,” claiming that airplane flights are being delayed for four days and people are “pitching tents” because their flight is never going to happen. In reality, as Bill Kristol pointed out, with 16.3 million U.S. flights, 2023 was the busiest year in U.S. history for air travel, and the cancellation rate was below 1.2%. This was the lowest rate in a decade. 

Trump is insisting at his rallies that crime is skyrocketing under Biden. In reality, crime rose rapidly at the end of Trump’s term but is now dropping. From 2022 to 2023, according to the FBI, the only crime that went up was motor vehicle theft. Murders dropped by 13.2%, rape by 12.5%, robbery by 4.7%, burglary by 9.8%. The first quarter of 2024 showed even greater drops. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, violent crime is down 15.2%, murder down 26.4%, rape down 25.7%, robbery down 17.8%, burglary down 16.7%. Even vehicle theft is down 17.3%. 

Trump’s negative picture might play well to his die-hard supporters, but portraying the U.S. as a hellscape has rarely been a recipe for winning a presidential election.

President Biden and Trump are scheduled to debate on Thursday, June 27, and Trump’s team is trying to lower expectations for his performance. He became so incoherent in Philadelphia that the Fox News Channel actually cut away while he was talking. The Biden-Harris team has taken simply to posting Trump’s comments, prompting Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo to note: “It’s pretty bad when one candidates rapid response account just posts the other guys quote verbatim with no explanation at all.”

After months of insisting that Biden is mentally unfit, now Trump and his surrogates are saying Biden will perform well in the debate because he will be on drugs. There is no evidence that Biden has ever used performance-enhancing drugs, but curiously, Trump’s former White House physician Ronny Jackson (whom Trump repeatedly misidentified as Ronny Johnson last week) gave Fox News Channel host Maria Bartiromo a very detailed list of drugs that could sharpen attention and clarity. One of the ones he mentioned, Provigil, was on the list of those widely and improperly distributed by the White House Medical Unit in the Trump White House. 

Jackson said that he was “demanding” that Biden take drug tests before and after the debate. A White House spokesperson responded: “[A]fter losing every public and private negotiation with President Biden—and after seeing him succeed where they failed across the board, ranging from actually rebuilding America’s infrastructure to actually reducing violent crime to actually outcompeting China—it tracks that those same Republican officials mistake confidence for a drug.”

With the evaluation that Biden is better for the economy and Trump’s apocalyptic vision of the U.S. is not based in reality, it jumps out that on Thursday, a filing with the Federal Election Commission showed that the day after a jury convicted former president Donald Trump on 34 criminal counts, billionaire Tim Mellon made a $50 million donation to one of Trump’s superpacs. Since 2018, Mellon has contributed more than $200 million to Republicans, giving $110 million to Republican candidates and funding committees in the 2024 election alone. He has also given $25 million to independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. 

In a 2015 autobiography, Mellon embraced the old trope that “Black Studies, Women’s Studies, LGBT Studies, they have all cluttered Higher Education with a mishmash of meaningless tripe designed to brainwash gullible young adults into going along with the Dependency Syndrome,” saying that food assistance, affordable health care “and on, and on, and on” had made Americans on government assistance “slaves of a new Master, Uncle Sam.” “The largess is funded by the hardworking folks, fewer and fewer in number, who are too honest or too proud to allow themselves to sink into this morass,” he wrote. 

It is this trope that the Biden administration has smashed, returning to the idea that the government should answer to the needs of all its people. The last three years have proved the superiority of this vision by creating a roaring economy; rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, supply chains, and manufacturing; cutting crime rates, and reinforcing international alliances. 

As Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor and chief executive officer of the energy company Canary, told Wall Street Journal reporter Tarini Parti about Mellon: “He’s clearly terrified of Biden remaining the president.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[satoshi-mochida]

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault ‘A New Journey Unfolds’ trailer - Gematsu

Publisher 11 bit studios and developer Digital Sun have released a new trailer for roguelike action RPG sequel Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault.

Here is an overview of the game, via 11 bit studios:

About

The long-awaited sequel to the shopkeeping roguelike hit is here. While delivering the beloved blend of dungeon-crawling and shopkeeping gameplay, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault elevates the series to new heights with expanded scope and refined quality in every aspect. Grab your trusty backpack, fill it with rare relics across ever-changing dimensions, and sell your loot at your homey shop!

Gameplay

Step back into the life of intrepid merchant Will in this sequel to the roguelike action RPG hit, where adventure and commerce collide! Embrace your inner hero as you journey through vibrant, ever-changing dimensions to uncover mysterious relics. Face endless enemies, devious traps, and dynamic challenges armed with an arsenal of weapons—including your iconic, versatile backpack. Strategically arrange your relics within it to unlock countless effects and maximize your gains after each run. Back at your cozy shop, which also serves as your home, turn your hard-earned loot into profit! Haggle for the best deals, thoughtfully assist customers, and keep your store in top shape by unlocking temporary perks, adding decorative touches, and handling unexpected messes. Invest your earnings not only to enhance your shop’s charm—making every transaction smoother—but also to upgrade your gear, ensuring each expedition grows ever more fruitful. That’s how the merchant adventurer business should roll!

Setting

In the world of Moonlighter, merchants travel across interconnected worlds to sell one-of-a-kind marvels. Will, the protagonist, used to venture into these realms, gathering loot and vending treasures at his bustling shop. After the events of the first game, Will loses his home dimension and ends up as a castaway in the blob-brimming land of Tresna, joined by both familiar faces and new allies. One day, a powerful businessman and passionate relic collector presents Will with a tempting offer. If the shopkeeper-hero retrieves treasures from three peculiar dimensions, this enigmatic patron promises to return Will and his friends to their home. But at what cost will this deal be fulfilled?

Key Features

Venture into ever-changing dimensions filled with mysterious relics to uncover.

Face interdimensional foes using swords, gauntlets, or even your trusty old broom!

Customize your playstyle by unlocking a vast array of upgrades every run.

Strategically arrange relics in your backpack to turn their effects into profit!

Run your shop with charm, haggling for the best deals.

Reinvest your gains in mighty new gear to prepare for future expeditions.

Immerse yourself in a memorable soundtrack by Chris Larkin (Hollow Knight).

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam on 2025.

Watch the trailer below.

“A New Journey Unfolds” Trailer

[mohameddosou]

DeepSeek AI: The Catalyst Behind the $1 Trillion Stock Market Shake-Up - An Investigative Guide

Explore the inner workings of DeepSeek AI, the Chinese startup that disrupted global markets, leading to an unprecedented $1 trillion downturn. This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of its technology, the ensuing financial turmoil, and the future implications for AI in finance.

In early 2025, the financial world witnessed an unprecedented event: a sudden and dramatic downturn that erased over $1 trillion from the U.S. stock market. At the heart of this upheaval was DeepSeek AI, a relatively unknown Chinese startup that, within days, became a household name. This guide delves into the origins of DeepSeek AI, the mechanics of its groundbreaking technology, and the cascading effects that led to one of the most significant financial disruptions in recent history.

Origins and Founding

DeepSeek AI was founded by Liang Wenfeng, a young entrepreneur from Hangzhou, China. Inspired by the success of hedge fund manager Jim Simons, Wenfeng sought to revolutionize the financial industry through artificial intelligence. His vision culminated in the creation of the R1 reasoning model, a system designed to optimize trading strategies using advanced AI techniques.

Technological Framework

The R1 model employs a process known as “distillation,” which allows it to learn from other AI models and operate efficiently on less advanced hardware. This approach challenges traditional cloud-computing models by enabling high-performance AI operations on devices like standard laptops. Such efficiency not only reduces costs but also makes advanced AI accessible to a broader range of users.

Strategic Moves

Prior to the release of the R1 model, there was speculation that Wenfeng strategically shorted Nvidia stock, anticipating the disruptive impact his technology would have on the market. Additionally, concerns arose regarding the potential use of proprietary techniques from OpenAI without permission, raising ethical and legal questions about the development of R1.

Advantages of AI-Driven Trading

Artificial intelligence has transformed trading by enabling rapid data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling. AI-driven trading systems can execute complex strategies at speeds unattainable by human traders, leading to increased efficiency and the potential for higher returns.

Case Studies

Before the emergence of DeepSeek AI, several firms successfully integrated AI into their trading operations. For instance, Renaissance Technologies, founded by Jim Simons, utilized quantitative models to achieve remarkable returns. Similarly, firms like Two Sigma and D.E. Shaw employed AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets, informing their trading decisions and yielding significant profits.

Industry Perspectives

Industry leaders have acknowledged the transformative potential of AI in finance. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, noted that advancements in AI efficiency could drive greater adoption across various sectors, including finance. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen highlighted the importance of AI models that can operate on less advanced hardware, emphasizing their potential to democratize access to advanced technologies.

Timeline of Events

The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model marked a pivotal moment in the financial markets. Investors, recognizing the model’s potential to disrupt existing AI paradigms, reacted swiftly. Nvidia, a leading supplier of high-end chips for AI applications, experienced a significant decline in its stock value, dropping 17% and erasing $593 billion in valuation.

Impact Assessment

The shockwaves from DeepSeek’s announcement extended beyond Nvidia. The tech sector as a whole faced a massive sell-off, with over $1 trillion wiped off U.S. tech stocks. Companies heavily invested in AI and related technologies saw their valuations plummet as investors reassessed the competitive landscape.

Global Repercussions

The market turmoil was not confined to the United States. Global markets felt the impact as well. The sudden shift in the AI landscape prompted a reevaluation of tech valuations worldwide, leading to increased volatility and uncertainty in international financial markets.

Technical Vulnerabilities

While the R1 model’s efficiency was lauded, it also exposed vulnerabilities inherent in AI-driven trading. The reliance on “distillation” techniques raised concerns about the robustness of the model’s decision-making processes, especially under volatile market conditions. Additionally, the potential use of proprietary techniques without authorization highlighted the risks associated with rapid AI development.

Systemic Risks

The DeepSeek incident underscored the systemic risks of overreliance on AI in financial markets. The rapid integration of AI technologies, without adequate regulatory frameworks, can lead to unforeseen consequences, including market disruptions and ethical dilemmas. The event highlighted the need for comprehensive oversight and risk management strategies in the deployment of AI-driven trading systems.

Regulatory Scrutiny

In the wake of the market crash, regulatory bodies worldwide initiated investigations into the events leading up to the downturn. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) focused on potential market manipulation, particularly examining the rapid adoption of DeepSeek’s R1 model and its impact on stock valuations. Questions arose regarding the ethical implications of using “distillation” techniques, especially if proprietary models were utilized without explicit permission.

Corporate Responses

Major technology firms responded swiftly to the disruption. Nvidia, facing a significant decline in its stock value, emphasized its commitment to innovation and announced plans to develop more efficient chips to remain competitive. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon, recognizing the potential of DeepSeek’s technology, began exploring partnerships and integration opportunities, despite initial reservations about data security and geopolitical implications.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

The media played a crucial role in shaping public perception of DeepSeek and the ensuing market crash. While some outlets highlighted the technological advancements and potential benefits of democratizing AI, others focused on the risks associated with rapid technological adoption and the ethical concerns surrounding data security and intellectual property. The Guardian noted, “DeepSeek has ripped away AI’s veil of mystique. That’s the real reason the tech bros fear it.”

Redefining AI Development

DeepSeek’s emergence has prompted a reevaluation of AI development paradigms. The success of the R1 model demonstrated that high-performance AI could be achieved without reliance on top-tier hardware, challenging the prevailing notion that cutting-edge technology necessitates substantial financial and computational resources. This shift could lead to more inclusive and widespread AI adoption across various industries.

Geopolitical Considerations

The rise of a Chinese AI firm disrupting global markets has significant geopolitical implications. It underscores China’s growing influence in the technology sector and raises questions about the balance of power in AI innovation. Concerns about data security, intellectual property rights, and the potential for technology to be used as a tool for geopolitical leverage have come to the forefront, necessitating international dialogue and cooperation.

Ethical and Legal Frameworks

The DeepSeek incident highlights the urgent need for robust ethical and legal frameworks governing AI development and deployment. Issues such as the unauthorized use of proprietary models, data privacy, and the potential for market manipulation through AI-driven strategies must be addressed. Policymakers and industry leaders are called upon to establish guidelines that ensure responsible innovation while safeguarding public interest.

The story of DeepSeek AI serves as a pivotal case study in the complex interplay between technology, markets, and society. It illustrates both the transformative potential of innovation and the risks inherent in rapid technological advancement. As we move forward, it is imperative for stakeholders — including technologists, investors, regulators, and the public — to engage in informed dialogue and collaborative action. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring a future where technology serves the greater good.

[jcmarchi]

DeepSeek's AI breakthrough: Fewer resources, big impact

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/deepseeks-ai-breakthrough-fewer-resources-big-impact/

DeepSeek's AI breakthrough: Fewer resources, big impact

On December 26th, a modest-sized Chinese company named DeepSeek introduced advanced AI technology, rivaling the top chatbot systems from giants like OpenAI and Google.

This achievement was noteworthy for its capability and the cost-efficiency with which it was developed. Unlike its large competitors, DeepSeek created its artificial intelligence, DeepSeek-V3, using significantly fewer specialized processors, which are typically essential for such advancements.

Cost efficiency and technological breakthrough

These processors are at the heart of a fierce tech rivalry between the U.S. and China. The U.S. aims to keep its lead in AI by restricting the export of high-end chips, such as those from Nvidia, to China.

However, DeepSeek’s success with fewer resources raises concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. trade policies, which have inadvertently spurred Chinese innovation using more accessible technologies.

DeepSeek-V3 impressively handles tasks like answering queries, solving puzzles, programming, and matching industry standards. Remarkably, it was developed with just around $6 million worth of computing resources, starkly contrasting the $100 million Meta reportedly invested in similar technologies.

Chris V. Nicholson from Page One Ventures pointed out that more companies could afford $6 million than the heftier sums, democratizing access to advanced AI technology.

Strategic implications and global impact of DeepSeek

Previously, experts believed only firms with substantial financial resources could compete with leading AI firms, which train their systems on supercomputers requiring thousands of chips.

DeepSeek, however, managed with just 2,000 chips from Nvidia. This efficient use of limited resources reflects the forced innovation resulting from chip restrictions in China, as Jeffrey Ding from George Washington University noted.

Recently, the U.S. tightened these restrictions to prevent China from acquiring advanced AI chips via third countries. This is part of ongoing efforts to limit Chinese firms’ potential military use of these technologies, which have resorted to stockpiling chips and sourcing them through underground markets.

ChatGPT vs Bard: What are the top key differences?

We’re taking a look at Bard vs ChatGPT and their key differences like technology, internet connection, and training data.

DeepSeek, a company rooted in quantitative stock trading, has been leveraging its profits to invest in Nvidia chips since 2021, fueling its AI research rather than consumer products. This focus has allowed it to bypass stringent Chinese regulations on consumer AI, attracting top talent and exploring diverse applications from poetry to complex examinations.

While leading U.S. firms continue to push AI boundaries, DeepSeek’s recent achievements underline its growing prowess in the field. It also highlights the broader shift towards open-source AI, gaining traction as companies like Meta openly share their technologies. This shift increasingly positions China as a central player in AI development, posing a strategic challenge to U.S. dominance in the field.

As the debate continues over the potential risks of open sourcing AI in the U.S., such as spreading misinformation, the global open source community, increasingly led by China, might shape the future of AI development, suggesting a significant geopolitical shift in the technology landscape.

Have you seen our 2025 event calendar?

From agentic AI to LLMOps, this year will be bigger than ever – join us in one of our 19 in-person events across the globe and network with other AI leaders.

Like what you see? Then check out tonnes more.

From exclusive content by industry experts and an ever-increasing bank of real world use cases, to 80+ deep-dive summit presentations, our membership plans are packed with awesome AI resources.

Subscribe now

[sherlynnxy]

‘Can crowdfunding build a community for creatives?’

MDA20009 Digital Communities

Have you heard of Patreon, Kickstarter and GoFundMe? These sites help small businesses, musicians, artists, and content creators get funding from a large group of individual investors so they can test new products and see what kind of demand there is for new content ideas.

Yayyy, it's our classic routine again! Firstly, before we delve into this topic, let's define what crowdfunding is <<333

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding represents an innovative form of venture financing that enables individuals, creators, or entrepreneurs to secure financial backing from the general public via online platforms. It is a method of funding initiatives that utilises the collective support of the 'crowd' to bypass traditional financing methods such as bank loans or investors (Smith, 2024).

Below are examples of how different authors define crowdfunding (Kuppuswamy & Bayus, 2018):

Crowdfunding enables entrepreneurs to directly appeal to the public to support their ideas and projects.-- Prive (2012) Crowdfunding involves an open online call for financial contributions, offered either as donations or in exchange for rewards, to support specific purposes.-- Belleflamme et al. (2014) Though it’s a modern phenomenon, crowdfunding—raising small amounts of money from many people—has historical roots across various domains.-- Ordanini et al. (2011)

To better understand the impact of crowdfunding, here’s a video and websites showing some real-life examples of success through crowdfunding.

These examples not only show how crowdfunding can help creatives realize their dreams, but they also show us how crowdfunding can build connections between backers and creators, creating a strong community.

How It Works? Types of Crowdfunding in Communities

Crowdfunding is a process whereby individuals present their projects on crowdfunding platforms with the aim of attracting financial contributions.

The models used in crowdfunding vary, and several distinctions are made below (Kuppuswamy & Bayus, 2018):

1.  Equity-Based Crowdfunding

Contributors get a share of the profits or an equity stake in the business.

Examples: Sellaband and Wefunder provide consumer investors with the opportunity to invest in entrepreneurial projects through the purchase of equity or participation in profit-sharing agreements. (Ward and Ramachandran 2010; Agrawal et al. 2015).

2. Peer-to-Peer Lending

The term refers to loans where the principal, plus interest, is repaid to contributors.

Examples: Prosper and Zopa are two companies that offer peer-to-peer lending. This means that the original principal is expected to be repaid, along with a fixed interest.

3. Donation-Based Crowdfunding

Driven by altruistic motives, patrons make donations without expecting monetary compensation.

Examples: The altruistic motivations underlying donations to JustGiving and Spot.us are evidenced by the non-expectation of tangible rewards on the part of funders (Burtch et al. 2013; Smith et al. 2014). In addition, according to a 1992 study by Bikhchandani et al, initiatives that receive a large amount of community support usually mean that the project is of high quality.

4. Reward-Based Crowdfunding

Patrons will receive non-financial rewards such as exclusive content, pre-ordered products or personalised acknowledgements for their financial contributions.

Examples: In return for their financial contributions, Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer non-financial rewards. Few studies rewards to be one of the most important motivations for participation in the crowdfunding community (Gerber et al., 2012; Steinberg, 2012). Plus, reward-based crowdfunding also has the largest number of online platforms and is one of the fastest growing forms of crowdfunding (Masssolution, 2015).

Why Crowdfunding Thrives in Communities: A Psychological Perspective

The success of crowdfunding in promoting community development can be linked to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory, a framework that identifies five levels of human motivation.

For those who don't know much about the theory can watch the video below:

It fosters a sense of belonging by uniting creators and backers through shared interests, building supportive communities. Simultaneously, crowdfunding fulfils the need for self-esteem, as creators are recognised for their work and supporters feel valued for contributing to meaningful projects. Finally, crowdfunding enables self-actualization by helping creatives pursue their passions and realize their potential. By fulfilling these psychological needs, crowdfunding is more than just a financial tool; it creates lasting, engaged communities for creatives. By fulfilling these psychological needs, crowdfunding not only finances projects, it creates a nurturing environment for creatives and their communities to thrive together. This highlights how crowdfunding can be a catalyst for lasting connections in the creative world.

Conclusion

In short, crowdfunding is a dynamic and innovative way to raise funds that enables creators to realise their ideas while engaging directly with their supporters. Research into the definitions, mechanisms and psychological drivers of crowdfunding suggests that this model has the ability to go beyond simply providing funding to fostering thriving communities. Crowdfunding provides a platform for collaboration and connection through a variety of models, including equity-based crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, donation-based crowdfunding, and reward-based crowdfunding. A sense of belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization are among the psychological needs that crowdfunding meets, making it especially powerful for creative people and projects.

It's sad to announce that the next post will be the last. Many thanks to those of you who have been willing to read the blog, and we'll see you on the next post!

Reference

Kumar, B. (2024). 10 Best Crowdfunding Sites and Platforms in 2025. (2024). Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/blog/crowdfunding-sites

Kuppuswamy, V., & Bayus, B. L. (2018). A review of crowdfunding research and findings. Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781784718152.00028

Smith, T. (2024). Crowdfunding: what it is, how it works, and popular websites. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crowdfunding.asp

Sprouts. (2017). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-4ithG_07Q

Tech Inspection. (2023). Top 10 successful crowdfunding projects [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNg7lUV-GRs

[beautifulpersonpeach]

I miss Yoongi already. We had so much content with the tour and everything that I feel deprived. I dont know what I am going to do for 18-24 mths.

***

Oh, I’ve been preparing and I’m ready to moonlight as a serial killer, just to feel something, anything again, during that time.

Or maybe I’ll finally open a Yoongi ‘pout’ account.

I don’t know really. Maybe do what some of my friends are doing and have a baby so that by the time BTS and Yoongi are back in 2025/2026, I’m dealing with a toddler not a new born, and it’ll be easier to go to concerts.

Sorry Anon, I’m just spitballing here.

Fingers crossed Yoongi has prepared something to release while he’s enlisted. I’m hoping and praying there’s a documentary and live album for his D-DAY tour, and/or maybe a collab or some other project. Since Jin’s enlistment last year, I’ve not felt any real anxiety or strong emotion around their enlistment, to be honest. I know the guys are all preparing for it, Yoongi is probably spending this time with his friends and family since he was traveling for most of the last few months. I’m sure he’s keeping his health up and making sure all his ventures remain profitable while he’s in the military.

It’s likely this time passes without much incident and before you know it, we’re in 2025. I mean, can you imagine Butter was released 2 years ago? Time passes and with all the drama in k-pop fandom, I think it will pass fairly quickly too. At least I hope so. Dissecting bodies sounds like tiresome, gruelling work.

[fragile-practice]

Week in Review

October 23rd-29th

Welcome to Fragile Practice, where I attempt to make something of value out of stuff I have to read.

My future plan is to do longer-form original pieces on interesting topics or trends. For now, I'm going to make the weekly reviews habitual and see if I have any time left.

Technology

OpenAI forms team to study ‘catastrophic’ AI risks, including nuclear threats - Tech Crunch; Kyle Wiggers

OpenAI launched a new research team called AI Safety and Security to investigate the potential harms of artificial intelligence focused on AI alignment, AI robustness, AI governance, and AI ethics.

Note: Same energy as “cigarette company funds medical research into smoking risks”.

Artists Allege Meta’s AI Data Deletion Request Process Is a ‘Fake PR Stunt’ - Wired; Kate Knibbs

Artists who participated in Meta’s Artificial Intelligence Artist Residency Program accused the company of failing to honor their data deletion requests and claim that Meta used their personal data to train its AI models without their consent.

Note: Someday we will stop being surprised that corporate activities without obvious profit motive are all fake PR stunts.

GM and Honda ditch plan to build cheaper electric vehicles - The Verge; Andrew J. Hawkins

General Motors and Honda cancel their joint venture to develop and produce cheaper electric vehicles for the US market, citing the chip shortage, rising costs of battery materials, and the changing market conditions.

Note: What are the odds this isn’t related to the 7 billion dollars the US government announced to create hydrogen hubs.

'AI divide' across the US leaves economists concerned - The Register; Thomas Claburn

A new study by economists from Harvard University and MIT reveals a significant gap in AI adoption and innovation across different regions in the US.

The study finds that AI usage is highest in California's Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, but was also noted in Nashville, San Antonio, Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Diego, and Tampa, as well as Riverside, Louisville, Columbus, Austin, and Atlanta.

Nvidia to Challenge Intel With Arm-Based Processors for PCs - Bloomberg; Ian King

Nvidia is using Arm technology to develop CPUs that would challenge Intel processors in PCs, and which could go on sale as soon as 2025.

Note: I am far from an NVIDIA fan, but I’m stoked for any amount of new competition in the CPU space.

New tool lets artists fight AI image bots by hiding corrupt data in plain sight - Engadget; Sarah Fielding

A team at the University of Chicago created Nightshade, a tool that lets artists fight AI image bots by adding undetectable pixels into an image that can alter how a machine-learning model produces content and what that finished product looks like.

Nightshade is intended to protect artists work and has been tested on both Stable Diffusion and an in-house AI built by the researchers.

IBM's NorthPole chip runs AI-based image recognition 22 times faster than current chips - Tech Xplore; Bob Yirka

NorthPole combines the processing module and the data it uses in a two-dimensional array of memory blocks and interconnected CPUs, and is reportedly inspired by the human brain.

NorthPole can currently only run specialized AI processes and not training processes or large language models, but the researchers plan to test connecting multiple chips together to overcome this limitation.

Apple’s $130 Thunderbolt 4 cable could be worth it, as seen in X-ray CT scans - Ars Technica; Kevin Purdy

Note: These scans are super cool. And make me feel somewhat better about insisting on quality cables. A+.

The Shifting Web

On-by-default video calls come to X, disable to retain your sanity - The Register; Brandon Vigliarolo

Video and audio calling is limited to anyone you follow or who is in your address book, if you granted X permission to comb through it.

Calling other users also requires that they’ve sent at least one direct message to you before.

Only premium users can place calls, but everyone can receive them.

Google Search Boss Says Company Invests to Avoid Becoming ‘Roadkill’ - The New York Times; Nico Grant

Google’s senior vice president overseeing search said that he sees a world of threats that could humble his company at any moment.

Google Maps is getting new AI-powered search updates, an enhanced navigation interface and more - Tech Crunch; Aisha Malik

Note: These AI recommender systems are going to be incredibly valuable advertising space. It is interesting that Apple decided to compete with Google in maps but not in basic search, but has so far not placed ads in the search results.

Reddit finally takes its API war where it belongs: to AI companies - Ars Technica; Scharon Harding

Reddit met with generative AI companies to negotiate a deal for being paid for its data, and may block crawlers if no deal is made soon.

Note: Google searches for info on Reddit often seem more effective than searching Reddit itself.  If they are unable to make a deal, and Reddit follows through, it will be a legitimate loss for discoverability but also an incredibly interesting experiment to see what Reddit is like without Google.

Bandcamp’s Entire Union Bargaining Team Was Laid Off - 404 Media; Emanuel Maiberg

Bandcamp’s new owner (Songtradr) offered jobs to just half of existing employees, with cuts disproportionately hitting union leaders. Every member of the union’s eight-person bargaining team was laid off, and 40 of the union's 67 members lost their jobs.

Songtradr spokesperson Lindsay Nahmiache claimed that the firm didn’t have access to union membership information.

Note: This just sucks. Bandcamp is rad, and it’s hard to imagine it continuing to be rad after this. I wonder if Epic had ideas for BC that didn’t work out.

Surveillance & Digital Privacy

Mozilla Launches Annual Digital Privacy 'Creep-o-Meter'. This Year's Status:  'Very Creepy' - Slashdot

Mozilla gave the current state of digital privacy a 75.6/100, with 100 being the creepiest.

They measured security features, data collection, and data sharing practices of over 500 gadgets, apps, and cars to come up with their score.

Every car Mozilla tested failed to meet their privacy and security standards.

Note: It would be great if even one auto brand would take privacy seriously.

EPIC Testifies in Support of Massachusetts Data Privacy and Protection Act -Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)

Massachusetts version of ADPPA.

Note: While it may warm my dead heart to see any online privacy protections in law, scrambling to do so in response to generative AI is unlikely to protect Americans in any meaningful way from the surveillance driven form of capitalism we’ve all been living under for decades.

Complex Spy Platform StripedFly Bites 1M Victims - Dark Reading

StripedFly is a complex platform disguised as a cryptominer and evaded detection for six years by using a custom version of EternalBlue exploit, a built-in Tor network tunnel, and trusted services like GitLab, GitHub, and Bitbucket to communicate with C2 servers and update its functionality.

iPhones have been exposing your unique MAC despite Apple's promises otherwise - Ars Technica

A privacy feature which claimed to hide the Wi-Fi MAC address of iOS devices when joining a network was broken since iOS 14, and was finally patched in 17.1, released on Wednesday.

Note: I imagine this bug was reported a while ago, but wasn’t publically reported until the fix was released as a term of apple’s bug bounty program.

What the !#@% is a Passkey? - Electronic Frontier Foundation

Note: I welcome our passkey overlords.