#Social Membership Network

[mentormaven777]

Vocal Media: A Social Media Platform for Writers

Join Vocal Media, a dynamic social media platform designed exclusively for writers. Whether you're an aspiring author, a seasoned wordsmith, or someone passionate about sharing your thoughts through writing, Vocal Media provides the perfect platform to showcase your talent and connect with like-minded individuals.

By becoming a member of Vocal Media, you gain access to a vibrant community of writers who are eager to engage with your content, provide feedback, and offer valuable insights. Sign up today to start building connections, expanding your network, and unlocking exciting opportunities for your writing career.

Don't miss out on the chance to share your stories, ideas, and creative expressions with a supportive audience. Join Vocal Media now and harness the power of this thriving social media platform for writers. Sign Up Vocal Media

Note: The provided link Sign Up Vocal Media leads to the Vocal Media sign-up page.

[mixedupmilly]

How to start & grow a Facebook group

Starting a Facebook group can be an excellent way to build a community around a shared interest, cause, or goal. However, growing a group from scratch can be a challenging task, especially if you’re new to Facebook or online community building in general. In this article, we’ll explore the key steps you can take to start a new Facebook group and gradually attract and engage members. From defining…

[pony32099]

 Guo Wengui: The end of fraud and the trial of justice

 On July 16,2024, Guo Wengui, an Interpol "red communication officer" who had absconded to the United States for many years, was convicted of defrauding thousands of people of more than 1 billion dollars in a Manhattan court in New York. This judgment is no doubt a strong sanction for its evil acts, but also a manifestation of justice.

 Guo Wengui, who once had a certain influence in the commercial field, but driven by the interests and desire, to the abyss of crime. He used to be the actual controller of Henan Yuda Investment Co., Ltd. and Beijing Pangu Investment Co., Ltd. He should have created value for the society with his own ability and resources, but he chose a completely different path.

 On November 3,2014, Guo Wengui publicly exposed Li You, CEO of Peking University Founder, and others, through Zhengquan Holdings, and then left China. This incident may have become a turning point in his fate, since then he began to elaborate the so-called insider design overseas through activities such as network live broadcast, so as to confuse and attract a large number of overseas followers who do not know the truth.

 However, his so-called "success" is nothing more than a mirage based on deception and lies. Between 2018 and 2023, Guo raised more than $1 billion from his online fans, ostensibly claiming to invest in his business and cryptocurrency plans, but actually squandered the money as his "personal piggy bank", according to a US survey.

 He used a variety of fraud. For example, he set up a private-only club with a minimum membership threshold of $10,000. Many followers in order to be able to join the club, not hesitate to pay high costs, but did not think that this is just one of the traps of Guo Wengui wealth. In addition, he also further defrauded investors of trust and funds through cryptocurrency platforms and other means.

 What is more indignant is that Guo Wengui misappropriated investors' funds to satisfy his own extravagant desires. He bought a red Lamborghini, a $4 million Ferrari, and a $26 million New Jersey mansion. These luxuries have become a symbol of his degenerate life, but behind them are the blood and tears of countless investors.

 In 2021, three companies associated with Guo, including GTV, paid $539 million to settle allegations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over illegal stock offerings. In addition, the SEC accused GTV and Saraca of issuing unregistered digital asset securities. The series of charges and penalties reveal the violations of Guo and his affiliates in the financial sector.

 Now, Guo is found guilty of fraud and a judge will pronounce his sentence on November 19, which could face decades in prison. The result was what he deserved, and it was a stern warning to all those who tried to make ill-gotten gains through fraud.

 Guo Wengui's case brings us a profound reflection. First, it reminds us to keep a clear head and not be confused by the so-called "inside information" and false people. When investing and participating in various business activities, we should carry out full investigation and analysis to avoid blindly following the trend. Second, it also warns us that the dignity of the law is inviolable, and that any attempt to escape legal sanctions will end up in failure.

 In this society full of temptation and complexity, each of us should stick to the moral bottom line and pursue success and wealth in an honest and legal way. Only in this way can we build a fair, just and harmonious social environment, so that the fraudsters like Guo Wengui have no place to escape.

Justice may be late, but never absent. Guo Wengui's end once again proves this truth. Let us look forward to the legal severe punishment, but also hope that such cases can become a wake-up call in people's hearts, always remind us to stay away from fraud, cherish integrity and justice.

[luxysims]

Crochet Collection | - *Update*

Hi! This is a post to let you know that the Crochet Collection Vol I (june 2023) has been updated 😊

What's new? Only the catalog pictures in CAS, so you don't have to worry about download everything again if you don't want the new ones.

If you are an official patreon (early access membership), you can download the packages easily without redirects here.

If you are a free member, you have to download the packages one by one with redirects in curseforge. Below, I leave you the links to the website of all the items:

DOWNLOAD ASSYMETRIC PTOP  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD PAREO SKIRT  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD TIE UP CROPTOP  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD WIDE LEG PANTS  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD TOTE BAG  [CURSEFORGE]

Don't forget to visit and follow me on my social networks:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuxySims

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxysims/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.es/luxysims/

Finally, remind you that I'm updating my patreon this july with new content for the same theme. The Crochet Collection Vol II is in early access, so you can stop by and check it out there.

Be the light! ✨

@maxismatchccworld​  @sssvitlanz @coffee-cc-finds @sims4finds @lanaccfind @cchunters   @c12ccfinds  @mmoutfitters @mmfinds @emilyccfinds @redheadsims-cc @cccorner @wysidiacc @ccsimsfindss4 @cccorner @lotusplumbob @toastyccfinds @cookiesccfinds @strangecowplantfinds @shaenaeccfinds @eanyroseccfinds @kairasimsccfinds @anikasims @blueishccfinds @petiteluneccfind @alt-lanaccfinds ❣

[reasonsforhope]

"The South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, has announced plans to ban political donations from state elections, paving the way for nation-leading electoral reforms.

The state’s electoral amendment bill announced on Wednesday [June 12, 2024] night will ban electoral donations and gifts to registered political parties, members of parliament and candidates. The state will provide funding to allow parties and candidates to contest elections, run campaigns and promote political ideas.

Malinauskas said his bill would put South Australia on the “cusp of becoming a world leader in ending the nexus between money and political power”.

“We want money out of politics. We know this is not easy. These reforms may well face legal challenge,” Malinauskas said.

“But we are determined to deliver them, with this bill to be introduced in the parliament in the near future.”

In a subtle challenge to his federal and state counterparts, the premier told Guardian Australia he thought it was “something that democracies everywhere should be pursuing”.

The Albanese government pledged to introduce spending and donation caps, and truth in political advertising laws, as revealed by Guardian Australia after the 2022 federal election and confirmed by a parliamentary inquiry that reported last July.

The special minister of state, Don Farrell, said last month an agreement between the major parties and the crossbench had not yet been reached. An amendment bill is still expected by the middle of the year.

In order to level the playing field for newly created parties and independent candidates, the South Australia bill will allow candidates to receive donations up to $2,700, although they will remain subject to campaign spending caps.

Those spending caps have been set at $100,000, multiplied by the number of candidates up to a maximum of $500,000.

If the bill is passed, a registered political party will be entitled to a one-off payment of $200,000 before 31 August 2026. Whichever is lower out of $700,000 or the number of party members of parliament multiplied by $47,000 will also be given to parties for operational funding.

Membership fees will be allowed to continue but will be capped at $100 or less a year.

To deter attempts to circumvent the proposed changes, a maximum penalty of $50,000 or 10 years’ imprisonment will apply.

The guide acknowledges the proposal would lead to a rise in the cost of South Australia’s electoral system, but says a tightening of expenditure and party registration rules will keep costs to a minimum.

The Albanese government is under crossbench pressure to introduce electoral reforms before the next federal election.

Lower house independents, including Kate Chaney, Zali Steggall, the Greens, David Pocock, Lidia Thorpe and the Jacqui Lambie Network, joined forces to introduce a bill for fair and transparent elections in March [2024].

The bill contained a suite of reforms including truth-in-political advertising, a ban on donations from socially harmful industries including fossil fuels, and tightening the definition of gifts to capture major party fundraisers, including dinners and business forums."

-via The Guardian, March 18, 2024

[potpzine]

🦢 🩸 🎼 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! and more importantly, HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE!!!!! 

⚡️ our fan zine, NOT JUST SONGS, is available NOW for digital purchase and physical pre-order on Etsy!!

over 50 artists came together to create 94 full color pages of art, writing, cosplay and more (plus some snazzy bonus merch!) to celebrate this incredible, weird, beautiful film!

🎸 All profits from zine sales will support the Girls Rock Camp Alliance, “an international membership network of youth-centered arts and social justice organizations.”

✨ NOTE - our shop has two listings: one for the physical zine copies and merch (bundled with a PDF download of the zine) and one for just the PDF download. for our highest-tier bundle, the Phantom has SLASHED the price, with a $70 value for only $45 PLUS free U.S. shipping!

sell your soul to rock n’ roll TODAY! buy this amazing collaboration, support a good cause, and celebrate a dream that never ends!! 🦢💕

[literaryvein-reblogs]

How to write a secret society in historical fiction setup? Say, women-only?

Writing Notes: Secret Society

Secret Society

An organization whose members are sworn to secrecy about its activities.

Any of a large range of membership organizations or associations that utilize secret initiations or other rituals and whose members often employ unique oaths, grips (handshakes), or other signs of recognition.

Elements of secrecy may vary from a mere password to elaborate rituals, private languages, costumes, and symbols.

The term may be applied to such widely divergent groups as U.S. college fraternities and sororities, the Ku Klux Klan, and international Freemasonry as well as to similar phenomena in ancient or precolonial cultures.

Historical Fiction

A literary genre where the story takes place in the past.

Historical novels capture the details of the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity, including social norms, manners, customs, and traditions.

Many novels in this genre tell fictional stories that involve actual historical figures or historical events.

Characteristics of Historical Fiction

There is a wealth of accurate historical detail relating to setting (geography, customs, beliefs, culture, society, habits) as well as to characters and events.

Story lines may focus on a particular historical event or time period, or they may follow the life of a character (real or fictional). Novels may raise difficult social or moral issues through the plot.

Characters may be real or fictional, but they are portrayed in such a way that they fit the times. The historical setting shapes their lives and actions.

Historical novels are usually big books, with stories that unfold at a leisurely pace. Even shorter Historical novels are usually so densely written that they must be read slowly.

Language and style may affect a reader’s experience. Some readers appreciate an “authentic” style, while others find this distracting. Dialects and format choices (such as epistolary novels) also affect reader reaction.

The tone of Historical novels runs the gamut from rollicking to somber, and this tone may be a major, if unacknowledged, factor in reading choices.

Example of An All-Women Secret Society

Heterodoxy - a secret society that paved the way for modern feminism.

The female debating club’s name referred to the many unorthodox women among its members. They “questioned forms of orthodoxy in culture, in politics, in philosophy—and in sexuality.”

Born as part of the initial wave of modern feminism that emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries with suffrage at its center, the radical ideologies debated at Heterodoxy gatherings extended well beyond the scope of a women’s right to vote. In fact, Heterodoxy had only one requirement for membership: that a woman “not be orthodox in her opinion.”

Heterodoxy met every other Saturday to discuss such issues and see how members might collaborate and cultivate networks of reform. Gatherings were considered a safe space for women to talk, exchange ideas and take action.

With 25 charter members, Heterodoxy included individuals of diverse backgrounds, including lesbian and bisexual women, labor radicals and socialites, and artists and nurses.

Meetings were often held in the basement of Polly’s, a MacDougal Street hangout established by anarchist Polly Holladay. Here, at what Berman calls a “sort of nexus for progressive, artistic, intellectual and political thought,” the women would gather at wooden tables to discuss issues like fair employment and fair wages, reproductive rights, and the antiwar movement.

The meetings often went on for hours, with each typically revolving around a specific subject determined in advance.

As the club’s core members aged, Heterodoxy became more about continuing friendships than debating radical ideologies.

By the early 1940s, the biweekly meetings of Heterodoxy were no more. Still, the club’s legacy lives on, even beyond the scope of modern feminism.

Other Examples. 19th Century Collegiate Secret Societies.

Organized women’s collegiate secret societies formed across America.

These societies were created with the intent of cultivating lifelong friendships with one another, encouraging passionate “sisterly” bonds with all members, and supporting an organized network of women that would encourage their own daughters to carry on this membership into the next generation.

Adopted a motto proclaiming values of boundless loyalty to their fellow “sisters”.

Below are examples of secret societies, their respective mottos, and the dates of their founding:

The Adelphean society (later ΑΔΠ) “We Live for Each Other.” 1851

The Philomathean society (later ΦΜ) “The Faithful Sisters.” 1852

I.C. Sorosis (later ΠΒΦ) “Friends and Leaders for Life.” 1867

Alpha Phi (ΑΦ) “Union Hand in Hand” 1872

Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ) “Let Us Steadfastly Love One Another” 1888

Young girls at boarding school would be “adopted” by older girls who would play as pseudo motherly figures and role models for the younger classes to admire as well as emulate.

This same process can be seen in the pledging processes of collegiate societies.

Example: The Philomathean Society was originally created as a secret literary society, membership in one of these organizations was highly coveted, and the process of mutual selection between a potential new member and the respective society often caused a plethora of emotions to stir.

In their annual yearbook from the year 1900 is a story that was written with the intention to depict what life was like for a Philomathean, and detailed the secrecy and the high emotions that were involved in the pledging process.

Initiated upperclassmen were considered “the girls to be” and were admired by many freshmen for their demeanor and social presence in the school.

As these upperclassmen both from the Adelphean society and the Philomathean society sought out potential new members, there were secret interactions between potential new members and initiated members to try and connect more deeply with each new girl and sway her to pledge to a certain society.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

Incorporate elements and characteristics of historical fiction in your story, and research more on which women-only secret society your work will center around. You may even take inspiration from more than one secret society from history. Do go through the sources above as I only included excerpts here. Hope this helps with your writing!

[thatbitchery]

Vivian is absolutely one of the best US based financial creators out there , obviously, and this video is one of the reasons why . Networking is an integral part of financial success. Why ?

You don't make as much money as your value you make as much money as your networks. This is easily the most realistic and on point corporate advice (as well as life advice) for anyone starting out on their level up journey. It's not what you know. It's who you know. As someone that went to an elite European boarding school- your top lawyers and politicians and millionaires are not the smartest of the bunch. Matter of fact they are... just not smart. It's who you know.

When I say your coworkers are not your friends I'm not telling you to self isolate- it will be your coworkers to invite you to parties and networking events and tell you about better opportunities in other places- I'm telling you to move carefully. I'm saying dont trauma dump with people that are looking at the same promotion opportunities as you are. I'm saying that's not your ride or die, I'm not saying never ask them out for cocktails. Like Vivian says, think twice before you miss happy hour. I'm once again recruiting you to my membership because the way I go into networking and making friends isn't a joke. Why? Because this is the most important part of being alive. Social species, people. I'll teach you how to make friends, where to make friends, how to keep your friends, etc. This is what matters. Not only in success but also in life and happiness. It's who you know.

Success is a people pleasing process because power is held in webs and transferred within hierarchies. Vivian says your paycheck grows as your bosses like you and there's nothing more true. Even in social circles your advancement is dependent on how much strategic people pleasing you can do. What you want will come from someone else, and you need to make them want to not only give it to you but protect your ability to have and keep it.

At the very root of success is people pleasing .

The membership I want you to join so bad is this.

[luxysims]

Stylish Utility Collection | - *Update*

Hi! This is a post to let you know that the Stylish Utility Collection Vol I (march 2023) has been updated 😊

What's new? Only the catalog pictures in CAS, so you don't have to worry about download everything again if you don't want the new ones (which combine with the Vol II and are more aesthetic).

If you are an official patreon (early access membership), you can download the packages easily without redirects here.

If you are a free member, you have to download the packages one by one with redirects in curseforge. Below, I leave you the links to the website of all the items:

DOWNLOAD CORSET CROPTOP  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD CARGO TROUSERS  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD SHIRT+CORSET  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD SKORT  [CURSEFORGE] DOWNLOAD CARGO DRESS  [CURSEFORGE]

Don't forget to visit and follow me on my social networks:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuxySims

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxysims/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.es/luxysims/

Finally, remind you that I updated my patreon this april with new content for the same theme. The Stylish Utility Collection Vol II is in early access, so you can stop by and check it out there.

Be the light! ✨

@maxismatchccworld​  @sssvitlanz @coffee-cc-finds @sims4finds @lanaccfind @cchunters   @c12ccfinds  @mmoutfitters @mmfinds @emilyccfinds @redheadsims-cc @cccorner @wysidiacc @ccsimsfindss4 @cccorner @lotusplumbob @toastyccfinds @cookiesccfinds @strangecowplantfinds @shaenaeccfinds @eanyroseccfinds @kairasimsccfinds @anikasims @blueishccfinds @petiteluneccfind @alt-lanaccfinds ❣

[bioshoook]

RT 3/7/24 Stream Notes

alright, in erlande's stead (@monarchisms) i'm gonna try my best to make a semi-coherent post about what info went down on tonight's stream

most important thing: Rooster Teeth is still working and in production for the next 60 days so it's not like y'all will wake up tomorrow and RT and all of the content will just be gone, we do have time

Any info regarding RT and the shutdown will be coming from the RT website directly, and secondarily in discord and the some of the subreddits (i don't think they specified which subreddits tho)

They are going to try and be as transparent as possible with everything going forward in regards to what's happening with RT, they (the staff and management @ RT) don't want anybody to be caught off guard

After the news came out yesterday Chelsea said the next thing they will be focusing on is to figure out how to keep doing the things they love, which i took to meaning that they don't want to stop creating and will do their hardest to fight for that regardless of shitbag WB

They are aware that people are worried about how they will be able to support everyone after RT dissolves and so there is talk of there being a "one stop shop" for all of the social media handles for everyone that works with and @ RT for easy finding so fans can still support people

As we get closer to the end, more news will come out about what will be happening with all of RT's content and cast

WB is keeping The Roost (which is a network of podcasts) running to see if there is any type of sale opportunity to be made from it, if there are no buyers then WB will be shutting it down - along with the people that operate The Roost behind the scenes

Everything brought up today in the stream will be made into a post for easy reading and digestibility

In regards to FIRST memberships RT will do their best to refund everyone in the upcoming months, though you only qualify if you have a 6-month or 12-month plan for that, but there is a lot of legal tape they have to go through since they have so many fans across the world and in different US states so it will take some time

The new season of Camp Camp and the bonus RWBY content will still be getting posted throughout the last 60 days

another note: there are people in the community right now working on archiving everything in case WB decides to delete everything

[meyerlansky]

In New York City, four honorably discharged gay veterans reached beyond their immediate circle of friends to form an organization of and for gay veterans, called the Veterans' Benevolent Association. Like many other veterans' groups that proliferated across the nation in 1945, the VBA attempted to meet the needs of veterans who felt out of place in established organizations. Its seventy-five to one hundred members met regularly for social gatherings, attended by as many as four or five hundred additional guests. Through informal networks, its members assisted gay veterans in matters concerning the military, the law and employment. Edward Sagarin, a sociologist who in the early 1960s interviewed former members of the VBA, explained that its leaders came to the organization unapologetic about their homosexuality because "the hardships they had endured" as soldiers during the war had made them believe that they were entitled to some respect. They expected that their status as veterans would help protect them from persecution as homosexuals. The Veteran's Benevolent Association existed until 1954, and was the first major gay membership organization in the United States.

– Coming Out Under Fire, pg 249

[newyorkthegoldenage]

The American Woman's Association Clubhouse between West 57th and West 58th Streets, December 29, 1931. It was established as a place where professional women could network their way to success in the business world. At that time the group estimated that 700,000 women held salaried jobs in the city, with 50,000 of those in managerial or executive positions. Their architect was Benjamin Wistar Morris, who had close ties to the Morgan family. 

Most of the credit for the clubhouse goes to Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, who used her huge inheritance to advance causes of social justice. In 1903 she had been among the founders of the Colony Club, the pre-eminent women's club in New York, and in 1909 she brought striking women garment workers to be heard by the membership.

Morgan called the AWA ''a training school for leadership, a mental exchange'' where women ''can hear what other women are doing.'' The organization had 61 doctors, 16 lawyers, 939 teachers, a bacteriologist, a tug dispatcher and workers in many other fields. But Miss Morgan said that not everyone was eligible, only the woman ''with ambition, pluck and energy, which will push her up and up in her profession.''

The clubhouse had 1,250 rooms, along with a swimming pool, gym, meeting rooms, a restaurant, music rooms and wide terraces on the upper setbacks. Although the sleeping rooms had 128 color combinations, the exterior was bare and boxy, rising up among the aging brownstones of West 57th Street like a grain elevator in the Nebraska prairie grasses.

The club lasted until 1941, when bankruptcy proceedings forced the AWA to sell it, and it became the Henry Hudson Hotel.

Photo: Associated Press Text: Christopher Gray in the NY Times

[traegorn]

So Remember You Can Find Me Elsewhere...

I love Tumblr, and plan to stay here until the lights turn off or they make me leave -- but honestly I'm always nervous about the future of this platform. So I thought I'd remind you guys that I exist elsewhere online.

My own websites:

First off, I've been maintaining my own website since 1996 and I have a blog there that I started in 2001 when I was twenty and working retail. It is, for better or for worse, the most "me" place online. It has three different domains -- trhonline.com, traedorn.com and traegorn.com -- but they're all the same site. You can always find me and my stuff there.

I'm also part of a collective of creators called Nerd & Tie, which started out as a podcast network but has been branching out into other media. And it, of course, has a site.

I have other websites like Peregrine Lake's site or BS-Free Witchcraft's, but those two places will always function as central hubs for what I (or we) are currently doing. Also, we have independent forums for Nerd & Tie where folks can talk to each other without a corporate overlord collecting data or ads ever appearing (I put ads on my sites -- but not on the forums).

But now on to other social networks and sites I don't run:

First off, my Patreon. Obviously there are perks for my paid membership, but free members can get some updates here, so if you have an account, why not follow for free?

But also I'm on other sites to varying degrees -- so here's the list:

Finally, besides the forums I mentioned earlier, Nerd & Tie has a Discord you can join where I can always be found.

And that's it pretty much? I probably forgot something, but that's it for now.

[ariesjupiter]

Solar Return Observations

• Pluto in the 1st house can be a fame indicator, since your identity (1H) is being “discovered” (Pluto) and it can transform your life. This is further emphasized if Pluto is in a Leo degree of fame too (5°, 17°, 29°).

• If you have a Pisces degree (12°, 24°) on your Ascendant, look at the house the Ascendant sign falls into in your natal chart. This can show where they may be illusions, fantasizing, and where you may feel lost and confused or things may be unclear. For example, this year I have my solar return ascendant at 24° Sagittarius. 24° Sagittarius falls into my natal 10th house. I’m currently feeling a bit confused about my future and career and I��ve been fantasizing about pursuing different career paths.

• When you have Mars in the 6th house you should be particularly careful of injuries happening while exercising

• Jupiter at 22° can be a very productive year and you may receive many awards and a lot of recognition for your hard work. It can be the year you achieve a goal you've been working on for a while.

• A planet in the 5th or 7th house at 11° can indicate meeting someone through social media, dating apps, or things like that.

• The sign on the cusp of the 2nd house can show you what you spend a lot of money on that year. For example, Aquarius in the 2nd can show spending money on/with friends, club and association memberships, networking, and anything related to hopes and dreams for the future.

• Mercury and/or Jupiter in the 7th house can indicate a year when you think of a business idea. It’s also likely to be an especially good time to start a business.

• A negative manifestation of Moon in the 7th house could be a negative roommate situation. The Moon is associated with a safe and comfortable place/the home and the 7th house rules open enemies and other people.

• Another indication of a difficult roommate or living situation could be Pluto conjunct IC. I had this a few years ago and had to move out of my dorm because my roommate treated me terribly and was being rude and hostile for no reason. Pluto rules transformations and endings/new beginnings and the IC represents the home/private sphere.

• Venus at 11° means you may go to many concerts and performances that year as well as make many spontaneous plans with friends.

[sl-walker]

Boldly Writing is going to hopefully be the nonprofit for indie archives; the ultimate plan is to give us an umbrella org that lets donations to our archives, etc. be tax-deductible, allows us to access a lot of services for free or reduced cost through the org and otherwise lets us move forward with championing the causes of more independent and decentralized fan communities while still providing the social networking and cohesion of a single community over all.

My ultimate vision is to expand and clean up our documentation for installing/running otw-archive, offering tech support for new instances of the software (and ourchive when it releases!), eventually culminating in server space we can offer similar to Walter at Squidge.org. Walter's been carrying a lot of the non-OTW side of the fandom on his shoulders for a long time as we've lost more and more independent commuities; another org working in tandem with Squidge (and indeed OTW!) would only be good for fandom.

Boldly Writing is a non-membership model nonprofit, but you're more than welcome to be a part of the organization via volunteering. Right now, we're possibly looking for a fifth board member -- or more! We can have several! -- for fiscal year 2025. A board member's main responsibilities are just to show up for the four annual meetings required by us, propose and/or vote on resolutions and bylaws and whatnot, and otherwise support the org. Terms are three years. If you're interested in this, you have to be a US citizen and over 18, but that's basically it.

Other things, like committees and assignments, are next on our agenda. (Those can be a lot of fun, too!) Currently, our Boldly Writing discussion takes place on Ad Astra's server, though we might eventually make a new one for the org.

Scroll to the Boldly Writing category for our unofficial first meeting minutes and any org discussion. If you wanna be our fifth board member, hit me up!

[arkipelagic]

Asian slaves, indigenous Americans, and identity in colonial era Mexico

The Spanish Philippines had a diverse slave population for local labor and export, including Filipino Indians [i.e. natives; indios], Muslim war captives (moros), and foreign slaves from as far away as Portuguese India.

… Upon their arrival, chino slaves [i.e. any Asian slave, not just Chinese] were absorbed by the urban economy of Mexico City, where they mainly worked as domestic servants or in textile mills (obrajes) … For their part, working in the city provided chinos with some possibilities for manumission. Chinos in domestic service were especially apt to embrace the limited opportunities available to them and to experience some social mobility. In the obrajes, chinos had few of the freedoms given to domestic servants, but they did benefit from government oversight of the industry. During official visits, chino slaves appealed for protection from overt exploitation by claiming that they were Indians (even if they were from Portuguese India). Remarkably, visiting inspectors listened to their complaints, and they often responded by liberating individual chinos under the assumption that they were indeed native vassals and could thus not be held in bondage. The overall experience of chinos in the viceroyal capital confirms the benefits of living close to the center of colonial power.

The presence of free indigenous immigrants from the Spanish Philippines in Mexico reinforced the idea that all chinos were Indians. The complex governing structure of colonial Mexico involved two republics or political communities (the república de indios and the república de españoles); this organization separated the indigenous majority from everyone else to facilitate the collection of tribute and the ministry of the Catholic Church … [N]ative immigrants from the Philippines purposely sought to confirm their membership in the Republic because corporate status provided personal advantages. They asked to be tallied in tribute rolls in Mexico to benefit from concomitant privileges, such as trading rights and legal representation through the General Indian Court. At the same time, free Filipinos were frequently confused with chino slaves - a situation that had serious consequences for Filipinos' relations with colonial institutions and enslaved individuals. Some immigrants resented having their indigenous identity questioned and sought to maintain a sense of their Indian-ness by keeping their distance from chino slaves. The majority, however, expressed solidarity with chino slaves. Filipino artisans, for example, took on chino slaves as apprentices and taught them marketable skills. Similarly, Filipino traders incorporated chinos into their own credit networks to facilitate self-purchase.

Individual chinos who were manumitted also embraced an Indian identity, regardless of whether they were from Goa, Macau, or other places in South and Southeast Asia. In this way, chinos challenged official attempts to define them solely as former slaves. Instead, they sought to join the free republic. The possibility for this kind of social integration caused widespread concern among slave owners. To defend their property rights, masters started to brand chino slaves on the face, rather than on the chest or arm as they did with Africans, in order to dissuade them from fleeing and "passing" as free Indians. This horrifying development shows that Indian communities welcomed runaway chino slaves and, by extension, that slave owners sought visible markers of their slaves' status.

Excerpt from the Introduction to “Asian Slaves in Colonial Mexico: From Chinos to Indians” (2014) by Tatiana Seijas