#Strategy and likelihood of success

[noisytenant]

when i observe people getting itchy and looking for reassurance that it's okay to not participate in a political action like a boycott, strike, or protest, it reads to me like deep-seated moral insecurity.

one fears the judgment of a moral authority that, if it exists at all, would not be reliably found in the judgments of other people, and cannot be assumed to influence the majority of people's behaviors.

a lot of people overlay a simplified model of qualifiable moral "goodness" or "badness" over actions--and assume that the action's innate morality transfers to its actors. this often obscures the reality of a situation--an action's effects: desired and undesired, intended and unintended.

i think it is in everyone's best interests to counter this urge whenever it shows up. enough flattening actions and people into simple "good" and "bad"--what do you want out of an action, and what might it cost you to do it?

when you want to excuse yourself from a political action because the costs seem too great for you, be ready to own the consequences. if you feel guilty, either live with the guilt, or choose to do something that you feel better about. there is no earthly person who can truly clear your moral conscience or absolve you of responsibility.

and when you focus on cause and effect, you might notice that you're not spurred to action simply because there's a lot of unknowns and you feel overwhelmed. take a minute to get curious about an action's stated goals and strategy. if you can't manage an action someone suggests, there might be something on a smaller scale that still supports the same goal.

i have no interest in telling people to continuously overextend themselves, to burn themselves on the altar of politics. others might feel differently, but i don't think it's a sustainable strategy. in my experience, guilt, shame, and insecurity paralyze and poison far more than inspire action. i want to lower the barrier to entry on political action by recentering the material.

so let's leave behind the notion of cosmic morality and continue to focus on tangible actions and consequences. ideally we don't fight for our politics to feel like "good people", we fight because we want something to be different and better than it was before. it's through our collective actions, large and small, that we get there. Smiles

[thewritetofreespeech]

Anything is Possible

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Summary: with Jaehaerys gone, you & Aemond make plans more than just battle plans and strategies. [sort of a part ii to my previous scenario X. based on the series, not the books, so don't come at me]

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“You need to be careful.”

“I am always careful.”

You frown at your husband as he looked at you from over his shoulder. That cheeky grin. That look in his eye. All of it letting you know he was planning something not even remotely close to careful.

“You know what I mean. We’ve already lost enough. It will break us if we lose you too.”

Aemond scoffed and returned to his papers & drawings. “Hardly. I am no heir. I could disappear come morrow, and no one would even wonder where I went off to. So long as I didn’t disappear off Vhagar.”

“It would break me then.” You told him. Coming up to his side to lean against his desk. One facing east and one facing west so you could look at one another.

Aemond scoffed again, only this time out of amusement rather than disgust. “You’re a better person than most.”

“And, technically, you are the heir.”

Your prince’s back straightened a little. His good eye flashing towards your for a second to let you know he had thought of that too. It had been several weeks since Jaehaerys assassination. Though you all still wept and grieved, kingdoms could not wait for those to recover. All of you must think toward the future. “So you need to be more careful.”

“Aegon will have other sons.”

“Hmm…perhaps.” You slide over on the desk, directly in front of Aemond, before properly sitting on it. Your legs hanging loose about either side of his lean frame. “I’m sure he’ll have a slew more sons. More bastards for the crown to feed. Unless Helaena recovers.” The death of her son had taken a toll on the crown’s sweet sister, to put it gently. Her grief was driving her slowly to madness. Coupled with the fact that she never seemed to like it when Aegon bedded her, though who could blame the Queen, the likelihood of Aegon II having another legitimate heir was a distant memory.

“She could recover.” Aemond replied. Voice calm and stern even as you undid his belt.

“I hope she does.” Truly, you did. It hurt to see her like this, and you knew it hurt Aemond. He held very tender feelings for his meek, soft older sister. Their lily amongst the thorns. “But what if she doesn’t.” Aemond takes a sharp inhale as you grasp him begin to stroke. “What of the line then?”

“Aegon has other sons.” His attention so fixed on watching your hand that he seemed to not realize he was repeating himself. “He could legitimize.”

“A bastard, legitimate or not, will never sit on the Iron Throne.” Not in 100 years. Not in 1000 years. It would never be accepted. “Jaehaera can’t inherit.” Otherwise, what was all this for? “So, it falls to you. Last true son of Viserys Targaryen.”

“Aegon could take another wife.” Aemond reasoned. His voice was still calm, but breath quickening. “Like his namesake.”

“Do you think your mother will really allow that?” Alicent was a lot of things, in your opinion, but deep down she was a good mother. She’d never let her fragile girl be cast away to shatter like glass. “And, who knows, Aegon could die.” Aemond breath hitched at the thought and he stumbled a little before he caught the table. “He’s reckless. Impulsive. And Rhaenyra always seems to get her way. But if there was an heir. A legitimate one.” Your free hand pulled up your skirts and the two of you gasp as you lead Aemond’s cock inside you. “With a legitimate heir in his wife’s belly, no one would question succession.”

The prince stood up to his full height. Looking down on you as his hips rocked slowly between your legs. “That’s what you want then, hm? My princess wants to be the Queen?”

“I want to be by your side.” It was all you ever wanted. From the day you met Aemond and felt not fear like the others, but lust at this tall, handsome, dutiful prince, who was willing to sacrifice an eye to get what he wanted. You had to have a man like that. You would accept no others. And you would sacrifice everything to have his dreams come true in return. “I don’t want to be the Queen. I want to be your Queen.” Aemond hissed loudly when you gripped the back of his long hair and pulled his head back hard. “And I can’t do that if your fucking dead!”

You can see the tether in Aemond snap just before he descended on you. Hips no longer slow and deliberate but rutting against you. Using his height now to box you in on the desk and in his arms. Grunting like an animal. Gods it was thrilling.

It was over very quickly though, as this wasn’t a moment for gentle embraces and soft words like your many nights. It was still the middle of the day, in a semi-private forum, with your skirts up around your hips and husband inside you while ink dribble off the back in your ruckus while Aemond’s cum dribbled out of you at the front. “Do you think it will really happen?”

You try to turn and look at your love, but he caught your face in his hand and kissed the side of your neck first, only able to face him once he was done. “Who knows? Anything is possible. It’s also entirely possible we’ll all be dead come winter.” Aemond chuckled. He always appreciated your practicality for things. You lifted his head up to meet you in the eye. “Which is why you must be careful.”

He looked at you for a long moment. Seeming to think on it before he told you, “I will try.” Which was honestly the best he could offer you.

The prince stepped back and slipped himself free from your cunt. Your legs pressing together to keep what was left of him inside while he helped pull down your skirts. “And if you leave me a pregnant widow, I will never forgive you.” Aemond laughed at that. Legitimately laughed at that.

He leaned in to brush a kiss past your lips and helped you down. “Well, can’t have that now can we.”

Aemond told you he had work to do and asked you to leave as you were too much of a distraction. He also asked, as if it were a passing thought, if you would check on Helaena. You were one of the few people who she would allow to see her these days. And although you may have just plotted her overthrow, you and Aemond still loved her very dearly. He probably asked because he felt guilty about that now. Or he just doesn’t want her to be alone with their mother all the time. You tell him of course and make your leave. Promising to see him tonight.

As you walk down the halls towards the other wings, the throb in your apex and mind still on your prince, you wonder if your musing could be a reality. The likelihood that Aemond could be king was not so far fetched as him dying, although the latter just seemed more likely.

Your hand drifted to your stomach for a moment, thinking on other futures time might have in store for you. Anything was possible after all.

part x xxx xxxx

[allaboutthemoonlight]

Understanding the Difference Between Hard Work and Workaholism, and Self-Care Strategies for Avoiding Burnout

Hi friends,

In today’s post, I want to talk about the idea of hard-work vs workaholism and the resulting consequence of burnout. It’s a longer post today because I believe this is something that many people are dealing with, especially in this space.

In the self-improvement and personal development bubble, there’s a constant culture of ambition and striving for improvement. While the intention behind this can be rewarding, it can sometimes fall into toxic territory with constant encouragement of and sentiments such as “just work harder” or “you‘re not disciplined enough”, often leading people to exhaust and overwork themselves.

Due to this, I'd like to discuss the significance of distinguishing between hard work and workaholism — both for productivity and well-being. While hard work can indeed lead to success and fulfillment, workaholism can result in burnout and physical and mental health issues. Recognizing the distinction between these two and equipping oneself with self-care strategies is essential for leading a balanced, healthy life.

What is hard work?

Hard work can vary from person to person, and it’s the same for everyone. Generally, hard work can be described as dedicated and focused effort towards achieving a specific goal. This can mean anything from daily runs to train for a marathon to watching numerous youtube tutorials to learn how to code.

The point here is that, although hard work involves a certain level of persistence, discipline, and strong work ethic, there’s often rewarding outcomes as you know you’re making progress towards something you want to achieve.

Understanding if you’re a hard worker or someone suffering from workaholism dictates a high level of self-reflection and introspection. In my experience, hard workers are those who:

Have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve

Are action oriented and know the purpose behind their efforts

Have the ability to achieve a work/life balance

Are either intrinsically motivated and have a high level of identified motivation

Maintain an internal locus of control

Know when to take breaks

Being a hard worker is a significant skill, one that can lead to personal development, growth, and multiple career opportunities, these are facts that can’t be denied. However, in our current environment where an individuals worth is often determined by their accomplishments and successes, the line between working hard and being a workaholic has been blurred.

Understanding workaholism

Now that we’ve talked about what exactly makes a hard-worker, I want to uncover the other reality: workaholism.

Workaholism is an uncontrollable and compulsive need to work constantly. It comes from feelings of from anxiety, perfectionism, or a desire to escape personal issues. This includes:

Obsessively thinking about work

Struggling to relax or unwind outside of work

Ignoring personal relationships and self-care

Feeling physically drained with fatigue and insomnia

Multiple studies have explored the mental and physical impacts of workaholism, revealing impacts such as high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, among others. It’s truly an exhaustive list of consequences, all of which can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Beyond mental and physical health risks, the effects of workaholism can include professional issues. It’s ironic that overworking oneself can have a negative impact on your career, yet there’s a higher likelihood of decreased job performance and strained professional relationships as a result.

I think Jordan Peterson said it best: “You don’t want to do so much work that the amount of you do interferes with the amount of work you could still do”.

Here are some of the key differences between hard work and workaholism to keep in mind:

Purpose and Motivation: Hard work is driven by intentional goals and motivation, while workaholism tends to be more compulsive.

Work-Life Balance: Hard workers manage to balance their professional and personal lives, while workaholics often neglect their personal life and self-care.

Sustainability: Hard work is sustainable over time with breaks for rest and recovery, whereas workaholism leads to burnout due to its unsustainable nature.

Control Over Work: Hard workers can regulate their work habits and take breaks when needed, while workaholics often feel out of control and struggle to stop working.

Stress Levels: Hard work can be stressful but usually within healthy limits, while workaholism leads to chronic stress and health problems.

What is burnout and how can we prevent it

With all that being said, I want to move on to clearly defining burnout and how we can avoid it. Burnout is a work-related state of exhaustion where you feel extreme fatigue, have a hard time concentrating, suffer from emotional dysregulation and poor cognitive function, and mentally distance yourself from the people around you.

Burnout doesn't happen all at once; it's a gradual process that builds up over time, often linked to workaholism. When you’re constantly in a mental state of go-go-go or feel the need to work excessively, you’ll start feeling stressed out from trying to meet all these demands. Over time, if you don’t find ways to take breaks and rest to recharge, you’ll lose energy and find yourself in a state of burnout.

This all happens because burnout leads to emotional exhaustion, detachment from work and others in your life, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment and motivation.

So how can we prevent this?

There are 5 domains in our lives that we can pay more attention to for preventing burnout: physical, mental/emotional, social, work, and personal/leisure.

Physical Well-being:

Find a form of physical activity you enjoy and do it regularly

Take short breaks during work sessions to stretch and move around

Maintain a balanced diet to sustain energy levels

Get enough each night to support brain function during the day

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

Practice mindfulness techniques and meditation to reduce stress

Practice gratitude daily to adopt a positive mindset

Use deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body.

Social Support and Relationships:

Seek help when needed through therapy, counseling, or support groups

Make time to connect with family and friends outside of work

Set boundaries for maintaining balance by defining working hours and learn to say no

Workplace Strategies:

Try to opt for projects or tasks in your work that align with personal goals and preferences

Try to schedule meetings to obtain feedback from your higher ups so that you have clear measures on your performance can identity areas for improvement

Find ways to make your work fun to sustain motivation and satisfaction in your work

Leisure and Relaxation:

Schedule leisure activities throughout your day to recharge

Dedicate time to hobbies and interests outside of work

Spend time in nature to connect with the environment and reduce mental fatigue

Thank’s for tuning in.

As always,

L <3

[hotwifeky1]

Alpha Males, Sperm competition, and Cuckoldry

(our kinks from an evolutionary biology perspective)

The phenomenon where males experience an increase in desire and fertility when observing their mate engaging with another partner, is often referred to as "sperm competition risk"

From an evolutionary biology perspective, this behavior can be understood through several theories:

Sperm Competition Risk:

Increased Ejaculate Volume: Males typically respond to the perceived risk of sperm competition by greatly increasing the volume of their ejaculate. This is thought to function as a form of displacement, increasing the chances of their sperm outcompeting that of potential rivals.

Increased Sexual Arousal and Fertility: 

When males perceive or observe their partner with another mate, particularly when chance of sperm competition exist (other males trying to fertilize the same egg), this triggers an adaptive response in the form of greatly increased sexual arousal, desire and fertility. This is thought to be an adaptation to compete effectively in situations where multiple males are vying for the opportunity to father offspring. 

Potential benefits

From an evolutionary perspective, the heightened desire, arousal, focus, and drive provide a large competitive advantage. If there's a chance of sperm competition, being sexually impassioned increases the likelihood of the observing male's sperm fertilizing the egg. The continuous denial of sexual interaction further amplifies these benefits. By maintaining a state of heightened desire without immediate release, the observing male sustains an elevated level of reproductive readiness. This prolonged state of arousal becomes an advantageous strategy, potentially increasing the male's chances of success not only in reproduction but also in various aspects of everyday life. The surplus of energy, focus, and drive may contribute to success across different domains, aligning with the overarching goal of evolutionary fitness.

Cuckoldry Detection and Response:

Adaptive Jealousy: 

Evolutionary psychology suggests that males who exhibit jealousy and distress over potential infidelity may have had a reproductive advantage. 

This emotional response acts as a mechanism to deter a mate from engaging with other males, reducing the risk of cuckoldry. 

The cuckold male may also gather information by observing the mating behaviors of potential rivals. This is thought to be an adaptive strategy to understand the competition and adjust his own behaviors accordingly.

Paternal Investment: 

In species where males invest significantly in parenting, there is an evolved response to protect their paternal investment. The greatly Increased arousal along with increased romantic and sexual interest in response to perceived mate infidelity is a strategy to safeguard resources and parental care for their own genetic offspring.

The alpha male typically refers to a dominant and high-status male in a social group. The alpha male generally has preferential access to mates and reproductive opportunities.

Alpha Male Cuckoldry reproductive strategy:

Within the context of cuckoldry, the alpha male strategically reserves exclusive access to mates. Cuckoldry occurs when the non-dominant male knowingly or unknowingly raises offspring that do not carry his genetic material. 

This reproductive strategy is advantageous for the both the alpha male and his mate, allowing him to pass on his own genes while minimizing resource-intensive parental duties. The female benefits by mating with a genetically superior male while sharing parental responsibilities with the non-dominant male.

By ensuring that the non-dominant male invests in raising offspring that carry the alpha male's genetic legacy, this reproductive approach aligns with the collective goal of the female and alpha male, maximizing his reproductive success within the social structure. The alpha male's dominance and preferential access to mates become central elements in shaping the dynamics of cuckoldry as an evolutionary strategy.

Often, the non-dominant male, in his role, finds personal satisfaction in having his sexual and reproductive desires denied as he plays a crucial part in perpetuating the genetic lineage of the dominant alpha male rather than his own.

[tremendouskoalachild]

Plausibility of Different Toxic Workplace Yuri in the Inquisitorius: a Very Serious Report

there are seven known female members of the Inquisitorius across star wars canon, not counting the unnamed inquisitor mentioned in Ghosts of Dathomir, and the unidentified inquisitors of unknown gender mentioned in Savage Spirits and Crimson Climb. they are summed up in a previous post, and include:

the Second Sister (Trilla Suduri)

the Third Sister (Reva Sevander)

the Fourth Sister (Lyn Rakish)

the Seventh Sister

the Ninth Sister (Masana Tide)

the Thirteenth Sister (Iskat Akaris)

and Barriss Offee, for a limited time frame.

that gives us 21 potential pairings. i have examined them all based on their time in the organization, the likelihood of having met before joining, their appearances together and their personalities. let's take a look.

2 x 3

Second and Third Sisters have a somewhat similar personality and role in their main media. they have never interacted to our knowledge. Trilla dies just five years into her tenure, while Reva joins at an unknown date after the organization's founding. she would be 17 at the time of Trilla's death, and may not have even been a member at that point. they may well have met before Order 66, as Trilla's master was a Seeker and they both worked with younglings (and were captured while trying to protect a group from clone troopers), but obviously no relationship happened there.

PROBABILITY: LOW for timeline reasons

TOXICITY: EXTREMELY HIGH. what if you were a teenager full of rage and i was reminded both of myself just a few years ago and of the children i failed to rescue every time i looked at you 😳

2 x 4

Second and Fourth Sisters were concurrent members for around five years, and may have known each other or been peers before (i don't quite believe they were, as Lyn's dynamic with Barriss Offee seems to go against that). we have never seen them interact but there is no reason to believe they haven't, as they were present in the headquarters at the same time for at least a while; inquisitors are often sent on missions in pairs or teams, and there aren't that many of them.

PROBABILITY AND TOXICITY: MODERATE. Lyn was very much not over Barriss leaving her for basically the whole time these two knew each other. Trilla the inquisitor is not one for socializing but who's to say she never needed to blow off some steam.

2 x 7

Second and Seventh Sister were both inquisitors for the first five years of the organization's existence, and both were likely broken by torture. we've seen them together once, standing around in disinterest while their colleagues toast with shitty local alcohol, shortly before Trilla's death. they may well have met before becoming inquisitors but both are keen to forget their pasts.

PROBABILITY AND TOXICITY: MODERATE. neither is particularly sociable, and Seventh especially is difficult to get along with. they have a lot in common but not the good parts, is what i'm saying.

2 x 9

Second and Ninth Sister were concurrently members for five years, and were sent together on a mission to Bracca in Jedi: Fallen Order. while they get separated (forever) seeing it through, it isn't the only time we've seen them cooperating. they were both broken by torture and have quite a bit in common, though they picked different coping strategies. they almost certainly didn't know each other before Order 66 (Cere, Trilla's master, didn't know Masana).

PROBABILITY: MODERATE to HIGH. by which i mean that we've seen them comfortably work together in canon, which automatically puts them to the top of amicable inquisitor relationships. Trilla is very closed off, but Masana might have more success getting her to open up than most.

TOXICITY: MODERATE. neither is dealing with their extreme trauma in a particularly healthy way so putting them together is. hmmm.

2 x 13

we know Trilla and Iskat have interacted at Inquisitorius HQ, and they die in quick succession five years after joining. we have Iskat's POV attesting they hadn't met before Order 66, and that she was never in anything resembling a relationship. new recruit Iskat is desperate for friends but is put off by Trilla's hostility during training, and gets a boyfriend relatively soon after, whom she keeps until they die.

PROBABILITY: LOW. Iskat is not successful trying to get close to Trilla in canon and gets a long-term inquisitor boyfriend instead.

TOXICITY: HIGH. Iskat was famously a voluntary recruit, while Trilla had to be dragged in kicking and screaming, broken by torture and betrayal. she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Iskat, or anyone for that matter. timeline-wise any relationship Iskat could have with her would involve a lot of jealousy and borderline cheating on Tualon.

2 x Barriss

Barriss spends a short time with the Inquisitorius, seemingly in a different facility entirely from their HQ. it is possible Trilla is currently there getting tortured but that isn't exactly conductive to a relationship. Barriss doesn't appear to meet any inquisitors apart from those shown in Tales of the Empire (the Grand Inquisitor, Lyn, guy killed later by Ahsoka, other guy killed later by Ahsoka) before deserting. they might have met back as Jedi but nothing suggests that.

PROBABILITY AND TOXICITY: LOW. there is no real space for them to interact in canon.

3 x 4

we don't know how much Third and Fourth Sister's time with the Inquisitorius overlaps, but we have seen them working together. Reva has a lot of friction with Fifth Brother and the Grand Inquisitor in those scenes, but is chill with Fourth Sister. it has been almost ten years since Barriss left by that point, shortly before Reva leaves, and a couple years before Lyn follows them both.

PROBABILITY: MODERATE. Reva is extremely focused on her mission but then again, there is downtime during transportation and such. Lyn is there, much more approachable than others present, and pining for Barris.

TOXICITY: MODERATE to HIGH. Reva goes from the lowest-status coworker to Lyn's boss to presumed dead traitor over a couple days, which is also the only period we can be sure they spent together.

3 x 7

we have no idea whether these two ever interacted. they don't have that much in common compared to some other pairings but i don't see anything making it impossible for them to hatefuck at some point 🤷‍♀️

PROBABILITY AND TOXICITY: MODERATE.

3 x 9

we don't know when Reva joined up exactly, but they both left the Inquisitorius around the same time (well, Reva left. Masana got decapitated). their missions had some small overlap so it isn't out of the question that they would have cooperated off-screen. i think Reva would have reminded Masana of Trilla, who she used to work with quite well. they both have complex relationships to Darth Vader (Reva wants to murder him to death for killing her family, while Masana was mutilated by him several times over and copes via humor).

PROBABILITY: MODERATE. you can't tell me Masana wouldn't be up for it, while Reva seems much more likely to fool around with someone who also lost so much to Vader.

TOXICITY: MODERATE because inquisitor Reva absolutely cannot have a healthy relationship but also there isn't much about Masana making it worse.

3 x 13

similar to Trilla, it's doubtful Reva ever set foot in the Inquisitorius before Iskat's death. if she did, she would have been 17 at most when Iskat dies, and Iskat would have spent the entire time having her evil romance with Tualon. Iskat also joined the organization willingly and always felt Order 66 was completely justified, so i can't imagine Reva would be chill with her.

PROBABILITY: LOW for both timeline and general compatibility reasons.

TOXICITY: EXTREMELY HIGH. Iskat juggling her possessive broken jedi boyfriend who halfheartedly tried to kill her and this teen who very much wants to end her life. someone would die and it wouldn't take long.

3 x Barriss

one of only two pairings on the list i'm practically completely positive couldn't have met while inquisitors. they both deserted though, so maybe they'll meet up eventually...?

4 x 7

they served the Inquisitorius concurrently for around 16 years but we never saw them interacting, or heard of them working together. they don't have much in common personality-wise, other than being capable and dedicated enough to keep their jobs (and lives) that long in this rather intense work environment. however, while Seventh is quick to piss off her colleagues, Lyn is generally level-headed and willing to work with others. maybe opposites attract?

PROBABILITY: MODERATE. their other coworkers drop like flies and their dating pool is pretty limited otherwise due to their careers. also they're both green-yellow?

TOXICITY: MODERATE. you can't have a non-toxic relationship involving Seventh tbh

4 x 9

ten years working together. we haven't seen any notable interactions between them but i don't see why they couldn't have become work buddies at some point, since they're the more pleasant to work with inquisitors around. similar to Reva and Masana, their missions around 10 years post-Order 66 overlap a bit, so they might have cooperated.

PROBABILITY: MODERATE. neither of them is seething with hatred 24/7 or completely isolating themselves, and their other colleagues keep leaving or dying. what's a girl to do but fuck that huge alien gal?

TOXICITY: LOW. i don't really see why they couldn't have a fling. being colleagues is like the most questionable thing they have going on.

4 x 13

Iskat tried to become friends with Lyn, got brushed off, and soon afterwards got reunited with Tualon, who became her hobby until they died 5 years later. they decidedly didn't know each other back before Order 66. i suppose they have a bit in common in being willing recruits, and that Lyn might become more receptive to Iskat wanting companionship once she gets over Barriss (or the wound becomes less fresh, i guess).

PROBABILITY: LOW. they missed their shot.

TOXICITY: MODERATE because of Tualon's existence, Lyn pining over Barriss, plus their first impressions not being great.

4 x Barriss

they knew each other before Order 66, and Barriss spent most of her inquisitor time under Lyn's wing in some way. Lyn clearly feels strongly about Barriss leaving her, for quite some time. there isn't much space for yuri shenanigans before Barriss leaves but plenty after their reunion.

PROBABILITY: PRETTY LOW if we're concerned only with true workplace yuri, since Barriss was still very much getting her bearings and then left right away. you can't prove it didn't happen though.

TOXICITY: HIGH. your heartbroken almost-ex gets you out of jail after a government coup, recruits you into a weird culty organization, becomes your boss, tries to get you to kill civilians, you throw her of a cliff. regardless where we imagine the kissing happened it's pretty weird.

7 x 9

they have 10 years of working for the Inquisitorius, and have been on missions together before. also one of those missions involved going undercover at a casino and gambling on company time. Seventh wore a dress. that's practically a date innit

PROBABILITY: HIGH. both are snarky gals coping with their extreme trauma through having irreverent fun on the job. what's more fun than putting your mouthy coworker in her place?

TOXICITY: MODERATE mostly because Seventh is involved.

7 x 13

they've been thoroughly introduced to each other shortly after Iskat's recruitment and it didn't go well for either one. Iskat keeps well clear of Seventh afterwards for both life preservation purposes and general ease of life. she also has a thrilling pseudo-romance with her somewhat murdery boyfriend Tualon, so i don't imagine she's likely to seek out Seventh for thrills.

PROBABILITY: LOW. they hate each other but not in a sexy way, and both have better outlets.

TOXICITY: EXTREMELY HIGH. murder murder murder.

7 x Barriss

even at her most morally questionable i don't think Barriss would ever be drawn to Seventh Sister. they well may have met as Jedi, since it is suggested Mirialans stick together at least somewhat during the prequel era. it is very doubtful they met while Barriss was with the Inquisitorius, however.

PROBABILITY: LOW for timeline and compatibility reasons.

TOXICITY: HIGH. what if you found the timid healer-turned-terrorst girl in a hallway, all alone and wide-eyed in her new evil uniform, and decided to show her the wonders of the dark side...

9 x 13

they know each other for five years, and Masana essentially becomes Iskat's closest companion showing her the ropes in the Inquisitorius, until she reunites with Tualon. they talk pretty freely and Iskat considers Masana a "lively sparring partner". they didn't know each other before being recruited. Iskat had done so voluntarily, Masana not so much but has accepted her role by the time they meet.

PROBABILITY AND TOXICITY: MODERATE. i'd envision it as part of Iskat's self-realization arc. there is a parallel between Masana and Tualon's recruitment, and maybe Masana could do as him and make the most of it. that doesn't mean she'd forget, thoug.

9 x Barriss

there is very little probability they ever met, as inquisitors or otherwise. i think Barriss would find Masana intimidating at best, and Masana "it would be fun to bring you in, watch you crack like the rest of us" Tide would probably have thoughts about Barriss' recruitment.

PROBABILITY: LOW for timeline and compatibility reasons.

TOXICITY: HIGH. let Masana show this pipsqueak just what she signed up for.

13 x Barriss

Barriss is long gone by the time Iskat properly joins the Inquisitorius, and Iskat's story rules out them having a fling either as jedi or afterwards.

[selfhelpforstudents]

From Procrastination to Productivity: Strategies for Beating Study Blues

Girls in Finance project server // other posts

Overcoming procrastination is a common challenge for students. You are not alone. I am one of the top students of my country (by results) and I struggle with it...Discover effective strategies to transform your study habits and boost productivity here <3:

Understanding Procrastination:

Acknowledge common reasons for procrastination, such as fear of failure, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed.

Recognize the negative impact of procrastination on academic performance and overall well-being.

Strategies to Beat Procrastination:

Break it Down: Divide your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Tackling smaller components feels less daunting and makes the overall task more achievable.

Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for each study session. Setting realistic expectations reduces the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed.

Create a Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly study schedule. Having a structured plan helps prioritize tasks and ensures you allocate time to each subject.

Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused, 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This technique can improve concentration and prevent burnout.

Find Your Productive Time: Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule challenging tasks during this time. Everyone has different times of the day when they are most alert and focused.

Visualize Success: Imagine the sense of accomplishment and success that comes with completing your tasks. Visualization can motivate you to start and finish your work.

Cultivating a Productive Mindset:

Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions in your study environment. Turn off social media notifications and create a focused, quiet space.

Reward Yourself: Incorporate rewards into your study routine. Treat yourself to a short break, a snack, or an enjoyable activity after completing a significant task.

Stay Positive: Focus on positive self-talk. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations that boost your confidence and reinforce your ability to succeed.

Conclusion: Overcoming procrastination requires a combination of effective strategies and a positive mindset. Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for you and pave the way for a more productive and successful study experience.

Girls in Finance project server // other posts

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Living Weapon Whumpee *BONUS Scene* part 2

Warnings: forced living weapon/fighter, aftermath of being a weapon/semi-retired weapon, lost family, fractured memories

Whumpee didn't hesitate to start aggressively ripping open filing cabinets, tearing out manilla folders by the handfuls to quickly scan the labels before throwing them on the floor.

"Whumpee! What on earth are you doing?!" Max asked as he stepped into the room.

"Looking for anything on me," Whumpee tossed over his shoulder. "They had to have kept some sort of record on the projects and experiments they performed to make me Weapon."

Jake appeared behind Max, confused and angry. "What is going in he--"

"--He's looking for information about Weapon," Max filled in before Whumpee could answer.

Jake's eyes widened, his face instantly losing its sharp edge and becoming sympathetic. "Oh." He shared a knowing glance with Max. "Flint ordered me to have this place burnt down and destroy all files once we captured the last of Leader's men, but... I can give you some time. Just do me a favor, and let me know next time before you run off like that, all right?"

Whumpee didn't reply, too focused on rifling through papers. The team he was on was brand new, and didn't know much of his history. But Max and Jake knew. They knew it was personal for Whumpee to find closure. So what if they broke a few rules to make it happen? Flint had said to make their mission quick, but he hadn't specifically specified his definition of 'quick'. So technically they weren't disobeying orders.

"I'll help him look -- you keep the rest of the team busy," Max suggested to Jake, who nodded and left.

Max sighed heavily and started attacking filing cabinets at the other side of the room, adding to the growing pile of discarded folders on the floor. "What titles am I looking for?" Max asked, throwing another over his shoulder. It was full of drawn-out military strategies.

"Anything with the word 'Weapon' in it, I'd assume, since that's what they decided to call me," Whumpee growled. "Or 'project'? 'Experiments', maybe?"

"Mmhmm." Max spent over half an hour searching, and together he and Whumpee went through almost the entire room until they were ankle-deep in manilla folders and random papers. It was hopeless.

Until...

"Wait--I think I might have something," Max announced, flipping through some pages. "'Supercharging and enhancing genetics'?"

Whumpee was at his side in an instant, peering over his shoulder.

"Don't be a helicopter hovering over me. It's all yours, man," Max laughed, and handed the folder to Whumpee, who was careful not to rip it as he took a look for himself.

This. This was what he'd been searching for. A complete analysis of who he was and what changes Leader had made, from giving him supernatural strength and endurance to enhanced bone density and slightly accelerated healing abilities.

"Wow... they really changed a lot of you, didn't they?" Max breathed, leaning in to read what he was holding.

Whumpee was speechless, he had no words to describe what he was seeing.

Because these articles were describing him like he wasn't a person, but a military project.

Adult Male.

Taken at 20 years of age.

Chosen for exhibiting naturally mature body features pre-enhancement, indicating an increased likelihood of surviving harsh environments and enduring experiments where many others have perished.

Initially showed extreme resistance to treatment due to familial ties, but treatment more effective over time, reducing overall stress levels by end of trials.

At start of procedures, subject started showing signs of dehydration and malnutrition and entered beginning stages of emaciation and physical shock, before rapid muscle growth ensued and bone density increased over the course of two weeks. Physical body tone improvement clearly visible.

Surgically enhancing genetics proves successful in achieving more durable subject to be battlefield-ready.

Heavy conditioning and training exercises have refined mental condition to lethal obedience. Subject suffers memory loss and struggles with emotional regulation, but is otherwise healthy.

Results show improved speed, stamina and overall physical strength. Three times the average for typical humans.

Recalls no family or emotional ties, but family has been detained in case the need arises for additional motivation or control over subject named Weapon in event of memory return.

Whumpee stared numbly down at the papers in his hand, breathing shakily. This is who he really was. A messed-up experiment. Torn apart and stitched back together so many times he forgot his original identity -- a weapon made of muscle and scar tissue held together by bitter rage.

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

@scoundrelwithboba @lumpofsand @isikedmyself878 @iamheretohurt @fleur-a-whump

@ay5ksal @otterfrost @sausages-things @i-don't-know-sal @togzy

@whump-till-ya-jump @cravesunconditionallove @whumpwritinglover222 @silly-scroimblo-skrunkl @cepheusgalaxy

@theforeverdyingperson @dragongodryss

[iniziare]

Escaping life's big stresses for just a little bit to note something that I feel is likely not needed, but I still want to make note of. And maybe this topic/thought is brought to me a bit too much by a random thought about Rusty Ryan, but still: his 'luck'.

I think it's important to note that Aventurine's good outcomes do not merely depend on the presence of luck, but are, instead, a combined manifestation of that and immensely intricate strategizing, although I will say confidently that I think it's a whole lot more of the latter, than the former. As I've seen said before, professional gamblers don't actually rely on luck as much as we think that they do, instead, a lot of it is based within substantial amounts of strategy, mathematics, and understanding of human psychology, and I think the story of Penacony is incredibly telling of that. Details such as Sunday not noticing that the Cornerstone in front of him was actually the Jade stone, instead of the Aventurine stone, play into chance, but it's a rather low-risk one, for jade and aventurine are very commonly mistaken for one another (the symbooolism), and only one truly versed in the field of gemstones, could properly tell the difference without taking quite some time to look. To assume Sunday to simply be one of the masses, isn't a risky or odd assumption to make at all, as nothing about him would truly indicate the opposite (and also, look at his character traits). So while all could have gone detrimentally differently if he had noticed that it was the Jade stone, and thus the risk would have been an expensive one, it wasn't actually likely to backfire. Many parts of Aventurine's plan were really quite calculated, instead of left up for chance, including Acheron drawing her blade against him (he taunted it to such magnitude after all, so it was unlikely that she wouldn't), and even the "betrayal" from Veritas Ratio. The latter is in all ways, incredibly clever, and Aventurine, just like many others in the HSR universe, knows that he is, and so it was incredibly likely that Ratio, who is rooted in always calculating all odds, strategizing, and so forth, would figure out Aventurine's plan, and thus 'intentionally' but unintentionally so, join in on the plan. Did you see Aventurine's smirk when he turned to Ratio after "betraying" him? Yeah, that seals this take for me. So, is there chance involved there? Sure, but again, chance becomes a whole other game when you take likelihoods into account, which are all based on variables that can be calculated ahead of time without any stretch of the imagination. This is what makes a great gambler, a great gambler. And that is exactly what Aventurine is, but not solely because he 'was blessed with luck' that would make all his schemes automatically more successful, despite his family (sister particularly) trying to make it seem that way, but because he is incredibly clever, something that Acheron herself also makes note of in the following:

Acheron: You possess great cunning. Deliberately setting us up to be on opposing sides, constantly repeating the words of the Emanator in front of others, leaving me no choice but to draw my blade against you. Acheron: And that's how you win. Opportunity and strategy, both are essential.

But, Aventurine has always had a clever little head on his shoulders, as was made apparent in a flashback with his sister, as shown in Double Indemnity (I also need to note how I love how he 'shows off' his cleverness as a young child):

Kakavasha: Sister, don't be afraid. The Katicans are fools, but I'm smart. I played a "game" with them, and I won. ???: Won? What happened exactly? Tell me. Kakavasha: I made a bet with them — the two birds in the desert and me, who will die first? I won. They suspected me of cheating, but I didn't... I won fair and square.

[digitxlagency]

How Can You Improve Conversion Rates in Digital Marketing?

In digital marketing, conversion rates are the ultimate measure of success. Whether you’re aiming to increase sales, generate leads, or drive downloads, improving conversion rates ensures that your marketing efforts yield tangible results. Knowing the ways to effectively increase your conversion rate is essential for achieving these goals and optimising your campaigns.

This blog explores actionable tips and strategies to improve conversion rates, helping you create a seamless user experience that encourages your audience to take action. By implementing these strategies, supported by experts like a CRO agency, you can transform website visitors into loyal customers.

What Is Conversion Rate and Why Does It Matter?

A conversion rate is the percentage of users who complete a desired action on your website, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form. High conversion rates indicate that your audience finds your website engaging and your offerings compelling. It’s a key metric for measuring the success of your digital marketing campaigns.

If you’re looking for tips to increase your conversion rate, start by analysing your user journey and identifying potential barriers. Conversion rate optimisation (CRO) focuses on enhancing the user experience and aligning it with your audience’s intent.

Ways to Effectively Increase Your Conversion Rate

Here are proven strategies to boost your conversion rates in digital marketing:

1. Simplify Your Website Design

A clutter-free, user-friendly website improves navigation and encourages visitors to stay longer. Ensure your site is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Use clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons to guide users toward the desired actions.

2. Optimise Landing Pages

Landing pages play a crucial role in conversions. Focus on:

Crafting compelling headlines.

Using high-quality visuals.

Highlighting benefits with concise, persuasive copy.

Test different layouts and designs using A/B testing tools to identify what resonates best with your audience.

3. Leverage Social Proof

Showcasing reviews, testimonials, and case studies builds trust and reassures potential customers of your credibility. People are more likely to convert when they see others have had positive experiences.

4. Improve Page Load Speeds

Page load speed directly impacts user experience. Slow-loading pages can frustrate visitors, causing them to leave before taking action. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to diagnose and improve performance.

5. Personalise User Experiences

Tailored experiences make users feel valued. Use tools to analyse user behaviour and deliver personalised recommendations, dynamic content, and targeted offers.

6. Streamline Forms

If your goal is lead generation, simplify your forms. Ask only for essential information to reduce friction and increase the likelihood of users completing the form.

7. Collaborate with Experts

Partnering with a conversion rate optimisation agency in Australia can help you implement advanced CRO techniques. Experts bring a wealth of experience, ensuring you maximise your marketing ROI.

Best Practices for Conversion Rate Optimisation

Test Regularly: Continuously test and tweak elements such as CTAs, images, and layouts.

Focus on Customer Pain Points: Address common objections or concerns within your content.

Analyse Data: Use analytics tools to track user behaviour and identify drop-off points.

Follow Up: Implement retargeting campaigns to engage users who didn’t convert initially.

Conclusion

Improving conversion rates in digital marketing requires a combination of user-centric design, data-driven insights, and effective strategies. By focusing on the ways to effectively increase your conversion rate, you can achieve better results and drive significant growth. For expert guidance, consider collaborating with CRO agencies or seasoned SEO marketing professionals who can help elevate your campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to increase conversion rate in digital marketing?

To improve conversion rates, optimise your website for user experience, create compelling CTAs, and use social proof like testimonials. Personalisation and faster page load speeds also make a significant difference.

Which three actions can improve your conversion rate?

Simplify your website design and navigation.

Leverage A/B testing for landing pages.

Highlight social proof to build trust.

How do you get a good conversion rate?

A good conversion rate comes from understanding your audience, delivering relevant content, and creating seamless user experiences. Regularly testing and refining your strategies is key.

What is the conversion rate for digital marketing?

Conversion rates vary by industry, but an average rate across industries is typically between 2% and 5%. With effective CRO strategies, it’s possible to exceed these benchmarks.

[bigfootbeat]

Is Bigfoot Hunting a Good Idea?

For individuals who are fascinated by the Bigfoot tale and want to start their search for the elusive creature, the article "Bigfoot Hunting: A How to Do It Guide to Catch Sasquatch?" offers a thorough guidance. The author makes sure that every facet of the hunt is covered in depth by carefully outlining ten phases for novices, which range from doing preliminary research to honoring the natural world.

Setting the situation and recognizing the general interest with Bigfoot and the continuous discussion over its existence, the article opens. The reader is captivated by this introduction, which also establishes the context for the in-depth instructions that come next.

"Research," the first phase, highlights how important it is to prepare thoroughly. It is sensible and well-founded to advise consulting a variety of sources, including as books, movies, and websites, in addition to consulting with seasoned hunters and regional groups. The recommendation to look through local archives for historical materials gives a distinctive perspective that can interest, and help dedicated aficionados.

The essay then offers planning advice for the hunt, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough plan based on research results. The recommendations to follow local regulations and notify someone of your whereabouts emphasize how crucial safety and legality are for any outside activity. These are responsible and necessary considerations.

The essay goes into great detail when describing the necessary tools, including spotlights, cameras, and binoculars. The practical factors required for a successful and safe hunt are highlighted by the presence of a first aid kit and appropriate clothes. There's a realistic element regarding potential risks in the wilderness when a weapon is mentioned, even if it comes with a warning.

Providing particular insights about recognizing footprints and other indicators of the creature, the section on tracking Bigfoot is enlightening. A well-rounded strategy that is both aspirational and based in reality can be achieved by fostering skepticism and acquiring hands-on experience in wooded environments.

One of the most important qualities for any Bigfoot hunter is patience. The essay accurately notes that, considering the likelihood of the search being drawn out and difficult, persistence and a good outlook are essential. The useful advice to choose a quiet area and observe silently is especially helpful.

The importance of safety is emphasized, along with tips for being aware of your surroundings, bringing necessary safety equipment, and informing someone of your plans. This emphasis on safety is indicative of a careful and conscientious approach to the potentially dangerous sport of Bigfoot hunting.

It is taught clearly how crucial it is to remain silent in order to keep the creature from running away. The essay prudently stresses the importance of stealth by advising against the use of loud equipment and flashy apparel.

It's a practical guide on using bait, offering ideas for tasty, safe baits like bacon and apples. The moral warning against using others as bait is an essential addition that makes sure the reader is aware of the consequences of their actions in terms of both safety and morality.

To increase safety and efficacy, teamwork is advised, with a logical focus on remaining in pairs. This encourages teamwork and a sense of brotherhood.

The last major idea is to respect nature, which serves as a reminder to readers to protect the environment and leave no trace. It is admirable that this ecological consciousness is in line with more general conservation ideas.

In order to prevent mockery, the essay ends with a supplementary advice regarding the caliber of photographic evidence, advising hunters to share only sharp photos. This useful guidance demonstrates a realistic grasp of how the public perceives things and the significance of believability.

All things considered, the essay is interesting, educational, and well-organized. It is an invaluable resource for any would-be Bigfoot hunter since it strikes a balance between excitement for the thrill of Bigfoot hunting and practical, ethical, and safety concerns.

[sheuli22]

Unleashing the Power of Facebook Marketing: Best Strategies for Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, Facebook continues to reign supreme as a powerhouse platform for businesses looking to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales.

Crafting an effective Facebook marketing strategy is essential for staying ahead in the competitive online market. Here, we explore the best strategies to make the most of your Facebook marketing efforts.

Create a Compelling Business Page: Facebook Business Page is the foundation of your online presence. Optimize it by providing complete and accurate information, using high-quality visuals, and incorporating your brand's unique personality.

Regularly update your profile and cover photos to keep your page fresh.

Content is King: Develop a content strategy that resonates with your audience. Use a mix of engaging text, eye-catching visuals, and videos. Experiment with different content types to see what works best for your target demographic. Consistency is key, so establish a posting schedule and stick to it.

Leverage Facebook Ads: Facebook's robust advertising platform allows you to reach highly targeted audiences. Utilize Facebook Ads to promote your products or services, boost posts, and drive website traffic.

Experiment with different ad formats, such as carousel ads, video ads, and slideshow ads, to see what generates the best results.

Harness the Power of Video: Video content has become increasingly popular on Facebook. Utilize live videos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and storytelling to engage your audience. Facebook's algorithm often favors video content, leading to higher reach and engagement.

Engage with Your Audience: Actively respond to comments, messages, and reviews on your page. Encourage discussions, ask questions, and run polls to foster a sense of community.

By engaging with your audience, you build trust and loyalty, which can translate into customer retention and advocacy.

Run Contests and Giveaways: Create excitement and boost engagement by running contests and giveaways. Encourage users to like, share, and comment for a chance to win. This not only increases your reach but also creates a buzz around your brand.

Utilize Facebook Analytics: Regularly analyze Facebook Insights to understand the performance of your content and ads. Identify trends, track key metrics, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

This data-driven approach ensures that you're making informed decisions to optimize your Facebook marketing efforts.

Implement Retargeting Strategies: Make use of Facebook Pixel to track website visitors and retarget them with relevant ads. This helps re-engage potential customers who have shown interest in your products or services, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers can significantly expand your reach.

Identify influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic and collaborate on sponsored content or promotions.

Stay Updated on Algorithm Changes: Facebook's algorithm evolves, impacting how content is displayed in users' feeds. Stay informed about algorithm changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. Currently, meaningful interactions and quality content are prioritized, so focus on creating content that sparks genuine engagement.

Conclusion:

Mastering Facebook marketing requires a combination of creativity, consistency, and adaptability. By implementing these strategies, you can unlock the full potential of Facebook as a marketing powerhouse, driving brand growth and achieving your business objectives. Keep refining your approach based on data and feedback, and watch as your brand flourishes in the dynamic world of social media marketing.

[tgrailwar-zero]

Real quick, can we get our team’s (and AVENGER’s) opinion on all of this? I just wanna hear their thoughts on this information.

MUSASHI: "I'll need some time to process all of it, but… Well, you were talking about doing things a better way, and this is a start. You'll have my swords as long as you keep going on a just path."

She rattled her swords, visibly a bit excited.

NERO: "Besides, the surface of the Moon is where all of the secrets of the previous war are held. It seems like both of our pasts are being held there."

CONSTANTINE: "I have no complaints. This certainly seems like the most reasonable path forward, though ultimately it's your choice."

KUKULKAN: "…"

She seemed to be thinking to herself for a moment with a shadowy expression, before quickly snapping herself out of it and smiling brightly.

KUKULKAN: "Ah, yes! Sorry! I'm on board too!"

As the others made their thoughts known, turning to SIGURD, AVENGER crossed his arms with a dour expression.

AVENGER: "Lord Sigurd- 'King of Warriors'. What I've been meaning to ask…"

SIGURD: "Right. Observing your situation, a direct attack on the Red Faction alone would lead to your death. Destroying whatever lynchpins they have in place expanding their territory, and then perhaps attacking while their defenses are lowered would result in a lower likelihood of immediate death. Though I would suggest a similar course of gaining materials to prepare yourself. Either way, success is minimal without very careful planning and what some may consider 'miracles'."

A battle strategy, cold as ice, laid out without hesitation with unpromising language. Despite that, AVENGER nodded his head, as if satisfied. And with a flash, his body was shrouded in his blood-red Mystic Code.

AVENGER: "…Understood."

CONSTANTINE furrowed his brow, stepping up to the crimson-clad warrior.

CONSTANTINE: "And so, you plan to head out on your own? Facing near certain death out of a desire for vengeance?"

GREY MESSENGER: "…While our Masters and I are made from similar cloth, the colors of our souls differ. I am death. I am loss. I am the Grim Reaper. The Grey Messenger. One who snuffs out even the brightest stars in the sky."

So, this was AVENGER with his memories.

Cold, morose, and deadly. An instrument that played only songs of suffering, and pushed forward with cold determination.

In an ironic twist of fate, you could see how he with his memories would have been a great fit for your previous selves with theirs.

[acceptccnow]

Efficient Credit Card Processing for Subscription-Based Models

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-Credit-Cards-Now.com

In the rapidly evolving digital realm, businesses demand a dependable and effective credit card processing system, especially when engaged in subscription-based models. Credit card acceptance isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a strategic necessity that fuels expansion and ensures smooth financial transactions. In this article, we will delve into the universe of credit card processing, with a particular focus on its pivotal role in subscription-based enterprises.

The Significance of Credit Card Processing It's not just a payment choice; it stands as the gateway to success for subscription-based models. Envision a scenario where your customers confront complex payment procedures, leading to exasperation and eventual abandonment. Proficient payment processing eradicates these hurdles, positioning itself as a critical component of your subscription-based business strategy.

Why Credit Card Processing is Crucial Payment processing in subscription-based models is a fundamental element of customer satisfaction and retention. It guarantees seamless transactions, providing your customers with a fuss-free experience when subscribing to your services. Furthermore, modern payment processing systems incorporate robust security measures, safeguarding sensitive customer data and thwarting fraudulent activities. The automation of recurring billing is indispensable for subscription-based models, guaranteeing punctual payments and minimizing churn rates. Additionally, accepting credit cards broadens your business horizons, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling you to tap into a global audience.

Embracing Credit Cards for High-Risk Ventures For high-risk businesses, securing a reliable payment processing solution is of paramount importance. Whether your operations fall within the CBD industry, credit repair services, or e-commerce niches, you need a high-risk credit card processing system capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by your sector.

Merchant Accounts for High-Risk Enterprises High-risk merchant accounts are tailored explicitly for businesses with an elevated likelihood of chargebacks or fraud. If your subscription-based model falls within this category, obtaining a high-risk merchant account becomes indispensable for sustainable growth.

The E-commerce Advantage In the era of online shopping, e-commerce payment processing is absolutely indispensable. Online enterprises, whether they reside in traditional markets or high-risk domains, rely on efficient e-commerce payment gateways to expedite transactions and ensure customer contentment.

In conclusion, the universe of subscription-based models revolves around proficient credit card processing. It's not just about accepting payments; it's about crafting a smooth and secure experience for your clientele. Whether you operate in a high-risk industry or e-commerce, the right payment processing system can be the cornerstone for sustainable growth and global outreach.

[misfitwashere]

It would, of course, be naive to think that we are not in a moment of profound danger – MAGA is a fascist movement, and America is, in fact, at a dark turning point in its history. 

We are all grieving, and we are all devastated in our own way and for our own reasons. We will go through a period of introspection that will, at times, more resemble finger pointing. Some of this is an earnest attempt to cope and some of it is opportunism expressing itself. 

In my mind, coping must begin with the acceptance of two competing truths:

First, we are not to “blame” for what has happened. The path to fascism began when the GOP decided that its own voters were stepping stones to power rather than constituents. It continued when instead of focusing its energy and efforts on common challenges, it directed all of its strength against large swaths of American society and the foundations of democracy itself. We have fought at every turn to stop this, at times with notable successes. Morality, decency, and civic virtue must be present on all corners of the political universe for democracy to survive – there must be a universal orientation towards the common good, even if there is disagreement as to what that common good is. 

Second, we must acknowledge that there are significant portions of American society that are not hyper-radicalized fascists, yet do not understand the danger of fascism in the way that we understand it. Although our intentions, principles, and vision were the correct ones, the practical expression of our ideals in terms of messaging and execution did not accomplish the practical objective of mobilizing enough voters to our side. If we get another chance at this, we must develop messages, strategies, and means of communication that persuade persuadable voters. 

There are many smart voices out there that believe that all is lost. They may be right – we cannot face this moment if we are not willing to at least entertain the possibility that this narrative will end with mass executions and tyranny. 

That said, I believe that there are compelling reasons that all is not lost, and that fascism may not succeed in the United States. They are:

1.The United States is much more racially/ethnically diverse than was Germany, making the isolation and persecution of minorities more challenging.

2. Major civil liberties are codified in the Bill of Rights, supported by centuries of case law. Many who voted for Trump or failed to vote value these rights. 

3. The Federal system greatly increases the likelihood of institutionalized resistance at the state level and allows for the creation of practical, alternative paths forward. 

4. Unlike Germany, Italy, Russia, or Hungary, the United States has a well established democratic tradition. Democracy was very new in these other states when it fell or had never been present at all. 

5. The United States has living, credible former presidents and senior leaders. Individually and collectively, they have considerable experience, talent, and communication skills. 

6. We have a large, well-organized, and well-financed opposition. We did many, many things well this cycle and have many resources at our disposal. 

7. Other major democracies are our allies; the revanchism and irredentist motivations present in Weimar Germany are not present here. Germany had been vanquished in WWI by the world’s biggest democracies, a fact that helped discredit democracy. 

8. Modern technology makes it easier to capture and share abuses of power. It also makes it easier to communicate and organize in ways that were not possible in the 1930’s. 

9. Trump is old, stupid, and in severe cognitive decline.There is no hiding this. 

10. Demographically, the US is becoming less white and less religious – its central marks of identity ignore the heterogeneity of American society. 

11. Trump’s policies will be economically ruinous for people and companies alike.This has a way of capturing people’s attention. 

12. We have experience with Trump and the authoritarian playbook; we know their plans in advance and can prepare.

13. Many major, and popular, celebrities oppose Trump, and jailing or murdering them would be politically untenable.

14. Trump personally has no ambitions beyond himself; he’s not an ideologue or a self-styled “thinker”. He’s also unfocused and easily distracted.

15. The GOP often devolves into disorganization and infighting. They are evil, but not smart. They are also constrained at every turn by their need to deny reality. 

16. Even though the media has largely failed to rise to the occasion, there are many serious journalists in this country.

17. If Trump dies or is incapacitated, his successor is unlikely to have the same cachet and party support. Considerable energy will be consumed by those trying to seize the mantle of his authority. Nobody is going to defer to VD Vance. 

18. The military is largely independent and apolitical at the command level, and the rank and file is often nonwhite.

19. We are facing neither a credible external or internal threat for fascists to use as a foil. Although Trump has tried to portray us as communists, we are not, and his protestations do not actually make us such. 

20. The writings of the founding fathers and our national heroes are at direct odds with Trump; he cannot credibly claim to be their spiritual successor. Knowledge of and monuments to these are literally all across America. There is a great deal of history that will be very difficult to erase. 

Deal with your grief, and then figure out how to get back in this fight. They might as well have to work for it. 

[korkiekenobiconfirmed]

Okay Aelin’s plan at the end of EOS was complete bullshit for so many reasons, all of which can be lumped under 3 larger categories.

1) Probability of success during the war

This is limited, as they mentioned in the books, but Lys’s ability to trick people into thinking she’s Aelin lasts about as long as it takes for them to need her fire powers. The point of pretending Aelin was alive was to help morale and keep the bad guys from learning that she was out of the picture, but if your supposed “fire breathing” savior queen doesn’t show a single spark of power, even when a battle turns dire, that’s arguably worse for morale and does nothing to rally the people. Martyring Aelin & saying she died arguably would’ve been a better choice for this purpose.

Strategy is a huge part of war. Someone like Aelin, with magic as powerful as hers (especially bc of how effective a weapon fire was against Erawan’s forces), would be treated as a battalion all her own. War strategy relies on knowing every player on the board, every move that needs to be made. Generals (like Aedion) are factoring Aelin’s powers into a battle (how it’s fought, chances of success, etc) which means innumerable deaths and devastating losses when that power doesn’t show face. It’s actively harming the war effort — imagine if you thought you had a nuke but then it turns out your strongest weapon is a nerf gun and nobody fucking told you…

2) Aedion & Lysandra’s involvement

Was Aedion justified for how he treated Lysandra? No. Was he justified in being that angry? Yes. Lys knew what she was getting into, understood the sacrifices she was making to execute Aelin’s idiotic doppleganger plan, but nobody told Aedion. He was going to have to sleep with Lysandra just for his goddamn genetics like some prize cattle and, in one fell swoop, lost the woman he loves and cousin he should have sworn his life to. It’s also implied in EOS that he has some sexual trauma in his past, having slept with people to move up Adarlan’s ranks as fast as he did, which makes the role they expect him to play even more fucked up. Lysandra’s essentially sacrificing her entire life and any possible chance at the happy ending she wants(which, btw, I can’t fathom asking of anybody, but at least she agreed to do it on her own…I guess)

3) The likelihood (& morality) of continuing the deception post-KOA

This entire plan moving into the future hinges on some weird ideas about genetics. Yes, the “Ashryver traits” seem to be dominant and there’s a high chance of Lysaedion’s children looking like Aedion… but if they don’t? What then, pass them off as bastards? That would mean they don’t get the throne. It’s also pretty well established that magical abilities follow the same heritability as physical traits but neither Lysandra nor Aedion has magic that could be passed off as a child of Rowan/Aelin. The best case scenario is that the kids inherit Aedion’s lack of magic and it’s all seen as some cruel joke from the gods, that the offspring of two such powerful magic wielders didn’t get any of their parents’ abilities. The worst (and most likely) case is that the kids turn out to be shape-shifters and they’re still written off as bastards…so they don’t get the throne.

The other problem with putting a false queen on the throne lies in the fucking morality of it all. Aelin’s whole claim to the throne relied on divine right (or some fantasy version of it) and the idea that people who are born to a throne have the inimitable right to rule. Darrow had the right idea in QOS when he told Aelin that she didn’t have the proper upbringing to be a queen, to rule a country, and her only argument against him was “weLL iM AeLiN aShRyVEr gaLAtHyNiUS.” As though that means anything in terms of all the knowledge, temperament, and responsibility required of being a GODDAMN QUEEN.

So if Aelin deserves queenhood purely because of circumstances of birth and blood, what are they achieving by putting a lowborn shapeshifter and her illegitimate children on the throne? Does that not go against everything that was supposedly so important? It seems more like Aelin only cares about the appearance of herself/her family sitting the throne of Terrassen, which is fine as far as writing an interesting character goes, but that’s a sinister kind of corruption that should be acknowledged for what it is. If she truly wanted what was best she would let Darrow and the other northern lords lead it (or at least put Aedion on the throne working with them) because they were the ones helping Terrassen through those ten horrible years and they have the power and experience to bring the kingdom back to its former glory.

SJM writing a plan that was so clearly not going to succeed is lazy writing. She knew it didn’t have to be a foolproof plan bc she knew Aelin was going to survive & be rescued (duh) but the fact of the matter is, an author’s actions and thoughts become the characters’ actions and thoughts. To make such a poorly-thought out plan then to present it through the narrative as some kind of genius move on Aelin’s part is…bad writing. It’s just bad writing.

[hazelrussellblog]

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