#and can spot potential targets. and who better to be that someone than

[spindleweedss]

reading a book about the history of money has finally given me a proper idea of what my shadow dragon rook does for a living

[twomiddlefingersforthehaters]

Orochimaru calls Sasuke a "ひよっこ = Hiyoko". ひよっこ which means newbie. ひよっこ derives from the word 「ひよこ」 which means Chick.

Snakes are certainly experts at preying on bird eggs and hatchlings. They can dash into nests, swallow whole eggs, or wrap around the chicks/baby birds and crush them to death. With their elongated body, sharp teeth, striking speed, and venom, birds will have no escape when these slimy predators select them as prey. Some larger snake species have been seen preying on hawks, especially when the birds are nesting or otherwise defenseless on the ground.

Some hawk species are specialized in hunting, catching, killing, and eating snakes. Hawks possess defenses, including sharp talons, strong beaks, keen eyesight, and agile flight maneuvers. Since it has keen eyesight, it can spot a snake from far up in the sky. On seeing a snake, the bird swoops down and catches it with its extremely sharp and powerful talons. While some snakes die upon being attacked with the talons. Then, the hawk will often fly off with the snake to feed on it somewhere else.

In here, Sasuke was a hatchling hawk, so it was easy for Orochimaru to manipulate him. Just like Sasuke says: “If I weren't a baby bird/chick you wouldn't have come near me, right? Itachi was too much for you/impossible for you, so you chose a chick, right? ”

Sasuke (Literal): “A snake squirming on the ground dreaming about flying up into the sky. An impossible dream for you. Regardless of that you went after the chick in the nest, but now you find yourself as the prey. I'm going to soar into the sky...like the eyes of a hawk ”

The word usage Sasuke used in here is the Japanese idiom: 鷹の目 ("taka no me"), literally meaning "eyes of a hawk".

This is from Japanese idiom ``Uno-me, Taka-no-me''. This is used as a figure of speech to indicate that ``cormorant'' and ``hawk'' are both ``birds'' that are associated with hunting prey, and ``with a sharp gaze as if aiming for prey.'' This idiomatic expression means : eyes of a predator, keen eyes, eyes of a cormorant, eyes of a hawk.

Birds have extremely good eyesight, and the eyesight of cormorants and hawks, which are able to detect and capture small, fast-moving prey, is many times better than that of humans. when they search for prey, their eyes are full of what is now known as ``powerful eyes/piercing eyes,'' and if the target were to look into those eyes, they would have a chilling effect. They will feel scared.

This proverb is also used to refer to the look in someone's eyes when trying to find faults or weaknesses in someone else. When animals hunt, they generally target the easiest to catch when there is more than one prey. The easiest prey is usually the one that is slow or lagging behind the pack, or the one that has some other disadvantage or weakness. A good hunter, such as a cormorant or hawk, does not miss its prey, but captures it without fail. This is why "the eye of the cormorant and the eye of the hawk" has come to refer to the way they look for rough edges by observing their prey.

Just like how Sasuke waited and observed for his prey's (Orochimaru) weakness and attacked him. Even Oro was surprised "I've never seen such a transformation before", it mean that Sasuke was training for that "transformation (chidori variants)" by himself without telling Orochimaru.

Sasuke was once a baby hawk...who was targeted by a snake. The snake trained him...as he was looking forward to that day when he finally achieve what he wants. But it turned out to be an impossible dream for him…. because now the baby hawk transformed into a matured hawk who targets the snake instead. Hawk soaring high above the sky, using their exceptional vision to spot its potential prey and descending rapidly toward its prey. Here, Snake (Orochimaru) goes from predator to prey when the hawk (Sasuke) flips the script. He's a matured hawk now, one who's capable of defending itself from the "snake".

[helluvapurf]

Welp, after a long... loooooong road of S2 to sift through in HB, here's my official review of the "Sinsmas" finale to wrap things up (*no Christmas pun-intended lol*):

NOTE: My thoughts below will contain some obv spoilers so you miiiight wanna skip this post if you haven't watched "Sinsmas" yet; also like with all my past reviews these are just my personal opinions alone (+fair warning that I'll be getting a bit rant-y later too), so... do remember to keep things civil if you disagree with anything here (and if not, welp... yall are free to block & move on, I guess lol 🤷‍♀️), thank you 🙏🙏

Loona continuing to show more appreciation & excitement around her dad/I.M.P. is great to see, and about time we finally got her joining in on an assassination gig again (which I don't think we've had since S1's "Spring Broken"?). I like her new Hellhound friends shown towards the end too, they look chill~

As much as I've lowkey grown a bit... disinterested in M&M these past few episodes (not to a hate-level or anything but they just don't really... "spark" for me, OTP-wise?), it is nice to see a return to their bloodthirsty-based couple fluff (aka: their lil Sinsmas-based playfight at the beginning), bringing me back a bit to the og pilot days (ex. "Oh Millie" ❤️). -Buuuut dang, who would've thought things would escalate to Millie turning out pregnant?? .o. I know there's been some controversy for Millie's less-than-happy reaction about it towards the end; but honestly I absolutely don't blame the poor gal if you consider: 1) She's a proud fighter & trained assassin who's always been passionate about her current line of work, and (depending on how imp pregnancies work) having this potentially putting her out of a job for a long while would make anyone stressed out imho 2) Imps are considered the lowest-of-the-low ranked species within Hell as it is; with not a whole lot of access to good paying jobs + medical coverage (given Blitz's struggle to get Loona her vaccinations). Imagine you were someone who found yourself expecting a child with a good chunk of Hell not considering you "high-up" enough in the food chain to care... wouldn't you get freaked out too? 3) Lastly, and this being among the biggest points to me personally... did her & Moxxie ever talk about having kids before? Given the implication that they rushed to get married so soon after dating (+Millie not even knowing about Moxx's mafia background til WAY after), I... can't say I'd be surprised if Millie's fear is partially based on how Moxxie would react (for better or worse). Kids are by-far among the biggest dealbreakers for any relationship, so while I don't necessarily think this'll cause something like a split between M&M... yeaaaah I wouldn't be surprised if this still caused some lingering-tension either way, regardless of if they go through with this pregnancy or not 🤷‍♀️ (On a side note; loved seeing Sallie May popping up to give that well-needed support to her sis on the phone, aww 🥺)

The side-story with the "karen" sinner and her ex-drama was... weird, all things considered? .x.;; Like, yeah I can see the importance of how this plays into Blitz's relationship woes & such... but, am I the only one who found it weird the writing going all "moralistic" with Blitz NOT going through with the job, solely cause he imagined his idealized family in Stolas (whom I'll cover in a sec btw-) upon spying on the target + his partner & kids? 🤨 Like... I know I've seen some argue that this is "character development" for Blitz, which I normally wouldn't mind seeing... but mind you, this is the SAME dude who was all-too-fine killing a bratty kid, a wife & her happy (albeit cannibalistic) family, a whole bunch of random college kids on spring break (all for the sake of some parking spot drama with Verosika btw), and not even two shorts ago some horny fangirl got met with the same fate by his hands (mostly due to getting caught up in her own fantasy world... and thats it lol). So I just... have a hard time buying into this being some grand "change of heart" moment for Blitz tbh, cause with this whole episode taking place during the winter holiday season (an already money-draining time irl as-is), I... can't help but find it a lowkey dick move of Blitz to rob his fellow employees of a chance to have some more cash on-hand (esp. after the events of "Ghostf**kers" and him draining the company's finances over his Stolas mope-fest, like come on dude-🤦‍♀️). Heck, if he really-really didn't wanna do it (and this target family seems innocent enough to potentially escape Hell if-killed)... couldn't they have just lied to the lady that they did the deed & take her money anyway (-instead of Blitz immediately punting her out the window 'cause she was bitching about Stolas' writing😑)? Again, this IS Hell we're talking about, so a bit of dirty-dealing doesn't seem far out of the realm of normal there lmao. Buuuut idk, that may just be me... 🤷‍♀️

We're back again with Andre leading the story as the "main" bad guy, and I'll admit his final confrontation with Stolas & the I.M.P. gang was pretty kickass~ From Stolas throwing the first punches at his smug-ass face, the action-increasing with the ice dragons & Loona going "feral"-mode, and even Octavia coming in to defend everyone from her uncle (with her own personal magic) was pretty rad! 🤩👏👏 One thing that's bothering me about it all though... where tf is Stella during all this going on?? 🤨I know the show's pretty much committed atm to making her as one-dimensionally dumb & evil as possible (not even giving her much substantial dialogue after her repeated "hiLARRRIOUS MUAHAAA~" lines 😒 ), but surely someone like her wouldn't miss the chance to see her ex (+affair partner) smacked down by her brother?? Especially once Via arrived, just imagine the juicy drama potential of seeing Stella having to force herself (+Andre) to call off their attack to appease Via (further adding in salt to the wound for her later decision to walk away from Stolas). Hhhhh Viv, why must u be so allergic to developing Stella (antagonism-wise)... 😔😔

Now, as far as Stolas himself is concerned... *-sighs-* I know I'm gonna get some flack for saying this, but I caaaaaan't with his dude anymore🤦‍♀️ Yes, I get he's going through a tough time losing everything + adjusting to a simple life now (along with implied-withdrawal symptoms from the lack of "happy pills"). But just... the way Stolas kept getting MORE & more whiny/unappreciative of Blitz (after all he's done to accommodate Stolas, defend him against other imps, giving him a job at I.M.P. on top of everything-), then never uttering a single "thank you" for Blitz's efforts frustrated tf out of me 😑😑. You expect to buy that these two are these "deep destined soulmates" at the end of the day, to the point of Blitz practically becoming a giddy cheerleader to boost Stolas at every turn... ...and yet, at the same time you're telling me Blitz has never asked about Stolas' eating habits before, nor Stolas ever asking about Blitz's love of horses?? That outside of their failed date at Ozzy's, they never once tried to actually talk, share a meal or hangout aside from their once-a-month hookups (pre-"Full Moon")? Sure, the show implies that Stolas has asked about Blitz's day before (via-some throwaway lines + blink-and-you'll-miss-it texts)... but if the audience never actually sees those friendly gestures on-screen, how am I supposed to buy them being in-love now?? -_- Like, to take a note from "Swan Princess":

Taking away their childhood memory of playing together for a day, the sexual chemistry, the grand gestures, them both having goth angsty daughters... what else IS there for Stolas & Blitz to love about each other, truly? Its one thing if you wanna show them starting over as friends first (awkward roommate-vibes aside), then hell yeah I'd be down to see their rebuilding bond as a more balanced, genuine pairing down the line (making moments like their big kiss + balcony dance 10x more impactful imo)!👍

...But, with how things are now with Viv & crew rushing to go full-romance mode already (regardless of either character's emotional well-being in the story), I... don't think I can see myself joining the Stolas/Blitz ship hype tbh, regardless of what's to come in the next couple seasons...🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Now, to cap things off regarding Octavia in all this... She. IS. A. STAAAAARRR😭🌟👏👏By far the best thing to come out of this finale IMHO; just seeing Via standing her ground as strongly as she did, both in-defense of her dad AND against him... goddd, that was powerful q-q💜 And before anyone mentions it, no I don't think Via was in anyway "wrong" for her reaction to Stolas (regardless of his efforts to reach her by the end). Imagine you're in her position; the product of an loveless, toxic marriage forced upon by a rigid society, living your childhood blissfully unaware & happy until everything comes crashing down in your teen years (through your father's public affair + your mother's rampant rage). All you thought was true is now a confirmed lie, you're stuck in an emotional mess dealing with your parents, and your beloved dad is constantly putting his booty call (+marital drama) a bigger priority over you (albeit unintentionally, but still-)...

Time & time again, Via's been let down by Stolas, the one parent she's always been closest to since the beginning... and to top it all off? Several episodes later, she's watching her father live on TV willingly ready to be executed in Blitz's place (without so much as a single goodbye message to Via, mind you-), effectively breaking his promise that he'd never leave her...

...So, really, how can anyone blame Via for simply being done with her dad, by that point? Stolas may be "trying", I know... but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter that he didn't "mean" to hurt her. What matters most is that... well, he did. More than he can imagine... 💔

------------------------------

...weeeeew okay that was a bit lengthy my bad- lmao. As a whole, I'd say "Sinsmas" was an... ehhhhh-kinda finale? Like yeah I enjoyed the Via focus we got (+her song💜), the ice battle & the improved M&M + Loona writing... buuuuut oof, am I just exhausted by the Stolas/Blitz-melodrama at this point, oml >>;; No shade to those who did enjoy the finale regardless though, yall are more than valid! 👍👍 Maybe later on I'll give my overall thoughts on S2 (+the overarching story of HB) further down the line if I'm up for it... buuuuut yeah, hope yall enjoyed reading & thanks for sticking around my page~ (for any newer/older Hellaverse fans alike)!👋✨🌙

[running-with-kn1ves]

Hi! This might be the weirdest prompt you'll ever recieve considering I was inspired by a nightmare I had. The nightmare was about a male stalker who posed as a delivery person that managed to trick me into letting him walk into my home with an ak-47 and for some reason I was attracted to him just because he had the nicest most comforting smile i had ever seen.

So yeah, idk if you would ever be comfortable with writing something inspired by this especially because this is supposed to be an nsfw prompt.

Sorry for potentially traumatizing you.

This was really incheresting anon so I took my own spin on it, wish I could have such entertaining dreams!

TW: Guns/gunplay, breaking and entering, threatening, nonconsensual touching,

"You can come in!"

You shout from the kitchen, seeing a dark figure outside your front door window, their body blurred and mildly shaped from what you can tell past the sweat and flour in your eyes. You had been slaving away in the kitchen for hours and finally, your masterpiece was nearly finished. You were too entranced in checking the top layer of crust on the baked good to dare leave your spot. The sound of your front door opening was just as you expected, its slam shut being a bit harder than you hoped for though.

"Just put it on the dining table, I'll be over with the money in a sec," You yelled, checking behind you to try and see the figure in the dining room. You could only see the back of a black coat and old ball cap, turning back to the pie in your hands as you opened the oven. Its grilling temperature made you wince, pot holds covering your hands as you lowered the beast back into its den.

You got out as quick as you could once the pan was down, shutting the oven door and stepping back. Phew, you sighed out of relief.

Nonchalantly walking to the dining room, you rolled up your sleeves and peered at the ground, trying to think of what else you'd need to be prepared tomorrow. But that was thrusted out of your head once you looked back up upon entering the room, seeing your cold pizza sitting on the dining table alone-- no pizza man to be seen.

"Hey?" You called out, looking down your bedroom hall in search for the man. He wasn't there. You looked in the bathroom; empty. Your room was left exactly how it should've been. Walking back to the kitchen, you remain naively unaware until a hand grips your shoulder from behind.

The hand yanks you back up against someone, something cold now resting below your chin. The arm that pulled you now holds you flush up against the person, whom you can tell is a man. The smell of his aromatic body wash, the flat and strong chest against your back-- and most notably, his voice.

"You're quite simple to fool."

You catch a glimpse of his beaming smile from behind, the cold and metallic piece digging deeper into your throat.

"H-hey now,"

You begin to panic, feeling the hand on your body beginning to feel your shirt in a different kind of way.

"Listen there's no... no need for violence, we can settle this can't we?" you plead.

The man looks toward you.

"I don't know, can we? Because I can't imagine a better way to see you than this. Tsk tsk, you should've known better."

You notice that his cap is still hanging low on his head, shielding his eyes from you, leaving you only to witness his piercing grin.

"C'mon just let me go, man. I don't have anything to give--"

"I'm afraid that's a no can do, sweetheart. See, you left yourself quite an open target here, just letting a complete stranger in your home, assuming you'll be safe because of your poor preconceived notions..."

He drew the gun to caress your jaw, putting a leg between yours. His warm breath ghosted over your neck, and you could practically feel the smile he held as he embraced you slowly.

"What... do you want, then?" You ask, feeling the gun dig into your stomach now.

"Hmmm..." You were dealing with an actual sociopath at this point, hearing his nonchalant hums with disdain and fury. He was just standing there, running his fingertips up your stomach and against your hip as he imagines what ever sick thing he had in store.

"I want you to stay still..." He mumbles in your ear, taking his free hand to the middle of your shirt as the other kept the gun pointing at you. You could feel his lips hit your ear as the first button was undone, fingers moving to the next.

You watched silently as each button was pried open, your heart racing faster at each unclip, and the urge to run growing stronger. Soon, your bare skin was seen through the shirt, a jagged breath escaping the man behind you. It sent shivers up your spine to hear his pants of curiosity and hunger.

"Please..." You whisper, turning to try and face him, but he was too close. His head was buried in your shoulder, eyes watching as his free hand ran up to the dip of your chest. His hand slowly made its way up to your neck, smoothing over your skin like a snake in water. You couldn't see his expression below his ball cap, but you knew it must've been one of sick intrigue. The softness of his touch was off-putting as he gently stroked your skin like it was foreign and unique.

"Can't say you look too bad like this, either." He comments, taking annoying wet nibbles at your ear just to tease.

You shakily try to cover yourself, only for the gun to be brought to your gut, stabbing you in the abdomen as he presses it deeper against you. You yelp in pain as he grabs your hip, forcing you back against the cold black steel. It was a silent warning, and the man had kept quiet as he watched you wince.

"I can be truly giving, and incredibly delightful." The man smiled, this time close-lipped as he looked to you. "But fuck with me, and I won't hesitate to put this gun where it belongs."

You shut your eyes as he whispers to you, creating a clicking noise with the gun to frighten you.

"Now, strip. you need to be taught the importance of not letting anyone just dilly-dally inside your home."

He pushes you forward, jutting the gun out to point it at you as your arms raised defensively.

"Who knows what could happen if I wasn't here to teach you."

[neonravengames]

What does Jeyra think about each of the ROs ? What would [redacted] think of all the ROs ?

Oo good question!

Jeyra:

Jeyra is fiercely protective of Cade, and her opinions on the ROs reflect her deep concern for Cade’s safety and happiness. She is pragmatic and analytical, but her personal biases sometimes shine through. The only person she would actively dislike is Morgan.

• Taryn: Jeyra has a soft spot for Taryn, appreciating their humor and kindness, but she can’t help but see them as a complication. She knows how dangerous court politics can be and worries about the risks of Cade becoming entangled with royalty. Still, she trusts Taryn’s good intentions and would ultimately support the relationship if she saw it brought Cade joy.

• Rhiannon: Jeyra admires Rhiannon’s strength and determination, but she’s wary of her brashness and insecurities. She recognizes that Rhiannon’s loyalty is unwavering, but she would worry that her inability to express vulnerability could cause friction. Jeyra would respect their bond but would watch closely to ensure Rhiannon doesn’t inadvertently hurt Cade.

• Lirien: Jeyra’s trust in the fae is limited, but she respects Lirien’s role as an ambassador. She knows how dangerous fae politics can be, and Lirien’s charm and cunning make her wary. If Cade grew close to Lirien, Jeyra would be watchful, fearing manipulation but hoping that his affections were genuine.

• Morgan: Morgan is a source of great unease for Jeyra. Her sharp tongue, immense magical talent, and mysterious past make her unpredictable. Jeyra distrusts Morgan’s ability to care for anyone other than herself, and she would likely be openly critical of any relationship between her and Cade, seeing it as dangerous and doomed to heartbreak.

• Ali: Jeyra finds Ali sweet and well-meaning, but she doubts their ability to navigate the complexities of Cade’s world. She would worry that Ali’s gentle nature might leave them unprepared for the challenges ahead, though she would find some comfort in knowing that Ali’s kindness could provide Cade with much-needed peace. However, like with T getting involved in royal relationships can and will cause issues.

[Redacted]:

[Redacted] would struggle to see any of the ROs as worthy of Cade. Their feelings are deeply rooted in love and possessiveness, and the thought of someone taking Cade away from them would cut to the core.

• Taryn: [Redacted] would see Taryn as a threat—not because of their personality, but because of their position. The idea of Cade being tied to the royal family would fill them with dread. While they might mask their disapproval in polite words, they would quietly seethe at the idea of Cade growing closer to Taryn.

• Rhiannon: Rhiannon’s strength and determination would earn [Redacted]’s grudging respect, but they would still see her as inadequate. Rhiannon’s insecurities and mortal fragility would stand in stark contrast to the eternal strength [Redacted] envisions for Cade’s partner. To them, Rhiannon might seem like a temporary distraction, not someone who could truly stand beside Cade.

• Lirien: [Redacted] would be furious at Lirien, though they would approach him with caution. As a fae, Lirien would understand Cade’s world better than the others, which might soften their disapproval slightly. However, they would still see him as a political player whose intentions could never be fully trusted. They would watch him closely, but ultimately wish to keep Cade far from his influence.

• Morgan: Morgan would be the target of [Redacted]’s quiet but intense disdain. To them, Morgan embodies everything dangerous: power without wisdom, ambition without compassion, and a fragility hidden beneath layers of ice. They would see Morgan as a potential disaster waiting to happen and would go to great lengths to steer Cade away from her.

• Ali: Ali might elicit the gentlest reaction from [Redacted], though they would still find them lacking. Their kind heart and love for knowledge might earn a flicker of approval, but ultimately, [Redacted] would see them as too fragile for Cade’s life. In their eyes, Ali’s gentleness would make them unfit to face the dangers Cade will inevitably encounter.

[eisforeidolon]

OMG, when manipulating people, Lucifer appears to people as their romantic partners, episode 15x19 is PROOF of D/C!!!!

Except Lucifer didn't only appear as love interests or only use love interests to manipulate people. Although we didn't know who was doing the manipulating at the time, he appears to Sam as John in episode 11x04, to further convince him the dream visions he's getting should be followed. We see him manipulating Rooney in episode 12x08, and he is using Rooney's religio-political aspirations as his hook, not a person at all - let alone a dead love interest. We also know he manipulated plenty of vessels offscreen by unknown means - I doubt the Archbishop of Saint Louis was pining for an old lover. Furthermore, I'd posit that Sam knows Lucifer better than anybody but God and Michael by 7x02 post-Cage. So if Lucifer really did only appear as love interests? Hallucifer appearing to Sam as Dean in that episode would be "proof" of wincest.

So there were non-love interest manipulations and manipulations we didn't see onscreen that probably weren't centered on romantic partners. Which is enough to put holes in the theory alone, because its entire substance is just Lucifer appearing to someone = dead love interest. But why stop there? Let's talk about the context of the ones that are supposedly clues Castiel has to be a dead love interest, just because Lucifer did appear that way a few times.

Nick was obsessed with his wife and son's murder, and Lucifer's first salvo was causing Nick to hallucinate a baby's cry and a flood of blood from the empty crib before appearing as Nick's wife, who (unlike the son) could actually talk enough to make a specific bargain. Murders that we find out later were committed by *gasp* demons on Lucifer's orders to make said potential vessel desperate and vulnerable. The hallucinations Lucifer gave him pointedly included allusions to his dead son as well as his dead wife, so it clearly wasn't just about a romantic connection. It was his current weak spot, he was broken because his family were murdered.

When Lucifer goes to Sam in 5x03, Sam is trying to just sit the apocalypse out and live a normal life, hoping that will work to prevent anyone else getting hurt. Just like he thought he could sit the hunt for the demon out at Stanford. Even if Jess had just been his buddy, the girl who fucking died the last time he tried to live a normal life would still be exactly the right metaphorical knife to the ribs in that situation where Lucifer wants to imply that people can't change and there's no reason to hope the world won't end. Even Dean isn't a better choice there when the parallel of Sam getting normal people hurt by existing in their vicinity is so obvious. It was his current weak spot, putting innocents in danger.

Vince Vincente is depressed at least partially because his ex-girlfriend committed suicide after he treated her like crap and therefore blames himself for her death in 12x02. He does say in the moment that all he wants is her back - but actually, we learn an episode later that part of the deal he made with Lucifer was to heal his paralyzed sister because Lucifer sure as hell didn't do that out of the goodness of his heart. So again, even though it did involve a dead girlfriend, that wasn't remotely the only vulnerability Lucifer exploited, just the one that fits their theory. It was his current weak spot(s), the women in his life that he failed/couldn't help himself.

In each case, Lucifer is just using the best weapons he can bring to bear on the weak spots of vulnerable people, y'know, how a manipulator operates. That they involve romantic partners isn't actually the main reason for their use, and again, isn't his only shown tool of manipulation.

So Lucifer doesn't only use romantic partners to manipulate people, but even when he does it is about what the target's current vulnerability is that he can exploit to get what he wants. Which brings us finally to talk about that scene where he tricks the Winchesters with Castiel's voice in the penultimate episode. He needs to get into the bunker to use the Winchesters to trick the reaper to make sure he has the right death book. Sam and Dean are both inside. Most of their dead allies have been dead for a while so the shock and trauma has worn off/been buried - or they are alive enough to take a phone call and say no, they aren't at the bunker's door, actually (if Lucifer even knows enough to know who they are). But Castiel? The trenchcoated angel just carked it again a hot minute ago and wouldn't be able to get through the wards, making him the perfect tool for the job. It literally wouldn't matter if it was Dean or Sam, he's the entity in that moment they'd be least surprised to see resurrected and would open the door for, which is what Lucifer needs. No twue lurve necessary.

This is not the literal stupidest meta they've ever tried to pass off as valid. But yet again, it falls on its face if you actually examine it as a premise. Because they don't remember enough of the canon to know their theory is actively contradicted by other examples they forgot. Because they very pointedly pick and choose what context counts as important. Because they refuse to see other logical interpretations which are very obviously right there. Ultimately and fundamentally? Because they start from the premise that D/C has to be totes real and actively ignore everything and anything that doesn't lead to that conclusion - which is pretty much the entire canon, once you put their "proof" back in its original context and remove the distorted shipper goggles.

[ctheathy]

hello, here my question, what to you think that there's something about knuckles. Do you think it has something to do whit secret history tails?

It is very suspichious

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I would certainly say so!! Not only has there already been confirmed by Mashed themselves that TSAK is connected to TSAA in one way or another, directly validating the idea of the series adding on and looking further into SH Tails’ plan. But evidence has been hinting torwards the exact same thing in the episodes aswell.

It’s the exact same thing, the only thing keeping the two apart being the specific character we’re focusing on here. SH Tails is a very calculating character; it is very much obvious by now he is clearly targeting the counterparts of the team who are at their lowest, making them vulnerable and the easiest to manipulate, and it really shows.

I have already given my personal thoughts on the idea of Tails in TSAK being SH Tails right here. And while my opinion on it still hasn’t changed, I’m definitely open to elaborating a little further on information this time. Keep reading if desired.

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Right off the bat;

I won’t lie, it is very much possible this Miles is really just yet another cover-up for Secret History Tails’ identity theft. He’s clearly done it more than once before and I would vouch for the idea that he’d definitely do so again, with ease nonetheless. But while I’ve once again seen many talk about the proposition of SH Tails having been Masquerading as this counterpart of Miles just like he had done with the one back from TSAA, there’s someone who many are forgetting about if we’re truly down for taking this direct path; Amy.

I doubt she’d let herself be left behind in the multiverse during SH Tails’ absence. Considering the poor state she is in and the amount of time it could take staying in character while observing the current timeline, he’d have to take her with him. But then again, looking at the circumstances of this dimension, with having zero hiding spot opportunities and potential danger lingering at every corner, she’d technically have nowhere to stay at. And it’s important to take note of her having too many physical deformities due to SH Tails’ surgery and holding no shapeshifting techniques like he does whatsoever, it would be close to impossible for her to be playing the role of the other Amy that appeared in TSAK. The amount of medium awareness she’d hold honestly seeming impractical aswell. Though, I mainly believe her to be far too inexperienced and incapable in the manipulation category already.

This is why unlike popular debate and what I believe a lot of people have lacked theorising about; I never even believed the events to take place after TSAA to begin with.

Going back to SH Tails, to think his catchphrase got used again so suddenly and bringing suspicion to the audience surely isn’t a coincidence, but I believe this might all be intentional. It’s connected for sure, but Mashed’s plans on this can possibly not be this simple. Instead, taking a more complex turn; what if the specific sentence had belonged to the original Miles Prower of that universe? [Very much implying that SH Tails is really just an uncreative fu-] It would only be obvious that SH Tails would copy both habits and wording mannerisms of previous Miles’ whom he murdered and replaced in order to impersonate any other of his counterparts better during future occurrences. Which would make perfect sense with the idea that the entire concept of There’s Something About Knuckles is actually a failed mission on SH Tails’ part.

Think about it, other than a few questionable sentences slipping from his mouth, we haven’t seen any direct ill intend from the Tails of TSAK. And his supposedly suspicious choice of wording can easily be explained by living in a literal warzone. He’s paranoid and stressed, individuals do not tend to think clearly when being in such positions, much less about the things they might say that coincidentally may sound sceptical. I know very well this opinion is arguable and easily regrettable aswell, but I feel like as if we’re associating this new Tails with the Secret History one far too rapidly. Especially when twisting his words and the purposes he may have behind his point of view as manipulation. He seems to care deeply about his people and their safeties, and the little scraps left of Sonic just so happens to threaten that piece of him.

This isn’t about him wanting Sonic dead and frame Knuckles for the said plan, it’s about him trying to keep out a fatal and dangerous creation.

Though I understand this theory might pale in comparison to the evidence we’ve gained so far, it is still one that oftentimes lingers in the back of my head, making me wonder if such opportunities remain possible in its entirety. But whatever the storyline ends up being like, it’s important to keep in mind that SH Tails is close by for sure. And we should all be prepared for his reappearance when that time finally comes.

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[alarrytale]

I just came from reading the anon where they told you about Harry's performances. And I honestly think we shouldn't compare him to Louis. Harry has more energetic performances because that's who he is, what he seeks as an artist and it goes hand in hand with the music he makes. Louis, for his part, is calmer on stage, giving a show with just him and his microphone, without dancing or jumping so much. And they are both perfect, but… Those of us who have known Louis for a long time know how energetic he was, how he behaved on stage. I know it must be difficult to go from sharing with 4 other people to being alone. The whole scenario for you. And where he has no one to accompany him with his madness, because he has the band in the background but it is just that, the band that accompanies him.

Here are some asks about Louis as a performer and my replies. More under the cut.

I just wished he did more of what he does on smaller stages on bigger ones too, and did it more frequently. He's so good at interacting with fans, younger one's especially. It would be so good if he brought a kid on stage with him to sing a verse or something. We'd all melt on the spot.

Hi, anons!

I think the change has been difficult for him, but we know he's an energetic performer. A happy performer and he needs to play off on someone else to enjoy himself. But he can use his band! He can use the audience. He could do a duet with one of his openers! So much unused potential!

I’ve noticed a difference with these bigger stages Louis is more uptight and nervous. But on the smaller stages he seems more relaxed, more interactive and just lighter in general. He was doing rock/paper/scissors with the crowd, he did some little dancing especially in that one show where he looked like he was doing the cha cha, signing things and even a birth reveal at a show. Gosh he even held hands with a couple of fans while he was taking one of his breaks on stage. I thought the moment with the blind fan was very special and unique, it would be nice to see all these types of moments. The barricade is a way of interacting too but that’s gotten messy at times. Some artists are just better in smaller stages though, doesn’t mean they’re worse artists, just means it suits them more. I’m not a fan of these elaborate pop shows but you’re right also, I would like him to be less rigid on stage. Big stages are new for him as a solo. Harry and Naill have both done festivals for large crowds for awhile so I think maybe these festivals he’s doing will help him get more acclimated to a larger crowd. I hope anyways.

Louis is not ashamed of his all female fanbase otherwise they wouldn’t have heavily been featured in his documentary. The glazing he does over his fans is off the charts I don’t know where the idea he only wants males comes from.

Well hello there Mr. Strawman making strawman arguments. I've never said Louis is ashamed of his all female fanbase. I've said (and Lisa from BMG has said) that he's trying to target males. So that's where it's from. His current image and behaviour is telling me he wants male validation. Especially from indie artists and from Li*m Gallag*er.

Anon Harry doesn't just do 'a lil dance' he's way more energetic and expressive than that. He must run miles during the course of each show. My fav part of the 2023 shows was when he danced with Pauli.

We don't need to put H down and compare him to Louis. H's shows are a joy to watch (without sound from home). His dance with Pauli turned into a thing. My favourite is probably when he bought the two girls on stage who asked to be his back up dancers lol. Everyone was having a good time.

‘Re Louis stage performance. He thanks his band and that’s great but it would be nice to see some interaction like a kid or smile towards them. The guitar player just walks by him like he’s by himself. It just seems like a missed opportunity’

How about introducing the band at least once in awhile? Those guys support the fuck out of him, literally, and he barely acknowledges them.

Yes, good idea. I think he should interact with them more in general. Direct them, ask them to play a fun song, celebrate their birthdays, do an anecdote or something.

Is Louis trying to exactly emulate Liam G? Is this how Liam performs/acts/sings on rage? I’m not a big Oasis fan, but I recently just saw a clip,of Liam walking and it was like looking at Louis’ new strut he’s adapted. I don’t get what Louis is doing. He’s all over the place. I get if you don’t want to ‘dance’ or ‘galavant’ as he stated last night. But what do you want to do?

Apparently according to some. But why would he? Because he looks up to him and find him cool? I think he's trying to be someone he's not because he can't be himself sadly. So he's confused and we get a bit of everything and mixed signals. I wish i knew his goals and what would make him happy. Apart from being out as gay, i don't think he knows who he is and wants to be fully.

[leam1983]

Designing Better Fantasy Schools - A Compromise

Let's say you don't care about the associated politics and the baggage that comes with the Wizarding World. Let's say you're willing to more or less commit social suicide by saying you don't much care about J. K. Rowling's politics and just want to focus on all things Harry Potter. How can you still improve on the basic framework without leaving it behind?

I've already mentioned Marvel's X-Men as a more cogent example and Ursula K. LeGuin's Tales of Earthsea need no introduction either, but let's play Devil's Advocate and figure you want to write Potterverse fanfic that strips away all that Meritocratic, Neoliberal, Boy's School for Billionaires feeling the franchise has. What's your best bet?

I'd suggest looking elsewhere around the world - and specifically, while ignoring the other named schools in the canon. The way they're presented, we can assume that every other institution from Beauxbâtons (a terrible name thought up by someone who doesn't speak French) and Uagadou (Wow, Joanne, did you just look at an Atlas map of Africa and pick the capital of Burkina Faso at random, and just strip one syllable?) all follow the same basic setup as Hogwarts - or at least the same basic setup as other paid-for, private schools.

My advice? Go public. A well-thought-out Wizarding World should have included the notion that not every kid will have the chance to make it to an independently-financed institution, and that several will, in fact, be forced to attend wizarding classes in the same Brutalist hallways as their Muggle peers.

It does strip the setting of its Neoliberal undertones, as wizards and witches can't simply Hammerspace their entire society into Non-Euclidian streets and byways the Muggles can't access. It requires closer coordination with Muggle governing bodies and strips magic of its status of a golden goose that has to inexplicably be kept out of Muggle hands.

As that's another thing: for how Edwardian JKR's wizards and school headmasters are, they're still resolutely Medieval in their anticipation of Muggle rejection and persecution. Assuming magic, in this universe, is in some way tied to natural forces, then you'd figure Muggle scientists would've accidentally discovered the ability to Apparate without a wand or a spell, and would've just labeled it as teleportation. You'd figure that someone born without magic would have seen some spell-casting take place at some point and would've said "Hey, this is neat! Paired with some of our own tech, this could solve so many problems!"

Enmeshing both worlds closer also fixes several worldbuilding problems. Let's say Rowling's gonzo bit of lore about wizards and witches dropping deuces on the spot and then whisking them away with a spell is canon, don't you think most of them would actually welcome the addition of modern plumbing? Legacy includes toilets in the student lavatories, but the professors have no definable living spaces!

Setting your story in the public sector fixes that issue. Teachers only work in their professional spaces, and go home after classroom hours, just like the students would.

Then again, this raises another question: why cling to the Potterverse at all? Politics aside, the setting reflects something that even the most skilled fanfic authors don't bother reckoning with, which is that it really is meant for a tiny sliver of its total readership. The Canadian kid with parents working a nine-to-five won't ever receive a letter, not when there's hazy, improperly-defined "other local schools" that serve as Budget Hogwarts. The American kid who grew up on everything Potter isn't a potential target either, the American concept of a boarding school tends to evoke places like West Point Academy, as opposed to refurbed mansions packed with kids.

Do a little research, and you'll realize that British boarding schools are, more often than not, looked back onto with regret. Youtuber Lindybeige has a very lukewarm summary of his boarding school years, with the general sense being that it had a stultifying feeling. Compare and contrast with early-2000s fanfic that present Mall Goth Hogwarts students as surviving in this context, and you're left rolling your eyes. All these 'sonas crapped out after an overdose on My Chemical Romance wouldn't have lasted a week at Eton College during the heyday of British boarding schools.

So - destroy the concept altogether and rebuild it from scratch. You're an underprivileged inner-city kid with a weird scar on your forehead, and a class trip to the zoo takes a turn for the worse. In the days that follow, the principal asks to meet with you more often than usual, and offers that you'll start to work with "specialized educators".

There's an unusual trip to the hardware store for some cookware and some Chemistry sets you associate to late High School classes, and an introduction to new classmates. To the School Board, you're moved to a different class of student - the Arcane Enabled. Common-subject classes are still with your old classmates, only now you've got new classes that enmesh spellcasting with core disciplines you're still in need of learning. Defense Against the Dark Arts with a side of Ethics, Potion-making with a side of Chemistry...

In this new version of the setting, identitarian politics are a non-issue. Trans students are shown that there are ways for them to use magic to alter their gender, some merely Veil-based for Enbies in the lot, and others more permanent. Goblins are entirely emancipated and "House Elf" is now a paid position that's rapidly growing out of fashion - and Wizards, crucially, have evolved in tandem with the Muggle world. Your educators all drive cars and own smartphones and tablets, they all can work their way around a computer - but they're also able to do slightly more with these things than a Muggle can. You realize that being a wizard doesn't shut you out from the wider world, and finally figure out what was so special about particular channels, TV shows, movies or other media productions your parents love; as the Muggles aren't shy about mythologizing their magic-slinging peers.

At that point, you again have to ask yourself the all-important question: why cling to Potter at all? The concept of a second secret and shadowy world comes complete with so many risks of added toxicity and of enshrining elements that might seem quaint or antiquated but that actually hide their lot of relational or sociopolitical conflicts; that you're left wondering why Modern Fantasy clings to it at all.

Wouldn't things be simpler, fairer, even, if the Ordinary People always knew?

[ciaossu-imagines]

First 8 letters of prompt 8 for Chuuya please? Thanks for setting up the event!

Thank you for sending in something for the event, my lovely anon! I can definitely do these up for you and I hope you’ll enjoy!

A(rousal) – what gets them aroused quickest

Honestly, I strongly headcanon Chuuya as someone who really likes angry sex. Like, when fighting turns into fucking and the angry, rough sex turns into slower make-up sex towards the end…fucking sweet spot for him. That’s not to say that he can’t have normal or loving sex, because he certainly can, but angry or even hatesex does strike a chord for him and both him and his lover will end up picking petty fights with each other every now and again, just as an excuse to engage in it.

B(roken) – what it takes to break them

Chuuya does everything he possibly can to not think too hard or too long about his past. Mentally, he really can’t stand it because it does lead him to some really dark, twisted places inside himself, does lead him to thoughts and wonderances that have the potential to drive him insane. Make him sit and think on it, challenge his humanity and whether he can even call himself human, really mentally torture him with his past and he’s pretty easily broken.

C(an’t) – one thing that they can’t do in life/refuse to do

Don’t make a mistake – Chuuya can be incredibly ruthless and he doesn’t shy away from battle or killing someone. But he’s oddly respectful about it. He doesn’t target the weak, he kills efficiently and as quickly as possible, and he doesn’t kill unless it’s absolutely necessary. He does show a sense of honor in that and he won’t kill merely for pleasure or sport.

D(enial) – something they’re in denial about

While I am one of those people in fandom who do genuinely believe that Chuuya and Dazai truly do hate each other, I also think there is some denial on Chuuya’s part of just how big a part of his life Dazai has been and just how much trust he still has in the other man, to say nothing of the fact that, while he’ll deny it, even as it happens, Dazai’s death would bother Chuuya.

E(ager) – something they are eager to do in life

I know this is an extremely unpopular opinion, but I don’t see Chuuya as someone who is really all that ambitious. He’s happy with his life as it currently is, happy with his position in the Port Mafia and I don’t think he’s really eager for much in his life to change or to move onto bigger or better things. If need be, he might be willing to move into Head of the Port Mafia, but overall, I think he’s really settled and doesn’t really have huge goals for himself as a person, so much as simply working to maintain the quality of life he currently has and those people inside the Port Mafia that he cares about.

F(itness) – how often they work out and what they prefer doing for a workout

Chuuya does work out. His position in the Mafia does rely on physical prowess as much as it does his Ability, and he enjoys training his body. I think he does do things like sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, but he really enjoys workouts that focus on fighting, such as sparring with a partner or even martial arts training by himself.

G(uarded) – something they always guard (item can be physical or mental, like their feelings)

Secrets. I do personally see Chuuya as a man who can be trusted with, and takes secrets seriously, both his own and others. I think the torture would have to be extreme and extensive to make him spill all the secrets he knows about various people, or the situation would absolutely have to leave him no other choice, because he does carefully guard all the secrets and knowledge he holds with everything he has.

H(ell) – what will make their life hell

Despite what I mentioned above in ‘Denial’, I do hold to my statement that Dazai and Chuuya really do despise each other. They might mean a lot more to each other than they want to admit, but they also cannot for the life of them get along and spending too much time with Dazai does make Chuuya’s life hellish and he’s always left in the foulest of moods after spending any length of time with Dazai, which he will take out on those around him.

[whythewords]

Moving Target

I'm doing well.

I seriously just wanted to start one of these god damn posts like that for once, throw everyone off their game.

Realized it mid-conversation with someone recently about how, yeah, the romantic stuff is eluding me but other than that...everything is kinda going according to plan. I finished school which is the thing I set out to do as the first major ball in motion to do this big 'ol reset. I went on my solo trip to Japan and had an incredible time. I'm back in a more steady routine of healthy eating and exercise. The job hunt is going pretty well...

I got an offer to be an IT Support Tech from one company and I'm kinda cool on the offer because of the location, amount of commuting and potential on-call stuff happening real early on in the role...and I'm thinking about turning it down and it seems like I can absolute afford to. The concept of actually being selective is foreign to me. I am definitely nervous about saying no to something but I feel like future Joe will appreciate the forethought.

Fortunately, it seems like a lot of prospects are popping up: pre-interviews, recommendations, the city job where I did my co-op is still on the table in the near future. This is one of the things I was most worried and stressed about going into this stage of things but ultimately I don't want to start out in a job that I know will make me unhappy. But the beauty is I am free to make these choices and I'm feeling more confident about them and about myself. It's a good spot to be in.

I did my first open mic in a while, an event for my brother at his shop and it was a nice opportunity to step back into performing in front of people. I got a better sense of what my brother was doing down there and got to meet the people he worked with. One of them was another musician, older Spanish fellow who made KILLER empanadas that were on the menu for the function that night. He was also a killer guitar player and actually had convinced my brother the night before to pick up his guitar and start playing again. At the end of night this gentlemen and i were trading off songs and playing lead/jamming and I got to jam with my brother which was a nice bit of nostalgia going all the way back to the basement of my parents' old house.

So all is well aside from dating. It's there though, and unavoidable, it hasn't really left my mind. I did get into a good rhythm with it, not letting the apps be too distracting, but I am struggling a little bit with my need for companionship and intimacy, which caused me to start paying a bit more attention to them. I think I've already a mentioned a couple of times that for all the pining and romanticism, I'm still not sure what it is I want or if I'm ready. More and more I start to feel as if I should get the job situation squared away and move out (for the thirds time) before I can even think about properly re-entering the dating world. But if that's the case, not taking a job I don't feel good about may prolong the time it takes to be gainfully employed, in order to start saving money, in order to move out, in order to be more desirable in order to start seriously dating again and etc. etc.

These are the kinds of spirally thoughts I'm working to avoid, and doing a mostly good job I think. As long as I can stay busy and motivated. What's that saying about idle hands? Something something devil's something? I'm gonna try to keep these hands moving at a pretty quick and consistent clip. This is how I'm defying sadness and longing. Keeping busy. Moving. It's a lot harder to hit a moving target.

[starseedfxofficial]

Trend Following & Falling Wedges: The Forex Trader’s Secret Weapon The Hidden Profit Potential of Trend Following with Falling Wedge Patterns In the Forex market, there’s a strategy so underappreciated it’s practically an urban legend: trend following paired with falling wedge patterns. This combination is like finding a secret coffee shop with free Wi-Fi and the best espresso in town—too good to miss. Why Falling Wedges Are a Trader’s Best Friend (When You Know How to Use Them) Imagine this: You’re watching the market like a hawk, waiting for an opportunity. Suddenly, a falling wedge appears. If you know what you’re doing, this is your moment. The falling wedge pattern signals a potential reversal, and when it aligns with trend-following strategies, the result can be pure trading gold. A falling wedge occurs when the price action creates lower highs and lower lows, converging into a tighter range. The magic happens when the price breaks out upward, typically leading to a strong bullish trend. The Ninja Guide to Spotting Falling Wedges You might think spotting a falling wedge is as simple as tracing lines on a chart, but seasoned traders know better. Here’s a step-by-step guide: - Identify the Trend: Ensure you’re in a downtrend—falling wedges thrive here. - Look for Convergence: Check if the highs and lows are narrowing into a triangular shape. - Volume Dynamics: Declining volume within the wedge is a green flag. - Breakout Confirmation: Watch for an upward breakout, ideally with a surge in volume. - Set Your Targets: Measure the height of the wedge and project it from the breakout point. Why Trend Following + Falling Wedge = Trading Nirvana Trend following is the bread and butter of many successful Forex traders. Combine it with the falling wedge, and you’ve got a recipe for success. The key is to catch the trend early and ride it for as long as possible. Here’s why this combo works: - Consistency: Trend-following strategies capitalize on long-term market movements. - Precision: The falling wedge provides clear entry and exit signals. - Risk Management: The pattern’s structure naturally defines stop-loss levels. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Even experienced traders can fumble if they overlook these: - False Breakouts: Confirm breakouts with volume and other indicators. - Pro Tip: Use RSI or MACD to double-check momentum. - Premature Entries: Patience is key. Wait for a confirmed breakout. - Ignoring Risk-Reward Ratios: Always aim for a 2:1 or higher ratio. Humorous Anecdote Once, I mistook a symmetrical triangle for a falling wedge. I jumped into a trade faster than someone rushing to claim a Black Friday deal. The result? Let’s just say my account balance dropped faster than a sitcom’s ratings after the main character leaves. Case Study: The EUR/USD Falling Wedge In early 2023, EUR/USD exhibited a textbook falling wedge. Traders who identified the pattern and followed the breakout saw a 150-pip rally in just two days. Here’s what worked: - Spotting the wedge during a broader uptrend. - Confirming the breakout with a volume surge. - Using Fibonacci retracement levels to set profit targets. Underground Tactics for Mastering Falling Wedges Want to take your wedge game to the next level? Try these: - Blend with Moving Averages: Use the 50-day and 200-day moving averages to confirm trends. - Timeframe Stacking: Analyze falling wedges across multiple timeframes for better accuracy. - Pivot Point Magic: Use pivot points to pinpoint entry and exit levels. Master the Art of Trend Following and Falling Wedges Combining trend following with falling wedge patterns isn’t just a strategy; it’s a gateway to smarter, more profitable trading. Remember to stay patient, confirm your signals, and always manage risk. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[abdool-rahman]

The Power of Influencer Marketing: How to Choose the Right Influencers for Your Brand

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brands looking to build credibility, increase reach, and drive conversions in digital marketing. By collaborating with influencers who have established trust and authority within a specific niche or community, brands can tap into a highly engaged audience. However, to maximize the effectiveness of influencer marketing, it's essential to choose the right influencers for your brand. The process involves more than simply selecting someone with a large following; it requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the influencer’s values, audience, and content align with your brand’s objectives.

First and foremost, relevance is key. The influencer’s content should resonate with your target audience and align with your brand’s values, products, or services. Look for influencers whose niche or industry closely matches your business offerings—whether it's fashion, fitness, beauty, technology, or food. If their followers are interested in topics related to your products, the chances of successful engagement are much higher. It’s important to check the influencer’s past content to ensure their voice and messaging align with your brand’s tone and values.

Next, consider the engagement rate over sheer follower count. An influencer with millions of followers might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s the engagement (likes, comments, shares) that truly drives results. Influencers with smaller but highly engaged audiences often have more influence and a higher conversion rate than those with larger, less interactive followings. Tools like engagement calculators or manual checks of average likes and comments on posts can help assess the authenticity and quality of engagement.

Additionally, authenticity plays a crucial role. Audiences today are more discerning and can easily spot inauthentic promotions. Look for influencers who genuinely use and believe in the products they endorse. If their endorsements feel natural and reflect their personal experience, their followers are more likely to trust their recommendations. Authentic influencers build long-term relationships with their audience, which translates to higher trust and better campaign results.

Consider the influencer’s platform as well. Different influencers excel on different platforms—some might be better suited for YouTube, while others thrive on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. It’s essential to choose influencers who are active on platforms where your target audience spends the most time. For example, if your audience is younger, influencers on platforms like TikTok or Instagram might be more effective than those on Facebook or LinkedIn.

You should also assess the content quality of potential influencers. Ensure that their content aligns with your brand’s visual style and quality standards. Look for influencers who consistently produce high-quality content that resonates with their audience, whether it's videos, photos, or blogs. The type of content they produce should match your campaign goals, whether it’s product reviews, tutorials, or unboxing videos.

Finally, consider the budget and ROI. While influencers with larger followings may charge higher fees, it’s important to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) by analyzing the influencer’s ability to drive sales or leads. Micro-influencers, who have smaller but more niche audiences, may offer a better cost-to-ROI ratio for some brands. Don’t forget to set clear expectations and measurable goals for the partnership, such as increased website traffic, conversions, or brand awareness.

In conclusion, choosing the right influencers for your brand involves selecting individuals who align with your brand’s values, engage with your target audience, and produce authentic, high-quality content. By focusing on relevance, engagement, authenticity, platform suitability, and ROI, you can harness the power of influencer marketing to boost your brand’s visibility, credibility, and sales.

[sustainabledemand]

High-Ticket SMBs: Stop Getting Outsold by Agencies That Misunderstand You

In today's marketing jungle, it's survival of the fittest. High-ticket SMBs like you need a demand generation partner who speaks your language. Someone who can craft campaigns that resonate with your dream customers, not some generic, one-size-fits-all approach. To truly stand out from the crowd, you need a marketing agency for b2b that dives deep – into your business, your ideal client, and your big goals.

This article is your guide to ditching the marketing duds and finding the perfect partner. We'll explore the red flags to watch out for with agencies who just don't get the high-ticket SMB game. Plus, we'll share some killer tips on finding a partner who can unlock your full growth potential. By the end of this journey, you'll be a pro at spotting the agency that truly "gets" you. The one that will help you outshine your competitors and leave your target audience saying "wow!"

Why Cookie-Cutter Marketing Won't Fly for Your High-Ticket SMB

So, what's the biggest hurdle high-ticket SMBs face? Finding a marketing team that gets it all. Too often, agencies roll in with a one-size-fits-all toolbox, full of tactics that might work for selling socks, but flop for your premium products.

Mistake number one? Treating your A-list customers like everyone else. These agencies blast out generic online ads or email templates that wouldn't impress your grandma. They forget that high-end buyers care about details, personalization, and feeling like a VIP.

Here's another myth: luxury sells itself. Wrong! Some agencies think fancy products don't need extra effort. They forget about crafting a powerful story around your brand, making your ideal customer feel understood, and creating a smooth experience from browsing to buying. All these things are crucial for winning over discerning consumers.

The result of these blunders? Wasted money and a sales funnel leakier than a colander. Without understanding your ideal client, agencies might generate leads that aren't the right fit, burning your marketing budget. Plus, if they can't explain what makes your premium product or service so special, you're missing out on serious sales.

But the biggest whoops? Damaging your reputation. In the high-end world, word-of-mouth is king. One bad message or clunky experience can spread like wildfire and hurt your hard-earned trust with customers.

So, what's the magic solution? A demand generation partner who gets the finer points of your business, loves telling captivating stories, and is a whiz at crafting laser-focused, personalized campaigns. That's the golden ticket to unlocking your marketing potential and leaving your competitors in the dust when it comes to attracting high-paying customers.

Proven Strategies for High-Ticket SMB Marketing

This section dives into the secret weapons high-ticket SMBs need to conquer the marketplace. We'll explore five battle-tested strategies with clear instructions and real-world examples to show you exactly how they dominate the competition.

Here are the marketing powerhouses in your arsenal:

1. Niche Down and Know Your Ideal Client Like Family

High-ticket SMBs don't have time for chasing after just anyone. That's why niche marketing and buyer personas are your new best friends. Here's the magic:

Deep Dive into Your Niche: Research what makes your corner of the market tick. Who are the big players? What are the trends? This intel helps you tailor your message like a laser.

Craft Your Ideal Client Persona: Imagine your dream customer in vivid detail. What are their demographics? What keeps them up at night? What are their goals? The more you know, the better you can speak directly to their needs.

Example: Let's say you're a high-flying accounting firm focused on manufacturing. Your ideal client might be a CFO at a medical device company. Your persona would detail their financial worries, risk tolerance, and what kind of software they use. With this knowledge, you can create content and messaging that speaks their language.

2. Content Marketing: Become the Ultimate Resource

High-ticket buyers are information ninjas. They devour content before making a big decision. Here's how to use content marketing to turn you into their trusted advisor:

Craft High-Value Content: Think white papers, case studies, industry reports, and webinars – content that showcases your expertise and tackles the specific challenges your ideal client faces.

Become a Thought Leader: Share your wisdom! Publish insightful content that positions you as the go-to resource in your niche.

Example: Imagine you're an engineering software company. You could create white papers comparing your software to competitors, but with a twist – highlight features that solve problems faced by large construction firms (your target niche). This establishes you as an expert and positions you for success.

3. Account-Based Marketing (ABM): Focus Like a Laser on Your Dream Clients

Since high-value clients are a select group, ABM lets you target them with surgical precision. Here's how to do it:

Build Your Dream List: Identify a handful of high-growth startups in the tech sector, for example (if that's your niche). These are your ideal accounts.

Personalize Like a Pro: Don't blast out generic messages. Research each company to understand their specific needs and decision-makers. Tailor your outreach to address their unique challenges and goals.

Example: Let's say you're a financial services firm. You could target high-growth startups in the tech sector and personalize your outreach to each CEO. Highlight how your services can address the specific challenges faced by fast-scaling businesses. This shows you understand their unique situation and builds trust.

4. Consultative Sales: Be a Trusted Advisor, Not a Pushy Seller

Forget about pushy sales tactics. High-ticket clients need a consultative approach where you build trust and understand their unique business needs. Here's the key:

Become a Sales Consultant: Train your team to diagnose a client's challenges. It's about understanding their business goals and demonstrating how your solutions deliver a high return on investment (ROI).

Example: Imagine you sell a customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Instead of just listing features, you'd consult with a high-growth marketing agency. Understand their lead nurturing challenges and show how your CRM streamlines the process and generates more qualified leads. This approach builds trust and positions you as a valuable partner.

5.

. Build Strategic Partnerships: Partner Up for Success

Imagine teaming up with another business that perfectly complements yours. Strategic partnerships can expand your reach and open doors to new high-value clients. Here's what to keep in mind:

Find the Perfect Match: Look for partners who serve the same niche market but offer non-competing solutions. Think win-win!

Join Forces: Develop a co-marketing strategy or referral program. This leverages each other's client base and gets your name in front of more high-value prospects.

Example: Imagine you have a marketing automation platform. You could partner with a web development agency that serves high-growth e-commerce businesses. You can then cross-promote each other's services, giving you access to a wider pool of potential clients.

By wielding these five powerful strategies, high-ticket SMBs can outmaneuver any agency that doesn't understand their unique needs. Remember, it'

 

How High-Ticket SMBs Can Secure Big Wins

Even with the right playbook, high-ticket SMBs can face roadblocks on the path to landing those dream clients. Here's a battle plan to overcome common hurdles:

Challenges:

Limited Marketing Budget: Targeted marketing for high-value clients can feel pricey.

Brand Recognition Blues: Being a smaller player, you might struggle to get noticed next to established brands.

Lean Team, Big Dreams: Limited staff and expertise can make complex marketing and sales a juggling act.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Unlike typical SMB sales, high-ticket deals are marathons, not sprints. Be prepared to nurture leads for the long haul.

By recognizing these challenges and implementing these focused strategies, high-ticket SMBs can effectively compete and secure those high-value deals that fuel significant growth.

Your High-Ticket Sales Battle Plan

Now you've got the intel and the battle plan. Time to conquer those high-value deals! Here's your step-by-step guide to dominating the high-ticket sales game:

Step 1: Sharpen Your Ideal Client Profile

Do some recon! Conduct market research and refine your buyer persona to pinpoint your ideal high-value client. The more you know about them, the better you can tailor your approach.

Step 2: Niche Down and Own It

Focus your marketing efforts on your chosen niche. Don't be a generalist – be the go-to expert in your specific corner of the market. Craft messaging that resonates deeply with your ideal customer profile.

Step 3: Become a Content Powerhouse

Develop a content strategy that positions you as a thought leader. Create informative content like white papers, case studies, and webinars that address your target audience's pain points. This establishes you as a trusted advisor and positions you for success.

Step 4: Target Your Outreach with Laser Precision

Utilize ABM tactics to identify high-value accounts on your target list. But don't blast out generic messages! Personalize your outreach to resonate with each specific decision-maker.

Step 5: Build Trusting Relationships

Train your sales team to be consultative ninjas, not pushy salespeople. Focus on building rapport and understanding the unique needs of each high-value prospect.

Step 6: Measure, Analyze, and Adapt

Don't just throw spaghetti at the wall! Track the results of your marketing and sales efforts. Analyze data and refine your strategies to continuously improve your high-ticket sales funnel.

By following these steps and leveraging the insights from this article, high-ticket SMBs can overcome common challenges, secure high-value deals, and achieve sustainable growth. Remember, with the right strategy and a focus on building trust with high-value clients, you can become the undisputed champion in your niche.

#marketingagencyforb2b #sustainablemarketing #digitalmarketing #linkedInAdsAgency

[sacred-stanning]

Chapter 9 Part 4: Getting out of a bind

So we're in the middle of this turn where I'm wondering if I over-committed maybe.

Amelia here is one concern. I'm not planning to use her, but she is carrying a speedwing, so I don't want her to die. I send in Seth to rescue her out.

So now Franz is isolated up above, but he's pretty tough. Ross can get hit by two different archers, which might not be great, but at the time, I overlooked it. I send Neimi up to attack this weaponless fool. She can't kill him, which is good, because I don't have to worry about her getting attacked by two enemies on enemy phase since this guy is taking up the one spot where the left archer could hit her from.

The right archer with a longbow can still get her, but she can take one hit.

I end turn, and the reinforcement cavaliers move down and are replaced by two new ones.

Ross managed to survive enemy phase, no thanks to my (lack of) planning.

Here's the range for the top archer. I really want to get rid of the archers because they inhibit Vanessa's movement. The one on the right with the longbow is hurt, as is the one on the left. I'll focus on getting the top one, probably with Franz since he's right there.

I'm confident that I can take care of the archers, so I have Vanessa eliminate this mage. I think this may have been the guy with the red gem that I forgot to steal... :(

Also, this level up... :(

This should be easy for Ephraim.

I spent a bunch of time thinking about who else could maybe take out this archer, because Ross doesn't have 100% hit, and if he misses and gets hit, he dies.

I ultimately do the dumb thing and just go for it, and it works out!

And then for some reason, I heal Ross after the attack above. I should have done this first.

Neimi also eliminates the staffless monk.

Finally, Franz takes out this archer and the skies (ceilings?) are safe for Vanessa.

I decide to block the top with Franz and Seth. Seth has good res, and everything else, so he'll be fine. Franz's res is not amazing, but it's better than Kyle's.

Also, note Seth's lowered skill and speed. This is the penalty for carrying someone since he's still holding Amelia.

I have Kyle grab Neimi so that Seth won't be slowed down, and then send Seth up to kill this mage twice over.

Franz takes some damage from the remaining mage, but the cavaliers are not a threat at all.

So now we have one mage left, the first two cavalier reinforcements, and then two more reinforcements on their way down.

Seth takes out this mage since he won't take damage, and he gets a chest key.

Lute takes out the other cavalier and gets more magic.

Putting Lute there though means that Moulder can't reach Franz if I use Franz to block off Lute from getting hit by the cavaliers coming in from above. And I'd rather Lute not take physical hits.

So Franz just has to heal himself. But as we saw before, he's not at risk of taking pretty much any damage from those guys.

In fact, in retrospect, why did I even bother healing him?

Like, I didn't need to at all. He's not in range of this dark mage, and his defense is ridiculous.

Speaking of that dark mage, he's got a Luna tome, which has 20 built-in crit and ignores res, making it potentially dangerous even against mages / pegasus knights / or other units with high res who usually don't fear tomes.

...except it has garbage hit and 0 might, so it's not actually much of a threat.

The two cavaliers come in and attack Seth and Vanessa.

Vanessa also ended her turn in range since one of the cavaliers has a javelin and could throw it over the wall at her. This was not a mistake though, you can see I equipped a javelin on her, so it was my intention to present her as a target!

Next time: Lute and Vanessa have an awkward conversation!

[myresellerhome]

Essential Features to Look for in a Reseller Web Hosting Provider

In the modern, digital world, every company needs an aesthetically pleasing and functional website. There are lots of web hosting services now operating in the market. For some web hosting, you have to buy space on the physical server. Luckily, you are the type of person who thrives on competition and is not scared of putting in some effort, so the reseller hosting service industry is now in a sweet spot for you to enter. Reseller hosting service is a good choice for the webpage creator industry as well as programmers and SEO masters, who can now plan hosting providers’ solutions without actually owning a server.

Reseller hosting providers offer many unique features in their hosting plans. In this article, we'll explain what reseller hosting service is and what features the web hosting company offers for reseller web hosting plans. This will help you choose the best reseller hosting provider and hosting plans.

What is Reseller Hosting?

With the help of reseller web hosting, individuals, organizations, and businesses can provide web hosting services to their clients even if they do not own a physical server. To become a reseller, you will first need to acquire a reseller hosting plans that provides sufficient resources to launch your own web hosting company. It gives you the ability to host the websites of your customers as well as the websites of other enterprises and individuals.

Through reseller hosting, you have the opportunity to provide extra reseller hosting services to businesses or agencies that are already responsible for maintaining their clients' digital presence in some shape or form. Customers who would rather work with businesses that provide solutions from beginning to finish rather than support a number of different hosting providers find this arrangement more appealing.

Along with this, cheap reseller hosting gives you the ability to white label reseller hosting plans, which enables you to produce bespoke hosting plans at discounted rates. You are free to establish your own web hosting company and tailor the reseller hosting services you provide to better meet the requirements of your clientele in comparison to other available options. This can involve the configuration of web hosting, administration of the backend, installation of software, and administration of domains, all of which may incur fees.

Why Should I Even Consider Using a Reseller Hosting Service?

A lucrative business opportunity, reseller web hosting service requires you to purchase some of the necessary resources on your own. To put it another way, the investment in long-term infrastructure and labour is not yours but rather someone else's (the web hosting provider brand that you are under the umbrella of). If you have ever entertained the notion of starting your own web hosting company, then the option to do so through reseller web hosting provider is ideal for you. It makes it possible for you to expand your own business and have several sources of revenue.

You will be in a better position to win new clients and bring all of your operations under one roof if you become a reseller of web hosting services and give serious consideration to doing so. In addition to this, you have fantastic potential to establish yourself as a full-service hosting provider in the web hosting service and internet arena, which is a growing market.

When Choosing a Reseller Web Hosting Plan, What Features Should I Prioritize?

Choosing to go with a reseller web hosting plans offers a number of advantages. When selecting reseller web hosting plans, however, it is crucial to take into account a number of essential features that are included in each web hosting plan.

Perfect Buyer Features:

To attract prospective customers, find a bundle that matches their needs. Google Trends and Keyword Planner help you visualize your target customer. This contains features and materials your audience values. Find local suppliers too. Many tools help you understand your competitors' marketing and advertising. SEO spying is legal. Check out their best reseller hosting plans and prices.

Market positioning has two primary methods. You can either undercut your competitors or offer premium web hosting. More resources, new features, or better customer hosting service may be needed. Research should affect you’re the best reseller hosting plans. If you want to be a budget option, search for hosting plans that meet your target audience's basic needs without extras. This will lower costs and keep you competitive. If you're selling a premium hosting service, get a bundle with resources or features your competitors don't have.

High Uptime:

Check the host's uptime before buying a bundle. This percentage represents the hosting provider's server uptime. Reseller hosting service need uptime. If your reseller hosting provider's servers crash, your customers will too. Downtime can cost reseller hosting customers conversions and sales. If downtime costs clients thousands, they'll be unhappy. Periodic internal server problems can also affect keyword tracking. Hosting with you may lower your clients' SEO rankings.

Downtime always stinks. When your reseller hosting provider is to blame, it's really frustrating. As a web hosting service reseller, you'll receive client complaints even when you can't fix downtime. High-uptime cheap reseller hosting plans can help your organization succeed. If feasible, get a reseller hosting service with an uptime guarantee, since uptime is so critical.

Reviews From Happy Customers:

Researching reseller hosting providers' client reviews is smart. Start with the hosting provider's website testimonials, case studies, and comments. However, this web hosting provider-selected information is always skewed.

Check platforms outside the cheap reseller hosting provider to get a more realistic picture. You should also look into the web hosting company on your preferred search engine. This can show third-party forums and blogs regarding the hosting provider. When researching a hosting service, pay attention to user reviews on uptime and technical support. These are crucial for reseller hosting service success.

If feasible, get reseller hosting providers customers' feedback. If the reviews are good, this could be your web hosting service.

Superior Performance Efficiency:

Superior performance efficiency is a must for any online resource. Research shows that if a website takes longer than three seconds to load, 40% of visitors will give up and go elsewhere. This may have a significant effect on KPIs like conversion and bounce rates.

There are too many unknowns for anyone to know how search engines rank websites. However, performance is a significant ranking factor for Google and other search engines. SEO experts found a direct association between a site's TTFB and its search engine ranking. Time-to-first-byte measures how long it takes for a server to respond to a connection request.

A web hosting service that places a premium on performance is an excellent choice if you want to help your customers increase conversions and climb the search engine rankings.

In-Build Software:

Reseller hosting plan involves extensive administration. A web hosting plan with a site administration platform will make your life easier. Web platforms automate crucial administrative tasks.

There are third-party web management technologies available. Resellers get WHMCS hosting. WHMCS hosting automates reseller hosting. Invoicing, renewing subscriptions, and collecting from delighted customers are provided. WHMCS hosting creates accounts and activates subscriptions. After payment, customers expect account, product, and hosting service access.

Waiting to activate new accounts manually could be a better hosting service. WHMCS hosting automates customer activation and onboarding 24/7. WHMCS hosting has analytics—track business progress without knowing about third-party analytics systems.

Powerful, User-Friendly cPanel:

Your web hosting service bundle could include more administration features. We propose cPanel reseller hosting providers. The industry standard web hosting service control panel is cPanel. cPanel handles reseller hosting plans essentials. Create new users, monitor customer resource usage, and create subdomains. This lets you modify and improve your reseller hosting provider account. Your cheap reseller hosting plan customers will also have cPanel accounts you may brand. This lets you give the finest customer experience and build a strong brand.

Hosting Plans to Grow:

To accommodate your rising clientele, you may need to update your web hosting plan. To attract a more extensive clientele, you could improve your web hosting plan.

A variety of cheap reseller hosting plans are ideal. A budget-friendly Kickstart bundle with 60 GB of disk space and 600 GB of data transmission is available for startups and small companies. This package is great if you want to reach customers with simpler needs or smaller funds. We provide a premium Scale plan for resellers targeting major businesses. Our Scale hosting plans give you the resources to attract consumers with more demanding web hosting plan needs.

Customer needs change over time, so keep that in mind. Flexible hosting providers are preferable. Upgrade your web hosting plans easily to future-proof your business. Open a ticket in our customer portal, and our customer support experts will assist you.

White Labelling:

Going directly to the source is thought to improve customer hosting service. Since both the original hosting provider and the reseller profit, some customers may think reselling hosting plan is more expensive. If you advertise as a reseller, clients may find your host to compare pricing.

White labelling lets you brand yourself independently of your host. For brand building, use a hosting provider with white labelling. It also dispels all web hosting provider reseller myths. Customize cPanel with your logo, favicons, and company name. The WHM dashboard and cheap reseller hosting plans settings link to your customer support and documentation. This ensures brand consistency. It simplifies customer support and documentation, improving the user experience.

Compatible Hosting Service Terms:

Your reseller hosting Terms of Service must follow your web hosting provider's acceptable usage standards. Read the best reseller hosting provider's Terms of Service before buying. Marketing, distributing, or reselling their hosting services may be different from their policies. Make sure there are no restrictions that would make this product unattractive to your target demographic.

If you need clarification, ask the best reseller hosting provider. A competent web hosting company will work with you to align your Terms of Service with theirs. A rough draft may help you understand your Terms of Service. Terms Feed and WP Auto Terms generate boilerplate Terms of Service. Compare this document to the hosting provider's Terms of Service. This may reveal conflicts or other issues that make this bundle unsuitable for your cheap reseller hosting plan business.

Conclusion-

Even if they do not own a physical server, individuals, institutions, and enterprises can still provide web hosting services to their customers by utilizing a hosting service known as reseller web hosting. The industry of creating webpages, together with web programmers and SEO experts, can benefit from utilizing the best reseller hosting. When we first thought about beginning our own business, we considered becoming a reseller of hosting services. Reseller hosting plans makes available a wide variety of options, such as white branding. When selecting a web hosting company, we need to ensure they have certain critical qualities, such as high uptime, white labelling, cPanel, and in-house software, among other things.

Janet Watson MyResellerHome MyResellerhome.com We offer experienced web hosting services that are customized to your specific requirements.

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