#and where people get to share their work without having to be sponsored or GREAT AT IT already

[m-i-r-p]

Send thoughts and prayers to the AO3 volunteer folks

[drunkkenobi]

Hi bb, ty for the prompt to write my thoughts!

So I can't get on tumblr at work anymore unless I go outside to get good signal on my phone so I have only been privy to what's going on here today from friends on discord. So maybe I'm missing some nuance or the what my mutuals think and I apologize in advance for that but I'm going to speak plainly.

This is the only way Watcher is going to survive.

The view counts have been steady through Mystery Files season 2 but they aren't, like, astronomical. A video with a million views nets a channel between $10,000 - $30,000. Guys. That's nothing for Watcher. They have to pay each of their 25+ employees a salary with insurance and benefits and for everything else their channel requires. Steven said in the video today that a season of Ghost Files costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don't think everyone is hearing that part and understanding how much money that is, especially compared to many other YouTubers they watch. I'm not an expert on other YouTubers but I look at the Sims people I watch. They are successful with views in the hundred k range because they are a company of one. Themselves and maybe paying a freelancer to help edit their videos. For one person, the stakes are lower and the potential for profit is higher! Especially for gamers that are filming in their homes. YouTubers like this, making niche content on the cheap, are who is going to make it in YouTube now.

Watcher is none of those things. They have, from day one, wanted to make high quality unscripted content. All of their shows are shows. They aren't just "Ryan and Shane do [thing]" or "Steven eats [whatever]". They are shows, like ones you see on cable TV or any streamer. And shows are not cheap. Unscripted is cheaper, sure, than scripted. But that doesn't mean cheap. Especially not with the sheer production value we've seen on all their shows, in particular Ghost Files (hundreds of thousands of dollars). That is how much something like Ghost Adventures costs, which is on Travel Channel, an actual TV network that puts up all those costs.

So. That's why Watcher has to pivot to survive.

I think it's a great idea, personally. And yes, I am in a position where I can financially afford it no problem, which I know is a privilege! I am very lucky in that regard. And I understand that many people are upset they won't see the boys as easily on YouTube anymore. That is valid! But they have openly said they are totally fine with password sharing and I think that's a great way to cut down on costs for some folks. Also right now there's a great deal on the yearly sub for early subscribers. $40 for a year is cheaper than any streaming service and it doesn't go to anyone other than Watcher.

I understand that people feel hurt and blindsided, but I think Watcher is also feeling this too. They have been so excited about this and being able to make whatever they want without having to worry about sponsors and now they're mostly seeing anger directed their way. Especially at Steven. Steven is not rich. You know who's rich? David Zaslav, a man who is single-handedly ruining Warner Brothers and making himself a billionaire while he's at it. THAT is the kind of person we should be directing our anger at streaming prices and quality of the media landscape at. Not one small business that is just trying to survive so they can continue paying their employees.

And one more thing. I've seen folks saying they'd rather watch more ads than pay and while I get that, that's not going to help Watcher make what they want. YouTube famously demonetizes videos with swears which is why I can't watch a video with DRAG QUEENS without every other line being bleeped and Watcher has been so good about not bleeping their content because they know we would hate it. And YouTube does this because of advertisers. Advertisers only want to appeal to the most broad of audiences so that means not supporting anything slightly left of center. Having to deal with ads sucks from the creator perspective and does not help them in the long run.

Anyway, this is all a bit rambling, but these are my thoughts on WatcherTV. I'm extremely excited to subscribe and make them make more Weird Wonderful World. I hope to see you all there.

[nanowrimo]

Write Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Ways to Conquer Chaotic Writing

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. ButterDocs, a 2023 NaNoWriMo sponsor, is an all-in-one writing app built for productivity, collaboration, and a more joyful writing experience. Today, the folks at ButterDocs share a few tips on organizing your writing to meet your goals:

NaNoWriMo is about to start, and you're champing at the bit to get to 50,000 words. But that's no easy feat! Because life doesn't stop when NaNoWriMo starts.

You're still going to have climb a mountain of chaos to reach your goal: Chaos like not being able to find your notes and outlines when you need them since they're scattered across multiple apps, or the constant lure of internet distractions.

And of course, once NaNoWriMo ends, the writing process continues. You'll need to get feedback, be able to actually easily take advantage of that feedback, and make revisions (especially if your ultimate goal isn't just a rough draft, but a polished novel).

Here are five tips from ButterDocs to beat the chaos and make your writing workflow less work and more flow.

1. Know what you're about to do.

We know you want to start maximizing your word count from Day One, but you'll thank yourself on Day Twenty if you lay the groundwork for yourself. Take some time to organize your research, develop your characters, lay out your major plot points, and consider your themes.

You don't need to buy and learn advanced plotting software. A digital whiteboard can be as intuitive as pinning index cards to a cork board.

2. Write in the best environment for you.

You're about to spend a lot of time writing. It's a good idea to get comfortable.

Think about what environment you write best in. Do you need the hubbub and energy of a busy coffee shop? Or the serenity of a cozy nook?

Once you find the right place, put the same effort into finding a writing app you'll actually enjoy writing in.

3. Stay in your writing flow.

Focus and dedication during NaNoWriMo is the whole ball game. Lose either, and your chances of hitting 50,000 words are harder.

Whatever your NaNoWriMo goals are, give yourself the best chances to succeed with tools that will help you get and stay focused. A timer, word counter, and goal tracker will help you with timed writing sprints and hitting daily writing goals.

4. Recover from distractions.

Distractions will happen. Chaotic writing aside, the human brain wants to wander for dopamine. And life inevitably gets in the way.

What's important is how you recover. Don't let one distraction or missed writing day snowball into another and another. Give yourself tools that help you get back on track. A simple notification to come back to your writing can be a big help.

5. Pull others in to help you move forward.

You may be participating in NaNoWriMo as an individual, but know this: you are not alone.

You have the entire NaNoWriMo community, among many other writing communities and groups you can turn to for any genre of writing.

When you feel stuck or need feedback on a draft, don't be afraid to ask for help. Just be sure to invite people into a writing app where you have control over the collaboration.

ButterDocs Early Access + NaNoWriMo Resources

Conquer chaotic writing by using a writing app built for exactly that. With ButterDocs, you can plan, write, share, and edit your writing all in one place, without the chaos. It's by the team that built Arc Studio, a leading screenwriting app with hundreds of thousands of users.

ButterDocs launches today in early access and we'd love to invite you to check it out for NaNoWriMo.

All NaNoWriMo participants can receive a free year of ButterDocs if you sign up by December 1st, 2023.

We're running a free online event on October 25th for everyone who signs up: "Getting (and Staying) in Your Creative Writing Zone During NaNoWriMo." with Grant Faulkner (Executive Director of NaNoWrimo), Matt Trinetti (founder of London Writers' Salon), and Allison Trowbridge (founder of CopperBooks). If you can't make it, we'll email ButterDocs users the recording afterward.

Visit https://butterdocs.com/NaNoWriMo to learn more about ButterDocs, claim your free account, and enter an exclusive sweepstakes giveaway for NaNoWriMo participants!

[spooky-stille]

Hello you lot, it’s been a little while, how are you all doing?

I’m writing this, distracting myself from last minute packing for Glastonbury which is coming at me quick this weekend. I’m massively disorganised at the best of times so it’s absolute chaos round here. Piles of stuff all over the place. Gambling on no rain which feels like a bit of a risk, but hey. Glastonbury for me is like summer’s answer to Christmas, so I’m well excited. Some of our most surreal and favourite gigs ever have been there, but I’ve also been coming as a punter with my mates for years and years. And while I know the idea of living in a busy, noisy field to watch music for 5 days straight is a lot of people’s idea of hell, I can’t bloody wait (even if I’ve got that anticipation-sick-stomach feeling you get before a big night). There’s so much great music on the lineup this year, but that magical parallel universe of a festival site is vast and sprawling, so feel free to imagine me and my mates - running around like headless chickens, trying to be in 6 places at once - from now til Monday. Actually don’t do that, no one needs that image.

 

 

The main reason I’m writing this is because I’ve made some new music and am in the process of getting it all ready for you to hear. I wanted to find a way to be directly in touch about all of that, about what’s been happening with us, what’s to come, and as a way to share a bunch of recommendations and things that I think are interesting (and hope you will too).

So, this is a hello to anyone who’s new here, and of course hi again to anyone who’s been around for a while. Cheers for reading this (I’m impressed if you’ve made it this far). I’m properly excited for what’s up next (more on that later) and in the meantime I’ll do my best to make these mails worth your time.

When me and the guys and our whole touring team finished our tours at the end of last year it felt like the right time for us all to take a proper break. Obviously we’re insanely lucky to get to play music and to travel all over the world with it, but we hadn’t really, properly stopped at all since we started out more than 10 years ago. Touring’s been this dominant line that’s cut right through and across most of our adult lives. While it can be an amazing whirlwind and is of course a huge privilege, it can also be completely all consuming, and, like loads of things in life, it’s not without its challenges. So, for that and for many different reasons, this year felt like the right time to not book any gigs at all and see what life looked like. It’s genuinely the first time since Bastille started that there’s been nothing scheduled. Mad.

We’ve all been off doing different things and getting on with life, while getting used to being in one place for a while. For me - in what’ll come as no surprise to anyone who knows me - I’ve not really been that great at sitting still or taking a break. I’ve been busy working on some fun things… so why would I want to not be doing that?!

 

Being home and being around has been genuinely brilliant, I’m really loving it. Part of that has been because for the first time in ages I’ve had the time to work on music and songwriting at home on my laptop, very much like how I did back when I was making the songs that became Bad Blood. This year so far has been such a fun and creatively satisfying time and I’ve felt well lucky having the space to chase a bunch of ideas and see where they lead and what they become. It probably sounds (and is) pretty self indulgent, but it’s been great.

Amongst all of that stuff (and general life stuff) I’ve used the time to travel a bunch, to take in as many films/books/gigs/shows/art as possible, I spent some time out at sea on the Greenpeace boat in the Bermuda Triangle (?!?!?), ran a half marathon for Warchild with some mates (thanks so much to anyone who sponsored - you’re brilliant), Tour-Managed my friends band FOURS on their UK tour with To Kill A King, and have been working away on a whole load of different projects with some brilliant people. I’ve also been learning the guitar… something I’ve always wanted to do but never seemed able to properly focus on.

 

 

And the reason I’ve learned guitar has to do with that new music I mentioned. There’ll be loads more news to come on that in the very near future (I’m excited to talk about the process and ideas behind it all… come on guys it’s my weird brain here so nothing’s ever as simple as it could be). I’ve tried to approach the whole process of recording and beyond in a totally different way, and I’m beyond excited to share it all with you.

For now… I’ve got to get back to packing or I’ll find myself on Sunday with no clean pants. I’m  here in my room with my head in my phone, sat amongst these piles and I haven’t even found a bag for any of it yet, so I better get on with it.

And to anyone here that’s also heading to Glastonbury this weekend, I hope you’re all packed and ready, and maybe I’ll bump into you there somewhere? (Oh s**t, also don’t forget to come to Pilton Palais on Sunday to join me and the editor of Empire Magazine having a chat about Nosferatu and horror films!)

Speak soon.

Dan x

[daystarvoyage]

I loved your video on the masculization of Luz Noceda. Gender non-conformity is valid and woc who identify as such deserve representation. What is not okay is that a tomboyish Afro-Latina girl was paired with a feminine white girl which reinforces stereotypes about black women. This wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t so common in fiction. Interracial sapphic couples often have the butch be woc and the femme is white. There are exceptions, but they are far rarer. I would have preferred if Lumity was fem4fem, butch4butch, or Luz was fem and Amity was masc.

I feel this is the problem throughout todays disney media,how stale it reflects there previous works, they have put out that effected this, yes looking at toh, it was fine to have a main poc character contribute to diversity, and ok explore her sexuality which i commend the show does however,

It falls flat of not exploring luz's family,Ecthnicity, & show great cultural represenation like other works in disney like seeing the PS sponsors about different cultral backgrounds, cuisines and heritages.

The three shows did it better (molly mcgee, Moon girl & amphibia were better examples of how to do it right) and felt the crew of toh didnt have a clue or proper reseearch on how to execute a story of differences, ecthnicty & culturals. I mean you live in a fantasy world with over 100 species and your telling me, the show only fcous on the humanoid shape priveldege characters (which fans only pay attention to In beauty standard way. SMH

DO BETTER STAFF

However the big egg on the face after rewatcing the show ad reading the wiki, felt some parts being subpar, the way they potrayed luz and shelved aside, in favor for amity! it gotten to the point where along its writing and potrayal of the two was trite & selfisih writing.

I for one were along with critiques & well minded fans or who get it, that luz's Feminine traits were watered down, to favor amity's fem persona knowing fans would gravitate to her, and times the show pused luz aside (like other characters) in fans favor for the little white girl whos picture perfect and drained of what makes her unique even if the show doesnt catch on yall still find a way to defend her, Like the writing and storytelling of the show was Trite & Fradualent.

at times even if luz didnt had a proper sexuality to show her feminine side cause fans like to based people off sexuality instead of writting oraganic stories nowadays. (it wont matter a bit) cause at the end the potrayal of darker people are always degraded & disrespected,

along with the fandoms distatse and judgement of camilla knowing full well shes doing her duty as a mother! (whos also dark skin along gus so Picture how there portrayed.)

the way the fans and series portray luz without showing her girly side is that of a trope thats been done throughout to show agenda whcih is the girl boss movement to blame, so ima try not to be too long,

but it was foul how they made practically all the toh poc characters more obscured or watered down in writting cause everyone favored more of lighter skin characters as the show went on,

(the eclipse lake episode, HUNTER AMITY AND EDA TAKING OVER THE SHOW WHILE WILLOW AND GUS BE SIDELINED, LIKE THEM IN SEASON 1 FINALE, HUNTER BEING A PLOT DEVICE FOR HUNTLOW TO HAPPEN WHICH DOES NOTHING FOR THE STORY ITSELF INSTEAD SHIPPING DISCOURSE.)

so people need to understand the words favoritsim and bias at this point. cause they way they want to be with the in crowd badly and drawing or potraying luz in a butch way can stifle how we see POCs as nothing but masculine or tomboyish has be tiresome just to show a girlboss agenda yet you dont know WHO LUZ IS.

i thank you for sharing this with me cause i worked hard and loved that video cause its to bring to light of how the gaming industry trend is now leaking into animation now.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & ENJOY THIS READ ABOUT MORE OF AFRICAN AMERICA MEDIA PORTRAYAL

[nordic-language-love]

Hii~ idk if you talked about it but could you tell us your journey in Japan? How is it + how did you manage to go there (if you want to share ofc!)

It's because I'd like to move to Japan and I'm trying to collect information on how to successfully go there.. so if you have any advice pls lemme know, I'd really appreciate it! Have a great day!

Hi there! I sure can :)

How I Got There

Pretty much everyone I know who came to Japan is an ESL teacher (not surprising given I am an ESL teacher and so are all my colleagues, and when I was doing research I mostly searched Youtube for people's ESL experiences in Japan). The most common route of application is via the JET Program. There are also a number of Eikaiwa companies that hire from abroad and will sponsor your visa (this is what I did - I'm happy to give you the details of my recruiter over a DM if you want). However, pretty much all of these options require you to have a bachelor's degree (doesn't matter what in). The main problem with these kinds of companies is you don't have much control over where in Japan they put you, and typically you won't be in a big city (although you might be in a surrounding area - one guy from my training group is based in Saitama). The pay's also not great (but as long as you live within your means, you'll be very comfortable and you can definitely save up).

Even if teaching English isn't something you fancy, it's probably the easiest way to get into Japan if you have a bachelor's. You don't have to be a native English speaker (although you should be at least a comfortable C1, ideally C2 level), and once you're in Japan you can find a job you actually want much more easily.

You can also try GaijinPot for more jobs - there's a section for people applying from overseas. But please check on places like Reddit or FB groups whether a job seems reasonable before applying; anything that advertises pay "per hour" is unlikely to be a liveable wage, and I've been told 240K/mo in Tokyo is not really sufficient (no problem for me out in the sticks, but Tokyo living costs are crazy).

How It Is

I love the nature here! I live in the Tohoku region so I'm surrounded by mountains and forests and I feel so lucky!

The summer sucks if you aren't a fan of the heat. We had 33-37ºC every day from mid-July to the start of September. I have a colleague who grew up in the UAE and he's been laughing at us all saying how beautiful the weather is, but for me, who is native to a cold and soggy little mound of grass in the Atlantic, it is horrendous. Not to mention the cicadas. Idk if there are cicadas where you live but I was NOT prepared.

You can get by without Japanese, but making the effort will go a LONG way. If you've only ever travelled in Europe or English-speaking countries, you'll probably have the impression that "everyone speaks English to some degree" and that you can always find someone with good enough English to help you. This is not the case in Japan! Your interactions will be very awkward if you don't make the effort. You'll probably be fine in bigger cities but more remote regions will be very difficult to navigate.

I understand Japanese a LOT better than when I first came here. I can still barely speak it, but I'm always surprised by how much I can pick up from the kids from the words I know and context (this is a huge advantage to teaching if learning Japanese is your goal: young kids will babble at you in Japanese CONSTANTLY). I'd probably speak it better if I made the effort to go out and talk to people but I'm shy lol.

I love the job! My colleagues are great and the kids are so much fun. My company does provides really good support and my work-life balance is perfect for me. I also get to use my creative side making classroom materials. But I don't get sick days and I only have 10 paid vacation days, 5 of which are at the end of the year and cannot be moved. I'm also pretty sure most other eikaiwas and Japanese companies will work you a lot harder, and you'll have much longer hours and higher expectations from your company.

Hope that helps! Best of luck with everything. Feel free to shoot me another ask if you have more specific questions!

[abelpcyne]

ABEL PAYNE —

cis man & he/him

march 8, 1988 / 34

psychiatrist

rabbit creek

biography

lightening round —

born in tacoma, washington as the youngest of two children. his sister was/is charismatic, popular, had the natural ability to attract people’s interest and attention where he was a bit of the quiet loner that benefited from being related to her

when he was 12 years old his world turned upside down as girls started to go missing around riverside, and while their bodies were never found abel was the one to turn evidence on his father and thus eventually convicting him as a serial murderer

his mother moved him and his sister to anchorage, alaska to getaway from the drama, harassment, anger and shame. to attempt to start over anew and anonymously with a last name change from thompson to her maiden name payne

the trauma he experienced in childhood manifested later on in his life, mostly coming out during his university years. he went into psychiatry with the desire to help others through their own trauma and felt he had a leg up that he could connect to them and their darker experiences because he had his own

his first girlfriend in college went horribly. not only could he not trust, he was also at the start of his abuse of prescription medication which led to paranoia, and abel had too many of his own secrets. it wasn’t as salacious as it sounded on paper, but the relationship ended with abel receiving a restraining order

following his master’s and doctorate he worked at the local hospital a few years before finally being ready to open up his own private practice

it was on his last day, when he was taking his boxes to his car that he met the woman that would become his first fiancée in the parking lot. she offered to help him get his boxes situated and slipped him her card. it was three weeks before he called her, hesitant to enter into anything after his last experience and because he generally only kept himself amused by unavailable women

the relationship moved a bit quickly, within a year they were living together and engaged. he had opened up and shared his history, who he was and what he’d spent his life running from, and she had told him she’d never heard of his father or what he had done. when he’d found out that wasn’t true he broke off the engagement

now free from a three-month stay in a rehabilitation center abel is trying to keep his life on the right track and repair any damage from his past

potential plots —

dive deep into the past — One of my goals for Abel is that he start the work on confronting and dealing with his past. His role in his father's guilty verdict and incarceration and how it tore the family apart and sent them so far away from home.

sober life — Since becoming clean I foresee Abel struggling with maintaining that while confronting the other problem areas of his life.

potential connections —

ex-fiancée — This connection is integral to his past and likely future development. She was the first and only woman he's allowed into his life in any way. While still closed off from the darkest secrets he was looking forward to a life ahead with her. Now with their engagement over and her having freshly moved out of the house he'd bought for them I'm keen for the development from that point on.

sister — Abel's older sister would be a great connection in the vein of him having to confront the past. Plus, I could see tension between them given how she might have felt of what had happened to their family. This is something I'd love work through with Abel.

sponsor — Since recently becoming clean of his prescription drug abuse I would really love to have someone there that he can reach out to, lean on, and gain support from during this time as he tries to deal with his life and function without the aide of drugs.

[rpmtrish]

NEOPMA President John Mazzorana Announces Retirement

"GOOD BYE. IT’S TIME FOR ME TO MOVE ON." (John Mazzorana) It seems like yesterday that I started the NEOPMA. It’s been 32 years of love , frustration , aggravation, fun and friendship. Despite all the stomach acidity and thankless times …I still think of our racers as friends , family and some cases even like my brothers/ children. I will miss you guys but promise to stay in touch. My decision to retire is based on several things but I will only share the top four in random order: Several of the clubs staunchest racer sponsors have either stopped racing ,moved on to other organizations or simply moved. One of my major reasons for running the club was the comrades/ friendship and fun I have with you all. Recently my health has become of real concern and makes it difficult to me to give 100% effort to do a good job. I hope to be somewhat better early next year. The Pro Mod world is becoming cluttered with big dollar events, lots of associations with numerous events and less cars per event. Difficult to successfully compete. It’s not uncommon to see $50,000 purses (now $ $150,000) causing drivers to move onto other programs. On the other hand, PRO MODS ARE FINALLY GETTING RECOGNITION. WHERE DOES THE NEOPMA GO FROM HERE? Frankly, I don’t know. I would like it to continue and prosper so I’ve been trying to find a suitable replacement but to no avail. Some of the best candidates understand the time and dedication required but cannot commit. Others simply do not have the drive, desire or skill set needed to assure ongoing success. Frankly, this is a quandary. Anyone interested please contact me. THANK YOU TO SO MANY RACERS, SPONSOR COMPANIES, TRACKS. This good bye note would be extremely long if I mentioned all the people who helped us so I will only focus on the top few : THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF WITHOUT WHOM THEIR WOULD-BE CHAOS: Mark Tinari our Vice President director of marketing, website manager and photographer has been the cornerstone of our team for over 25 years. His continued support has help make us one of the best-known PM clubs in the country. Dennis Quitoni our director of operations joined us several years ago and brought more comprehensive and effective methods of staging with cohesive rules while managing racer relations. “You can’t make all the racer happy all the time“ but Dennis listens and tries. Donna Curci and Jimmy. Long Island Donna is her race name and our club announcer. Her passion for Drag racing is fantastic. She eats, sleeps and thinks about nothing once she is at the track, yes and even at home Ya gotta love her . Mel Jones is our operation assistant manager. Aside from helping stage cars and numerous other tasks , he is fun to be with. Thank God for Mel and his sense of humor. PM drivers can be very demanding and outspoken. It is Mel’s personality that keeps us from getting upset. Jay Warren (NC ProModer) and his wife Lori are welcomed members of our NEOPMA family. Jay provides us with some of the best Live Coverage ever . His talent and consistent coverage make us proud to work with him. THANKS TO OUR RACERS AND RACER SPONORS: Just a few … Fred Scriba, Anne and the Scriba family for their many years of support, dedication, sponsorship and most of all friendship. The Scriba family has been loyal to the NEOPMA for well over 25 years. They are one of the major reasons I continued to run the club. The Hard racing team (Brian Hard, Tyler Hard and Kevin McCurdy) supported the club and helped bring it up to the level of larger organizations. Through their efforts and support the NEOPMA racers can stand toe to toe with any Pro Mods in the country. The Pilot, King, Miller racing team are great competitors and friends. Through their participation and assistance, we were able to have top notch racing and competitive payouts. They are lots of fun and a very competitive team that are envied. Too many more to list. You made it fun. THANKS TO OUR SUPER LOYAL TRACKS BOTH PRESENT AND PAST: Maryland International Raceway. Royce Miller one the best track owners and promoters in the USA and a close friend. His track is by far one of the best tracks in the country with fantastic, caring ownership/management, super facility, great track prep and devoted personnel . Thank you for your friendship , loyalty and support for over 25 years . Empire Dragway up in Leicester NY . The facility is amazing and one of the best tracks we have ever raced at . Great track prep, long safe shutdown, warm and friendly staff and super spectator appreciation . Empire is a relatively new track to the NEOPMA but has quickly become one of our favorites. Tracks from our past: Englishtown , Cecil County Raceway , Atco and Capitol have all played a major role in our 32 years of success. THANKS TO OUR MANUFACTURE SPONSORS FOR GREAT PRODUCTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT: ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS… JC BEATTIE has helped us for years with superior racing part and financial assistance. Quality parts. VP RACING Fuels … if you’re racing a PRO MOD car then the only fuel to consider is VP. VP products and financial support have helped us stay at the forefront of the Pro Mod class. Fantastic product! Mark Mickie Transmissions … WOW , by far one of the best Pro Mod transmissions on the market. Great product , great service , competitive pricing and super people who are racers themselves…what more can you ask for? Working with this team is a pleasure. THANKS TO OUR FANS AND SPECTATORS. We appreciate your years of loyalty and support. You were there when we were a young, fledgling organization and you stayed with us for all these years. You’ve seen us grow into a one of the fastest, successful and longest lasting Pro Mod organizations in the country. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR 32 YEARS OF FUN , FAST CARS AND ESPECIALLY FRIENDSHIP. Read the full article

[businessenlignefrance]

What is passive income ?

Blog Post: What is Passive Income?

Introduction

Hi there! Are you tired of working hard all the time just to make money? You’re not the only one! Many people dream of being able to make money without sacrificing their free time. That’s where passive income comes in. It’s a real game-changer that can help you control your financial future. In this blog post, we will learn about passive income, its types, benefits, and challenges, and how you can start earning it. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let's learn about passive income!

Click here to read more

What is Passive Income?

Definition

Passive income is money you earn regularly with little effort to keep it going. Unlike active income, where you work for hours to get paid, passive income lets you earn money while you sleep, relax at the beach, or even while planning cool wedding dances!

Active vs. Passive Income

Time Investment:

Active income: Requires direct time and effort, like DJing at a wedding.

Passive income: Needs initial work but then keeps earning with little ongoing effort.

Effort Required:

Active income: Always needs effort to make money.

Passive income: Earns money with little work after it’s set up.

Income Sources:

Active income: Regular jobs, hourly work, gigs.

Passive income: Investments, royalties, automatic businesses.

Common Misconceptions

It’s Completely Hands-Off: Passive income streams often need some setup and occasional work.

It’s Quick and Instant: Building a good passive income takes time and planning; it’s not magic.

It’s Guaranteed: Just like any income, passive income has risks and ups and downs.

Types of Passive Income Streams

Ready to explore different passive income ideas? Let’s go!

Real Estate Investments:

Rental Properties: Buy properties and earn rent from tenants.

REITs: Real Estate Investment Trusts let you invest in real estate like stocks.

Dividend Stocks:

Regular Dividend Payouts: Buy stocks from companies that share their profits with you.

Dividend-Focused Funds: Mutual funds and ETFs that focus on dividends.

Peer-to-Peer Lending:

Lending Platforms: Lend money online to people and earn interest.

Risks and Rewards: You can earn more but might risk people not paying back.

Create Digital Products:

eBooks: Write an eBook and sell it online.

Online Courses: Make and sell courses based on what you know.

Software or Apps: Develop software or apps and earn from downloads or subscriptions.

Affiliate Marketing:

Promote Products: Earn commissions by promoting products on your blog, website, or social media.

Revenue Share: Get a part of the money from each sale made through your links.

Royalties:

Books: Write a book and earn royalties from sales.

Music: Make music and earn whenever it's played.

Patents: License your inventions and get royalties.

Automated Online Businesses:

Dropshipping: Sell products online without keeping inventory.

Print-on-Demand: Sell custom items without keeping stock.

High-Yield Savings Accounts:

Bank Accounts: Put your money in high-interest savings accounts.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Lock in money for a set time for higher interest rates.

Sell Stock Photos Online:

Photography Contributions: Upload and sell your photos on stock photo websites.

Purchase Earnings: Earn money every time someone buys your photos.

Create a YouTube Channel:

Ad Revenue: Make money from ads on your videos.

Sponsorships: Partner with brands for sponsored content.

Benefits of Passive Income

Why is passive income so attractive? Let’s find out.

Financial Stability: It gives you a steady income that can add to or even replace your main job.

Time Freedom: With less time spent working, you can enjoy what you love or start new projects.

Scalability: Many passive income sources can grow a lot.

Diversification: Having different income sources protects your financial health.

Retirement Security: It’s great for long-term financial planning and retirement.

Challenges and Risks of Passive Income

It’s not always easy. Here are some challenges you might face.

Initial Effort: Starting passive income streams often needs upfront time, effort, and money.

Market Risks: Changes in the economy can affect your income.

Maintenance: Passive income might still need some occasional updates and care.

Scams and Fraud: Be careful of too-good-to-be-true schemes. Always check things out.

Learning Curve: You might need to learn new skills or information.

Steps to Create Passive Income

Excited to start? Here’s how you can begin your passive income journey:

Identify Your Interests and Skills: Pick a passive income stream that suits you.

Research Opportunities: Look into different options and find the best ones for you.

Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with passive income.

Develop a Plan: Make a detailed plan to reach your goals.

Invest Initial Time/Resources: Be ready to spend time and resources upfront.

Automate Processes: Use tools to make your income processes automatic.

Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on your income streams and make changes as needed.

Reinvest Earnings: Use your earnings to grow and diversify your income.

Educate Yourself: Keep learning about new opportunities and strategies.

Conclusion

There you have it! Passive income is a powerful tool that can help you achieve financial freedom, giving you more time, security, and peace of mind. It’s not an instant solution, but with the right effort, planning, and perseverance, you can change your financial future. Imagine all the time you could spend perfecting your wedding playlist or dancing at the weddings you DJ!

Start exploring passive income streams that excite you and build a foundation for a financially free future. Until next time, keep the music playing and the fun times rolling!

Disclaimer: Always do thorough research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Passive income streams involve risks and require careful planning.

[chrisbrown4444]

The Power of Social Media Advertising for Your Business

Introduction

Hey there, business owners and marketing enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of social media advertising. If you've ever wondered how to get your business in front of more people without breaking the bank, you're in the right place. Social media advertising is like having a speaker for your business, but instead of shouting on the street, you're reaching people right where they spend a lot of their time – on their favorite social media platforms.

In this blog, we'll explore why social media advertising is such a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. We'll look at how it works, the benefits it offers, and some tips to help you get started. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let's jump in!

Why Social Media Advertising Matters

Think about how much time you spend scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Now multiply that by billions of people around the world. That's the potential audience you can reach with social media advertising!

Here's why it's so powerful:

Huge Audience: Social media platforms have billions of users. That's a lot of potential customers!

Targeted Reach: You can show your ads to specific groups of people based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics.

Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional advertising methods, social media ads can be much more affordable, especially for small businesses.

Measurable Results: You can easily track how your ads are performing and adjust them in real-time.

Increased Brand Awareness: Even if people don't buy right away, they'll start recognizing your brand.

Engagement Opportunities: People can like, comment, and share your ads, helping to spread your message further.

Getting Started with Social Media Advertising

Now that we know why it's important, let's talk about how to get started:

Choose Your Platforms Not all social media platforms are created equal. Think about where your target audience hangs out. Are they scrolling through Instagram? Networking on LinkedIn? Choose the platforms that make the most sense for your business.

Set Clear Goals What do you want to achieve with your ads? More website visitors? More sales? More followers? Having clear goals will help you create more effective ads and measure your success.

Know Your Audience The more you know about your target audience, the better you can tailor your ads to them. What are their interests? What problems do they need solving? Use this information to create ads that really speak to them.

Create Compelling Content Your ads need to grab attention in a sea of content. Use eye-catching images or videos, write catchy headlines, and make sure your message is clear and compelling.

Start Small and Test You don't need to spend a fortune to get started. Begin with a small budget and test different ad formats, messages, and targeting options. See what works best and then scale up.

Monitor and Adjust Keep a close eye on how your ads are performing. Most platforms provide detailed analytics. Use this data to tweak and improve your ads over time.

Types of Social Media Ads

Different platforms offer various ad formats. Here are some common types:

Image Ads: Simple but effective, these ads feature a single image with text.

Video Ads: Great for demonstrating products or telling your brand story.

Carousel Ads: These allow you to showcase multiple images or videos in a single ad.

Story Ads: These appear in the Stories feature on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Sponsored Posts: These look like regular posts but are labeled as sponsored content.

Lead Ads: Designed to collect information from interested users, like email addresses.

Tips for Creating Effective Social Media Ads

Keep it Simple: Your message should be clear and easy to understand at a glance.

Use High-Quality Visuals: Poor quality images or videos can make your brand look unprofessional.

Include a Call-to-Action: Tell people what you want them to do next – "Shop Now," "Learn More," "Sign Up," etc.

Be Authentic: People can spot insincerity a mile away. Be true to your brand voice and values.

Tell a Story: Humans are wired for stories. Use your ads to tell a compelling narrative about your brand or product.

Offer Value: Whether it's a special discount, useful information, or entertainment, make sure your ad offers something of value to the viewer.

Measuring Success

How do you know if your social media advertising is working? Here are some key metrics to watch:

Click-Through Rate (CTR): This shows how many people clicked on your ad compared to how many saw it.

Conversion Rate: This measures how many people took the desired action (like making a purchase) after clicking your ad.

Cost Per Click (CPC): This tells you how much you're paying for each click on your ad.

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): This shows how much revenue you're generating compared to what you're spending on ads.

Engagement Rate: This measures how many people are interacting with your ad through likes, comments, and shares.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Social media advertising isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:

Ad Fatigue: People get tired of seeing the same ad. Regularly update your ad creative to keep things fresh.

Rising Costs: As more businesses advertise on social media, costs can increase. Focus on improving your targeting and ad quality to get more bang for your buck.

Privacy Changes: Platforms are always updating their privacy policies, which can affect targeting. Stay informed about these changes and be ready to adapt your strategy.

Standing Out: With so many ads out there, it can be hard to get noticed. Focus on creating unique, high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

Social media advertising is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes reach new customers, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. By understanding your audience, creating compelling content, and continually testing and refining your approach, you can harness the power of social media to take your business to new heights.

Remember, success with social media advertising doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But with persistence and creativity, you can create a social media advertising strategy that truly works for your business.

If you're looking to boost your brand's presence through effective social media advertising? Our expert team at Shemon Software Solutions is here to help! Whether you need targeted campaigns, creative content, or expert strategy, we've got you covered. Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your social media game! 

FAQs

How much does social media advertising cost? The cost varies depending on the platform, your target audience, and your goals. You can start with as little as $5 per day on some platforms.

How long does it take to see results from social media advertising? It varies, but you might start seeing results within a few days to a few weeks. Long-term success often takes several months of consistent effort.

Do I need to advertise on all social media platforms? No, it's better to focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active.

Can I do social media advertising myself, or do I need to hire an expert? While you can certainly learn to do it yourself, hiring an expert can save time and potentially lead to better results, especially if you're new to advertising.

How often should I change my ads? It's good to refresh your ad creative every few weeks to prevent ad fatigue, but also give each ad enough time to gather meaningful data.

Learn more:  Digital Marketing

Question for the Audience

What's one social media platform you use every day? Think about why you use it and what kind of ads catch your attention there.

Share your thoughts:)

[jackmasonincandco]

Scaling Startups: Jack Mason Inc & Co’s Proven Techniques for Growth

What makes some businesses soar while others struggle when they grow? This is what Jack Mason, Group CEO of Inc & Co, digs into. Since starting the company in 2019 with Dave Antrobus and Scott Dylan, he has been sharing what he knows about growing startups. He has insightful tips on sustainable growth from his experience in different sectors.

Jack Mason ventured into business growth with projects like Skylab and Maker&Son. Here, he showed his deep understanding of what customers want. He fine-tuned his startups to serve their needs better. Mason’s detailed strategies in building a strong team and perfecting the business model highlight how detailed you need to be to grow a startup well.

Mason has used his growth knowledge in big moves, such as getting Maker&Son to sponsor the ‘Ideal Home Show’. This event drew over 100,000 people interested in furniture in the UK. For Mason and Inc & Co, growing a business is about strong planning, understanding the market, and being ready to change. We will explore Jack Mason Inc & Co‘s specific growth methods in detail, showing how to not just grow, but keep growing.

Starting Strong: The Foundations of a Scalable Startup

The journey of starting startups begins with understanding market dynamics well. Knowing the market is key to building a business that can grow. It’s essential to know your target market’s demographics, economic status, and what they like. This insight makes sure your product or service meets current needs and can adjust to future market changes.

Having a scalable business model is more than just having a great product. It’s about creating a business that can grow easily when demand increases, without losing quality or money. Startups often grow too quickly without the right structure to support it. Successful startups plan for growth from the start, in everything from how they operate to how they deliver services.

To build a business that lasts, entrepreneurs need to look beyond just the product. They should keep updating their market knowledge and be ready to change quickly. This means learning from markets both at home and around the world, spotting new trends, and using them in their business. Knowing the market well also reduces risks when expanding quickly by spotting possible problems early.

For startups, growing a scalable business requires careful planning and deep market understanding. These first steps are vital as they set up the foundation for future growth. Keeping up with market trends, listening to customer feedback, and always improving your business are what make scalable startups successful.

Cultivating a Supportive Team and Corporate Culture

In today’s business world, having a supportive team and strong corporate culture is crucial. By focusing on team building, companies create a reliable workforce. This workforce not only meets daily needs but also helps achieve long-term goals. Recognising the importance of corporate culture allows companies to create a place where everyone feels valued and eager to do their best work.

Building a team is key to building trust and understanding among workers. When team members trust each other, they share ideas more freely. Their teamwork becomes more effective and brings new solutions. This trust also makes it easier to discuss strategies and make sure everyone is aiming for the same goals.

Creating a positive corporate culture helps align everyone with the company’s objectives. A culture that values clear communication, respect, and shared goals helps employees work together better. This unity is vital for growth and helps overcome the challenges of a competitive market.

Investing in activities that support these values brings big rewards. For example, letting employees work on community projects can make them feel more connected to the company. Also, celebrating their achievements boosts morale and keeps people happy at work.

Ultimately, focusing on team building and creating a supportive culture is key to business success. These efforts improve job satisfaction and keep employees around for longer. They also play a big part in meeting the strategic aims of the company.

Jack Mason on Scaling Startups

Jack Mason Inc & Co offers valuable advice for businesses aiming to grow. He has a lot of experience and knows how to adapt strategies for growth. He always speaks about the importance of being resilient and having a flexible structure to cope with changes in the business world. He thinks planning for future obstacles and using everyone’s skills in the team are key to success. Jack Mason says knowing what each team member can offer is crucial. This way, businesses can overcome challenges during expansion.

Jack encourages businesses to use scaling methods that fit their needs and the market they’re in. This approach makes sure the solutions work well for a long time. It also gives businesses an advantage over others.

To do well in today’s fast-changing market, having a great product isn’t enough. Understanding how to effectively grow your business is vital, according to Jack Mason. His ideas offer a plan for startups aiming not just to grow, but to excel and lead in their industries. This is done by using smart and adaptable scaling methods.

Market Penetration and Expansion Strategies

To grow startups sustainably, it’s key to focus on market penetration and look for ways to expand. Industry leaders show that understanding cultural differences is crucial when entering international markets. By strategising carefully, businesses can reach more people in an effective way.

Going global is great for startups wanting more brand recognition and sales. This approach helps avoid the risk of being too focused on one market. By moving into new areas carefully, startups can reach more people and see a boost in profits. But, they must ensure their expansion fits well with what they’re good at and their business aims.

Startups should really get to know local markets to fit in well and shape their strategies accordingly. It’s about more than just selling products; it’s about connecting with people. Partnering with locals can also help startups understand new markets better.

Being flexible is crucial when expanding into new markets because each one is unique. Success requires learning and adjusting continuously. Listening to local feedback helps refine the approach for better results.

The goal is to form lasting bonds with international markets, making the startup feel like a local favourite. This approach not only boosts the chance of success abroad but also supports long-term growth.

Building and Sustaining a Growth MindsetIn the realm of business, having a growth mindset is key. It helps build resilience and creates a path to success that can grow. Entrepreneurs facing major changes should adopt this mindset. It turns challenges into chances for innovation and better strategies. With a growth mindset, individuals and teams see problems as opportunities for growth.

Adding a growth mindset to a company means more than just changes in operation. It’s about believing in constant improvement and learning. This belief welcomes feedback, shining a light on areas to get better and find new chances for growth. As industries change, so should companies, by innovating and planning in response to stay ahead.

For example, companies boosted by the British Business Bank’s Life Sciences Investment Programme and the Strength in Places Fund show how thinking about growth can lead to innovation. When a business thinks this way, it can grow with the market and make new discoveries. These examples prove how changing your mindset can make a big difference.

Having a growth mindset also makes for stronger business strategies. It creates an environment where challenges lead to dynamic solutions and learning chances. This not only helps a company grow but also makes it a leader in its field. Being seen as a leader means you can handle ups and downs and make the most of new opportunities. Keeping a growth mindset is all about continuous improvement, vital for any business wanting to shine in today’s world.

Mastering the Art of Customer-Centric Innovation

Today, for startups aiming for growth, focusing on customer-centric innovation is crucial. It means centering product development around what customers really want. This approach helps companies anticipate and meet customer needs, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. At its core, this method involves constantly getting feedback and adjusting to stay in tune with market demands.

Using tools like user analytics and feedback helps startups understand what consumers want. These insights guide every part of product development. This ensures every update matches the consumer’s current needs. This strong focus on customer needs builds a good brand image and gains a loyal customer base.

Putting the customer first also gives startups an edge in developing products. It leads to thorough market research and user tests before big launches, lowering the risk of failure. Happy customers often talk about your brand, helping it grow without spending much on ads.

In the end, making products with the customer in mind does more than just create something to sell. It builds a lasting bond with the market. By valuing customer satisfaction, startups don’t only win in the short run. They ensure long-term success, making products that connect with and serve the evolving needs of their audience.

Leveraging Digital Transformation for Scalability

In today’s fast world, digital transformation is vital for startups aiming at growth. This strategy uses new digital tech to change how businesses work. This boosts their performance and helps them reach more people. Startups need to use scalable solutions that grow with them without costing too much.

Technology is key to making businesses scalable. Startups must use new tech like data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cloud services. This lets them make their operations smoother and serve their customers better. For example, digital health startups use updates to stay relevant, avoiding the need for expensive new systems.

Scalability now involves mixing new business strategies with digital skills. Startups that embrace digital change can grow by offering customizable services. This way, customers get exactly what they want, and companies use their resources well. Digital platforms help with this, keeping startups competitive and growing.

Learning from successful digital changes shows how important it is to join a business network. Partnerships help startups find more tech experts, get funding, and form strategic alliances. This helps them grow faster and spread new tech more widely. Working together and using integrated solutions are crucial for growth in today’s business world.

So, combining digital transformation with scalability is based on using new tech wisely, being innovative, and adaptable. For startups, this means doing well in the digital era, growing sustainably, and building a business that can evolve with the market.

Financing the Scale: Funding Strategies for Startups

For startups aiming to grow, finding the right funding mix is key. This step decides their growth path and success in the market. The startup finance world is wide, with different stages from pre-seed to series A and beyond. Each stage meets different needs as the business grows. Understanding how to move through this complex area is vital. It means knowing how to scale investment and tailor funding plans.

Startup finance usually starts with small, less formal investments. These come from family, friends, or angel investors during the early stages. This early money helps prove the concept and develop the first version of the product. As startups move forward, they need more money. This often comes from big venture capital funds to improve the product, reach new markets, and grow the team. Each stage of funding brings different amounts of money and investor expectations.

Using funding strategies wisely is crucial for a startup’s growth and reaching more markets. Hence, startups need strong financial plans. These plans should cover current funding needs and plan for future investment. It’s about finding the money and using it wisely for growth and new ideas.

Right now, the government has pledged £23 billion for innovation and infrastructure. There’s a clear move to support growing startups. Also, plans for a national investment fund aim to put a lot of money into patient capital. This is long-term investment that helps startups grow into big businesses. These steps show a growing recognition of the need for long-lasting financial strategies that help startups grow over time.

The UK government is working to make startup finance better. This means more chances for startups to get long-term investment. It’s a good time for startups with solid plans to find support. With changes happening, it’s crucial for startups to keep up with financial trends and government help. This way, they can use these chances to grow.

Julia Rudlin’s story shows the importance of strategic financial planning in growth-focused roles. By understanding market needs and matching them with the right funding phases, startups can grow bigger and reach more people.

Mitigating Risks in Scaling Startups

As startups grow, they face many challenges. These require smart risk plans and strong business planning. The changing software industry shows how important it is to keep assessing risks.

To scale successfully, startups must spot growth chances and prepare for problems. This readiness is key to keep going when surprises happen. Leaders stress knowing how customer needs, competition, and culture interact.

Learning from experts like Sun Tzu, startups see the chance in chaos. This is crucial in the fast-paced software world, where quick adaptation offers a competitive edge.

Having a skilled team is crucial for handling changes as startups grow. As they get bigger, clear communication and leadership become vital. This helps build a culture that can grow while managing risks. In the end, planning is more than protecting assets. It’s about building a resilient system for growth and innovation. Strategic thinking and careful planning help startups turn challenges into opportunities for success.

Collaborations and Partnerships: A Scalable Pathway

For startups, growth often hinges on innovative strategies. Among these, business collaboration and strategic partnerships stand out. They not only boost market presence but also offer scalable opportunities through shared knowledge. Maker&Son’s showcase at the ‘Ideal Home Show’ is a key example. This partnership showed how startups can expand their reach and connect with more consumers effectively.

Strategic partnerships go beyond just better brand visibility or a wider market. They’re about growing in smart ways. Businesses get to tap into resources and opportunities that were out of reach before. This exchange is key for understanding complex markets and staying ahead of trends. When companies come together, they can do more, benefitting everyone involved.

True business collaboration means finding the right partners. It’s about working with those who share and boost your business aims. This kind of teamwork means startups can face new challenges better, using shared strengths. The right partnerships, when they’re strategic and aimed at growth, truly boost scalability.

Strategic partnerships and collaboration are essential for startups wanting to grow in tough markets. They’re not just for short-term gains but for ongoing innovation and adjusting to market changes. This approach is critical for any business looking to succeed today.

Jack Mason’s Blueprint for Robust Business Models

Jack Mason is well-known for his expertise in business model innovation. He believes the heart of any successful startup lies in strong business models. He says startups need to create an operational structure that can handle challenges and grow with the changing market. This focus on adaptability is key for staying competitive and growing sustainably. Mason encourages a mix of traditional business planning and innovative strategies. This combination helps companies use their strengths and find new chances to grow and become more efficient. By finding this balance, startups can get better at dealing with current markets and planning for future growth.

He also talks about the importance of having a flexible business model. If a startup wants to grow, its model must be both solid and adaptable. This flexibility helps startups manage sudden growth, which can be tough for new companies trying to scale up.

Mason‘s advice has helped many startups lead in their industries. His work in business model innovation helps new companies grow by combining innovation with strategic planning. By focusing on a strong, adaptable business framework, startups can aim for lasting success and stand strong in the global market.

Conclusion

Achieving success in scaling a startup requires a multi-faceted strategy, as shown by Jack Mason. He emphasizes understanding market dynamics and strategic planning. It’s also vital to create a positive corporate culture and an environment that values innovation. For a startup, these elements are key to growing and making a lasting impact in the industry.

In the UK, startups have looked towards equity crowdfunding after the financial crisis. This method seeks the necessary funding for growth. It’s a way of investing that builds on social and business connections, supporting a theory about the power of network ties. Crowdfunding platforms function as network builders, marking the UK as a leader in entrepreneurial growth.

Technology, while important, is just one piece of the puzzle in startup growth. The combination of people, processes, and technology drives progress. Facing challenges with an emphasis on trust and service helps startups grow efficiently. According to Jack Mason, growing a startup involves flexible strategies, efficient use of resources, and adapting to changes in the business landscape. The goal is long-term success and sustainability.

[rosarecovered]

August 9th 2024

Haven’t been on this app in probably a year or more… idr what all happened after January of 2023 but I will say I started using again, mostly in the summer where I entered residential treatment for the 8th time in 5 years. I stayed from July to November and was given the choice to go back home or go to a TLP… being that it was around the holidays and most definitely just as an excuse, I wanted to go back home to be with family and “help” my mom. Such bullshit. Relapsed immediately and by the end of January 2024 I brought myself to the psychiatric unit at the hospital because my depression had got so bad. I even got high while I was in there. One day after getting released I was taken to jail for two months. It was extremely hard because as I said, I never wanted to go back… but before I got taken to jail I asked my probation officer about Drug court and while I sat (with the possibility of revocation, prison time if so…) in OCJ, she filled the paper work out and I got accepted in march. I am on an ATR(alternative to revocation) and if I fuck up, well imma just not fuck up. But I’m now almost 7 months clean (longest time of sobriety ever!!), working with a sponsor and doing the steps. Chairing and sharing at meetings. I stay at a women’s shelter and work a pretty lame paying job atm BUT I can absolutely 100% say I haven’t been happier then I am right now in my entire life. My confidence, which was never good, is getting better. I’m not on any psych meds which is crazy cause I’ve been on those since I was 12 and I’m now 30… I am on Vivitrol but it’s nothing like being on suboxone. I’m working on my relationships with my babies and things are just really good right now. I really have Drug court to thank for a lot of it. It holds me accountable and I hate to say it but I needed that. I’ll be in the program for at least another year and a half and I’m pretty okay with that. I got my Ls back in November for the first time ever. So I can drive without freaking out and idk. I feel like I’m growing up which is great cause the world doesn’t stop spinning for no one. I won’t lie and say there aren’t days that I don’t think about going back out for just one more time. Some days are harder than most which I’m grateful for the majority not being like that. Idk. People can change. Things DO get better. All it takes is consistency, determination, and ALWAYS getting back up after falling. I remember thinking being a dead beat drug addict was just who I was always gonna be and that my children would be better off without me in their lives. And now… I can’t imagine leaving them ❤️

*clean since 1/23/24🙏🏽

[jodybensonsharp]

Jody Benson Sharp  Anxiety About Lead Generation? We'll Give You The Answers You Seek

Jody Benson Sharp Professional tips provider. Lead generation is very important in the business world because it helps you attract consumers to your business. You can either do it yourself or hire a company to do it for you. The latter choice is risky, so it is always better to find ways to generate leads yourself. The article below offers solid tips and ideas on how to go about doing that.

Try a fax campaign to increase your lead generation. Fax may seem very 1980s in terms of business communication, but most companies still rely on these machines. So many people have ignored the fax machine in the 21st century. But that only means that you have less clutter to battle. Your message will be more likely to hit!

Incorporate social media into your efforts to generate more leads, and you will be more successful. Many people do all of their browsing through social media sites these days, so that's where your business needs to be. Cover the major platforms with great offers specifically targeted to your potential customers and watch the leads come in!

Be more active on niche-relevant forums and discussion boards to generate easy leads. If you hang out where consumers ask questions, you can gather trust, brand yourself and be a go-to source for them. Not only will they appreciate your assistance, they will also most likely visit your site for more info or to make purchases!

Ask your current customers to pass on word about your company to those they know. Your current loyal customers are the best lead generation asset you have. Their word of mouth can really mean a lot to generating new customers. Just them sharing your company information in social media can be surprisingly powerful.

Reward your current loyal customers for providing you leads. One way that many companies do this is by offering their current customers referral rewards. These rewards run from future discounts to actual cash back. This can be a lot cheaper in the long run than any form of traditional advertising.

Jody Benson Sharp Qualified tips provider. See if you can sponsor local events in any way. Maybe you can buy uniforms for a Little League team, or have a banner at a church garage sale. If so, be sure to show up at the event yourself so you can shake hands and get face time with potential leads.

Find some way to rate your potential leads. Not all leads are created equal, so before you start generating them know how you'll grade them. Otherwise you can find yourself overloaded with potential leads with no way to decipher which ones are worth your time. It's a critical step to help you be efficient.

Do not pre-judge your lead gathering technique. Though you may think you are not going to get great results, or you are overly confident about the success, you cannot be sure. The only way to know if your lead generation is working is to put it into action without preconceived ideas about results.

Don't forget your website! Many people create a site and then just leave it, believing that "if you build it, they will come." They won't unless you actually put some effort into it. Create a blog and update it frequently, or add new content as often as possible to the site itself.

Find out if any local publications available for free fit within your niche. For example, real estate agents can get into the local "New Homes" guides found in boxes around the city. If you are a dentist, you could get an ad in a free kids' magazine which details local attractions.

One of the highest visitor to lead ratios you will find online is with LinkedIn. Therefore, this platform should be high on your list of tools for lead generation. Put together a polished and professional profile that includes links to all your landing pages and make LinkedIn a valuable part of your lead generation success.

Incentives are a killer way to bring in new leads. Whether it is a coupon, bonus gift or entry into a giveaway, offering something extra to those who buy from you can really drive your customer acquisition. Be sure to only use this technique for those who wouldn't become a lead otherwise or else you'll be losing money.

Jody Benson Sharp Expert tips provider. In order to grow your mailing list, hold a contest. You can do this on your website, on Facebook or Twitter, or even locally if your company is locally-focused. Just ask for an email address and name in return for an entry into your contest, and you can even give bonus entries to those who refer their friends.

Leads are leads are leads. Understand that just because you may not have a fully qualified lead, it doesn't mean it's a dead lead. Use every lead you can until you know that lead has fallen below your needs. Once a lead shows no prospect, then you can toss it and move on.

Qualifying a lead starts before the lead is generated. Asking for specific pieces of information is going to allow you to categorize all of your leads for future promotions. When you have them corralled properly, you will not waste time and energy on over-campaigning or complete misses due to demographic oversight.

Do not wait on leads when they come in. Anyone who initiates contact with you is interested in a quick response. If you try waiting a week, they have probably been lost to the competition. Make the decision that you will get back to a potential lead in less than a day.

Trade links with people who are not competing with you. For instance, if you own a landscaping business, consider trading links with the firm from which you purchase fertilizer. People who are shopping for fertilizer will see the link to your landscaping service and may consider to hire you for the job; your customers will see a link to the fertilizer company and click on it if they are shopping for fertilizer.

Jody Benson Sharp Proficient tips provider. After reading the above article, you should be able to tell the difference between a good lead and a bad one. If you go about generating leads on your own, then follow the tips that you read here. Outside companies that offer lead generation is usually a bad idea, but with the tips you just learned, you should be able to be successful at it on your own.

[nanowrimo]

4 Ways To Cure Writer’s Block

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. NovelPad, a 2023 NaNoWriMo sponsor, is a novel drafting software designed to make it easy for writers to write. Today, they're sharing a few tips to help you beat writer's block:

NovelPad loves NaNoWriMo because we have the same goal: Helping authors get the thing done!

Starting a book is usually fun and easy—your fingers dance across the keyboard as you explore an exciting world, meet your characters, and stir up intrigue for the coming plot. But once you get into the weeds of how that all works, and how you and your characters get from Point A to Point B, you might find yourself losing momentum. You might find yourself so encumbered with obstacles that you might get a case of the dreaded writer’s block.

The very good news is that writer’s block isn’t terminal, and I certainly don’t think writer’s block is as enigmatic as some people seem to think. I believe it’s actually quite a simple problem, and usually due to one of a few common factors. Let’s look at four ways you can push yourself through your case of ye olde block.

1. Check in with yourself.

Step one is always to check in with yourself. 

Start by reviewing your basic self-care needs:

Are you staying hydrated?

Do you feel hungry?

Would a shower or a nap be beneficial?

Is it time for a walk or some stretching exercises?

Consider your environment as well. Maybe you need:

Noise-canceling headphones

A change of scenery

A babysitter or someone to help around the house

To open or close some windows

Next, evaluate your level of focus. Is your mind wandering elsewhere? It can be useful to create a "dump list" to jot down anything that's causing you stress, such as work-related issues, pending tasks, or upcoming events. Setting that list aside can give you the tangible feeling of pushing those things off your desk to worry about later.

Once your body, mind, and environment are sorted out, you'll likely discover that writing becomes a bit easier!

2. Look back at where you’ve been.

Even if the first tip did or did not do the trick, let’s take a look at the project itself.

Sometimes writer’s block is a blessing in disguise! Your creative gut might be telling you that something went awry. Try reading your project back and pinpointing where it became difficult to keep going. Consider alternate plots or paths to get your writing flowing again.

If you're managing multiple plots and subplots, identifying the moment you deviated from the main path can be quite challenging. To pinpoint which plot line is causing issues, you can take advantage of NovelPad's handy feature: Plot tracking.

On the Plot Board, you can review every scene of a particular plot in order, making spotting those errors in your plotlines much easier.

3. Rewrite a problem scene.

Once you've identified the scene causing issues, it's time to make improvements! This can be challenging because there are countless ways to approach a scene.

However, don't hesitate to embrace revisions. Often, a scene benefits from a thorough rewrite. With NovelPad Revisions, you can save limitless scene revisions, compare them side by side, and effortlessly switch to the one they want in the live manuscript. This keeps your different versions safe, well-organized, and readily accessible.

4. Freewrite to free yourself.

Freewriting is a great way to get your creativity flowing again. Write some poetry, compose a letter to a friend, or simply let your thoughts flow without judgment. Freewriting without judgment can help turn on your writer mode and even help you solve some problems! It's especially beneficial when you're stuck on something specific, because we often find brilliant solutions when we stop being so critical of our ideas.

Kick writer’s block off your desk with NovelPad! It's free to use throughout NaNoWriMo, and we offer discounts to participants and winners afterward. If you find that NovelPad isn't your cup of tea by the end of November, don't worry—you can still access and download your project at any time. Just write!

Our team at NovelPad believes in making it easy for writers to complete their books. That’s why we built an uncomplicated, intuitive system that stays out of the way until you need it! We want writers like you to #JustWrite without burdening you with excessive features. Speaking of features, software updates at NovelPad are based entirely on user feedback from authors to keep our features sharp, relevant, and minimalist.

All NaNoWriMo participants have access to a 15% discount on NovelPad with code WRIMO2023 — use the code during checkout to redeem your discount. Offer expires April 1, 2024.

Top photo by Richard Dykes on Unsplash.

[zebee-nyx]

Zebee, in honor of WBW, tell me about some interesting factions in your world, so we can assign our OCs to the fake astrology of your factions :D

Thank you for the ask Amaiguri! (^v^)

So first of all I'm sure for neither of my worlds there will ever be an exhaustive list of factions. ('^.^) I often have too many ideas and never enough reservations about adding them lol. That being said there are a few in either world that I feel can adequately fulfil the need for any OCs' faction astrology assignment. (>v<)

Digitally Dead

The Association

To those outside of the Undercity, the Association might seem like a massive organized crime syndicate. And they'd be right! Despite that this group is an essential part of the concrete jungle's ecosystem. In large portions of the Undercity they provide a level of organization and order that simply wouldn't exist without otherwise. Most members join because they genuinely want to help their community... and get paid to do it. Widely the members care deeply about family, dedicated work, community, and their own brand of honor.

Chemical Phoenix

While a completely decentralized and often subject to infighting, this hacking group has a sort of shared subculture. In this community they earn their username, named based mostly off of insects and sometimes other animals, by literally stealing it from their predecessor through a mix of out competing them and dangerous battles over the dream-net. Members are among the most tech savvy, creative, and truly chaotic memesters around. Despite more or less being glorified shitposters most of the time, they genuinely appreciate dedication to their craft. Whether it be massive hacking operations to cripple shady corporations or elaborate pranks on the public.

[Note: In this world there is a big push for individuality, so don't feel restricted to these two. These just happen to be the two I had aesthetics vaguely set for lol]

Guildergate

Imperial Quester Guild

The Imperial Quester Guild was directly formed by the first Flonese Emperor Juno Ereuson after being inspired by the Farender traveler culture. This guild was created to raise and sponsor capable adventurer-warriors, known as Questers, to deal with any number of issues that may arise across the expansive empire. Especially along the Imperial frontiers where legions are more occupied with the protection of the loose borders around the Empire over other possible threats. This guild is somewhat decentralized into guild houses that take on local requests for dealing with any dangers, exploring, and any number of other 'quests'. The people who become Questers are typically adventurous and bold. They value experience and often take great joy in facing the unknown head on. They are usually easy to identify while between quests because they carry all of their equipment and supplies with them as they travel. This usually features a bag, bedroll, weapons, tools, and sometimes the odd souvenir from an adventure.

Goldport Merchant Guild

When the Flonese Empire began landing it's legions along the Tenebic coast, one of the first cities they arrived at was the mercantile City of Goldport. Instead of a violent conquering the city's reigning matriarch, Lady Anastasia Lucinda Trigg, managed to broker a deal. The city would join the Empire as an autonomous city-state and be allowed to continue it's trade without any imperial tariffs. From this deal the Goldport Merchant Guild was born. It's members are charismatic and cunning entrepreneurs. They always have an eye out for a good deal and take pride in forming extensive social networks even beyond the guild. They have a tendency to dress to their wealth and to make themselves more visible to potential business partners with colorful clothing and shinny jewelry.

Rift Association

The break up of the Naiad Empire was a messy affair. When the quest for immortality that the entire Empire was built around failed in spectacular fashion, even killing their Emperor in the process, it only took a matter of weeks for the entire Empire to crumble. Many Archons and petty warlords struggled for power over the fragments of the Empire rapidly eroding whatever sense of unity might've remained. Behind the scenes many of the Naiad scholars and mages widely began disappearing. These individuals went underground (literally and figuratively) to form the original members of the Rift Association, a somewhat secretive collection of intellectuals who still held onto the old quest of the Naiads. It's membership and goals diversified over time, but they still held onto it's magic and intellectual forward ethos. Members of the Rift Association are usually brilliant in their own way and more often than not a little... 'quirky'. They prize knowledge, wisdom, and out of the box approaches above all else.

[secretlifeofmoney]

Making money online using YouTube is a great way to supplement your income and make some extra cash. With over 2 billion monthly users, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms for people to share their content and reach an audience. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or just want some additional income, here are five ways you can use YouTube to make money online:

1) Become A YouTuber – The first way that many people think of when it comes to making money on YouTube is becoming a YouTuber yourself. To do this, you will need high-quality video equipment and editing software as well as creative ideas for videos that will attract viewers. Once your channel grows in popularity, there are several monetization options available such as Google AdSense ads or sponsored videos from brands who pay per view/click/engagement metrics on their ad campaigns with influencers like yourself!

2) Create Online Courses – Another great option for earning revenue through your channel is by creating online courses related to topics within your niche market or industry expertise. This could be anything from photography tutorials all the way up business strategy advice! People love learning new skills so if they find value in what you have created then they may be willing pay good money for it too! 

3) Sell Merchandise & Products – If having an ecommerce store isn’t feasible but still want sell products directly off of YouTube? Then why not create merchandise specifically tailored towards fans of specific channels? Selling t-shirts with logos associated with certain channels can help drive more attention while also giving those loyal followers something tangible which represents them being part of something bigger than themselves (i.e. supporting their favorite YouTubers).

 4) Affiliate Marketing - Affiliate marketing involves promoting another company's product via referral links placed inside each video description box; when someone clicks on these links before making purchases elsewhere then the referring person earns commission fees based off total sales amount generated through his referrals alone! This type of marketing works best if done strategically alongside other forms advertising because customers tend gravitate towards familiar names rather than unknown ones without any reputation behind them yet…so don't forget about cross promotion between different social media outlets either! 

 5) Crowdfunding Campaigns - Finally crowdfunding campaigns provide another avenue where individuals can generate funds quickly by asking viewers donate small amounts toward projects they're passionate about completing (such as music albums).

To Learn More about making money online

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