#b) you have just identified gaps in your knowledge

[witchstone]

someday americans on this site are going to have to reckon with the fact that, comparatively, their education system actually isn't that bad, they just live in and (happily) perpetuate a culture of ignorance

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

I know you're not Identifying-cars-in-posts, but could you tell me about this car? Best pic I could get. It's got such a creature face, I really like it

First off, PLEASE feel free to treat me as a makeshift @identifying-cars-in-posts. I'm pretty sure I said as much at some point, but I should update my pinned to reflect that. Second off, I genuinely did the held in snore-laugh WHAT IS THAT THING

And I did indeed not know, due to the gaps in my knowledge of SUVs that size caused mainly by them barely ever coming to places like Europe, whose human-sized environments are not comfortably navigated by these absolute fucking monsters - hell, I live near a two way road that gets almost 25cm narrower than this thing. Oh, for yanks, that's just over the length of my- you know what actually let's not give that information to the public I can think of something else, uhhhhh that's about a head's width right? Lemme look it up on Wikipedia. Nope, apparently it's about from your chin to your hair. Did you know Wikipedia has a subsection on median human head measurements on the not at all creepily named article "Human head"? There's a table from lowest 99- wait, what were we talking about? Oh right, that thing. How did I get sidetracked like that? I swear that never happens.

I know it's a recent SUV by Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti because it looks recent and has an Infiniti badge that's visible from space, so I just did what I usually do, type what I know into Google Images (yes, DuckDuckGo users, you get to feel superior to me) and glance around at the results to see if I stumble into it. "Infiniti SUV", however, net me zilch. So I figured, since the damn thing so big and goofy it makes the picture you sent look like an Animorphs cover where a car turns into a semi, it could not possibly be anything but the top-of-the-range QX80, and thus googled that next. However, all the behemoths I saw looked much more acceptable, making me begin fearing I'd have to delve into the absolute mess that is the Infiniti naming scheme.

But then, I had an idea.

First result. B)

So what you saw is the second generation of, as I'd suspected, the Infiniti QX80. But also technically not.

See, the one below is the 2004 Infiniti QX56, based on the Nissan Armada based on the Titan based on me, but we(eee!) are never ever ever wait that's not how the song goes.

In 2010, out came its now Nissan Patrol-based second generation, who saw the awkwardness of the first one's roofline realizing at the end of the rear door that it actually can't slope down like that and its front end deciding it may need to be different but who said it must be better and emphatically asked it to hold its gas station sake.

But, in 2015, they did a restyling, in which they sprinkled some LEDs into the lights and fiddled with the bumpers creating the model you saw on the road and I found on Google - and used the occasion to transition the model to the new naming scheme.

You see, Infiniti had realized nobody could parse or remember their seemingly random letters and engine size names, so they started shifting to calling every car Q (or QX if it's vaguely gesturing towards the concept of off-roader) and use the numbers, like in many other brands, to denote where they sit in the range - thus the range topper got the highest number, going from QX56 (denoting its 5.6L engine) to QX80.

(good God.)

So technically, you could argue this to be the first generation of Infiniti QX80, since before this specific restyling there was no Infiniti QX80 because it was called QX56. But that logic would dictate someone who transitioned a year ago is a baby, and honestly if one stance on car names bars me from sex with trans people I'll pick the other.

Either way, they ran with that restyling for three years until they were like "Oh when y'all asked for a restyling you meant you wanted us to make it stop looking like a whale telling its daughter she is not going out dressed like that? Oh okay! Coulda said it earlier!" and gave it the second restyling that carried the model up to this year.

I'm not sure if it actually looks nice full stop or if it's just the whiplash from the Multipla-rivaling previous model, but at least the fender vents now look like they came from Infiniti and not Walmart. Though this generation is now getting sunset altogether, since in the mean time they figured out how to make the damn thing even larger.

This pedestrian mower's headlights have a 'bamboo forest design motif', which I'm very excited by, knowing many people that named their headlights' lack thereof as the key reason for their waning will to live. It's expected to cost Too Much and have a gas mileage rating of You Spent Six Digits On A Drivable House You Don't Get To Even Ask.

Links in blue are posts of mine about the topic in question: if you liked this post, you might like those - or the blog’s Discord server, linked in the pinned post!

[sibmhyderabad]

Conquer MBA Finance Challenges

Finance is a very complex subject. Many students try to make a career in finance but fail to do so. They choose other career options like marketing or HR if finance is not their domain. However, these students missed a few tricks to solve their financial woes. They just needed some practice and dedication to conquer these financial challenges. Let us tell you those tricks so that you can stick to your dream of a high-paying job.

Common MBA Finance Challenges

When students enter the best B-school in Hyderabad, they are energised to learn new things. They diligently attend all lectures, take notes, and prepare for exams. A new refreshing self that takes the place of the old lackey one. However, the magic soon disappears as the student gets lost in college. The vast syllabus also buries them under the pressure of academic excellence. The anxiety of making an excellent CV and landing a good internship opportunity also doesn’t help. Hence, these challenges must be addressed to overcome them.

Building a Strong Foundation

Let’s start with the basics first. You should brush up on finance fundamentals like accounting, modelling, and financial markets. Study the terminologies and concepts once again and make flashcards to remember them. You can take on any finance problem if your basics are correct. Focus on remembering them by using an application-based study method.

Effective Time Management and Study Strategies

Time is on a crunch in business schools. You will have various lectures, events, and seminars to attend. You will also have to find time to study and socialise. There should be a proper balance between the two to land good opportunities. Therefore, make a weekly study schedule that fits all this. Every week will look different. Hence, you should also account for surprise quizzes and assignments in this schedule.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is quite common among MBA students. They compare their achievements with their peers and get anxious over one small skill gap. They feel they do not deserve to be in the B-school and make extra efforts to fulfil their requirements. However, this is not the right approach. If you have entered the best colleges for an MBA in Finance in India, you are on an equal footing with your peers. You just need to identify your strengths and form achievable goals.

Conquering MBA finance challenges requires knowledge, skills, and mindset. You can position yourself for success in the competitive world of finance by following these steps. Remember, it's a journey, and you can achieve your goals with dedication and perseverance.

[aimaindia]

AIMA MAT: Unlocking Your Path to Business School Success

The world of business beckons, and a coveted MBA or similar management program can be your golden ticket. But first, you need to demonstrate your management aptitude. Here's where the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) comes in, and why the AIMA's MAT stands out as the ideal gateway to your management education.

A Standardized Benchmark for Management Potential

The MAT is a widely accepted management aptitude test designed to assess a candidate's skills and knowledge critical for success in business school. It goes beyond rote memorization, evaluating your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical prowess – all essential qualities for thriving in the dynamic world of management.

Why Choose the AIMA MAT?

Several factors make the AIMA MAT the preferred choice for aspiring business leaders:

Versatility and Flexibility: Unlike other entrance exams with limited testing windows, the AIMA MAT offers multiple testing opportunities throughout the year. This flexibility allows you to schedule the test when you're most prepared, maximizing your chances of achieving a stellar score.

Focus on Core Skills: The AIMA MAT emphasizes core management skills, encompassing areas like Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Critical Reasoning. This focus ensures you showcase the abilities most valued by business schools.

Nationally Recognized Credential: The AIMA MAT is a well-respected credential accepted by over 600 B-schools across India. This broad acceptance gives you a wider range of program options, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your academic and career goals.

Streamlined & Efficient Testing: The AIMA MAT boasts a concise exam duration and a user-friendly format. The computer-based testing ensures a smooth experience, allowing you to concentrate on showcasing your talent without unnecessary logistical hassles.

Beyond the Test: AIMA's Commitment to Excellence

The AIMA, the organization behind the MAT, is a leader in educational assessment. They continuously strive to improve the test's relevance and effectiveness. Here's what sets them apart:

Regular Content Updates: The AIMA MAT curriculum stays current with evolving business trends. This ensures the test reflects the skills and knowledge demanded in today's dynamic management landscape.

Focus on Accessibility: The AIMA offers multiple testing formats, including online and paper-based options. This caters to diverse learning styles and technological preferences, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to excel.

Transparency and Reliability: The AIMA prioritizes transparency in the testing process. You can access sample papers, question patterns, and detailed explanations to understand the test format and prepare effectively.

Preparing for the AIMA MAT: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Acing the AIMA MAT requires strategic preparation. 

Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. A well-structured study plan spread over several weeks ensures you have ample time to grasp key concepts and practice applying them.

Utilize AIMA Resources: Leverage the wealth of study materials and sample papers offered by the AIMA. 

Practice Makes Perfect: Take advantage of mock tests offered by various coaching institutes or online platforms. Regularly simulating the test environment builds your confidence and time management skills.

Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your weaker areas and dedicate focused study time to strengthen them. This targeted approach ensures you address any knowledge gaps.

The AIMA MAT: Your Gateway to a Brighter Future

The AIMA MAT is more than just a test; it's a springboard to a rewarding career in management. Its focus on core skills, national recognition, and commitment to excellence make it the ideal choice for aspiring business leaders. By diligently preparing and harnessing the resources offered by the AIMA, you'll be well on your way to unlocking your path to business school success.

[pixenite]

Unlocking Your Brand's Niche: 4 Creative Techniques for Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, carving out a distinct space for your brand is crucial for success. The key lies in finding your niche, a specific market segment with unique needs and preferences you can cater to.

A niche can act as a powerful springboard, allowing you to connect with a dedicated audience, develop a strong brand identity, and establish yourself as a thought leader within your chosen field.

But how do you unlock the perfect niche for your brand? Here, we delve into four creative techniques to guide you on this vital journey:

1. Identify Your Passions and Interests:

Your journey begins with introspection. Reflect on your passions and areas of expertise. 

What genuinely excites you? 

What topics do you naturally gravitate towards? 

What skills and knowledge do you possess that others might find valuable? 

What challenges do you often feel compelled to address?

Are there specific areas of expertise you possess?

By understanding your internal landscape, you can identify potential niches that align not only with your business goals but also with your personal drive and fulfilment.

2. Find a Few Different Potential Niches:

Don't limit yourself to a single niche just yet. Brainstorm a list of several potential options that align with your passions. Research these niches thoroughly, considering factors such as:

Business Size: Is the niche large enough to support your business?

Competition: How saturated is the space?

Growth potential: Is the niche growing or shrinking?

Profitability: Can you generate a sustainable income within this niche?

3. Validate Your Niche - Take a Multi-Faceted Approach:

Once you have a shortlist of potential niches, it's time for validation. This involves a three-pronged approach:

a) Take a Look at Your Competition:

Who are the existing players in this niche? Analyse their strengths and weaknesses, their branding, and their target audience. This will help you identify opportunities to differentiate and position your brand effectively.

What are the existing products and services within this niche? Identify gaps in the market where your unique offerings can provide value.

b) Talk to Potential Customers:

Conduct surveys or interviews with individuals who might be interested in your niche. Ask them about their needs, challenges, and interests. This invaluable feedback will help you refine your niche and tailor your offerings to their specific demands.

Engage in online communities and forums related to your potential niche. Listen to the conversations, understand the pain points, and identify opportunities to address them with your brand.

c) Add some topics to this:

While conducting your research, consider incorporating these additional aspects:

Industry trends: Keep yourself updated on any current trends or developments within your chosen niche. This will allow you to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

Regulations and legal considerations: Ensure your chosen niche operates within the legal and regulatory framework of your geographic location.

4. Figure Out How Profitable Your Niche Is:

While relevance is important, it is also important to evaluate the profitability of your niche.Consider the following factors:

Average income level of your target audience: Can they afford your products or services?

Pricing strategy: Can you set competitive pricing while ensuring your business remains profitable?

Marketing and sales costs: How much will it cost to reach your target audience and convert them into paying customers?

By conducting thorough research and analysis, you'll gain a clear understanding of the profitability potential within your chosen niche.

Conclusion

Finding your niche is a crucial step in building a successful brand. By combining your passions, conducting creative research, and validating your chosen path, Pixenite will be well-equipped to carve out a unique space in the market and attract a loyal following. Remember, Pixenite thrives on identifying specific needs and catering to them with innovative solutions.

FAQs:

Q: What if I'm struggling to identify my niche?

A: Take your time. Explore different options, experiment, and gather feedback. Consider taking courses or workshops in niche marketing or personal branding to gain further clarity.

Q: Can I change my niche later on?

A: While focusing on a well-defined niche is initially crucial, it's not set in stone. As your brand evolves and matures, you can gradually expand your niche or even transition to a related one, always prioritising the needs and interests of your core audience.

Q: How can I stand out in a competitive niche market?

A: Differentiation is key. Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) and leverage your brand's unique voice and perspective to resonate with your target audience. Offer exceptional customer service, build authentic relationships, and continuously strive to provide value that sets you apart from the competition.

[dc-become-successful-on-shopify]

How do I become a success on Shopify?

Turning your Shopify store into a thriving business takes more than just setting up shop. Success on Shopify requires strategic planning, continuous effort, and a customer-centric approach. Here's a detailed roadmap to guide you on your journey to e-commerce success:

1. Niche Selection: Start by selecting the right niche. Choose something you're passionate about and have knowledge in, but also consider the market demand. Research competitors and identify gaps you can fill.

2. Quality Products: Offer products of exceptional quality. Whether you're selling physical goods, digital products, or services, your offerings should stand out in terms of value and uniqueness.

3. Professional Store Setup:

Choose an eye-catching and mobile-responsive theme for your Shopify store.

Create a user-friendly navigation structure.

Add high-quality images and compelling product descriptions.

Ensure easy and secure checkout processes.

4. Effective Marketing Strategies:

Utilize social media marketing: Establish a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to connect with your target audience.

Invest in email marketing: Build a subscriber list and send engaging, personalized email campaigns.

Optimize for SEO: Implement on-page and off-page SEO techniques to improve your store's visibility on search engines.

Use paid advertising: Consider using platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience.

5. Customer Engagement:

Provide excellent customer service: Respond promptly to inquiries and address issues with professionalism and courtesy.

Build trust: Display customer reviews and testimonials to establish credibility.

Offer a seamless shopping experience: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, and checkout is hassle-free.

6. Data Analysis:

Regularly review Shopify analytics to gain insights into your store's performance.

Monitor sales trends, traffic sources, and customer behaviour.

Use data to make informed decisions about marketing, inventory, and product offerings.

7. Continuous Improvement:

Act on feedback: Encourage customer feedback and adapt based on their suggestions.

Test and optimize: Conduct A/B tests on elements like product descriptions, images, and pricing to determine what works best.

Stay updated: Keep up with e-commerce trends, emerging technologies, and changes in your niche.

Ready to embark on your journey to Shopify success? It starts with thoughtful planning and consistent effort. Begin by selecting your niche, setting up your store, and implementing effective marketing strategies. Remember that success may not come overnight, but with dedication and a customer-focused approach, it's well within reach. Sign up for Shopify and start building your e-commerce empire today!

In conclusion, becoming a success on Shopify requires a holistic approach that encompasses niche selection, product quality, store professionalism, marketing strategies, customer engagement, data analysis, and continuous improvement. By following these steps and staying committed to delivering value to your customers, you can achieve your e-commerce goals and build a thriving online business.

For More insights visit-www.distancecoding.agency or Book a meeting-https://calendly.com/distancecoding/30min

[techtalentconsultant]

Unlocking the Power of IT Recruitment Agencies: Advantages in Acquiring Top Tech Talent

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for skilled tech professionals has reached unprecedented heights. As companies strive to stay ahead in this digital age, the need for exceptional tech talent has become a critical factor in determining their success. However, finding and acquiring these specialised individuals is no easy task. This is where IT recruitment agencies step in, offering a bridge between companies and the elusive pool of tech talent. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of partnering with IT recruitment agencies to source and secure top-tier tech talent.

The Role of IT Recruitment Agencies: Bridging the Talent Gap

A. Addressing the Tech Talent Shortage The scarcity of tech talent is a global challenge that plagues companies across industries. IT recruitment agencies specialise in navigating this talent gap, actively seeking out candidates with the skills and expertise that are in high demand. By tapping into their vast networks, these agencies can locate both active job seekers and passive candidates who might not be actively searching but are open to new opportunities.

B. Leveraging Specialized Expertise IT recruitment agencies are armed with experienced recruiters who possess an in-depth understanding of the tech industry. This knowledge enables them to comprehensively evaluate candidates' technical skills and cultural fit within an organisation. Their insight into evolving technological trends and emerging skill sets ensures that companies gain access to candidates who can truly drive innovation and growth.

Benefits of Partnering with IT Recruitment Agencies

Access to a Wide Pool of Tech Professionals 

1. Active and Passive Candidates IT recruitment agencies leverage their extensive networks to connect with candidates who are both actively seeking job opportunities and those who are passively exploring the market. This dual approach expands the talent pool, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your team.

2. Niche Skill Sets and Expertise Many tech roles require specialised skill sets that might not be readily available through traditional hiring methods. IT recruitment agencies excel at identifying candidates with niche expertise, ensuring that your organisation has access to individuals who possess the exact skills needed to tackle complex challenges.

Streamlined Hiring Processes 

1. Pre-screening and Skill Assessment IT recruitment agencies conduct rigorous pre-screening and skill assessment processes. This saves employers valuable time and resources by presenting them with a curated list of candidates who have already been evaluated for technical aptitude and potential cultural alignment.

2. Reduced Time-to-Fill Speed is often of the essence in tech recruitment. With their streamlined processes and extensive candidate networks, IT recruitment agencies can significantly reduce the time it takes to fill critical tech positions, ensuring that your projects stay on track and your team remains productive.

Industry Insights and Market Knowledge 

1. Salary Trends and Benchmarking Staying competitive in terms of compensation is vital to attract and retain top tech talent. IT recruitment agencies have their fingers on the pulse of salary trends, ensuring that your offers are aligned with the market standards.

2. Competitor Analysis A comprehensive understanding of your competitors' hiring strategies is essential. IT recruitment agencies can provide insights into how other companies are positioning themselves in the talent market, allowing you to refine your own approach.

Customised Recruitment Strategies 

1. Tailored to Company Culture A successful tech hire isn't just about technical prowess; it's also about cultural fit. IT recruitment agencies work closely with you to understand your company's values and dynamics, ensuring that candidates brought forward are not only skilled but also harmonise with your organisational culture.

2. Aligning with Business Goals Tech hires should align with your company's strategic objectives. IT recruitment agencies take the time to comprehend your business goals, enabling them to identify candidates whose skills and aspirations are congruent with your long-term vision.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Tech Team with Expert Support

In today's fiercely competitive landscape, the quality of your tech team can make or break your business. Partnering with IT recruitment agencies offers a strategic advantage, allowing you to tap into a diverse pool of tech talent that can drive innovation, streamline operations, and propel your company forward. From accessing specialised skillsets to reducing hiring timelines, these agencies provide a comprehensive solution for your tech recruitment needs. Embrace the power of collaboration and elevate your tech team with the expert support of IT recruitment agencies.

Unveiling the FAQs: Clarifying Doubts

How Do IT Recruitment Agencies Source Candidates? 

IT recruitment agencies employ a multi-faceted approach to candidate sourcing. They leverage their extensive databases, professional networks, job boards, and social media platforms to identify potential candidates.

What's the Average Turnaround Time for Tech Hires? 

Turnaround time can vary based on the complexity of the role and the specific skillset required. However, IT recruitment agencies are adept at expediting the process, often presenting qualified candidates within weeks.

Can They Cater to Both Startups and Enterprises? 

Absolutely. IT recruitment agencies cater to businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a nimble startup or an established enterprise, these agencies have the flexibility and expertise to address your tech hiring needs.

Are There Any Cost-Effective Models? 

IT recruitment agencies offer various engagement models, including contingency-based, retained, and hybrid models. This ensures that you can choose a cost-effective option that aligns with your budget.

[marketingprofitmedia]

Choosing the Right Affiliate Products: A Guide to Finding Profitable Niches

Well, affiliate marketing might just be the perfect ticket to turn those dreams into reality. But hold on, my fellow beach bums, before you dive headfirst into the vast ocean of affiliate products, it’s essential to choose the right ones that can steer you towards a profitable niche. Fear not, for this guide is here to navigate you through the treacherous waves of product selection and help you ride the tide of success.

Now, for those of you who are still wondering what on Earth affiliate marketing is, let me give you the lowdown. It’s like being a matchmaker for products and potential buyers, but instead of cheesy pickup lines and candlelit dinners, you earn a commission every time someone buys through your referral. Pretty cool, right? And with the rise of e-commerce and the vast array of products available online, the affiliate marketing landscape has become a playground for entrepreneurs seeking a slice of the pie.

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

But here’s the catch: not all affiliate products are created equal. Just like finding the perfect avocado at the supermarket (firm yet ripe, am I right?), choosing the right products that resonate with your audience and have the potential to generate moolah requires a bit of finesse. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of finding profitable niches and selecting affiliate products that will make your bank account dance the cha-cha.

So, grab your snorkels and get ready to dive deep into the world of affiliate marketing. We’ll equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and a sprinkle of humor to help you make informed decisions and set sail on your profitable affiliate journey. So, let’s get started and turn those sandy daydreams into a reality, one affiliate product at a time!

Identifying Profitable Niches

Now, my adventurous affiliate marketers, let’s embark on a quest to discover those hidden treasures known as profitable niches. Picture yourself as Indiana Jones, but instead of searching for ancient artifacts, you’ll be seeking out niches that have the potential to fill your pockets with gold doubloons. So, grab your fedora and let’s start exploring!

A. Researching market trends and demand

First things first, we need to put on our Sherlock Holmes hats and become masters of deduction. We want to uncover the niches that are on the rise, where demand is soaring like a hot air balloon on a sunny day. How do we do that? Well, my dear Watson, we turn to the trusty tools of keyword research. These magical tools provide insights into search volume and competition, giving us a glimpse into the minds of the online populace.

As you dive into your research, keep an eye out for those sweet spots where search volume is high, but competition is relatively low. These are the niches that haven’t been fully plundered by other affiliate marketers yet. Look for emerging trends, new technologies, or lifestyle shifts that could point to untapped markets. Remember, the key is to find a niche that has enough demand to sustain your affiliate endeavors without being drowned out by a sea of competitors.

B. Assessing audience interests and preferences

the secret ingredient to success — knowing your audience better than they know themselves. It’s time to become an undercover agent, infiltrating the depths of social media, surveys, and industry forums to gather intel on what makes your potential buyers tick. Conduct surveys and polls to get direct insights into their preferences, desires, and pain points. Analyze social media engagement and discussions to uncover the topics that ignite a fire within your audience.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget to stalk — err, I mean, observe your competitors. What are they talking about? What products are they promoting? This reconnaissance mission will help you identify gaps in the market or areas where you can offer a unique perspective or value proposition. Remember, niche selection is not just about finding something you’re passionate about; it’s about finding something your audience is passionate about too.

C. Evaluating product relevance and alignment

Now that we have an idea of what our audience desires, it’s time to play matchmaker with the products that will make their hearts skip a beat. But beware, my fellow Cupids, not all products are worthy of your affiliate love. You want to ensure that the products you choose are not only relevant to your niche but also align with your audience’s needs and preferences.

Take a magnifying glass to the quality and reputation of the products you’re considering. Are they reliable? Do they deliver on their promises? Remember, your reputation is on the line, so choose products that won’t let you down. Additionally, consider the long-term profitability and sustainability of the products. Are they part of a growing industry? Will they still be relevant in the years to come? You don’t want to be stuck promoting VHS tapes in a world of streaming services.

So, my fellow niche explorers, armed with research and a dash of intuition, you’re now equipped to identify those profitable niches that are waiting to be conquered. Prepare for the thrill of the hunt, and remember, the fortunes of affiliate marketing are within your reach, one niche at a time!

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

Selecting Profitable Affiliate Products

Now that we’ve charted our course towards profitable niches, it’s time to set our sights on the treasure trove of affiliate products. But, matey’s, not all products will make you swim in a sea of doubloons. It’s time to don your pirate hats and learn the art of selecting the most lucrative affiliate products to sail towards success.

A. Evaluating commission structures and payment terms

As you set foot on the affiliate ship, you need to be mindful of the booty you’ll be rewarded with. Ah, yes, we’re talking about those shiny commissions that will make your eyes sparkle like a treasure chest in the moonlight. Compare the commission rates across different affiliate programs, seeking out those that offer the juiciest cuts. But don’t be fooled by high percentages alone, me matey’s, for there may be hidden rocks along the way.

Look for programs that offer recurring commissions or upsell opportunities, as these can become the wind in your sails, providing ongoing income streams that grow with each passing month. And, savvy sailors, be sure to understand the payment schedules and thresholds of the programs you join. You don’t want to be stuck waiting an eternity to collect your hard-earned doubloons. Keep an eye out for programs with favorable payment terms, ensuring you receive your spoils in a timely manner.

B. Reviewing product performance and conversion rates

Now it’s time to put on our monocles and study the performance of the products we’re considering. Look at product sales data and conversion metrics to see if the products have the potential to ignite a buying frenzy among your audience. After all, you don’t want to be left stranded on a deserted island with products that your audience simply shrugs at.

Read customer reviews and testimonials to get a sense of how the products are received. Are they raved about like a long-lost treasure finally discovered, or are they condemned to Davy Jones’ locker? Seek out expert opinions and recommendations from trusted sources in the industry, for their wisdom can guide you towards products that have stood the test of time.

C. Checking affiliate program support and resources

Hoist the sails, me shipmates, and set a course for affiliate programs that offer sturdy support and valuable resources. Take a moment to evaluate the reputation and reliability of the affiliate programs you’re considering. Do they have a loyal crew of affiliates who sing their praises? Do they provide timely support and assistance when you encounter rough waters?

landlubbers! Don’t forget to review the promotional materials and resources available to you. A well-equipped pirate is more likely to conquer the high seas, and the same goes for affiliate marketers. Seek out programs that offer a range of promotional materials, such as banners, widgets, and product images, to help you raise your flag and capture the attention of potential buyers. But, me hearties, keep an eye out for any program restrictions or guidelines that may shackle your creative freedom or limit your marketing strategies.

So, me brave buccaneers of the affiliate marketing world, armed with your trusty compass and a parrot on your shoulder, you’re now ready to navigate the vast ocean of affiliate products. Remember, choose programs with favorable commission structures, products that perform like legendary tales of old, and affiliate programs that provide the wind in your sails. With your wits about you, success in the affiliate marketing waters is within reach, and the spoils of victory will be yours for the taking!

Maximizing Affiliate Marketing Success

Fearless navigators of the affiliate marketing realm! We’ve charted our course, identified profitable niches, and selected our treasure trove of affiliate products. But hold tight, me hearties, for the journey is far from over. Now it’s time to unleash the full power of your affiliate marketing prowess and maximize your chances of sailing towards the shores of success. Prepare to set sail and conquer the high seas of affiliate marketing like true buccaneers!

My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS FREE Training to START >>

A. Creating valuable content around affiliate products

Avast, me mateys, content is the wind that fills our sails and propels us forward. It’s time to sharpen your quills and unleash your creative genius. Produce informative product reviews and comparisons that shine a spotlight on the benefits, features, and value your chosen affiliate products bring to potential buyers. Take them on a journey that leaves them yearning to possess the very treasure you’re promoting.

But beware, my fellow marketers, subtle as a whisper on the wind, for we must ensure that our content is not merely a vessel for affiliate links. Weave your affiliate links naturally and strategically within your content, blending them seamlessly into the fabric of your words. Let them be the hidden treasures that reveal themselves at just the right moment, enticing your audience to embark on the voyage towards purchase.

B. Building a targeted audience and driving traffic

What good is a ship without a loyal crew to navigate it? It’s time to cast your nets wide and reel in a targeted audience. Implement effective SEO strategies to hoist your content to the top of search engine results, allowing potential buyers to discover the treasure trove you’ve prepared. Optimize your content with relevant keywords and ensure your website is a beacon that guides searchers to your virtual shores.

But let’s not forget the power of social media, me matey’s! Utilize social media marketing techniques to create a buzz around your affiliate offerings. Craft captivating posts, sprinkle them with wit and charm, and watch as your audience eagerly engages and shares your content far and wide. Explore the depths of email marketing and lead generation to build a loyal crew of subscribers who eagerly await your every message, ready to set sail towards the treasures you unveil.

C. Tracking and optimizing affiliate marketing performance

Yo ho, me hearties, every good captain knows the importance of tracking and navigating through the stormy seas of data. Utilize tracking and analytics tools to gain insights into the performance of your affiliate marketing efforts. Which products are making waves? What strategies are yielding the most doubloons? Analyze the data and let it guide your decision-making as you refine and optimize your approach.

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But me mateys, don’t be afraid to venture into uncharted waters. Split-test different strategies and approaches to see which ones bring you closer to the elusive island of success. Adapt to market changes and consumer preferences like a ship that adjusts its sails to harness the changing winds. Keep a keen eye on emerging trends and seize opportunities to pivot and capture new horizons of profitability.

me fearless affiliates, armed with valuable content, a targeted audience, and a compass that guides your every move, you’re now ready to maximize your affiliate marketing success. Let the winds of creativity carry you forward, drive targeted traffic to your shores, and navigate the waters of data to optimize your performance. Set sail with confidence, for the treasure chest of affiliate marketing success awaits those brave enough to pursue it!

Conclusion

As we near the shores of the conclusion, it’s time to reflect on the epic journey we’ve undertaken together. We’ve explored the intricacies of choosing the right affiliate products, uncovering profitable niches, and maximizing our chances of success. But let us not forget the key takeaways that will guide us as we continue our pursuit of affiliate marketing greatness.

Remember, my fellow buccaneers, that success in affiliate marketing is not guaranteed overnight. It requires a combination of strategy, creativity, and perseverance. Take the time to conduct thorough research, analyzing market trends and understanding your audience’s deepest desires. With this knowledge in hand, select affiliate products that align with your niche and have the potential to captivate your audience like legends of old.

But our voyage doesn’t end there, my friends. We must then embark on the noble quest of creating valuable content that showcases the benefits and uniqueness of the products we promote. Let your creativity flow like the tides, and intertwine your affiliate links seamlessly within your content, guiding your audience towards the treasures that await.

and let us not forget the importance of building a loyal crew of followers. Harness the power of SEO to attract organic traffic, and employ social media and email marketing to establish connections and drive engagement. Nurture your audience with care, for they are the wind in your sails, propelling you towards the bountiful shores of success.

And as we sail through the vast ocean of affiliate marketing, never lose sight of the stars that guide us — the data. Track your performance, analyze the results, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Be open to change, for the winds of opportunity can shift at any moment. Stay agile and seize the chances to explore new horizons, always seeking the next wave of profitability.

Now, my brave seafarers, armed with knowledge and a touch of wit, you are ready to conquer the affiliate marketing seas. But remember, success lies not only in the treasures you accumulate but also in the journey itself. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and learn from the setbacks. With each new voyage, you will grow as a marketer, refining your skills and expanding your horizons.

So, set your course, hoist your sails, and embark on the next chapter of your affiliate marketing adventure. May the seas be kind, the winds be favorable, and the treasures you discover be as abundant as the vast ocean itself. Farewell for now, my fellow affiliates, and may your future endeavors be filled with riches beyond your wildest dreams!

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Affiliate Disclaimer :

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Choosing the Right Affiliate Products: A Guide to Finding Profitable Niches

Thanks for reading my article on Choosing the Right Affiliate Products: A Guide to Finding Profitable Niches

[drgreg]

Veterinary Surgeons In Eikenhof, Meyerton, South Africa

I had flicked on the sunshine switch. 20 years later, he owns his personal hedge fund and possesses one of the best multi-million-pound collections of fantastic wine from Bordeaux, California, and sure, you guessed it, South Africa. Thankfully, regardless of his financial acumen, he's a drinker and never a collector buying for investment. Police are warning people working as ‘skoppers’ that that is unlawful while on the similar time want to urge stokvel clubs to take the required precautions in safeguarding their money. During this time of the year, hundreds of rands are withdrawn to be paid out to membership members. Police are advising that instead of withdrawing such giant amounts of money, organize for the club’s pay out to be electronically transferred into every club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice.

My beloved brother Barry, will all the time be remembered with fondness a ..... To Andrew and Russell our ideas are with you and we want you longlife. Will all the time remember the various hours/days spent with the you and your father in the upstairs pc workshop. Just learn the sad information of the passing if Late Ivan Widan.

There was another hole-in-one this weekend when talented younger Houghton junior Saul Shapiro knocked a spot wedge into the cup on the seventh gap on Saturday afternoon. You see, I thought there'd be SFA to do in the next 21 days, at least, I reckon. And with hopefully a well-phased in return to motion from there on that may include playing golf.

To our loving Father,not a day goes by with out having you in our tho ..... Dad, I miss you so much. Not a day goes by without me pondering of you for some purpose. I miss your jokes, your cuddles and your laughter. Hey Dad once once more another Pesach with out you in person.Made your ch ..... Happy birthday Dad .Thinking of you today as i do every day and want .....

Dad, I miss and consider you daily. Dear Uncle Willie You memory & legacy will reside on by all these greg hough wh ..... We love and miss you with our all - always in our hearts.....

Harry, you're at rest now. A life well lived and a legislation career properly practised. May your reminiscence be for a blessing. Wishing the Castle family a Long Life.Sorry to listen to about your unhappy loss. Mrs b as u have greg hough been identified to us or just edna to the the rest of the world or mom to her superb daughters.THANK U THANK U THANK U A ZILLION TIMES OVER FOR THE PERSON U WERE. ARE. AND WILL ALWAYS B.. To our darling bobba and great bobba.

The surgeon, endocrinologist, and other team members as properly as the hospital are absolutely accredited and are registered with the CEMMS to carry out this procedure. “To qualify, a patient will must have a BMI of greater than 40 and will want to show that she or he has tried repeatedly and without success to achieve weight reduction by way of a spread of means. Patients should be older than 16 and younger than sixty five. Suitable candidates must be ready for lifelong follow-up, should be well knowledgeable and motivated and have a suitable threat for surgical procedure. Following assessment, affected person eligibility is confirmed by all members of the bariatric team,” explains Van Staaden.

[flyonthewallmedstudent]

Re-watching House as a Physician. Pilot Episode. Neurology in the young.

I’d actually recommend this as an exercise.  Re-watching this as a means to motivate studying. It’s truly terrible watching it. So much so, that you want to do it properly or throw shit at the TV. 

If I had students and we couldn’t physically see patients I’d probably tell them what episode to watch and we’d go through the cases together. Go through all the things the team does wrong. Then discuss the things you don’t know yourself.

Because that is actually how you learn best.  Recovering from your mistakes. Identifying gaps in knowledge. 

Unfortunately, all my current students are final years and they do have to see real patients. 

Opening episode: 29 year old female, no past medical history has expressive dysphasia then a first seizure.  How do we know it’s expressive dysphasia?

IN the episode, the patient notices she’s having trouble getting words out, and is able to write. Then has a seizure. Wilson actually has a good introductory statement here. House finds the case boring, this really isn’t boring. If it doesn’t excite a physician it should certainly terrify them. A la house of god, rule number X = Treat the dying young. With urgency. The majority of patients I see in IM are in their 70s-90s, have predictable issues like metabolic syndrome, heart failure, arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, infections like community acquired pneumonia and dementia. These are my bread and butter. 

More often than not, my primary role is to ensure a dignified end of life care. Many of them come in already at death’s door or will be imminently there. To continue to push them through medical treatment when they no longer have resilience to go through them, is to prolong suffering. 

You can’t predict how someone young will respond even to the most aggressive of treatment. You give them every chance you have. OFten if the young are sick, it’s really bad. With the elderly, a common cold can make them really sick as their body is in decline. 

Young patients with a single organ system issue will usually go to a subspecialty.  Actually any medical subspecialty or IM in general is considered “diagnostic medicine”. It’s just different flavours of it. 

1st seizures: - it’s rare to have a second.  - usually the cause of underlying seizures is infection - follow-up is clinic with neurology. It’s rare to require further.  - we could go into differential seizures, but that’s a whole other post in itself

(Epilepsy only occurs if you have a number of them and this is rare)

In the case of House, they jump straight to cancer like webmd.

Before they do much, she jumps straight to radiation therapy. This is completely unrealistic. This sort of thing requires multidisciplinary teams to pour over all her results and discuss the best way forward. Chemo and radiotherapy are notorious in the general public for having crazy toxicities. For obvious reasons.

It’s weird re-watching these, where medicine is no longer a foreign language. Actually, it’s watching someone for whom English is a new language and they haven’t really gotten it yet. The tense and grammar are all wrong. 

I watched the Queens Gambit - holy fuck is chess a foreign world and language. I know the basics, but none of the strategies. Sicillian sounds like a great name for a tasty pizza. Or something else. 

Anyways, it takes a whole lot of time before they get to differentials. 

Honestly, you would be getting to these the minute you hear the presenting complaint. Then considering how to rule them in and out. For students, always have the surgical sieve in mind. 

Differential diagnosis of expressive dysphasia in a young woman are then addressed in the episode. here’s what they consider: - Aneurysm and stroke (haemorrhagic stroke in this case if we’re talking aneurysm), incidentally most common cause of berry aneurysms is high blood pressure. this is a decent consideration. but you would have seen it on imaging from the start. 

- CJD = very much mad zebra. I wouldn’t even suggest this. You would if it was rapid onset dementia or behvarioural changes and they came from high risk areas (eg ate burgers in the UK in the 1980s and 90s). But rapid meaning weeks to months. Not sudden onset within minutes. It’s more stroke.  - Cncephalopathy: requires an LP to go over this, and she doesn’t present with a fever either. regardless, important to consider. would always consider an LP in addition to imaging.  - Wernicke’s: only consider if they have a nutritional disorder like severe, chronic anorexia (which she doesn’t have) or heavy alcohol use. This is caused by thiamine/VitB1 deficiency. A thiamine level test takes days or weeks. We would never wait for a thiamine test to come back, you’d treat IV thiamine straightaway. I mean it’s vitamin B. This is a terrible differential to consider so near the top. She also doesn’t really have the other symptoms.

Then there’s the more obvious differentials they didn’t bother to consider: The greatest mimic for a stroke particularly in young women is migraine. You can have similar neurology, but it’s often associated with a headache.  If we wanted to chase zebras in the young, you could consider a PFO (holes in the heart that are congenitally there) and thromboemboli causing stroke. (In other words, you develop a clot, normally the lungs will pick up the clot like a filter before it gets to the brain. But the clot can bypass the lungs via holes in the heart and give you a stroke). This is always the consideration in cryptogenic strokes (in which you have a young patient without any reason for having an atheroma causing stroke). Risk factors for thromboemboli can include the oral contraceptive pill (estrogen can be thrombogenic) and then long periods of immobility, think long haul flights or trauma to the long bones or surgery. IN rare cases, those who had particular types of heart surgery as an infant, like a Fontan’s. But this is very niche mind you. And they’re often already on preventative therapy. Infection is a key thing to consider, where there are risk factors. she’s not immunosuppressed or done any exotic travel or eaten raw foods she shouldn’t have eaten (raw pork, bad sushi etc.). It’s a shame they didn’t mention it early. THere’s a few infections that go to the brain but you’d often have these in mind with the risk factors as stated before. THe imaging is often a giveaway

Learning point here - always eat cooked pork! Finally, cancer. But it’d be obvious on imaging if you’d already developed seizures or focal neurology, the lesions would already be large enough to pick up. the sad part to many brain tumours is that they’re already very large by the time of presentation. Beau Biden for instance, presented with acute confusion before his diagnosis, preceding that he had weakness and altered sensation (the lesion was likely too small at the time to be picked up on imaging and was diagnosed as a stroke). 

I would rarely be referred brain tumours, the emergency department will have scanned the brain and seen something that would prompt referral to the neurosurgeons. When you’re young and have a lesion/tumour, any team will try everything, including majority surgery, to salvage what life is left. it is very tragic. 

Anyway, stopping here. Already too much stuff to dissect and unpack from just the first episode alone. Note that I’m in IM, no doubt a neurologist or neurosurgeon will have different opinions on this episode. Ha. 

[cancerbiophd]

Hi Julia,

Would you mind asking for your advice about how to properly study review papers?

The thing is, every single information is both new and important to me, that's why I'm struggling in memorizing all these new information!

For example, learning about 1C metabolism using different review articles. Still, don't understand most of yet "as usual" due to many many molecular/ cellular names Lol, that's why I can't memorize them at all.

Am I doing it wrong? Should I proceed with a different strategy? I've searched a lot about how to properly retain these info. from review articles, but couldn't find any!

Would appreciate your guidance!

Thanks!🤍

Hello!

Ah, I totally understand your struggle! My job right now often consists of learning something new and I always have to go through mountains of review papers first to figure out the field before I can even think about diving into primary research articles.

I think there are two possible scenarios happening that could explain the challenges you’re facing: 1) the reviews are not foundational enough for your current depth of knowledge and/or 2) a more active approach needs to be taken in absorbing the information. 

1) If the reviews are not foundational enough for your current depth of knowledge:

Review articles are written for an audience who have already gained a basic, foundational background on the subject matter. They are written by those in the field for those in field to consolidate all the evidence in literature (up until when the author wrote the article) with the goal of a) summarizing everything, b) identifying knowledge gaps, and c) advertising where the authors’ own research falls in the field and those knowledge gaps. (A lot of PIs will use the cycle of publishing a few primary papers and then writing a review of the field where they can then self-cite/promote their new papers.)

Thus, review articles may not be suitable substitutions for textbooks, lectures, and other purely educational sources. So if you find yourself struggling to understand many of the concepts (especially if it occurs early on in the Introduction of the paper), I recommend taking a break from review articles and instead build up your foundational knowledge first. This may include taking a class, seeking out a professor or another grad student’s help, browsing a textbook on the subject, or spending some time doing online research, etc. You don’t need to learn everything about the subject first, of course, but I think a good metric is: if you can fully understand the Introduction of the articles, then you’re good to go. 

2) If you require a more active approach to absorb the information:

I recommend taking copious notes when reading, and to not worry about memorizing things yet. I never "just read"--I always take an active approach, even if it's just highlighting one line in the abstract. My brain has limited space, after all! Honestly most things I read just go through one eye and out the next, so I rely heavily on my notes to act as a “second brain” of sorts. I personally use OneNote on my work PC to record main points of what I learn because the program has the added benefit of letting me paste in screenshots (of tables, figures, etc) as well. If you use Apple products, Evernote is a good alternate app. 

And the way I take notes is in a way that works best for me to retain/recall information, which in my case is bullet-point summaries or tables. I’ve also learned that I should never just copy and paste text from the article directly into my notes, and instead should rewrite it in my own words. 

I also recommend finding other resources to supplement your learning if something is unfamiliar (like a method), including (but not limited to) youtube videos, online image searches of various flowcharts/signaling pathways/summary cartoons, textbooks, consulting a knowledgable professor or even another student who may have more expertise in the subject, etc.

And as you read, you may slowly find yourself taking less and less notes with each article as you realize the information is slowly becoming more familiar. You may even notice that the same statements are being repeated and cited with the same references. And you'll get to a point where you will have certain things "memorized" not because you sat there with flashcards, but because you've taken the time to get to know the subject, like becoming friends with someone who used to be a stranger. 

I hope that helps! Let me know if you ever need anything else. Reading and understanding scientific papers is literally what I do for my job, so I’d be happy to share any other tips that have worked for me! I’m also available on chat too. Good luck, and happy learning!

[thedreadvampy]

Hey Ruth! I noticed you've talked in the past about asexuality in quite a negative manner. As an ace-person (who has received backlash for it) I was wondering: do you still uphold these opinions?

Hey! I have in the past said I don’t really...like people popping up in my ask box asking me My Opinion On Asexuality, but I do appreciate you asking me as someone I kinda know and with your face turned on, so I’m gonna aim to answer in the macro. Though I mean it depends on what the opinions...are? I have had a lot of opinions over the time I’ve had this blog and I don’t necessarily know what all of them were or which ones have concerned you. I can give you a top-level view of how I see my views, though (however, since I have been largely holding off on answering this kind of ask for Literally A Year Now this is less an answer to your specific question and more an answer to the last year of asks)

(also if I get dogpiled in my inbox for Having Bad Asexuality Opinions which I do every time I talk about asexuality regardless of what I actually say then. my phone is broken I won’t know about it :) so I feel untouchable)

I don’t think I hold a negative opinion of asexuality as an identity (I say I don’t think bc we all have blind spots)? I have a lot of very important people in my life who are asexual, aromantic or aroace and. I mean it feels pretty condescending to say ~uwu it’s valid~ bc like. ace and aro people don’t really need my input to validate their identity. but a) it seems like a pretty accurate way to describe their experience and b) I know a lot of them have had a really huge boost from finding a name and community to fit their experience and have found that really helpful, and I’ve seen that make a huge difference in people’s lives and I’m really happy to watch my friends come to understand themselves and feel comfortable and accepted in a part of themselves they had felt really alienated or stigmatised by. In a broader sense, I think there’s huge value in decentralising romance and sex in our assumptions of What Human Happiness Means and for some people that’s not the most important thing, and for some it’s just not interesting. 

So like. I find it difficult to really express these opinions in any meaningful way because my opinion on asexuals and aromantics is much like my opinion on trans people or idk like people of colour. like very obviously those people exist and very obviously those people don’t deserve to be marginalised or stigmatised but it would feel. weird and performative to just make a post saying like “Asexuality Is Good And Valid, I Am Pro It” bc again like. who needs my permission or cares about my opinion. it’s not a Good Thing To Do it’s just. a thing you are that shouldn’t be treated as a bad thing.

however. and I suspect that this is what you’re referring to. while I love and appreciate ace and aro people, I think building communities and active support for ace and aro people is valuable and needed and, as above, I think Asexuality Is Good And Valid I Am Pro It, I do take some issue with elements of how discussions around asexuality are framed online (pretty much only online, I really haven’t run into the kind of black-and-white thinking in in-person queer spaces) 

and I also. think there are some issues with people extrapolating their experience of their own sexuality onto the world in a way which. I’m just going to say a lot of the time when I talk about The Ace Discourse in a negative way it’s around people assuming that the world is split into a binary between ace and allo people, or assuming that only aspec people experience a nuanced or complex or fluid relationship to their sexuality while pigeonholing allosexuality into a pretty flat image of sex and romance focus. and I have always felt like this does a massive disservice not just to people who don’t identify with aspec labels, but also to the general hope that we could work against the expectation that there’s a Standard Amount To Value Sex/Romance - I think that the assumption that there are aspec people and then Everyone Else Has The Normal Type and Level of Attraction just. reinforces the idea that there’s a “Normal” type and level of attraction. which is ultimately pretty self-defeating and also just. observably untrue. 

and this division of the world into Aspec People and Allo People also has some other weird knockon effects - I don’t think there’s anything intrinsically wrong with identities like gray ace or demi or other aspec labels beyond asexual and aromantic, but I do think that the way those labels are used is often. unhelpful. and they’re defined in such personal, subjective ways that you get weirdnesses sometimes like people Diagnosing Each Other With Demisexual or people saying ‘you can’t talk about this experience you share because it’s an Aspec Experience’ and again. there isn’t a concrete material experience there because the whole experience of romantic and sexual attraction, what that feels like and how sharply divisible it is is very, very personal and subjective. and everyone has different experiences of those and will name those experiences differently.

there’s also. historically a minority of Big Ace Blogs that kind of sneer at allosexuality or who would hijack posts about other issues to derail them to asexuality. but I don’t think they were ever representative of the community as a whole and I certainly think that inasmuch as those blogs remain around they’re a legacy of the Long-Ago (and a lot of them are trolls imo)

but there is. an issue I take that does seem to be more currently live which is the question of allo privilege. I think personally that framing all allosexuals/alloromantics as privileged over all aspec people on the basis of feeling sexual/romantic attraction is provably untrue in a world where people, particularly queer people, are actively oppressed and marginalised for expressing non-normative sexuality. it isn’t that I don’t think asexuality and aromanticism isn’t marginalised and stigmatised, because it visibly is, but it seems pretty reductive to boil it down to a binary yes/no privilege when both sexualisation and desexualisation are so actively tied into other forms of marginalisation (this is what I was trying to express in the argument about Martin a while ago - sex and sexuality are so often disincentivised for fat, queer, disabled and neuroatypical people that it doesn’t...feel like a reclamation that those tend to be the characters that get fanonised as ace where slim, straight, able-bodied and neurotypical characters aren’t. like it’s more complex than a binary privilege equation; sex and romance are incentivised and stigmatised differently at the intersection of oppressions and. for example. in a world where gay conversion therapy and religious oppression of gay and SGA people is so often focused specifically on celibacy and on punishing the act of sexual attraction, I don’t think it’s a reasonable framing to say that a gay allosexual man has privilege over an aroace man on the basis of his attraction) 

so those are like. things I would consider myself to feel actively negative about in online discourse (and again. in online discourse. not in how I relate to asexuality or aromanticism or aspec identities in general but in the framing and approaches people take towards discussing it in a very specific bubble).

but also. um. the main criticism I have of the online discourse culture of asexuality is that there are things I don’t have experience of that I have mentioned, when asked, that I don’t personally understand the meaning of but I don’t need to understand them to appreciate that they’re useful/meaningful to others. things like 

the difference between QPRs, asexual romantic relationships and close friendships

how you know the difference between romantic attraction and friendship

the distinction between sexual attraction and a desire to have sex with someone for another reason

and I hope I’ve generally been clear that this is. honest lack of understanding and not condemnation. I personally have a very muddled sense of attraction and often have difficulty identifying the specifics of any of my own emotional needs so like. it’s a closed book for me at the moment, how you would identify the fine distinctions between types of want when I’m still at step 1: identify That You Want Something Of Some Sort, Eventually, Through Trial And Error. but I think I’ve always been explicit that this isn’t a value judgement it’s just a gap in my own knowledge and yet. every single time I’ve said anything other than enthusiastic “yes I understand this and I love it and it’s good and valid” (and again. I have not gone out of my way to talk about it I have mostly only mentioned it because people keep asking me to talk about it) I have got a massive rush of anger and accusations of aphobia and “just shut up if you don’t know what you’re talking about but also answer my 30 questions to prove you think Correct Things about asexuality” and. I understand that this comes from a place of really unpleasant and aggressive backlash towards the ace community so it’s a sensitivity with a lot of people but like. it doesn’t seem proportional.

also I feel like ever since I hit like 700 followers my Tumblr life has been a constant cycle of people asking me Are You An Ace Inclusionist Are You An Exclus Are You An Aphobe Justify Your Opinion On Asexuality which. eventually yeah I’ve got pretty snippy about the whole thing. but you know. fuck it I’m just gonna lay it out and if you or anyone else is uncomfortable following me based on those opinions then I’m sorry to hear that and I will be sad to see you not want to engage with me any more but I also think that’s absolutely your prerogative. however I will not be taking questions at this time (and not just bc my phone’s broken) - demands for an argument about this Are Going To Be Ignored so if you want to go then go.

so like the big question I reckon is Do You Think Asexuality Is Queer and

yes. no. maybe. I don’t understand the question what does it mean for an identity to be queer? 

there are spaces and conversations where any form of aromanticism or asexuality makes sense as a relevant identity. talking about hegemonic expectations of normative romance. building community. combatting the idea that heterosexual missionary married sex between a man and a woman is the only rewarding or valuable form of relationship or intimacy.

there are spaces where I think heterosexual aros/heteromantic cis aces don’t. have a more meaningful or direct experience of the issues than allo cishets. because while being aro or ace or aspec has a direct impact on those people on a personal and relational level, disclosure is largely a choice, and the world at large sees them as straight. they don’t have the lived experience of being visibly nonconforming that SGA people and aroace people do. they may still be queer but there’s a lot of conversations where they bring a lot of the baggage of being Straight People (because. even if you’re ace or aro you can still be straight in your romantic or sexual attraction and if your relationships are all outwardly straight then you don’t necessarily have an intimate personal understanding of being marginalised from mainstream society by dint of your sexuality). this doesn’t make you Not Queer in the same way that being a bi person who’s only ever been in m/f relationships is still queer, but in both cases a) you don’t magically have a personal experience of societal oppression through the transitive properties of Being Queer and b) it’s really obnoxious to talk as if you’re The Most Oppressed when other people are trying to have a conversation about their lived experience of societal oppression. and they’re within their rights to say ‘we’re talking about the experience of being marginalised for same gender/non-heterosexual attraction and you’re straight, could you butt out?’)

(I very much object to the assumption coming from a lot of exclus that “cishet ace” is a term that can reasonably be applied to non-orientated aroace people though. het is not a default it really extremely doesn’t make sense to treat people who feel no attraction as Straight By Default. when I were a lad I feel like we mostly understood “asexual” to mean that identity - non-orientated aroace - and while I think it’s obvious that a lot of people do find value in using a more split-model because. well. some people are both gay/straight/bi and aro/ace, and it’s good that language reflects that. but I do think it’s left a gap in the language to simply refer to non-attracted people. this isn’t a criticism of anything in particular - there’s a constant balancing act in language between specificity and adaptability and sometimes a gain for one is a loss for the other)

some queer conversations and spaces just. aren’t built with aces in mind. and that isn’t a flaw. some spaces aren’t built with men in mind, but that doesn’t mean men can’t be queer. some conversations are about Black experiences of queerness but that doesn’t mean non-Black people can’t be queer. not all queer spaces will focus on ace needs but that doesn’t mean asexuality isn’t queer, or that queerness is opposed to aceness - sex, sexuality, romance and dating are all really important things to a lot of queer people, especially those whose sexuality and romantic relationships are often stigmatised or violently suppressed in wider society. there should be gay bars, hookup apps, gay and trans friendly sex education, making out at Pride, leather parades and topless dyke marches and porn made by and for queer people, romantic representation in media of young and old gay, bi and trans couples kissing and snuggling and getting married and saying sloppy romantic things. and there should be non-sexual queer spaces, there should be discussions around queerness that don’t suppose that a monogamous romantic relationship is what everyone’s fighting for, sex ed should be ace inclusive, etc. 

I think the whole question of inclusionism vs exclusionism is based on a weird underlying assumption that If An Identity Is Queer All Queer Spaces Should Directly Cater To That. like. aspec identities can be queer and it can be totally reasonable for there to be queer spaces that revolve around being sexual and romantic and there can be conversations it’s not appropriate or productive to centre asexuality and aspec experiences in and we can recognise that not all queer people do prioritise or have any interest in sex or romance. in the same way that there’s value in centring binary trans experiences sometimes and nonbinary experiences at other times but both of those conversations should recognise that neither binary or nonbinary gender identity is a Universal Queer Experience.

anyway that one probably isn’t one of the opinions you were asking about but I have been wanting to find a way to express it for a while so you’re getting it: the Ruth Thedreadvampy Inclusionism Take.

uh. it’s 1:30 on a work night so I have been typing too long. if there was an opinion you were specifically thinking of that I haven’t mentioned, chuck me another ask specifically pointing to what you want me to clarify my thinking on. sometimes I gotta be honest I’ve just been kind of careless in my framing (thinking of the Martin Fucks debacle where I spent ages insisting I didn’t say Martin couldn’t be aroace then read back like two days later and realised that I had said “he’s not aroace” bc I had written the post at 2am without proofreading and had meant to say “unless you think he’s aroace”) so I May Well Not Stand By Some Posts or might Stand By Them With Clarification

[eintsein]

Impostor Syndrome: What it is and how to deal with it

There may be times when you feel like a fraud, like at any moment people will find out that you have no clue what you’re doing and you don’t deserve any of your achievements. You think that you’re unworthy of praise, that you only succeeded out of luck.

This is known as Impostor Syndrome, and around 70% of people have struggled with it in their lives. The problem arises when high achievers fail to internalize their success, i.e. when you attribute your success not to your own abilities but rather to external factors.

Some say that impostor syndrome could be linked to traits like anxiety or neuroticism. Impostor syndrome has also been commonly attributed to behavioral causes like childhood experiences, e.g. being labeled as “the smart one” or “the talented one”.

Another huge factor is how well you think you fit into a certain group, e.g. impostor syndrome is common among people of a racial/ethnic/cultural minority, women in STEM, and international students at US universities.

Dr. Pauline R. Clance was the first to design a scale to measure impostor syndrome based on six factors

The impostor cycle, where someone is given an achievement-related task and they either (a) overprepare or (b) procrastinate

The need to be special/the best

Superhuman characteristics

Fear of failure

Denial of ability and discounting praise

Feeling fear and guilt about success

There are different types of impostors, as categorized by Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on impostor syndrome (note that these categories aren’t mutually exclusive):

I’ve personally dealt with the first two types. I’m fairly certain I can attribute being ‘the genius’ to childhood/adolescent circumstance: I’ve been known as ‘the smart one’ throughout elementary school and high school - every time I made a mistake, it was met with a chorus of ‘wahh jo made a mistake...’ Even last month when I had a mini-reunion with some of my high school friends, one of them said something along the lines of “I like when Jo makes mistakes because it reminds me that she’s human, too.” I can definitely say I’ve overcome that now because, you know, college - everyone’s as smart or smarter than you and works pretty hard.

Being ‘the expert’ is still something I’m still trying to overcome. Last spring when I was applying to internships, I only dared to apply to those where I met 100% of the requirements. I’ve been coding for like 4 years but I constantly think I’m incompetent. It once got up to the point where I literally took 3 similar courses to assure myself that I actually do know how to do full-stack web programming. I still struggle to draw the line between relearning something because I don’t think I really know it, versus learning something for the expansion of knowledge.

How do I deal with it?

Firstly acknowledge that you have impostor-related thoughts Awareness is the first step to changing how you think and how you act.

How does impostor syndrome look like in a school/college setting? Examples include

You refrain from asking questions because you think other students/TAs/the professor will think you’re dumb;

You don’t respond to questions even though you kind of know the answer but you always think your answers aren’t right enough or that they’re simply wrong;

You don’t participate in discussions because you feel that you won’t add any value; or

You prevent yourself from having an opinion because you feel like you have no right to have one.

Reframe your thoughts

Think of their possible effects Do these thoughts help or hinder me? Will anything useful come out of thinking this? Acknowledge that not speaking up may mean slowing your team down or depriving your classmates of potentially valuable insights.

Separate fact from feeling Are they factual or simply a misinterpretation of my environment?

Differentiate feelings of fraudulence from feeling like an outsider Does my work show that I’m incompetent or is the fact that I’m the only female in a team of males/POC in a team of Caucasians make me think I’m inferior?

Stop comparing yourself to other people You might think something along the lines of “there are already so many people who can do what I do but so much better, so what’s the point in even trying?” However, remember that these people were once where you were, and taking even the smallest of actions could help you get to where they are.

Be more forgiving with yourself

Rethink perfection Not everything has to be perfect. Even if you have high standards, not achieving those standards doesn’t make you any less worthy.

Reframe mistakes and identify areas of improvement It’s okay to be wrong or not to know everything. Think of mistakes as learning opportunities and indicators of gaps in your knowledge/understanding of something, as opposed to a negative measure of your self-worth. Being wrong doesn’t mean you’re fake; it just means you have more to learn.

For example, previously I would only answer a question in class if I was at least 90% sure that was the correct answer. That’s a high threshold, and I don’t think it’s very useful for helping me learn and grow. Over the course of a year, I’ve managed to lower that down to I’d say around 60% (50% with coffee lmao).

Collect positive experience

Remember and reflect on praises Think about the efforts you exerted to help you achieve something and the positive responses you garnered when you finally achieved it. Remind yourself of the words of encouragement other people have told you, no matter how small. You could even keep a folder/document/journal to look back on when you feel like a fraud.

Heck, sometimes I feel like my posts aren’t useful or my designs are terrible, but then you guys tell me such kind things and I think, maybe I’m not as bad as I thought.

However, while it’s good to remember the good words people have said, don’t work just for the sake of praise. Focus on the value of the work itself and not the validation that comes from it.

Focus on providing value

Focus on what you can say Instead of thinking about what you don’t know, focus on what you do know and what you can say. Even if what you say isn’t entirely correct or relevant, it’ll get others around you thinking.

Remind yourself that holding back is like robbing the world of your ideas There’s always some value in your words, even if you don’t initially think so. How that value affects the world or other people may differ. For example, when you put forward an idea/thought in a discussion, it could be that

If there were parts that were incorrect, other people might have had the same misconception and are more than happy for the clarification;

Again, if there were parts that weren’t correct, they might not have had the same misconception but now realize that there is a way in which the subject can be misinterpreted, thus allowing them to have a more comprehensive understanding of the subject; and/or

It’ll stimulate further thinking and discussion and raise more questions, especially if other people wouldn’t normally think what you just thought. Then other people could bounce off your idea and form an equally great one.

Take action You won’t feel as much of a fraud if you’re doing something that brings you a little closer to achieving your goals or that adds value to your work.

However, be careful not to overwork yourself. Every time you start doing something, pause and think: is this really important to my progress or am I just trying to prove myself?

Instead of working on too many things, do something outside your comfort zone each day no matter how small. Once you do this, focus on quality (your growth) instead of quantity (the number of things you do).

Also, for those of you who fall into the ‘expert’ category, this also means practicing just-in-time learning, i.e. learning things when you need it, not just to comfort yourself.

I hope that was helpful, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions/comments/suggestions :)

[terribleoldwhitemen]

delighted to have been tagged by @laissezferre to answer some fic writer questions!

1) how many works do you have on AO3? 39

2) what’s your total AO3 word count? 230,440

3) how many fandoms have you written for and what are they? over the years I've probably dabbled in 50-75, but according to ao3 I've published in 22 (not counting "- All Media Type" umbrellas).

4) what are your top 5 fics by kudos? The Devils Before Us (fitzier) Scenes From a Not-So-Clandestine Romance (barduil) One Hundred Twenty-Six Dollars (barduil) These Small Hours (fitzier) magneticisque corporibus (fitzier)

5) do you respond to comments, why or why not? I try to--I don't think authors are obligated, but I see it as a way of saying thanks for the feedback I get.

6) what’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending? CHRIST. I guess my chernobyl one-shot is an unambiguous downer, but though many of my fics contain angst, usually the goal is to arrive at a cathartic and/or satisfying resolution.

7) what’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending? you know what. what IS a "happy ending" anyway. who's to say that what one person thinks of as "happy" isn't another person's "ambiguous"? AND ANOTHER THING--

8) do you write crossovers? if so what is the craziest one you’ve written? I do not. truly a strange gap in my oeuvre, given my formative ffnet days

9) have you ever received hate on a fic? speaking of ffnet--someone once uploaded a non-fic rant to the fandom about what its author perceived as an unacceptable spate of ooc-ness in recent fics. several were lambasted in detail, and though none were named outright, one of mine was immediately identifiable. I was 14 and had been writing for probably 6 months at time time so, yes, it was an ooc fic. but who does that???? what a petty and sad life that user must have led. high-quality, lovingly characterized fanfic does not pop up fully-formed like a greek creation myth. awful cringe fic is a crucial and even ongoing part of a writer's journey.

anyway, a fandom bnf immediately called this person out, and then also privately messaged me in support; so all's well that ended well.

10) do you write smut? if so what kind? a) yes, b) the mediocre kind

11) have you ever had a fic stolen? not to my knowledge

12) have you ever had a fic translated? yes! a few of my terror fics have been translated into russian and spanish. the work that goes into translation is insane, so it's honestly such a compliment knowing there are people motivated to put that kind of effort into poring over my words (and also a little bit intimidating).

13) have you ever co-written a fic before? yes; although it was never finished. I've also collaborated very closely on and written independently within several shared AUs.

14) what’s your all time favorite ship? this is an IMPOSSIBLE question which I REFUSE to answer

15) what’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will? having recently resurrected and completed a five-year-old heretofore-abandoned wip, I'm less likely these days to say "never," but I do think my old galennic longfic Sum Total is probably something I won't ever bring to fruition to the degree I'd originally envisioned.

16) what are your writing strengths? dialogue, outlining, subtlety (I would like to think)

17) what are your writing weaknesses? transitions, internal narrative, Actually Finishing the Damn Thing

18) what are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? if I'm tolstoy and my audience is native russian and fluent in french, as was common contemporaneously, then yeah maybe I'll fuck around and open my magnum opus with several paragraphs of unfootnoted french dialogue.

but since I'm not, I would probably do something different. it would depend on the context, the reader, the narrator's degree of subjectivity/omniscience--etc, etc.

19) what was the first fandom you wrote for? sherlock holmes!

20) what’s your favorite fic you’ve written? it'll be a long time before anything I write affects my life as deeply as The Devils Before Us, but as far as fic I'm happiest to have brought into the world? fic that brings me the most joy to know Exists? has to be my west wing rarepair manifesto, last full measure :')

tagging uhhh OH DEAR I have a lot of writer mutuals, don't wish to exclude anyone, just off the top of my head: @wouldyoulikeacupofteadear @tinykings @hensons

[blueorchidrp]

LOOKING FOR NEW RP BUDDIES <3 [MXM || D/S THEMES || LITERATE]

Heya lovely people <3

(Brace yourselves, this is a long one! :D)

Recently, I've found myself in the mood to RP again after losing motivation during the beginning of the pandemic so I'm really hoping this ad will appeal to someone out there and I might find one or two new people to write with! :D

I'll go into detail about what I'm looking to RP in a second, but first of all, a little about me:

I'm female, 21+ and my time zone is GMT+1 (Central Europe). I'm an experienced writer and roleplayer of 10+ years. I exclusively write in 3rd person/past tense and would prefer for you to do the same.

English isn’t my first language but I’m pretty comfortable with it and I always try to keep mistakes to a minimum. Despite that, I hope you will excuse the occasional mistake! I would really prefer for you to have good spelling/grammar as well, but of course I’m not super pedantic about it and don’t mind typos from time to time. Nobody’s perfect, after all!

Usually I go for slower-paced RPs with longer replies since I'm not the fastest writer but recently I've really been in the mood for some faster-paced RPs and consequently, shorter replies. I usually aim for 300-1,500 words per reply but for this I would like to keep replies on the shorter side (at least on average and with no pressure from your side to conform to this, of course).

Obviously the length of the reply would still rely on what is happening in the RP - starters will naturally be longer than replies that heavily depend on how the other character will react.

I'm fine with having a short-term RP although I do enjoy plotting and also some occasional world-building (although admittedly I sometimes need a while to really pitch in with my ideas unless I'm already comfortable with my partners!) so long-term partners would be great!

I love chatting OOC, not only to discuss plot-related stuff but also to get to know who I am RPing with but it’s not mandatory and if you’d rather not that’s A-okay!

I prefer character-focused RPs, I’m not too good at writing action scenes and I tend to get bored of those rather quickly. I’d rather concentrate on my character’s feelings and his interactions with your character and focus on exploring their dynamic and thoughts.

I love conflict/tension in my RPs and I also love exploring more “philosophical” themes in them. I'm a huge fan of angst, (emotional) hurt & comfort, slow burn and similar genres but overall I do want an eventual happy ending. Occassional fluff is cute and more than fine as well, I just need some "meat" to the RP to keep me interested :D

Now, let’s go to what I’m craving the most right now:

I would very much like a RP that focuses on a (consensual) Dom/Sub relationship. I only do MxM pairings. I would prefer to play the dominant character for this.

I would prefer to involve at least some smut for this one (but we could also fade to black if preferred!) but overall I would really like to focus more on exploring the non-sexual aspects of the dynamic between our characters.

In general when it comes to smut, my characters tend to be switches who mainly top but if they do bottom they’re more along the lines of "power bottoms". In any case, they won’t just lie there and need your character to do all the work for them. (Obviously I can adjust that if you prefer to play the more dominant character)

For the D/s stuff I would ask that we discuss this more in depth in private, but in general I don't think I'm super kinky (I would rather not include too many "out there" ones) and my limits are pretty "standard" as well.

Broadly speaking my limits include: age play, bodily fluids, extreme kink/fetishes, mpreg, A/B/O, large age gaps, degradation.

Some key words of stuff I really enjoy (I'll try not to go overtly sexual):

- Devotion

- Obedience

- Praise Kink (!!)

- Collars/Leashes

- Kneeling

- Spanking

- Titles of Respect

- Terms of Endearment

- Begging

- ...

Some dynamics I enjoy (none of these are a must, of course! This is just to give you a general idea of what I might be looking for):

- the sub being a badass outside of the relationship and only being vulnerable around the dom

- the sub being physically stronger/bigger than the dom (!!!)

- the sub being rather shy/timid

- the dom being a little uncertain of what he wants in the beginning/needing to find himself as a dom

- also the dom in general also getting to be vulnerable

- the sub being super devoted/eager to please

- the sub taking care of the dom

- or: the dom taking care of the sub

- both being really in love with each other

These are the kinds of ideas I'd like to explore (Of course I'm also open to other scenarios/pairings as well, if you have something else in mind!):

Crime Boss x Right-Hand Man:

I'm really craving this one right now! I'm imaging this powerful mobster and his faithful right-hand man who is hopelessly devoted to his boss and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his boss stays on top. I would prefer for the boss to be the dom and the right-hand man to be the sub.

Son of Crime Boss x Bodyguard:

Celebrity x Bodyguard:

For the first one I'm imagining that the son would be trying to make a name for himself and get out from under his father's thumb (and the bodyguard helping him). For the celebrity one I would imagine the celeb maybe being an actor or some sort of pop/rock star. I would prefer for the bodyguard to be the sub.

Royal x Servant, Royal x Knight:

This can be fantasy/historical (European/East Asian) or even modern. I'm imagining the servant/knight and the royal having been childhood friends and the servant/knight being raised with the knowledge that he would have to protect the royal once he grows up. I really enjoy the idea of one character swearing to serve another for the rest of his life. I would prefer for the knight/servant to be the sub and the royal to be the dom.

Elder Vampire x Fledgling Vampire:

Vampire x Human:

For the first one: Maybe the fledgling vampire was abandoned by his sire and the elder vampire finds him and decides to show him the ropes. For the second one: Maybe the human is a sort of ghoul (like from Vampire: the Masquerade) or human servant or maybe he's just someone the vampire stumbled across while out and about. I would prefer for the (elder) vampire to be the dom and the fledgling/human to be the sub here.

Best Friend x Best Friend:

I got the idea of these college-age guys that slowly discover that they like each other. Maybe they're childhood friends or maybe they've met in college. I’m happy to hear what ideas you might have for this pairing, of course, but a personal favourite of mine is to pair a more stoic (or even grumpy) leaner smart/sarcastic guy with a more jock-like/buff guy who is perpetually happy and optimistic who follows character A around and eventually endears himself to him through sheer persistence.

Soulmates:

I love exploring soulmate AUs, I’m a sucker for all variations of this trope but I’ve been thinking about an idea for a society that places each member of a bonded pair in one of two categories, and members of one category are treated as lesser in society/expected to serve their other half. For this I would definitely like to do some more world-building and really exploring the philosophy of this world as well! It would also be cool to have our character maybe fight against the expectations set by this society but I'm definitely open to other ideas as well!

Apart from that I enjoy a lot of different variations of the soulmate trope but my favourite is the classic idea that involves soulmates having a sort of mark on them that helps them identify who their partner is <3

Other:

Make a suggestion!

I don't have an pre-made OCs so I would come up with a character once we've decided on a plot but of course you can use whatever character you want! I usually don't use FC and just describe what I imagine my character to look like but if you can point me to some good FC ressources I would be willing to look for one if it's important to you! The ages of my characters depend on the plot/dynamic we're going for but they mostly tend to be around 20-45!

Fandoms: Harry Potter, Supernatural, Dragon Age, Detroit: Become Human, Vampires: the Masquerade, Marvel/Avengers, DC, Batman/Joker, Merlin (BBC), Shameless (US). 

At the moment I really enjoy the pairing of Roman Sionis x Victor Zsasz (they're the inspiration for the Crime Boss x Right-Hand Man idea) so if anyone is up for that pairing as well, let me know! I also really enjoy the pairing Mickey x Ian (Gallavich) from the show Shameless, if anyone is interested in that one!).

I would prefer not to RP anything involving child abuse, underage characters in sexual situations, incest and similar themes. (I’m fine with these things being part of your character’s back story and your character dealing with the after-effects of them but I don’t want to actively RP them!).

I’m also exclusively looking for MxM pairings, so please don’t contact me if you’re looking for someone to RP a MxF plot with! And please be at least 18+. I don’t feel comfortable RPing with anyone younger, even if the RP doesn’t have any smut in it.

I mostly RP on Discord these days, but I'm also open to other mediums, mainly E-mail, tumblr or GoogleDocs!

I would prefer for you to already have a plot in mind (or at least a vague idea of what you want to roleplay) before contacting me!

Thank you for reading all of this! Have a great day & stay safe and healthy!

Contact:

Discord: blueorchid [hashtag] 8092

E-mail: blueorchid.roleplay [at] gmail [dot] com

Or message me here on tumblr! :D

[biopsychs]

hi! would you be able to post some of the advice you learned regarding literature reviews (and searching for papers) when you get a chance? thank you so much!

Yes, definitely! I'll mostly provide links to other resources - I've found that a big part of learning how to do lit reviews is knowing that certain things exist and then figuring out how to do those things when you need them. If anyone else wants to add info or clarifications to this post, please feel free to do so!

First of all, I'd recommend using a citation manager to keep track of papers. I use Mendeley, but I've heard Zotero is good too. From what I understand, unless you're looking for a citation manager with specific features (could be worth googling which one is best suited to your discipline), the best one to use is the one you are comfortable using/are already using.

Mendeley has guides here on how to use their program.

I added the Google Chrome browser extension so I can save papers to folders as I'm searching. Mendeley is free, you can save papers and references to specific folders, change the citation style (always double-check tho b/c it pulls whatever info it can find), and I can log into my account on other computers. When you do save papers, I always like to check that the citations are formatted properly with all the correct info, otherwise, I find myself going back later to find a piece of info that was missed which can take up a lot of time when you have many references. As well, you can highlight text and add comments to pdfs in Mendeley which is super useful!

Here are some good resources below for conducting literature reviews:

Academic Phrasebank (University of Manchester) Super helpful during the writing phase of your lit review.

Boolean Operators and Nesting (Library of Congress) 

Graduate Writing Workshops: Literature Review (Purdue Online Writing Lab)

Literature Reviews: Getting Started (University of British Columbia) 

Systematic Literature Reviews (University of British Columbia) I haven't done a systematic literature review yet, but it does differ from a typical lit review and you'll really need to know what you're doing before you start. 

Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review (PLoS) 

The Literature Review: A few tips on conducting it (University of Toronto Writing Centre)

Writing a Literature Review (Queensland University of Technology)

I'll add a few specific things I learned that have made my life easier. I'd recommend checking out the resources I mentioned for specific instructions on how to do these things.

Learn how to use Boolean operators. I knew how to use AND and OR in my searches but there's so much more you can do (I’m still learning so I’m not going to elaborate too much on this, but there are some really good resources out there).

If you use any of the EBSCO databases (I usually use PsycInfo for example), there's a thesaurus of terms for each database (check at the top of the page). This makes it so much easier to see exactly how things are categorized in the database.

If you find a good/relevant paper, check out the studies they cited and who cited their paper. I find using Google Scholar, searching for the paper, and then clicking "cited by" to be the easiest way to do this. This is especially useful if you're trying to identify a knowledge gap.

Make an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of papers (do this as you go). I always have columns for the title, authors, year, and abstract (makes it easier to find the paper you're looking for later). Beyond this, it depends on how detailed you want to be. You could have just one column where you type out a few notes about each study. Alternatively, you could have columns for things such as population studied, experimental design, specific methods/techniques, if they included specific variables, a summary of the main results, etc. This really depends on the focus of your lit review, but it’s always better to include more info than you need rather than adding info later.

It’s also useful to keep track of which search terms you’re using. If you go back to searching for papers another day, you might forget exactly what you searched for already. You can include the search terms in your spreadsheet or just create a separate document.

It takes practice to figure out the right search terms/keywords. You don't want to go too narrow, but searching broadly may yield way more results than you need (or might be irrelevant). It can be helpful to talk to someone else in your lab/field about what keywords to use in your search.