#based referral agent

[scarhalo]

Thoughts on the Enrichment Applicability Assessment

TMAGP EP 9 SPOILERS AHEAD

UPDATE: The TMAGP notion board on my pinned post has now been updated for ep. 9! Go check it out :) OOOOH BOY now this is exciting stuff. So the Magnus Institue, or whoever was routing through their files (this could be a whole other tangent...starkwall anyone?) was running artifact studies... and we have very little information about it. As of yet, this is what we know about the classifications of the cursed dice from this episode:

"Viability as subject – none Viability as agent – low Viability as catalyst – medium."

Recommend referral to Catalytics for Enrichment Applicability Assessment.

Here is my running theory...

Alchemical theory of artifact classification A subject is pretty straight forward, it is the base material on which alchemical operations are performed. Agent and catalyst, however, stood out to me specifically for being similar chemical terms, with one key difference. A catalyst is always an agent but not all agents are catalysts. An agent is a substance/compound that facilitates a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance/compound that increases the rate of a reaction, and is not typically consumed in said reaction. This leads me to believe these artifacts were being studied for the purpose of being used as ritualistic vessels or weapons. An agent could aid in a ritual, but does not have the power to efficiently carry one out. A catalyst on the other hand could very well be the key player in a ritual.

In the context of the dice, it would make sense for them not to be a subject. They seem to be conducting and changing the world around them, not so much acting as a vessel (for example, I believe the web table in TMA used to bind the NotThem would be a pretty good subject, as it actively had actions performed unto it rather than it interacting with the world). Furthermore, the dice would work as an agent, as they can take a supportive role. But due to them being, you know... unpredictable, it would be difficult for them to take a facilitation role. A catalyst however, is much more likely since the dice are event initiators.

Now onto the catalytic enrichment applicability assessment Enrichment studies are done on living beings, in which the researchers hypothesize adding something will change the subjects behavior. What could they possibly add to change the behavior of the dice? I believe they are (were, when they had them) actively feeding the dice. ANYWAYS; currently wondering where the dice are. Now that we know these studies were happening, where did the artifacts go when the place burnt down? They must have been taken and relocated or scattered. Maybe the OIAR has them...

[multi-purpose-a]

Is "Gimme More" a Prequel? - JD Theory

I have heard some confusion around if the map for "Gimme More" (Just Dance 2024) is a prequel to the map for "Toxic" (Just Dance 2023) or not.

Let me give you my 5 Arguments for why Gimme More IS NOT a prequel:

Argument 1

In the Toxic (JD23) classic map, Agent D's "real" appearence, at the end of the map (the third costume), has long red hair and in both Gimme More Maps she has a shorter bob cut.

Fun Fact: The hairstyle seen in Gimme More, is quite similar to one of the disguises she wore in the Toxic map (costume 2)

The end of Gimme More implies that Agent D immidiately goes to her next mission. If Toxic follows after Gimme More, how did her hair grow that long in what I assume would be less than 24 hours?

Let me also immidiatly counter the wig argument: Yes, it is shown in both maps that, Agent D can drastically change her appearence at will with disguises. - So Agent D could be wearing a disguise during Gimme More. But I ask: Why *would* she be wearing a disguise, when she is in her lair? There's no need for a disguise, if she is in her base - away from all eyes, in complete privacy!

Argument 2

The disguises seen in Gimme More, in sequential order from left to right are... the Flight Attendant from Toxic (JD 2023 remake), the Site Manager from Work Work (JD 2019) the Nurse from Toxic (JD2 Original) the Performer from Circus - Extreme (JD 2016).

During the map, Agent D donns each of these disguises in this exact order. The Flight Attendant disguise however doesn't get shown in action like the other 3, despite it being first in the sequence. This suggests we don't need to know about the mission associated with it, since it already happened.

Argument 3

The song lyrics (and title) of Gimme More can be interpreted as implying that Agent D wants more missions after the one we see her introduced with (Toxic) and the ones that were retconned to be her during Gimme More. Notice how Agent D actually has 6 disguise pods - and two of theme are empty:

We can therefore assume Agent D's next mission will use a new costume, that was not shown off during Gimme More.

Argument 4

Captain Catastropha (the Pilot from Dragostea Din Tei) who has returned for the Agent D Storyline is not on the Plane that takes of at the end of the Gimme More. He remains in the seat at the agent's lair.

In Toxic however, he appears at the helm of the Plane (tied up).

Additionally: Agent D had to sneak onto the plane, disguised as a crew Member, and walked through rows of passengers. That means the airplane must have started from an Airport before it was hijacked.

If Gimme More happened before Toxic... The plane which Agent D boards at the end of Gimme More couldn't have had any crew or passengers on it as it would already be in Agent D's posesstion. Agent D would not have needed a disguise to get on bord either. And most devestatingly: the Pilot could not have been on the plane, since he was shown to stay in Agent D's base when the plane launced.

Argument 5

Info graphics about each of Agent D's disguises can be spotted at various points in Gimme More. They are most easily seen in the extreme Version.

They give the Following information:

Mission Number - A code that referrs to which JD Game the costume comes from.

Operation Name - Neat Info

Agent Alias - the canon "Coach Name" for the costume

Danceverse - Confirms the setting of the map, that the costume is from

here is all of the infographics!

All the missions and costumes shown in Gimme More are accounted for. While the actual timeline order of them cannot be inferred from the mission numbers, since those referr to the Just Dance game the respective disguise is from, Toxic from JD 2023 cannot be the next mission. What can be seen at the end of the Gimme More - Extreme map is simply the loading screen for a new mission.

Thank you for reading.

Remember to drink Water!

[rosettyller]

some thoughts on what is going on in tmagp so far

What is “the Protocol”?

So far, we know of 4 instances of the Protocol being carried out. They are:

The Great Fire of London* (1666)

Burning down of Isaac Newton's lab (1684)

Burning down of Magnus Institute (1999)

Burning down of Hilltop Centre* (2016)

*Not explicitly stated but pretty clear that's the message we're supposed to take away

Now, these all have fire in common. Likely that this is just because fire is a very effective way of destroying things. However, fire is also one of the four basic elements in alchemy, associated with the humour yellow bile, and rising energy, and with aspiring to reach the divine above.

Sam states that Starkwall burned down the MI; from this we can conclude they were the security people who burned down the Hilltop Centre. We know they were at one point affiliated with the OIAR, but this ended after the MI burned down. Because they shouldn't have burned it down? Because they weren't secretive enough?

I think the main question now is, What is the purpose of the Protocol?

Robert Hooke states it's for safety, but this also interests me:

“children of Adam” I assume is humans -> transforming people - almost like avatars? transformation is certainly a recurring theme at the moment.

But from around the 17th century, alchemy was beginning to decline, and not be looked on as well - not “Good Science”.

So the Protocol is likely stopping something to do with alchemy - and Newton was creating the Philosopher's Tree, a precursor to the Philosopher's Stone.

However, it being specifically the Philosopher's Stone doesn't tie into the others.

This quote implies the burning was in response to the Plague. The fire burned down about 80% of the city, and did actually benefit the city quite a bit; there were very few deaths from the fire itself, although many people died from lack of shelter in the winter; it cleared out yucky-plagued stuff, and allowed for rebuilding from a clean slate - the area of central London it burnt down had houses very closely packed together. A comet in 1664 had beeen taken as an omen of doom, and then in 1665 the Plague hit particularly hard. Then 1666 - the devil's number.

Perhaps here, the Plague had a human/avatar origin. Something similar to the Corruption?

continued under the cut

Now, there's nothing really explicitly linking to alchemy in the Hilltop Centre, although all those items were certainly being brought there for a purpose. If they were trying to achieve something like a ritual, then that would be similar, making sense for Starkwall to go after them.

Then we have the Magnus Institute.

It's interesting that only the main facility in Manchester was burnt down; perhaps the project that caused the enactment of the Protocol was focused there.

The statement about the dice was given to the Manchester facility; the subject/agent/catalyst is common to all magnus statements, but the referral implies catalytics isn't at Manchester? Meaning Subject or Agent-focused stuff is?

Alice also mentions some of the old people at the OIAR mentioning the Protocol; this implies that the OIAR were somehow involved in the MI being burnt down, not Starkwall going off on their own.

Darrien's statement also gives us some interesting info. He was a candidate - candidate for subject/agent perhaps?? "Mutare Materia" implies they were looking into parallel universes & perhaps travel between them; Welling may refer to the Welling in London - maybe they had a facility there? However it seems to imply they're just keeping Darrien where he is (at the Oxford Outreach Centre) so at least some of this project must be based there.

What's the deal with the Entities?

So in contrast to the original universe (U1), this universe seems to have entities of positive and negative emotions, but they seem to function the same way as the Fears. I don't think they are (all) new to this universe; Lena speaks like they're not new, and Ink5oul has been becoming an avatar since at least 2020; the voices started in 2023, and if we assume that was Jon, Martin, the Fears and possibly Jonah entering this universe, then there must already have been some. She also mentions balance.

Which is interesting given what Colin's said. In alchemy, sulphur is associated with the soul, mercury with the mind. Alchemy is also all about balance, and incorporating the base elements in the correct proportions.

I suppose that links into emotions - they all have a reason. Even emotions like fear - they stop you doing stupid things (sometimes). Anxiety leads you to properly prepare for something. etc. But you can't have too much of any one emotion. (And also, human beings are complex. We can feel lots of different emotions at the same time.)

And now, with the addition of fifteen Fear entities, all this is out of balance.

What were the Magnus Institute doing?

I touched on this above, however, there's still a lot more they were doing that we have absolutely no idea about. They had Sam and Gerry there - for what? If they're doing something with the entities, and these entities are emotion-based, it's interesting that they're testing empathy. And that Sam (98% empathy) and Gerry (95%) both weren't what they wanted.

Also - Connor Dyer was there. Is that why Alice seems to know so much, and be trying to ignore it so hard?

Are Chester and Norris Jon and Martin?

...and does this universe have another Jon and Martin too? And if not Jonah, who is Augustus?

It has to be them, in some form. It can't just be this universe's jonmartin needed some money so did some recording as text-speech thingys. It would be mean, if that was all it was. Chester seems to be gaining power and responding to characters. Why was Augustus so much rarer than the other two? Why does Chester keep pointing towards the MI? Because he's Jon and he used to work there in other other universe and knows what it is, or because he knows something about this universe's MI? Why doesn't the OIAR get more MI statements, if they're basically doing the same thing?

and why did Celia get brought through? and what happened to georgie? (i'll probably make another post, i have more thoughts.)

[wilted3sunflowers]

"Screwball"

part of @galaceusdorm

Screwball Real name: redacted, based off: Dr. Screwball Jones Roommate: Pierce Unique Magic: Word Play - he can theoretically make what he say a reality....its a lot of shitty jokes and puns though.

Rarely seen without his wig and glasses[ theyre perscription too! handy] More of an agent of chaos and laughter of his own desire, Often it irritates the people of galaceus but he is still pretty skilled at making people laugh.

He can be sometimes cruel in the ways to achieve his laughter though. Not always just sometimes the audience he panders to in galaceus are more cruel. He knows how to play an audience no matter where he goes after all.

He actually finds competition instinctually with others who try to be 'a funny guy'. He feels an urge to break their spirits and outwit and out laugh them.

He may be a silly, goofy guy who seems completely unserious but he does a lot more behind the scenes than people realize.

fun fact: he does have his medical license too. He is a doctor..... ...he sells prescription drugs and also writes doctors notes and other prescription referrals

[gasolinerainbowpuddles]

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 ║ ⓞⓝⓔ๏ⓞⓕⓕⓢ

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This Side of Forever

| PAIRING(s): Marcus Pike x fem!OC Bodie Edunn

| RATING: explicit material | 18+ | WORD COUNT:  6.6k | CONTENT: angsty!Marcus throughout, pining?, Bodie talks a lil whimsical but that’s bc she’s based on a Goddess ok?, half of this is me self-therapizing, lots of allusions to magic and fruit, following your dreams, is somebody gonna match my freak? vibes, accepting fate, overly sentimental bc it’s Marcus duh

| SYNOPSIS: After back to back failed relationships, Marcus tries to find meaning and distraction in his work. When he's presented with an offer that appears to be a nudge in a whole new direction, he isn't sure he can make the leap of faith.

The consultation offer had come through at just the right time. Marcus had been burnt out with his work despite the change in scenery and job title. As it turned out, being head of the International Art Theft Task Force in D.C. wasn’t a whole lot more gratifying than being Special Agent Marcus Pike with the Austin Art Squad Unit. It was a bitter pill to swallow, the rhapsodic thrill of getting a second chance at love and life in Texas turning to nothing more than ash and heartache come Virginia. 

It was torment being back in Austin for an assignment and learning that he’d ultimately been nothing more than a bridge for his would-be fiancé and her now other half to finally realize what they felt for one another. It was hard to believe this was the same woman who had told him that night at dinner she, too, felt the same things for him. That she couldn’t deny their chemistry and connection. He loved that she was independent and really thought about his offer to move to D.C. with him before she’d accepted.

And then he’d gone and followed his heart again with the proposal. The words felt like poison clinging to his lips almost the moment he uttered them, her expression one of stunned anxiety making his stomach turn.  Then it all seemed okay again when she said she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, too. Looking back it was easier to see that she didn’t feel as strongly for him as he did for her, but in the moment he’d thought that maybe it was just a lot for her to take in. He had a tendency to be too much for the people he cared about.

He spent a lot of time in the aftermath of the breakup lamenting over every word and action, playing them over and over again in his head to try to figure out where he’d gone wrong, but he couldn’t bring himself to fully regret honoring his emotions in the moment. He’d been forthright and honest from the start with her because it felt real. It was real. Until it all fell apart.

So, he finished his assignment and returned home to D.C. with nothing but an empty, cold apartment waiting for him. The thought of just leaving all this behind and starting over from scratch was becoming more and more appealing. The ghosts of the past followed him everywhere, and it was beginning to feel like he’d always be chasing some phantom of a dream that resembled happiness. His voluntary sabbatical might not have been the best idea with all this inner turmoil brewing, but he had to take a step back and at least attempt to get himself together. The third night in a row of packaged ramen noodles for dinner, ass firmly parked on the couch with reruns of Antiques Roadshow playing back to back, her email had come through.

He read it twice to make sure it hadn’t been sent in error. As the sole owner of the wildly successful spa and wellness center Eternity Hill Orchard, Bodie Edunn was looking for a consultant regarding the yet to be established Art Director position and coinciding Art Program for her resort. A former colleague and shared mutual had passed his name along to her with a soft endorsement for the job. The referral name checked out and everything seemed legitimate, but Marcus had been burned too many times to believe his luck could be this good.

A phone call with her the next day had that thought going right out the window. He could hear the smile in her voice and how genuinely excited she was that he received the offer and reached out. Before he knew it, agreements were outlined and plans were made. The last few weeks of his sabbatical were going to be spent back and forth between the few hours of travel from D.C. to the mountains of Virginia where Eternity Hill Orchard was located.

The payday was already enough of an incentive, but the picturesque scenery as the vehicle climbed switchback roads wasn’t too bad, either. The ascent felt like he was heading to some other world entirely, and perhaps given the constant grind of life in D.C., this was a completely different life up here in the mountains. His first step onto the grounds already felt energizing, the inhale of fresh air crisp in his lungs. 

He could just make out a distant figure atop a rather grand set of steps leading up to a striking manor structure. It was somehow modern and antique all at once, as if it had been built here so long ago that it simply transcended the concept of time. Lush greenery at every opening and slope gave an impression of liveliness and growth. Small, warm white bulbs danced in the darker recesses of the flora, and Marcus could imagine the balmy, intimate glow it would emit come nighttime. 

Despite the impressive scene, he found himself eagerly skimming back to the figure coming into focus as they climbed down the stairs towards him. The pictures and videos he’d seen of her on the website did no justice to the firsthand encounter. He’d thought it was high quality editing – something to sell the whole wellness image the business touted - but seeing her here in person made it clear there was no alteration involved.

It was hard to pinpoint an age, but she looked like she’d sipped on every enchanted youth tonic from every fairytale ever told. A “glow from within” hue to her skin. Soft, supple curvature of pink appled cheeks. Piercing but kind green eyes. A sharp mouth with a delicate cupid’s bow, all balancing the mesmerizing smile underneath.

How old was she? How could someone establish and develop this level of business acumen all before the age of 50? Was she just the face of the business while some gnarled, hunched octogenarian hid away in the shadows and counted his payday? Was she some sort of trust fund baby? Was this all just an elaborate babysitting project to keep her out of the trouble that wealthy, bored children often found themselves in?

“Marcus, I’m so glad you made it,” Bodie softly greets him as she makes it to the bottom of the stairs. She envelops him before he has time to insist on a handshake, pulling back after a moment and rubbing each of his biceps in a welcoming gesture.

He isn’t sure where to put his hands, and he internally cringes at the realization of just how touch starved he is. His mouth feels a little dry, and he can only attribute some of that to the higher altitude. “Wow. Hi. I mean– Yes. You’re– It’s beautiful,” he responds a little breathlessly. “Glad to be here.”

The mischievous twinkle in her eyes blooms into the grin curving her mouth. “I’m partial, of course, but I really think there’s nowhere else as special as here. I hope you’ll come to find the same thing.”

The closer she was to him, the thinner the air felt. The sun cast a hazy blur of light around her long flax tresses, forming a little halo of brightness that made her seem all the more ethereal and divine. Bodie had several science degrees according to the website, although it didn’t say from where or when. Maybe this place was the real deal after all. Usually these retreat spaces offered little more than a whopping dose of placebo laden manipulations meant to drain desperate people’s wallets. He tried not to be so jaded about it all, very much aware of the more bitter version of himself he’d been morphing into for the past several months.

Obliging staff appeared from nowhere and whisked his things away. He really didn’t care where his things were going or where he was being led as he walked along quietly while Bodie conducted a guided tour of the grounds and the buildings. She carried herself so effortlessly and spoke so confidently. None of it sounded rehearsed, either, as they both meandered through the picturesque backdrop of the plot. She shared all the history of the resort and the scientific approach to wellness that incorporated the native resources as much as possible.

Everything he sees is nothing short of magnificent. He can envision sitting out here and painting a quick oil landscape while Bodie sits nearby and chats. He can hear her unwavering knowledge and commentary in his mind’s eye, but he forces himself to focus on the present. The sprawling backdrop of mountains and trees and orchards frame the welcoming facilities and services here. An expansive natural swimming pond lined with large rocks that lead to private cabanas and plush lounge chairs. He wonders if Bodie ever goes swimming. 

An indoor heated pool with adjacent teak sauna. Three stories worth of amenities built right into the mountainside with multiple buildings above that she explains are guest rooms. One building has a long, shared balcony with large potted trees and rooftop gardens. The other building has private balconies with big, round lounge beds and floor to ceiling fireplaces. He wonders which one of them is hers and what she sees when she wakes every morning.

The winding decks that slope into each other feel endless, and yet Marcus could enjoy hours of hearing her talk about anything and everything. It was infectious and calming, almost like walking through an art museum and discovering all the tiny surprise gems amongst the overarching beauty of artistry. Even the staff looked young in the way of someone who has never experienced a day of stress in their life. They don plain uniforms – soft white linen shirts with loose taupe colored pants – with some sporting half aprons or utility belts, depending on their job.

It was one thing for every patron thus far to look relaxed and content, but the workers also appearing well and youthful? How on earth did Bodie manage all of this? She was still talking about some sort of zero gravity massage clinic when the intrusive thoughts got the better of him.

“So how old are you anyway?” he blurts out.

The back of his neck blazes with embarrassment, but he forces himself to maintain eye contact. She smiles at him again in that easy sort of way, and his stomach flips. Whatever secret restorative methods she had up here were certainly doing something to him. Either that or he hadn’t adjusted to the altitude yet.

“I’m thirty one,” she answers graciously.

His jaw parts, all agog and inelegant, while she titters and waves off his unspoken compliment. 

“I apologize for the question. I’m usually not so–” He motions with his hand aimlessly in the air, floundering for a coherent end to his sentence. “Your methods and programs are obviously very effective.”

“I guess you could say between the mountain air and enough apples a day to keep the doctor away for a lifetime…,” she trails off and shrugs with a lopsided smile.

God, he could really get used to seeing that. It made his knees all jittery every time she directed that energy his way. He’s so wrapped up in it that he misses something she said and has to ask her to repeat herself.

“I said: I’m proud of everything we’ve built here, but I’m always looking for what else we can incorporate to enhance the experience,” she says again. “It’s always been a sort of bad habit of mine, always looking for something to take everything to the next level.”

She doesn't even know how much it resonates with him when she says it. If he had to identify a singular fault of his, it would be the hope of the next best thing. He had a well-worn pattern of romanticizing things and letting his thoughts run away, all buoyant and hopeful. A big part of that had been stripped from him after the failed marriage, divorce, and then failed proposal, but maybe that was for the best. Maybe he wouldn’t get hurt so much if he didn’t put himself so far out there.

“I get what you mean,” he commiserates. “It can be hard to feel like you’ve done all you can. That you’ve upturned every stone and made something as good as it can be.”

Bodie eyes him thoughtfully and, after a moment of contemplation, nods. “Yes. Exactly. That’s exactly it.”

“So, am I the ‘taking it to the next level’ in this equation?” he jokes, attempting to steer the conversation back to the consultation at hand and away from things that remind him of past failures.

Her grin is devastating and intoxicating, and Marcus turns a lovely shade of pink at the poor phrasing of his question.

“I-I meant– not me personally. I meant the art director and art program,” he stammers. “You know, me being here to help with that.”

“Something like that,” she replies with a gentle laugh.

It’s not until she’s finished showing him around and walking him to his private suite that his head feels clear. Every syllable that fell from her lips felt like a tugging thread, whipstitching musings and what-could-be’s across the divots in his mind and suturing them together with thoughts of her cinched in between and tucked away tight. The feeling doesn’t let up over the next few days where every interaction with her feels like he’s had the wind knocked out of him. 

This wasn’t the same sort of draw he’d experienced before with his ex-wife and ex- fiancé. This was the opposite pole of the magnet hurtling towards him and grabbing hold. This was some sameness, some kindred nucleus of existence. A funhouse mirror reflecting parts of himself back, a warped delineation. Something metaphysical and mystic putting him exactly where he was meant to be: here in this side of paradise with Bodie coming to drip soothing words of perpetuity into his ear. He belonged here, although he couldn’t exactly explain why or how he knew it to be true.

It took everything in him to focus on the task at hand. He’s better acquainted after a couple of days with the grounds, resort scheduling, and “wellness lifestyle” habits being taught and practiced. He wasn’t expecting the legitimacy in some of the newer programs, like the accredited and licensed therapists onsite who conduct group sessions as well as individualized, immersive sessions for select guests. The idea of an art based therapy program felt like a natural addition, according to Bodie. It was the “next logical step” in what Eternity Hill Orchard could offer, and he couldn’t agree more.

By the time he knew it, he’d extended his stay by three more days, but she didn’t seem to mind in the slightest. In fact, she seemed delighted that he was even able to. For some reason, he divulged his voluntary sabbatical from work and the fact that he was only able to take this job because of it. She’d simply smiled warmly and said it “sounded like fate.”

It should’ve been hokey. It should’ve been an eyeroll the moment she turned away. Instead, he found himself inclined to agree. Throughout his rapid appraisal of the resort, it started feeling less like work and more like a challenge, something stimulating and meaningful. The overwhelming sense of magic in the atmosphere had him questioning himself almost daily. He’d take breaks from his assignment and join Bodie in several of the offerings at the resort, and every time without fail his head felt cloudy and light and elastic. He hadn’t felt this way since his first few months in the FBI when the world was laid at his feet for the taking.

He almost wished this bubble would pop already so he could fall back to reality, but day after day it remained intact. Gentle brushes of her hand. Leaning closer when they spoke. Angling her body towards him whenever he sat down next to her – and there somehow was always an empty seat, like she’d saved it just for him. The warm, dizzying embrace the first day he got here was just the beginning of an endless well. He wanted so badly to know how her lips would feel against his. He tried to stop himself imagining the sorts of sounds he could pull from her, all the ways he could make her feel good. They could fall asleep here every night together, dreaming up new programs and projects.

As much as he wanted to stretch out his time with her, he loathed the idea of wearing out his welcome or, worse yet, letting hope fester long enough to make him entertain all his delusions about a life here. The trek back home to D.C. is tedious and pallid. It’s as though every foot of elevation lost on the ride down leached color and life from the world.

The dreary silence in his apartment might be the worst of all as he sets his things down and takes a long breath – one that doesn’t feel satisfying no matter how deeply he pulls for air. At least there was an objective and a deadline to keep his mind occupied and distracted from his stifling abode. He compiled his recommendations with due heed, never rushing through the retrospection and assessment he was being generously compensated to produce.

He didn’t have any legitimate reason to go back for another visit since he’d extended his initial one by so many days. Any clarifying questions could be answered via email or phone, and it better served his timeline to not travel again right now anyway. The Art Therapy Degree Program tabs in his browser stare loudly back at him. It was initially a portion of his informational findings, but he’d made the mistake of venturing into the curiosity of what it would take for him to obtain such a degree. Turns out, not very much. The extensive training and education accrued throughout his years before and during his life as an Agent meant he was fit for most bridge programs out there.

He didn’t know what to do with this new possibility, and the knowledge of it was more disquieting than anything. The awareness that something else existed out there for him felt cruel and imposing, like it was trying to force his hand to take the leap of faith. He’d done that before, and it’s what got him into the shadowlands in the first place. It started to eat at him the longer he sat with it, and what irked him most was the sole thing he knew would make him feel better: a trip to Eternity Hill Orchard. 

He racked his brain for a reason – any reason – to go up there again. He concocted some weak excuse about needing to evaluate some of the spaces before making a final recommendation, and of course Bodie was immediately receptive. He steeled himself to remain professional and impartial about things as he made his way back to the fated resort. His late start out the door meant the sun was nearly setting by the time he arrived, but it was just as enchanting as he remembered it. Bodie wasn’t at the top of the stairs to greet him this time around, but he attempted to quell the disappointment of not seeing her by reminding himself that he was here for work and that he’d see her when it was appropriate. It was bad enough that he’d let his whims bring him here again.

After checking in and getting settled, he figures a walk around the grounds is his best bet at coming across Bodie organically. So, he sets off and silently scouts potential spots for an art studio and corresponding office space. The dwindling daylight makes the endeavor less than fruitful, but he isn’t really focused on it, anyway. He’s really just out here hoping to find her. When he turns onto a secluded pathway off the side of the natural pond, the first instance of dissonance in this place emerges: a man’s aggravated voice. A few beats and then what Marcus thinks might just be Bodie’s more neutral voice. He edges closer to the sound.

“Because it’s bullshit, and you know it,” the man fumes.

“I don’t think it’s anything of the so–”

“I come here spending an ungodly amount of money, and for what? For this sham of a place?”

Marcus picks up his pace and follows the voices until he finds Bodie standing face to face with a visibly angry man. She appears in no distress despite the aggression being hurled her way. He keeps his distance until he can fully assess the situation, but his extensive federal training has him ready to intervene if needed.

“You feel like your time here has been unproductive?” She poses the question tactfully, but the man doesn’t waver.

“Well I sure as hell thought I’d get more out of it than I have! I mean, how much time and money can I throw down the drain before I speak up for myself and demand answers?”

“And what is it you were hoping to get out of your visits here?”

“I dunno! Maybe some-some sort of control back in my life?! All this wishy washy feel good bullshit hasn’t done anything! It’s all some scam to take advantage of people like me who are desperate!” he snaps, taking a step forward with arms raised to the side.

Marcus starts to close the gap but stops when Bodie gestures for him to hang back. A glance isn’t even spared his way as she focuses her attention on the angry man.

“I hear you, and I hear your frustrations. I do, however, feel that you are missing a key consideration.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” the man laughs through his nose.

“Finding and using tools to help you regain control of your life is much more beneficial than some external force coming through and offering some temporary illusion of control. And, above all that, there are things that will never be under our authority.”

“And what the hell is that supposed to mean?!”“It means that, yes, we could create some fantasy of the self-actualization you’re after and make you feel like it’s true, but the whole illusion would fall apart the moment you left because it wouldn’t be real. There is no handing ‘it’ over to you – by us or anyone. The entire notion that control is something we give or take from you defeats the entire purpose of you learning to take hold of things yourself. And, you can learn all the coping skills and interventions under the sun, but they will never be useful if you try to pit them against something that will never be in your control no matter how hard you try to force it.”

The man stands straight and blinks a few times, the words overtly taking hold of something inside him.

“Part of control is acceptance, Gordon,” she explains and extends a comforting hand to his bicep. “You have to accept there are things you cannot and will not ever be able to control, and those are the things you have to learn to let go of. No amount of fighting them or screaming or anger will ever change that.”

The man – Gordon, apparently – deflates a bit at this and hangs his head. His voice becomes so quiet Marcus can’t make out half of what he’s saying. His body language speaks to remorse and embarrassment, but Marcus moves in closer just in case he is misreading the energy. He can hear the apologies now and the all too understanding acceptance of them from Bodie. Gordon catches sight of Marcus and quickly excuses himself with Bodie calling after him that she will follow up with him tomorrow.

“Well that’s a first,” Marcus quips, trying to break the dissipating tension altogether. “I was starting to believe nobody could get upset here.”

“Glad to have you back, Marcus,” she deadpans with a budding smile that gives her away.

“In all seriousness, that was, uh, that was pretty impressive.”

“What?”

“Deescalating that situation. Keeping your cool. Maintaining control of the conversation. Actually the sort of thing that makes a really great undercover or intelligence agent.”

“Well, you’d know what it takes, wouldn’t you?” she agrees warmly.

His smile falls a little at the reminder. He was, indeed, the person that would know. At the end of the day, he was still employed with the FBI. This fairy tale in the mountains was on borrowed time, and a couple of weeks from now, he’d be back to his usual responsibilities at work. It’ll be like none of this ever happened, the souvenir of a padded bank account the only remnant of this experience. The realization that he doesn’t want to be Special Agent Marcus Pike anymore hits him like a blow to the gut.

“Marcus? Are you okay?” She reaches out and slots her hand into his.

“Hm? What? Oh, oh yeah, I’m fine.” He forces a chuckle and waves off her worries, but he knows she won’t buy it.

“If you’re not too busy right now, I’d really love for you to join me on my walk.”

And of course he agrees. How could he not? Even if he knows he’s being led to the death of his guard, he can’t turn her down. The tranquil sky and mellow breeze amidst the lines of apple trees are no match for his racing mind. The last time he was here, it felt pacifying and calming. This time it feels as though all the defenses and excuses have been stripped from his brain, leaving nothing but the bare, candid emotions underneath.

“You know,” she begins, interrupting his storming thoughts, “I was thinking back to how you were talking about never being satisfied with what you’ve got. You know, how we’re both guilty of always looking for the next best thing. Worrying about ‘leaving a stone unturned’, as you put it. It made me think back to when I almost gave this up because I thought some place closer to the interstate was a better investment.”

Marcus listens in quiet disbelief as Bodie shares the memory of when she’d come across a great plot of land that was closer to the main highways in the area but located further away from the mountains. She was content at the time with the state of Eternity Hill Orchard, but it wasn’t anything near what it is today. It wasn’t even a fraction of what it is currently because she was so consumed with worry over whether or not there was something better out there. The new plot would’ve been more readily accessible for travelers, which could’ve potentially meant more patrons and a wider reach. It wasn’t until the last moment that she rescinded the offer and decided to keep what she already had and give it the devotion and nurturing it needed to thrive.

“I’m grateful every day that I didn’t go through with it,” she reflects. “The things that I thought were drawbacks were actually what made this place special. The seclusion. The terrain. You can’t get this atmosphere anywhere else. I could’ve lost all of it if I had let my fears override my instincts.”

“I couldn’t imagine this place anywhere else,” he concurs. 

“And I didn’t realize my unturned stone was right under my feet.” She levels him with a probing gaze and silently waits for him to speak.

“I’m supposed to start up my position again in a few weeks…..” he begins weakly.

She doesn’t respond beyond a gentle nod, and it compels him to keep going.

“But I don’t think– I feel like maybe there’s… maybe there’s something else for me.” He swallows hard and drops her hand, opting instead to lean against the sturdy base of an apple tree for some kind of support.

“You found a new opportunity, but you’re afraid it’s just another case of chasing after the next best thing?” she surmises.

“Yeah, I– Something like that. I think.” He laughs and drops his head back. “God, this is so unprofessional. I apologize. I really shouldn’t be talking like this.”

She ignores his appeal to decorum and instead pushes for candor. “So, Marcus, where’s the line between romanticizing a hypothetical and following your heart?”

When he doesn’t have an answer, she leans against the tree beside him, and Marcus feels a thousand fiery licks of magnetic pull.

“This whole experience with you has made me consider leaving my work to become an Art Therapist.” It comes out before he can stop it, but he’s rewarded with a beatific smile that makes his insides feel warm and syrupy.

“You know, I have it on good intel that there’s a really nice place up in the mountains that’s in the market for an Art Therapist. I mean, they’re awaiting a report from a consultant about how to implement the Program, but still. I mean, hey, one lucky Art Therapist might just find themselves with the freedom of creating the entire structure of the Program from start to finish.”

Marcus shakes his head, unwilling to accept the insinuation of being offered a job he wasn’t even qualified for. Yet.

“And I bet that Art Therapist would be able to help a lot of people,” she adds softly. “Could really change the lives of the people he’s around.”

He turns to meet her gaze at that and fumbles for the right thing to say. “I can’t— I couldn’t possibly ask you to—”

“You didn’t ask. I offered,” she points out. 

“So, what? I’m just– I start tomorrow, just narrowing down a list of online bridge programs? Until I find one and apply? And then magically I just use that degree here?” he scoffs.

“Either that or you could spend the next few days trying and failing to talk yourself out of it,” she muses with a grin.

He balks and stalls but can’t argue with the assertion. Truth be told, he doesn’t even feel like trying to talk himself out of it. The fight left in him to ignore his heart is quickly faltering. 

“And, if I might take a turn being unprofessional, I really, really wouldn’t mind you being here on a more … permanent basis. It was nice having you around.”

“Y-Yeah?”

“Mmmhhmmmm.”

Marcus’s eyes flit between her glittery eyes and plush lips. All those years of unfulfilled promises melt away. Every unreciprocated outpouring of love and emotion, gone by the wayside. No more were the feelings of having so much to give without anyone to give it to.

“I really want to kiss you,” he admits in a hush.

“I thought you’d never ask,” she murmurs back.

He doesn’t give himself the opportunity to linger on hesitations. He dips his head and presses his mouth against hers and finds an ardent response. The kiss is  slow and deliberate, like so much time has been lost to the absence of it that every facet must be savored. Her tongue rolls along the ridge of his lip, and he opens with a soft gasp when she pushes their bodies together.

She tastes of sugar and earth, body firm and potent. Still, he holds her like a delicate, timeless artifact meant to be admired and cherished. He follows her pull to the cool grass below and groans at the weight of his body sagging against hers. She hooks a foot behind each knee and tugs, the shift of it sending him off balance. Her pliant body eagerly accommodates his searching hands. The dip and swell of her form under his touch has his mind tracing static orbits, something barely tethered to anything resembling cognizance.

When they finally part for a breath, chests heaving and lips swollen, he sees the incisive tenacity burning bright in her eyes. She rolls their fused bodies until his back settles against the ground, and he lies as a stone unturned beneath her feet, ready to be inverted and suffused by her entirety.

“I’ve known I wanted you from the moment we spoke on the phone,” she confesses quietly. Her hand drifts down his torso, stopping carefully at the button of his waistband.

His heart lurches at the disclosure, brazen in all its laid bare inelegance. “All I could think about was getting back to you,” he confides. “All I wanted was to be back here with you.”

Bodie’s lips crash against Marcus’s with unbridled force, the curve of her tongue licking and darting its way deeper into his mouth. The light blanket of night air ripples against their exposed skin as they hastily remove piece by piece of clothing until they’re laid bare against the strewn fabric. Bodie lies staring up at him, and Marcus somehow has the inkling of clarity left enough to pause and check in.

“Is this okay?” he pants.

“Stake your claim on your path forward, Marcus,” she purrs like it’s an invitation. “Leave your mark on what fate brought to you.”

All reason and restraint leaves his body at the call. His teeth graze and nip hungrily down her neck, across her chest, and tug at the hardened nubs he finds there all pert for his attention. Her body curves up from the ground to meet the wet slip of his mouth and rocks mindlessly when it connects with her sex.“I wanna taste you, I wanna taste you” is all she hears between greedy laps of his tongue. He ruts against the mounds of fabric laid about, desperate for any sort of friction after experiencing the high of her taste. Every little moan and gasp is a brush stroke in his portrait of her pleasure. He feeds off the taction and responsiveness, using those hues and depths of bliss to bring about the definitive, live rendering. A heavenly sound slithers up her throat when he slowly inserts two stacked fingers.

“I feel you. Christ you’re so wet,” he rasps. “Come on my fingers. I wanna feel it. C’mon, baby, come for me.”

She cries out under the careful movements of his mouth and fingers, the soft tufts of his hair gripped tight in her hands as she rides it out. His groans fill the air as he laps up each and every gush of arousal. She hauls him up to share another heated kiss, almost relishing in the taste of herself on his tongue.

Marcus breaks away first, pupils blown wide, with a small shiver running up his entire body. He knows going further is risky, and he knows, just like everything else about this moment, it’s driven entirely by raw connection and want. The feeling of finally having someone to pour himself into far too overwhelming to ignore, and there’s never been anything in his life that felt more right than everything in this moment.

“I don’t usual– I just– Can I….?” He trails off with a glance down at his thick length, bobbing heavily with every movement and demanding attention.

Bodie branches her legs out wider to make room for him – for the place he wishes to be buried in. “Please.”

He wastes no time notching himself at her entrance and slowly feeding his cock inch by inch until he’s fully seated inside. They groan in unison at the assimilation of their bodies merging into one synchronous entity. He’s rambling now, unable to stop the torrent of declarations and hopes and craving. Admitting to having already imagined pinning her down just like he is right now, legs pressed against her chest so he can drive deeper. Not hiding the multitudes of ways he wants to profess and display his affection for her.

Bodie responds in kind. Each kiss of his cockhead against the mouth of her womb punctuated with a rush of oaths and calls to freefall into one another. She clings to him like he holds her next breath. They sway and pitch in turn with heavy breaths and wanton cries of bliss released to the sky. Her lids are heavy with exertion when he brings her upright and back flush against his chest, both of their knees digging into the ground.

“I wanna fuck you slow,” he pants, gently rocking his hips against the swell of her ass. “Wanna feel this forever. Want to take my time with you.”

She grinds back onto him, meeting stroke for stroke, and hums contentedly. “You feel so good. Feels so good.”

“Yeah? You like when I make you feel good? You gonna let me make you feel good?”

“You always make me feel good,” she breathes.

He groans and rolls his hips faster, harder. She turns her head to kiss him, latching a hand onto his neck to hold him there. The momentum of his thrusts hastens and sends her to her hands and knees, and Marcus drapes himself across the plane of her back with an arm winding tight around her chest as he drives deeper. All the noises he imagined are nothing compared to the real thing. He can feel her getting closer, and he goads her on.

“There you go–there you go–yeah–let me have it–let me have it, baby.”

He sinks his teeth into the rounded skin on her shoulder and bares down as she moans and clenches around him. Her soft flesh pillows around his bite as the kick of his cock pulses against her walls. She cries out from the sting of his marking but leans into it all the same. Their bodies slump to the ground, still connected at the crux of her thighs, but it’s still not close enough for him.

They lay together in quiet content as their highs level off. He presses the wet of his lips to each little indentation he left, and he hopes they’ll be gone by morning. The guilt of having marked her so deeply – and the guilt of how much that turns him on – occupy his thoughts as he pays his penitence with each kiss. She interrupts his amends and turns to face him, a playful smirk emerging when he hisses at the last drag of her satiny clutches.

His half-lidded, nebulous expression is mirrored, and she can’t stop herself from seeking intimacy again by way of a kiss, which he readily returns. He cradles her to the sinuous line of his body, and it’s as though she was always meant to fit there. The night sky looks down on them as they struggle to not let sleep take them right then and there.

“We should really head back,” Bodie reluctantly points out.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Marcus agrees.

The task of dressing is much more appealing with one another’s help, and they do so until each is as put together as before they came up the hill. They walk hand in hand back toward the main buildings with easy, lulling conversation to pass the time. Marcus smiles ear to ear when Bodie asks a staff member to move his things to her room.

“Wow, moving in together already?” he jokes.

“I feel like it just makes things easier since we’re going to be planning the rest of our lives, you know?” she lobs back with a cheeky grin. “Logistics and all that.”

“So I guess tomorrow is the start of my new life, huh?” he half-teases, but the undercurrent of nerves still comes through.

“I think you knowing about it is new, but I’m pretty sure it was waiting here for you all along.”

And in that moment he wanted to tell her all the ways he adored her. Confess all the varieties of hope she instilled in him. Scream from the rooftops how much he loved her.

But there was no need to rush. Those things could wait, now that he had forever to say them.

This fic was my contribution to @perotovar's Frith Challenge where I received Marcus Pike x Idun. I don't even know where to start with how wild of a journey this fic was to write, and honestly idek if y'all would believe me if I told you lmao.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing!

catch ya later, ♥Puddles♥

[hayatheauthor]

How To Answer Some Common Literary Agent Questions

Writing a book can be hard, but querying can sometimes seem harder without the right resources! If you’re an author who feels like you’re jumping into your queries without any guidance, here are a few tips to help you answer some common literary agent questions. 

Before we get started, I would like to put out a disclaimer stating that this is not a list of rules for what you should or shouldn’t do when querying! The sole purpose of this blog post is to help my fellow #amquerying authors get a general idea of how to write a query letter and answer common literary agent questions. 

This blog post is based on the research I conducted before sending out my queries and the feedback I received for them. I might not be an industry expert, but I have spent the past couple of months querying agents and received a dozen partial and full requests (which I am eagerly awaiting a response for). 

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s get started! 

The Author Bio

The author bio is possibly the most common question you will see when querying. Most if not all agents prefer to know at least a little bit about their authors before they jump into your manuscript, this is so they can gain insight into your past experience and credibility as an author.

A writer’s author bio is directly affected by the genre they are writing for and should be adjusted accordingly. What might sound like a good bio for your nonfiction memoir might sound ineffectual for your YA fantasy novel. 

Here is a general guide on how to write your author bio based on your genre. 

Nonfiction 

When writing a nonfiction author bio it’s important to mention two things: why you chose to write about this topic, and why you’re the right person to write this book. I would also mention a little bit about why this book should be written, why you think people would read it, and why now. 

If you are a debut author then talk about any past experience you have in the industry you are writing about. For example, if you’re writing a biography about a prominent historical figure who you previously researched for work, a thesis, etc. then consider mentioning that. 

If you are not a debut author then talk about your past experience in the literary industry. Sales, platforms, what type of nonfiction book did you write in the past, etc. 

Fiction 

When writing a fiction author bio it’s important to mention any and all marketing and writing experience you have. So long as it is relevant. 

For example, if you’re writing a fantasy novel and have a booktok account where you post about it, then consider mentioning that. Or if you previously wrote a popular rom-com but are now trying to write a chick lit, then mention who you published with and why you decided to write for this new genre. 

Struggling to find the right words for your query? Consider checking out my blog on how to get out of the slush pile and make your agent say YES.

How To Write An Author Bio For Your Debut Novel

Writing an author biography as a debut author might seem pointless to most, but I implore you to take the time to type out an appropriate response to this question. 

When I was querying agents I received several rejections during my first and second rounds of querying, but do you know what I didn’t receive? A form rejection. Each and every agent who asked for an author bio responded with some sort of praise for my marketing or writing prowess as a teenager. 

Some even went out of their way to provide me with referrals or agent resources, which helped me secure two agents who requested a full manuscript.

My author bio wasn’t overly grand or impressive, in fact, it was quite simple. Here are some things to mention in your author bio as a debut author: 

Any relevant past writing experience. 

Outside of writing my book, I also work as a content writer for digital marketing agencies, blog about writing advice, and previously wrote a couple of ‘viral’ e-novels and fanfictions on online platforms. None of these have anything to do with my WIP or author journey, but they help prospective agents know that I: 

Have gathered a sum of readers with my past work. 

Know how to create professional content for marketing purposes. 

Can stick to a writing schedule and provide them with new content/WIPs when needed. 

This can all help convince them to work with you. 

Any social media platforms 

We’ve all heard of those lucky few authors who went viral on social media and landed a book deal because of it. It might be a little hard to follow in their footsteps and make a publisher reach out to you because of your platform, but having a social media presence can help you in the long run. 

It also shows your agent that you have a pool of readers interested in your book and a couple of industry connections, whether that be other authors or book reviewers. 

A thousand followers might not seem like a big achievement when compared to an influencer with a bigger platform, but think of it this way—when you mention your platforms in your author bio, you’re basically telling your agent you have a thousand prospective readers. Most bestseller lists need a minimum of five thousand purchases. 

Target Audience 

Knowing your target audience is important in order to establish a concrete image of your WIP. When establishing your target audience, here are some things you should take into consideration: 

The age group. Your target age group might not seem like a big concern for an author writing adult books, but if you are an author writing for a younger audience it’s important to acknowledge your age group before you send out queries. This helps ensure you don’t query an MG agent a YA book, but also makes it clear whether you’re writing for teenagers, new adults, tweens, or children. 

The type of audience in that age group. Once you know your age group, it’s important to figure out your type of audience. This can look like something as simple as ‘teenage girls’ or ‘new adults graduating from college.’ 

Authors with a similar book. One easy way to establish your target audience is by saying ‘readers of (insert author)’ or ‘readers who like (insert book). I would recommend mentioning two to three books and authors if you decide to go with this method. 

Readers who like a certain trope. If you can’t think of any authors with similar books to yours then try mentioning a trope from your book. Something as simple as ‘people who enjoy reading about mythology’ or ‘found family lovers’ is good enough. 

Similar Books

A quick Google search can help you find a couple of books similar to your manuscript. These titles don’t have to follow the same plot as your WIP or have all the same tropes. The point is to find books with similar tropes and themes that can give your literary agent a sense of what they’re getting into. 

You can either mention a couple of titles and leave it at that or go on to explain why you chose these titles. Something as simple as ‘my manuscript is comparable to books like Six of Crows because it features a thrilling heist’ will suffice. 

Remember to keep this section short. The point is to help your agent gain insight into your manuscript. 

Need help finding the right resources to perfect your query? Here are some websites and writing apps every author needs.

Elevator Pitch 

An elevator pitch is essentially what you would say to your literary agent if you were trying to pitch your manuscript to them during an elevator ride. It needs to be short yet impactful and hook your agent with one or two sentences. 

Look at similar titles and search up their elevator pitches or blogs. Take a look at the first few sentences of their blurb, figure out what helped them hook their readers, and then start drafting your own pitch. 

I would recommend writing down five to ten pitches and reading them out to your family or friends who are readers, then ask them which pitch hooked them the most and why. 

Why Us? 

Literary agents often don’t bother to ask authors why you want to work with them, but a casual mention of how you found out about them can go a long way. 

Use direct quotes from their manuscript wishlist or website page. Mention something they seemed proud about or a factor that stuck out to you. Maybe they have a fast response time, maybe they collaborate closely with their authors or work with their authors even after the first project. 

If you can’t think of anything to say, then talk about one of their past projects that seems similar to your WIP or has similar tropes and topics. 

 I hope this blog on how to answer some common literary agent questions will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and subscribe to my email list for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of my blog where I post writing and marketing tools for authors every Monday and Thursday. 

Want to learn more about me and my writing journey? Visit my social media pages under the handle @hayatheauthor where I post content about my WIP The Traitor’s Throne and life as a teenage author. 

Copyright © 2022 Haya, you are not allowed to repost, translate, recreate or redistribute my blog posts or content without prior permission

[literaticat]

Regarding the AI-to-sort-through-submissions question, a major publisher recently opened (briefly) to submissions and were going to use an AI called Storywise to sort their subs. There was a massive backlash on social media and they rescinded the idea, got them a lot of bad press. Not sure if you saw that controversy. So I wonder if the person who asked you that question also saw that or if some agencies/other publishers are now doing this too.

I hadn't heard of this controversy, so I googled it, and came up with this article recapping a thing where Angry Robot was going to use Storywise to sort through submissions and got a lot of pushback. (Are they a major publisher? Is this what you were referring to? Or was there another thing?)

The interesting / wild thing about this to me is that... this doesn't sound like a big deal, actually? They put an FAQ about it (which they have left up for transparency) -- in reading the article above and the FAQ, if they are to be believed, it seems that AR were using a non-generative AI program that was NOT being trained on or retaining any of the author's work.

This "slushbot" was going to filter submissions to the appropriate editor and flag any anomalies (like, "doesn't fit requested word count" etc).

All submissions, whether or not they were "flagged" in this way, were being looked at by an actual human. (Because slushbot can make mistakes!).

This... doesn't sound that egregious to me? In fact, it sounds super reasonable? AM I BONKS? Am I missing something?? Maybe!

Things I -- and possibly you! -- use every day that have similar features:

GMAIL. Uses AI to filter out spam, highlight important messages, designate promotions and ads to different folders, remind me to follow up on things, etc. Does it make mistakes? Sure, sometimes. I do have to check the spam filter now and again to make sure it isn't flagging important things wrongly. Does it make my life infinitely easier? YES. I get hundreds of emails a day -- if I had to look at all the trash ones, I would NEVER find the important ones!

SPELLCHECK / AUTOCORRECT / AUTOCOMPLETE / GRAMMARLY, et al. Use AI to tell me when I have misspelled something or to suggest wording. Is it always right? No! I never mean DUCK, spellcheck! Does it make my life easier? For sure! I have fat fingers, this saves me from many a gaffe!

"IF YOU LIKE ____, TRY _____" -- you know how online retailers often suggest things based on your buying preferences, or give you a bargain on things they know you enjoy to get you to re-buy, etc? You know how TikTok and Netflix push content that they think you'll be into based on your viewing habits? Or you'll just be chatting about beekeepers and suddenly you have ads for bee merch on your Facebook? That's the magic of the algorithms, babes. And they are everywhere.

QUERYMANAGER. I don't know if this technically counts as "AI" -- but QM does do things like flag submissions that meet certain criteria that I've designated (like, if it is somebody who is previously published, if it is a referral, etc) -- it also tells me the history of submissions, so I know if they've queried the agency before and when and to whom and with what material. (This is how I KNOW FOR A FACT that so many people don't follow the DUCKING directions.) And, while currently I have to manually forward submissions to other agents if they are more appropriate for them, I could see a world where that was automated -- like if all queries came to a central repository and QM2.0 forwarded them to the specific agents at the agency who were open to [whatever] kind of book. Would that be a bad thing? Or a HELPFUL thing? IDK.

These are just tools, at the end of the day. I don't think there's anything morally wrong with using them or trying them out as long as you aren't letting them make actual decisions for you. Like, I would never want a slushbot to reject things (or accept them!) on my behalf - I have to be the one to look, just as I would never want an algorithm to purchase things on my behalf just because I MIGHT like them -- no thank you! By all means suggest, but I have to make the final decision!

(TL;DR: Using spellcheck on your work to make sure you haven't called me KENNIFER? Yes please! "Creating" work that you intend to submit with your name on it using generative AI? Please, no. Using an AI filter to flag submissions and sort them to the correct person? Sounds OK! Stealing author's work to train an AI? Not OK!)

[localwebslingers]

| Headcanon Dump - The Spider of New York(In Hiding AU) |

This one is actually a little different as both versions of Peter have specifics based on their canon universes so it's going to be a breakdown of the generals, and then the specifics for each. So let's do this!

General:

Peter was bitten by the spider that gave him his powers at age three. Shortly after it was hidden by his parents with only his Aunt May and Uncle Ben included into the secret. He was taught very early on to keep his powers a secret from everyone else.

Well into his teen/adult life, Peter still has vivid, horrific nightmares about the night his parents vanished and died, as well as the night his aunt and uncle were murdered, having been in the house when it happened.

Most of New York referrs to stories about "the Spider" like a modern urban legend. The stories are never clear on his appearance but agree he's usually in a jacket with the hood up, can do extraordinary feats, and helps keep others safe if he happens by and notices them in trouble. He's supposedly been spotted all over the city.

Peter Parker is still actively considered a "missing person" and he aims to keep it that way.

Peter has organic webbing but he tends to walk or wall-crawl more to get around. Webbing is reserved mostly for shelters or if he gets caught in a fight of some kind. If he is ever in a fight, he does not minimize the extent of his abilities but does still pull his punches.

Large organizations, groups, or facilities that work in fields regarding health, science, and weapons are places that Peter actively avoids after he runs away.

Peter has successfully evaded numerous attempts at capture, by several different groups that claim to want to help him, and others that openly want to study him.

MCU Peter:

Peter was taken into custody by SHIELD shortly after the deaths of his aunt and uncle when he was nine, as his parents had been agents for them at one point.

The Battle of New York was almost two years after he was taken in, and he was glued to the screen watching what happened from where he was kept in a safe house.

Peter underwent regular doctor appointments and tests to see how he was doing with his powers and was only told that he was "progressing well". He was allowed to unofficially train with a small handful of agents and had the equivalent of homeschooling while he was there. He excelled at both.

When he was fifteen, Peter challenged himself to break into his own medical information, wanting to try and understand what the tests were for. Instead, what he found was a carefully maintained log about his abilities, webbing, attempts to replicate them, as well as recordings of his unofficial trainings broken down to try and steer him into becoming a weapon and tool for SHIELD's interests. He packed a bag with the few personal items he had and some pieces of gear he was familiar with, then ran.

After it was revealed that HYDRA was hidden away as part of SHIELD, Peter actively consideres members of both as threats and dangers. His spider sense tags them as such. The Avengers, likewise, are also considered threats and are avoided.

Peter has been to all the different F.E.A.S.T locations across the city. When there he helps out but never stays more than a few days.

TASM Peter:

Peter was taught shortly after his father left Oscorp that the company and people working there were dangerous to him, specifically Norman Osborn.

Peter was hidden for six months in a police safe house when he was eight, before being moved to the home of newly appointed Captain George Stacy to stay with his family instead. He was homeschooled there and introduced as a foster son if anyone was there and asked.

Despite knowing the danger, Peter actively snuck out to still visit and see Harry until he was sent to bording school.

When he was fifteen, the Stacy home suffered from what was reported as a home invasion. George Stacy was shot and killed in the exchange and while trying to escape with Peter, Gwen Stacy was severely injured and left in a coma. Peter packed his things and ran that night. He has no idea if Gwen ever woke up and doesn't dare go looking in fear of attracting people to her again.

Peter has mainly been living out of his father's old lab, having set up half of it to be more of a living space filled with the few personal items he has. It's equipped with a silent alarm in case anyone gets too close.

While the events surrounding the Lizard never happened, Peter did find Max in Time Square and managed to not only talk him down, but helped him escape police and by extention Ravencroft at the risk of Oscorp knowing he was still around.

Peter has intentionally told exactly three people the truth about himself before he had run away. He has not told anyone else about it since.

[mylovelylife]

TODAY IS THE DAY!!! My brothers official launch for his latest novel. Y’all😳…you know I’ve been bragging on it …it’s RIVETING. and based a true story of our Grandfather, Cullen Miller, when he was a Revenue Agent in the 40’s, and involved with the murder case that was later made into the book and movie, Murder In Coweta County. Our grandfather was heavily involved in the case three years prior to the murder, but the author of the other novel never interviewed Pop. My brother was very close to Pop and has eloquently told the story from Pop’s perspective. In several reviews Chris has been compared to John Grisham in his story telling style. PLEASE ORDER AT LEAST ONE COPY TODAY so that his Amazon ranking will get him pushed to the top of their referral list! I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s available paperback, audiobook, or kindle. ENJOY AND TELL YOIR FRIENDS! Our family treasures you guys always being so supportive of all our thangs!💕💕💕💕

[peterbmasonrealestate]

What Are Some Tips for Hiring the Best Property Lawyer?

Hiring the best real estate lawyer is crucial for those overwhelmed by the paperwork and documentation involved in buying or selling property. Here a property lawyer Edmonton can assist in preparing or interpreting documents and contracts related to the sale, ensuring an ideal situation for yourself and your family. 

Specialization in Property Law: 

Ensure the lawyer specializes in property law. This area requires specific expertise due to its complexities. A lawyer experienced in property transactions will deeply understand relevant laws, regulations, and common issues.

Check Credentials and Experience: 

Verify the lawyer's qualifications and track record. Look for a professional with a solid reputation and extensive experience in property matters. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with the nuances of property deals and can offer practical advice.

Seek Recommendations: 

Personal referrals can be considered highly valuable. In such cases, asking your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is always advisable. Real estate agents or financial advisors might also provide insights based on their professional network. Later, when you consider the recommendations, you can always get the best help. 

Evaluate Communication Skills: 

The best real estate lawyer in Calgary should be an effective communicator. They must explain complex legal issues understandably and keep you informed throughout the process. Ensure they are responsive to your questions and concerns. If you're considering buying or selling property, finding a real estate attorney who can grow a business relationship is crucial. Consider factors like chemistry, confidence in their abilities, and if they truly prioritize your best interests.

Moreover, hiring a real estate attorney actively involved in their cases is crucial. Some lawyers may not play a significant role in their clients' cases, so asking about their involvement and if they delegate specific tasks is essential.

Summary 

Choosing the best real estate lawyer requires careful consideration of different factors, including experience, reputation, cost, and greater compatibility. Following these steps, you can find a qualified lawyer to help ensure your real estate transactions proceed smoothly and legally.

[cryptoappfactory]

Readymade MLM Software Company in Chennai

For More Details Please Contact

Call / Whatsapp: +91 73972 24461

Website: www.Cryptoappfactory.com

101, Kumaran Colony,

Vadapalani,

Chennai.

Readymade MLM Software Company in Chennai

To manage, govern and organize your multilevel marketing organization, choose Crypto App Factory one of the top network marketing software development companies in the MLM and direct selling industries. You can create unique pay plans and compensation regulations using our MLM plans.

Our MLM Software has all the features you’ll need, including an E-wallet, management of distributors and downline members, handling of MLM leads, processing of commissions & payouts, the ability to enable or disable dynamic compression, tracking of sales volumes, profitability statistics, etc.

MLM Plans you can prefer for your Network Marketing Software

For multi-level marketing firms, Crypto App Factory provides network marketing software with a selection of lucrative compensation MLM schemes. All significant MLM software programs, including:

Binary Plan

Unilevel Plan

Matrix Plan

Board Plan

Gift Plan

Crowd Funding Plan

Generation Plan

Spillover Binary Plan

Our goal is to demonstrate to our clients the value of our growth in their company. The only reason to select us for creating software for multilevel marketing is because we guarantee revenue. We have a history, some esteemed clients in our possession, and you have a marketing concept in mind. Are you ready to start from scratch? Give us a description of your needs, and we’ll suggest the best course of action for you to adhere to your company’s standards.

Key features of our MLM Software

Admin Panel, User Panel, Franchise Panel

E-wallet

Spam Controlling

MLM Incentive calculation

Payment Gateway Integration

Franchise Control

Strong Backup System

Multiple Replicated Page

Agent & Down line chart System

Support Management Service

Auto Pay-out Calculation

Genealogy Tree

E-Commerce Integrations

Member Management

Reports and Statistics

Business Promotions

Benefits of our Readymade MLM Software 

Easy to operate

The user interface is very simple so, it makes easy to use for anyone. Altogether it’s a 100% user-friendly Software available in market.

User Management

Powerful user management allows admin to add, edit, update status, and delete the users along with Powerful Search & Filter option.

Replicating Website

Each registered user will receive a unique website that may be utilized as a tool to efficiently recruit their downlines.

Reliable & Classic Dashboard

Classic back end panel, where the features are located for the easy access. Comprehensive System overview in the dashboard.

Customizable Business Plan

Our Software can be customized to any type of MLM Compensation Plan like Binary, Matrix and Board and to any other custom plan.

Wallet System

Our MLM software supports the industry standard wallet system. Cash Wallet & E-Wallet helps you to plan your rewards.

SMS Integrations

This is an add-on trait, where the subscribers can be acquainted via SMS. The marketing crew can set the SMS notification practices.

Point System/ Bonus

The purchase & group purchase volume are the base for point system and admin can also set up bonuses from admin panel.

Grow By Referral

Our MLM Software is referral program ready, so the user will able to promote their referral link and get new users as their downline.

Swap & Repositioning

The business officials can fix different sponsor for a distinct member. The rank and team structure will update after this.

Reports

It has advance control system to export data to Excel & PDF. Reports will be useful for admin to drive marketing and sales planning..

Genealogy

Unusual interface for viewing every team member and level at once.

All levels are easily accessible and aid in team composition.

Why Choose Use

24*7 customer support for MLM Software related queries

We have nearly 20 years’ experience in MLM software development and services

Expert in MLM Software development

Highly professional, committed towards work

100% Plan Calculation guarantee

Reliable and easy to understand software service

In-depth experience of latest tools and technology

Customized MLM software services based on client needs

[jiliacesupport]

How to Become a Jiliace Agent and Earn Online

If you're looking for a way to earn a steady income online, becoming a Jiliace agent could be the perfect opportunity for you. With the rise of online casinos, there’s never been a better time to tap into this lucrative industry. Jiliace, a renowned online gaming platform, offers a straightforward and profitable way for you to earn commissions by promoting its services. This guide will show you exactly how to become a Jiliace agent, focusing on crucial aspects like Jiliace login, Jiliace casino, Jiliace app download, and more.

Why Jiliace is the Right Choice for Aspiring Agents

Trusted and Reputable Online Casino

Jiliace has established itself as one of the most reliable online casino platforms available today. With a strong reputation for fairness, security, and a vast selection of games, it’s a platform that players trust. This trust extends to agents as well, making it easier to attract and retain customers. When you promote Jiliace online, you're representing a brand that stands for quality and integrity, which can significantly boost your success as an agent.

Comprehensive Gaming Experience

Whether your audience is interested in slot games, table games, or live casino experiences, Jiliace has something for everyone. This diversity allows you to cater to a broad range of players, increasing your potential earnings. Moreover, with the Jiliace app, players can enjoy their favorite games on the go, making it even more appealing for you to promote.

How to Get Started as a Jiliace Agent

Step 1: Register as an Agent

Becoming a Jiliace agent starts with a simple registration process. Follow these steps to get started:

Visit the Jiliace Website: Go to the official Jiliace online platform.

Navigate to Agent Registration: Look for the 'Become an Agent' or 'Agent Registration' link on the homepage.

Fill Out the Form: Provide the necessary information, including your contact details and any relevant experience.

Submit Your Application: After filling out the form, submit it for review.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Jiliace login credentials. These credentials give you access to the agent dashboard, where you can monitor your referrals, track your earnings, and manage your account.

Step 2: Download the Jiliace App

To manage your agent account efficiently, downloading the Jiliace app is essential. The app offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to track your progress and manage your referrals. Here’s how to download and install the app:

Go to the Jiliace Download Page: On the Jiliace website, find the Jiliace download section.

Select Your Device: Choose the appropriate version for your smartphone or tablet.

Download and Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Jiliace app download.

Log in to Your Agent Account: Use your Jiliace login credentials to access the agent features within the app.

With the Jiliace app installed, you can manage your business on the go, ensuring that you never miss an opportunity to grow your earnings.

Maximizing Your Earnings as a Jiliace Agent

Understand the Commission Structure

One of the main benefits of becoming a Jiliace agent is the lucrative commission structure. Jiliace offers a competitive commission on every player you refer who registers and deposits funds on the platform. The more active players you bring in, the higher your earnings.

Referral Commissions: Earn a percentage of the deposits made by players you refer to the Jiliace casino.

Performance Bonuses: Jiliace often runs promotions that allow agents to earn additional bonuses based on their performance.

Long-term Income: As long as your referred players remain active on the Jiliace online platform, you’ll continue to earn from their activity.

Strategies to Increase Your Referrals

To succeed as a Jiliace agent, you need a strategy that attracts and retains players. Here are some effective tactics:

Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your referral link. Regularly post engaging content about Jiliace games and promotions to draw interest.

Create Content: Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel where you review the latest games on Jiliace and share tips on how to win. Include your referral link in every post or video.

Engage with Communities: Join online forums and communities focused on online gambling. Share your experiences with Jiliace and subtly promote your referral link.

Offer Value: Provide potential players with exclusive insights, game guides, or bonus tips. The more value you offer, the more likely they’ll sign up through your link.

Tools and Resources for Jiliace Agents

Utilizing the Jiliace App

The Jiliace app is more than just a platform for players; it's a vital tool for agents as well. Through the app, you can:

Track Earnings: Monitor your daily, weekly, and monthly commissions.

Manage Referrals: See a list of all players you’ve referred and their activity on Jiliace online.

Access Marketing Materials: Download banners, promotional images, and other marketing materials to help you promote Jiliace casino more effectively.

Stay Updated with Jiliace News

To keep your promotional efforts relevant, it’s important to stay updated with the latest from Jiliace. Regularly check the Jiliace app and website for news on upcoming games, promotions, and features. By staying informed, you can tailor your marketing efforts to align with what’s currently trending on the platform.

Tips for Sustaining Long-Term Success

Focus on Relationship Building

Building strong relationships with your referrals is key to long-term success. Here’s how to keep them engaged:

Provide Ongoing Support: Help your referrals with any questions or issues they may have, particularly with Jiliace login or game-related queries.

Stay in Touch: Regularly update your referrals about new games, bonuses, and promotions on Jiliace online. This keeps them engaged and active on the platform.

Reward Loyalty: Consider offering special incentives or rewards to players who stay active or refer others to Jiliace casino through your link.

Maintain Ethical Promotion Practices

While promoting Jiliace online, it’s important to maintain ethical practices. Avoid making exaggerated claims about guaranteed wins or misrepresenting the platform. Instead, focus on promoting the enjoyable and fair gaming experience that Jiliace casino genuinely offers.

Conclusion

Becoming a Jiliace agent presents a unique opportunity to earn a substantial income online while promoting a trusted and reputable online casino platform. By following the steps outlined in this guide, utilizing the Jiliace app download, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can build a successful agent business. Whether you’re leveraging the power of social media, engaging with communities, or providing valuable content, your efforts can lead to significant rewards. Start your journey today with Jiliace and take the first step toward financial freedom.

[mlmtamilnadu]

Best Indian MLM Software Company

For More Details Please Contact

Call / Whatsapp: +91 9840566115

Website: www.mlmsoftwaretamilnadu.in

MLM Software Tamilnadu ,

26, 49th Avenue,

Ashok Nagar,

Chennai – 600083

Best Indian MLM Software Company

In the dynamic realm of direct selling and network marketing, the backbone of success lies in efficient and adaptable MLM software solutions. Among the myriad of options available, MLM Software Tamilnadu a pioneering force in MLM software development, emerges as an industry vanguard, revolutionizing how businesses navigate the complexities of multi-level marketing.

With a track record steeped in innovation and a commitment to empowering businesses, MLM Software Tamilnadu stands tall as a beacon of reliability, technological prowess, and customer-centric solutions in the MLM software domain.

Standout Characteristics our Company:

Innovative Technology Integration: We often stand out due to our pioneering approach in integrating cutting-edge technologies. This might include AI-driven analytics, blockchain for secure transactions, or scalable cloud-based solutions.

Customization and Scalability: A standout MLM software firm offers highly customizable solutions tailored to diverse business needs. Scalability is crucial, allowing businesses to expand our networks seamlessly.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive interfaces make navigation and operation smooth for both administrators and network members, enhancing user experience.

Robust Security Features: Security is paramount in MLM software. A standout company prioritizes robust encryption, secure payment gateways, and data protection measures to ensure the safety of sensitive information.

Comprehensive Support and Training: Excellent companies provide ongoing support, training materials, and resources to help clients maximize the software’s potential.

Awards or Recognition:

Industry Awards: Accolades from industry-specific bodies or organizations recognizing excellence in MLM software development or innovation.

Client Testimonials and Case Studies: Recognition through client testimonials or successful case studies that highlight how the software has positively impacted businesses.

Certifications: Acquiring certifications in data security, software development standards, or industry-specific credentials solidifies a company’s credibility.

Absolutely! Here are several features and corresponding benefits that the best MLM software development company

Benefits

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity:

The software streamlines processes, reducing manual workloads, and optimizing operations, leading to improved productivity.

Improved User Experience:

Intuitive interfaces and user-friendly features enhance the overall experience for both administrators and network members.

Greater Transparency and Trust:

Transparent compensation plans and secure transactions build trust among network members, fostering stronger relationships and loyalty.

Adaptability and Future-Proof Solutions:

Scalable and flexible software that adapts to evolving business needs and market trends, ensuring long-term relevance and sustainability.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

Detailed analytics and reporting tools provide actionable insights, enabling businesses to make informed decisions for strategic growth.

Global Reach and Expansion:

Multi-language and multi-currency support facilitate global expansions, tapping into diverse markets and maximizing potential revenue streams.

Cost and Time Efficiency:

Automated processes reduce manual errors, saving time and minimizing operational costs in the long run.

Our Products

We take great satisfaction in providing a large range of items to our clients and in providing various network marketing solutions to different types of customers. We are one of India’s top service providers for MLM software.

Multi-level Marketing Software

Referral Based Marketing Software

Sales Commission Software

Direct Sales Solutions

Agent Network System

Customized Sales Management System

Distributor Management

Payment Gateway Integration

E Commerce Integration

Sales Management

MLM Mobile App

Cryptocurrency MLM Software

Smart Contract MLM Software

Product Management

Why MLM Software Tamilnadu is the best MLM software in India

MLM Software Tamilnadu is designed with every detail to transform your vision into success. MLM Software Tamilnadu is redefining how MLM businesses are built, run, and scaled. Our unique method of building a legacy platform has made managing MLM business really simple and experienced.

Take a demo to experience the 17 years of MLM tradition, and allow us to treat you like a king while you build your own empire.

• Pocket Friendly Solution to Start MLM Business • Enjoy Timely & Speedy delivery • Be assured to have Quality Creation • Delight yourself with Our Generous Services • Scalable Software Eliminates Worry for Future Enhancements • Acquire Assurance for a Secured Solution • Get Benefited by Outstanding Performance Aspects • Boosting Factors for your Business

We are selling our products not Promises, Our Strength Is Your Satisfaction

Call us for more details: +91 9840566115

[prettyprogram]

Importance of Lead Generation for Real Estate Agents | Best 8 Real World Methods

In the competitive world of real estate, lead generation is critical for success. As a real estate agent, your ability to identify potential clients and convert them into buyers or sellers can determine the growth of your business. Whether you specialize in residential, commercial, or rental properties, generating a steady flow of leads is the backbone of your success. In this blog, we will explore the importance of lead generation for real estate agents and dive into the best eight real-world methods to generate leads effectively. We will also look at some powerful tools  which offer trial opportunities and discounts to get you started.

Why is Lead Generation Important for Real Estate Agents?

Before diving into the methods, it's crucial to understand why lead generation is important for real estate agents.

1. Business Sustainability

Real estate is a highly transactional industry where long-term relationships are less frequent compared to other industries. This means that agents must continuously acquire new leads to ensure a steady flow of deals. Without an effective lead generation strategy, your pipeline will dry up, and closing new deals becomes difficult.

2. Increased Market Reach

Lead generation allows you to expand your reach and tap into various client bases, including first-time homebuyers, investors, and sellers. Effective strategies help agents discover potential clients that might not be accessible through traditional methods, such as referrals.

3. Improved Conversion Rates

Targeted lead generation ensures you’re not just reaching a large number of people but that you're reaching the right people. With the right tools and strategies, you can improve your lead conversion rates, converting potential buyers into loyal clients.

4. Building Brand Reputation

The more leads you generate, the more opportunities you have to build relationships and establish yourself as a trusted name in the industry. Over time, this can boost your reputation and lead to more referrals from satisfied clients.

5. Data-Driven Insights

Lead generation doesn’t just bring you clients—it provides data on potential buyers and sellers. Through lead generation tools and methods, you gain valuable insights into buyer behavior, preferences, and trends. These insights help you optimize your sales approach and stay ahead of the competition.

Best 8 Real-World Methods for Lead Generation

Now that we understand the importance of lead generation for real estate agents, let’s explore the best real-world methods to generate leads effectively.

1. Utilizing Real Estate Lead Generation Tools

The real estate market has embraced technology, and numerous tools have been developed to help agents generate and manage leads efficiently. One of the best tools for real estate agents is LeadFoxy.

LeadFoxy allows agents to easily extract and organize leads from various platforms. By using LeadFoxy, you can get access to a 7-day premium free trial and enjoy a 20% discount by using the code "Lead20." Additionally, LeadFoxy has an affiliate marketing program that lets agents earn by referring others to the tool.

Other lead generation tools, like Zillow Premier Agent and BoldLeads, provide agents with more traditional lead generation services, offering buyer and seller leads in specific zip codes.

Zillow Premier Agent: Provides leads by featuring you on Zillow’s property listings in your chosen zip codes.

BoldLeads: Offers seller leads for agents looking to specialize in listings. BoldLeads focuses on marketing automation and CRM tools to help manage leads.

2. Social Media Advertising

Social media is a powerful lead generation tool that allows real estate agents to target specific demographics. With platforms like Facebook Ads, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you can reach a wider audience and tailor your campaigns to attract potential buyers and sellers.

For instance, Facebook Ads allows you to target users based on their location, income, age, and interests, making it an excellent tool for real estate lead generation. Posting engaging content like home listings, virtual tours, and market updates can attract leads organically.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Your Website

Having a website is a necessity in today’s digital age, but simply having one isn’t enough. To generate leads, you need to optimize your website so that it ranks highly on search engines. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in.

By focusing on SEO, you increase your website’s visibility when people search for keywords related to real estate in your area. Creating informative blog posts, optimizing your pages for mobile users, and including location-specific keywords will help you attract more organic leads.

Tools like Moz and Ahrefs can help you improve your SEO efforts by providing insight into how to rank better in search results. Additionally, platforms like LeadFoxy can integrate seamlessly with your website to help capture and manage the leads you generate from organic traffic.

4. Host Webinars and Virtual Tours

With the growing demand for online experiences, hosting webinars and virtual tours has become an excellent method of lead generation for real estate agents. By offering virtual tours of your properties or holding educational webinars on topics such as "how to buy your first home" or "investment property basics," you can establish yourself as an expert and attract interested leads.

Tools like Zoom and Google Meet make it easy to set up virtual events. Once you’ve captured their interest through your webinar or virtual tour, you can use lead generation tools like LeadFoxy to organize the contact details and follow up with potential clients.

5. Leverage Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing remains one of the most effective methods for real estate lead generation. By creating a database of potential clients and sending out regular updates, market reports, and new listings, you can keep your leads engaged and move them further down the sales funnel.

Platforms like Mailchimp and Constant Contact allow you to set up automated email campaigns that target leads based on their behaviors, such as website visits or previous interactions. Integrating these platforms with a lead generation tool like LeadFoxy can streamline the process and make managing your leads easier.

6. Networking and Referrals

One of the oldest but most effective ways to generate leads in real estate is through networking and referrals. Attending industry events, joining local chambers of commerce, and participating in community activities can help you meet potential clients and grow your network.

Additionally, incentivizing past clients to refer others to you can be a great way to generate new leads. Offering discounts, gift cards, or a small commission for every successful referral can motivate satisfied clients to spread the word.

7. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Real estate is inherently local, and collaborating with businesses in your area can be an excellent way to generate leads. You could team up with local home improvement stores, interior designers, or mortgage brokers to refer clients to one another.

Creating partnerships with local businesses can extend your reach and introduce you to a new pool of potential leads. Local collaboration can be particularly effective in smaller communities where word-of-mouth plays a significant role in business.

8. Paid Search Advertising (Google Ads)

Google Ads allows you to place your website at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords. When someone searches for "buy a house in [your city]" or "real estate agent near me," your ad can appear before the organic search results.

This pay-per-click advertising can provide you with instant visibility to potential clients. By using the right keywords and optimizing your ad campaigns, you can generate highly targeted leads.

Integrating Google Ads with tools like LeadFoxy can help you capture and manage these leads more effectively, allowing you to track their journey from click to conversion.

Conclusion

Lead generation is the lifeblood of a successful real estate career. With an abundance of tools and methods available, there’s no excuse for not implementing an effective lead generation strategy. Whether you're leveraging social media, collaborating with local businesses, or using tools like LeadFoxy, which provides a 7-day premium free trial and a 20% discount with the code "Lead20," the key is to remain consistent and adapt to the evolving market.

Incorporating multiple lead generation strategies will give you a competitive edge and ensure a steady flow of clients. Whether you’re just starting in real estate or looking to scale your business, investing time in lead generation will pay off in the long run.

By using tools like LeadFoxy, Zillow Premier Agent, and BoldLeads, and combining them with traditional methods like networking and referrals, you can take your real estate business to the next level. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your business grow.

[realkevinjacob]

A Comprehensive Guide to the Home Buying Process in San Jose, California

Buying a home is a significant milestone, and navigating the real estate market in San Jose, California can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the process and knowing where to get help can make a huge difference. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to buying a home in San Jose, with tips on finding the best real estate professionals in the area.

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation

Before diving into the San Jose real estate market, it's crucial to evaluate your financial health. Consider the following:

Credit Score: Check your credit score, as it impacts your mortgage rate and loan approval.

Budget: Determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.

Pre-Approval: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a lender to understand your loan eligibility and strengthen your offer when you find a property you like.

Step 2: Research the San Jose Real Estate Market

San Jose, being a major city in the Bay Area, has a dynamic real estate market. Familiarize yourself with current market trends, neighborhood statistics, and property values. Resources like Kevinjacobre offer valuable insights and reviews of real estate agents in San Jose, CA.

Step 3: Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent

An experienced real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the home buying process. Here’s how to find the right one:

Local Expertise: Look for Realtors in San Jose CA who have extensive knowledge of the local market. They can provide insights into neighborhood trends and property values.

Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings on platforms like Kevinjacobre to gauge the reputation of different agents.

Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.

For top-rated real estate agents in the Bay Area, explore Kevinjacobre.com for listings and profiles.

Step 4: Start Your Home Search

With a pre-approval letter and a reliable agent by your side, you can begin searching for homes. Consider the following:

Neighborhoods: Research different neighborhoods in San Jose to find the one that suits your lifestyle and needs.

Property Features: Make a list of must-have features and preferences for your new home.

Open Houses and Showings: Attend open houses and schedule private showings to get a better feel for potential homes.

Step 5: Make an Offer

Once you find a home you like, your real estate agent will help you craft a competitive offer. Key elements include:

Offer Price: Based on market analysis, determine a fair offer price.

Contingencies: Include contingencies such as home inspection and financing to protect yourself.

Earnest Money: Provide earnest money as a sign of good faith.

Step 6: Conduct Inspections and Appraisals

After your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection and appraisal:

Home Inspection: A professional inspection will reveal any potential issues with the property.

Appraisal: The lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home's value aligns with the loan amount.

Step 7: Finalize Your Mortgage

Work with your lender to finalize your mortgage. This involves:

Documentation: Submit required documents and complete any additional paperwork.

Closing Costs: Review and prepare for closing costs, which can include fees for the loan, title insurance, and other services.

Step 8: Close the Sale

At the closing meeting, you’ll:

Sign Documents: Sign the final paperwork to transfer ownership.

Pay Closing Costs: Settle any remaining fees and costs.

Receive Keys: Once everything is finalized, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!

Step 9: Move in and Enjoy

With the paperwork done and the keys in hand, you’re ready to move into your new San Jose home. Take time to enjoy this new chapter and explore your new neighborhood!

Conclusion

Buying a home in San Jose, California, involves several key steps, from assessing your financial situation to closing the sale. Partnering with experienced real estate professionals, such as those found on Kevinjacobre, can make the process smoother and more efficient. With careful planning and the right support, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect home in this vibrant Bay Area city.

[urrealtors]

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in a Short Sale

If you are in the market for a new home in New York, you’ve come to the right place. Ur Realtors is here to provide a comprehensive guide to homes for sale in the city. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade to a larger home, our team of expert realtors is dedicated to helping you find the perfect property to meet your needs and budget. With our extensive knowledge of the New York real estate market and our commitment to delivering exceptional service, you can easily trust us to guide you through the home-buying process. Keep reading to learn more about the homes for sale in New York and how Ur Realtors can help you find your dream home.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

The first step in the home-buying process is to determine your budget. New York City is a notoriously expensive real estate market, so it’s essential to have a clear idea of how much you can afford. Consider your income, debts, and expenses when determining your budget.

Step 2: Choose Your Neighborhood

New York City is vast and diverse, with many different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its unique vibe, so finding one that fits your lifestyle and preferences is essential. Some popular neighborhoods for homebuyers include the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and Williamsburg.

Step 3. Hiring a reputable real estate agent in New York

I’ve been researching hiring a reputable real estate agent in New York, and there are many options out there. It’s essential to find someone who knows the market well and has a good track record of helping clients find their dream homes. I’ve heard that word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find an agent, so I might start by asking friends and family for recommendations. I’d also want to ensure the agent is licensed and experienced and maybe even check out their reviews online. Overall, it’s worth finding the right person to help with such an important decision.

Step 4: Start Your Search

With your agent’s help, you can start your search for homes for sale in New York. You can browse listings online or visit open houses to get a feel for different properties. Keep your budget and neighborhood preferences in mind as you search.

Step 5: Make an Offer

Once you have found a home that you like, the next step is to make an offer. Your agent can help you determine a fair offer based on the home’s value and market conditions. Negotiations can be intense in the New York City market, so having a skilled agent on your side is essential.

Step 6: Close the Deal

If your offer is accepted, closing the deal is next. This involves signing a purchase agreement and transferring funds to the seller. You must also obtain a mortgage if you are financing the purchase. Working with a real estate attorney during this process is essential to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Tips for negotiating the best deal on a home for sale

When negotiating to purchase a home, it’s important to remember that you hold a significant amount of power as the buyer. Here are some tips to help you negotiate the best possible deal:

1. Do your research: Before making an offer, do your due diligence and research the local housing market. Look at recent sales in the area and the current inventory of homes for sale. This information will help you determine a fair price for the home you’re interested in.

2. Be willing to walk away: If the seller isn’t ready to accept your offer, don’t be afraid to leave. Plenty of other homes are on the market, and waiting for the right one is better than overpaying for a property.

3. Consider contingencies: Contingencies can give you leverage in negotiations. For example, you could include a contingency that the sale depends on a satisfactory home inspection. If the review raises issues, you can use that as a bargaining chip to negotiate a lower price.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for repairs: If the home inspection reveals issues, ask the seller to make repairs or offer a credit at closing. This can save you money in the long run and improve your bargaining position.

5. Work with a real estate agent: An excellent real estate agent can help you navigate the negotiation process and advocate for your interests. They can also provide valuable insights into local market conditions and help you determine a fair offer price.

Following these tips, you can negotiate a fair price for your dream home and ensure a successful transaction.

Conclusion

Ur Realtors provides a comprehensive guide to homes for sale in New York. With our extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and our commitment to serving our clients, we ensure that you have access to the best properties available. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to invest in real estate, our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you find the perfect home in New York. Contact us today to begin your search, and let us assist you in making your real estate dreams a reality.

Contact us:  

Address - 8315 Northern Blvd., Suite2 Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Email - info@urrealtors.com

Phone - (844) 829 2292

Website - Ur Realtors

Blog - Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in a Short Sale