#brand-agency partnership

[apcseo]

Client-Agency Collaboration: The Key to Successful Advertising Campaigns

In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising, the synergy between clients and agencies plays a pivotal role in shaping campaigns that resonate with audiences. Whether working with a creative agency in Delhi or another partner, a harmonious client-agency collaboration is not just a partnership; it's the essence of creating impactful and successful advertising endeavors. Let's delve into what client-agency collaboration entails, why it's indispensable, and the key factors that contribute to the triumph of advertising campaigns.

Understanding Client-Agency Collaboration

Client-agency collaboration is the dynamic relationship between a brand (client) and its advertising partner (agency), such as the Apppl Combine an ad agency in Delhi, with the shared goal of conceptualizing, developing, and executing effective marketing campaigns. It involves open communication, mutual trust, and a shared vision for achieving marketing objectives.

The Importance of Client-Agency Collaboration

Aligned Objectives: A strong collaboration ensures that both the client and agency are aligned in their goals and vision. This alignment is crucial for developing campaigns that reflect the brand's essence while meeting strategic objectives.

Efficient Communication: Effective communication is the backbone of any successful partnership. A collaborative environment encourages transparent and timely exchanges of ideas, feedback, and information, preventing misunderstandings and enhancing productivity.

Leveraging Expertise: Clients bring in-depth knowledge of their brand, industry, and target audience, while agencies like a creative agency in Delhi contribute creative expertise, market insights, and the latest trends. A successful collaboration leverages this combined knowledge for innovative and impactful campaigns.

Adaptability: In the dynamic world of advertising, adaptability is key. A collaborative partnership allows for quick adjustments to market changes, emerging trends, or unforeseen challenges, ensuring campaigns stay relevant and effective.

Inspired Creativity: When clients and agencies collaborate closely, it sparks a creative synergy. Combining the brand's story with the agency's creative prowess leads to campaigns that not only grab attention but also leave a lasting impression.

Factors Contributing to Successful Ad Campaigns through Client-Agency Collaboration

Clear Communication Channels Open and clear communication is the foundation of a successful client-agency collaboration. Establishing dedicated communication channels, regular check-ins, and fostering an environment where ideas can flow freely contribute to a more efficient working relationship.

Defined Roles and Responsibilities Clearly defined roles and responsibilities help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone understands their contribution to the campaign. This clarity streamlines the workflow and allows for smoother execution.

Mutual Trust and Respect Trust is the glue that holds a client-agency collaboration together. Both parties need to trust each other's expertise, judgment, and commitment. This trust fosters a positive working environment and allows for bold, innovative ideas to flourish.

Shared Goals and Objectives A successful collaboration is built on shared goals. Clients and agencies, including those like the apppl combine ad agency in Delhi, should align on the campaign's objectives, target audience, and key performance indicators. This shared vision provides a roadmap for creating campaigns that deliver tangible results.

Openness to Feedback and Iteration Both clients and agencies should be open to constructive criticism and willing to iterate on ideas. This iterative approach leads to continuous improvement and ensures that the final campaign meets and exceeds expectations.

Strategic Planning and Research A well-researched and strategically planned campaign is more likely to succeed. Collaborating on market research, competitor analysis, and audience insights lays the groundwork for a campaign that resonates with the intended audience.

Flexibility and Adaptability The advertising landscape is dynamic, and unforeseen challenges may arise. A collaborative partnership should be flexible and adaptable, ready to pivot strategies when needed. This agility is essential for staying ahead of the curve.

In conclusion, the symbiotic dance between clients and agencies in the realm of advertising is not just a strategic partnership; it's the heartbeat of successful campaigns. The intricate collaboration woven through open communication channels, defined roles and responsibilities, mutual trust, and shared goals creates a framework that transforms visions into impactful realities. This partnership is akin to a well-conducted symphony where the brand's narrative harmonizes with the agency's creative expertise to produce a melody that resonates with the audience. The significance of client-agency collaboration is magnified in an industry where trends shift as swiftly as the digital landscape evolves. It becomes the anchor that keeps campaigns grounded in the midst of ever-changing currents.

Clear communication channels, acting as arteries in this collaborative organism, foster an environment where ideas flow seamlessly. It's the establishment of these dedicated channels that ensures every element of the campaign is in sync, from conceptualization to execution. However, the heartbeat of this collaborative entity relies not only on communication but also on well-defined roles and responsibilities. A campaign's success hinges on the understanding of each party's unique contributions, preventing discord and ensuring a smooth, efficient workflow.

Yet, even with the most refined communication and role delineation, a collaborative partnership would be futile without the mortar of trust and respect. Trust is the invisible force that propels ideas forward, giving them the wings to soar. It's the belief that the agency understands the intricacies of the brand, and the brand believes in the agency's creative prowess. This mutual trust creates a positive working environment, allowing both parties to take creative risks and explore uncharted territories.

A shared vision and objectives are the compass guiding this collaboration toward success. Aligning on the campaign's goals, target audience, and key performance indicators provides a roadmap for the creative journey. It transforms the collaboration into a purpose-driven expedition, ensuring that every creative decision contributes to the overarching narrative. This shared vision transcends the confines of a mere business transaction; it becomes a mission that both client and agency are passionately invested in achieving.

As this collaboration unfolds, openness to feedback and iteration becomes the refining fire shaping ideas into brilliance. It's a recognition that the creative process is a journey of continuous improvement, where constructive criticism is not a hindrance but a catalyst for enhancement. This iterative approach, guided by a commitment to refinement, is the crucible where great ideas transform into exceptional campaigns.

The pillars of strategic planning and research provide the solid ground upon which the collaborative effort stands. It's the collective analysis of market trends, competitor landscapes, and audience insights that fortify the campaign against uncertainties. This meticulous groundwork ensures that every creative decision is backed by a strategic rationale, making the campaign not just visually appealing but strategically sound.

Flexibility and adaptability, akin to the campaign's nimble footwork, are essential attributes of this collaborative dance. The dynamic nature of the advertising landscape demands a partnership that can pivot swiftly in response to unforeseen challenges or emerging opportunities. It's the ability to navigate the unpredictable currents of the industry, staying not just afloat but surging ahead.

In the grand tapestry of advertising, client-agency collaboration is the thread weaving through every intricate pattern. It transforms campaigns from mere marketing endeavors into stories that captivate, resonate, and endure in the hearts and minds of the audience. The success of an advertising campaign is not just about numbers or metrics; it's about the resonance it creates, the impact it leaves, and the lasting impression it imprints on the canvas of the collective consciousness. In an era of constant change and digital evolution, the strength of this collaboration is the beacon guiding advertising into a future where creativity, strategy, and purpose converge to illuminate the path forward.

This post was originally published on: Apppl Combine

[imarketer4udma-blog]

Marketing case study: iM4U drives logistic business to the top USA companies

Success in trucking depends on how well logistics and marketing work together, not just transportation. This specialized niche, a linchpin of global trade, necessitates innovative approaches to carve out a distinctive identity. One of our clients began with a single truck and a garage. They grew by treating customers well and being fair to employees, fueling their success story. A pivotal partnership emerged in November 2018 when our agency collaborated with them. Together, we bolstered their marketing strategies and harnessed their logistical expertise. The outcome? A notable placement among the top 5000 US companies, with a strong rank of 1910. This is all about demonstrating how good marketing and strong logistics can come together to bring success.

iM4U plan for marketing promotion

We created our marketing plan to elevate our client's integrated marketing strategies and attract more drivers to their company. The primary goal was to enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. The strategy focused on gaining insights into creating effective marketing tactics for a logistics company, including selecting appropriate channels for implementation. The plan's implementation encompassed several key steps: 

devise a structured plan to boost the marketing team's performance;

achieve essential metrics;

analyze the logistics market in the USA;

conduct competitor analysis;

formulate a brand promotion strategy;

enhance brand reputation;

identify suitable promotion channels;

sett a marketing budget for the year;

craft a roadmap for brand promotion.

Concurrently, the marketing consulting aspect of the plan aimed to make important processes in our client's company more organized and efficient. This involved optimizing team performance and creating mechanisms to monitor departmental efficiency indicators, resulting in an overall enhancement of operational efficiency.

More information in our article “How to find your target audience for your business”.

Challenges we faced and how did we overcome them

In the context of the trucking and logistics industry, our client faced a series of distinct marketing challenges that required strategic solutions. 

To stand out in fierce competition, they needed a special value proposition. They achieved this by highlighting advantages like quick deliveries and round-the-clock support. 

Overcoming driver recruitment hurdles involved highlighting a family-like atmosphere and driver-centric policies. 

To gain trust, they showed their no-damage guarantee and a track record of successful deliveries.

They managed to adapt to changing technology and cover vast areas by showing their tech expertise. They tailored messages for different regions.

They tackled complex services and followed regulations by using clear messaging and prioritizing safety. 

Despite cost constraints, a judicious budget allocation ensured high-impact integrated marketing campaigns. Through collaborative efforts, our IM4U Digital Marketing Agency assisted the client in surmounting these challenges, creating a robust marketing strategy tailored to the unique demands of the industry.

Implementation stage

We developed a comprehensive marketing plan and then executed it effectively. 

Our strategy included showcasing successful deliveries through engaging social media posts and informative blog articles on the company's website. By using data-driven insights, we created personalized email campaigns that generated valuable leads. We met clients at events, used testimonials, and case studies to build trust. 

All of this made our client more well-known, trustworthy, and appealing to drivers. We also enhanced the company's reputation and attractiveness to potential drivers, positioning them as a top choice in the competitive market. 

These multifaceted tactics collectively positively impacted the client's business growth and success.

Results and achievements

Our collaborative marketing endeavors have yielded impressive outcomes and accomplishments within the trucking and logistics industry. Through careful execution, operational expenses decreased significantly by 22%, driven by a more organized structure. Notably, cost per lead reduced impressively by 30%, showing strategy success.

A year-long plan optimized the budget, while a defined marketing department structure improved efficiency. These accomplishments relied on consistent growth, expanding the company's scale by 1.5 to 2 times each year, even during US economic challenges. Additionally, a monthly influx of 10 new drivers underscores our prowess in driver attraction.

Recommendations for logistic businesses

In this situation, our campaign excelled by efficiently organizing operations, reducing costs by 22%. Additionally, we lowered lead costs by an impressive 30%.

From this case study, we learned valuable lessons, especially about tailoring personalized marketing for clients and drivers. We created and implemented data-driven email campaigns, showcasing the strength of our integrated marketing strategy. Equally important, this approach consistently drove business growth, even during economic challenges, due to our operational excellence.

Conclusion

The success story of a truck driving company exemplifies the fusion of marketing and logistics, fortified by a meticulously crafted and executed integrated marketing plan. By emphasizing swift deliveries, driver-centric policies, and damage-free guarantees, they stood out. Personalized email campaigns, engaging content, and trust-building tactics elevated their reputation. Remarkably, operational costs fell by 22%, lead costs by 30%, and the company scaled 1.5 to 2 times annually despite economic challenges. This case showcases the power of strategic collaboration between marketing and logistics, driving growth and resilience through a well-devised marketing plan.

How to promote your local business - call IM4U agency to get an answer!

Unlock success for your local business! Contact IM4U Integrated Marketing Agency today for tailored solutions. Elevate your brand, reach more customers, and thrive in your community. Don't wait, call now!

[mywisdomexchange]

The Complete Guide to TikTok Live Agencies: How They Operate and Why They’re Valuable for Creators

With the rise of TikTok, live streaming has become one of the most engaging ways for creators to connect with their audience. TikTok live agencies, like Shining Agency, support creators by helping them grow their reach, navigate monetization, and engage audiences effectively. This guide will walk through what a TikTok live agency is, the benefits they offer, how to join, and some common questions creators have before signing on.

What Is a TikTok Live Agency?

A TikTok live agency is an organization that collaborates with TikTok and represents a group of creators. Agencies like Shining Agency provide essential services for creators focused on live streaming, offering everything from coaching and strategic guidance to monetization support. These agencies often act as a bridge between TikTok and the creator, making sure creators understand the platform’s guidelines, are supported in technical areas, and maximize their earnings.

Agency Operations: How Shining Agency Supports Creators

What Services Does Shining Agency Offer?

Shining Agency provides a variety of services specifically geared towards helping TikTok creators succeed on the platform:

1. Stream Key Management – They help creators obtain and manage stream keys, enabling higher-quality and more stable live streams.

2. Coaching and Strategic Guidance – Shining Agency offers one-on-one training sessions, teaching creators how to engage with their audiences effectively, plan content strategically, and leverage the latest TikTok trends.

3. Community and Promotion – They actively promote creators within the agency’s network and often facilitate collaborations, helping boost visibility and engagement.

4. Monetization Strategies – Through guidance on TikTok’s monetization tools, Shining Agency supports creators in increasing revenue by maximizing earnings from virtual gifts, securing brand deals, and exploring sponsorship opportunities.

How Do I Join Shining Agency?

Joining an agency like Shining Agency typically requires an application process. Shining Agency reviews potential creators for certain criteria, such as follower count, engagement rate, and consistency in live streaming. Once accepted, creators may sign a contract outlining the agency’s services, expectations, and revenue-sharing terms.

What Are the Benefits of Joining Shining Agency?

Creators who join Shining Agency gain several benefits, including:

• Protection and Platform Support – Agencies often have direct connections with TikTok, which can sometimes help creators avoid or resolve issues like account bans more quickly.

• Increased Visibility – Shining Agency’s network, resources, and expertise can lead to higher visibility on the platform, especially if they promote creators across their social channels or provide them with high-traffic time slots.

• Monetization Opportunities – Shining Agency guides creators on how to optimize their revenue through TikTok’s monetization tools and offers partnerships with brands and sponsors to increase income potential.

Are There Any Fees or Costs?

Most TikTok live agencies, including Shining Agency, don’t require upfront fees from creators. Instead, they generally take a percentage of the creator’s earnings. In exchange, they provide valuable resources, training, and support. Always review the contract terms carefully to understand the revenue-sharing agreement.

How Does Shining Agency Help Creators Monetize Live Streams?

Shining Agency uses multiple strategies to help creators increase earnings:

1. Virtual Gifts – They provide tips on how to encourage viewers to send virtual gifts, one of TikTok’s main monetization methods.

2. Brand Deals and Sponsorships – Shining Agency connects creators with relevant brands for sponsorships, giving them additional earning potential outside of TikTok’s in-app tools.

3. Exclusive Opportunities – Being part of Shining Agency’s network often means exclusive access to brand campaigns or other monetization opportunities that might not be available to independent creators.

Understanding the Agency-Creator Relationship

How Much Control Do I Have Over My Live Streams?

Most agencies, including Shining Agency, allow creators creative freedom while offering guidance and coaching. They may suggest content ideas or scheduling strategies to maximize reach but generally don’t restrict creative decisions.

How Often Do I Need to Go Live?

To remain in good standing with Shining Agency, creators typically need to meet minimum live streaming hours each week or month, although the exact requirement varies.

What Happens if I Want to Leave the Agency?

Leaving an agency like Shining Agency generally involves a formal process. Depending on your contract, you may need to give notice or wait for a designated end date. Understanding the withdrawal terms before signing is essential to avoid any complications.

TikTok Live Platform Guidelines and Best Practices

What Are TikTok’s Rules for Live Streaming?

To avoid penalties, creators must adhere to TikTok’s community guidelines. This means avoiding prohibited content and adhering to age restrictions (you must be 16 or older to go live and 18 to receive gifts). Shining Agency provides guidance to ensure creators remain compliant with TikTok’s rules.

How Can I Increase My Visibility on TikTok Live?

Shining Agency offers tips on optimizing live streams for discoverability, such as streaming at peak times, using trending hashtags, and engaging with viewers in real-time to encourage more likes and shares.

How Can I Protect Myself from Negative Comments?

Handling trolls and negative comments is essential for a successful live stream. Shining Agency helps creators implement moderation tools, advises on maintaining a positive atmosphere, and encourages focusing on supportive audience members.

How Much Money Can I Earn Through TikTok Live Streaming?

Earnings vary widely based on viewership, engagement, and gifting. With Shining Agency’s support, creators often increase their earning potential, though actual income depends on consistency, audience size, and engagement level.

How Can I Balance Live Streaming with Other Responsibilities?

Shining Agency encourages setting a consistent streaming schedule that allows for flexibility. Whether balancing work, school, or other commitments, they can help develop a sustainable plan that works for both the creator and the agency.

Joining a TikTok live agency like Shining Agency offers a pathway to greater visibility, expert support, and enhanced monetization. By understanding the services offered, how agencies operate, and weighing potential risks and rewards, creators can decide if partnering with an agency is the right choice for their goals.

[monsterkong]

Elevate Your Advertising Game: The Impact of Choosing the Right Agency 🌟

In the competitive world of advertising, your choice of agency can significantly influence the success of your campaigns. To ensure you’re getting the best results, it’s essential to partner with an agency that consistently delivers high-quality services. Here’s why the right agency makes all the difference and how to make an informed choice. 📈

Consistency: The Cornerstone of Success

Selecting an advertising agency based on a single successful campaign can be misleading. Instead, prioritize consistency. A top-tier agency will have a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns across various platforms and industries. Their consistent performance indicates their ability to manage and execute effective advertising strategies. 📊

A strong agency foundation includes expertise in content creation, strategic planning, and campaign management. They should bring a mix of creativity and data-driven insights to the table, ensuring your advertising efforts are well-rounded and effective.

Building and Maintaining Strong Relationships

Successful advertising campaigns are often the result of strong partnerships. Rather than frequently changing agencies, focus on building a lasting relationship with a team that understands your business and objectives. Effective communication is key—address any issues openly and work together to resolve them. This collaborative approach fosters trust and enhances campaign success. 🤝

The Dangers of Secrecy

Secrecy can be a significant barrier to successful advertising. Keeping your strategies hidden can limit your agency’s ability to create impactful campaigns. Embrace transparency and work with your agency to develop and execute a clear and visible advertising strategy. Publicly promoting your brand allows for greater exposure and engagement with your target audience. 🌟

Maximizing Public Engagement

Your agency should help you craft a public promotion strategy that effectively showcases your brand. Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement. By avoiding secrecy and prioritizing transparency, you can enhance your brand’s visibility and achieve your advertising goals.

Ready to take your advertising efforts to the next level? Visit Syslo Ventures to explore how our expert team can help you create dynamic and high-quality advertising campaigns. Let’s embark on this journey together and elevate your brand’s presence! 🚀

[hellosonderco]

Welcome to SonderCo - a talent & brand partnership agency, where your dreams become reality. We provide PR Management for Artists, Celebrities, Public Figures, Sports Personalities, Musicians, Journalists and the list is long. We are here to help you get success in the world of stardom and influence. Visit -https://www.sonderco.com/ for more information.

[fabulate123]

Fabulate offers advertisers a comprehensive suite of content management tools. Advertisers can easily create, manage, and distribute engaging content across multiple channels with our platform. From organizing assets to collaborating with our teams, Fabulate streamlines the entire content workflow, empowering advertisers to deliver impactful campaigns efficiently and effectively.

[lol-jackles]

I hope you enjoyed chasing those windmills 😁

I have read that Jared and Jensen are repped by different agencies, Jared is with UTA and Jensen is with Gersh.

How do these agencies rank in Hollywood and what criteria does an actor usually use to choose which agency to work with?

Also, Jared appears to have one rep. (Jason Heyman) and Jensen has three (Alexander Yarosh, Bob Gersh, and Leslie Seibert). Does it mean anything that Jensen has more reps?

I know nothing about how these agencies work (obviously) but am interested to know what the difference is.

I found this information on IMDb Pro, I can’t figure out how to link it I’m sorry.

Those windmills turn out to be faster than they look. Who knew.

The "Big Three of Hollywood” talent agencies are :

Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The biggest and most influential agency in town known for their A-listers and sports clients. Recently bought ICM, an agency mostly known for representing high-tier showrunners/writers like Shona Rhimes, so they're known for (sometimes infamous) packaging bundle. Many agents have left CAA to go to UTA.

William Morris Endeavor (WME). A merge between two agencies in 2009 created another powerhouse agency and upped their game in events management.

United Talent Agency (UTA). Probably the most adaptable agency that includes news broadcasters and comedy clients. UTA likes to boast they represent the "most watched and celebrated actors in film and television".

The 4th position (X) is a battlefield of competing mid-size agencies looking to possible merge: Gersh Agency, A3 Artists Agency, Paradigm Talent Agency, Agency for Performing Arts (APA), and Verge Agency. Then there are the boutique agencies.

Actors choose the agencies based on the work they want to do i.e. commercials, modeling, or television/movies. Some boutique agencies specialize in children actors so there are age ranges to consider. Talents send in submissions of headshots, resume, and cover letters. As an actor grow, they move to bigger agencies, usually with submissions. In-demand actors generally don't send submissions to the Big Three Agencies, the agencies go to them.

Jared was originally represented by CAA and Jensen was originally represented by WME.

Jared's agent, Jason Heyman, was poached by UTA during a "midnight raid" in 2015 through 2019 and Jared decided to go iwth him to UTA while Melissa McCarthy stayed behind with CAA.  Heyman went from a high post at CAA to a partnership at UTA, so for him it’s a promotion.   

Jensen either left or was dropped by WME and he signed onto Gersh in 2014, who also represents Danneel. This was probably the best move for him because at WME he was always given to newbie agents (basically interns) to handle his career.

Actors can be repped by more than one agent or agencies in order to handle their brand in different markets as well as minimizing conflict of interests.  I’ve known actors who had 3 agents: one for voice work, another for commercial work, and a third for tv/film - maybe that's why Jensen has 3 representatives in one agency?   Then there are actors with just 1 agent for the same things but in different markets, maybe that's why Jared has 1 agent that we know of.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Godmothers Bookshop is owned by Meghans buddy Victoria Jackson-Guthy but theres a lot more deeper connections to Meghan including WME theres a ton of connections here by u/Ruth_Lily

Godmothers Bookshop is owned by Meghan’s buddy Victoria Jackson-Guthy but there’s a lot more deeper connections to Meghan, including WME, there’s a ton of connections here Video of Meghan’s new bffs Victoria Jackson-Guthy & Jamie Kern Lima re: Godmothershttps://https://ift.tt/uOm9nkT Rudolph Walsh is the other person who is the owner, but she’s also the day-to-day personhttps://https://ift.tt/s5hqScd Rudolph Walsh is married to Patrick Walshhttps://https://ift.tt/dLBmY9H Rudolph Walsh was a literary agent at WMEhttps://pagesix.com/2019/10/03/longtime-literary-agent-jennifer-rudolph-walsh-exits-wme/“Endeavor president Mark Shapiro broke the news to staffers Thursday morning in a memo.The memo read, “Jennifer has decided to move on from her agenting responsibilities and focus on building her brand partnerships and live events platform. Fortunately for us, Jennifer will continue working with WME, advising our books and lectures divisions and the live events business that she incubated within the agency,” and, “Jennifer has been discussing and planning this transition with us for a while, and I’m truly thrilled that it has now come together. Please join me in congratulating Jennifer on this next ambitious chapter.”Walsh’s own boutique agency was acquired by William Morris in 2001, and she’s been behind books by Sheryl Sandberg, Brené Brown, Alice Munro and Sue Monk Kidd.”Remember Meghan loves Brene Brown?“Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: "We Absolutely Adore" Self-Help Author Brené BrownThe royal couple revealed their love for Brown, who counts Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston among her fans.Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: "We Absolutely Adore" Self-Help Author Brené BrownThe royal couple revealed their love for Brown, who counts Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston among her fans.” https://ift.tt/tgOlJch Brown works with Ibram X Kendi regarding anti-racismhttps://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/Brene Brown is another Robin DiAngelis, who has been somewhat cancelled due to plagiarizing black authors.Jennifer Rudolph Walsh is friends with Whitney Wolfe Herd, another one of Meghan’s recent free jet buddieshttps://https://ift.tt/PWlEeXY Rudolph Walsh is related to Michael Rudolph high powered attorney.Please help find all the connections. post link: https://ift.tt/ZRwWDot author: Ruth_Lily submitted: September 08, 2024 at 11:59PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[astreetcarnamedwynn]

atsushi is tired, y’all

The top 10 bitch, wtf expressions from one Atsushi Nakajima in season one of Bungou Stray Dogs. Or, to badly paraphrase Dazai, gifted people are batshit banana balls, and Atsushi learns this the hard way. 

Screenshots from BungoStrayShots

01. This gem from the first few minutes of the very first episode of season one:

On the left: Atsushi- a broke, starving orphan desperate for food, for money, for a home, for something to help keep him alive. On the right: The batshit banana balls man that he saved from drowning in the river who just cursed the fact that he was still alive.

02. The beginning of a trend:

The man who saved you from starvation, who gave you a home, new clothes, and (though you don’t know it yet) a purpose, has his skinny ass stuck in a gotdamned barrel.

03. This beauty from episode five, or Dazai and the river, part two:

We know much of Dazai’s particular brand of flamboyant chaos is an elaborate ruse to distract people from whatever overly clever plan he’s enacting at the moment. Atsushi, on the other hand, is just tired.

04 and 05. Double the banana balls mentors, double the wtf:

Eventually, these two teach him a valuable lesson about effective partnerships, but not before Dazai shoves Kunikida to and then past the brink of his sanity.

06. In which Atsushi speaks for all of us regarding Tanizaki and Naomi:

Poor bby. He has seen things he can’t unsee.

07.  This gem from episode eight: 

Atsushi’s wtf expands to the entire agency, who abandon him to Yosano’s sadistic shopping adventures.

08. Different verse, same as the first:

Dazai is SCHEMES. Atsushi is UNIMPRESSED.

09. In which the wtf expands to the Port Mafia:

Featuring the first, and certainly not the last, bitch wtf face cast by Atsushi at his current nemesis, future partner, and forever thematic parallel Akutagawa as Akutagawa drags him ankle first out of a shipping container after stabbing and then kidnapping him.

10. And my absolute favorite bitch, wtf face from Atsushi in season one:

The target of his ire once again: Dazai. No rivers, this time. Just witnessing Dazai flirting in the midst of a serious kidnapping investigation. This shot is EVERYTHING. Look at Dazai’s little fingers, just typing away in chaotic gremlin bliss, while his newest apprentice is experiencing REGRET on a cellular level.

[most-datable-datable-bracket]

BONUS POLL 3

Anti propaganda warning under the cut

V anti propaganda:

"- This man is so undatable, he's barely present in his own route or after end.

- The martyr complex this dude has is legitimately arrogant, taking blame for something you don't have control over isn't noble, it's just self-sabotaging. Taking blame for shit you do have control over and CHOOSING to change nothing makes the apology worthless. 🙃

-How does a man this rich have the balls to be so dumb? Bro, your bestie is also rich af and was gifted a fuckin island as a kid, why didn't you take the abused little ginger boys there for safety instead of shuffling one into a shady agency and the other to your increasingly unhinged gf who is waist-deep in setting up her cult?? Jumin would have had his back and V didn't even give him the chance to prove it!!

- This man chose to pursue a relationship with a woman who is mentally unstable and let himself become her whole world bc he felt guilty for treating his own disabled mother poorly. When you boil it down, this man chose a woman as a project and proposed to her within months instead of getting therapy for himself. 🫠

- V also lied to his and said gf's friends and family, telling them she committed suicide instead of turning her into the police for starting a cult, leading to the severe depression of her younger cousin and allowing her to continue drugging and brainwashing one of the twins he smuggled along with possibly hundreds of other people.

- When confronted over this, he still resists turning Rika into the police. For contrast, the younger cousin who idolized her immediately restrained her, stopped her from slipping party guests drugged wine and got the police on her. He is a 28 year old man and left the task to her 21 year old cousin who has had the emotional whiplash of finding out that not only was he right about V lying, but Rika is alive, AND she is very mentally unwell and has committed some major crimes.

- V is also mentally unstable af. In other routes, not just bad ends, he also returns to HELP HIS GF DO CULT SHIT.

- This is just subjective, but this wet mop of a man is also boring as shit which is why Cheritz kept him mostly vague and stuck to the background. If you want the fucked up relationship dynamics, just get one of the bad ends with Rika tbh, she at least serves lewks with her brand of crazy cunt.

- in short, you will never be in an equal partnership with this man and he won't be held accountable. The one time he tried, he said some pretty obviously triggering things to the crazy gf and got stabbed. He did not have the foresight to come with backup, announce where he would be, etc. He lived only because the gf that stabbed him calls you to come help him while she's still spiraling out of control.

I say this with full respect to the V fans, who are well aware that this man is an absolute mess and needs so much therapy before he's anywhere in the realm of salvaging his friendships, much less being dateable."

Baxter anti propaganda:

"baxter ward has a summer fling with you, which is fine because you agree to date only for the summer. however, when the time comes to break up, he does so in like the most brutal fashion possible. there was no need to be that much of a dick about it. he then proceeds to ghost you for five years.

five years later, when you meet once again, he opts to ignore you at best and continue being a dick at worst for the first half of step 4. there's no reason anyone should desire to get back together with the man. he needs therapy, not a partner."

[apcseo]

The Power of Influencer Marketing for Brand Growth

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brand growth in today's digital age. From increasing brand awareness to driving sales, influencers play a crucial role in shaping consumer behaviour and perception.

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Behaviour

Influencer marketing has a significant impact on consumer behavior. When consumers see influencers they admire endorsing a brand or product, it creates a sense of trust and credibility. This trust can influence consumers to try out a new product or service, leading to increased sales.

Moreover, influencers have the power to shape consumer opinions and preferences. Their recommendations and reviews can greatly influence what consumers choose to buy and how they perceive a brand. By leveraging influencer marketing, brands can tap into the power of social proof and position themselves as trusted authorities in their respective industries.

Choosing the Right Influencers for Your Brand

Choosing the right influencers for your brand is crucial to the success of your influencer marketing campaigns. It's important to identify influencers who align with your brand values, target audience, and marketing goals.

Consider factors such as the influencer's niche, audience demographics, engagement rate, and authenticity. Look for influencers who have a genuine connection with their followers and are able to create authentic content that resonates with your target audience.

Additionally, it's essential to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with influencers. Collaborate with influencers who are genuinely interested in your brand and are willing to create content that aligns with your brand's messaging and goals.

Creating Authentic and Engaging Content with Influencers

One of the key advantages of influencer marketing is the ability to create authentic and engaging content. Influencers have a unique understanding of their audience and know how to create content that resonates with them.

To create authentic content with influencers, it's important to give them creative freedom while ensuring that the content aligns with your brand's values and messaging. Collaborate with influencers to develop content ideas that showcase your brand in an organic and genuine way.

Engaging content is key to capturing the attention of your target audience. Work with influencers to create content that is visually appealing, informative, and entertaining. This can include product reviews, tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or even influencer takeovers of your social media channels.

Measuring the Success of Influencer Marketing Campaigns

Measuring the success of influencer marketing campaigns is essential to understand the impact and effectiveness of your efforts. There are several key metrics that can be used to measure the success of influencer marketing campaigns.

One important metric is engagement, which includes likes, comments, and shares on influencer content. High engagement indicates that the content is resonating with the audience and generating interest.

Another metric to consider is reach, which measures the number of people who have been exposed to your brand through influencer content. Increased reach can lead to brand awareness and potential new customers.

Lastly, it's important to track conversions and sales generated from influencer campaigns. This can be done through affiliate links, promo codes, or unique URLs. By tracking conversions, you can determine the return on investment (ROI) of your influencer marketing efforts.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Influencers

Building long-term relationships with influencers can be highly beneficial for your brand. Long-term partnerships allow for a deeper understanding of your brand and its values, resulting in more authentic and impactful content.

To build strong relationships with influencers, it's important to prioritize mutual respect and collaboration. Treat influencers as valued partners rather than just a means to promote your brand. Engage with influencers beyond campaign collaborations by sharing their content, commenting on their posts, and maintaining open lines of communication.

Offer incentives and exclusive opportunities to your influencer partners to show appreciation for their support. This can include early access to new products, exclusive discounts for their followers, or invitations to brand events.

By investing in long-term relationships with influencers, you can foster loyalty and trust, leading to continued brand advocacy and growth.

Apppl Combine a leading marketing agency in Delhi assist in brand management by leveraging influencer partnerships for growth. We identify relevant influencers aligned with the brand's values and target audience, fostering authentic collaborations. Through strategic planning, agencies negotiate partnerships, ensuring mutual benefits and maximizing brand exposure. We also oversee campaign execution, guiding content creation and monitoring performance metrics to optimize results. By harnessing influencers' credibility and reach, agencies drive engagement, expand brand visibility, and cultivate a loyal customer base. Through continuous analysis and adjustment, agencies harness the power of influencer marketing to enhance brand awareness, credibility, and ultimately, foster sustainable growth.

This post was originally published on: Apppl Combine

[mywisdomexchange]

The Complete Guide to TikTok Live Agencies: How They Operate and Why They’re Valuable for Creators

With the rise of TikTok, live streaming has become one of the most engaging ways for creators to connect with their audience. TikTok live agencies, like Shining Agency, support creators by helping them grow their reach, navigate monetization, and engage audiences effectively. This guide will walk through what a TikTok live agency is, the benefits they offer, how to join, and some common questions creators have before signing on.

What Is a TikTok Live Agency?

A TikTok live agency is an organization that collaborates with TikTok and represents a group of creators. Agencies like Shining Agency provide essential services for creators focused on live streaming, offering everything from coaching and strategic guidance to monetization support. These agencies often act as a bridge between TikTok and the creator, making sure creators understand the platform’s guidelines, are supported in technical areas, and maximize their earnings.

Agency Operations: How Shining Agency Supports Creators

What Services Does Shining Agency Offer?

Shining Agency provides a variety of services specifically geared towards helping TikTok creators succeed on the platform:

1. Stream Key Management – They help creators obtain and manage stream keys, enabling higher-quality and more stable live streams.

2. Coaching and Strategic Guidance – Shining Agency offers one-on-one training sessions, teaching creators how to engage with their audiences effectively, plan content strategically, and leverage the latest TikTok trends.

3. Community and Promotion – They actively promote creators within the agency’s network and often facilitate collaborations, helping boost visibility and engagement.

4. Monetization Strategies – Through guidance on TikTok’s monetization tools, Shining Agency supports creators in increasing revenue by maximizing earnings from virtual gifts, securing brand deals, and exploring sponsorship opportunities.

How Do I Join Shining Agency?

Joining an agency like Shining Agency typically requires an application process. Shining Agency reviews potential creators for certain criteria, such as follower count, engagement rate, and consistency in live streaming. Once accepted, creators may sign a contract outlining the agency’s services, expectations, and revenue-sharing terms.

What Are the Benefits of Joining Shining Agency?

Creators who join Shining Agency gain several benefits, including:

• Protection and Platform Support – Agencies often have direct connections with TikTok, which can sometimes help creators avoid or resolve issues like account bans more quickly.

• Increased Visibility – Shining Agency’s network, resources, and expertise can lead to higher visibility on the platform, especially if they promote creators across their social channels or provide them with high-traffic time slots.

• Monetization Opportunities – Shining Agency guides creators on how to optimize their revenue through TikTok’s monetization tools and offers partnerships with brands and sponsors to increase income potential.

Are There Any Fees or Costs?

Most TikTok live agencies, including Shining Agency, don’t require upfront fees from creators. Instead, they generally take a percentage of the creator’s earnings. In exchange, they provide valuable resources, training, and support. Always review the contract terms carefully to understand the revenue-sharing agreement.

How Does Shining Agency Help Creators Monetize Live Streams?

Shining Agency uses multiple strategies to help creators increase earnings:

1. Virtual Gifts – They provide tips on how to encourage viewers to send virtual gifts, one of TikTok’s main monetization methods.

2. Brand Deals and Sponsorships – Shining Agency connects creators with relevant brands for sponsorships, giving them additional earning potential outside of TikTok’s in-app tools.

3. Exclusive Opportunities – Being part of Shining Agency’s network often means exclusive access to brand campaigns or other monetization opportunities that might not be available to independent creators.

Understanding the Agency-Creator Relationship

How Much Control Do I Have Over My Live Streams?

Most agencies, including Shining Agency, allow creators creative freedom while offering guidance and coaching. They may suggest content ideas or scheduling strategies to maximize reach but generally don’t restrict creative decisions.

How Often Do I Need to Go Live?

To remain in good standing with Shining Agency, creators typically need to meet minimum live streaming hours each week or month, although the exact requirement varies.

What Happens if I Want to Leave the Agency?

Leaving an agency like Shining Agency generally involves a formal process. Depending on your contract, you may need to give notice or wait for a designated end date. Understanding the withdrawal terms before signing is essential to avoid any complications.

TikTok Live Platform Guidelines and Best Practices

What Are TikTok’s Rules for Live Streaming?

To avoid penalties, creators must adhere to TikTok’s community guidelines. This means avoiding prohibited content and adhering to age restrictions (you must be 16 or older to go live and 18 to receive gifts). Shining Agency provides guidance to ensure creators remain compliant with TikTok’s rules.

How Can I Increase My Visibility on TikTok Live?

Shining Agency offers tips on optimizing live streams for discoverability, such as streaming at peak times, using trending hashtags, and engaging with viewers in real-time to encourage more likes and shares.

How Can I Protect Myself from Negative Comments?

Handling trolls and negative comments is essential for a successful live stream. Shining Agency helps creators implement moderation tools, advises on maintaining a positive atmosphere, and encourages focusing on supportive audience members.

How Much Money Can I Earn Through TikTok Live Streaming?

Earnings vary widely based on viewership, engagement, and gifting. With Shining Agency’s support, creators often increase their earning potential, though actual income depends on consistency, audience size, and engagement level.

How Can I Balance Live Streaming with Other Responsibilities?

Shining Agency encourages setting a consistent streaming schedule that allows for flexibility. Whether balancing work, school, or other commitments, they can help develop a sustainable plan that works for both the creator and the agency.

Joining a TikTok live agency like Shining Agency offers a pathway to greater visibility, expert support, and enhanced monetization. By understanding the services offered, how agencies operate, and weighing potential risks and rewards, creators can decide if partnering with an agency is the right choice for their goals.

[ptseti]

Scoring an endorsement deal with Nike or Adidas used to be every up-and-coming athlete’s dream. Now, young stars are increasingly favouring deals with lesser known brands that align with their personal values and allow them to play a bigger role, creatively and commercially. Isaac Okoro (@isaacokoro), a 23-year-old player with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, chose to sign his first sneaker deal with the start-up Holo Footwear, because it offered him the chance to build his own signature shoe with a minority-owned brand, and to receive equity in the company. Athletes now consider their endorsements as a way to differentiate themselves from the ranks of Nike and Adidas athletes, said Daveed Cohen (who helped broker the deal between Holo and Okoro), vice president of basketball operations and brand partnerships at Young Money APAA Sports, an agency founded by Lil Wayne.

About fvcking time our people stop drinking the Imperialsit koolaid .

[nattawinlove-andmygaytea]

Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat And Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai On Love, Travel, Upcoming Projects And More

Together, the Thai stars are rewriting the rules of being a leading man in film and television all while venturing into new territories, pursuing passion projects and living their lives unapologetically.

Forget everything you think you know about being a leading man. Thai actors, Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat and Tul Pakorn “Tyler” Thanasrivanitchai, are redefining what it means to be a household name after starring in Thai boys’ love (BL) dramas.

Unlike the uninhibited and daring characters he sometimes plays on screen, Mew comes across as a reserved, soft-spoken yet confident gentleman in person. On set, he’s polite, charming and eager for feedback despite possessing a wellspring of experience in the entertainment industry. “Are my poses okay? Do I need to do anything differently?” he earnestly asks Kenneth Goh, our editor-in-chief who was art directing the shoot in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mew’s rise to fame was gradual. The 32-year-old earned his stripes as a model before getting his first big break as an actor when he was cast as Pree in the Thai BL drama What The Duck: The Series (2018). The show was an instant hit in Thailand, and was brought back for a second season. But it wasn’t until his role in TharnType: The Series, where he played Tharn, a gay man who falls in love with his homophobic roommate (played by Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong) in university, that his star rose dramatically.

Mew is also a gifted musician. His debut album 365 ranked number three on the worldwide iTunes album chart, and was number one in 18 countries. He also became the first Thai artiste to debut an album that reached the 13th spot on iTunes’ Global Digital Artist Ranking list. He has since struck out on his own with Mew Suppasit Studio, through which he releases new music.

His success as an actor and recording artist hasn’t gone unnoticed. He caught the eye of luxury fashion brands such as Maison Valentino, Tod’s and BOSS, resulting in coveted partnerships and front row seats at Milan fashion week.

In contrast, Tul exhibits golden retriever energy. Charming and enthusiastic in the flesh, he is the polar opposite of Mew on set. Tul is playful and adventurous, taking initiative on how to better bring the concept of the shoot to life. “It might be better if I stood behind Mew for this shot so we’re both facing the camera,” he thoughtfully suggests. His energy is infectious and he’s not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the best photo. On set, they are drawn to each other, playfully tugging at each other’s clothes, while warm embraces and encouraging shoulder rubs signal a close bond. After lunch, the laughs grew louder, the boyish repartee naughtier and the hugs tighter. Clearly, Mew and Tul have a special affinity with each other.

Like his contemporary, Tul’s first foray into the entertainment industry was through modelling. “I was a drum major during the Chula–Thammasat Traditional Football match back in 2011, and I was scouted by a modelling agency,” he recalls. “I was later spotted modelling during a fashion show by a casting director and was asked to go on an audition. I started acting in my third year in university, accepting one production a year.”

The casting director’s eye for talent proved to be on the money—the 31-year-old shot to fame, thanks to the success of Together With Me (2018), where he played Knock, a sexually-confused university student who ends up falling in love with his gay childhood best friend. With his newfound popularity, opportunities within the fashion industry opened up for Tul as well.

Another similarity between the two men is their dedication to academic excellence. Mew has a master’s degree in Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, while Tul just graduated from Columbia University with an MSc in Real Estate Development and worked as an acquisition intern at Cycamore Capital in New York City.

Mew and Tul are testament to the modern idea that there’s no one way to reach the pinnacle of success, and that there’s always room for personal and professional enrichment and time for passion projects. We sat both of them down for an intimate tête-à-tête on style, travel, upcoming projects, their goals for the new year and more.

ON FASHION

Tul: How would you describe your style?

Mew: It depends. I love to mix and match. I have different types of tops that I’d mix with different bottoms, shoes and accessories.

T: Your wardrobe is huge (laughs)!

M: What about you?

T: In Thailand, anything lightweight. I’m very sensitive to the heat. I’m still experimenting with my style, but I love Korean fashion. I think the cutting is more flattering for us Asians and it’s more sophisticated. I like something minimal with details that is easy to mix and match with what you already have. For Thai fashion, I like Greyhound.

M: Handbags! You have so many bags!

T: Shoulder bags and crossbody bags. Well, the thing is, I don’t feel like dressing up much while in Thailand. So I play with bags instead.

M: I bought him a new bag last year and I only saw him use it once. You know the problem isn’t about how often he uses it. The problem is, he was whining a lot when he wanted it. But when I bought it for him, he rarely used it.

T: I used it many times! Around five times.

M: In the entire year!

T: When I want him to buy me something, I’ll send him a picture saying, ‘It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’

ON FOOD AND TRAVEL

M: Any restaurant recommendations?

T: I think Japanese restaurants are great. I like yakiniku and shabu shabu, but I really recommend grilled prawns.

M: Any good ones in Ayutthaya? Once I ate them on a raft and threw up. I guess I had seasickness. River prawns are very fatty and the raft was floating, so I felt terrible.

T: I would recommend Ginzado. It’s a Japanese yakiniku restaurant.

M: What’s your favourite food?

T: Asian food. I enjoy Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food.

M: You know what our new discovery is? Peruvian food! It’s very good.

T: Yes, Peruvian food! So good!

M: We ate it in Canada.

T: Peruvian food is like a mix of Latin and Japanese food.

M: The restaurant we ate at in Miami was very good too.

T: Yes. They have this dish that’s a lot like our Yum (spicy salad). I think Thai people will like it. If you don’t enjoy Mexican cuisine, you might like Peruvian.

M: Do you always plan your trips or just go with the flow?

T: I always plan.

M: Overplan, more like it! He’s the one in charge of trips, and the itinerary is always just nice—not too packed.

T: I told you I can be obsessive-compulsive. When we travel, I want the best things at the best price. It needs to be cost-efficient. When you need to be somewhere at a certain point in time—such as seeing the sunrise at a particular spot—I will do everything to make sure we get to see the sunrise. I plan everything in advance and I don’t want anyone in the group to have to pay for something unnecessarily expensive. If, at some time, business class tickets are excessively costly and premium economy is more value for money, then we should do premium economy. I’ll be attentive to everyone’s rewards and mileage to ensure they don’t need to pay extra when they can redeem miles.

M: He will have all the information on hand like, if we’re going somewhere and need to use a particular airline, we should apply for this and that in advance, so we have benefits like better seats or baggage allowance.

ON WHAT’S NEXT

T: What are your plans for this year?

M: Last year, I worked on many projects, series and movies, so you’ll see a lot of my work both on television and in cinema. I’ll be back working on music soon as well. In addition, I have a fan meet around my birthday in February, so I’m looking forward to meeting my supporters there. Among the projects that I’ve completed is Mon Rak Luk Thung, a remake of a classic Thai musical rom-com. This is my first time singing many luk thung [folk] songs.

T: I’m thinking of seriously moving away from entertainment, and focussing on my family business. I’m currently working as a project manager for our new project in Bangna. It’s a community mall with a fresh food market. In the future, I would love to work in property management. I enjoy exploring residential and housing projects. I want to do something that offers customers high-quality products and a good quality of life. This is also the reason why I pursued my postgraduate study.

M: What are your goals for 2024?

T: I want to have a sexier body. I want to have time for the gym no matter what I have going on at work. Another goal of mine is to make more use of what I’ve learned in the US in my life. I want to be working on more tangible projects.

M: I have never had a chance to use any of the things I learned during my postgraduate studies (laughs). The research I did… I’ve used none of it.

ON THEMSELVES

W: How would you describe yourself?

T: I’m a worrywart. I think too much about every little thing despite my image as a very sociable extrovert. But when I’m on my own, I’m quite obsessive-compulsive; I will tidy my rooms and fold my clothes.

M: Everyone thinks he’s easy-going and very laid-back, but in reality, he’s a worrywart. He really, really thinks about everything. He keeps worrying about others.

T: It depends. I thought I could handle social media better as I got older but sometimes, I feel like I’m not as good at it as I could be. That said, after years in showbiz, I’m better at letting go and not letting it affect me as much.

M: I’m the opposite of Tul. He’s a worrywart despite his easy-going image. I look like I’m overthinking but in reality, I’m much more laid-back.

T: Exactly (laughs)!

ON LOVE

T: What’s your favourite love quote?

M: I don’t know… I’ve never thought of it.

T: Just Google ‘love quote’ and pick one you like.

M: For real? Okay, let’s see… Top 10 Love Quotes…

T: My love quote is ‘Bitch, I say what I say.’

M: What should I choose…what about this one? It’s quite short. ‘When there is love, there is life.’

[douevenbleachbro]

I was excited for Rukia week as I always am, but the brain is dry and shriveled after the IR Big Bang, so this is all I could write for my Queen.

Rukia week 2024 Day 2: ❆ Fashion Brand

Title: By Desing (WIP) Rated T

“You are the spitting image of your sister! Hisana would be proud!”

Rukia gave them a small smile, bowing her head. She was the perfect picture of gratefulness and humility. She wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her late sister's legacy, after all. 

Except it had been Rukia the one that was obsessed with design and fashion and photography. It had been her stealing her mother's magazines and cutting out the beautiful models for her super secret scrapbook. She had been the one to take photography classes and sewing classes and beat out that pretentious Ishida Uryuu for the top spot at Tokyo International School of Design (a rivalry that eventually blossomed into a partnership when she started walking his Fashion Week shows).

But Hisana was the one with the looks. The soft eyes and small lips, long legs, and beatific smile made for the perfect model. It was like the sun chased her. Everyone just naturally wanted to be around her. She hated it though. She hated having her picture taken and being the center of attention in that way. Unfortunately, a few bad financial decisions and subsequent death of their parents at the hands of a drunk driver, left the sisters in ruins and forced them to find jobs wherever they could get them. So Rukia took the pictures whilst Hisana modeled, until an agency got a hold of her and made her into a star. Hisana’s stardom was bright but ephemeral. The president of the agency, Byakuya Kuchiki, fell for her head over heels and gave her his name after less than a year of dating. Their wedding was elegant and grand. Rukia designed Hisana’s dress and cleaned it in silence when Hisana coughed blood onto it. Six months later Hisana died, taking the sun with her. 

Whatever veil that covered Rukia seemed to have lifted after Hisana’s passing. Everyone had eyes for her as they desperately tried to get back some of Hisana Kuchiki’s magic. But Rukia had none of that. She was not warm and calm like the ocean waters during the rising sun. She was cold and tempestuous like the water during a full moon. Her eyes were dark and hard, her voice too deep. The designers and photographers would overlook Rukia searching for Hisana where they could, and she allowed it. A part of her still yearned for the childhood dreams of high-fashion and runways, so she took the gigs and walked the shows as Hisana’s little sister. She even took Byakuya’s last name as his sister in his life-long quest to give Hisana everything she ever asked for. Now she walked as Rukia Kuchiki, Hisana’s shadow.

During the height of Fashion Week in Paris, Rukia had once again caught the attention of the fashion world as she walked Uryuu Ishida’s show once more. This time he had brought on a new photographer – an up and coming prodigy named Ichigo Kurosaki. Dark eyes and bright hair, his leather wearing, cigarette smoking bad boy reputation preceded him. He was quick with his camera, capturing the perfect moment in an instant. Apparently he and Uryuu went to school together, which he brought up as he introduced Ichigo to Rukia. She couldn’t help but bristle under his intense stare. His eyes moved with her, following her every step. It would’ve bothered her a lot more if she wasn’t so used to being stared at. Although he didn’t just stare. He observed her. His eyes were on her whenever they were close, making the hairs on her nape stand. He rarely smiled but was never mean or cold. He maneuvered her like priceless marble, like glass. When she modeled for him, he barely even directed her. She would just stand before him and the flashes would go off, his smoky whisky eyes following her. Ichigo’s large hands cupped her chin gently, moving her face slightly from side to side, studying her profile. His fingers moved her hair away from her face, fingertips ghosting the length of her neck. If he wasn’t so close she would’ve gasped, instead she swallowed, trying to keep as steady as possible as Ichigo worked. Finally turning to look directly into her already dilated eyes, Ichigo grinned.

“I’d hate to lose those eyes behind hair.”

Heat blanketed her face, rendering her speechless until he returned to his initial position and continued taking pictures. Rukia took a deep, calming breath and smiled, her voice taking the saccharine note it usually did during these things. 

“Of course. I do have my sister's eyes after all.”

“You look nothing like your sister,” Ichigo scoffed, not a note of humor in his tone. Rukia felt the blood rush from her face, leaving her cold and shaking. What did he mean by that? Everyone said she looked like her sister, that’s why she was always getting booked. Did he see something wrong with her? Could he see what others didn’t - that she was indeed not her sister - not as soft, not as bright, not as beautiful. Was that why he looked at her like that? The boning of her dress constricted her lungs, the lights were suddenly too bright. Her breath was coming up ragged and harsh, making her feel lightheaded. A warm hand grabbed onto her elbow, grounding her. Ichigo was in front of her again, this time his eyes filled with concern. He directed everyone to take five and to dim the lights, then guided her away from prying eyes into her dressing room. Once inside, Rukia immediately loosened her dress, allowing air to fill her lungs freely. Ichigo pressed a cold bottle of water into her hand, startling her to his presence. She was very used to getting dressed in the open and in public places, but today modesty decided to show its face. She gathered the front of her dress to her chest.

“Are you okay?” Ichigo asked softly, his voice low. Chugging the water, Rukia nodded, gasping at the feeling of the cool water refreshing her heated body. She wasn’t sure how long they stood there with only the sound of her breathing filling the room. Her head was swimming with thoughts, all negative, about her past and her sister and all the things that could’ve been and weren’t. Hot tears threatened to spill over, but she fought them back, unwilling to allow this man to see her cry. But there he stood, not taking his eyes off of her, apparent worry radiating out of him and not a drip of annoyance or judgment. That alone almost made her break. 

After what felt like hours (it had been more like 5 minutes. The crew decided to take their lunch break), Ichigo shifted, moving closer. His hands hovered close, as if they wanted desperately to touch her. 

“Rukia,” the sound of her name in his voice gave her goosebumps and brought her out of her thoughts. She took a steading breath.

“I’m sorry I don’t look like her,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. Ichigo frowned.

“What a dumb thing to apologize for,” he replied, head tilted. The frown was still there, now accompanied by a small grin. Now Rukia was frowning.

“I don’t understand.”

“What is there to understand? I don’t think you look like your sister, is all. I mean, yeah she was beautiful but you…you’re…”

Weaker? Shorter? Colder?

“Stronger.”

“Huh?” Was all she could muster, too taken aback by his response, “What do you mean?”

Sighing, Ichigo got closer, taking her chin in his hands. Rukia didn’t think her eyes could get any wider as he moved her face slowly from side to side, studying her profile just like earlier.

“Your profile is much stronger. You have rounder cheeks which makes you look more youthful. Your lips are fuller,” his eyes dropped to her lips, which she couldn’t help making into a pout. The look in his eyes was making her nervous, “and your eyes.”

“Everyone says we have the same eyes,” she muttered. Ichigo scoffed.

“Everyone is stupid. Anyone with working eyes can tell they’re very different. I like yours better,” he grinned at her again, making her blush. She blew air out her mouth in frustration. 

“Do you always say what’s on your mind?”

“Yes. Do you want to know what I’m thinking right now?” He tilted her head closer, the distance between them shorter. Rukia shook her head.

“Show me.”

Without hesitation, Ichigo closed the gap between them with a searing kiss, leaving her breathless. Her heart had never felt this light and for the first time, she saw herself, her true self, in the eyes of the man who loved her for her and her alone.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Don Moynihan at Can We Still Govern?: At the Democratic National Convention, speaker after speaker sought to remind viewers of Project 2025. Jim Clyburn referred to it as “Jim Crow 2.0.” Cory Booker mocked it was “Project 1825” and “Project 1925.” Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow was one of many speakers who brought an enlarged version of the Mandate for Leadership document published by the Heritage Foundation that serves as the backbone to Project 2025. Trump’s campaign has falsely claimed that Project 2025 is dead, and in mailers to voters he has doubled down on his efforts to distance himself from it. (Note to Forbes and other media outlets who confuse repeating Trump’s lies with reporting: this is what you get — becoming a tool in his disinformation efforts).

Of course, Project 2025 very much remains alive and the most relevant way to understand how Trump would govern. At the convention, Tim Walz invoked Project 2025 when he said that “when somebody takes the time to draw up a playbook, they’re going to use it.” The comedian Kenan Thompson gave one of best summaries of the relationship between Trump and Project 2025:

[You know how when you download an app and there are hundreds of pages there that you don’t read. Its just the terms and conditions. And you just click agree, right? Well, these are the terms and conditions of a second Trump Presidency. You vote for him, you vote for all of this.]

Trump dislikes Project 2025 as a brand because it lays out a series of specifics about right wing policy goals, which, it turns out, are unpopular. There has been some schadenfreude in how Project 2025 has become baggage for the Trump campaign, and has in some ways backfired for the Heritage Foundation, who went from energetically promoting their ties to Trump to gingerly defending their efforts from Trump’s own campaign.

We got a glimpse about the scale and nature of these plans when some British undercover journalists performed a sting operation of Russ Vought. Vought is touted as a potential Chief of Staff in a second Trump administration. As a Trump official, he helped to cover up Trump’s withholding of arms to Ukraine, and aggressively pushed Trump’s plan to fire career civil servants. Out of office, he then complains about the weaponization of federal agencies without a trace of irony.

[...]

The Heritage Foundation been portrayed as the central player in Project 2025, deservedly so. But its role reflects a certain continuity of effort — it has been publishing Mandate for Leadership guides since Reagan — that understates the dramatic nature of the change that has taken place on the right. The Conservative Partnership Institute, which has played a less visible role in Project 2025, is more emblematic of the MAGAification of the conservative movement. A recent profile of CPI by Jonathan Blitzer in the New Yorker is eye-opening. CPI was created in 2017 by Jim DeMint, the Heritage Foundation leader who was pushed out for trashing Heritage’s reputation for credible research by making it more partisan and less serious. DeMint also aligned early with Trump, which some Heritage board members never forgave him for. CPI operates less like a think tank, where former Trump officials hang their hat, and more like a venture capital firm providing seed funding for MAGA-aligned organizations, as well as connections to other donors, and physical space to get a foothold in DC. These include:

Russ Vought’s Center for Renewing America

Stephen Miller’s America First Legal

The American Accountability Foundation, which ran attack campaigns against Biden nominees, and is currently compiling an enemies list of career civil servants

Cleta Mitchell’s Election Integrity Network. CPI had been deeply involved in election denial. It helped to organize efforts to disrupt the vote to confirm Biden’s election on January 6th. Mitchell a Secretary of CPI, was the lawyer who helped Trump with his call to Georgia officials asking them to fine more votes. She is organizing a network of legal challenges to block legitimate election outcomes this year.

The State Freedom Caucus Network, whose goal is to embed state versions of the House Freedom Caucus in every state

An API official said that in a speech at Mar-A-Lago: “Trump complained about his personnel. He said he had these bad generals, bad Cabinet secretaries. That was a big signal to the people there.” This is why there is such an intense focus on Schedule F, to fire civil servants, and building a pipeline of dedicated Trumpists as political appointees. Part of the function of CPI was to alter the incentives for Trump officials. A previous generation of conservative lawyers or other appointees might worry about their long-term career prospects for engaging in a little light treason. CPI has created an ecosystem existed to defend them (they have funded legal defenses for John Eastman, Peter Navarro, Mark Meadows and Jeffery Clark), to and to find them new roles after wrongdoing.

@Don Moynihan nails it: The “next phase” of Project 2025 contains plans we don’t even know about.