#but this one's also shorter which means it's easier to get cleaned up

[havendance]

Helena Bertinelli/Barbara Gordon Role Swap AU

Helena is more or less your typical mob princess socialite. Pretty, a little frivolous, largely ignoring the family business. She’s working her way through an English degree she doesn’t know what she’ll do with and is largely bored with her life.

Things change when, on a whim, she goes to a costume party dressed as a female version of Batman, her father’s rival.

On the way home from the party, she runs into none other than Bruce Wayne in the middle of a kidnapping attempt.

Helena has enough self defense training to keep herself safe. Enough to give her enough confidence to do something.

Of course, Bruce Wayne is actually Batman, and the kidnapping was all part of one of his plans… One thing leads to another and it ends with Helena operating as Batgirl full time.

Helena has a good relationship with her family. She loves her dad. Her dad loves her. That core truth doesn’t change when she starts going out as Batgirl. Her dad doesn’t know that his daughter’s working with one of his greatest enemies and Helena intends to keep it that way.

Now, this could go any number of ways, but in the older comics (I’m not sure where the comics ages have their boundaries), it’s played for goofy dramatic irony. Isn’t it wild how father and daughter get along by day and are rivals by night?

Their relationship becomes more complex as comics grow grittier. Helena is torn between the love and family that the mafia offers and the moral depravity they operate with. She ultimately affirms the moral superiority of the works she does with Batman, but is still a little uneasy with the way it pits her against the people she loves. As she gets older and finishes a degree or two, Helena decides to step away from the night work, believing that she can do more good as a teacher. 

This decision ends in tragedy when a random terrorist attack by the Joker leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. She’s shot while protecting her students.

(I think that in this universe, the mafia should get to kill the joker in revenge, as a treat. Probably not before Jason dies though, because we’ve got to operate at least roughly parallel to canon.)

She struggles in the aftermath of her injury before ultimately becoming Oracle.

As Oracle, Helena’s connections to the mafia give her new sources of information, as well as new sources of conflict. She chafes against her father’s new protectiveness.

But let's switch our focus to Barbara Gordon.

The daughter of one of the few non corrupt cops in Gotham, Barbara becomes caught in the crossfire of the endless battle between the Batman and crime. An ordinary family dinner turns tragic when mob operatives attack, after Gordon because of his connection with Batman. It becomes a massacre. Barbara is the only survivor.

Fearing for her life, she goes into hiding, finding an old friend of her father’s to teach her how to defend herself. She learns to fight, to track, to kill, and becomes the Huntress.

The thing about this AU is that killing off Jim Gordon for Barbara’s character development has all sorts of fun repercussions. Batman is much more separate from the GCPD, for one. With his one ally dead, anyone remaining who sympathizes with him is cautious, unwilling to be the next caught in the crosshairs. The Gordon massacre is a message and a very effective one at that.

The fact that it is Gordon’s daughter who is the Huntress also has its own effects on the relationship between her and Batman. We’re reversing the Batman daddy issues here.

Batman views Barbara as a daughter figure. This is not reciprocated. He feels a duty to her as a result of his relationship with her father. She has little patience for his paternalistic attitude toward her and his attempts at redeeming her.

We will keep the Nightwing/Huntress one-night stand in this au because untenable love with DickBabs sounds like something that could be fun. 

Tim also hangs out with both Helena and Barbara, but we’re not getting into that here.

I’m starting to run out of page space in the notebook I’m writing this in, so we’re going to skip ahead to No Man’s Land.

Helena’s decision to remain in No Man's Land sparks one of the worst arguments she’s ever had with her dad. He doesn’t want her to stay. He says he should pull out with the rest of them. He says it's too dangerous. She refuses to be talked out of it, and as the bridges are blown, she can’t help being agonized over if she’ll ever see him again to make up.

Barbara’s decision to wear the bat symbol proves to be divisive between Oracle and Batman. The fact that it’s Gordon’s daughter, that this is someone Batman has been trying to redeem, leads her to see it as him grooming Barabara to replace who she was.

Batman is more willing to work with Barbara and, after the mess with Two Face, seems more willing to forgive her failure as well. Cassandra’s emergence and Helena pushing her forward as the next Batgirl is motivated in part by her relationship with the girl, and in part by a desire to wrest back control over her legacy.

Umm, eventually Helena and Barbara resolve their differences when Huntress enters her Birds of Prey era, which I haven’t read yet, so we’ll leave this one here for now.

[sundrop-writes]

Need

Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Summary:

Daryl comes back from a run acting strangely needy, and you find out that Zach made him jealous. (You may have to thank Zach later.)

Or - Daryl fucks your brains out to prove to himself that you're his.

Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader. Established Relationship. Smut/PWP. Set during early Season 4/The Prison Era.

Word Count: 3,000

The Walking Dead Masterlist | AO3 Link

Detailed warnings and author's notes below the cut.

Warnings: this is mainly a smut fic - the reader uses she/her pronouns and has a vagina; the reader and Daryl have a sexual relationship that skews slightly romantic; the reader's age is not at all specified; Daryl being very needy (hence the title); Daryl is more dominant the reader is more submissive, but there is no laid out rigid roles; Daryl is jealous and trying to 'claim' the reader after someone else makes sexual comments about her (when she is not around to hear those comments); mentions of Daryl drinking alcohol and smoking (does not take place during the fic, just a background element); some manhandling - from Daryl towards the reader (nothing unrealistic or beyond Daryl's known strength); oral sex - reader receiving (Daryl certified pussy eater); references to hunting/killing animals for food (come on, this is a Daryl fic); Daryl is slightly mean in this (he tells the reader to shut up) - but he's not vengeful or mean on purpose, he's just in a mood; spit kink - Daryl spits on the reader's pussy; pussy spanking (this was such a last minute addition and I am so glad I did); Daryl calls the reader 'woman'; overstimulation - towards reader; mention of the reader crying/having tears in her eyes (due to overstimulation); Daryl being very possessive due to his jealousy; hair-pulling - Daryl receiving; very slight anal play (Daryl tongues the reader's asshole - juust a bit); penis in vagina sex; unprotected sex - they don't use a condom and there are no mentions of other forms of birth control (don't be like them); there is no mention of Daryl cumming inside the reader, though because the fic ends before we get to his orgasm (sorry, Daryl); slight cockwarming; the sex gets rough toward the end; I believe that's it for this fic?

A/N: No, this was not the winner of the poll. But right now I am in a mindset for TWD fics because I have been watching the show and I think it's a good opportunity to get this one out of my drafts - especially because it's shorter and easier to edit. If it's not your thing, feel free to ignore it. Also, I am not doing a taglist for this one because a lot of people on the taglist last time did not follow my taglist rules (basically, they were tagged and they didn't show up to read the fic, so it feels like a 'why bother' type of situation). So I'm gonna clean out the taglist and after such a short time, I am considering quitting taglists altogether. Anyway, if you do read it, I hope you enjoy the fic.

...

Need. 

That was the only word you could use to describe Daryl in those moments as he threw you down onto the cot and ripped your pants off with record speed. The air was absolutely ripe with need, the likes of which you had never felt or seen from Daryl before. Especially not in this magnitude. 

Daryl Dixon was someone who rarely came off as needy. 

Since the two of you had started this relationship (it was strange to call it a ‘relationship’ when there was so little conventional romance to it, and so few words) - Daryl was never someone you would have described as ‘needy’. He was always the definition of calm. He was level-headed, quiet, reserved - even more so in the face of your intense needs. The more you became a puddle of melded need, when you boiled over into pure want, especially in his presence, the more he turned into a stone wall of uncrackable cold hardness that you wanted so desperately to see crack. 

It was a game the two of you had been playing since day one. And he hadn’t lost yet, not once. 

Of course, the sex was amazing - even if he never let that facade down. He made sure that your overwhelming, unhidden need always came first. He made sure that you had cum first - usually more than once - before he even considered sticking his cock inside of you or letting you drop to your knees in order to serve him. He was never selfish - a man that lived to serve, in fact. 

That was why it surprised you when he came back from a run that day and grabbed you by your arm, practically dragging you out to the admin block. It was a place that you and Daryl had set up a little nest for personal privacy in the old warden’s office. Daryl had chosen the location both for its privacy, and for the wonderful irony. 

He found it downright hilarious that he was someone who had been reprimanded by cops before the total collapse of society and had been nearly arrested half a dozen times (he liked to put the emphasis on nearly, because he was a fast runner and often disappeared into the woods where they didn’t care to chase him, in contrast to someone like Merle, who was a known drug dealer was of far more interest to them - and much slower). Daryl was someone who could have easily ended up in prison, and now he could sit behind a warden’s desk and smoke a stash of fancy cigars that he had found hidden, and he had polished off the fancy whiskey in between fucking you. 

And he took an even greater enjoyment in fucking you pinned against the warden’s desk - but for practical purposes, he had lugged a cot into the office and set up a more comfortable space for the two of you there. The two of you even slept there sometimes because he still refused to sleep ‘in a cage’ - as he put it. Everyone else in the prison liked to fake that they didn’t know where the two of you went, but really - they were just glad that your love nest was far enough away from everyone else that they didn’t have to be subjected to the sounds you and Daryl made. 

And you were glad that you didn’t have to pretend to go hunting in order to escape to the woods for some privacy. Especially because, even as capable as Daryl was, the threat of Walkers looming over your head while he fucked you did make it a bit difficult to get fully lost in the sensations. 

But all of that was far at the back of your mind while he shucked off his crossbow and tossed it aside carelessly (usually he was someone who was careful to put away his weapon, not wanting to damage it so that he wouldn’t have to waste precious time on repairs) - but today, there was something simply rabid about him. Something itching and impatient. 

You couldn’t deny that it turned you on, but you had to question what had caused the shift in him. Especially when all of your little games - your teasing, your flirting, your dirty words - hadn’t been able to crack him for months. 

“Daryl, what’s gotten into-?” 

You couldn’t even finish posing the question before he began ripping on the waistband of your pants once again. That tense irritability became potent in the air once again when the fabric got caught up in your boots, Daryl letting out a deep grunt and glaring at the obstacle. 

You reached for the laces in order to get everything off, thinking this was what he wanted, but he simply put two large, commanding, calloused hands on the backs of your thighs and shoved down - hard. He pinned you down to the cot with a tough force, something that made the metal of the supposedly temporary furniture squeal with a worrying sound. You almost didn’t hear it over the pitiful, whorish gasp that escaped your lips. 

He was never like this. He was never so desperate. 

You loved it. Your body was flooded by heat, equally as desperate within seconds. 

“Daryl!” You cried out, half confused, half hot red and turned on. 

Your cunt ached fiercely and clenched around nothing and Daryl locked eyes with that pulsing gash, letting out a pleased hum. There was barely a blink before he dove between his own hands, digging in his fingers in tightly where they held onto your quivering muscles and immediately he licked a long, hard stripe up the center of your pussy. 

Hungry. 

That was a word you would have used to describe Daryl many times before.

He was messy and shameless when he ate meals. You had seen him dig into game bloody and raw when he had taken you out hunting, when he was starving and impatient and truly treasured a fresh kill. 

Currently, that’s exactly what you felt like - a fresh kill, recently captured by him, a true prey animal under his grasp being absolutely devoured while you could do nothing more but lay there and take it. 

It felt utterly amazing. 

It felt like where you belonged. 

The room soon became filled with sounds - loud, adamant slurping as his tongue furiously worked over your cunt, creating the same kind of shameless slobber that he did when he was thoroughly enjoying a meal. Your gasps and moans shuddering through your lungs as the sensations rocked your body, the pitiful squeaking protests of the cot as Daryl leaned against you more, putting more weight on those rusting springs. 

He began moaning against your heated flesh while he continued to hold you down by your trembling thighs, and while your ears rang with blood and your face bloomed with heat, you soon realized that the distant, repeated keening sound you could hear - almost like a dying cat - was you. 

You were having difficulty catching your breath and you quickly became dizzy from the hot, heavy pleasure vibrating up your body from his tongue. Made even better by the feeling of his coarse beard rubbing against your sensitive pussy lips, and the deep vibrations of his moans against you. 

All you could do was tightly clutch onto the blanket you had used to make up the cot and buck your face against him, hoping for him to shove his tongue deep inside of you or put some more persistent attention on your needy, throbbing clit, rather than simply grazing against the sensitive organ with each pass, making you more and more needy - 

Daryl groaned into your cunt and then, much to your frustration, he pulled away completely. 

“Stop squirmin’.” He grunted at you, his voice a whole new shade of dark and lustful thick that you had never heard from him - one that made your whole body quiver. 

You let out a pathetic moan, more wetness gushing out of you. 

“Daryl, please-” 

“Shut up.” 

Somehow, him barking this rudely at you made you even wetter. 

You squeaked out another pathetic little sound, expecting that he would get back to devouring you like you were his last meal, seemingly for his own pleasure - but then, he managed to surprise you yet again. 

He used his hold on your thighs to spread your legs (as much as he could with your pants still tangling your ankles together). And then he pursed his lips and heaved a thick, heavy glob of spit onto you - aiming perfectly and causing it to land right on your sensitive, swollen clit. 

Just like his perfect mouth, it was hot and slick, and simply seeing the shiny bead come from his lips to land on you caused you to scream and buck against him like a cow being branded. Which is exactly what he had intended - for you to be branded by him, marked as his, fully owned by him. 

Hot tears of pleasure escaped your eyes and he locked right onto your gaze - even through the choppy dark curtain of his too-long bangs, his steel blue eyes pierced into your soul and the burning lust you saw there punched you in the gut. When he took one of his hands off your thigh, you didn’t have a moment to think about what he was going to do before he brought the heavy pads of his tough, well-worked fingers down onto your already sore clit and spanked you. 

Once, twice, three times - something he had done to you before, knowing exactly how hard to hit you without making it painful, just enough to jolt shocking pleasure through your body and make you sob. 

“Listen, woman.” 

He ground his voice again, lowly, making you shiver when he leaned in and gripped your face with that now wet hand, forcing you to face forward and pay attention to him. You stared at him through tear-misty eyes, absolutely enraptured and lustful, wanting nothing more than him. 

“This is mine.” He growled these words with quiet power, driving his point home with another smack to your cunt that had you crying out and seizing against the touch. 

“Yours.” You chirped back, eager to affirm it, your brain filled with nothing but him. “Yours, all yours. Daryl-” 

Before you could babble out any more affirmations, he took an even tighter, possessive, bruising death grip on you once again. One hand on your hip and the other on your thigh - trying to keep you right where he wanted you as he dove back in, just as hungry. This time he gave into exactly what you wanted, seemingly because your words had been what he wanted. He knew you all too well even without words, and he latched his mouth around your mound with intent, laving his tongue furiously across your clit without relenting. 

You weren’t sure which was worse - the teasing, or him tongue-fucking your clit like he was trying to drive you insane. 

Your hand flew to his hair with the intention of shoving him off as white hot sparks of overstimulated pleasure-pain flew up through your gut, but your muscles curled instinctively and you wove a tight grip into his locks without thinking. Unintentionally drawing him closer and locking him in place as you gurgled out cries of wounded pleasure and he continued to moan against you, almost making your poor clit numb. 

But of course, being as perfect at this as he was with everything else, he drew an orgasm out of you just as he wanted to. 

“Daryl! Fuck! I’m cumming! I’m cumming! I’m - ah!” 

He moaned against you in pure pleasure as it happened, and then he retreated down your pulsing hole to lick up every single bit of your wetness as it freshly flowed out of you. He continued to moan, slurping and flexing his tongue so he wouldn’t miss a drop, eating you like the finest delicacy he had ever experienced. His tongue even strayed down your perineum, dipping into your other hole a bit, clearly unafraid and never shy, not wanting to miss a single bit of your taste. 

You were left panting, desperate to catch your breath, and with your brain still completely out of commission, he stood up, his mind already on an entirely new track. You couldn’t contain your whine of disappointment when all of his warmth was suddenly gone, even his hands losing contact with your thrumming skin. 

“Daryl-?” 

You didn’t have long to question it before you heard the sound of a zipper. 

Not even knowing when you had closed your eyes, you whipped them open to see him shoving his pants down to mid-thigh and pumping his cock in hand a few stray times before he stepped toward you. You weren’t the biggest fan of the ‘bent in half like a pretzel’ position, as your back was starting to ache slightly, but he took the look of pure hunger in your eyes was all the consent he needed (especially with the way your gaze was focused on his cock, the slight glisten of precum beading at the tip). 

He was secure in knowing that you would stop him or tell him no if you needed to. 

And there were absolutely no thoughts of stopping on your mind when he put a hand back on your hip and used the other hand to guide his cock into you, sinking deep inside of your slicked, hot cunt in one smooth movement. 

Fuck - he always filled you up so fucking good. 

“Dar-” 

“All fuckin’ day.” Daryl growled out, tight through his teeth, taking only a single moment before he began to pump his hips forward, fucking into you. 

He wasn’t quite as furious as before, his pace slower now. Seemingly, he had gotten some of that pure need out of his system by eating your pussy. He began to thrust in and out of you at a leisurely pace, making you feel comfortably, pleasantly full. 

“All fuckin’ day, I had to listen to Zach’s goddamn yappin’.” 

Your brain was slowly coming back into function. 

He had gone on the run with Zach and Sasha. 

You thought Daryl liked Zach? 

Surprisingly, Daryl then reached for your shoes and began undoing the laces - perhaps now finally interested in getting your pants and shoes out of the way. You just laid back and let him do whatever he pleased, your cunt flashing with a warm, pleasant feeling - simply enjoying that it was Daryl fucking you. 

“Had to listen to that little smart-mouthed fuckin’ asshole-” 

Daryl let out another grunt, smacking his hips into yours particularly hard, causing you to let out a gasp. He took off one of your shoes and dropped it to the ground. 

“Had to listen to him go on and on about you.” 

What? 

Then went the other shoe. 

Your jeans followed soon after, easily untangled from your legs by Daryl’s deft fingers, making your legs free up to spread widely, inviting him in further - he laid himself down against your body, and you found your muscles much less stiff with your knees bracketing around his waist. There was another moment of comfortable fullness - stillness, as he laid there, nosing at your neck, seemingly enjoying your scent with deep breaths. 

You ran your fingers through his hair, scratching at his scalp in a way you knew he liked, boiling over with curiosity until the question leapt out of you. 

“What happened with Zach?” You had to ask, still slightly fuck-dumb and confused. 

You didn’t know it, but hearing the name come off your lips was enough to trigger another intense wave of that feeling in Daryl. The jealousy, the neediness, the urge to claim you. 

Daryl let out another harsh growl - a sound coming from him that made your pussy leak around him and clench down hard on his cock. He grabbed both your hands and entwined your fingers with his - a fierce, demanding grip rather than a romantic one. He kept you pinned in place, right where he wanted you, and he began fucking his hips into you at a fast, hard pace that was enough to push a scream right from your lungs. 

“He - would-n’t - shut - the - fuck - up.” Daryl grunted in your ear, emphasizing each sharp syllable with a deep, harsh pounding of his hips into your pussy. “About you.” He whispered those words lowly, dangerously into your ear. 

“Daryl-” You gasped, your whole body dizzy and vibrating with that electricity once again. 

“About your ass-” 

He reached down and grabbed your ass - harsh, digging his fingers into the flesh with a possessive touch that made you cry out. He hammered his hips forward and used that touch to drag you toward his cock, fucking you onto him like a fleshlight for a few moments before he continued speaking. 

“About your tits-” 

He reached up and groped your breasts aggressively through your shirt, popping one of the tiny decorative buttons. A wreckage that would only serve to show off more cleavage in the end. Your nipples instantly became stiff under his touch and you arched into his hands - only for the rough, wonderful feeling to be gone too soon. 

“Daryl,” 

“He wouldn’t stop talkin’ bout what you might look like when you cum.” He growled out. “When he ain’t never gonna get to know.” 

It was thrilling, him being so possessive of you now. But you knew that it was so Daryl. Him being angry at Zach for speaking about you in a vulgar way, but holding his tongue - not speaking up then because he wanted to keep your relationship private, didn’t want to claim you in front of someone publicly. 

Or he simply kept his mouth shut because he didn’t want to lose his temper when they had a job to do. 

“He wouldn’t stop-” 

“Please, I’m yours.” You moaned out, grinding your hips into him desperately, needy for his full and focused attention. 

As much as you enjoyed the jealousy streak that had started this heated encountered, you needed Daryl to focus on you now - not on the words of some petty boy who had either been trying to rile Daryl up or didn’t even know the two of you were together because of the lack of PDA in your relationship. 

“Daryl, please. I’m yours.” 

“Tha’s right,” Daryl growled out, his voice dangerously low. “You’re mine.” 

He leaned tightly over you once again, and when his hips picked up speed - you were done for.

...

A/N: Please keep in mind, this is a oneshot, and there will not be a continuation or a 'Part 2'. If you are going to comment, please comment about the body of work that has already been written. If you like this and you want to see more of my fics in my style, you can check out my most recent fic Heaven's Gate, which is also a Daryl Dixon x Reader fic, or you can check out my other TWD works on AO3.

[al-the-remix]

Six Sentence Saturday (or something like that)

Starting on my second bucktommy fic 😌 This was inspired by a post I'm pretty sure @unfuckablebogtroll made a few months ago that I can't find anymore, but the gist is that Tommy buys his house during the 2007/8 financial crash, refinances during covid, and has been saving since then to be able to renovate it himself. In this fic Buck's obviously going to volunteer to help Tommy out ( with his previous construction experience and all) and slowly insinuate himself into Tommy's home without either of them fully realizing it...at first. Buck learns Tommy as he learns more about his house: starting the inside and working outwards. Meanwhile Tommy learns how to let people help him and that Buck's really in it for the long haul ✨

“Hey, can I ask you a question?”

Looking over his shoulder, Tommy raises a brow. He’s elbow-deep in Evan’s kitchen sink, warm, sudsy water tickling his skin as he finishes the last of the dinner dishes. Evan made a chicken parm that had Tommy contemplating the existence of God and carefully planning the head he’d be giving his boyfriend later. As long as Tommy had known him–which was admittedly not very long–Evan has been a shoot first, ask questions later kind of guy. More likely to barrel through any awkwardness than couch his questions in some kind of lead up. “Of course you can, you know that.”

Evan takes the plate Tommy offers him in hand, drying it and setting it aside, his expression just hesitant enough to give Tommy pause. 

“Why do we always hang out at my place?”

The question startles a laugh from him. That…wasn’t what Tommy had been expecting. “We don’t, sometimes we go on dates.” Tommy allows his face to settle, faux serious and gently teasing. “Are you claiming I’m not romancing you enough Buckley, because I take that accusation very seriously.”

It gets him the reaction he was hoping for: Evan rolls his eyes like he’s aiming to hit 20 Klicks into the stratosphere and keep climbing. He can hear Evan's common refrain in his head, only coworkers call me Buckley, and I don’t even want to contemplate explaining what we’ve been up to to HR.

 “Ha, ha. You know that’s not what I meant. You don’t think it’s a little weird that it’s been two months and I haven’t made it past your garage?”

Tommy’s brain goes straight to the gutter, but Evan’s arms are crossed over his chest in what Tommy has come to learn is a tell-tale sign of him feeling a little insecure.

Tommy tucks away the innocent expression he’d been pulling and sighs, yanking the plug and reaching for the discarded towel to wipe his hands clean. “I mean, it’s a shorter drive for me to come here from Harbour than make you slog it all the way out to mine. I was just trying to make things easier on you.”

Evan holds up his hands like he’s trying to brace both himself and Tommy for his next question. “Okay, let me be more direct. Do you still live with your mom?”

That one shocks, a genuine, full belly laugh from him. The concern on Evan’s face is beginning to grow, and Tommy waves him off. 

“No, it’s nothing like that. My place is just…a little unfinished at the moment, is all.”

Evan’s apartment was so put together it had honestly taken Tommy aback the first time he’d gotten a good look at it He didn’t know what he’d been expecting but it hadn’t been anything this nice, clean, or stylish, and the next opportunity he’d had to linger and poke around…with fewer distractions…he had quickly reevaluated the person he’d assumed Evan to be based on first impressions alone.

It had been his first in a long chain of lessons he’d learnt to never underestimate Evan Buckley. It had also made him feel slightly…lacking.

“Okay,” Evan says slowly, he’s using that tone of voice that usually means he already has a succession of twenty questions in the barrel and was just barely holding back from pulling the trigger.  “Unfinished, how?”

Tommy scratches at the side of his nose before he can stop himself. A nervous tick. “Well, I bought it with the intention of renovating it myself--my first job was working for a contractor–but I, uh, kept getting a little side tracked.”

Evan shrugs. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“You haven’t seen it yet…” Tommy warns.

Evan’s smile slides sideways. “Yeah, and don’t you think it’s a little unfair that Eddie’s seen your place and your boyfriend hasn't?”

He feels silly, but Tommy can’t stop the way his stomach goes hot and squirmy every time Evan says it. Boyfriend–like it’s a pearl cupped lovingly on the bed of his tongue. 

It’s Tommy’s turn to roll his eyes. He reaches out, covering Evan’s damp hand with his own and offering him a direct, hot-eyed look. “I’m not trying to impress Eddie.”

His words have their intended effect, Evan grins and ducks his head, cheeks going pleasantly red. 

Evan laces their fingers together. “I don’t care how rough it is around the edges, I want to see every part of you,” he says, devastatingly sincere. 

Every time Tommy thinks he’s gotten an upper hand on his feelings, Evan throws him for a loop. “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”

Evan’s grin spreads across his face like soft butter on toast. “You got it.”

[kedreeva]

Hi! I went through your FAQ and didn't see a direct answer this this, but how do you go about actually obtaining a peafowl? How much do they usually cost per bird?

Up front, I can only speak to USA practices, so if you live elsewhere the answer may not be the same.

I'll answer the second part first since it's "easier," or maybe I should say, slightly more concrete, and the answer is: it depends on what you want, and how capable you are of caring for it. I have seen day old blues from backyard breeders go for as little as $15, but unless you really have a handle on what to expect and how to care for them, you will almost certainly be responsible for the death of a day old peachick and waste the money. I have watched an online auction for an ultramarine yearling go for $6,800, but that's because that was a newly imported color from Europe that no one else had. A green - a true, pure green, not an American green that's actually a high green blood hybrid - will run you $5-10k depending on where you import from or who you're buying from that's imported themselves and tracked lineage. An American green will still run you a couple thousand, but more like $2k than $6k. Your average adult blue will run $80-200, but I've watched blue hens go for $400 at auction. Color/pattern mutations will run $150-800 typically, for "common" colors, depending on their quality and whether they're a nice looking hybrid (blue + green species), but I've seen nice morphs go for $35 at auction. I say this because auctions can be great on some days and terrible on others and you would need to know average prices for the color and/or pattern you want, to know if you're getting a deal or getting hosed.

But regardless of a $15 chick or an $800 silver pied platinum Spalding, the expense on them actually comes mainly from the cage- the minimum (and I do mean minimum literally not pretty owners of YouTube outrageous claim of minimum), flight pen size is 500 square feet with no side shorter than 12 feet long (to accommodate trains and allow the birds past you without injuring themselves, and 8 feet tall to allow for a 5-6 perch the males can get on to clean their trains. Every bird must also have 150sq/ft, so 500 will hold 3, but not 4, you'd need 600 for 4. But with peafowl, bigger is better- the more space they have to move around (and thus away from you) the closer they are willing to come to you, because they feel like they can safely get away again. The minimum size is also not optional if you want to maintain healthy birds- they're extremely susceptible to parasites and bacteria often found in raw soil, and even to just... Getting dirt in their face and getting infected sinuses. Minimizing their ability to access dirt by growing in grass and cover crop plants like clover is the single greatest step you can take to protect their health. And this doesn't even include the coop, which is minimum 8x8x6 to protect them and their trains. With the price of lumber, wire, and netting, this will easily run you a few thousand, but it's by far the safest way to keep them, especially the hens, who otherwise tend to get eaten by predators when they set a nest while free ranging. It's also the only way to ensure they don't just leave, because they are game fowl like pheasants, not like chickens, and you can't just toss them in the yard and expect they'll stay. Occasionally they do, but largely they don't.

To answer your first question... It depends on where you live. Most USA states have livestock auctions and bird swap meets- your best bet to acquire local birds is to find those but how to find them... Well. You kind of just have to luck upon them or hope a web search turns them up, if they're even advertised online, on publicly accessible places. There are bigger breeders around the USA that will ship birds if you're looking for something specific you can't find locally, but you'll be looking at a $350+ shipping bill. You can join peafowl groups on Facebook and try to find locals, or contact the UPA (United peafowl association) to get a breeder directory but that's only people who have paid to be in the club, which honestly doesn't do much anymore. You can also, if you know of one breeder, ask if they know other breeders. A good breeder should at least be able to say 'if I don't have what you're looking for, you can try this other person/people.' alternately there's ebay and craigslist, although I wouldn't trust the former because you can only sell eggs, and peafowl hatching eggs are a big fucking waste of money, typically speaking. They're extremely finicky eggs to hatch and most people prefer to let broodies hatch when they can, because they don't hatch well in incubators.

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic the Hedgehog Analyzer, Issue #62: Misadventures (Part 1)

Woah, it has been a while, hasn't it? For those who have forgotten, I have been reviewing the main storyline of the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog comics up until Issue #61, ending it there because there were no more Issues to review (unless you count the Classic Sonic comics, Sonic Forces, Sonic Frontiers Prequel, Team Sonic Racing and Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Movie Pre-Quill, which I might review some time in the future). In any case, I'm officially back and ready to go through the newer Issues.

So, the new Arc is titled ''Misadventures'' and it immediately stands out in the sense of how it is structured. In previous Issues, we focused on one story with a specific set of characters being the focus of that story. In ''Misadventures'' we have the Issue being split up in two parts, each of which focuses on different characters, making their stories a little shorter than what we're used to reading. Despite that, it is also made clear through those Issues that it also sets up a plot that will be resolved in the next Arc.

So, we start off with Amy going towards Angel Island.

The reason why Amy wanted to visit Angel Island was set up in the previous Issue, with Rouge finding an artifact that Eggman seemingly stole from Angel Island and Amy insisting on returning it to Knuckles. It is easier said then done when you don't have to fall through the ground.

Fortunately, Amy gets saved by Knuckles, who had been patrolling Angel Island as usual.

The page above basically explains what I had mentioned earlier, and we can see just how grateful Knuckles is to Amy, even inviting her to join him in returning the artifact to its proper place.

I suppose this is a good place to talk about Amy and Knuckles' dynamic. While reading this story, they really radiate that pure sibling dynamic, teasing and bickering with each other, but ultimately supporting and keeping an eye out for each other. I mean, just look at Knuckles' smug look and Amy getting annoyed at him. As someone with siblings, I know that dynamic very well.

While Amy and Knuckles are busy returning the artifact to their rightful place, we are now shown our second story, featuring everyone's favorite mafia boss Clutch and everyone's favorite murderous shapeshifter Mimic. In discussions with a friend of mine, I had been going on how it would be cool to see Clutch and Mimic team up, not just because villain team-ups are cool, but also because I wanted to see what Clutch was up to and how Mimic would aid him.

We learn that Clutch was the one who called Mimic for a mission on his own, with Mimic being a little wary of Clutch, even if he knows latter has nothing to do with Sonic or Eggman. Instead Clutch finally reveals more about his business, Clean Sweep Inc., which has been alluded to in his previous appearances. To keep it short, he pretends to clean up the remains of Eggman's robots and tech, amassing resources and arsenal, which I assume he then sells to whoever wants to buy it. Of course, the Restoration stands in his way, since they all do it for free and dispose of the dangerous material, so he plans on destroying them.

It is definitely an interesting idea. Instead of an open attack, we'll be reading a story about infiltration, watching the Restoration fall apart from the inside thanks to Clutch's machinations. Mimic is hesitant, since he had been keeping a low profile to avoid jail after Starline freed him and erased all of his data from Eggman's database so the Doctor won't hunt him down either. Clutch remains chill, bringing up Tangle and Whisper and how they formed a new ''Diamond Cutters'' team, which pisses Mimic off and he immediately agrees to be Clutch's man on the inside.

I'm certain Mimic believes that, if things get heated, he can easily abandon Clutch... or at least that their new partnership is on an equal level. After all, that was what happened with Starline, Zavok and Rough and Tumble, even if it was obvious that they were going to backstab each other the moment they got what they wanted.

However, Clutch isn't Starline. Oh, no. As it turns out, Clutch is on a different level as a villain and I genuinely can't wait until we get to that one page that shows just how insane this guy can get. Even know, we see the subtle manipulation he shows when talking to Mimic, convincing him with one simple offer to work together.

Speaking of teamwork, Knuckles and Amy are still on their mission, with Knuckles remembering how during Sonic and Tails' visit, they ran into Eggman who had been digging for resources on Angel Island. It is possible that this was when he stole the artifact.

Amy tries to convince Knuckles to let other people watch over Angel Island and the Master Emerald in order to help him, but Knuckles refuses. Even if they are trustworthy, Knuckles would still keep an eye on them, which would only make things more complicated.

Also, Knuckles? Who are those five people you trust besides Amy?!

I assume three out of those five would be the Chaotix, since he is good buddies with them, but I cannot be sure. I like to think that for Knuckles' own petty reasons, Sonic isn't one of them, considering how the hedgehog constantly brings trouble to Angel Island anytime he appears. X3

In any case, it is wholesome to see how close Amy and Knuckles are, with Amy even managing to fluster Knuckles after bringing up how he basically dumped the Resistance on her. It's really sweet.

They find the place where the artifact was supposed to be, but Knuckles knows there is a trap, so he is a little hesitant since they would probably damage it. Amy comes up with a plan, with Knuckles putting his trust in her.

That plan was to trigger the trap, allowing Amy to block the arrows, while Knuckles dashed to place the artifact back at its place.

Neat.

Both are happy that it worked, only for the ground beneath them to collapse. Neither of them are too disturbed, with Amy placing her trust in Knuckles to save her, while Knuckles trusts Amy to protect him from the falling boulders.

The two manage to escape, with their story wrapping up after Amy tells him that he is always welcome at the Restoration, especially after the initiative Lanolin started.

''...Who?''

Going back to the second story, Lanolin, Tangle and Whisper have a meeting and... oof, Lanolin, have you even slept in the past days? She looks like she has been through the wringer, probably surviving on coffee and pure determination. Honestly, Shadow would be proud.

Lanolin is concerned with the fact that their previous mission was nearly a disaster, asking Whisper for advice, while Tangle wonders if Lanolin plans on recruiting new members. Lanolin looks like she's about to snap, taking Tangle's paddle ball away after having to constantly listen to it. Yeah, I'm sure we can all relate to that.

In any case, Lanolin explains that having more personnel means having multiple options, leaving them better prepared. This isn't a bad idea, and it can work if they find the right people.

Speak of the Devil- We see a new character enter the room, asking if he could join them since he wants to make a difference and help the community, go on an adventure, take his work seriously... and we all know this is Mimic. Dude, you aren't fooling anyone in the audience.

I do like how he brings up specific points he knows would appeal to Lanolin, Tangle and Whisper to get them to accept him.

While Tangle looks like she's about to accept him in the team, Lanolin decides to question Duo about his skills... and also swats away that paddle ball because she isn't about to put up with Tangle's mischief. Duo responds with some generic answers, and I don't know if he's acting like he's nervous, or if he's really nervous after seeing a pissed off Lanolin. I hope it's the latter since this makes things much more hilarious.

As predicted, Tangle wants him in the team, and even Whisper agrees to let him in, with Lanolin accepting their vote on the matter, leaving it to Tangle to show Duo where his room is.

And as we predicted, Duo is Mimic. Well, at least the writers aren't pretending as if the audience wouldn't figure out who Duo really is. I do like the detail of him having to wear gloves to hide his hands, since those also don't seem to change properly whenever he transforms.

Rest assured, it will be interesting to observe how the plot develops, and even though I already know the outcome, it has been quite some time since I last read it. Diving back into it with what I know now should give me some fresh perspective on the events, especially when it comes to certain characters.

So, until next time!

Links:

#Previous Issue

#Next Issue

#Sonic the Hedgehog Analyzer (Masterlist)

[feather-dancer]

February is drawing to a close which means it's time for the round up again. Being a shorter month, continued cold weather and a week getting wiped out it's been sluggish. Still, it's not all bad as I'm happy to report:

As long as there are stars in the sky - Chapter one has been scrubbed

A Heart of Glass - Chapter one has been scrubbed

Focusing on Heart of Glass first, that chapter didn't need all that much fixing up outside the expected paragraph with dialogue issues and run on sentences. The opening had remnants of when it focused exclusively on Douxie meeting Morgana (If via Claire) again so this was cleaned up to flow a lot better. Otherwise it's been slight tweaks in wording, the odd typo, tense changes, removing redundancies and a surprising amount of right sentence, wrong place. There's been a few little additions here and there though nothing too dramatic, more pointing out Archie a smidge sooner as an example.

When these chapters are scrubbed will be putting the pov character in the chapter name just to make it clearer much like the Writing Memes have.

Ended up gaining another half a page and because I was curious, screenshot the before and after word count when it was updated:

Vs.

As long as there are stars in the sky though that was as expected: A slog. This was the third attempt to clean up that chapter and boy did it need it. As well as paragraph fixes, odd typo, removal of so so many redundancies and run on sentences, did a lot of other things as well. Did you know past me never bothered to put Trollish translations IN THE FILE? Well for chapter one they're there now plus some alterations! Sometimes I couldn't figure out a paragraph's original intent so had to strip it down and rebuild the thing. Not too often but Enough. Been some random pov switches that needed correcting which did mean some Archie dialogue was lost though saved it on discord. Quite a bit of dialogue in general has been tweaked to help with flow and just generally make more sense in the context? Smidge more Archie at Zimroc to further push the three of them get on so well given how important that will be. Did find a moment where time was a bit out of whack which has been fixed.

A very minor plot element has also been changed, specifically to put the amulet in the box sooner. Doesn't affect anything whatsoever just meant having to change a bunch of stuff because of it.

Back on the Trollish a moment, the most annoying part is without a doubt the html. If you caught me while doing that throughout the day there would be the updated version of the chapter, Trollish then the old version. It's much easier to put the html around existing text as you can double check it's working correctly... And also doing that as you reach it when scrubbing like this because it's such a pain to refind. If you were someone who did, sorry! Couldn't think of a way round it.

Ended up with bang on two pages with all the changes and here's the before and after word count comparison:

Vs.

Currently the Shame Chart is looking like this:

Please note: These thoughts of you is not included on the above due to being an already posted oneshot but will be scrubbed as well.

As per the polls both Stars and Heart of Glass chapter 2's are my next targets! I may temporarily wander off to chuck words in something else to give me a change from edits given I've been doing it non stop for a smidge over two months now. We'll see.

Also weather please warm up I am fed up of being chilled this is getting silly now.

[localplaguenurse]

Pantalone Appearance Headcanons

Or, they’re sort of appearance headcanons? Combination appearnce and self care headcanons. Think of this as a sort of part two of my health headcanons, it’s just an extension of how his childhood/health have affected his day to day life. Brief mention of lice and mentioned/implied self esteem issues.

Pantalone’s body is on the softer side. It just clings onto fat and refuses to let it go. No, he’s not fat or chubby by any means, he’s actually rather svelte, it’s just that he doesn’t have a lot of muscle definition because childhood starvation ate away at his muscle mass and threw his metabolism out of whack.

His skin appears porcelain pure when he’s in public, in both colouration and even texture, but if you get close to him or catch him in private, you’ll see it’s just makeup. He has some imperfections in his skin, from getting kicked around all his life, childhood and even adulthood acne, and a bit of aging. His skin is also a little more sickly in complexion on some days, and he’s got rather prominent eye bags. Some days they’re lighter, other days it looks like he’s been hit in the face, so he usually covers up with makeup.

Which as an aside, I think he would enjoy makeup regardless, but most of the time it’s a coverup rather than anything actually fun.

Has a very thorough morning and evening self care routine, has a wide variety of lotions, ointments, oils, face scrubs, body scrubs, face masks, soaps, cleansers, it is insane. (Eat your heart out, Lush.)

Because he was very poor, he was unable to adequately take care of his teeth among other things. One of the first things he did once he started making money was get dental work done. I have such a strong mental image in my head of younger Pantalone on opening day for the Northland Bank with braces on. 

Since then, he’s gone through several retainers and currently has a metal wire fitted behind his teeth (Thank you Machiko for your contribution). He also takes dental hygiene very seriously with brushing, flossing, mouth wash, etc..

Because of all this dental business, the ever smiling banker is actually very careful about how he smiles. He rarely ever smiles with his teeth due to his experiences with braces. They made him look younger than he really was, almost juvenile, and as such it made it difficult to be taken seriously because why would anyone listen to some crazy kid ranting about economics?

The only time you will see him smile with his teeth is if he is with someone he trusts, or someone has told a really, really funny joke.

He cares so much about his hair. He has all manner of shampoos, conditioners, oils, brushes, combs, accessories, and has put so much thought into how he chooses to style his luscious locks.

During his time in poverty, it was not uncommon for him to go for extended periods of time without washing or brushing his hair, which resulted in it being a tangled, matted mess when it was long. Even if he did have a brush on hand, it was just easier, faster, and less painful to cut it all off than try and untangle it. 

Having long hair, to Pantalone, is a source of pride and comfort to him, as he can not only keep it from getting that bad again, but if he ever gets it cut, it’s because he wants to get it cut. Not because it’s too messy to fix, or too dirty, or full of lice, but because he is actively choosing of his own free will to have shorter hair.

He’s also been dyeing it black. He actually has more grey in his hair than he wishes to admit or show, so he regularly dyes it black save for one lock of grey hair. He thinks it makes him look distinguished and handsome. It does.

This whole thought process came to me because I was wondering if Pantalone would have had any sort of cosmetic surgery, and I think no. Not unless there just happened to be a cosmetic side effect. He’s naturally a very pretty man once you get him cleaned up and cared for, and he doesn’t want to be slowed down by recovery periods if they’re not even necessary.

(That doesn’t include gender affirming operations if you subscribe to the trans Pantalone agenda, which I do on occasion because as a transmasc enby he gives me the worst genderlust imaginable. Gender affirming surgeries are so much more than merely cosmetic, they’re life changing and even life saving.)

Pantalone carries himself with an abundance of confidence and pride in his appearance. He knows he is handsome, he takes great care to maintain his image, and he knows when and how to use it.

Still, when you spend so long trying to get to where you are, especially in regards to your appearance, there are things you cannot shake off so easily. Things people probably won’t even notice or care about if they do, but if you can see it, then so can everyone else. That’s why Pantalone goes to such lengths to appear the way he does, because people eat with their eyes first, and if they don’t like what they see, then they won’t bother. 

[genericpuff]

Alright, I went ahead and uploaded the first 5 episodes of LORE | REKINDLED to DillyHub if y'all wanna check it out, see how it feels! This isn't a replacement for Tumblr, just a mirror so that people can have a better reading experience especially when Tumblr compresses my stuff. Also, if you subscribe to it, you (should) get actual notifications when it goes up, so that's neat! You can also easily find it by searching on both desktop and the mobile app :) The real neat thing is that, unlike WT and Tapas, DH comes with the ability to post gallery photos as well, so I can keep all my Rekindled comic panels and separate art pieces in one cozy place <3 (makes it easier for those who don't want to go scrolling through all my wordy ass essays LMAOOO)

Note that the episode numbers are different on Dillyhub as the episodes are compiled into their original intended formats. Meaning, if there are episodes I cut up into parts to make deadlines, they'll be put back together on DH, which affects the episode count. This is especially noticeable in the first few episodes when I was drawing much shorter updates (as I was just starting out with this project!) Sorry in advance if this causes any confusion, I just wanted to clean it up a bit to better reflect my original scripts. Thankfully the site has thumbnail support so you'll have a little extra visual aid to figure out which episode is which :' )

Enjoy! Let's hope I don't get slapped for this LMAOOO

[bruiseslikeblueroses]

The State of my Unions

I rediscovered Tumblr. Switched over to Bluesky. I feel like a social media refugee. I feel bad for the real refugees in Los Angeles. It seems like the city is burning to the ground. I’m really worried about my bestie. She sounded panicked when we talked last night.

As far as things go, I’m fine. Missing my new husband terribly. I can’t wait for him to move in here, Only three more weeks. This bed and end tables gets switched out for his larger set, which I am all for. My previous domestic partner died on this bed. It’s just too sad. A fresh start is a good thing.

My father wrote us up a dream lease, at least I say this without having seen it yet. Casey, bless him, will be paying 90% of the house expenses with his larger income and I will be taking care of food and tradwife stuff. That sounds quite agreeable. I don’t mind being a housewife at all. I do that anyway, because I like living in a clean house. Eating decent food

The words are coming easier now. She was right, Jami Attenberg's 1000 Words of Summer. This is a good exercise. 200 words without really thinking about it. Of course I am all hopped up of Cold Brew from Casey’s forgotten appliance. That is may secret summer survival tool. I forgot how caffeinated this stuff was, also. Two pint glasses and I’m ready to write the great American novel spew. It feels good.

Now I’m a forth of the way through. A good feeling. There is a lot of history I have with Tumblr. I am happy to see familiar faces there, as well as on Bluesky as people flee Threads. Some are staying, like I thought I’d stay at Twitter/X. I haven’t posted anything but cross promotion there is what feels like years. At least a year. 

Time moves differently now. Faster. It’s 2025 and I’m throwing away cans of food in my pantry that expired in 2019. Trying to get the place cleaned out for Casey. I love him. I love him so much. We want to get old and grey together and I am all about it. I pamper him because he is such a jewel. I made him an apple pie the other day. It’s still siting in the fridge, looking lovely. Should be delicious. He loves my cooking. He’s so nonjudgemental and loving. He’s the one.

415 words. Anything else? It’s two am. Suddenly there are so many more interesting things to do then play video games. It feels like coming alive. I could really use a bath, a nice morning soak. But I’m flying on caffeine and don’t really want to sit still for that long. At lest my hair is okay. Doesn’t need to be washed. I cut my bangs a lot shorter. They look a lot better.

I cut my own hair, I’ve been doing it that way for years. Since I moved to Reno and stopped spending a fortune on my hair and nails. The right thing to do.

Sure, the high life with Larry was nice, but I love Casey so much more. He is so much better in so many ways that I feel like we can really be happy together into old age. I am actually excited about spending the rest of my life with him.

I’ve had many lovers, paramours, wives, booty calls, but Casey is my special loving husband with the same value structure I have. That means the world. I am so happy about him moving in at the end of the month.

Today the cleaners comes and do a deep cleaning on the place. I am so glad. I am so very thankful to my parents for paying for this. I should be awake. I have to be awake, actually. I will have to find various strategies for rooms to hide out in. As the weather is chilly. Near freezing, lately.

I take out my meta glasses. Ask them the forecast. It’s 29 degrees right now. Below freezing. I wonder if it snowed tonight. I got a warning on my phone that it might. 

For some reason my glasses will only play podcasts. I fiddle with them until my Spotify Upbeat Mix comes on. Lady Gaga, Born this Way. The morning seems even more sparkling now. Music is everything.

The changes in Meta’s policies as they try to appeal to the upcoming Trump regime are disturbing. I have no stomach for bullying. As they are explicitly targeting LGBTQIA and mentally ill people, I am going elsewhere digitally for a while.

I can’t afford to leave Reno, Nevada. My psychiatric medication, my wonderful house, my five cats. My new husband. Everything is wonderful except Los Angeles is on fire and the incoming. regime I strongly disagree with. 

Hopefully I can fly under the radar. Keep my head down. Survive.

Yes, I am a bisexual woman who chose to marry a man after two wives did not work out. He’s not my beard, although he has a nice dark beard. We met on OK Cupid. It was all over once I’d read his profile and we started talking. I cleared my schedule till our first date and put on my Bettie Page heels.

I’m listening to Todrick Hall, a regular on Ru aul’s Drag Race. He makes amazing dance music. Casey said I listed to gay club music and he was not wrong. Broadway musicals, Lana Del Rey and remixes they might put on at the Abbey on underwear night. 

Discovering Violet Chachki’s musical output was a revelation. Dominatrix disco.

Since The Vivienne passed, I’ve been watching that All Stars All legends Season. Drag perfection. The Viv turns amazing looks. She looks so radiant and animated on television, it’s hard to accept that she’s gone.

Death, aging, time, change. I have no solution for my fleeting middle age, except don’t stop. Don’t stop writing. Creating. I need it more than ever now.

[knight-of-the-thorn]

Any opinions w the teasers and retrospective from anet recently? I’m still picking through it

OH BOY DO I sorry this got very long and really should be two seperate posts

First of all vis a vis the retrospective, it said exactly what I wanted to hear from Arenanet, and exactly what I expected. You'd be surprised how far in marketing transparency, or the illusion of transparency, gets you. It was very neccesary to do this and address that there were huge problems in the production of this and trying to clear that before marketing Expac five properly was exactly the right move, they could not possibly make any promises for the next expansion without distancing themselves from the fact that they fucked up the production of SoTO big time. The fact that they can't market off the back of SoTO and say "The next adventure with the astral ward!" or whatever is pretty tough,they really shot themselves in the foot there, but marketing off of a relatively clean slate is easier than trying to claim that SoTO was a massive success, or ignoring what happened altogether. I think what they've done here is going to garner them some good faith, it certainly has granted them a little more trust from me, I still think I need one hell of a sales pitch to preorder this.

The fact they actually acknowledged that a lot of this felt flat and left too many hanging threads is incredibly reassuring. It does mean that they have been paying attention to player feedback and are at very least aware this is a problem, and taking them at their word they want to fix it and have a better idea of the studios capabilities to release using this structure. I suspect we're still looking at releases being shorter for now, which is disappointing but also conjecture, but if those releases are high quality, (I'm holding them to the standards of the Gyala releases here MINIMUM) then I can grudingly live with that. They've discussed here and in gamerrant that they didn't catch the specific time and resource issues with the Nayos arc until it was too late to fix them, which one hunderd percent tracks with my reading of the latter two releases being slightly cleaner than the first but also a little beyond help. I hope they're right that they also caught onto it early enough in Expac five development.

Not trying to release the third map with the first post expac update is a very good idea, a lot of what made SoTO so jarring was abandoning everything happening with the tower and Amnytas so quickly, we didn't get a chance to spend any time there. Not trying to get the map out so quickly, and splitting it into halves instead of thirds is a good distribution of time and resources. The fact they keep citing Bjora Marches as their attempted format of release for the third map of the fifth expansion I personally find reassuring, it's certainly a good marketing move to invoke the idea of Bjora in relation to future maps, because Bjora Marches was almost universally well recieved.

Overall, I understand that the very solid set in stone roadmaps and the countdowns to the next story patch are detrimental, it is interesting to see that they are continuing with it going forward all things considered but it would be pretty shitty to change it now I suppose. I understand the idea is about transparency and consistency, and updates have been at a more regular interval, but there should be the capability to move back patches that aren't ready, I care more that the content being released is ready to be released than that they're regularly released. It's a difficult tradeoff. That solid timeframe is still there going forward, I still worry that it is going to be a hinderence to the story.

OKAY so with that out of the way, the teaser itself

It's so exciting that they've implied that underwater weapons will be usable on land, (possibly another big underwater combat update?) Especially when I am a few hundred gold off having all the underwater legendary weapons. I'm hoping for legendary aquabreathers, fingers crossed everyone.

Not a lot right, just enough to stir interest, like we know a lawyer from the same address that trademarked SoTO filed a patent for Janthir Wilds which means I was right that we're going North Kryta, judging from the look of it maybe North eastern closer to the shiverpeaks? Really hard to say because the assumed commander stand in there is a Norn so we're all kinda thinking Norn but I'm not actually thinking Norn here, it screams Dwarven to me.

It's hard to tell from this distance but that glass could be the same aurened glass we see associated with Tarir, Augury Rock, but also the Hall of Heroes. This is VERY interesting because there's sort of that obvious question about wizard ascension right, what the fuck is up with that how is that different from Forgotten Ascension how is it different to Godly Ascension, the fact that the memories are not erased, just surpressed but clearly there. Pretty interesting. The fact we're going near the homeland of Tyrian Mursaat presumably with the shining blade if Anise's letter in the final instance is anything to go off of, The fact that the memory of Mabon's we've encountered is specifically him meeting Isgarren and how that compares and contrasts with the interactions between him and Lyhr during the Skywatch meta and the implications therefore of, I think these are very relevant here.

If my instinct is right and this is Dwarven architecture that could be something, we could have something to do with Rand happening, we're also working with the concepts that the brotherhood of the dwarves revered Glint, and that Lyhr is specifically referred to as a heretic, which the brotherhood also were, and that he can split himself into facets like Glint could. If I'm right about the dwarves and the glass I think this is what we're looking at.

Now for my insane conspiracy theorist bit because I am not going five minutes without talking about varajar fells and how it will eventually relate to the Wizards, The location is also interesting because of the gw1 quest path to revelations, which dealt with the origins of the gods, depending how close this is to Drizzlewood that is in the same broad area, if we're looking at dwarves we have the Deepstone connection, we know we're dealing with unspeakable horrors from underwater, so we have the Kormir/Abaddon/Arachnea connection. It's all coming together. We also have a very interesting Krait connection, who we know had their prophets eaten by unspecificed underwater horrors, and also have association with the forgotten by virtue of being snakes. I'm just saying it it's a partially underwater expansion the fact that Varajar fells is underwater is not longer a deal breaker for my insane bullshit that only makes sense to me. Deepstone is Wet. Think about it Jane.

It also looks kinda like this early Asura concept art to me. Worth noting, a lot of what Asura ended up using as their aesthetic was actually taken from Guild Wars Utopia concept art for Xoteca. This may be nothing, it is worth mentioning.

[tippenfunkaport]

WIPs Status Update

I am fairly confident no one cares what I am up to, but I haven't done one of these in ages so I figured I should.

In Progress Fanfic

Outlaws of the Whispering Woods

This fic is on temporary hiatus because I'm working on finishing it as part of the @wipbigbang. Participation in that event means I can't update that fic again until the posting period starts on September 8th BUT that once that posting period begins, I should have both art for the new chapter as well as regular updates through November until the fic is done which should be exciting. 

That said, there is still like 60k ish to go in that story so if it looks like I'm not going to be able to get it all done in time, I might swap it out for the Chipped Glimmer fic which has also been languishing in WIP hell because it's shorter and easier for me to get done on time. I'd prefer to use the event as a kick in the pants to finish OotWW, though, so we'll see.

Prince Glowyn the Fourth

This fic is 100% complete at last, I just have one chapter left to post and will be doing that sometime within the next week.

Going There

Just about four years after I started it, Going There is finally done as well! (Literally just finished it today!) "Done" in this case means I finally rewrote the back end and filled in the missing connecty bits I never wrote the first time so everything's written, it's just going to take me an unknown quantity of time to edit and post each of the chapters. But less time than rewriting it all took so I expect those last few updates to come fairly regularly once I get them started.

Coming Home

I have always said that I wanted to wait to continue this fic until Going There was done so now that I have finally finished it, the sequel can get my attention more regularly again. That said, with everything going on with the WIP Bang, posting the rest of Going There, running the Big Bang and posting my own Bang fic (plus, like, all the other IRL stuff i have to do this summer), I really don't anticipate getting it updated anytime before the fall at the earliest and even then who knows.

Also, because this is my last in-progress canon fic I'm not in a huge rush to get it out there, I'd rather take my time with it, so I'm fine with that timeline. It'll get updated when it gets updated.

Area First Ones

In my head, this is episodic and while i have five chapters written, I have some things I want to add in between so it's not as simple as just cleaning and posting those. So basically, this one will be one of those fics I update when I update here and there with no set timeline other than my whims.

Coming Soon!

My Big Bang fic is called Horse Girl Everyone and it's the long awaited Riding School AU! 

That one is going to be longgggg and basically never-ending and episodic (seriously, we're over 50k words and while Catradora have been circling each other for chapters Glimmer and Bow literally only just met and you KNOW how I feel about Glimbow). I was hoping to write enough in advance that I could do some kind of regular update schedule at the start but because I'm also running the Bang and having some annoying medical stuff going on, I think that's not happening.

I've written a ton in advance, don't get me wrong, I just don't see myself having time to revise it all and post weekly with everything else going on. But we'll see!

Anything else?

Well, yeah, lots of stuff but it's not fandom related so I can't tell you about it. ;-) Though maaaaybe I might have the chance for some of you to help me beta some of my original stuff in the near future if you're willing so keep an eye out for that.

I'm trying to have less things in progress at once so, though I have other fanfic projects in various states of completion, I'm purposely not going to even think about posting any other multi-chaps until GT and OotWW are done. 

One shots and shorts? Yeah, I'll be throwing those up randomly as the mood strikes, you know how I roll. I'm eyeing up the Domaystic 2024 prompts to see which ones call to me right now.

So I have other stuff planned for later but I'm not even going to tease it because we'll see how everything shakes out.

This year has actually been absolutely horrible health wise but weirdly productive writing wise so it's been a mixed bag but at least nice to get some stuff done!

[void-galaxy-shenanigans]

Happy employment update:

So,, after almost 4 months unemployed we finally got a job. It’s fast food, but one of the better corporations that’s not known for wage theft and has better food safety practices & whatnot.

Not gonna name them for personal safety & also because it’s against policy (could get me fired), because I’m not an official voice of the organization.

But!!

This is one of their slower locations, by almost half (6 to 10 ratio on profit). I was hoping that would mean a better work environment, and so far it seems I was right. They’re a bit more laid back and their peak periods / rushes are...way less than I got used to.

~~

A couple downsides:

- still fast food. still that same line “sense of urgency”. still timed but in a different way (tracked differently).

- still not physical disability friendly. will be unable to use a mobility aid, & they wouldn’t accommodate that if asked.

~~

But,, 5 upsides & then I’ll share the happiest upsides:

(1) They actually want you to stay home if sick, to the point where there were three separate training videos on this & the management *actually finds someone to cover you* if you’re sick & call in— you don’t have to find someone yourself like other places. (You only need to find someone for non-sick vacation requests.)

(2) They have very clear, non negotiable food safety practices. actually have chemicals to clean *all food* and doesn't just rinse them off (unlike previous job, who I won’t name for similar legal reasons). They also have several training cards showing exactly how to do each of these steps to maintain food safety.

(3) Their training actually mentioned explicitly, twice, LGBT+ rights in the workplace!! They acknowledged that assuming sexuality is also harassment, and that harassment isn't just ‘man → woman’ & can be any combination of gender(s) or directions. They also acknowledged that 50% of LGBT+ people worldwide had reported harassment was present in their workplace, and 26% of transgender people alone, just in the United States, had either been fired or been pressured into (cut hours, undesirable tasks, etc.) quitting their jobs. They clearly defined what retaliation can look like if you report this or any other harassment / inappropriate behaviour.

(4) ¡Their benefits plan included counseling / therapy! I won’t need it right now, but it’s a good sign & made me feel comfortable openly saying I’m in therapy. ¡They thought me/us being in therapy was positive and a good sign!

(5) ¡They want me to work mornings!! That was my favorite shift at my last job. Because instead of getting home 7 to 11p and having to basically go straight to bed & do it again, coming home in the afternoon gives me a few hours to wind down, do self care, and reset. I’ll actually have cool down time before bedtime to exist and recover before I have to work again. I will have to get up a bit early, but I’ll take that over getting out of work late evening to nighttime 😅. They also are giving me the shorter 7 hour shift, which will be slighter easier on our physical disabilities (last job wanted us to work 9 to 10 hour shifts often).

~~

The changes I’m most excited about:

- They have very clear, very detailed training manuals on everything. They actually understand fast food is an entry level job for many, including high schoolers, and are prepared for that. They even had exact, detailed steps typed out, with pictures included, for how to wipe tables down (including which chemicals to use), which a lot of places assume is “common sense”. They have clear recipes with photographs for their grill operators & food prep store-openers. Absolutely everything is written down with photos and detailed instructions that aren’t to be deviated or improvised from. They even had books with papers & a folder for loose papers to track training and have managers sign off on what you had already learned, which allows other managers to see where the gaps are and allows you to prove you’re trained on a position and want to talk about training for a promotion.

- The manager who interviewed me actually used to be a crew member. She will become the general manager (basically store owner) in a month, as the current GM leaves.

- !I have the ability to text managers directly, and not have to (a) call the store and hope for a manager to be available or (b) use a messaging app and hope they check it! It’s much easier to get ahold of management if I have questions or just need to let them know I’ll be a couple minutes late if I accidentally leave late. They’re also chill about it when I forget to clock out (the first shift always gets me 😅) and updated it without complaint after I texted.

- They actually introduced me to other staff, to the point of telling me which position those people were so I know which people will be my managers & trainers. The staff were incredibly welcoming and already joking around with me, and I watched crew members willingly joke around with managers in a display of trust (which also showed that they weren’t afraid of management & were comfortable). I saw someone dance along to the music as they were taking dishes to the sink, and no one told them off.

- ¡They have music!! The dining room has its own corporate-approved playlist, but as long as it doesn’t drown out the dining room, we can have our own music in the kitchen. The music was loud enough to make the food service sounds (scoops / metal on metal sounds, sizzling, etc.) not overwhelming for me the way it usually is.

- I had to message my GM (the one being promoted) because I have therapy on Mondays. I asked to consistently have Mondays off, with wiggle room for some exceptions. I felt comfortable being honest that it was because therapy is difficult to reschedule, and also pointed out it’s easier to do other tasks like replacing parts of my uniform on a weekday. I did mention that still leaves Tuesday through Sunday open, because I can work weekends, and I can work holidays too (because we’re pagan and have different holidays). I expected questions at best, or a hard no, because fast food tends to want 100% availability with zero exceptions. But I actually got a yes!! She said “I can do that, thank you for telling me!” and didn’t get upset in the slightest. ¡I can keep my predictable (and difficult to reschedule) Monday routine, with morning therapy and necessary Adulting™ afterwards!

~~

Overall, I’m very excited and hopeful. 💖

If they follow through on their promises and accommodate our autism, I’ll/we’ll be successful and content in this role for a year to three years (our goal), until we’re ready to go back to school full time. ☺💜

~Nico

[alisheaburgess]

Dev Diaries: Day 8...We Back!!!

Dev Diaries, Masterlist

Romancing the Process...coming soon

June 4, 2023

The Day number will just be a log number as I may not do Dev stuff every day. I'll be including the dates though.

Now that I have a month to take classes, I'm going to be a bit more strategic with what I'm taking and when. I want to get the most out of this 😊

For the Dev side, I'm going to finish up the bigger courses that I wasn't able to get into before. They will mainly be HTML and CSS. There are a couple of them that have intros to Python and the like. I have already had a little bit of Python in other courses, so I'm kinda looking forward to that one and more C# 😁 that's the one I'll be learning for my game dev stuff.

For the Diaries though...

I'm thinking about having a separate Design Diary (non-web design) and Doodle Diary because I'm also going to be working on those. I mainly want to so I can find things easier later but also... so I remember what all I'm doing now 😂😋

I am starting Romancing the Process! Which is just a diary of all the crazy stuff I'm learning, trying, and just my story as I experience it. I think it's gonna be fun (for me at least lol)

My goal for this month is to be as job ready as I possibly can be! I'm going to be purging my belongings as well in case I need to move. This will trick my brain into cleaning which is useful even if I don't move 😅 I'll be going over this more in Romancing the Process. I am trying to get a balance of input (learning) and output (creating). This is gonna be so much fun!!!!

Weekly DevPlan:

Courses to Tackle for the Week (starts Monday, today is bonus)

Improve UX Prototyping

HTML

CSS

Soft Dev

Full-stack Dev

1 Class at a time! 😊

The prototyping course is introductions to a bunch of tools you can use. It's kinda boring to start but then I turn into a child when they start the actual prototyping part 😂🤣 It's so much fun and I can't wait to get to play...I mean...use them.

I won't be doing each of these every day. They are in order of importance. I want to get the first three done this week. The bottom two be the least important and can take all month if need be lol

I've already done a prototyping course but it's super close to being completely done. I've almost exhausted their library of UX stuff 😅🥰 This is the last fuller course they have for it. After that it's just shorter courses that I plan to filter in.

Let's Go!!!

[kedreeva]

Is there a type of soil and grass that would be good to lay on top of concrete for a peafowl?

I'm not sure most things grow on top of concrete, though I would guess lawn grasses with their silly shallow roots would be a good candidate. You'd still have to be able to put down a couple good inches of soil though, and keep it there. Soil should be free of fertilizers, just good clean fill dirt is fine. Sandy soil in one area will help them have a dust bath area, rather than making their own out of the pasture area. If there's any possible way to break up and remove the concrete first, that's a better way to do it, though. Concrete is awfully hard on their joints, even under a couple inches of soil.

But after that, any grass seed without fertilizers attached is fine to plant. You can (and should!) sow white clover in the pen grass if you've got a contained area, as white clover is MUCH higher on the proteins/calcium scale than grass, and tends to stay shorter and not need cutting the way grass can. It's also less fibrous in general than mature grass, which means less chance of crop impaction if they eat big pieces of it. Mine also don't really care for the flowers, so it tends to reseed itself. You can get a 1lb bag on amazon for under $20. It's important not to get a coated variety (both for grass and for clover). I think we got a 5lb bag of clover seed from Eretz a few years ago and it was enough to cover all three 1200+sq/ft pen space well, and it grew in great and is still going. I don't know how deep of soil it needs to stay healthy, but it's a GREAT cover crop for peafowl.

You can soak the grass seed for a day or two before spreading. This leaches tannins that inhibit growth (which is why you have to heavily water newly planted grass seed normally), and allows the grass to start growing basically day 1 instead of like... day 7. Just put it into a cloth bag of some kind (like a pillowcase, or some seed comes with the cloth bag here), sink it in a storage tote of water. Dump it a couple times a day for 2 days, and then drain it and toss it over the dirt. It'll save you from a ton of time watering a big patch of dirt. It's best if you till it into the ground a little with one of those tools that looks like a weapon invented by crabeater seals

For peafowl, if you have them at minimum housing requirements (500sq/ft or 150sq/ft per bird, whichever is larger), then the grass will outgrow their ability to eat it even if they're in the pen with the new seeds. They might eat a few of the seeds but they largely ignore grass seed on the ground and completely ignore clover seed on the ground. They LOVE fresh sprouts, though, so if the seeds are hidden a little until they have roots too, it'll go easier.

[invisalignalignersorthodontist]

Invisalign Teeth Braces in Pune: The Future of Dental Care

Invisalign has revolutionized the way we think about orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet, comfortable, and effective solution to achieving a perfectly aligned smile. As traditional metal braces become a thing of the past, more and more individuals in Pune are turning to Invisalign for their orthodontic needs. If you’re considering teeth braces, you may want to learn about this modern innovation and why it’s quickly becoming the preferred choice for adults and teens alike.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Made from medical-grade plastic, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. These aligners are virtually invisible, which makes them an attractive option for those who want to avoid the noticeable appearance of metal brackets and wires.

Why Choose Invisalign in Pune?

Pune, known for its growing healthcare sector and vibrant population, is home to numerous dental clinics offering Invisalign treatments. Here are some reasons why Invisalign is an excellent choice for residents of Pune:

Aesthetic Appeal The most significant advantage of Invisalign is its near-invisibility. Traditional braces are often seen as a cosmetic concern, especially for adults who may be self-conscious about their appearance. With Invisalign, the clear plastic aligners blend seamlessly with your teeth, allowing you to smile confidently throughout your treatment.

Comfort and Convenience Invisalign aligners are custom-designed to fit your teeth precisely, ensuring maximum comfort. Unlike traditional braces, which can irritate your gums and mouth due to metal brackets and wires, Invisalign offers a smooth surface that is gentler on the mouth. Additionally, the aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss.

Advanced Technology The process of getting Invisalign aligners begins with a comprehensive consultation where your dentist will take 3D digital scans of your teeth. This advanced imaging technology allows the creation of a personalized treatment plan, which can be adjusted as needed. The precision and accuracy of Invisalign treatment ensure faster and more predictable results.

Shorter Treatment Duration While treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case, Invisalign typically offers a faster treatment time compared to traditional braces. Most Invisalign treatments take around 12–18 months, whereas traditional braces may take longer.

No Food Restrictions One of the most convenient features of Invisalign is the ability to remove your aligners while eating and drinking. This means you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods, as you would with metal braces. You can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods without any hassle.

Minimal Maintenance Invisalign aligners require minimal maintenance. You’ll need to clean your aligners regularly using a gentle cleaner and water, but they don’t require the constant tightening and adjustments that metal braces do. You’ll visit your Pune-based orthodontist for check-ups and to receive your new aligners every few weeks.

The Process of Getting Invisalign Braces in Pune

Consultation and Assessment The first step is scheduling a consultation with a certified Invisalign provider in Pune. During the consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your orthodontic goals. They will also explain the Invisalign process, including the duration of your treatment and the cost involved.

Customized Treatment Plan After the initial consultation, your orthodontist will take a digital scan or impression of your teeth. These will be used to create a precise 3D model of your teeth, which will help design your custom aligners. You will be able to see a simulation of how your teeth will gradually shift throughout the treatment.

Receiving Your Aligners Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll receive your first set of aligners. Your dentist will guide you on how to wear them and when to switch to the next set in your treatment plan. You’ll need to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours a day for optimal results.

Regular Checkups Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit your Invisalign provider in Pune every 6–8 weeks for progress check-ups. During these visits, your dentist will ensure that the aligners are fitting well and that your teeth are shifting as expected.

Completion and Retention Once your teeth have reached their desired position, you’ll complete the treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend retainers to ensure your teeth stay in place and to prevent relapse. Retainers are typically worn at night after your treatment.

Choosing the Right Invisalign Provider in Pune

When considering Invisalign in Pune, it’s essential to select an experienced and certified Invisalign provider. Look for orthodontists who are trained in the Invisalign system and have a proven track record of successful treatments. You can consult online reviews, ask for referrals from friends and family, and schedule a consultation to gauge your comfort level with the provider.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign is undoubtedly one of the most advanced, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing orthodontic treatments available today. If you live in Pune and are looking for a more discreet way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign could be the perfect solution. With its focus on comfort, flexibility, and efficiency, Invisalign has become the top choice for individuals seeking a beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

Visit invisalign.org.in for more information and to find a trusted Invisalign provider in Pune. Your journey to a confident, beautiful smile is just a consultation away!

[netzilatechnologies]

How to Optimize Your Website for Speed and Performance

Understanding Website Speed

Website speed refers to how quickly a webpage loads and becomes interactive. A fast-loading site ensures that users can access information quickly, which is essential in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever. Speed is not just about the initial load time; it also includes how fast users can navigate through your site. Think of your website as a sports car; it needs to accelerate quickly to keep your audience interested.

The Importance of a Fast Website

Why does speed matter so much? Studies show that slow-loading websites lead to higher bounce rates, meaning visitors leave without interacting. A fast website enhances user experience, increases engagement, and can even boost your search engine rankings. Google considers site speed a ranking factor, so if you want to stay competitive, speed should be a priority.

How to Measure Your Website Speed

Before you can optimize, you need to know your current performance. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom provide valuable insights into how fast your site loads and where improvements can be made. When measuring speed, pay attention to metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI). These metrics indicate how quickly users can see and interact with content on your page.

Choosing the Right Hosting Service

Your web host plays a crucial role in your site's speed. If you’re on shared hosting, you might experience slow speeds during peak times. Consider upgrading to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or dedicated hosting for better performance. Think of it this way: a good hosting service is like a reliable engine that keeps your car running smoothly.

Optimizing Images for the Web

Images are often the largest files on a webpage, so optimizing them is essential. Use formats like JPEG for photos and PNG for images with transparency. Tools like TinyPNG can compress images without losing quality. Additionally, consider using responsive images to ensure they display correctly on all devices. After all, no one likes a webpage that looks like it’s stuck in the 90s!

Minimizing HTTP Requests

Every element on your webpage (like scripts, stylesheets, and images) requires an HTTP request. The more requests your page makes, the longer it takes to load. Combine CSS and JavaScript files where possible and reduce the number of images on your page. Think of this as decluttering your home; less clutter means easier access to what you need.

Utilizing Browser Caching

Browser caching allows browsers to store copies of your site’s files locally. This means that when users revisit your site, it loads faster because they don’t have to download everything again. Set an expiration date for your cache to ensure users get the latest version without compromising speed. It’s like having a VIP pass that lets frequent visitors skip the line!

Implementing Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) helps deliver your content to users based on their geographic location. By distributing your content across multiple servers, a CDN reduces latency and speeds up loading times. It’s like having delivery trucks stationed all over the world, ensuring your products reach customers faster.

Minifying CSS, JavaScript, and HTML

Minification is the process of removing unnecessary characters from code without affecting its functionality. This reduces file sizes and improves load times. There are several tools available, like UglifyJS for JavaScript and CSSNano for CSS. Think of it as cleaning up your desk—removing the clutter makes it easier to find what you need!

Optimizing Your Website’s Code

A clean, efficient codebase contributes significantly to website speed. Avoid inline styles and excessive comments in your code. Additionally, regularly review your code for any outdated scripts or unnecessary plugins. It’s like tuning your car; regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.

The Role of Mobile Optimization

With more users accessing websites on mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is crucial. A responsive design adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes, improving user experience. Google also prioritizes mobile-first indexing, meaning a well-optimized mobile site can boost your rankings. Imagine your website as a chameleon—able to adapt and thrive in any environment!

Regularly Updating Your Website

Keeping your website updated ensures you benefit from the latest performance improvements and security patches. Regular updates help prevent slowdowns and vulnerabilities. It’s like regularly servicing your vehicle to keep it in top condition.

Monitoring Website Performance

Regularly monitor your website’s performance using the tools mentioned earlier. This will help you identify new issues as they arise and address them promptly. Setting up alerts can keep you informed about performance drops, ensuring you can take action before users are affected.

Common Speed Optimization Tools

Numerous tools can assist with website speed optimization, including:

GTmetrix: Offers detailed performance reports and recommendations.

Google PageSpeed Insights: Provides insights and suggestions tailored to your site.

WebPageTest: Tests your site from various locations and browsers.

Pingdom: Monitors uptime and performance.

Using these tools can help you maintain a fast and reliable website.

When to Hire a Top-Notch Website Developer

While many optimization techniques can be done independently, sometimes it’s best to hire a professional. If you’re not confident in your technical skills or simply lack the time, a top-notch website developer can implement advanced optimizations effectively. They can ensure that your website runs like a well-oiled machine, allowing you to focus on your business.

Conclusion

Optimizing your website for speed and performance is an ongoing process that requires attention and action. From understanding the importance of a fast website to choosing the right hosting service, every step contributes to a better user experience. Whether you decide to tackle these optimizations yourself or hire a custom website developer, remember that speed is essential in keeping your visitors engaged and satisfied.

FAQs

What is website speed, and why is it important? Website speed refers to how quickly a webpage loads. It's crucial because faster websites improve user experience and can boost search engine rankings.

How can I measure my website speed? You can measure your website speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Pingdom.

What are some common ways to improve website speed? Common methods include optimizing images, minimizing HTTP requests, using browser caching, and implementing a CDN.

When should I consider hiring a website developer? Consider hiring a developer if you're not confident in your technical skills or need advanced optimizations that require expertise.

How often should I monitor my website's performance? Regular monitoring is essential. Check your website performance at least once a month, or set up alerts for real-time updates on any significant drops.