#commission-based income

[multisnapshott]

How to Make Money from Affiliate Marketing: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, making money online has become more accessible than ever, and affiliate marketing stands out as one of the most popular and lucrative methods. Whether you’re a blogger, a social media influencer, or just someone looking to earn a side income, affiliate marketing offers a way to monetize your audience without needing to create your own products. But how exactly does it…

[batz]

why cant they make heat miser snow miser figures or plushes that dont look Oh So Terrible i stg its all funko.

heat misers been a fav since like 2017 and i have 0 merch of him which is kind of unheard of when it comes 2 my favs. i usually end up with at least like, a sticker or smthn

[setaflow]

A friend is trying very hard to convince me to start donating plasma (he gets a referral bonus if he signs someone up) and ngl the idea of using it to pay for less important things like books and art commissions is appealing if only for the fact that I get to say "Yeah I'm paying for this with blood money"

[spadefish]

hay i saw ur tag on the insurance post and im not sure what type of T injection u want (cypionate, ethanate, etcetc) but with a goodrx coupon even a full 1ml dose supply for 3 months of cypionate is like 70 bucks maximum. when my insurance was being annoying abt prior auth i was paying 30ish for my .4ml dose

I technically DID find a coupon that would make it fifty, but I make very little money and genuinely cannot afford an extra $50 a month bill. My insurance IS full coverage when it decides something is worth covering, so if gel is $0 and shots are $50, I'm going to stick with the gel even if it's less effective. I do appreciate the info though!!

[cozypups]

my everything hurts, i am home and showered and just finished eating.............. and i was dreading tomorrow because i had a second interview for this like, sketchy at&t job but my mom luckily came in clutch and said it didn't sit well with her and so now i don't have to go and i can relax thankfully hrhrhgh

[webhostpros]

Joining an Affiliate Network

Selecting the Right Network

Setting Up Your Affiliate Profile

Running Paid Advertising Campaigns

Crafting Effective Ad Copy

Measuring Ad Performance

Engaging with Affiliate Communities

Finding Supportive Networks

Sharing and Learning Best Practices

Engaging with affiliate communities is a two-way street where sharing and learning best practices play a crucial role. As a member, actively contribute by sharing your experiences, insights, and successful strategies. This not only establishes you as a valuable community member but also encourages others to share their knowledge with you. Participate in discussions, webinars, and workshops hosted by these communities to gain diverse perspectives and keep abreast of evolving trends. Learning from experienced marketers can introduce you to innovative techniques and tools that can enhance your campaigns. Likewise, sharing your challenges can lead to collective problem-solving and new ideas. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. By actively participating, you not only enhance your own understanding but also contribute to the growth of the community, creating a supportive ecosystem that benefits all members in their affiliate marketing endeavors.

[chipjrwibignaturals]

I have a final round interview today and weirdly I’m like…. nervous I’ll GET the job????? like yes I very badly want employment but this job is. not great. I’m not sure I want it

[gooalpostworld]

Effective Strategies for Driving Traffic to Your Affiliate Links

Driving traffic to your affiliate links is essential for affiliate marketing success. Here are some effective strategies to help you increase traffic to your affiliate links: Content Marketing: Create valuable and relevant content that appeals to your target audience. This could include blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, and more. Focus on providing solutions to your audience’s problems…

[ranoshfamily]

🚨Emergency🚨

Help Rana’s family toleave Gaza before it too late

Hello humanities 🤗🤗

Please read this as if I'm a member of your family . maybe your sister, daughter or a friend and as if my family who's under death now is yours.

"I am a computer Engineer and Mom for 3 children from Gaza , Rana Hassan Alabsi, with a strong ambition and perseverance. Over the past 10 years, I've worked tirelessly, I've dedicated myself to my family, working hard, planning, building my career. Despite facing challenges, I became a well-known professional engineer in Gaza.

 

Unfortunately, my life has been upside down since Oct ,Since that particular day, thousands of innocent lives have been lost in Gaza, many of innocent people lost their works and the only source of income like me.

Me and my childrens 1 of them, he is10 years old with downsyndrom and need a safer place and health care to still a live, left our home under the continuous bombardment and artillery strikes, on foot, without carrying with us our personal supplies, clothes, or Even our money, heading from Gaza to Deir al-Balah. There in Deir al-Balah we lived the most difficult days of our lives in a shelter with scarce resources, sleeping on the ground.

Without covers, without drinking a healthy water, then we moved to Khan Yunis after the intensification of the strikes and bombing, Then we moved to Rafah in the hope that we would find safety there or find a way out of Gaza to a safe place that we dream of for the future of our children,Let us live a happy, safe life for us and our children, and keep them away from all this pain, destruction, and siege, and spare them from the miserable future that will await them if the situation continues as it is in Gaza.

I come to you with a heavy heart and an urgent call for help. My family are currently caught in the war in Gaza, facing the harsh reality of an escalating crisis. The situation is dire, and I am reaching out for your support to facilitate their safe passage to Egypt. In this moment of desperation, I share the situation where it has taken a toll on their well-being.

This urgent plea is not only for their safety but also for the health of my son, who is facing serious conditions that demand immediate attention.

My family is trapped in an environment where access to necessary medical care is severely limited. The escalating crisis compounds the urgency, especially considering my son's health conditions. Time is of the essence, and we are in a race against it to get him the vital medication and care he desperately needs.

My loved childrens are in a situation beyond their control. The fear in their eyes and the desperation in their hearts are indescribable. I implore you to be a beacon of hope for them, to be the force that guides them to safety. To be honest, the journey to safety comes with a significant financial burden.

We need the money to cover practical costs of transportation, documentation, a place to stay and shelter in and other essentials required for a safe crossing to Egypt. And so that they can take care of other needs once they cross safely. As of late April the evacuation fee ranges between $8,000 and $10,000 per person, before processing and transport fees, and we will pay the higher end of the range since Hayde doesn't have passport. Me and my family asking for 50,000$ based on the following breakdown: an evacuation fee at the Egyptian border of $8,000 - $10,000 per person , $4500 - $5000 per children as each day there is a different price for evacuation fee at the Egyptian border, plus a processing fee of $2,000 per person, $2,000 for transportation, and a 2.9% commission fee.

Any amount raised beyond the total will be used to supplement me & my family lives as refugees in Egypt. Your donation, no matter how small, will make an impact. You will be contributing to getting my family to safety. The funds will be used transparently and every dollar will go towards securing our evacuation.

Please share this campaign widely to help us reach our goal and bring my family to safety. Your support means more than you can imagine and I am incredibly grateful for any assistance you can provide during this challenging time. Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can make change and help my family find the safety and security they need".

instagram account : @help_my2024

My sweaty home before 7th oct

After 7th Oct

Vetted by:

Thank you very much 🌸🌸

@importantt-reblogs , see the Vetted Link

[globalnewscollective]

Trump’s Purge of the FTC: The Dismantling of Consumer Protections and the Rule of Law

What’s at Stake?

In a shocking and blatantly illegal move, Donald Trump has fired Democratic-appointed officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), violating longstanding norms and potentially breaching federal law. By unlawfully purging the agency of opposition, Trump is not only undermining consumer rights but also attacking the very foundation of democratic governance. This unprecedented action sets a dangerous precedent for the executive branch to override legal safeguards and seize unchecked power.

Why This Should Terrify You

The FTC is a regulatory body designed to operate independently, ensuring that corporate power does not override consumer protection. By illegally dismissing commissioners who were lawfully appointed, Trump is gutting the agency’s ability to function fairly. Here’s why this is a direct threat to democracy:

It’s a Violation of the Law – FTC commissioners serve fixed terms and cannot be removed without cause. Trump’s move is a blatant disregard for legal norms and an unconstitutional power grab.

Big Business Gets Free Reign – Without an independent FTC, corporations can exploit consumers without fear of regulation.

Silencing Opposition – Removing officials based on political affiliation erodes democratic checks and balances, turning regulatory agencies into authoritarian tools.

Monopolies Will Thrive – Tech giants and corporate behemoths will have fewer checks on their power, leading to price hikes, reduced competition, and worse conditions for workers and consumers alike.

Why This Matters to You

This isn’t just about Washington politics; it’s about your everyday life. If Trump gets away with this illegal power grab, it sets a precedent for him—or any future president—to ignore the law whenever it suits them. If the FTC becomes a rubber-stamp agency for corporate greed, you will feel the impact:

Higher Prices – Without regulation, companies can increase costs on everything from groceries to healthcare.

Fewer Consumer Protections – Companies engaging in fraud or deceptive practices will face little accountability.

More Surveillance and Data Exploitation – Tech companies will have fewer restrictions on how they use and sell your personal data.

This is particularly dangerous for young people and low-income communities, who rely on regulatory protections to ensure fair economic opportunities and prevent corporate abuse.

The Bigger Picture

Trump’s move isn’t just about the FTC—it’s part of a broader effort to dismantle democratic institutions and consolidate power. This echoes tactics used in authoritarian regimes, where leaders remove independent oversight and install loyalists to control every aspect of governance. If left unchecked, this could extend to other agencies, eroding the very fabric of American democracy.

By blatantly disregarding the law to fire FTC officials, Trump is signaling that he believes he is above legal constraints. If he can ignore these rules without consequences, what stops him from undermining election results, bypassing Congress, or silencing dissenting voices in the judiciary?

What Can You Do?

Stay Informed – Follow news on regulatory agencies and corporate influence.

Support Consumer Advocacy Groups – Organizations fighting for fair trade and consumer rights need public support.

Vote for Leaders Who Defend the Rule of Law – Elections determine who has the power to hold corporations—and presidents—accountable.

Raise Awareness – The more people know about this illegal power grab, the harder it will be for Trump to get away with it.

Demand Accountability – Pressure lawmakers to challenge Trump’s unlawful actions and take legal action if necessary.

Trump’s purge of the FTC is not just a direct assault on consumer protections—it is a brazen attack on democracy itself. If we don’t act now, the consequences will be felt for generations to come.

[theambitiouswoman]

15 ways to diversify your income & take control of your financial future:

1. Start a side hustle

💻 Freelancing: Offer services like writing, graphic design or virtual assistance

📦 E-commerce: Sell products on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon

📸 Content creation: Monetize social media through brand partnerships or affiliate marketing

2. Invest in assets

🏡 Real estate: Buy rental properties or invest in REITs

📈 Stocks and bonds: Build a diversified investment portfolio

💎 Crypto or precious metals: Explore alternative investments

3. Create passive income

📚 Digital products: Write an eBook, create an online course or sell templates

🎥 YouTube channel: Earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and memberships

📊 Affiliate marketing: Partner with brands to earn a commission on referrals

4. Start a business

👗 Product based business: Create and sell your own brand of beauty, fashion or wellness products

🛠️ Service based business: Start consulting, coaching, or offering niche services

5. Build Your personal brand

💼 Public speaking: Get paid for sharing your expertise

🎤 Podcasting: Monetize through sponsorships or exclusive content

6. Invest in education

📖 Upskill: Learn high demand skills that increase your earning potential

👩‍🏫 Teach: Offer paid workshops or mentoring programs

[historiawon]

WHILE THE IRON IS HOT

You, Rafayel's bodyguard, ask if you can commission him to sketch your next tattoo.

Based on this post. Can also be found on AO3 :)

Tags: gender neutral reader, getting closer (professionally as well as casually), reader is NOT an artist, rafayel is NOT a numbers guy, bickering, close proximity, lots of eye contact

Kindly read under the cut!

They say, ‘Strike when the iron is hot.’

The mantra repeats excessively in your mind as you watch over Rafayel, the person who employed you as his bodyguard. Because the current chances of Wanderers attacking the Mo Art Studio is low (never zero), you give your mind permission to wander. A little. Just a little.

Your mind wanders as far as a few weeks ago: the request at the tip of your tongue. That will later be inked to your skin.

As they say, ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ You’re standing a few feet away from a brilliant artist. This is your chance.

You cough. “Excuse me.”  

“I have a name,” Rafayel says, as he brushes past you to rummage through his box of tools. He takes out a scraper.

“Right. Rafayel?”  

“What’s up?” He returns to his stool.

“I have a question, and please indulge me: what do you think about doing commissions?”

“Commissions?” Rafayel repeats, as he scrapes the dried pigment off the canvas. “Like, other people paying me to paint for them?”

“Yes.” 

Rafayel raises an eyebrow at you for a split-second before returning his attention back on the painting. He calculates a precise location before scraping again. “In your dreams. I don’t paint for anyone. I don’t even speed up my painting process for Thomas, even if he asked.”

“Even if it will earn you extra income?”

“And extra work! I already work hard enough to finish original pieces as they are.”

You nod and remember the instances of him submitting a painting late. “True. I suppose that your original works already earn enough to support you. . . and Thomas, ‘cause you pay him,” and me, as your bodyguard, you add as an afterthought. Wait, does he even pay me?

(You make a mental note to clarify that later; you have a more pressing concern right now.)

Slowly, Rafayel puts down his scraper and turns towards you. “You want me to paint something for you, is that it?”

“Hm.” You try to be vague. “No, I was just curious.”

“No, you’re not ‘just curious.’ There’s a follow-up question to it; I know.”

Silence hangs in the air as the two of you exchange a prolonged and loaded eye contact. Your breath hitches at the full attention. His pupils glance at your throat before looking back at your eyes.

Y/N, I know, his gaze seems to say.

Your steady look asks: You know?

With a nod, Rafayel’s expectant gaze answers, Try me.

We’re going off topic, Rafayel.  

“Ha! You blinked first!” He exclaims in victory then raises a hand as if to stop you from opening your mouth. “Yes, Y/N, I know a staring contest wasn’t what we were doing. But I know you have a follow-up question.”

“I do, but I was planning to take this slow. I know we have…” you gesture to the space between the two of you, “professional boundaries. I’m not in the position to ask for commission requests yet. It’s not even open.”

“So considerate,” Rafayel teases, but his gaze on you softens. “That’s cute.”

“Still, right?”

His ears flush pink, like he can’t believe what just happened. In a snap, he changes back to his usual self and touches his ear. “Just shoot your shot. Time will pass whether you ask me now or later.”

“My follow-up question was about if I can avail your services for an art commission. You can just draw; no colors. I’ll pay. What’s your price?”

“Assuring me straight up that you’ll pay? I like that in a customer!”

“We’re going off topic, Rafayel.”  

“Hey! What’s with the accusatory tone?” He says as he rubs his ears. The pink turns to red. “You’re no different. You went on a roundabout way just to ask me for a piece! You can just say,” he straightens his posture—highly reminiscent of your current posture that was earned from your job as a hunter—and imitates your tone, “‘Hey, Raf, can you make this for me? I’ll pay!’ Simple. Done.”

You break character and scoff. He chuckles at your reaction.

“Yes, but that was more of an opening rather than ‘off-topic.’ I’d rather know if you accept commissions or not before I ask you.”

“Why?”

“It’s polite.”

You bite back a grin when he makes a face. He apparently notices the way you hold back a smile—he glances at your mouth once and his ears turn red. Again. Redder than that dried pigment he’s been scraping off. “Whatever. I can be polite.”

“I’m not saying you aren’t.”

“It was implied,” he whined.

You adjust your expression back to a more neutral and respectful one to stay on track of the topic.

“So, how much will a sketch cost?”

“Hmm,” he looks at the ceiling and puts a finger under his jaw, which stains his skin with color. He seems too used to it to bother reacting. “Given that I’ve earned my spot in the industry, it would be, I don’t know. . . a lot?”

“Right. Do you have an exact amount?”

“Oh, cutie, I gotta be honest with you…” Eyes on the canvas, Rafayel scrunches his face with some hard-to-decipher smile. He picks up his scraper and scrapes off a small piece of dried pigment in the corner of the piece. A huge chunk of dried powder falls out. Yikes. “I don’t really know much about the numbers aspect. Will you bother Thomas with a hypothetical question? Don’t tell him I’m considering to give you a commission! I don’t wanna deal with his lectures.”

You make a mental note.

“Sure. I will do that. Do you want me to pay you directly? Since I imagine the price will be a lot, I can pay you in installments, if you accept.”

“Wow,” he drawls, tone impressed, “You thought this through.”

“Mm. I’m serious about this.”

Rafayel’s adam’s apple moves as he fixes his gaze at the canvas with intensity. “I’ll decide depending on the drawing. What do you want me to sketch?”

You imagine your budget, yet again. “Depends on the price.”

“Y/N,” he drawls. “We’re going in circles! Off-topic!”

“I was hoping you would sketch a tattoo for me.”

At that, Rafayel whips his head towards you so fast. The crack of his neck is loud enough for you to feel bad.

“What?” He asks, voice hoarse.

“Is your neck OK—”

“For—forget my neck. Off-topic,” he repeats, with his eyes almost teary on you. “Repeat what you said.”

“A tattoo. Just a small one. Under my ear.” At his stunned silence, you continue, “Well, it’s not every day that I can talk to a talented artist. I’m taking my chances and I’ll pay you, I promise. If I’m unable to pay it in full, then you can take money off my sala—”

“You—you want me to draw a tattoo?”

“Yes. For me.”

“I’ll draw it? Are you sure?” he almost chokes on his words.

“Yes, it would be an honor.”

“’An honor’—oh my god. No, it would be an honor to me. Not to you, to me.” Rafayel fans himself with his collar. “Wha—what—what kind of tattoo?”

“I was thinking of a sunset.” You feel a little unprepared at Rafayel’s reaction. His eyes are wide and mouth agape. No amount of spotlight could top the nerve-wracking feeling of someone’s full attention on you. “Like… I don’t know how that would look good, but… preferably, uh, you know those sketches that are made in a continuous line? Like that?”

“Yes.”

“Yes,” you repeat. “Does that look good? Any professional, artistic opinion?”

“Whatever you want,” his voice cracks again. You wince. “It’s a tattoo, silly. It’s supposed to be personal.”

“The mere subject is personal. I don’t mind much about the artistic style it takes to get inked on me, as long as it fits the way I look.”

“On your neck, huh…” he mutters. “I’ll help. Let’s make it perfect.”

A pause. Rafayel stands up from his stool and tears off a piece of paper from a sketchbook. “Uh, you might want to sketch what was in your mind. Then I will modify it, if you’re unsatisfied with what you made.”

“I just said I don’t mind ab—”

“A tattoo is personal. You should draw and I’ll check.”

You wave your hands away from the paper. “Ah, no! I already tried. I’m bad at drawing. That is why I need your help.”

Rafayel avoids your gaze and leaves the paper on the stool. “OK, um, I’ll be back. Let me wash my hands first—”

“You don’t have to do it now—” you say, but the man is already brushing past you to wash his pigment-stained hands (and face). He belatedly locks the bathroom door behind him, and you can hear muffled screams from where you are standing.

What’s up with him? You wonder. Is this what happens when you strike a hot iron? You didn’t think you would go this far.

_

Rafayel returns as if you didn’t hear his muffled screaming. “Who’s gonna do your tattoo?”

“I found a tattoo shop at Linkon city. They said we’re allowed to bring designs of our own.”

He shifts his weight onto one foot and crosses his arms. “And you think they can imitate my genius?”

“I hope they can,” you indulge him a compliment. His ears flush pink—you can see it with the short distance between the two of you.

“How much is it?” You ask again. “Hey, does asking for your opinion have a price?”

“Geez. Why do you keep asking me about money and prices? I literally said I’m not a numbers guy. Don’t go back to the circle, Y/N.” He widens his eyes at you.

“I don’t know; you might be similar to a legal counselor. Don’t they charge clients per session?”

“We’re going off-topic, Y/N,” he says in exasperation. “I don’t know about other artists, but I’m not charging you for asking. Actually, you know what? Pay me with a favor instead. Don’t ask Thomas about a price! You’re commissioning me with a favor!”

The mental note in your head falls down like a ripped-out post-it. “Oh, OK! Thanks?”

“And no, my opinion is for free. You might never ask me for it again if I said it costs something.”

You shrug. “Possibly.”

“So let’s—” Rafayel looks around the room. “Sit down. Your legs must ache from standing all afternoon.”

You sit down on the couch he gestures to. It’s a little relieving on the leg area. Meanwhile, Rafayel tugs his collar with a nervous swallow as he sits next to you. In his hands are two pencils and an eraser shaped like an octopus.

“So, sunset?” He asks awkwardly.

You look at his eyes and smile. “Yes. Sunset.”

“OK. Sunset.”

“Uh-huh. Sunset. Should I get the paper you ripped earlier? And the sketchbook so it can be on top of something?” You say with hands already outstretched.

“So chivalrous,” he teases, but the frown on his face makes the teasing come off as awkward. You playfully scoff to avoid embarrassing him. “Yes. Please start.”

With the paper and sketchbook on your lap, you draw the first line.

The second. The third.

Then regret it.

“Yikes.”

“Hm?”

When you look at Rafayel, he no longer looks flustered. Replacing his awkward eyes is an intense, focused gaze. You instinctively cover the “drawing” with your palm, but Rafayel’s warm fingers pulls it back.

“This will be my tattoo.” You try to avoid feeling awkward.

He studies the drawing for a few beats. Then intently at your neck.

“Press your ear like this. I want to see the space where this will go.”

Awkwardly, you turn your head and press your ear forward to fold it.

“Is it this ear?”

“Yes.”

“Portrait?”

“Yes, portrait. I want it to be visible.”

You hold the pose for a few more seconds. Rafayel’s silence is making you feel more and more flustered. He exhales, mind in mid-thought.

“What do you think? As an artist?”

“I won’t answer that,” he says earnestly, “but do you want me to change it?”

“Please,” you whisper. “I mean, that’s what the entire conversation earlier was about, anyway. A talented artist to draw my tattoo. Hopefully.”

“I’ll make a few suggestions.”

Rafayel does not take the paper on the sketchbook away from your lap. Instead, he uses the second pencil and draws on it.

This is weird.

The warmness that radiates from him—from his close proximity with you—feels quite comforting. You suddenly remember the mattress of the bed when you used to live with Grandma. It just… it felt nice. You feel your upper body lose its tension.

Plus, you can see the violet strands of his hair up close. It’s a pretty color. Maybe violet will be your favorite color, from now on.

“Here, check this out—”

You snap out of your thoughts, but you do not make it obvious.

Rafayel created two sample tattoos, following at least two of the three lines you drew. It seems like the base for his modification drawings.

“What do you think?”

Your heart starts thumping in your chest like a lion in its cage. There’s a… there’s a rush of excitement in your stomach and in your throat. This is pretty. This is genius. Rafayel is able to turn something amateur into something great and you can’t help but be amazed. “That’s infinitely better, wow!”

“Are you sure? We can do better than that. I mean, this one’s stroke is out of line…”

“Sure, but these are pretty as they are! I must owe you a huge favor for this ‘commission,’ right?”

Something changes in Rafayel’s eyes. He looks a little sheepish. “Actually.”

“Yes?”

“I know what favor to ask of you now.”

“Tell me. Strike while the iron’s hot,” strike while we’re on the topic!

“How open are you to having me as your tattoo artist?”

[velvetwyrms]

Quiet in-between-times on holiday together 💖 Laios you’re loosing. Laio— forget it, he’s too lovestruck he can’t hear smh.

Based on one of my favourite music videos, which you should all give a watch for good vibes and sweet music, I’m obsessed with the bridge and have been for years.

Bonus tiny piano chil:

Btw, an important update: I’m going to be opening sketch commissions much like these from July-onwards, which will become a very important part of my income. I’d appreciate if you could reblog to spread the word & my hard work in general! 💖💖💖

[charon-cries]

commissions open!

cashapp only!

commissions are open, and will be open so long as this post still claims them to be open (it will be edited if they close). this is currently my only source of income, so i'd greatly appreciate being considered if you're looking to have some art made <3 prices are per character! they may vary slightly based on pose or design complexity

bust/icon:

$10 uncolored

$15 flat colors

$25 rendered

half-body

$30 uncolored

$40 flat colors

$45 rendered

full-body

$50 uncolored

$55 flat colors

$65 rendered

i'm willing to draw suggestive art (if the commissioner is an adult) as well as gore, but no genitalia. potential background prices can be discussed!! some feral animals are okay (particularly birds, fish, and most dogs are fine. feel welcome to ask!)

no mech/heavy armor (light armor is just fine). no anthro.

[carriesthewind]

"The problem, however, is that the city’s chatbot is telling businesses to break the law....

If you’re a landlord wondering which tenants you have to accept, for example, you might pose a question like, “are buildings required to accept section 8 vouchers?” or “do I have to accept tenants on rental assistance?” In testing by The Markup, the bot said no, landlords do not need to accept these tenants. Except, in New York City, it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate by source of income, with a minor exception for small buildings where the landlord or their family lives...

The NYC bot also appeared clueless about the city’s consumer and worker protections. For example, in 2020, the City Council passed a law requiring businesses to accept cash to prevent discrimination against unbanked customers. But the bot didn’t know about that policy when we asked. “Yes, you can make your restaurant cash-free,” the bot said in one wholly false response. “There are no regulations in New York City that require businesses to accept cash as a form of payment.”

The bot said it was fine to take workers’ tips (wrong, although they sometimes can count tips toward minimum wage requirements) and that there were no regulations on informing staff about scheduling changes (also wrong). It didn’t do better with more specific industries, suggesting it was OK to conceal funeral service prices, for example, which the Federal Trade Commission has outlawed. Similar errors appeared when the questions were asked in other languages, The Markup found."

Kathryn Tewson is stress-testing the bot over on bluesky and has found it will provide some truly horrifying responses:

[adieutristana]

Could I request a poor reader x mel where they met by chance after eveything that had happen she is a low tier soldier but very skilled and smart. Like they met on a secret spot no one goes to but them. And when they go on a date an mel tries to pay reader snatches the payment and slams her payments instead and giving back her payment. Saying like i ask you, why are you paying and just let that conversation flow

you've got it! thank you for the request <3

summary: low-ranking, poor fem! soldier and mel medarda going on a date. mel insists on paying, and things unfold from there.

characters included: mel medarda

tags/warnings: mentions of war/combat, fluff, slight bickering?

men dni.

the life of a soldier is an isolating one. the life of a low-income soldier, even more so.

each day is similar to the last, but you keep your head up regardless. you follow orders, you keep your eyes out for danger, and you adapt to the rapidly changing climate.

despite being poor, your smarts are unparalleled by your fellow soldiers. escape routes, timelines of attack, defense planning, and emergency responses all fall on your shoulders. you’re a sharp shooter and with an even sharper mind- which makes you one of piltover’s most valuable warriors.

there was only so much one person could take, though. you had your limits, your weaknesses and trials. when the battlefield and bases felt like too much, you had a spot in the outskirts of piltover to yourself. a humble hideaway with vines crawling up the walls and murky water, but a hideaway nonetheless. it had a strange charm to it.

when called into a council meeting, you knew what you were getting into. kind of. everyone in both the top and bottom side knew of the council, but few had been there to witness them in action. so to say that you were intrigued would be an understatement. what an opportunity. and when you finally arrived in the council room, one of the women caught your eye.

a woman who you assumed to be mel medarda. a tall woman whose very presence was radiant, her eyes bright and voice airy. gold jewelry and eye makeup catching the light every time she tilted her head in intrigue. she was enchanting, a sorceress in her own way. casting a spell on you without even knowing.

and then she made eye contact with you, from across the room.

your breath caught in your throat as you thought of what to do. should you smile at her? wave? no, surely that’s unbefitting of a soldier- a salute. no, she’s not a war general. so you settle for simply staring at her, eyes blown wide. in awe of her beauty.

it isn’t until after the council meeting, when you’re stood grouped with your colleagues that you’re stopped by the woman.

“might i borrow you for a moment?” she asks, motioning to an empty room nearby.

you gulp and nod as your palms begin to grow clammy. trying to conceal any hint of anxiety that you may have.

when you and mel step into the empty room, you swear you could hear a pin drop. it’s dry and light, the clicking sound of mel’s heels making their way towards you the only thing occupying the space.

“i see someone couldn’t keep their eyes off of me for the entirety of a meeting.”

mel begins, crossing her arms over a chest. however, she doesn’t look peeved or put-off, rather… intrigued.

“my apologies, miss…”

“medarda.”

“miss medarda. i didn’t mean for my eyes to linger, i promise you.”

internally, your mind is a wreck. this woman could put you out of commission for staring at her- what if you had gone too far? what if she saw it was rude? but you kept your eyes locked with hers. you had been used to putting on a brave face on the battlefield. you could do it now for a noblewoman.

“you didn’t offend me. quite the opposite,”

mel began, her glossy lips curling into the slightest smile.

“it intrigued me. you aren’t the first person to gaze at me with such… infatuation, but you are by far the most interesting.”

she states. she’s now fully smiling and hums in contentment. confidence is practically oozing from her, her every breath and word a work of art. it’s admirable. you feel heat rise to your face and your clammy hands now clench by your sides. where exactly was mel going with this?

“what are you trying to say, miss medarda?”

you asked. your voice uncertain and full of concern.

“i’m trying to say that you’ve caught my eye, soldier. that’s all.”

“…that’s all?”

you reply. you can’t fully comprehend what just happened. mel medarda, noblewoman, most wealthy and respected woman in piltover taking a liking to you? a low-class soldier? 'bizarre' is the only word that you can think of to describe your current predicament. mel ponders for a moment, her cheek in her palm and looking up... at a corner of the room. it's as if she's anticipating something from you, and you can tell that this isn't the end of your interaction with the councilor.

but in this light, you can see even more of mel. up-close and personal. her smooth skin, the shine of the gold adorning her locs (you didn't even want to imagine the price of it), the way her eyes intentionally linger on you. you'd be lying to yourself if you tried to say that she didn't intrigue you at the very least. and what came out of your mouth next surprised even you.

"would you like to accompany me to a meal sometime, miss medarda?"

mel's lips extended into a knowing smile while her hands clasped at her lap.

"i would be delighted to."

it seems that that is the question mel was anticipating. curse her, she had a way of getting what she wanted. but you weren't particularly complaining.

so now, you're in your spot in the outskirts of piltover, side-by-side with the councilwoman. wearing a hooded cloak as to remain discreet, she's listing off a number of local restaurants. all fine-dining. all high-ranked, and all expensive. yet the more mel spoke, the more you grew to admire her. to like her. if you had to break the bank for somebody like her, so be it.

mel spoke with a reserved disposition to you. she swore secrecy before getting to the actual ate. you tried to ask her questions- about her upbringing, her goals, her wishes, about her plans for the near future, but she declined to answer all of them. you could ask all the questions you liked over dinner. with a squeeze of your hand and her head resting on your shoulder, she knew all of the right words to say.

so when you finally decided on a restaurant, you were quickly in your quarters finding the money to pay for the both of you. you had it, but it would undoubtedly leave a dent in your funds. did it matter, though? you'd make it back, after all... as long as things went well in the ranks. you tried to focus on how elated you were to have captured the attention of a woman so intriguing as mel medarda. you were still unsure as to exactly what it was about you that held her attention. why wouldn't mel want another noble, or perhaps a scholar? but you weren't in the place to have questions. you were just happy that her intrigue was yours.

when you sat down at your table in a dimly-lit, spacious restaurant in piltover, you felt the energy immediately. couples and families surrounded you, lost in their own worlds of conversation and affection. candles were placed in the center of every table, with the light smell of hibiscus flowers filling the warm air. it was like stepping into an entirely different world.

"i didn't keep you waiting long, did i?"

you heard behind you. you swore you jumped out of your skin for a moment- the familiar voice alarming, but you tried to hide this as you turned around to face your date.

"my apologies. i didn't mean to startle you."

she gave a cheeky smile. mel wore a white dress not far off from her usual attire, but with intricate embroidery and a golden choker-necklace. it looked beautiful, she looked beautiful. mel slowly sat down, sweeping her skirt underneath her and resting her elbows on the table. her chin in her folded hands.

after ordering a round of champagne for the pair of you, mel took an inhale in, before breaking the silence.

"so, soldier, what brought you to the council room last week?"

she had an eyebrow raised, and a curious yet somehow playful air to her.

"i was assigned to be there with a few other soldiers to oversee a council meeting. i was told it was important to understand our political climate."

you explained, champagne glass in hand. mel nodded along attentively, occasionally taking sips of her own while speaking to you.

"well, observing is certainly a very effective method of learning. but that doesn't explain why you couldn't seem to take your eyes off of me for the entirety of the discussion."

oh, curse mel. was that question a setup? surely, but she kept such a sweet smile while saying it. you averted your gaze in slight embarrassment, then finally heard mel's light chuckle.

"i'm only teasing, (y/n). don't mind me."

you silently pouted, but didn't have long to think over your date's words as your food arrived.

"you're just... that kind of woman, i guess. obviously very beautiful, but you have this way of talking. you're very knowledgeable and very sensible. it seems as if you genuinely do have the best interest of piltover in mind when making decisions, and that's more than i can say for some of the other councilors.”

you pause and take a sip of your champagne, then resume eating. the air is lively with the environment of the restaurant; yet mel only traces her now-empty champagne glass rim with the tip of her finger.

“you’ve clearly put some thought into this, (y/n).”

she softly chuckles.

“i’ll answer your questions, then. i come from noxus, but was sent here as a teenager to rule. i’ve achieved many of my goals, one of my most prominent being offered a chair at the council. however, i wish to make piltover a more… safe, and welcoming city. i wish for better for the undercity. i wish for sanctuary for all of our people.”

she ends her sentence while holding direct eye contact with you, her head slightly falling to the side. mel has finished her meal and you’ve almost finished yours- and you spend a few more moments talking about your daily lives, your own upbringing, what you’ve accomplished, the like.

and when it comes time to pay the bill, your eyes nearly pop out of your head.

holy shit.

it was about what you were expecting, but you brought just the right amount. for one meal?

but mel is already one step ahead of you, placing down a sizable sum. your hand flies to clasp over hers, shoving it back.

“no, i asked you here. let me pay.”

“i don’t mind-”

“i said, ‘let me pay.’” you affirm, your voice low.

you take out your leather-bound wallet and put the payment down.

“(y/n), really, i don’t mind.” she reassures you, gently placing her hand over yours.

“i asked you. let me take care of it, mel. i understand you’re a wealthy woman, but i can hold my own.”

mel’s gaze averts. “i didn’t intend to imply otherwise.”

mel’s hand still atop yours, you softly intertwine your calloused fingers with hers. a soft smile and your voice warm.

“mel, i had a great time today. thank you for trying to help, but i’ve got it this time.”

mel’s demeanor shifts into a more relaxed one the moment your fingers intertwine and she hears your words. she playfully shakes her head and sighs.

“what will i do with you?”

she teases, her free hand coming to playfully shove your shoulder.

“take me out next time?”

“deal.”