#digital payment market share

[bitnest]

In the current rapidly evolving digital currency market, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are redefining the shape of financial services with their unique advantages. Bit Loop, as a leading decentralized lending platform, not only provides a safe and transparent lending environment, but also opens up new passive income channels for users through its innovative sharing reward system.

Personal links and permanent ties: Create a stable revenue stream One of the core parts of Bit Loop is its recommendation system, which allows any user to generate a unique sharing link when they join the platform. This link is not only a “key” for users to join the Bit Loop, but also a tool for them to establish an offline network. It is worth noting that offline partners who join through this link are permanently tied to the recommender, ensuring that the sharer can continue to receive rewards from the offline partner’s activities.

Unalterable referral relationships: Ensure fairness and transparency A significant advantage of blockchain technology is the immutability of its data. In Bit Loop, this means that once a referral link and live partnership is established, the relationship is fixed and cannot be changed. This design not only protects the interests of recommenders, but also brings a stable user base and activity to the platform, while ensuring the fairness and transparency of transactions.

Automatically distribute rewards: Simplify the revenue process Another highlight of the Bit Loop platform is the ability for smart contracts to automatically distribute rewards. When the partner completes the circulation cycle, such as investment returns or loan payments, the smart contract automatically calculates and sends the corresponding percentage of rewards directly to the recommender’s wallet. This automatic reward distribution mechanism not only simplifies the process of receiving benefits, but also greatly improves the efficiency of capital circulation.

Privacy protection and security: A security barrier for funds All transactions and money flows are carried out on the blockchain, guaranteeing transparency and traceability of every operation. In addition, the use of smart contracts significantly reduces the risk of fraud and misoperation, providing a solid security barrier for user funds. Users can confidently invest and promote boldly, and enjoy the various conveniences brought by decentralized finance.

conclusion As decentralized finance continues to evolve, Bit Loop offers a new economic model through its unique recommendation system that enables users to enjoy highly secure and transparent financial services while also earning passive income by building and maintaining a personal network. Whether for investors seeking stable passive income or innovators looking to explore new financial possibilities through blockchain technology, Bit Loop provides a platform not to be missed.

[littlest-w01f]

Moonlight

"Spectrophilia" with:

Azriel x Reader

Kinktober 2024 Masterlist

Summary: No one sees him, no one feels him but you, and your mate is quite a jealous male over those who you can see

Cw: A little exhibition, public/semi public sex, fingering, groping, spanking, jealous Azriel, Smut 18+ MDNI

You felt an invisible presence brush against your skin as you walked through the crowded market square, sending shivers down your spine. She knew he was there, watching her every move with hungry eyes even if no one else could perceive his existence. your mysterious mate had always been possessive, his jealousy flaring whenever another male dared to look your way.

And you did like playing with him, As if on cue, a handsome vendor beckoned you over, flashing a charming smile. You returned the gesture politely before quickly averting your eyes, not wanting to provoke your unseen lover's wrath. Who you knew was always watching, you acted innocently, you did enjoy his jealousy, how he would touch you right in front of the males or females he deemed were flirting with you. How he would start pleasuring you randomly, to show you that you only belonged to him.

The crowd around you seemed oblivious to the tension between you and your unseen mate. His possessiveness was palpable, almost tangible. But you enjoyed this dance of cat and mouse, the thrill of teasing him, knowing he'd soon claim you as his own.

As you moved through the bustling market, the scent of fresh fruit mingled with the musky aroma wafting off you, the scent of night chilled mist belonging to your mate. A tantalizing blend of spices filled the air as vendors hawked their wares, but all you could focus on was the unspoken promise of pleasure awaited.

Your playful banter with the vendor drew a few chuckles from you, but you barely cared. Your heart raced at the thought of provoking your jealous mate further. The vendor's hands lingered a bit too long on the ripe peaches he offered.

You froze when you felt scared hands on your hips, pinching and groping you, your ghostly mate's voice a growl, "You're mine... y/n." Azriel trailed hot kisses down your neck, nipping and sucking at your sensitive flesh. "I won't share what's mine," he growled, his breath hot against your skin. "Not even for a moment."

Only you heard him, nodding along to the vendor quickly, making payment as you felt Azriel's phantom scarred hands slip through your skirt, not being restricted by fabric, caressing your inner thighs. His touch sent electric jolts straight to your core, making you squirm with need. The vendor's words faded into background noise as Azriel's digits brushed against your soaked folds directly.

"You're dripping wet already, my little tease," he purred, rubbing slow circles over your aching clit. "So eager for me to fill this greedy cunt." His other hand crept up to cup your breast, kneading the supple flesh through your bluse.

You bit back a moan, glad the gown you wore was of thick fabric so the way he felt up your body didn't know, your knees weakening under the dual assault of his skilful fingers and sinful mouth on your neck. Azriel pinched your nipple hard enough to make you gasp, drawing curious looks from nearby shoppers.

"Oh would you look at the time," You used as a cover-up, adjusting your rather modest dress as Azriel played with your body, unseen by everyone. "Please, pack my fruits faster. I should head home."

Azriel chuckled darkly, his touch becoming more insistent as he squeezed your breast harder, twisting your nipple mercilessly, wanting you to make more noise as he bit on your neck. He groaned softly at the warm, wet welcome he found around your cunt. "Your cunt is so fucking tight and ready for me," he hissed. "How do you stand being out here without me inside you?"

With practised ease, he slipped a finger inside your clenching walls, curling it upwards to hit that sweet spot that made you whimper and writhe, but you bit your lips to stay quiet.

With your items packed, you quickly made your way into the alleys, but Azriel pinned you in the nearby one, his phantom weight bearing down on you, your back pressed against the wall.

"Going somewhere?" Azriel asked huskily, his voice echoing in your ears. His spectral form pressed against your back, trapping you between him and the rough stone wall of the alley. One large hand slid up to wrap loosely around your throat while the other continued its relentless assault on your dripping cunt.

"I'm going to fuck you right here where anyone could walk by and see what a desperate slut you are for me," he promised darkly. Two thick fingers plunged knuckle-deep into your sopping cunt, pumping roughly. "I bet you wish they could see you getting split open on my cock."

He scissored his fingers, stretching you deliciously, his thumb grinding mercilessly against your throbbing clit. You bucked your hips, riding his hand shamelessly as obscene wet sounds filled the narrow space.

"Az-" You cover your mouth with your hands, feeling yourself float as he holds you up in the air, unable to see him.

"That's it, cum on my fingers like the dirty girl you are," He commanded. "Then I'm going to bend you over and stuff your cunt full of my cock until you scream." His filthy promises only inflamed your arousal higher, your cunt gushing freely to coat his phantom fingers. He circled your clit rapidly, applying just the right amount of pressure to send you hurtling over the edge.

Your orgasm ripped through you like a tidal wave, your vision blurring as Azriel's name tore from your lips in a silent scream. Your cunt spasmed wildly around his thrusting fingers, gushing clear fluid that ran down your thighs. He hummed in approval, then spun you around to face the alley wall, yanking your skirts up around your waist, ripping apart your lace. The cool air hit your drenched folds.

A sharp smack echoed off the close walls as Azriel's palm connected with your tender cunt. The sudden sting morphed into molten heat, making you gasp and arch your back instinctively. Before you could catch your breath, another stinging slap landed, followed by another and another until your abused flesh was bright red and pulsing with need.

You were crying with every spank, "A vendor..." Azriel scoffed, "Really?" He landed another, "To make me jealous? Me? Your mate who can have you whenever and no one else will know..."

Each punishing spank sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through you, intensifying your arousal tenfold. Despite the harsh treatment, you couldn't help but grind your hips back against him, seeking more contact.

"Is this what you wanted?" Azriel demanded, smacking your quivering ass once more. "For me to fuck you raw in public? To leave my mark all over your perfect little body?" He leaned closer, his hot breath fanning over your earlobe. "Tell me how much you want it."

His hand left your heated flesh only briefly before returning with something far larger and thicker than his fingers. His cockhead probed at your entrance teasingly before pushing past the initial resistance, stretching you wide to accommodate his size.

"Oh- fuckfuck- ugh-" You babbled on, shaking under the stretch of his cock. The stretch too filling. The sensation of being filled so completely had you seeing stars behind your closed eyelids.

"Fuck yes," Azriel grunted, pushing deeper until he was balls deep inside you. He paused momentarily, allowing both of you to adjust to the new sensation before beginning to move.

His hips snapped forward, pulling nearly all the way out before slamming back into you, burying himself to the hilt within your dripping cunt. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoed loudly in the confined space, punctuated by your muffled cries and moans.

Each thrust drove him deeper, hitting spots inside you that made your vision blur again. Azriel's hands gripped your hips tightly, guiding your movements perfectly to meet each of his powerful strokes.

The ground was slightly wet from the rain that had covered Velaris a few hours ago, the night moon high, still covered with dark clouds, you moaned louder seeing your reflection in the puddles, you were bend over, a thighs wet with an invisible force thrusting into you.

His thrusts became erratic, less controlled, driven by primal instincts. Each stroke was harder, deeper, designed to claim every inch of you as his own. "Fuck... You're so tight... Around my cock," He hissed, increasing his pace, pounding into you.

The cool air whipped around your exposed skin, contrasting sharply with the heat radiating off Azriel's body and the warmth pooling within your stomach.

Azriel's pace quickened, his cock driving in and out of you with ruthless abandon. Every stroke rubbed against your sensitive spot inside you, sending shocks of pleasure shooting up your spine. You cried out, loud enough this time for someone passing by to hear if they dared to listen closely.

His grip on your hip tightened almost painfully, anchoring you firmly in place as he pounded into you relentlessly. The slap of flesh mingling with your gasps and whimpers created an erotic symphony in the deserted alleyway.

"Azriel!" You screamed his name like a battle cry, your entire body tensing as another climax built at lightning speed within you.

"That's it. Moan my name." The ghostly being murmured, pressed in fully to your cervix your cunt clamped down around his pistoning cock like a vice, fluttering along his length as you came undone. Azriel snarled in response, his thrusts growing erratic as your silken walls milked him greedily.

For a moment, the clouds cleared from the full moon, the moonlight filtering through the alley, and you catch Azriel's reflection in the water spots, he was devastatingly beautiful, although his hands were burned and scared, a gory sight, but those same hands had brought you too much pleasure to be scared of him. He looked down, eyes meeting yours and you shuddered, seeing his giant wings flaring.

With a guttural groan, Azriel surrendered to the overwhelming sensations of being physical again, letting the moonlight wash over him, his control snapping like a dry twig beneath his feet. His cock pulsed violently inside you, releasing his hot release deep within you. The force of his orgasm triggered another powerful climax in you, prolonging the sweet torture of your combined release.

As the aftershocks faded away, leaving you both panting heavily, Azriel pulled out slowly, his cum leaking from your spent cunt down your thighs. He let go of your hips, trailing his fingertips lightly across your swollen lower lips, spreading his cum further.

You turned on your heel, your skirts falling back down your legs, to truly look at him for however long the moonlight allowed, Azriel captured your lips in a searing kiss, pouring all his passion and desire into the embrace. His tongue danced with yours, both of you savouring each other's taste. As the moon dipped back behind the clouds, Azriel was gone right in front of your eyes, yet you still felt him pressed against you.

{General Taglist- @nox-ceur @lilah-asteria @paleidiot @dee-writes-smut @adalia-jaycee @anarchiii @alwayshave-faith @velarisnightsky444 @minnieoo @mellowmusings @daughterofthemoons-stuff}

{Acotar kinktober Taglist- @romanticatheartt}

{Azriel Taglist- @fxckmiup @annamariereads16 @saltedcoffeescotch @satorusemepls @fieldofdaisiies}

[sexymemecoin]

The Expansive World of Altcoins: Exploring the Diversity Beyond Bitcoin

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, has long dominated headlines and market discussions. However, the world of digital currencies is vast and diverse, with thousands of alternative coins, or altcoins, each offering unique features and value propositions. Altcoins encompass a broad range of projects, from utility tokens and stablecoins to meme coins and more. This article delves into the rich ecosystem of altcoins, highlighting their significance, various types, and the innovative projects that make up this vibrant space, including a mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

Understanding Altcoins

The term "altcoin" refers to any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. These coins were developed to address various limitations of Bitcoin or to introduce new features and use cases. Altcoins have proliferated since the creation of Bitcoin in 2009, each aiming to offer something different, whether it be improved transaction speeds, enhanced privacy features, or specific utility within certain ecosystems.

Categories of Altcoins

Utility Tokens: Utility tokens provide users with access to a specific product or service within a blockchain ecosystem. Examples include Ethereum's Ether (ETH), which is used to power applications on the Ethereum network, and Chainlink's LINK, which is used to pay for services on the Chainlink decentralized oracle network.

Stablecoins: Stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve of assets, such as fiat currency or commodities. Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are popular stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, offering the benefits of cryptocurrency without the volatility.

Security Tokens: Security tokens represent ownership in a real-world asset, such as shares in a company or real estate. They are subject to regulatory oversight and are often seen as a bridge between traditional finance and the blockchain world.

Meme Coins: Meme coins are a playful and often humorous take on cryptocurrency, inspired by internet memes and cultural trends. While they may start as jokes, some have gained significant value and community support. Dogecoin is the most famous example, but many others, like Shiba Inu and Sexy Meme Coin, have also captured the public's imagination.

Privacy Coins: Privacy coins focus on providing enhanced privacy features for transactions. Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) are notable examples, offering users the ability to transact anonymously and protect their financial privacy.

The Appeal of Altcoins

Altcoins offer several advantages over Bitcoin, including:

Innovation: Many altcoins introduce new technologies and features, driving innovation within the cryptocurrency space. For example, Ethereum introduced smart contracts, enabling decentralized applications (DApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

Specialization: Altcoins often serve specific niches or industries, providing targeted solutions that Bitcoin cannot. For instance, Ripple (XRP) focuses on facilitating cross-border payments, while Filecoin (FIL) aims to create a decentralized storage network.

Investment Opportunities: The diverse range of altcoins presents numerous investment opportunities. Investors can diversify their portfolios by investing in projects with different use cases and growth potentials.

Notable Altcoins in the Market

Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and has become the backbone of the DeFi and NFT (Non-Fungible Token) ecosystems. Its smart contract functionality allows developers to create decentralized applications, leading to a thriving ecosystem of financial services, games, and more.

Cardano (ADA): Cardano is a blockchain platform focused on sustainability, scalability, and transparency. It uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, which is more energy-efficient than Bitcoin's proof-of-work. Cardano aims to provide a more secure and scalable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications.

Polkadot (DOT): Polkadot is designed to enable different blockchains to interoperate and share information. Its unique architecture allows for the creation of "parachains," which can operate independently while still benefiting from the security and connectivity of the Polkadot network.

Chainlink (LINK): Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that provides real-world data to smart contracts on the blockchain. This functionality is crucial for the operation of many DeFi applications, making Chainlink a vital component of the blockchain ecosystem.

Sexy Meme Coin: Among the meme coins, Sexy Meme Coin stands out for its combination of humor and innovative tokenomics. It offers a decentralized marketplace where users can buy, sell, and trade memes as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), rewarding creators for their originality. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

The Future of Altcoins

The future of altcoins looks promising, with continuous innovation and increasing adoption across various industries. As blockchain technology evolves, we can expect altcoins to introduce new solutions and disrupt traditional systems. However, the market is also highly competitive, and not all projects will succeed. Investors should conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any altcoin.

Conclusion

Altcoins represent a dynamic and diverse segment of the cryptocurrency market. From utility tokens and stablecoins to meme coins and privacy coins, each category offers unique features and potential benefits. Projects like Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot, and Chainlink are leading the way in innovation, while niche coins like Sexy Meme Coin add a layer of cultural relevance and community engagement. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to grow, altcoins will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital finance and blockchain technology.

For those interested in the playful and innovative side of the altcoin market, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to explore this exciting project and join the community.

[rideboomindia]

Based on the search results, here are some innovative technologies that RideBoom could implement to enhance the user experience and stay ahead of ONDC:

Enhanced Safety Measures: RideBoom has already implemented additional safety measures, including enhanced driver background checks, real-time trip monitoring, and improved emergency response protocols. [1] To stay ahead, they could further enhance safety by integrating advanced telematics and AI-powered driver monitoring systems to ensure safe driving behavior.

Personalized and Customizable Services: RideBoom could introduce a more personalized user experience by leveraging data analytics and machine learning to understand individual preferences and offer tailored services. This could include features like customizable ride preferences, personalized recommendations, and the ability to save preferred routes or driver profiles. [1]

Seamless Multimodal Integration: To provide a more comprehensive transportation solution, RideBoom could integrate with other modes of transportation, such as public transit, bike-sharing, or micro-mobility options. This would allow users to plan and book their entire journey seamlessly through the RideBoom app, enhancing the overall user experience. [1]

Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives: RideBoom has already started introducing electric and hybrid vehicles to its fleet, but they could further expand their green initiatives. This could include offering incentives for eco-friendly ride choices, partnering with renewable energy providers, and implementing carbon offset programs to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. [1]

Innovative Payment and Loyalty Solutions: To stay competitive with ONDC's zero-commission model, RideBoom could explore innovative payment options, such as integrated digital wallets, subscription-based services, or loyalty programs that offer rewards and discounts to frequent users. This could help attract and retain customers by providing more value-added services. [2]

Robust Data Analytics and Predictive Capabilities: RideBoom could leverage advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize their operations, anticipate demand patterns, and proactively address user needs. This could include features like dynamic pricing, intelligent routing, and personalized recommendations to enhance the overall user experience. [1]

By implementing these innovative technologies, RideBoom can differentiate itself from ONDC, provide a more seamless and personalized user experience, and stay ahead of the competition in the on-demand transportation market.

[probablyasocialecologist]

Generative AI was always unsustainable, always dependent on reams of training data that necessitated stealing from millions of people, its utility vague and its ubiquity overstated. The media and the markets have tolerated a technology that, while not inherently bad, was implemented in a way so nefariously and wastefully that it necessitated theft, billions of dollars in cash, and double-digit percent increases in hyper scalers’ emissions. The desperation for the tech industry to “have something new” has led to such ruinous excess, and if this bubble collapses, it will be a result of a shared myopia in both big tech dimwits like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, and Silicon Valley power players like Reid Hoffman, Sam Altman, Brian Chesky, and Marc Andreessen. The people propping this bubble up no longer experience human problems, and thus can no longer be trusted to solve them. This is a story of waste, ignorance and greed. Of being so desperate to own the future but so disconnected from actually building anything. This arms race is a monument to the lack of curiosity rife in the highest ranks of the tech industry. They refuse to do the hard work — to create, to be curious, to be excited about the things you build and the people they serve — and so they spent billions to eliminate the risk they even might have to do any of those things.  Had Sundar Pichai looked at Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI and said “no thanks” — as he did with the metaverse — it’s likely that none of this would’ve happened. But a combined hunger for growth and a lack of any natural predators means that big tech no longer knows how to make competitive, useful products, and thus can only see what their competitors are doing and say “uhhh, yeah! That’s what the big thing is!”  Mark Zuckerberg was once so disconnected from Meta’s work on AI that he literally had no idea of the AI breakthrough Sundar Pichai complimented him about in a meeting mere months before Meta’s own obsession with AI truly began. None of these guys have any idea what’s going on! And why are they having these chummy meetings? These aren’t competitors! They’re co-conspirators!  These companies are too large, too unwieldy, too disconnected, and do too much. They lack the focus that makes a truly competitive business, and lack a cohesive culture built on solving real human or business problems. These are not companies built for anything other than growth — and none of them, not even Apple, have built something truly innovative and life-changing in the best part of a decade, with the exception, perhaps, of contactless payments. These companies are run by rot economists and have disconnected, chaotic cultures full of petty fiefdoms where established technologists are ratfucked by management goons when they refuse to make their products worse for a profit. There is a world where these companies just make a billion dollars a quarter and they don't have to fire people every quarter, one where these companies actually solve real problems, and make incredibly large amounts of money for doing so. The problem is that they’re greedy, and addicted to growth, and incapable of doing anything other than following the last guy who had anything approaching a monetizable idea, the stench of Jack Welch wafting through every boardroom.

5 August 2024

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Get Started Investing In The Stock Market

Educate yourself: Before investing in the stock market, it's important to educate yourself about the basics of investing, including the different types of investments, the risks involved, and how to build a diversified portfolio. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and investment blogs.

Determine your investment goals: It's important to have clear investment goals before investing in the stock market. Are you investing for retirement, a down payment on a house, or to generate passive income? Your investment goals will help determine the types of investments that are appropriate for you.

Open a brokerage account: To invest in the stock market, you'll need to open a brokerage account with a reputable brokerage firm. Some popular options include Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab. When choosing a brokerage firm, consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer service.

Build a diversified portfolio: Diversification is key to successful investing. By investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, you can reduce your risk and increase your chances of long-term success. Consider investing in a mix of large-cap and small-cap stocks, domestic and international investments, and bonds with varying maturities.

Start investing: Once you have a brokerage account and have determined your investment strategy, it's time to start investing. Consider starting with a small amount of money and gradually increasing your investments over time.

WAYS TO INVEST

There are several ways to invest in the stock market, including:

Individual Stocks: This involves buying shares of individual companies on the stock market. You can buy shares through a broker or an online trading platform.

Mutual Funds: Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks. This allows you to invest in a variety of companies with a single investment.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they trade like individual stocks on an exchange. This allows you to buy and sell ETFs throughout the trading day.

Index Funds: Index funds track the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500. This provides exposure to a broad range of companies and can be a good option for long-term investors.

TOOLS TO START INVESTING

Online Trading Platforms: Many brokers offer online trading platforms that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds. These platforms typically provide research tools and stock charts to help you make informed investment decisions.

Robo-Advisors: Robo-advisors are digital platforms that use algorithms to create and manage investment portfolios for you. They can be a good option for beginner investors who want a hands-off approach.

Investment Apps: There are several investment apps available that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds from your mobile device. These apps are often designed for beginner investors and offer low fees and user-friendly interfaces.

PLATFORMS

A few popular options:

Robinhood: Robinhood is a commission-free trading app that offers stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency trading. It’s designed for beginner investors and offers a user-friendly interface.

Acorns: Acorns is an investment app that automatically invests your spare change. It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio of ETFs.

TD Ameritrade: TD Ameritrade is a popular trading platform that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and research resources.

ETRADE: ETRADE is a popular online broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and resources, including a mobile app.

Fidelity: Fidelity is a full-service broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of investment tools and research resources, including a mobile app.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

Value Investing: Value investing involves buying stocks that are undervalued by the market and holding them for the long term. This approach requires patience and a thorough analysis of a company’s financial statements and growth potential.

Growth Investing: Growth investing involves buying stocks in companies that are expected to grow faster than the market average. This approach often involves investing in companies that are at the cutting edge of technology or have innovative business models.

Dividend Investing: Dividend investing involves buying stocks in companies that pay a dividend. This can provide a steady stream of income for investors and can be a good option for those looking for more conservative investments.

Passive Investing: Passive investing involves investing in a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds or ETFs. This approach is designed to match the performance of the overall market and requires minimal effort on the part of the investor.

Real Estate Investing: Real estate investing involves buying and holding real estate assets for the purpose of generating income or appreciation. This can include investing in rental properties, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or crowdfunding platforms.

Options trading: is a type of trading strategy that involves buying and selling options contracts, which are financial instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as stocks, at a specific price within a certain time frame. Options trading can be used to generate income, hedge against risk, or speculate on market movements.

Swing trading is a type of trading strategy that aims to capture short- to medium-term gains in a financial asset, such as stocks, currencies, or commodities. Swing traders typically hold their positions for a few days to several weeks, taking advantage of price swings or "swings" in the market. Swing traders use technical analysis to identify trends and patterns in the market, and they often employ a combination of charting tools and indicators to help them make trading decisions. They look for stocks or other assets that have a clear trend, either up or down, and then try to enter and exit positions at opportune times to capture profits.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS TOOLS

There are many technical analysis resources available for traders to use in their analysis of financial markets. Here are some popular options:

TradingView: TradingView is a web-based charting and technical analysis platform that provides users with real-time data, customizable charts, and a variety of technical indicators and drawing tools.

StockCharts: StockCharts is another web-based platform that provides a wide range of technical analysis tools, including charting capabilities, technical indicators, and scanning tools to help traders identify potential trading opportunities.

Thinkorswim: Thinkorswim is a trading platform provided by TD Ameritrade that offers advanced charting and technical analysis tools, as well as a wide range of other features for traders, including paper trading, news and research, and risk management tools.

MetaTrader 4/5: MetaTrader is a popular trading platform used by many traders around the world. It provides a range of technical analysis tools, including customizable charts, indicators, and automated trading strategies.

Investing.com: Investing.com is a website that provides real-time quotes, charts, news, and analysis for a wide range of financial markets, including stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Yahoo Finance: Yahoo Finance is a website that provides real-time stock quotes, news, and analysis, as well as customizable charts and a variety of other tools for traders and investors.

Finviz: is a popular web-based platform for traders and investors that provides a wide range of tools and information to help them analyze financial markets. The platform offers real-time quotes, customizable charts, news and analysis, and a variety of other features.

[slayingfiction]

Traditional Publishing

In the evolving landscape of publishing, traditional publishing has held a significant place, fostering literary culture for centuries. However, with the rise of digital media and self-publishing platforms, authors and readers are often caught in a debate over the relevance and benefits of traditional publishing methods. Let’s explore traditional publishing and its place in the literary world. 

Pros of Traditional Publishing

Professional Editing and Design: One of the most significant advantages of traditional publishing is the professional support, including editing, proofreading, cover design, and formatting, ensuring that the final product is of high quality. These services are crucial for authors who may not have the skills or resources to polish their work to a professional standard.

Marketing and Distribution: Traditional publishers have established networks and resources for marketing and distributing books. They can place books in prominent storefronts, organize book tours, and secure media coverage, which can be challenging for self-published authors to achieve on their own.

Credibility and Prestige: Being published by a recognized publishing house adds a layer of credibility to an author’s work. It can enhance an author’s reputation, as traditional publishers are selective and publish only those manuscripts they believe will succeed in the competitive market. This may be beneficial to those looking to get into literary writing, and the recognition that comes with associated awards.

Advance Payments: Traditional publishers sometimes offer advances to authors, especially to provide financial support during the writing process for future books. This upfront payment can be crucial for authors who need to dedicate significant time to their writing, which can be very necessary since many writer’s don’t make a full-time income from their writing. 

Editorial Support: You will work directly with experienced editors and receive feedback and guidance to improve the quality of your manuscript and make it more enticing to prospective readers.

Long-term Relationships: Traditional publishing can foster long-term relationships between authors and their publishers, leading to future book deals and collaborative opportunities. Publishing Houses also have established connections with stores, libraries, academic institutions, and more. These relationships are beneficial to the writer, no matter their genre of writing.

Rights Management: Publishers manage subsidiary rights, such as translations, film adaptations, and audio books, potentially opening additional revenue streams.

Focus on Writing: With the publisher handling many aspects of the publication process, authors can focus more on writing and less on the business side of publishing.

Cons of Traditional Publishing

Long Publication Process: The traditional publishing route can be lengthy. From submission to publication, the process can take anywhere from a year to several years, depending on various factors like the publisher’s schedule and market trends.

Loss of Creative Control: Authors may have to concede some creative control when working with a traditional publisher. Publishers can request changes in content, title, and even narrative style to fit market expectations or the publisher’s brand.

Tough Entry: Getting a contract with a traditional publisher is notoriously difficult. The process often requires finding an agent first, and then one must endure the rigorous selection process of publishers, which can be disheartening and discouraging.

Lower Royalties: Traditional publishing pays royalties, but these are typically lower than what one might earn through self-publishing. After the publisher, distributors, and retailers take their shares, authors might find their earnings to be low. Royalties are often made semi-annually or quarterly, leading to slower financial returns for the author.

Limited Marketing Support: Not all traditionally published books receive significant marketing support, especially from smaller or mid-sized publishers, leaving some authors to handle much of the promotion themselves.

Loss of Rights: Authors often have to sign over significant rights to their work, including international, audio, and film rights, limiting their control over these aspects.

Initial Gatekeeping: Authors must often secure a literary agent to approach traditional publishers, adding another layer of gatekeeping and potential delay.

Limited Print Runs: Publishers may limit the print run of a book, which can affect its availability and reach if initial sales are not strong.

Focus on Proven Authors: Publishers may prioritize established authors or celebrities, making it harder for new or lesser-known writers to get attention and resources.

Conclusion

Traditional publishing has its set of challenges and benefits. It offers a level of prestige, professional support, and market access that can be hard to achieve through self-publishing. However, it also involves a more considerable investment of time, a potential compromise on creative control, and can be challenging to break into.

Ultimately, the choice between traditional publishing and other forms of publishing such as self-publishing should be based on an author’s individual goals, resources, and priorities. Each path offers different opportunities and challenges, and what works best will depend on the specific needs and expectations of the author.

Check out Slaying Fiction for more content!

Happy Writing

[solarpunkbusiness]

Japanese family farm goes solarpunk

While Japan continues to drive the high-tech smartification of agriculture, what is the role of digitalisation for a diversified, agroecological family farm in a rural part of Hyogo Prefecture? Matteo Metta writes this report from Hashimoto Farm in Ichijimachō to share his observations on how digitalisation fits into the everyday life of this small-scale, mixed organic farm, as well as digitalisation’s role in the context of the increasing socio-ecological threats faced by the village, from typhoons and landslides, to depopulation and societal ageing.

The Hashimoto family is composed of four members: Hashimoto, Keiko and their two sons who now live outside the farmhouse. Volunteers, woofers, researchers, practitioners and interns from all over the world come here to work in exchange for learning organic farming in a Japanese rural setting. The 1.2 hectare farm is scattered in many disjointed plots. It is certified under the common organic certification (JAS). As an organic farm, they produce and directly sell any sort of local vegetables and rice. They rear chickens too, an important element for closing the organic nutrient cycle between the soil, human consumption and plants. Some of the seeds sown on the farm are locally selected, saved and exchanged with other farmers, while others are bought from the market. When organic seeds are unavailable, Shinji-san resorts to conventional ones. Besides farming and direct selling, the farm hosts and provides training and organic farming educational activities to school children, young people and adult farm workers.

Weekly open farmers’ markets (called “marché” in Japan) are not common in this remote village of rural Japan. Bigger discount shops or supermarkets can provide a variety of goods, including food products. Although some of Hashimoto Farm’s produce is used for self-consumption or donated annually to local charities for children and single mothers in need, the farm income depends on the selling of their organic produce mainly through two direct sale channels:

Shinzenha-ne, a cooperative buying, selling and delivering organic products.

Ashi no Kai, a small-scale network that connects consumers with producers and is specialised in home delivery of organic produce in the Hyogo and Osaka prefectures.

Consumer cooperatives are quite advantageous for farmers because they can reach bigger and more stable food demand from the whole prefecture instead of just the village and spend less time and energy physically attending local markets. Except for placing the exact demand of requested food in the box, the rest of the supply chain activities is in the charge of the consumer cooperative (receiving orders, food collection, assemblage of food boxes for each consumer, box delivering, billing, transferring payments, etc.).

“Digitalisation, as many technological innovations, is inevitable. We need to make it useful for us though. The problem is not the technology per se, but the system in which we live.”

Even if both cooperatives offer online means for consumers to select their products, much of the communication and transactions with consumers and farmers are still based on paper, phone calls and fax. Although this system might mean spending less hours inputting digital data, learning how to use a computer and relying less on external skills to maintain or repair any possible errors or damage, some of the limitations mentioned by Keiko-san about this direct selling system are:

Asynchronisation: the weekly orders made by the consumers through these two consumer cooperatives might not be automatically synchronised with the stock available on the farm.

Material and energy costs: paper is still circulating in these transactions, which often requires also expensive physical deployment of the operators or fax messages.

Overall, this farm-to-consumers’ door delivery system has been running for many years and is proven within the specific social, demographic and geographical conditions of rural Japan. Yet, this system is not error-free, e.g., mismatching order-farm stock, mismatching consumer quality expectation and farmers’ explanations of product defects, etc.

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT SEO & MARKETING NEWS FOR ECOMMERCE, AUGUST 2024

Hello, and welcome to my very last Marketing News update here on Tumblr.

After today, these reports will now be found at least twice a week on my Patreon, available to all paid members. See more about this change here on my website blog: https://www.cindylouwho2.com/blog/2024/8/12/a-new-way-to-get-ecommerce-news-and-help-welcome-to-my-patreon-page

Don't worry! I will still be posting some short pieces here on Tumblr (as well as some free pieces on my Patreon, plus longer posts on my website blog). However, the news updates and some other posts will be moving to Patreon permanently.

Please follow me there! https://www.patreon.com/CindyLouWho2

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES 

A US court ruled that Google is a monopoly, and has broken antitrust laws. This decision will be appealed, but in the meantime, could affect similar cases against large tech giants. 

Did you violate a Facebook policy? Meta is now offering a “training course” in lieu of having the page’s reach limited for Professional Mode users. 

Google Ads shown in Canada will have a 2.5% surcharge applied as of October 1, due to new Canadian tax laws.

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES 

Search Engine Roundtable’s Google report for July is out; we’re still waiting for the next core update. 

SOCIAL MEDIA - All Aspects, By Site

Facebook (includes relevant general news from Meta)

Meta’s latest legal development: a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas over facial recognition and privacy.  

Instagram

Instagram is highlighting “Views” in its metrics in an attempt to get creators to focus on reach instead of follower numbers. 

Pinterest

Pinterest is testing outside ads on the site. The ad auction system would include revenue sharing. 

Reddit

Reddit confirmed that anyone who wants to use Reddit posts for AI training and other data collection will need to pay for them, just as Google and OpenAI did. 

Second quarter 2024 was great for Reddit, with revenue growth of 54%. Like almost every other platform, they are planning on using AI in their search results, perhaps to summarize content. 

Threads

Threads now claims over 200 million active users.

TikTok

TikTok is now adding group chats, which can include up to 32 people.

TikTok is being sued by the US Federal Trade Commission, for allowing children under 13 to sign up and have their data harvested. 

Twitter

Twitter seems to be working on the payments option Musk promised last year. Tweets by users in the EU will at least temporarily be pulled from the AI-training for “Grok”, in line with EU law.

CONTENT MARKETING (includes blogging, emails, and strategies) 

Email software Mad Mimi is shutting down as of August 30. Owner GoDaddy is hoping to move users to its GoDaddy Digital Marketing setup. 

Content ideas for September include National Dog Week. 

You can now post on Substack without having an actual newsletter, as the platform tries to become more like a social media site. 

As of November, Patreon memberships started in the iOS app will be subject to a 30% surcharge from Apple. Patreon is giving creators the ability to add that charge to the member's bill, or pay it themselves.

ONLINE ADVERTISING (EXCEPT INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL MEDIA AND ECOMMERCE SITES) 

Google worked with Meta to break the search engine’s rules on advertising to children through a loophole that showed ads for Instagram to YouTube viewers in the 13-17 year old demographic. Google says they have stopped the campaign, and that “We prohibit ads being personalized to people under-18, period”.

Google’s Performance Max ads now have new tools, including some with AI. 

Microsoft’s search and news advertising revenue was up 19% in the second quarter, a very good result for them. 

One of the interesting tidbits from the recent Google antitrust decision is that Amazon sells more advertising than either Google or Meta’s slice of retail ads. 

BUSINESS & CONSUMER TRENDS, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE 

More than half of Gen Z claim to have bought items while spending time on social media in the past half year, higher than other generations. 

Shopify’s president claimed that Christmas shopping started in July on their millions of sites, with holiday decor and ornament sales doubling, and advent calendar sales going up a whopping 4,463%.

[kyra45]

Hi! So I’m pretty sure this is a scam in some way but idk how it would scam you? If that makes sense lol, but someone messaged me saying they’d love to help the gofundme’s I’ve shared “with huge amount but unfortunately it hard time for me at this moment Someone just completed my GoFundMe campaign I don't have much to donate, If you don't mind I can recommend her to you so you can discuss on how you'll get donors”

They commented, sent an ask and dm’d me the same thing. I’ve never seen anything like it so I’m just confused lol

Hope you’re having a good week!

The scam is they want you to pay someone $7 (or more!) to promote a GoFundMe/make one when it can be done for free without needing payment.

Often these accounts claim to be Digital Marketing Experts but they’re not. They just want money from people who use certain tags.

This is why I have DMs off on my mutual aid blog, got tired of the near constant spam I’d get from those scam accounts who really didn’t like it when I told them off for trying to scam people who are trying to raise money because most of them don’t even have money to give out. Some of them insulted me but they messaged me first so..lol

[acceptccnow]

Strategies for Seamless CBD Merchant Processing

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO | Accept-Credit-Cards-Now.com

In the continuously expanding realm of e-commerce, the CBD market stands out for its remarkable growth and potential. However, businesses in this domain often face a significant hurdle when it comes to payment processing. The high-risk nature of CBD sales can make it challenging to find reliable solutions. But fear not, because, in this article, we'll explore the world of CBD Merchant Processing and reveal strategies that will enable you to accept credit cards for your CBD business seamlessly.

DOWNLOAD THE STRATEGIES FOR SEAMLESS CBD INFOGRAPHIC HERE

Understanding the Challenge

Before we delve into the strategies, let's grasp the complexity of the issue. Payment processing for high-risk industries like CBD involves a unique set of challenges. The stigma and legal ambiguities surrounding CBD products classify them as high-risk, making traditional credit card processing solutions hesitant to provide services. The result? Many CBD merchants struggle to find suitable merchant accounts and merchant processing solutions, leaving them with limited options.

The Power of High-Risk Payment Processing

Embracing the high-risk label doesn't mean defeat. It's about recognizing the opportunities that specialized high-risk payment processing can bring to your CBD business. While conventional payment processors may shy away, providers specializing in high-risk industries understand the nuances of your trade. They offer tailored high-risk payment gateway and high-risk merchant accounts, aligning perfectly with your needs.

E-commerce as the CBD Gateway

In today's digital era, e-commerce has become the lifeblood of businesses across the globe. To thrive in the CBD industry, establishing a robust online presence is essential. To do this effectively, you need a reliable e-commerce payment processing solution, an e-commerce gateway, and an e-commerce merchant account specifically designed for high-risk transactions. With these tools, you can tap into the vast online market and accept credit cards for your CBD products effortlessly.

Credit Repair and CBD: A Similar Struggle

Interestingly, the world of credit repair shares similarities with CBD when it comes to payment processing. Both industries are often classified as high-risk, and consequently, face difficulties in securing merchant services. But there's a silver lining – many payment processors offer specialized credit repair merchant processing, credit repair merchant accounts, and credit repair payment processing solutions. Leveraging these options can help you navigate the challenges effectively.

CBD Merchant Account - Your Gateway to Success

A CBD merchant account is the linchpin of your payment processing strategy. It not only allows you to accept credit cards for CBD but also provides a secure platform for your customers to make transactions. When searching for a CBD merchant account, prioritize providers that understand the unique requirements of your industry. Look for terms like CBD payment processing, CBD payment gateway, and CBD High-risk credit card processing to ensure you're on the right track.

The Role of Credit Card Payment Gateways

In the digital age, the importance of credit card payment gateways cannot be overstated. These gateways act as the bridge between your online store and the payment processor. Choosing a reliable credit card payment processing system is vital for a seamless customer experience. It should offer robust security measures, ensuring that sensitive information is protected during every transaction.

Diversify Your Payment Options

To cater to a broader customer base, consider diversifying your payment options. While credit card payments are popular, integrating an online payment gateway can broaden your reach. This allows customers to use debit cards, online wallets, and other convenient payment methods, enhancing their shopping experience.

Compliance and Regulations

In the world of CBD merchant processing, staying compliant with ever-evolving regulations is paramount. The legal landscape surrounding CBD products can be murky, with varying rules and restrictions from one jurisdiction to another. It's essential to partner with a payment processing provider well-versed in the intricacies of CBD regulations. Look for terms like CBD payment processing compliance and CBD merchant processing legal expertise when selecting your service provider. By staying ahead of the regulatory curve, you can avoid costly fines and interruptions to your business operations.

Customer Trust and Payment Security

Earning your customer's trust is a vital aspect of running a successful CBD business. One way to build this trust is by ensuring the security of their payment information. The mention of secure payment processing and trustworthy payment gateway solutions in your marketing materials can reassure customers that their data is safe. Furthermore, consider seeking credit card payment services that offer features like tokenization and encryption, which provide an extra layer of protection for sensitive financial data. The peace of mind your customers gain from knowing their information is secure can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business.

Leveraging Analytics for Growth

In today's data-driven world, the insights gained from payment processing can be a goldmine for your CBD business. Look for a payment processing system that offers robust analytics tools. By analyzing transaction data, you can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, peak buying times, and product preferences. Armed with this information, you can tailor your marketing efforts and product offerings to better meet the needs of your target audience. Credit card payment gateways with advanced analytics can help you make data-driven decisions that drive growth and profitability.

Navigating the complexities of CBD merchant processing can be challenging, but with the right strategies and service providers, success is within reach. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the high-risk nature of the CBD industry, you can make informed decisions about your payment processing solutions. Remember to prioritize compliance, security, and data-driven growth as you build and expand your CBD business. With the support of specialized payment processors and a commitment to providing a seamless payment experience for your customers, you can thrive in the CBD market. Don't miss out on the tremendous potential of the CBD industry – seize it with confidence and determination. Your journey to success begins with the right payment processing strategy.

[timesofinnovation]

Elon Musk, the renowned CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently addressed a crowd during a town hall meeting in Pittsburgh, sharing insights about cryptocurrency's role in preserving individual freedoms. Although he refrained from explicitly endorsing XRP, Musk emphasized how digital currencies like it can play a pivotal role in counteracting centralized control. His remarks resonated with supporters of XRP, particularly as Ripple Laboratories continues its ongoing legal tussle with the SEC regarding the classification of XRP as a security. Musk’s comments highlighted a growing realization in the financial landscape: the significance of cryptocurrencies extends beyond mere investment opportunities; they offer a potential pathway toward a more decentralized economic system. For instance, XRP advocates believe that the currency’s unique features can facilitate faster cross-border transactions compared to traditional banking systems. As transaction speeds increase and costs decrease, XRP could stand out as a practical solution amidst the challenges of global remittances. Moreover, the legal implications surrounding XRP cannot be ignored. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, supported Musk's viewpoint, insisting that cryptocurrency regulations should evolve to foster innovation rather than hinder it. Garlinghouse contends that many voters are starting to recognize cryptocurrencies not just as financial instruments, but as essential tools for enabling innovation and empowering individuals in a digital economy. This aligns with a broader narrative—one where regulatory frameworks are increasingly evaluated on their impact on technological advancement. During the event, Musk also pointed to Tesla’s substantial financial maneuvers involving cryptocurrency. Recently, Tesla executed a transfer of $765 million worth of Bitcoin into new wallets. This strategic move signals Tesla's continued engagement with cryptocurrencies despite its earlier decision to halt Bitcoin payments over environmental concerns in 2021. Notably, the company has pivoted to accepting Dogecoin for certain merchandise, further solidifying Musk’s ongoing involvement in the crypto market. The mining process and energy consumption connected to cryptocurrencies have raised significant concerns, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability. Musk’s comments added an important dimension, suggesting that while there may be challenges, innovation in the energy efficiency of blockchain technology remains crucial for the future of cryptocurrencies. As digital currencies become mainstream, discussions surrounding them reflect evolving societal values. In democratic setups, voters are prioritizing policies that encourage responsible innovation and individual autonomy in financial transactions. The growing interest in cryptocurrencies may prompt legislators to comprehensively review existing financial regulations to create a more conducive environment for crypto technologies. Furthermore, Musk's assertions tie into a fundamental ethos of cryptocurrencies: empowering individuals against the backdrop of centralized banking entities and governmental authority. Histories of economic crises have often made populations more receptive to alternatives like cryptocurrencies, which promise greater control over personal finances. This is evident in emerging economies where citizens are increasingly turning to digital currencies as a means of preserving wealth against hyperinflation. In conclusion, the intersection of cryptocurrency and politics is indeed an area to watch. Musk's acknowledgment of cryptocurrencies' role in decentralization aligns with sentiments shared by an ever-growing community of advocates pushing for regulatory advancements. The path forward will necessitate engagement from not just corporate entities, but also governments and civil societies in harmonizing regulatory frameworks and promoting transparency. The future of cryptocurrencies, especially XRP, will undoubtedly involve navigating these complex dynamics.

If adequately harnessed, crypto has the potential to transform economies by fostering innovation and supporting the autonomy of individuals over their financial futures. As this narrative unfolds, the discourse surrounding digital currencies will likely serve as a bellwether for broader economic transformations poised to affect various sectors worldwide.

[frostcorpsclub]

I ordered this cute commission of Jack and Suzy's ponified forms from https://www.deviantart.com/teonnakatztkgs Please look under the cut for some important information

From the description

"I'm sharing this across as many platforms as I can as I'm faced with a horrible situation and desperately need help. In short I'm losing my home and need a down-payment for a new place. The renters market right now is insane. (Like 5000 sometimes 7000 dollars a month for RENT) I've managed to find a place but he refuses to go lower than 3000 down but the rent is doable with my income. But I have been on medical leave since early February due to seizure like activity while I was working. I still have my job and should be returning in April from medical leave. But the foreclosure starts in 2 weeks and ive been using my savings to get by and dont have anywhere near enough for a down-payment. I have begged the mortgage company to let me make payments to them and they have been shady and refusing for months and out of nowhere want to foreclose. It's not even my house I just live in it. They have been building up in my area for a while now and recently started a plaza very close to where I am. I don't know if it has anything to do with it but I need to move. My family will NOT help me with anything.

OK that out of the way.

I'm trying to save 3000$. It's a lot but I have to be able to get a down-payment. It's not just for my sake.

I will literally draw whatever you want however you want it.

Sketch doodle traditional: 1$ Sketch page traditional: 3$ Sketch page digital: 5-7$(comes flat colored more complex characters will be higher) Black lineart fullbody: 10$ Colored lineart fullbody: 15$ Colored and shaded fullbody: 20$ (5$ more for each additional character) Background: 10$

Customs: Black lineart: 5$ Colored lineart: 10$

Adopts and OCs: I'm selling EVERYONE except TK, Kalmin, Silver, and Silverstorm. I have cats, dogs, lions, ponys, etc. Just ask what your looking for I'm still trying to figure out how to use toyhouse to share them there. Depending on how much art they have they will be higher.

Please share if you can't buy"

[sweaterkittensahoy]

The copyright rant; re: crochet patterns

A reminder that taking an out of print pattern and scanning it or re-typing it and making it available for money or not does NOT give you any copyright over the pattern.

I see this a lot when I'm digging up vintage patterns on etsy and other sites. People who say, "I scanned it/retyped it, so I own the copyright."

First of all, no, you don't. That's not how that works. I pay for the patterns you offer because 1) I want them and 2) I think it's fair to pay you for digitizing the pattern.

In the US, crochet patterns are copyrighted by whoever first wrote them. I assume that if one writes a pattern for a company (Patons, Red Heart, etc.), then it's a work for hire situation much like comics. The pattern writer gets a one-time payment, and the company gets the profits from the pattern itself. That's just a guess to explain how it works. I assume that if there is copyright fuckery, the yarn company takes care of the legal shit, not the pattern writer that was hired by the yarn company.

This is important because a LOT of vintage patterns you can find for sale on etsy and ebay and other places aren't actually out of copyright (something around 70 years minimum in US law). They're out of print. So, technically, the yarn company could spend time tracking down the illegal reproduction and sale of their copyrighted material if they really wanted to make a fuss about things.

They don't do that because it's a waste of their time. Those of us tracking down vintage patterns and buying them from third-party sellers aren't hitting their bottom line. Because those patterns are no longer part of their bottom line. They're out of print.

But they ARE still under copyright for the most part in the US because they haven't met the age requirement to not be. And here's the thing: even if they ARE out of copyright in the US, that doesn't mean someone digitizing them puts them back into any sort of copyright.

It's like Pride & Prejudice, okay? You know why there are so many ebooks of P&P? Because it's in public domain and everyone wants to make a buck off of it. But none of them OWN P&P. No one owns P&P. That's what public domain means.

All of that being said, you know what is definitely still under copyright and reported by my ass when I find it on etsy? Patterns from books that are still in print. Not the books themselves, mind. Used book market is used book market. But people who have scanned individual patterns to sell even though the book is still in print.

I also get real fucking salty about people selling patterns that can be bought directly from the company or person who wrote them in the first fucking place.

THAT'S a copyright violation. Not sharing a vintage pattern you paid for because someone digitized it. Not digitizing the pattern itself.

Honestly, I get so tempted to take patterns from people who yell "I have copyright!!!" the most and just roll them out for free because 1) no you don't and 2) fuck you. Yeah, you digitized it. Thank you. But to act like you get the rights to any of it because you did that is bullshit.

Anyway, that's the copyright rant. Tip your servers.

[pilawturkey]

Fintech Consultancy in Turkey

FinTech consultancy paves the way for a progressive change in terms of banking, technology and digitalization. An efficient FinTech consultancy will provide the compliance of FinTech-led engagements with national and international law-centric standards and rules. That will directly increase legalized integration of FinTech ecosystem into daily banking.

What is the meaning of FinTech?

The term “FinTech” describes emerging electronic payment methodologies based on the automation and facilitation of payment systems. The word FinTech contains a broad form of money transfer models such as electronic money institutions, payment institutions, digital banks, online insurance agencies, and crowdfunding platforms. The term of “Financial Technology (FinTech)” is used to refer to integration of technology into the exchange of goods and services. FinTech, dedicated to the development of faster and better delivery of financial services, is very different in many ways from traditional financial services.

What is the main objective of Turkish FinTech ecosystem?

The main objective of FinTech ecosystem is to facilitate and accelerate shopping and trade. There are several advantages of alternative virtual payment methods. There is a growing agreement that FinTech will play a substantial role in the payment ecosystems across the world. By virtue of those benefits, as of February 2023, 739 FinTech-led companies have been formed in Turkey according to recent studies by the Presidency of Republic of Turkey as a part of Turkish FinTech ecosystems. That displays the growing impact of FinTech Turkey.

What are main challenges of Turkish FinTech ecosystem?

The usage of FinTech presents a broad range of challenges especially where it touches on the use of crypto-currencies such as bitcoin.  The invention of digital money and digital payment services platforms have newly caused severe problems in capital markets.

Data privacy and the protection of personal information has been a matter of concern in the field of FinTech intellectual property. Data privacy implies the right to make any decision on when, how and to what extent personal and|private information can be communicated to outsiders. Generally speaking, the collection, processing, the supervision, and protection of the confidentiality of personal data are guaranteed by domestic legislation across jurisdictions. The right to data privacy is recognized to cover a broad range of rights including the right to access to their data, a right to portability, a right to be forgotten, and a right to share or not.

For more discussion about data privacy take a look at our article on the Right to Data Privacy and Respect for Private Life

FinTech ecosystem is particularly used for banking and FinTech restructuring services. For more discussion for banking and finance, take a look at our article on Banking and Finance Law in Turkey

What is the most recent developments for the 2024 Turkish crypto business environment?

Regulatory ecosystem has been improved step by step by Turkish policy and law makers. Such revisions will pave the way for adaptation of Turkish legal and operational structure with blockchain. In this context, it is notable that the digital participation banking system is accepted by Turkish lawmakers in Turkey.

As a second step, the recognition of digital wallets was completed through new regulation of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye. In this way, a Digital Wallet Era in Turkey was started in Turkey.

As a third step, we should take into account new facilitating step for Capital Markets system. Indeed,  the 2024 New Electronic Submission System for Turkish Capital Markets was instituted by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye.

It is critical to note that Turkey accepted its commitment of the full compliance of the emerging capital markets system in line with the Financial Task Force   benchmarks dedicated to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. In line with the FATH principles, as a fourth step, the Law Numbered 7518 on Amendments to the Capital Markets Law Numbered 6362 has been enacted. The Law Numbered 7518 is named as Crypto Law of Turkey and entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette dated July 2, 2024.

Take a look at our up-to-date article on the 2024 FATF Decision on Turkey

Turkish Capital Markets Board is granted a wide margin of appreciation to govern newly-born blockchain system in Turkey. In this context, fiftly, the first decision on the 2024 Announcement for the Rejected Crypto Asset Platforms was delivered by the Board dated 23 August 2024.

Last but not least, the Resolution by Turkish Capital Markets dated 19 September 2024 was published particularly in relation to the legal status of NFTs and P2Ps in Turkey. The Resolution in question explains the meaning of Non-Fungible Tokens [NFTs] [nitelikli fikri tapu in Turkish] as “crypto assets that will be used to record the representation and ownership of digital assets, a non-replicable and unique nature”. When it comes to Peer to Peer [P2P] [eşler arası in Turkish], it is used to refer to digital marketplaces allowing the buying, selling and exchanging of crypto assets directly between direct|main users.The same Resolution also identifies the standards for the accounts to be opened in the name of customers under Article 35/C. Any account to be opened in the name of customers cannot be used for purposes other than their intended purpose. Additionally, customer cash cannot be received by the platforms, cannot be delivered to the customer by hand and cannot be stored in any way with the platforms.

Which authorities are competent for Turkish FinTech ecosystem?  

The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency is granted an authority to ensure the compliance of the banking activities in line with the Banking Law and other applicable regulations. According to Article 93 of the Banking Law, the Agency is granted certain powers and duties for the implementation of the Banking Law.

Secondly, the Turkish Revenue Administration carries out certain duties dedicated to regulating payment systems.

Thirdly, the Personal Data Protection Authority, engaging in the protection of personal data processing in line with internationally recognized human rights standards.

Besides, the Payment and Electronic Money Institutions Association carries out a broad range of duties in Turkey under Article 1 of the Law Numbered 6493.

With regard to the design and implementation of FinTech norms applicable in Turkey, take a look at our article on FinTech Guide in Turkey.

What is the role of FinTech consultancy services?

Innovative approach needs to be improved in order to handle current legal challenges regarding FinTech. FinTech consulting firms must be good at producing FinTech legal guidance.

Pi Legal Consultancy provides comprehensive guidance to global digital leaders, companies, business owners and consumers for particularly risky sides of Turkish FinTech ecosystem. Our FinTech legal and business consultants focus on understanding and using specialized software instruments through computers and smartphones.

Our FinTech consultancy service assists our clients particularly in the following areas of expertise:

Electronic money (e-money) and cryptocurrencies, digital foreign exchange platforms,

Digital (participation) banking, electronic payment or loan services,

Data protection and privacy, information security,

The prevention of money laundering,

The prevention of cybercrimes,

Electronic commerce and online shopping,

The protection of the right to copyright and intellectual property.