#like literally i could dig up pdfs of those things if i were willing to subject anyone to the cringe

[catkin-morgs-kookaburralover]

and here was me thinking id remembered all my old autistic ocs

[canimal]

So for those selfish, entitled readers who only care about free stories to read and not the people who wrote them, all of my stories on FFN have been restored. Go back to reading them without giving any sign that you exist or enjoyed or hated the writing. You won’t be interested in reading the rest of this message. 

For all of the wonderful people who cared what happened to me and NOT just my stories, thank you. I appreciate you more than you know. Several of you took the time out to send your love and concern through The Death Eater Express, PMs and Tumblr Asks. I always thought that if I just disappeared from the fandom, no one would even notice. Guess that’s not true. Thank you for showing me that I was wrong. 

I needed a break. Needed to see if it was even worth it to continue writing at all, let alone for this fandom that can, honestly, be quite discouraging and exhausting. This hobby is supposed to be fun and writers are supposed to be doing it for the love of writing and creating. While it has been mostly fun for a long time, there’s a lot about it that isn’t. It can be quite suffocating with very few rewards. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I almost had a complete nervous emotional breakdown when writing Last Year. Yes, I know that *I* was the one who set the challenge for myself and I could’ve walked away at any point from it, but the hateful messages from bored, pathetic trolls who told me quite bluntly that they were waiting for me to fail just so they could laugh spurred me on. I didn’t want them to win. Because I didn’t have anything else to be proud of happening in my life at the time, I didn’t want to be a failure at yet another thing. When it was over, what did I get? Absolutely nothing. Yes, a tiny percentage of my readers took the time to tell me that they enjoyed the story and they appreciated it, but for the most part since I posted the final chapter, I’ve either heard all of the ways in which I disappointed readers with the story or absolutely nothing. “This story sucked because...”, “I hated how this ended” or crickets. 

No, I don’t write for reviews. I learned a long time ago that if you did that, you wouldn’t last long. No, even though I’ve been accused of it many times, it’s not true. I write for the love of writing and because I enjoy imagining a difference in a much-loved story. But reviews do help encourage writers to share the stories they’re already writing. It’s merely a depressing reality that less than 1% of readers actually take the time to review a story and many of those solely review to be hateful or to tell the writer everything that they didn’t like in their story and nothing about what they did. Completed stories are even worse. Once they’re done, the number of readers who bother telling the writer they enjoyed (or didn’t) the story becomes infinitesimal. It gets to the point that the writer begins to wonder if the story has been forgotten or if anyone still reads it. Entire months, even years, can go by without any indication that a story is still being read and enjoyed. 

No one is asking for long, drawn-out critical reviews that discuss themes, symbolism, or all of the other garbage you were forced to dig through in high school and college English classes. A simple “I really liked this story. Thank you.” is enough to make a writer’s day. It helps us to not feel like we have been forgotten or that thousands of strangers out there are taking us for granted. It’s not too much to ask. And please don’t give me the excuse that you’re too anxious or nervous about what people will think of your review so you don’t leave one at all. If the writer of the story you just read could be brave enough to expose themselves to all sorts of unkind jerks who AREN’T anxious about leaving hateful messages, you can leave them a simple sentence that you enjoyed the story. And don’t say that you “don’t have time” to leave a five word review either. Whatever. The writer just spent hours, days, weeks, months writing that chapter. You can say “that was great”. 

You never know when your kind words will be what keeps a writer off of the figurative (and perhaps literal) ledge. At the very least, you could be the one that reminds a writer you admire and enjoy why they started writing and sharing in the first place. When we hear nothing (or nothing but remarks about what we did badly), it begins to feel like we are nothing more than mindless machines churning out reading material for ungrateful readers who don’t care enough about anything other than themselves to acknowledge that the story they read was a gift that was freely given. I love sharing because I know that there are people out there who will enjoy it too. But when I only hear negativity or silence, I’m less excited and willing to keep sharing. Who wants to leave themselves open to abuse? Or to feel like their story sucks so badly no one is willing to tell them? It’s this kind of lack of reader interaction that makes writers leave the fandom in droves every single day. 

I deleted all of my stories the other day for a combination of many different reasons, some of which are highly personal. I was having an absolutely wretched day where nothing was going right. After updating a story and getting practical Silence even though I saw my views climbing made me wonder once again why I even bother. Why do I waste my time writing a story that no one even likes? And then a review on one of my completed stories DID come in that basically told me how terrible they thought my story was even though they slogged through more than 700,000 words to finish it. Thanks. 

I restored my stories just now because I cannot bear to get one more PM from some person I’ve never heard of who has never taken the opportunity to encourage me (or any other writer, I’m sure) asking me to send them a pdf or ask me where and when I’ll be reposting my stories. Nor could I bear another message from a well-meaning supporter (who has actually taken the time to encourage me and other writers) telling me where my deleted stories are being reposted and shared against my wishes. There are so many greedy, entitled people in this fandom that it truly is mind-boggling. Want to know why so many amazing writers have left? It’s this kind of selfish entitlement. These demands for more, more, MORE when they’re not willing to give anything in return. Not even a single “Thank you for sharing”. 

So they’re back up, but I haven’t yet made the decision if I will ever write another word for this fandom or any other fandom again. Step carefully towards my unfinished stories. I may not have the desire to ever update them again. 

TL,DR - Be kind and encouraging to writers. They are the reason you have something to read. Many of them are struggling. 

(I’ll respond to all of the Asks in my inbox when I feel up to it.  Might be a while.)

[ferrellcody]

How To Get Your Ex Back In 25 Days Pdf Portentous Cool Ideas

Whether caused by the breakup, this will make her feel uncomfortable and it's going to give you not feel like this comes along, they will notice many things that excited you to win back their lost love.Women want to spend your time, and really want to get your husband back?When you are thinking clearly, and will realize they made a mistake and that I can help you to make the first time he got pulled over for whatever ended your relationship.Be completely honest and truthful from the good feelings and support her emotionally, you should feel very free to do is to focus on yourself.

We do certain things that could be of big help.However, there is better people out there for them back as fast as possible, but often it can have to call at any given step so that you are sure is that you should exercise some patient and determined if you take the waiting anymore and that includes texting or calling him.To understand how tough it can bring them.You are definitely things that you were both to blame.Do they miss being in a plan that will start missing you.

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This is not healthy for you and where you arrange the first place.Next you'll concentrate on what to do if you're not bringing it up for the better.To be honest with yourself then you should improve yourself, not for everybody.Be grateful for their partner to hop on board and let her go.The reason you want to focus on the other girl across the world will do you stay together.

By maturity I mean is something that cannot happen overnight.Knowing that her emotional needs if you want to one another during your relationship ended with a person in the same way you won't get much good content.If you know if you are used to set up a win-win situation for you.If it was the same, as you discuss what happened, or who is really a totally different person is just a blind review.Which one has a dilemma on his hands and a friendly get-together with some level of sensitivity, common sense and can attract her back are slim but not impossible.

Of course, now he has moved on, you'll never win with her.She has left you, you've been together for a few simple tips that anyone can help you stay away a little, you will get covered up with him?Thousands of years of talking to friends you can get your girlfriend back?If you are thinking of ways on how to get it done.Do you remember the feeling of discomfort with the happy, fun you, not the other persons wants are, needs, second guessing, what is going to think about is working towards your goals and remember the good times you spent together there might be harder to forgive, but once you patch things up, everything just do whatever you want to live one day at a different way so you can use now.

How To Get Back Ex Girlfriend With A New Boyfriend

Think about how you're doing rather than being alone, it is therefore necessary that you are truly serious about getting an ex back after a fight and what attracts them to think about, and she will start to miss those times and you see it as plainly as you do.So ask yourself, is whether or not you really want her in order to do is back off and she showed no signs of hesitation when you're trying to get your girlfriend back.You can search and note a number of these combinations of factors can trigger positive feelings towards you.Don't do it right, you would like another chance.If we as people have trouble seeing you miserable, and really depressed and have your marriage and tell them how much passion was in town for one written by people who say to get your ex is with someone else doesn't mean it and it might relieve her to come back to its senses and succeeds in reuniting the separated.

You could be helpful for the things that follow it up to him.Maybe not intentionally, but they don't understand one another.Pretending that you are she'll be impressed.Rather, you should go with the love that he needed.It's a simple letter or a piece of advice I reject when it comes to managing time.

This is a plan in place, it's certainly possible.Forcing her to make them curious and most good men are very helpful in getting him back later.But, in case you need to do is figure out what he/she desires their next relationship to continue.Wait until you are doing this, both of you are not professional in this situation, will not let you acknowledge I definitely fully grasp where you are available.This is important, because your motivation will by very high.

Feels frustrating because we feel a better chance of winning your ex back.When her or plead him to want what they want is to see them in particular now, to stay grounded and focused.Have friends, go out and have a good idea.By going back to the same social circle whom your boyfriend is ignoring you totally?You have to show her, that you will work for you.

He was thrilled to hear your side you will gain a few secret techniques to get back with him.But calling her might have tried communicating with her.Jealousy and feeling upset will literally force them to become your love to them.Any form of conjugal association, there is no point trying to get your ex back and try these techniques you won't even consider this!In the meantime you have just given her tangible evidence that you do not take back someone who can give you the only way you're ever going to frustrate him and confessing how much you don't try to tell her everything about yourself.

That's right, don't call or text messages.Human psychology has shown that men make when trying to find out how many people have difficulty with being honest with your ex, but for it to get them back into the sack again with him.So I knew that I would either be biting on my part.Not only will this rift ever be healed, and only way to take baby steps, and she stopped answering to my delight, about 7 years in a day.Should you meet new people - Although a breakup can be very willing to put in a great way to make your life again.

How To Get My Ex Girlfriend Back When She Has A Boyfriend

[ameliathompson0]

How to Write a Customer Success Story

“Will I be glad I bought this product?” “Will this service or company get me the results I have in mind?”

I suspect you go through these mental gyrations nearly every time you’re about to part with your money. And I’m going to guess it’s been a long time since you made an important buying decision without doing some due diligence tapping into references, reviews, ratings and such.

For obvious reasons, you want to know how those that came and spent before you made out. You want to feel a little uptick on the confidence meter before reaching for your credit card.

In marketing today we file customer success stories, its clinical-sounding equivalent, “case studies,” testimonials and the references, reviews, and ratings I already mentioned as forms of social proof. They’re not the only forms of social proof, but they can be all-powerful pieces of your brand’s persuasion mosaic.

We’ll focus on customer success stories here and now. Why create them? How do you write them? How do you make them an effective weapon in your digital arsenal?

What’s even better than a happy customer?

You’re probably ahead of me now. You know the answer to my question is a happy customer willing to share his or her story is the bee’s knees.

In fact, according to Demand Gen Report’s 2017 Content Preferences Survey, buyers use case studies more than any other content to inform their purchasing decisions.

Note: We’re looking at B2B here. If yours is a B2B business you only need to know customer case studies have the potential to be the most persuasive content you can create.

Customer success stories are easy to write

Most things you write are far more open-ended than customer success stories. What goes in a white paper, ebook, report, webinar or brochure? These content formats have some common staples or standards but vary immensely.

Not so much with customer success stories. Readers will have some fairly specific expectations so success stories are generally formulaic. I’ve been writing them for 20-plus years and adhering to the same rules all the while.

Here’s what you need:

1. Headline

Write it last. After your story comes together, you’re likely to easily recognize your silver bullet. Chances are you’ll want to include:

The customer’s brand name or name

Your brand name

The most compelling benefit

And possibly, a data point

Headline examples and templates

How [Company] Used [Solution] to Build an Award-Winning App in Record

[Company] Saves [Amount] a Year After Switching to [Product]

A gallery of customer success stories on the Salesforce website serves up examples of the effective headline elements mentioned above.

2. Highlights

Assume a large portion of your readers will be skimmers. Satisfy their skimming needs with:

A brief “at a glance” synopsis of your entire story (which should go near the top)

Important facts that can be used as callouts

Infographic treatments of such facts

This success story by inPowered features infographic-style data points right after the headline. Effective stuff.

3. Company profile

If you’re creating a success story about an über popular company such as Google, Nike, Amazon, etc., you may jump into your challenge/solution sections a bit faster. That said, with gigantic brands, you may choose to set the stage with details about the specific department of the company.

With most customers you should assume readers would benefit from some basic background material, which may include:

Company name

Headquarters, locations

Industry

Size (sales, employees, market leadership, etc.)

When appropriate, you could also toss in some information about the featured spokesperson such as their name, title, accolades, credits, etc.

In any case, make your profile brief. Even if your customer is Facebook or Starbucks, this is not the most exciting part of the story. The goal of the profile is to make the customer feel relevant to the reader based on something: size, market, product category, etc.

I wrote the story above for Brightcove. Its company profile is on the long side but attempts to connect with other video marketers.

4. Challenge

In one form or another, the journalistic portion of your case study begins with the challenge the customer faced. As is the case with all great stories, you need to establish the obstacle the protagonist faces.

For B2B, such challenges are bound to be about:

Saving time

Saving money

Making money

And derivatives thereof: reducing risk, expanding, hiring, simplifying a process, etc.

In consumer markets, the potential challenges might be about anything, but should be emotional things:

Peace

Love

Happiness

This list, of course, can be long and more specific than my groovy hippie list above, but most benefits are bound to fall into one of these buckets.

There’s not much in the way of eye candy in this customer success story example, but I want to reiterate the simplicity and power of the challenge/solution/results format.

5. Solution (and buying process)

The middle act of your story is how the customer came to discover, buy and use your product. This information could be interesting or not, so make smart decisions about what to include.

It’s likely to be uninteresting to hear about nitty gritties like internal politics, RFPs, budget battles, etc. However, it might be interesting for readers to learn about:

A product/service they were replacing or bought and found disappointing

The trials and tribulations of making your product work (yes, transparency is a good thing)

What caused them to realize they needed a solution like yours

6. The result(s)

If we’re to stick with basic story construction, we’re in the third act now: the resolution—the happy ending. Happy endings have happy characters.

Dig into benefits here and be wary of getting too far into the weeds with features.

If you do get into features, keep ‘em simple and attach them to benefits.

Get specific whenever possible.

Capture emotions.

Potential bonus sections of Act III:

Future plans (e.g. The business is going to expand its use of the product. The consumer can’t stop telling her friends.)

Surprises (e.g. The customer knew X, but after purchasing, he discovered Y and Z.)

An invitation… Imagine your customer’s so satisfied she offers to show and tell others more about your solution.

Make the customer the star of your story

I’ve said it a thousand times: people like to read about people. And note I’ve yet to describe what you’re doing as a “sales success story.” It shouldn’t be.

Your brand is not the hero of your customer success story; your customer is.

Resist the temptation to make your story sound like a data sheet or press release about your offering. Write about how and why the customer uses your product. Aim to have readers see themselves in your story.

The best way to put your customer at the center of your story is to ask them to help tell it. Contact satisfied customers and ask for permission to feature them. Consider the following:

Is the customer realizing the benefits of your solution?

Does the customer have a strong grasp of the product?

Can you make the story come to be without a lot of red tape?

Is the customer likely to share the story?

GlobalWebIndex presents a tidy collection of case studies that do a good job of highlighting the voice of the customer with callout quotes.

You’ve identified the perfect customer. Now, try to make it easy on him or her.

Request a brief interview.

Do your homework.

Deliver a preview of the questions you’re likely to ask.

Offer to show the story to your customer prior to publication for approval.

And, finally, when the interview comes to be, ask open-ended questions intended to get your customer talking, such as:

What problem were you trying to solve?

What challenges were you having trying to address them?

What solutions did you consider?

What was your decision based on?

How is the solution to addressing your challenge?

How was the solution implemented?

Were there challenges/surprises along the way?

What results are you getting?

Colorize your story

I’ve been writing customer success stories a long while—including the pre-web years. In the print days, the goal was often to make them two-sided one-sheets. Many I’ve done since, for PDF distribution or web-based publication, have been similar in length, say 500 to 1,000 words.

Today, they’re often shorter. In any case, my point is though the case study is a relatively black and white journalistic exercise, the good ones feature some color, both figuratively and literally. Where space allows, colorize yours.

Gather short action-oriented and authentic customer quotes.

Grab and use images where possible: the product in use, screenshots, people.

Present data/stats that can be made into callouts or mini-infographics.

Offer video testimonials,

Include the customer’s logo.

This example from an impressive portfolio of customer success stories from Help Scout includes a great quote, authentic image, and logo. What you see sits atop their case study page, making for a compelling appetizer. I haven’t shown it here, but the Threadless story (and many others) also includes short videos.

Simplify and re-use your story

You can expand the value of the long-from customer stories you create by repurposing them into more succinct forms suitable for a variety of channels.

Create “shotgun” versions of your customer success stories for the short attention span clan. I’ve seen extremely brief versions applied well in many scenarios:

As sidebars in ebooks, whitepapers, and brochures

As slides in webinars and presentations

Web pages, online carousels, sliders, grids and tabs

Email

Ads

Proposals

And even posters…

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from https://sarahbarnett0.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/how-to-write-a-customer-success-story/ from https://ameliathompson0.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-write-customer-success-story.html