#market comparison

[sarahbeltran9912]

Exploring the E-Bike Revolution

Hey Everyone!

I’m excited to dive into the world of e-bikes, particularly focusing on the amazing brand DYU and their impressive full suspension electric bikes.

With a growing interest in eco-friendly transportation, e-bikes are becoming a popular choice for many. DYU has been at the forefront of this movement, offering innovative designs that combine comfort and performance. Their full suspension electric bike stands out for providing a smooth and enjoyable ride, making it perfect for urban commuting or weekend adventures.

I’ve been researching the benefits of full suspension systems in e-bikes, and it seems they really enhance the riding experience by absorbing bumps and providing better stability. DYU's commitment to quality and user satisfaction is evident in their products, and I can’t wait to hear what others think!

If you’re considering getting into the e-bike scene or looking to upgrade, I’d love to hear your thoughts on DYU and their full suspension electric bike. What features do you find most appealing, and how do you think it compares to other brands in the market?

Thanks for sharing your insights!

Sent from my smartphone using E-Bike Enthusiasts Forum

[noodlesarecheese]

So Watcher is launching a Dropout (it's not called Dropout but they're clearly using the same template format platform thing idk what it's called, and the same pricing structure), and the reaction so far has been wildly different than what I remember from Dropout's launch. I was curious about why that was or if I was just misremembering the Dropout launch, so I went back to the Dropout launch video to compare them and I think I can see where some of the difference is coming from.

If you want to make the comparison yourself: Watcher's Video, Dropout's Video.

I wanna clarify first though that this isn't a knock against Watcher or the fans who are reacting one way or another or anything like that, I genuinely am just fascinated with how different the reactions are to what seems to be the same business decision. This also isn't a 'wow watcher sucks and dropout is so much better' I'm just using them for comparison because they did the same thing with different results. ALSO this isn't about the business decision itself, just the presentation! Disclaimers out of the way, here's the analysis.

Title and Thumbnail So the Watcher.tv announcement video is titled "Goodbye Youtube" and the thumbnail is Ryan, Shane, and Steven sitting on a couch looking serious, with a dark background. That really makes it seem like they're quitting (which, ok, they are quitting youtube but not quitting quitting). Viewers are already primed to be upset, and it's easier to go from upset to angry than upset to excited, curious, or neutral.

Compare to the dropout announcement video: "How the Internet is Ruining Comedy" - inline with other collegehumor video titles, might make you curious. Thumbnail - Big News! with Sam smiling and a bright background. We know its big news, but he looks happy, and the exclamation point let's us know they want us to be excited. Viewers are primed to be curious and excited.

Tone The Watcher announcement has 2 main tones. The first half is very sentimental, almost sad or wistful at times, and while there are parts that veer into pride at achievements, it's mostly bittersweet and sentimental. The second half is a bit more uplifting, but still quite serious. It reminded me of a tech announcement, like when they introduce the new iphone or something like that. Very professional, sleek, and serious, which isn't automatically a bad thing! But I do think that's not the vibe a decently-sized chunk of the audience expected or wanted. Many people watch Watcher for the cast's dynamic with each other, humor, and the more relaxed/conversational/friendly feel that most of the series have.

Compare to dropout - excited and comedic tone. Still professional, but also fits the expectations of the viewers. People watch collegehumor for the humor (it was in the name, after all). They also poke a bit of fun at themselves, which lightens the mood, shows self-awareness, and alleviates some of the bad feelings about paywalling.

Focus The Watcher announcement focuses a lot on the creative journey of the cast and company, as well as how this move will benefit them. Which isn't a bad thing, that's actually quite interesting! The problem here, I think, is actually more about what isn't here - a solid explanation of how this will also benefit the viewers and why the viewers should be excited. There's a brief description of one new show, and the promise that existing shows will get an upgrade, but we weren't given many specific details about how they'll be improved, and there's only one new show to tempt us into subscribing. Some people will be excited for that, some people won't, and some people will be excited but not enough to subscribe. Having 2 or 3 series (even if it's 1 fleshed out plus a few teasers of what's in production or what is being planned) plus some more details about how existing shows will be improved would've helped. Without that, it really does seem like it'll just be the same stuff viewers were getting for free, but now paywalled, rather than new and exciting stuff. That makes a big difference. I think with the fans not getting as much focus, this also led to some (accidental, I hope) hurt feelings. Based on what I've seen from fan reactions, all the talk about hitting the peak of what they can do on youtube and wanting more, translated for many people to 'youtube isn't enough' which became 'you (the current viewers) aren't enough.' Which I don't think was their intent! But I also don't think fans are wrong for feeling hurt by that.

Compare to dropout: They clearly explain how the move will benefit fans, and reassure viewers that existing content will stay where it is, and only new content will be behind the paywall. (Watcher clarified this too, but in a comment. It's not in the video itself, which is a huge problem.) They include clips of several new (at the time) series that would be premiering on dropout, including things that specifically could not be made on youtube (due to weed, violence, and sexual humor), so the reason for the shift is clear to the audience.

Advertisers Both videos contain the sentiment that being monetarily successful on youtube means working to appease the advertisers, and that over time what the advertisers want and what the creators want drifts further and further apart, putting strain on the creators.

However, I think the message gets lost a bit in the Watcher vid. Instead, it leaves viewers with the idea that the main problem is just ads are annoying instead of advertisers putting constraints on content. I'm not even sure what the specific constraints are for watcher, because they didn't give any examples. And the focus on ads being annoying leaves viewers frustrated because people typically either don't mind ads or they already have an ad blocker.

Timing and Size Okay, this isn't exactly about presentation, but it is still a factor that impacts perception so I'm tackling it. And I'm actually going to do dropout first. CollegeHumor launched dropout in September 2018. Pre-pandemic, but also pre-Sam Reich as CEO. The company was still owned by IAC. It was a Company, and while it wasn't huge it wasn't tiny either. So launching dropout was a Company Decision, a Business Strategy. Some people were upset about, but it wasn't a personal betrayal (generally, anyways). If I remember correctly, this was also not a high point for the company. They kinda needed dropout to do well to keep things running smoothly (which is why they shut it down and sold it to Sam just 1 1/2ish years later), so the sudden shift made sense.

Watcher Entertainment is a company, but it doesn't feel like one. Ryan, Shane, and Steven own and operate things, but they're also the faces, and they're youtubers. Which makes every business decision they make feel more personal to viewers, especially those who have been watching for a long time. They've also seemingly been doing well on youtube, which makes it more difficult for viewers to understand why the sudden change is happening now. They do talk a bit about it, about the company expanding and wanting to do things that advertisers don't like (which I've already covered). However, mostly the choice to start a streaming platform is framed as 'the next big step' without much clarification on why it's the next big step. Plus, it's post-pandemic, and a lot of people are still struggling financially with the ripple effects of that. Yes, $6 isn't a wild amount of money, but there have been some months where $5 absolutely meant the difference between paying all my bills or not, and I know I'm not the only one. This, coupled with a lack of clarity about why exactly they're doing this, leads to fans feeling hurt, betrayed, bitter, and frustrated.

Now, presentation and framing isn't everything. No matter how perfect your announcement is, some people are still going to be upset. It's a big change, of course people will be upset! But I do think a more careful presentation would've alleviated some of the hurt and anger that fans are feeling. While I do think a lot of the reaction we're seeing is due to the decision, I think (based on what I've seen) that some of it is also based on the poor communication in the video itself, and that could've been avoided!

So I'm gonna get a little speculative and describe what I would've done. In this hypothetical, they've decided to launch the streaming service and brought me on just for the announcement.

Firstly, switch the title out. If they're married to Goodbye Youtube then add a (and hello...?) after so it's at least obvious they aren't fully quitting. The dark color scheme of the thumbnail fits their regular vibe, but they want everyone to be excited so they should look excited. Next, let's lighten the tone up. Being proud of what they've done so far is great, but we don't need the sentimental music and bittersweetness. Remember, the goal is to get viewers excited about what come's next - so let's focus on what actually comes next! Talk about specific show plans and mention why they wouldn't work on youtube. Then, take some time to reassure the fans. Predict a few likely worries and address them in the video. Acknowledge that it's a big change, that it will take time to get used to, and that not everyone will be onboard, and let the fans know that it's ok if they aren't onboard.

Like I said, this wouldn't fix everything. There are a few differences in between dropout and watcher that don't have anything to do with presentation. Dropout launched with primarily new shows rather than new seasons of existing shows, and they continued uploading to youtube relatively regularly in addition to the content behind the paywall, which I do think went a long way to keeping fans happy. At this point it's unclear if watcher will do either of those or not. But, while I don't think it would fix everything, I do think improved communication in the announcement would've helped.

[sergle]

you bitches have got to watch Scavengers Reign if you haven't yet, i'm only a few episodes in and it's already completely unlike anything else i've ever seen

[horizon-verizon]

I’m not sure if you’ve seen the latest controversy from some trivia interview that the cast did in which the question “which dragon is the mother of Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal” or something along the lines and the answer was Syrax— it has of course caused outrage amongst TG because ‘HeLaEnAs dRaGOn iS tHEiR mOm’ (which honestly I think one of the biggest injustices that has emerged from hotd is Dreamfyre being significantly known as Helaena’s dragon and not Rhaena’s when Helaena canonically had nothing to really do with Dreamfyre) anyways, I had always thought that Dreamfyre being their mother was at this point just theory because of the dragon eggs being stolen by Elissa Farman and taken to Pentos. Is it confirmed that Dreamfyre is the mother?

*EDITED POST* (8/1/24)

Oh I've seen it, weirdly enough. I was starving for some Emma and Matt stuff bc they're both so good (my appreciation for Emma as an observer and actor has recently skyrocketed).

Not in the specific sense that no character has SAID "Dany's eggs are Dreamfyre's". But yes it's pretty damn obvious if you pay attention, thus it is canon. Not everything should be spelled out for people.

There is so much more reason, logical reason, to believe that Dreamfyre is the mother and not Syrax bc no special attention is given to any of Syrax's eggs besides she had many of them and Rhaena of Pentos (Laena's daughter)'s dragon, Morning, was of one of her clutches. While in F&B, Elissa Farman stole 3 eggs, took them to Essos, and they were never recovered...Essos-lived Dany has 3 eggs, Illyrio Mopatis gets these eggs somehow. Occam's razor, it's not a mere coincidence. this is still a fictional story with its own as well as using tried and true narrative conventions, not real history.

Morning is the last Dance-generation dragon and Rhaena hatched the dragon herself similarly to how Dany does (not by method, just by the fact that she did at all), so this Rhaena is the last dragonrider before Daenerys.

which honestly I think one of the biggest injustices that has emerged from hotd is Dreamfyre being significantly known as Helaena’s dragon and not Rhaena’s when Helaena canonically had nothing to really do with Dreamfyre

Absofucking lutely. If you have been with me long enough, anyone reading this, you'd know I don't play with Rhaena the Black Bride nor do I do with Daenerys Stormborn Mhysa Azor Ahai.

[bitchesgetriches]

It’s Not Your Imagination—Secondhand Stuff IS More Expensive Than Ever

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[speedofsoundsketches]

So the shadow manga revealed the Gun soldiers we're influenced by Gun soldiers??? Because yeah, no longer like the manga. It makes no sense and is a direct insult towards Sonic Adventure 2

I think you mean influenced by Black Doom, right? Just to clarify.

Considering the manga definitely doesn’t follow canon events anymore, it’s not something to really be too vexed over. Shadow gets warped right into White Space after the capsule’s jettisoned out of the Ark just somehow for some reason. To me, it implies in this context that Doom’s presence is only appearing in the past because of his involvement in current events causing Generations to happen with time collapsing in itself. Otherwise it wouldn’t have a reason to occur.

Fully agree if it were retconning things into “Doom controlled the soldiers”, that would absolutely suck but since Shadow got a headache after the eyes started appearing behind the soldiers, I’m assuming he’s probably only seeing illusions. Doom’s able to connect like a hive mind to any in his species and Shadow having his DNA means he’s susceptible to Doom getting into his head like in 05. If this were meant to be canon, I’d think it’s something that would just write itself out once doom’s defeated again by current Shadow.

In the end, there’s a goofy heehaw exposition creature now acting as a conversation device for Shadow to bounce off for the likely remaining chapters. And they gotta find the seven dragon balls three orbs to wish Maria back alive. This is definitely becoming fairly unserious and not meant to fit into canon. It’s ultimately a gag manga so while I didn’t put much stock in it from the beginning, the fact it still managed to stay fairly accurate to the characters themselves despite going off in the plot makes it worth the ride I guess. For me at least lol

[soupbtch]

ummm. my fic is done.

[lemonlilypufftangerine]

Insert Coin Clothing's First Batch of Ace Attorney Merch

So ofc I got the Beanix beanie and Orla the orca pin (I'm sorry I'm not paying $60 for a hoodie). But I wanted to see how this beanie differs from the original japan release of it and . . .

The new one is so much better omg.

I'm torn about the button being a patch now, but I'll live I guess. I wish it was comically bigger though. Even if with today's technology a camera could definitely fit in it.

[laurasimonsdaughter]

Jim Henson's The Storyteller my beloved...

[tani-b-art]

Marketability is whiteness.

To me, it isn’t about who is marketable or more marketable.

In this white-run world, marketable=white. That’s it. And whoever holds the reigns on control will always look out for their own.

No matter if the sport league’s (WNBA) majority demographic is Black (~70%) and those Black women are over-proficient & having historical seasons consistently.

Currently, there’s not 1 Black player with a shoe deal but 3 white players have deals and only 1 of those 3 has a championship on their resume. Only this year we can officially say that A’ja Wilson has changed that. Literally only a week ago does this change this fact.

I don’t even feel it’s the unwritten rule anymore of Black people have to be twice or ten times better (or work harder) as their white peers. We’ve excelled in that and it’s been proven time and time again with numbers, titles, rings, gold medals, record-setting, awards and all the accolades to show.

From athletes to recording artists and all other professions (in careers and entertainment. everyday civilians and celebs). We witnessed it with Serena Williams, Beyoncé and many others. Being at the top and performing at and beyond the top level and exceeding as a Black woman doesn’t translate to successfully getting recognized with tangibles despite that being what merit is.

It’s just the simple fact that white girls and white women are the(ir) (visible) preference and the(ir) standard. It’s not about “desirability” or “pretty privilege” (which is another topic because that’s subjective, absurd and steeped in racism. another topic) as even some are now attempting to insert. When all else fails and when skills and talent can’t be compared, move the goalposts or resort to some other irrelevant assessments. Because attempts to try to factor in stats and the stats then disprove their argument, then what else can be an excuse? The only privilege it is is white privilege.

Black exceptionality, winners, first-placers and over-performers will be on the same level as white mediocrity, losers, second-placers, and under-performers. Sadly it’s the reality.

[sarcastic-clapping]

oh the trials and tribulations of being an apple music user during spotify wrapped season

[jesncin]

Hi! I discovered this blog through your Superman comics (love em, they’re great, A+, wonderful work) and I was looking into buying your graphic novel bc I love your art style and the premise seems cool!

My question, though, is that the description for Moon Boy starts off “for fans of The Witch Boy and Squished”, and I don’t know what either of those are— do I need to know those stories, or have read them, before I can read Moon Boy?

My word, thank you so much! It means the world to me that a handful of Superman fans migrate over to my graphic novel. If you liked how my Superman comics talk about diaspora and immigrant identity as an alien, then Lunar Boy is that to a queer, third-culture kid, culture-shocked degree.

Oh you don't have to read the Witch Boy or Squished to understand Lunar Boy. Those are what's called "comparison titles"- it gives readers an idea of the vibe of my book. Lunar Boy is often compared to the Witch Boy because it's a magical queer story about family, and Squished because that book is about a big family going through change from a big move. All those are their own stories with different authors and artists :)

[baby-fever-anon]

Dnf

[dare-g]

When I was watching Megalopolis my mind was full of River of Fundament thoughts

When I watched Fire Walk With Me my head was full of Tough Guys Don't Dance Thoughts

When I watched Dark and Stormy Night my head was full of Thundercrack! Thoughts

[horizon-verizon]

I don’t know if this is only my impression, but in my opinion, people started questioning Daemon’s status as a grey character only when HOTD worked very hard to villanize him (like having him straight up murder Rhea Royce while in the books he was still in the Stepstones and she very unambiguously had a riding accident).

Book!Daemon really is no worse than Jaime “I pushed a child out of the window and never once felt remorse over it and raped my sister in front of our dead son” or Oberyn “I beat women, drove them to suicide, steal their children and have sex with teenagers.” 

I remember that before HOTD started airing, show runners were bragging about how HOTD won’t have gratuitous violence against women the way GOT was accused of having. My immediate reaction was “press X to doubt” and I really hate being vindicated: Aemma being butchered, Alicent being an abused child bride, Daemon murdering his wife and then chocking Rhaenyra, Larys assaulting Alicent... and none of this was in the book. Like, what was the point outside of Condal and Sapochnik having this massive hate boner for Daemon ?

Jaime didn't rape Cersei in that scene canonically, but yes Daemon is that sort of man/character, this suave, charismatic, action-oriented, extremely loyal, highly martially skilled bulwark of his claimed group. This character doesn't really have to a be a down on his luck sort of "bad boy" (Oberon has had the best of luck really, he has very little to no family drama other than Elia's murder and Obara's mother, and it's really the first that is a tragedy against him form an external agent rather than Viserys befuddling Daemon or Tywin making his "love" for Jaime so obviously conditional).

Once again, Daemon and certainly none of the men we listed are good men nor feminists, and they all displayed misogyny or traumatize relatives that makes one want to grip their necks until they choke out. But we certainly didn't need to make up lies abt Daemon to make Rhaenyra seem better; why do women seem "better" only after they are abused & unable or don't choose to try to "punish" the man while they have the political chance to after all the examples of Targ women before her not having similar conditions but still always trying (sometimes succeeding) to push back or avenge themselves on a man (Rhaena-Rogar)?!

And again, this is a thing not to victim blame but to point out that it is a trend established in HotD for women to get even MORE and not-canon abuse form their male partners BEFORE we even get to Daemon choking Rhaenyra out, so we can safely assume this is how the writers are characterizing their female characters.

I think the point, therefore, is to sell through whitewashing, or really declawing feminism & reversing it through making/banking on the idea of "women-are-natural peacemakers/men are natural chaos makers and women need to keep men in check". Which still makes the value of women male-centered under the guise of infantilizing men, which makes men less accountable for their own actions. Daemon is one of the more brashly violent men and is a prime male character in this event AND he's a Targ, so there's also the element of Targ-antis being very popular in the fandom who Condal wishes to write the story toward (Targs are violent colonizers, yada, yada)...again for $ and a misunderstanding of feminism or a desire to show off how much he "gets it" and we are the ones who don't really.

Repackaged benevolent sexism to sell to the masses who don't really understand these concepts. Honestly, this show is insufferable marketing of a story with strong performances more than a story/"adaptation" of the original. And part of why he's maybe so insistent on making his "own" story from the story he still claims he is "faithfully" adapting is that apparently today's media industry has execs push for more sequels, prequels, etc. of things and writers who want to write original stuff can't and thus try to make adaptions "theirs" from that deprivation. Maybe Condal falls under this category, or maybe he simply is trying to capitalize on this consumerist nonsense. It it what it is.

[bitchesgetriches]

It’s Not Your Imagination—Secondhand Stuff IS More Expensive Than Ever

Have you noticed that secondhand stuff is more expensive than it used to be? Because I absolutely have! Since I retired, I’ve been on a bit of a secondhand shopping spree. You see, I inherited almost all of my current furniture. I acquired it randomly from old roommates, friends moving across the country, my grandparents’ downsizing, and the legendary Allston Christmas. Now that work isn’t…