#menus are an element of the buried.

[love-bitesx]

I have a hc that if you came out to Hobie, he would (in the most loving way possible) not care. He wouldn't make a big deal, he would be the kind of guy to just say, "Alright, cool," and go about his day.

i cant believe i havent said it already but: happy pride month!! it’s almost ended, but infinite love to all!!!

hobie x lgbtq+!reader (not specified)

written as romantic, but can be read as platonic if you have a very open mind lmfaoo – vague so could be coming out as anything!

“…and i didn’t know how to tell you.”

hobie’s face was incredibly hard to read. although he never hid his feelings, most of his emotions always merged into the same, nonchalant expression. you’d learnt to know the subtle tells and quirks that distinguish them overtime, but now that your heart is pounding against your chest and your brain is blurred by nerves, it was impossible. you just came out to him, and he looks like he truly couldn’t care less.

“a’right, calm,” he nodded slightly, before leaning back against the kitchen counter and grabbing at the takeaway menu that resided there, “what should we order tonight? i’m feelin’ chinese food.”

“h-hobie, i–” your cheeks were red hot, wrists anxiously ringing themselves raw, “a-are you okay? are we okay?”

his expressions changed then, brow furrowing and eyes flashing with concern, “‘course we’re okay, love, are you mad?”

“no, i just–” you sighed, shakily, “just confused, i just came out and you…don’t care?”

“does it change anything?” he relaxed again, discarding the menu and folding his arms over his chest comfortably.

“not a lot, not really,” you shrugged, willing your cheeks to drain of heat, “m-maybe a little–”

“anythin’ about us?”

“no.” you shook your head, and he smiled, only lightly, but enough to settle your booming heartbeat.

“‘n’ are you happy?”

you nodded.

extending his arms, he tugs you by the belt buckles, nudging you towards him and though you stumble slightly, it doesn’t take much for you to melt into his warmth.

placing a kiss to your forehead, he mutters, “then it’s all peachy, innit?”

a humble nod again, and you bury your face into his chest to hide your beaming smile, relief washing out every nervous element.

“now, the important question; we gettin’ pizza or chinese?”

[meowmeow-motherfucker]

The Fox & The Squirrel- Chapter 1

Hey gang! If you've read this series before or over on AO3, you're not seeing double! I decided to make some changes to the story going forward and will be re-releasing chapters on a weekly basis starting next Wednesday!

Summary: Chasing yet another demon in a long line of hunts, the Winchesters get help from an unlikely source. But their new recruit isn’t exactly who she says she is. Savannah is used to looking over her shoulder. Life in hiding doesn’t leave much room for enjoyment, but traveling with the Winchesters just may give her a new lease on life.

Pairing: Dean Winchester/OFC Savannah Hart

Trigger warnings: elements of horror and witchcraft, references to past torture/trauma, Crowley is a dick, lies and deception, mutual pining, flirting, sex, typical Winchester shenanigans.

Word count: 1.1k

Read it on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16242644/chapters/37972217

Decorah, Iowa

“I hope they have pie.” Dean grumbled as the pair climbed out of the Impala.

The brothers were seated almost immediately and made themselves comfortable in the booth as they waited for their server. Sam immediately buried his nose in the menu, scowling at Dean when a straw wrapper pelted him in the face.

“What?” Dean asked innocently.

“What are you, five?”

“Maybe. Come on, it was a good shot. It was a good shot, right?” Dean asked the server as he heard them step up to the table.

“I couldn’t say, to be honest. I didn’t see any shooting going on.” The server replied coolly. Dean glanced up, shock lancing through him at how beautiful the woman was. Light blonde hair, pale blueish gray eyes hidden behind dark framed glasses…pale skin, wine colored lipstick and gorgeous curves.

“Ignore him, he’s a child.” Sam said apologetically.

“I can see that,” The server offered a tight-lipped smile at the older Winchester’s expense, ignoring his protest without batting an eye. “Have you had enough time to look at the menu? I know it’s a lot; I can give you more time if need be.”

“No, it’s fine. I think I’m gonna have the California salad and he’ll…well he’ll probably get something that’ll kill him.” Sam replied. The server gave another tight smile as she scribbled Sam’s order on her pad. “Do you have poppyseed dressing?”

“Sure do,” the server scribbled a note on her pad and looked over at Dean. “What can I get for you?”

A thousand filthy responses flitted through Dean’s brain, but all that came out was an order for the bacon cheeseburger.

“Good choice,” the server gave another tight smile as she scribbled away. “We’re actually famous for the bacon cheeseburger.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

“Would you like French fries or onion rings?”

“Definitely fries, and is there any chance you have pie?”

“We have several kinds of pie. Any flavor in particular?”

“Cherry?” Dean asked hopefully. The server pursed her lips in thought, clicking her pen repeatedly.

“We might still have some, but last I knew we were down to our last slice and Mr. Reynolds always orders cherry. I’ll check for you.”

“Steal it from him if you have to.” Dean joked.

“You want me to shake down an old man for pie?” the server snorted. “You’re cute, but not that cute.” She tucked their menus under her arm and turned on her heel, disappearing from their view as she returned to the hostess stand.

The server returned to refill their drinks and again to deliver their food.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Dean asked as she placed her bacon cheeseburger in front of him.

“Oh, you don’t know? I figured you would have seen my nametag while you were staring at my chest.” Sam choked on his salad, quickly swallowing his food so he could laugh at his brother.

“Right. I deserve that.” Dean blushed, offering an apology when the server raised a judgmental brow at him.

“Yes, you do. Can I bring you anything else?” she asked Sam as a bell started dinging from the kitchen.

“No, thank you, um…do you need to get that?” Sam asked as the dinging intensified. The server clenched her jaw, her eyes glued to the ceiling as she exhaled.

“I’m gonna kill him if he keeps dinging that fucking bell at me.” She muttered angrily.

“The cook?” Sam asked.

“Yeah. He thinks he’s being funny but really, he’s just being an ass.”

“Maybe you should stab him.” Dean suggested.

“Oh, don’t tempt me.” The server grumbled as a Hispanic man emerged from the kitchen.

“Savannah! Window!”

“For fucks sake,” Savannah hissed, stepping away from their table. “It’s not mine, pendejo. I just picked up the food for my only table.”

“Think she’s who we’re after?” Dean looked across the table at his brother as he picked up his burger.

“I don’t think so,” Sam shook his head. “Yeah she’s got anger issues, but she seems well adjusted.”

“Alright, so we’ll just stay put, keep our eyes peeled.”

“Yeah, I mean...everyone seems on edge around here.”

“Maybe whatever it is is affecting the whole town?”

Savannah came back ten minutes later to check on them, and to drop off the coveted cherry pie for Dean, topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

“Cherry?” Dean asked in awe.

“Cherry,” Savannah nodded. “Freshly stolen from a defenseless old man.” She grinned. She was lying, of course. They’d ended up having a back up cherry pie, so both Mr. Reynolds and the hottie in booth 19 got a piece.

“You’re too good to me.”

“Remember that when you cash out.” Savannah teased, her eyes darting up to connect with his as she refilled his coffee.

Savannah did her best to keep her distance from people. Being a succubus tended to instantly exclude her from most circles, and she’d learned to be okay with that. She didn’t want to accidentally enthrall someone, so solitude was her best bet. Never mind that she’d been around for well over a hundred years now and had learned early on how to control her powers of persuasion.

Savannah didn’t have friends. Sure, she existed in the social orbit of some of the folks in town, but that was as close to friendship as she dared get. She’d only gotten this job when her funds got low. Succubae had bills too.

But dating? Out of the question. Completely off limits. While it was true that her kind needed sexual energy to survive, there was no rule it had to be derived from intercourse. Savannah had learned to survive on what energy she could derive from milder interactions, like flirting and occasional makeouts. She never went further. She had no desire to turn someone into her slave. She didn’t really miss sex that much anyway.

That’s what she tried to tell herself when Hottie smiled at her. God, his eyes were so green. He thought she was pretty, too. Gorgeous, in fact. Sometimes being able to read minds came in handy.

~~~~

In the wee hours of the morning when he should have been sleeping, Dean lay wide awake, unable to get the server from the diner off his mind. Something about her just...drew him in. Almost like...he didn’t know what.

~~~~

Across town, Savannah was restless. She knew Hottie was still awake and thinking of her. It was driving her up the wall, to feel the sense of yearning she could feel in him. Had she accidentally enthralled him?

Savannah’s stomach dropped. No. No. She was so careful! She’d barely flirted! She hadn’t even felt the urge- no, this was something else. Could this be nothing more than a crush?

[http-mianhae]

04 ➛ you can run but you can't hide ( 0.9k )

literally everyone's pov LMAO. i thought it was better for this chapter to be laid out this way :D enjoy!!1 im sorry if its not that good

matthew considers himself a quick learner. from when he was hired by his manager, he undoubtedly adjusted to the circumstances of his workplace like a pro. from the customer service language at 'sip & soothe' to the discovering his own style of coffee art which customers adored. he's a natural. customer service is his forté―he had a salesman approach to selling coffee which was distracted by his perfect, loving smile.

of course, he'd pay his respects to his master, zhang hao (for teaching him), who was not a manager but a favourite of the manager.

matthew wasn't a favourite for unknown reasons but he still thinks he's a perfect worker. maybe even more perfect than the manager.

so, as the wintery morning rumbles by, imagine his surprise when after making a lady pay a little more than she should've for her coffee (they had a 'buy one, get one free' for their new menu items until 12pm), when he saw you saunter in, looking around the coffee shop.

there's an obvious break in his face as he tells the customer to have a lovely day while his lovely day chips away.

you start walking towards the counter and matthew's customer smile doesn't budge from his face.

"hi!"

there's a look of recognition in your eyes as you skim matthew's face.

"h-hi."

his smile drops.

"um...it's my first day working here, i'm supposed to start my training in a couple minutes." she explains.

all hell breaks lose.

"oh." matthew replies, trying to smile but sweat mulls in beads over the expansion of his face, "i'll―"

"are you alright, matthew?" hao's voice comes from behind matthew and all he can think is how he can run away from here without it seeming awkward.

"um...can you please take over? i need to do something, i forgot." matthew excuses, dismissively walking off from behind the counter.

he doesn't know where he's going but he's not remaining here with this buried betrayal. and as he walks out from behind the register and out the exit, your gaze follows him, only making it worse.

"i'm sorry, do you mind waiting a little?" hao asks you, tilting his head.

how could you say no?

"of course not, i'm fine waiting."

hao also takes his departure from behind the counter. you begin reading the menu board, trying to memorise some of the drink names as you usually get the same drink every time.

meanwhile, matthew wonders outside the store, away from any windows as to expose him from his internal breakdown.

he can't believe hao lied to him. how could he?

sitting down on the snowy bench, he wonders why he deserved to be lied to.

why didn't he tell me the truth?

it doesn't take long for zhang hao to find him sitting outside, freaking out in the cold.

"matthew." hao calls.

"you lied to me, hyung." matthew says, looking up to his sorry face.

hao waits a beat before replying, knowing he'd be stepping into untouched territories.

"i know. but aren't you happy? your crush is working with you!" hao responds, trying to lighten up the mood with his bright smile.

matthew rolls his eyes, a burden slowly falling onto him, "happy? my crush is working with me after you told her that stupid pickup line."

hao frowns, "i'm sorry, matthew. that was stupid of me, i promise i was just trying to help and not make things worse."

"and, you have, because now she's working with us..."

hao sighs, taking the seat next to matthew, "well, when you put it that way, it kind of sucks."

"kind of?" matthew scoffs.

the cold wasn't helping as it nips their skin, forcing them closer to each other from body warmth as the uniform offers very little of the element.

"hey," hao begins and matthew knows he's going to hear a speech. he braces himself for it, not wanting to be influenced by hao's persuasive language, "you should be excited! even if i told that stupid pickup line, the girl you've been keeping an eye on for months is working with you. she's not working anywhere else, she's working at our store! after this, if you try and get to know her properly, something could happen between the two of you."

why was hao so good at convincing him?

maybe because he was right.

he thinks over the words of wise-hao, understanding that there was truth in them and that sitting here was a waste of time when his crush was inside, waiting to be taught the regularities at 'sip & soothe'.

matthew takes a deep breath and then, jumps up.

he's anew.

"okay, you're right." he replies, "let's go back in before i change my mind."

they go in to find the girl behind the counter, tying her hair up and their brown apron tied up.

matthew's breath hitches.

"the uniform is cute." she tells the manager who walks in just in time.

"i agree...anyways, now that these two are here, it's safe to say that matthew will be training you for you four-hour shift." the manager replies.

matthew tries to run away again (LMAO) but his heels are stuck to the ground and his arms are rigid. on top of that, hao's nails are digging into matthew's wrist.

it's like a warning.

so, matthew does what he's always been good at.

showing off his customer service smile.

previous | masterlist | next

SUMMARY ➛ in which matthew has a huge crush on a regular that comes to the coffee shop he works at and after accidentally, somehow, without intending to (glares at zhanghao) hitting her up with a pickup line, he vows to never want to see her again. what happens when she starts working there the next day?

PAIRING ➛ seok matthew x fem!reader

GENRE ➛ coffee shop smau, crack, dirty jokes, matthew being a cute dork, may include jiwoong x seobin here and there, shuhua is in this and she's so mother

lmk if you want to be in the taglist!

[jess-moloney]

There's Something Wrong With This Party

After looking at the photos and behaviour surrounding this (for whatever reason) late birthday party for Jamie I've noticed several concerning elements that I'm going to share.

Let's start with the fact that the venue is famous for being a wine bar with a huge wine list. They offer more booze options than food options and currently have only two non-alcoholic options buried in the wine list. What in the world is Jess doing taking Jamie of all people to a place like this right after he just made a post about not feeling supported in his sobriety?

The first thing advertised at the top of the main menu is vodka shots. This is absolutely not a place you take your sober boyfriend for a late and weird birthday celebration, hands down.

The minimum spend for a dinner reservation and a private room is £1500. This means you practically do have to buy alcohol to meet the minimum requirement of what you have to spend to make a reservation there. Besides, we know Jess drinks and seems to love her wine so it makes sense that she would choose this place and then more than likely also drink it up.

They also only offer access to an al a la carte menu (not the main courses) so this sort of thing is meant for drinks and tapas, not for an actual dinner. They intend for you to spend most of your money on bottle services and small plates. Not dinner. This is where Jess took Jamie. If you don't see a problem with this I don't know how and I'd really like you to explain to me why this is okay. However, this isn't even the worst of it.

Notice how there are tons of photos that Jamie isn't even in. He's in two of them. One is a very staged pretending-to-bite-the-cake photo the other is looking like a hostage situation next to Jess and her best friend (his brother, for some reason) is seated very far away from the two of them.

This made me wonder about the cake, you never see him actually eat it or the cake being cut. If you look at one of the photos you can see Jess's hand/plate and it has a slice of cake on it. Next to her would have been where Jamie was sitting. There's not even a plate there so he didn't have any cake. The person next to him has a plate of cake. Jamie isn't even in this photo. Did he leave? Why did he decline to have any of his cake? I suppose one could claim he just ate it really fast and left but why? Doesn't look like anyone else did that, looks like the cake has just been served. There are also a few other people declining to have cake as it seems.

Jess's friend, Melanie, posted these two photos promoting a cocktail and a button that says "Press for Champagne" which, by the way, is some sort of feature at this place.

So, Jess's big party idea was to take Jamie to a place where you have to spend money on booze, is all about booze, he's surrounded by booze, and then she takes a bunch of photos that make it look like it's more her party than Jamie's? Plus, if you watch the video of him with the cake he seems less than enthused by it all and he reposted none of these photos. The only photos he posted were:

In the first photo, he's looking down and away, in the second photo he looks like a deer caught in the headlights of a truck. Like he's timid or terrified. There's no tagging Jess, no thanking Jess, no I love you, Jess. Nothing. Then the last photo he posted was of him asleep in bed which I'm assuming she took because who else would have taken it?

If this was a planned event then why did Jess post that passive-aggressive message on his birthday? If she knew this was going to happen anyway why not wait? Why not do this on his actual birthday? Why not include his brother more? Why choose this venue which is 95% alcohol? Does this seem like a supportive girlfriend? Or does this seem like a woman who threw a party for herself, forced Jamie to be happy about it, and used it to "prove" she's still with him and get attention on social media? Of course, none of the stans are ever going to be able to explain or defend this other than "Well, Jamie is probably okay with alcohol" even though all of the proof here says otherwise because it appears at some point he left while everyone else stayed there, and he damn well doesn't look or act comfortable.

So yes, Jess fanatics explain why a supportive partner who encourages Jamie's sobriety would choose this venue to have his birthday two days late? I'd love to hear your answers.

[astrxlfinale]

A fresh morning always held a few key elements that needs attending to. A mastery of quietly scurrying, breakfast being the last item on the menu to create, then the routine maintained that always promised even greater heights to be pushed on the road.

Lighter always found himself in the garage at these hours. Surrounded by the scent of oil and cheap cleaner, the more honest work finds itself coming to be as a trusty toolbox is dragged over towards the bikes. Giving an idle flick to the light switch held at the side, the flourishing luminescence offered a prime sight to the one of the many prides to the Sons of Calydon.

Even he has to drag back the natural itch to just let responsibility dust off his shoulders and try a good drive.

Somehow, it would always be those intrusive thoughts, haphazard, a touch reckless and outright fun that amused him the most. Mainly, being a form of amusement that some habits from his past hadn't bothered changing in the slightest. There was simply a new wealth of elements that curbed them, bringing a more peaceful calm while he settled by the 'fearsome motorcycles'. While a fitting moniker to all of his foes, his personal preference to see them was genuine members in their own right.

How could a biker even be without that key part?

"Alright, let's see how the ladies ran ya into the dirt today." What follows would be a symphony better known as progress. Through the trust wrench and drill, each and every of their road bound members found themselves being spruced up back to new glory. More internal repairs at the beginning, following to the external and finally the shine more surface repairs. A natural rhythm was given to Lighter's work as the concept of time buried into the back of his mind.

Either after bigger jobs or the scheduled weekly time would these repairs be brought to the limelight. For life upon the Outer Ring where connections, routes and successfully getting there through Ethereal infested roads reigned in priority, this was naturally important work. So what was wrong in having a little pride in such practice?

Time burned without a care as even that hulking behemoth of a Semi-Truck that Piper lords found itself under his meticulous care.

Routine was a promising and busying concept upon these dusted roads. Kept you busy, refined the many things you brought to the table, and overall made life a hell of a lot easier. Much as he loved his stretches of ingenuity now and then, being a creature of habit simply had it's payoff.

"Let's see, save the W-Engine enhancement mods for the bikes later this week, ensure that ether coolant is applied-- ensure the scars on the truck side got wrapped up, and balance the stabilization of the wheels. Shit, lemme write that down."

Lighter's motto? Handle the main business as early as humanly possible, and keep the day open for the real points of interest. When it's all said and done? Time for the daily get together routine.

"Annnd breakfast. Can't forget to get the eggs sunny side up for Burnice, or she'll just have a riot dedicated to my name. Again." And he has to ensure that Lucy isn't going to utilize Caesar's head as baseball practice.

No point in trying to stop that inevitably, he'll just have to ensure they have a location to air that out.

[deuterosapiens]

So, the foreshadowing in this game is again, subtle as always. Cid's near-fall on the bridge was the moment where I said, "yeah, Cid dies here," and lo!, Cid dies here.

Joshua's return is really not too surprising. Phoenixes aren't exactly known for staying dead, are they? His discount-Roxas look works for me.

Am I cursed to enjoy every single Ifrit fight this game has to offer? Because once again, Ifrit v. Typhon brought me so much joy, and it's a wonderful palate-cleanse after the Akashic Dragon which, while not a particularly unenjoyable fight, the Cannonier before it can bite me, simply lacked the scale necessary to scratch that particular itch my lizard brain demands.

Speaking of itches my lizard brain demands, and actually, the Akashic Dragon, Typhon, Ultima, and so forth. Praise be to the Flame Imperishable! If I haven't mentioned this ever, my favorite trope in all of fiction is the Awakening of Buried Evil through the Actions of the Greedy and slash or, the Stupid. Think, dwarves discovering the Balrog in Moria. This means that bar none, my favorite locations in video games tend to be mines and extensive underground structures. Think the Mines of Moria. The greatest joy for me is having a party venturing into the bowels of the earth and discovering horrors beyond their kenning which would have been best left undiscovered. Imagine if you will, the Mines of Moria.

I hear mention of a Guardian in these Mines, guarding the Heart of the Mothercrystal, and so naturally, I'm hoping to see an eldritch otherworldly monstrosity. Chained gods to a wall with poison dripping in their eyes, locked away because someone had a damn good reason to lock them away. My disappointment upon discovering, oh, it's just a dragon (a cool dragon, don't get me wrong, it's glorious) might have been a bit preemptive. You know what makes these sorts of creatures really, really cool? A distinct lack of context! So, Typhon with its really slick discount Ozzy Osbourne look, followed by the reveal of Ultima, more than made up for this to me.

I did not cry at Cid's death.

I did, however, cry hideously at the reveal of Ambrosia. First off, how the hell did she survive the beginning? I questioned Torgal's reunion but gave it a pass because why would I be angry at the dog coming back? But seriously, I cannot imagine any conceivable reason of all things that Clive's Chocobo survived Phoenix Gate. At this rate, I'm beginning to suspect his father's not really dead because let's do a quick tally:

Torgal- never presumed dead, but inexplicably alive

Joshua- definitely murdered, quite brutally, but alive through Phoenix magic

Ambrosia- presumed dead protecting Clive during the massacre at Phoenix Gate, but defying all logic, inexplicably alive.

Not complaining though. The reunion was heartwarming. And I find it interesting that this is actually a completely optional side quest, that you could theoretically miss. You would think this little plot would be integrated in with the main plot a bit, but I suppose having a Chocobo mount doesn't exactly tie into the Martha's Rest plot, or the larger plot of the Valisthean civil war very well.

But yes, this entire scene had me inexplicably ugly-crying.

Things are certainly shaking up a bit. As a side note, I'm guessing Jill doesn't make to the end. Why? Because, upon obtaining Ramuh, there's room on the Ability menu for five more Eikons. There's only one Eikon for each Element, and Jill uses Ice. So, unless she freely gives Shiva to Clive as a personal sacrifice, in order for him to gain access to Blizzard Magic, Jill will die.

I'm ignoring the possibility of there being a second Eikon of Ice for the simple fact that the fact that a second Eikon of Fire exists is such a major world-altering revelation that it would have incredible consequences to the world building as a whole if another element were shown to have two (or more) Eikons. Ifrit is special because it shouldn't exist at all- a second Eikon of Ice would detract from that.

[mindblownie2]

4, 5 and 16 if youre up to it!

4. anything that resonated with you in particular from the marble nest?

Well we have talked a bit already about it, I love everything about this game, I love it as a character study of Dankovsky and the sort-of-time-loopness of it is great too because trapping a character in a box (a time loop and/or a bottle episode of sorts) is a perfect setting for vivisecting them, but is also particularly thematically apt for Daniil because (to me) he's not about immortality per se - he rejects the concept of inevitability, of anything being predetermined and set in stone and unchangeable, up to and including the laws of nature; and death is just the ultimate expression of that; though it is of course also one of the things that the game is about at its very core, the starting point on every level: Daniil finds Simon dead. Artemy finds his father dead. Clara wakes up in a grave. The Powers That Be return from a funeral. The player sees the children burying the doll even before they even see the main menu screen. And here, this time, Daniil wakes up in a coffin; and for a day he will desperately try to save people and he will clash with them and will search for answers, in the Stone Yard, the place he was invited to in the first place, under the tower that was meant to be what he was looking for, now that place being the last refuge, the last hope; and in the end he will lose. It's a microcosm of his story, distilled to its primary elements. And it's done so, so well.

And with all that. I enjoyed the sort of overarching story that was accidentally (unplanned; going in I only knew a handful of vague spoilers I turned out to have misinterpreted anyway) created by what I did in what order, and treating my subsequent replays as one continuity through which he perhaps retains some sort of awareness. First time I played I did see most of the game's content though not everything (due to getting lost a lot and forgetting I can run faster here), but importantly I did the heart quest so then I could get the meta ending (and of course I was going to. I'm Daniil fucking Dankovsky, I'm not going to just give up and accept death, or submit to the rules of the game. Duh.) and it was just after I finished the classic bachelor's route and it was a perfect coda to it. So here we go, I won. But of course some time later I wanted to see everything I missed, so I played again. (So here we are again. Being a video game character is a kind of immortality, but definitely not any kind of freedom.) And I did pick the choice that kills you at the start, for the sake of completionism (which is where the game slaps your hand and says no, take this seriously. Once more from the top and treat it like it's real again.) And so I went back and what I did then, because the first time around I listened to Sticky but now I traded with Shrew for the lockpicks and I thought, what if I go to the infected house now? Previously I didn't find it in time, but it's 10 am now. (I've been here before; I know the solution now. I don't need to waste any time.) And oh my god how shocked I was when the game just took me to the evening in that moment. So I had to choose the time loop ending then; (no, wait, that wasn't supposed to happen. Put me back, I can figure it out. I'll get it right next time.) And I played for the last time, and I went to all the places I haven't before (like the house with faces on the walls, or the executor bonfire party), and chose some alternative dialogues here and there - and of course ended up in the same place come midnight. (It was never a puzzle to solve, after all; it was about acceptance. You can do everything right and still fail. You have explored every possibility and Death still wins. There is only one ending left.) And it's a less uplifting order of events than finishing on the meta ending, but I liked it. I found it to be a good (as in "well fitting" rather than necessarily "happy") ending for him; that he has to accept he's lost and allow himself to move on, but also good on him for fighting for so long. (It is also somewhat adjacent to my personal views on life and death. Do not go gently into that good night, be a huge bitch about it. It sometimes needs to be reckoned with that some things cannot be changed, but sometimes it is also vital to try changing them anyway. Etc, etc.)

Rest in peace, Bachelor. I hope you went to heaven and tried to pick a fight with god himself.

5. assuming the world goes on after the game ends, do you think daniil will leave the town? if so, to where?

So I made this post about the characters' post canon fates but I actually gotta expand on that:

Firstly I think in all timelines he could easily die, in a number of ways. He could get sick, or have some sort of accident. He might be careless with his life; helping with curing the sick post-termite ending without adequately protecting himself, or doing some plague- or death-related research and experimenting on himself. He might spiral into addiction, a slow self-destruction, or might straight up just shoot himself in the head.

But if he lives, I think he is in a very bad state. Physically, because he has been running himself ragged, overworked, under pressure, not eating or sleeping enough, taking unholy amounts and combinations of Substances to sleep or to keep awake, to prevent infection or cure it, etc; the exertion and exhaustion is bound to catch up with him. And on top of that, depending a little on the route and how good you are at fighting but he's been beaten unconscious, stabbed, shot, and always having to get up and keep going, not letting his body heal properly; I think he's going to deal with the consequences of that. And emotionally, take your pick: the loss of his life's work, the feeling of failure, the guilt over letting down his colleagues, the guilt over not managing to stop the plague, maybe over Eva's death too, and the general relentless horror of everything he's seen and experienced during the game...

Now it's kinda unspecified as to what sort of consequences he or his friends in the Capital might face - just losing their careers or actually jail or even death? I think he might not be entirely sure himself but he might get a bit paranoid about it, with the guilt he's feeling, afraid that if he comes back or even just gets in touch that might get people in further danger by association with him, so it's better if everyone thinks he's dead and forgets him... And then adding to that a certain kind of inertia, after he lost everything and doesn't know what to do next, he'd just hunker down in Gorkhonsk for a while I think. But as much as we all love our burda domestic bliss fantasies, I know my boy isn't made for settling down into a quiet life; I think after a period of licking his wounds and kinda just surviving day to day he'd become restless, wanting something more. And there's some weird shit in town to study and he might poke at that, if nothing else it would make him feel like himself again and occupy his mind with something else than just grief and self-loathing, but ultimately the town is lacking in resources for proper scientific work and I don't think he'd be content with just being a regular doctor with a little mad science hobby on the side.

Coming back to the Capital, then, maybe, if he'd be allowed to, though he might feel unwelcome even if he isn't outright persecuted; so I think I see him eventually moving abroad, somewhere where people either don't know him or are more receptive to his ideas regardless of past controversies, and trying to start anew. That'd be his happy ending, I think.

16. [the scariest question of them all] how would you describe their relationships... [including platonic / antagonistic / philosophers with benefits / etc.]

Daniil - Andrey: pre-canon, one night stand that was probably some sort of formative experience for Daniil and fun but not life-changing for Andrey. In the game, I think as with the utopians in general, Andrey included, Daniil becomes in their mind some kind of missing puzzle piece in the plan to realise their vision. Sucks when that doesn't happen (in my mind, even the utopian ending leaves everyone involved feeling like it's not quite what they hoped for). Should've kept it to just a casual fuck but alas.

Daniil - Peter: self-recognition through the other (uncomfortable) (unwanted) (take it away).

Daniil - Farkhad: they don't know each other, and Daniil has his own ghosts.

Andrey - Peter: Dead Ringers russian AU. Unbreakably codependent and mutually destructive. Unviably conjoined at the soul.

The twins - Farkhad: haunter and hauntees, of course. Previously rivals, and rival of my brother which is even worse. Well that's all canon. I haven't really done further thinking about it.

(the questions)

[kissue]

Hello!! 🩷🩷

Can I ask how did you obtain such a good graphic for Style Savvy (the one for ds)? Bc I don't know where to look to download it. Is that a mod? 🤔

Tumblr thought it would be cute and silly to save the draft for your ask to the date in which you sent it. I use the drafts function heavily so, unfortunately your ask quickly got buried. I'm sorry about that!

When I emulate DS games with 3D assets, I typically use DeSmuME (0.9.13). This particular version of the emulator has settings for quality 3D rendering, on top of already having texture upscaling options.

Here's a brief glance at how I configure my emulator:

Tinker with these settings while 3D elements are displaying in the game. That way, you can find the exact limit of your hardware's capabilities. If you get slow framerate / lag, I suggest lowering your GPU Scaling Factor. To view each change made to your rendering, exit the menu and return to gameplay.

There's a lot of different resources for roms. Not just for the DS, but you'll find roms for all sorts of systems! ദ്ദി(ˊω ˋ )ഒ

[sharpth1ng]

how do u think a stuilly camping trip would go?

I think this probably happens tbh.

This is the kind of thing Stu would have done with his dad, like some hunting trips can last a few days so I think he would have some pretty decent wilderness skills.

Billy though? Fuck no. His family is not the type to go camping, I think they’d be more likely to rent a cottage or something if they’re going on family vacations, and I don’t think they probably did all that much. I can see Nancy taking Billy on little trips to LA or other places like that but I don’t think camping is on the menu.

So I think he would be very out of his element and embarrassed about it, which would make him pissy because he clearly has a deep need for control and superiority. But also I think he would find Stu’s skill pretty attractive (this bitch is gay) in a similar way to how he finds the hunting attractive.

So Stu is like, setting up their tent and starting a fire and Billy’s trying to be mean and shitty but he’s also like 💦😮‍💨 on the inside, like he’s trying not to lip bite and he’s failing. Stu’s pretty fucking good at reading him so he knows and he’s showing off and ofc it eventually get him what he wants (a bj from a violently horny Billy).

But I think Billy would probably want to learn stuff like fire starting and would def let Stu do most of the work but I could see him getting to like it. I think he wouldn’t want to go for super long trips but he would have fun with Stu in the woods for a few days with no one else around. For some reason I also think he would demand a mosquito tent and wear a tonne of bug spray because mosquitos would eat him alive and mostly leave Stu alone.

I can especially see them going camping together when they’re older. It’s just them, like five dogs, maybe a body to bury, and the open sky, baby.

[hungry-little-owl]

13 May: birthday dinner at 1921 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds

this was a special dining experience, as Loverboy took me to a Michelin-starred restaurant for my birthday dinner. it was of course exquisite, and still a very comfortable atmosphere. I tried frogs legs, foie gras, and duck, liked everything except the texture of foie gras, and also enjoyed two delightfully strong cocktails.

more thoughts on each course below, but for now 11/10, definitely recommend, and ideally will make our special spot for future celebratory dinners.

we chose to do the 5 course tasting menu, which began with an assortment of canapés, which are extra-fancy hors d'oeuvres. the selection included smoked tuna on an anchovy cracker, tikka frog leg, mushroom croquette & quail's egg, something with beef tartare, something in caviar, and other things I forget what they were but they were delicious little morsels.

1st course: asparagus soup

this was so delectable it made me tear up a little bit. genuinely. I love asparagus to begin with but this "velouté" was next level. the truffels and quail egg were served in the bowl, and then the creamy velouté was poured at the table. I could have licked the bowl clean if it wouldn't have embarrassed my husband.

2nd course: wasabi mooli salad

the restaurant was able to accommodate my shellfish allergy, and made this dish without the mersea crab for me. the substitute was simply more pickled mooli (white radish), which was very good but had a very strong flavour on its own. I know I am not one to critique a Michelin star restaurant, but I do wish that they had actually substituted another more mellow-flavoured element in place of the crab. something like grilled chicken or even tofu, but... what do I know! all that to say, this was good but it was the only dish I did not finish as the pickled flavour of the mooli was just too strong to be enjoyed on its own for me.

3rd course: surf n turf but make it fancy ;)

this was another originally-shellfish dish, but they substituted the scallops for seared sea bass on my plate. chicken wings and chicken gravy complimented the fish unexpectedly well, and I could have eaten a whole basket of the morels alone to be honest. If I could order a full dinner sized plate from the tasting menu selection, it would be this dish.

4th course: duck and white bean cassoulet

the seared duck breast was served with rhubarb, and while I loved the duck I was not a fan of the rhubarb. i ate some of it but not all. I also cut the duck meat away from the strip of fat, which my partner said was meant to be eaten together. I cannot stand the texture of animal fat, so I may have committed a faux pas by cutting it off but I wanted to enjoy the duck meat in the way I knew I would.

the little sauce pan served as a side dish contained a white bean cassoulet (beans and shredded beef, but fancy), and foie gras. I imagine the foie gras was imported or produced ethically, as foie gras production is illegal in the UK. I loved the bean and beef cassoulet, but the texture of the foie gras was not very palatable to me.

in order to not make it sound like I didn't enjoy this course, because I very much did, I want to state in no uncertain terms that the duck was i n c r e d i b l e and also I want the white bean cassoulet served with everything else I eat from now on. just without foie gras ;)

5th course: dessert!

the pastry crumbles, the sorbet, the yuzu curd, the pudding-esque caramel-y strip of delicious goop winding beneath it all was *literally chef's kiss* I could kiss the chef for this. my massive sweet tooth wished for more but my rational, polite side knew it was the perfect little bite of sweetness after the savory dishes that preceded it.

again, 11/10 dining experience. I do not know exactly how Michelin stars are earned and maintained, but I dare say this restaurant is certainly deserving. and I want more asparagus velouté soup.

[gosocial365]

Savor Every Bite: The Ultimate Food Delivery Experience

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of food delivery services has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student buried in textbooks, or simply someone who enjoys the luxury of delicious meals without the hassle of cooking, food delivery offers a seamless solution. But what makes for the ultimate food delivery experience? It’s more than just the speed of service or the variety of cuisines available. It’s about creating a moment of joy with every bite, ensuring that every meal is an experience worth savoring.

The Evolution of Food Delivery

The concept of food delivery is not new. From the ancient Romans who enjoyed meals delivered to their homes to the rise of pizza delivery in the mid-20th century, the idea has evolved significantly. However, the digital age has revolutionized this industry, making it possible to have almost any dish delivered to your doorstep with just a few taps on your smartphone. This transformation has set new standards and expectations for what constitutes a great food delivery experience.

Key Elements of the Ultimate Food Delivery Experience

1. Variety and Accessibility

One of the primary factors contributing to an exceptional food delivery experience is the variety of options available. Whether you’re craving sushi, pasta, a gourmet burger, or a vegan bowl, the ability to choose from a wide array of cuisines is crucial. Accessibility to different types of food, including those catering to specific dietary needs and preferences, ensures that every customer can find something to enjoy. Check Jamtara food delivery.

2. Quality and Freshness

The quality of the food delivered is paramount. A truly satisfying meal arrives fresh, hot, and ready to eat. This requires meticulous attention to detail, from the preparation and packaging to the delivery process. Ensuring that the food retains its original taste, texture, and temperature is essential in providing a delightful dining experience at home.

3. User-Friendly Technology

A seamless user experience begins with the technology used to place an order. Intuitive, easy-to-navigate apps or websites with clear menus, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images can enhance the ordering process. Features such as real-time tracking, estimated delivery times, and secure payment options further contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

4. Speed and Reliability

While quality should never be compromised for speed, prompt delivery is a significant aspect of a satisfying food delivery experience. Reliable and timely delivery ensures that the food arrives in optimal condition, ready to be enjoyed. Efficient logistics, clear communication, and courteous delivery personnel play a vital role in achieving this.

5. Sustainable Practices

As environmental concerns grow, sustainable practices in food delivery have become increasingly important. Using eco-friendly packaging, minimizing waste, and supporting local producers not only help the environment but also resonate with a growing number of conscientious consumers. The ultimate food delivery experience is one that is not only delicious but also mindful of its environmental impact.

6. Personalization and Customer Service

Personalization can significantly enhance the food delivery experience. Customizable menu options, the ability to save favorite orders, and personalized recommendations based on past orders add a touch of individuality. Additionally, excellent customer service that addresses concerns promptly and courteously can turn a good experience into a great one.

Creating Moments of Joy with Every Bite

The ultimate food delivery experience goes beyond mere convenience; it creates moments of joy and satisfaction. Here are some ways to elevate the food delivery experience:

Curated Meal Experiences

Imagine receiving not just a meal, but an entire curated dining experience. This could include a themed meal set with complementary sides, beverages, and even a playlist to set the mood. Such thoughtful touches can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary event.

Celebrating Special Occasions

Food delivery can play a significant role in celebrating special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any other milestone, special packaging, personalized messages, and celebratory extras like desserts or drinks can make the occasion memorable. These small gestures can make a big impact on the overall experience.

Interactive and DIY Kits

Interactive food delivery options, such as DIY meal kits or interactive cooking experiences, offer a unique twist. These kits come with pre-measured ingredients and step-by-step instructions, allowing customers to enjoy the process of preparing their meal while still benefiting from the convenience of delivery. This hands-on approach can be both fun and educational, adding an extra layer of engagement.

Culinary Discoveries

Food delivery services can also introduce customers to new and exciting culinary experiences. Highlighting local specialties, seasonal dishes, or chef-curated menus encourages customers to try something new and expand their culinary horizons. This sense of discovery adds an element of excitement to the food delivery experience.

Nurturing Community Connections

Supporting local restaurants and producers through food delivery services helps to nurture community connections. Featuring local chefs, promoting neighborhood eateries, and highlighting farm-to-table offerings foster a sense of community and sustainability. This not only benefits local businesses but also creates a more meaningful dining experience for customers.

Enhancing the Experience Through Technology

Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the ultimate food delivery experience. From advanced logistics to personalized customer interfaces, here’s how technology can enhance every aspect of food delivery:

Smart Ordering Systems

Intelligent algorithms and machine learning can streamline the ordering process, offering personalized recommendations based on past orders and preferences. This not only makes the ordering process quicker but also ensures that customers receive suggestions tailored to their tastes.

Real-Time Tracking and Notifications

Real-time tracking systems provide customers with updates on their order status, from preparation to delivery. Notifications about estimated delivery times and alerts when the food is on its way or has arrived enhance transparency and build trust.

AI and Chatbots for Customer Support

AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries and issues efficiently, providing instant support and resolutions. This ensures that any problems are addressed promptly, improving the overall customer experience.

Augmented Reality Menus

Augmented reality (AR) technology can create interactive and immersive menu experiences. Customers can visualize dishes in 3D, view nutritional information, and even see how meals are prepared through AR interfaces. This adds a new dimension to the ordering process, making it more engaging and informative.

Enhanced Payment Systems

Secure and convenient payment options, including digital wallets, contactless payments, and cryptocurrency, ensure a hassle-free transaction process. Multiple payment methods provide flexibility and convenience for customers.

The Future of Food Delivery

The food delivery landscape continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. The future holds exciting possibilities for enhancing the ultimate food delivery experience:

Drone and Autonomous Deliveries

Innovations in delivery methods, such as drones and autonomous vehicles, promise to make deliveries faster and more efficient. These technologies can reduce delivery times and minimize human error, ensuring that food arrives in perfect condition.

Hyper-Personalization

Future food delivery services will likely offer even more personalized experiences. Advanced data analytics and AI will enable hyper-personalization, where every aspect of the service, from menu recommendations to delivery schedules, is tailored to individual preferences.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Sustainability will continue to be a major focus, with more emphasis on eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral delivery options, and support for sustainable food sources. Ethical practices, such as fair wages for delivery personnel and transparency in sourcing, will also become increasingly important.

Virtual Dining Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) dining experiences could bring a new level of immersion to food delivery. Imagine enjoying a meal in a virtual restaurant setting, complete with the ambiance and interaction of a real dining experience. This could revolutionize how we perceive and enjoy food delivery.

Health and Wellness Integration

Integration of health and wellness features into food delivery apps will cater to the growing demand for healthy eating. Nutritional tracking, meal planning, and wellness tips can help customers make informed choices and maintain a balanced diet.

Conclusion

The ultimate food delivery experience is a blend of convenience, quality, personalization, and innovation. It’s about more than just getting food from point A to point B; it’s about creating memorable dining moments that bring joy and satisfaction. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, the food delivery industry will continue to innovate, offering new and exciting ways to savor every bite.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal at home, celebrating a special occasion, or exploring new culinary delights, the perfect food delivery experience can make every meal an unforgettable experience. So next time you order in, take a moment to appreciate the effort and thought that goes into delivering that perfect bite right to your doorstep.

[ireceived-p8250000]

August 18-24, 2013

Sunday, August 18

Today was my sister's 28th birthday, and tomorrow is Roxanne's. Since Monday is my day off, we decided to celebrate both occasions tonight with a family dinner at Hill Station. My mother, despite not being used to such upscale places, tried her best to enjoy the evening. The menu was a mix of meats and healthy vegetables, something for everyone. The highlight of the evening was a cake for Roxanne, and I handed her an envelope with 1000 pesos as a gift. We took plenty of photos to capture the memories.

Monday, August 19

The next morning, we continued celebrating Roxanne's birthday. However, the looming exams next week cast a shadow over our festivities. I had to shift my focus quickly from celebration to preparation. English 8 required us to do a traditional Indian dance, so our group met frequently to practice. Balancing these rehearsals with lectures and written reports felt overwhelming, but there was a sense of camaraderie that made it bearable.

Tuesday, August 20

Lectures filled my day, each one a reminder of the upcoming exams. I was drowning in notes and textbooks. My relationship with Mansoor was steady, though keeping it a secret added an element of tension. The only person who knew, Hollmae, seemed to delight in making subtle hints, which kept me on edge. It felt like we were having an affair, not just a hidden relationship, all because I hadn’t paid the 700-peso bet to our girlfriends.

Wednesday, August 21

The anxiety from work still lingered, but I tried to focus and perform my duties. My boss's reassurance about Harasser’s permanent ban helped, but I couldn't shake the feeling of looking over my shoulder. At school, the pressure of exams and the English 8 presentation weighed heavily. Our dance practice was rigorous, but the distraction was somewhat welcome.

Thursday, August 22

Another day, another round of lectures and dance practice. The practice sessions were intense, but we were slowly getting the hang of it. It was a nice break from the constant studying, even if it was physically exhausting. Mansoor and I managed to steal a few moments together, but the secrecy made everything feel more intense.

Friday, August 23

The end of the week brought a mix of relief and panic. The final exams were looming, and our dance was still a work in progress. I spent the evening at work, trying to concentrate despite the lingering anxiety. My boss checked in on me, which was comforting. After work, I went home and spent the rest of the night buried in my textbooks, trying to cram as much information as possible.

[devoqdesign]

Creating Intuitive Navigation for Mobile Apps

One of the most critical aspects of designing a great mobile app experience is ensuring that the navigation is intuitive and user-friendly. Poor navigation can lead to frustration, confusion, and ultimately cause users to abandon your app altogether. On the other hand, well-designed navigation can greatly enhance the overall usability and appeal of your app, keeping users engaged and encouraging them to continue exploring its features.

In this blog post, we'll explore some key principles and best practices for creating intuitive navigation in mobile apps.

1. Keep it Simple

Simplicity should be the guiding principle when it comes to mobile app navigation. Mobile screens are relatively small compared to desktop or laptop displays, which means that real estate is limited. Cluttering the interface with too many navigation options can overwhelm users and make it difficult for them to find what they're looking for.

Stick to a minimalistic approach, offering only the most essential navigation elements. Use clear, concise labels and icons that are universally recognizable and make sense within the context of your app.

2. Implement a Consistent Navigation Pattern

Consistency is crucial for creating an intuitive navigation experience. Once you've established a navigation pattern, stick to it throughout your app. Users should be able to predict where certain navigation elements will be located and how they will function based on their previous experiences.

Common navigation patterns for mobile apps include:

- Bottom navigation bar (for 3-5 main sections)

- Top navigation bar (for switching between views or features)

- Hamburger menu (for displaying a comprehensive list of options)

- Tabs (for navigating between different content categories)

Choose the pattern that best suits your app's structure and content, and use it consistently across all screens and sections.

3. Leverage Gestures and Animations

Mobile devices are designed for touch-based interactions, and users have become accustomed to using gestures like swiping, tapping, and pinching to navigate through apps. Incorporating intuitive gestures into your navigation can greatly enhance the user experience.

For example, you could allow users to swipe horizontally to switch between views or vertically to scroll through content. Tapping on a specific area could reveal additional navigation options or take users to a different screen.

Additionally, consider using subtle animations to provide visual feedback and guide users through navigation transitions. Animations can help users understand how different screens and sections are related, making it easier for them to orient themselves within the app.

4. Prioritize Discoverability

While simplicity is important, it's also crucial to ensure that users can easily discover and access the full range of features and functionalities within your app. Burying important navigation elements too deeply can lead to frustration and a poor user experience.

One way to improve discoverability is to implement a well-designed information architecture. Organize your app's content and features in a logical, hierarchical manner, and make sure that the navigation reflects this structure.

You can also use subtle visual cues, such as icons or labels, to hint at additional navigation options or hidden menus. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too many visual cues can create clutter and defeat the purpose of simplicity.

5. Consider Context and User Flow

Effective navigation isn't just about individual screens or buttons – it's about creating a seamless, cohesive experience that guides users through your app's various features and functionalities.

When designing your app's navigation, consider the context in which users will be interacting with it, as well as the typical user flows and tasks they'll want to accomplish. For example, if your app is designed for on-the-go use, you'll want to prioritize quick access to frequently used features and minimize the number of taps or gestures required to navigate.

Additionally, pay attention to the transitions between different screens and sections. Ensure that these transitions are smooth and logical, helping users maintain a sense of orientation and context as they move through the app.

6. Test and Iterate

Like any aspect of user experience design, creating intuitive navigation is an iterative process that requires continuous testing and refinement. Don't make assumptions about what users will find intuitive – instead, conduct usability testing with real users and gather feedback.

Watch how users interact with your app's navigation, and take note of any areas where they seem to struggle or get confused. Use these insights to make adjustments and improvements, and continue testing and iterating until you've achieved a navigation experience that feels seamless and natural.

Remember, user preferences and expectations can change over time, so it's important to periodically reevaluate your app's navigation and make updates as needed.

Conclusion

Creating intuitive navigation for mobile apps is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of user behavior, design principles, and the unique constraints and affordances of mobile devices.

By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post – keeping it simple, implementing consistent navigation patterns, leveraging gestures and animations, prioritizing discoverability, considering context and user flow, and continuously testing and iterating – you can create an app navigation experience that truly delights users and keeps them engaged with your product.

Devoq Design stands out as a top-tier UI/UX design agency with a strong presence in both Toowoomba and Mackay. As a leading UI/UX design agency in Toowoomba, Devoq Design specializes in creating user-friendly and visually compelling digital experiences tailored to the unique needs of businesses. Their expertise also extends to Mackay, where they deliver cutting-edge design solutions that enhance user interaction and drive business success. Whether in Toowoomba or UI/UX design agency in Mackay, Devoq Design is committed to providing exceptional UI/UX design services that ensure optimal user engagement and satisfaction.

[atliqtechnologies]

The Ultimate Guide to Using Heatmaps for Website Optimization

Ever spent hours crafting the perfect call to action (CTA), only to see website visitors seemingly ignore it? You’re not alone. Traditional analytics leave you guessing, but customer behavior heatmaps paint a clear picture. You’ll see exactly where visitors click (and where they don’t), revealing blind spots that are costing you sales. 

Get ready to transform those “click here” pleas into a chorus of “add to cart!”

Here’s the basic idea: Heatmaps are visual representations of user interaction on a webpage. They use a color scale, with warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) indicating areas of high engagement (clicks, scrolls, hovers) and cooler colors (blues, greens) signifying areas with less activity.

Think of it like a heat signature for your website. Hotter zones show where visitors are drawn to, what grabs their attention, and where they take action. Conversely, cooler areas reveal content that might be getting skipped or elements that are confusing or difficult to interact with. By analyzing these heat signatures, you gain valuable insights into user behavior. You can see if your CTAs (call to action buttons) are prominent enough, if your product placements are effective, and even where visitors might be getting lost on your site. This intel is like gold for website optimization, allowing you to tailor your pages for a smoother user experience and ultimately, more sales.

Key Heatmap Insights for Sales Optimization

Customer behavior heatmaps offer a treasure trove of data, but how do you translate that data into actionable insights for boosting sales? Let’s dive into three key types of heatmaps and explore the valuable information they reveal:

Click Heatmaps: Your Website’s Clickable Conversation

Click heatmaps are like a popularity contest for elements on your webpage. They show you exactly where users are clicking, revealing which elements are most engaging and which ones might be getting overlooked. 

CTA Performance: Are your “Add to Cart” buttons getting a lukewarm response? Click heatmaps can expose poorly placed or confusing CTAs. Use this data to optimize button placement, size, and messaging for maximum click-through rates.

Navigation Clarity: Click heatmaps can highlight unexpected clicks on non-clickable elements, indicating users are confused about navigation. Streamline your menus, add clear calls to action for specific sections, and ensure a user-friendly layout.

Hidden Gems: Are there valuable resources or promotions getting lost in the shuffle? Heatmaps can reveal areas with low click activity, potentially highlighting hidden gems that need better placement or promotion.

Scroll Heatmaps: Unveiling the Depths of User Attention

Scroll heatmaps go beyond clicks, revealing how far down the page users are scrolling. This data is crucial because valuable content placed “below the fold” (the area not visible without scrolling) might be going unseen. 

Content Placement Optimization: Does your key product information or special offer get buried at the bottom of the page? Scroll heatmaps can identify where visitor attention drops off. Reposition crucial content higher on the page to ensure maximum visibility.

Engaging Storytelling: Is your long-form content failing to capture user attention? Scroll heatmaps can reveal where users lose interest. Use this data to break up text with visuals, improve readability, and ensure your story keeps users engaged until the end (where your call to action awaits!).

Infinite Scrolling Efficiency: For websites with infinite scrolling, scroll heatmaps can show where users stop “loading more” content. This data helps you optimize the content flow and strategically place CTAs at optimal engagement points.

Attention Heatmaps: Where Do Eyes Meet Sales Opportunities?

Attention heatmaps are like a heat signature for user focus. They show where visitors hover their mouse or where their gaze lingers on the page. This data reveals what elements are visually grabbing attention and which ones might be getting ignored. 

Product Presentation Power: Heatmaps can expose areas of a product image that users find most engaging. Focus on highlighting those areas in your product photography to showcase key features and drive sales.

Headline Heroics: Are your headlines failing to captivate your audience? Attention heatmaps can show if users are skipping over your headlines entirely. Craft compelling headlines that grab attention and entice users to delve deeper into your product or service.

Call to Action Visibility: Use attention heatmaps to ensure your CTAs are visually prominent. If users aren’t noticing them, optimize the design, color scheme, and placement to make them stand out and encourage clicks.

Using Heatmap Data to Make Sales-Driven Changes

Heatmaps provide valuable insights, but the real magic happens when you translate that data into actionable changes that drive sales. By leveraging heatmap data and implementing these optimization strategies, you can transform your website from a passive brochure into a sales-generating machine!

Here’s how to leverage your heatmap intel for website optimization:

A/B Testing with Heatmap Insights 

Identify Areas for Improvement: Use heatmap data to pinpoint areas with low engagement or conversion rates. Is your CTA placement subpar? Are users scrolling past your key product information? These are prime candidates for A/B testing.

Develop Competing Variations: Based on your heatmap findings, create alternative versions of the problematic element. Try different CTA button placements, test variations of your product descriptions, or experiment with multiple headline options.

Run the A/B Test: Split your website traffic and show each visitor one of the variations you created. Heatmap tools often integrate with A/B testing platforms, making it seamless to track user behavior on each variation.

Analyze the Results: Once enough data is collected, the A/B testing platform will reveal which variation performed better. This data removes guesswork and provides concrete evidence for optimizing your website for sales.

Optimizing Calls to Action

Your CTAs (calls to action) are the gateways to conversions, so optimizing them is crucial. Heatmaps can be a powerful tool in this process. They reveal where users are most engaged on your website, allowing you to strategically place your CTAs within these areas of high user focus. This strategic placement maximizes the chance of getting clicks and ultimately, conversions.

Heatmaps can also expose poorly designed CTAs that blend into the background or fail to stand out. By analyzing click heatmaps, you can experiment with different design elements like contrasting colors, clear fonts, and compelling CTA text. Think about the difference between “Buy Now” and “Learn More.” The first option is clear and action-oriented, while the second is more passive. By using clear and concise language that leaves no room for doubt, you can significantly increase your click-through rates.

In short, heatmaps can help you transform your CTAs from afterthoughts into conversion magnets, boosting your website’s sales potential.

Improving Product Presentation

Highlight What Matters: Attention heatmaps reveal which areas of your product images capture user interest. Focus on prominently displaying those features in your product photography to entice potential buyers.

Information Architecture: Heatmaps can show if users are missing crucial product information. Optimize your product pages to ensure key details like features, benefits, and pricing are readily visible and easy to digest.

Visual Storytelling: Combine attention heatmaps with scroll heatmaps to see how far users scroll down product pages and where they lose focus. Use this data to strategically place high-quality visuals, customer testimonials, or compelling product descriptions to keep users engaged and drive sales.

Advanced Heatmap Techniques for Sales Optimization

Heatmaps are like x-ray vision for your website, but advanced techniques unlock even more sales potential.

Segmentation personalizes the experience. Heatmaps reveal how different user groups (new vs. returning visitors, mobile vs. desktop) interact with your site. This allows you to tailor content, promotions, and navigation for each group, leading to a smoother journey and ultimately, more sales.

Heatmaps + User Recordings = Conversion Gold. User recordings capture user behavior like clicks and scrolling. Combine this with heatmaps to understand the “why” behind user actions. Are they hesitating on a CTA because it’s unclear? Do they linger on a product due to confusion? These insights help you identify and fix roadblocks, boosting your sales conversions.

Customer behavior heatmaps are a game-changer for website optimization. By providing a visual representation of user interaction, they empower you to understand how visitors navigate your website, what grabs their attention, and where they might be getting lost. This data is gold for increasing sales, allowing you to tailor your website for a smoother user experience that converts clicks into customers.

Ready to unlock the full potential of heatmaps? At AtliQ Technologies, we’re passionate about helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technology to achieve their goals. Our team of IT and Business Consulting experts can guide you through the heatmap analysis process, translating insights into actionable strategies for website optimization. We’ll help you identify areas for improvement, personalize the user experience, and ultimately, turn website visitors into loyal customers.

Turn Website Visitors into Paying Customers with Heatmaps!

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[akshatramadurai]

The Hidden Costs of Frictionless Experiences: A Call for More Good Friction in Subscription Models

Subscription services are deeply woven into the fabric of our digital lives, from streaming platforms to software suites. But beneath the surface convenience of these services lies a troubling reliance on dark patterns—design tactics that manipulate users into making decisions against their best interest. Two prevalent examples deserve our scrutiny:

Hiding the Unsubscribe Options: Many services bury the option to cancel subscriptions in layers of menus or obscure it in fine print, making it frustratingly difficult for users to find and exercise their choice to stop the service.

Manipulative Free Trials: By requiring payment information upfront and making the cancellation process cumbersome, companies ensure that many users end up paying for at least a month or more of service unintentionally. Worse still, if a user cancels a free trial, access is often cut immediately, rather than at the end of the trial period, dissuading cancellations and encouraging passive subscription renewals.

These tactics exemplify what professor Gosline refers to in her article as bad friction—obstacles that reduce consumer autonomy and exploit cognitive biases for corporate gain. In stark contrast, Gosline champions the concept of good friction: deliberate touchpoints in the customer journey that enhance transparency, ethical practices, and ultimately, customer empowerment.

In fact, there is a whole industry now designed around helping individuals avoid unwanted subscriptions (E.g., Rocketmoney).

Imagine a subscription model where companies:

Alert Users at the End of a Free Trial: A simple notification asking if the user wishes to continue with the service can build trust and respect for consumer autonomy.

Simplify the Unsubscription Process: Making it as easy to unsubscribe as it is to subscribe respects the user’s choice and fosters a healthier long-term relationship.

Incorporating these elements of good friction can transform customer experiences from being manipulative to being genuinely supportive. Companies need to prioritize long-term trust over short-term gains. By doing so, they not only adhere to ethical standards but also foster real loyalty and satisfaction among their users.

Let's advocate for more responsible business practices that respect user agency and encourage true engagement. It's time to shift the paradigm from exploiting frictionless experiences to enhancing them with meaningful interactions that put human needs first.

[realtorjamier]

How to Host a Banner BBQ!

If you aspire to have your friends and family describe your backyard barbecues using words like “epic” and “legendary,” our hosting guide will help you plan a shindig that’s sure to please. The popularity of the neo-Western television series “Yellowstone” will undoubtedly elevate interest in this entertainment option. Take it up a notch and draw from these tips to create an unforgettable BBQ bash.

Pre-party Pump-up

Create a buzz early by sending fun invitations out to your guest list. Include cute graphics and catchy phrases: “Grill and chill,” “We’re fired up,” “Pig out at our cookout,” “Smokin’ hot,” – you get the idea. Consider asking your guests to dress the part in denim and cowboy hats!

Set the Stage

Your decor will help guests get into the spirit of the party. When gathering items for decorating, think thematically: cowboys, ranches and farms, upscale rustic, the wild west, “Yellowstone.” Here are some ideas to keep your design unified:

Gingham tablecloths, table runners

Bandana napkins

Faux cowhides

Denim

Rustic wood

Wildflowers (buckets of daisies, Queen Ann’s Lace, etc.)

Mason jars

Lanterns

Hay bales

Galvanized metal

Set the Tone: Music

If you Google “Yellowstone playlist,” you’ll be able to create yours based on all the songs that have been included in the hit series. You’ll also find other options within the same musical genre. If you want a “Yellowstone” vibe, here’s a sampling of what you can include:

“What Cowboys Do” by Casey Donahew

“Summertime Blues” by Zach Bryan

“Watermelon Moonshine” by Lainey Wilson

“Last Call” by 49 Winchester

“Hands on the Wheel” by Willie Nelson

“Life of Sin” by Sturgill Simpson

“Wrong Side of the River” by Myon Elkins

“Far from Home” by Aubrie Sellers

“Off the Wagon” by Isaac Hoskins

“Dance the Night Away” by Shane Smith and the Saints

“Mule Skinner Blues” by Dolly Parton

“Peace in the Pines” by Kolton Moore & the Clever Few

“Chess” by Honey County

“Dear Rodeo” by Cody Johnson

“The Cowboy in Me” by Tim McGraw

“West Texas in My Eye” by The Panhandlers

“Cowpoke” by Colter Wall

“The Low Road” by Shooter Jennings

“Hey Delilah” by Blackberry Smoke

Fun and Games

When it comes to backyard BBQ games, let’s face it: you’ve got to have horseshoes and cornhole. Consider creating a customized cornhole board and/or beanbags.

Let kids pan for “gold” by setting up a kiddie pool filled with sand. Bury coins in the sand, add water and provide metal pans for kids to search for their loot.

Set up a checkerboard station. You can use black and red painted stones and a flat stump painted with a checkerboard pattern or create an oversized checkerboard table using painted mason jar lids as checkers.

Make an Instagram-worthy photo “booth” for guests to take pictures behind a giant “WANTED” poster frame.

Here are more ideas to keep kids and adults entertained:

Wild West themed Trivial Pursuit

Croquet

Lawn bowling

Giant Jenga

Water balloon bin

Fire pit for s’mores

Ring toss using old soda crates with vintage glass bottles 

9-hole mini golf using the naturally challenging elements of your yard

Sidewalk chalk

Be a Pitmaster

 

Make sure to prepare as much food in advance as you can. Marinate meats and vegetables, cut and refrigerate meats, fruits and vegetables, and chill beverages. Make sure to also offer vegan options like grilled or Buffalo cauliflower wings, vegetable skewers, mushroom BBQ ribs, Portobello mushroom fajitas, mushroom burgers, etc.

Create menu item signs with fun names that go with the BBQ theme. Some possibilities include “Grazing Board” (charcuterie), “Cowboy Caviar,” “Cheesy Ranch Potatoes.”

Make a “Watering Hole” beverage station and a “Soda Float Bar” for fun refreshment. (For less work during the party, ice cream can be pre-scooped into cupcake liners and kept frozen until ready to serve.) You could also create an old-fashioned lemonade stand with optional spiked varieties.

Freeze red and black water-filled balloons and place them in galvanized metal tubs for a fun take on a beverage cooler.

Party Favors

Gifting your guests with inexpensive but useful items will make your event even more memorable. Consider packaging these items in a bandana, cowboy hat, or other cute container:

Cheap sunglasses

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Hand wipes

Bubbles

Hand fans

Sidewalk chalk 

Post Party 

Store all your reusable decor to make the next BBQ bash even easier!

And to make the BBQ buzz linger longer, your post-party plan can include social media posts featuring flattering pictures of your party guests having fun!