#nerkierants

[firjii]

I just saw the Spotify might change their royalties model and that it would hit indie artists hardest. Are you posting your music elsewhere? I follow you on Spotify but now I'm looking into other places for music and want to continue supporting your awesome music!!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I love you and thanks for asking.

Except for a few covers that are limited by licensing restrictions, my stuff is on all major and some minor platforms (I do sometimes lag in putting things on Bandcamp because lazy). I'm not monetized on Soundcloud because that system is somewhat different and IIRC not as welcoming of truly small artists, so any of my tracks that you find there are either on my "just for fun" accounts or are someone's illegal reupload.

Reminder to the new folks: I'm Firjii everywhere but also started another artist pseudonym as Kathy Warnecke (which should also be on all the same platforms by now).

Tidal and Apple usually have the best royalty payout rates and Spotify is among the worst (but no platform has a guaranteed fixed rate). Youtube is all over the place but usually on the low end. Downloads always pay better than streams, but I know some people can't do this or prefer to continually support with streams over time instead of paying once.

I'm also gonna take a minute to FUCKING RANT explain things to the uninitiated since virtually all my listeners on tungles are freemium Spotify users. From what I understand, this change has been finalized and it's not speculation at this point.

The deal is they'll withhold royalties from a song in a given calendar year unless it's streamed at least 1,000 times ANNUALLY (not lifetime).

Although the change will only consider per-track stats (not social media-like numbers such as followers/listeners or a measurement of how established the artist's presence is), in practice, this will specifically demonetize small/niche artists and have little or no impact on medium and big names. It will also affect the payouts small artists get from distributors because many of those have their own minimum payout thresholds.

I need people to understand just how shitty this is.

Say you're a prolific creator or recorded some live shows from a tour and you released 150 tracks in a year. If each track only got streamed on Spotify 999 times that year, they're pretty much saying you'd get paid for.......yup, exactly zero Spotify streams, not the 149,850 you're otherwise owed. I have no idea if this will impact PRO (performance rights organization) payouts, but I refuse to believe it would be legal to also withhold that share of royalties.

In the Spotify world, 1k streams is a tiny achievement (and still translates to a very small payout, so the concern is: what's to stop them from raising that minimum even more in the future?). But especially when the hurdle is per song per year, this can be a tough goal for indie or specialty genre artists to reach or maintain, including me.

I have a long history of disliking Spotify in particular for many reasons, but I upload there because it's the only way some people will listen. I strongly encourage anyone who is able to use other platforms to explore their options.

I know a lot of folks are too broke to pay for music and Spotify is a notable example of a freemium option, but this change is so, so, SO bad for SO many artists.

[theunsinkablesappho]

@nerkierants

[alder-witch]

Your readings are always inspiring and I love seeing them on my dash! I’m Pisces and I just met a new possible love interest but it’s been so long since I’ve felt some kind of romantic interest I’m worried it’s a false feeling. What do the cards have to say oh wise reader of the cards?

Hey there! You’re too sweet. Thank you for letting me know you love seeing my reads The Mother of Cups + The Ace of Swords. I think there’s a lot of room to grow with the connection you’ve felt. The Mother of Cups is a nurturing energy. She wants things to grow, she wants happiness. And I feel this is the potential that you share between you and this interest! The Ace of Swords shows that you’ll get more definite signs in the near future. There will be clarity coming into this situation quite quickly that will give you a better idea on where to go and what actions would be most appropriate! ________________________________________________Currently open for readings! My Ko-fi (Tips/Donations)

[lornaka]

You and your art are a gift to this Earth. Hell, it's a gift to the damn GALAXY! Thank you so much for what you do!

Ahh thank you you are too kind!

[letstalkaboutfandomsbaby]

@nerkierants idk who is threatening you but i am so so sorry, that is truly so rude. I have no problem with people reblogging my asks, i honestly encourage it bc how else will they gain traction, yk?

I feel like my work isn't doing as well as it used to and it's kind of discouraging

[alder-witch]

Long time reader, first time ask-er.... I saw you were doing mini readings and figured I'd give it a go. I was hoping for something regarding love life, it's non-existent and I'm really lonely. I'm a Pisces in case that helps. Thank you!

The Six of Swords & The Three of WandsThe Six of Swords is your advice. As trite as it may seem, this is a time to focus on yourself. During this time try to be comfortable with yourself, fall back in love with yourself. You’re on your way to new love, but it won’t get here just yet. Focus on getting yourself to a comfortable and happy place in other areas of your life too. You’ve had a lot of hardships going on, especially recently and the dust still needs to settle before you will meet that person you’ll fall in love with and who will fall in love with you. The Six of Swords is about moving on to smoother waters, so try to implement that concept in every part of your life. The Three of Wands tells you to hold out hope though. Love is on it’s way and you’ll likely meet this person in the near future (I don’t usually do timeframes, but to me the near future is 1-3 months.) As the Three of Wands indicates subtle signs of a desire manifesting, I see it as you meeting this person, not entering a relationship yet. I’m so sorry you feel so lonely. It sounds rough, and though everyone has experienced loneliness, it isn’t in your shoes and no one can truly feel just how much you’re hurting. But I’m always here for you to chat with if you need a shoulder to lean on! I hope your reading brings you some peace._________________________________Free mini readings are open today! 🌟🔮🌟My Ko-fi (Tips/Donations)

[firjii]

@nerkierants replied to your post “In case any new Patreon creators didn’t know this… I was looking...”

That explains why it never charged my card!! All the other patreon s i follow charge up front. I was worried I did something wrong on my end. Btw love your music!

First of all THANK YOU AGAIN!!! <3 <3 <3 <3

At first I wasn’t sure either, but I just assumed it was something to do with the billing cycle (sorry if it confused you, I’ve used the site as a supporter for a few years but really couldn’t remember how the first charge worked). I might still change that detail somewhere in the future, but for some reason I’m on the fence right now. I’m under the impression that once an account is changed to that option, you can’t ever revert back (and it makes sense to do it but aghhh I am a fusspot whomst dislikes finality in something like account settings).

[ladylike-foxes]

2020, 20 Facts

Thank you,  @solverne-02 😍���❤️

1. Do you make your bed?

Ahaha no, I'm a mess 😂

2. What’s your favorite number?

9

3. What’s your job?

Trying to keep myself together. And occasionally drawing.

4. If you could, would you go back to school?

Only if I could do it as a hobby, cause I like learning just to know cool stuff. Anddd it'd have to be free.

5. Can you parallel park?

A car, yeah. Anything bigger, no.

6. A job you had which would surprise people?

I don't know that I've done anything interesting enough to surprise anyone.... Maybe when I worked for a city orchestra? Or the ice cream shop? 

7. Do you think aliens are real?

Yes. I don't know that I believe for sure that they have/are visiting our planet? Regardless, I'm terrified of them.

8. Can you drive a manual car?

Yeah, but if it's stop-and-go traffic or a lot of stop lights/signs, I will almost definitely ruin the transmission.

9. What’s your guilty pleasure?

I'm not really that embarrassed by anything I enjoy... I guess maybe cheap paperback romance novels?

10. Tattoos?

Various assorted, almost all in need of touch-ups. More to come, eventually.

11. Favorite color?

Uhhh, other than black? To wear, it's dark green; not on my person, it's lilac.

12. Things people do that drive you crazy?

Ha! Depends on the day, but it varies between Everything and Still Too Many to List. A few of the major ones: being shitty to others, guilt-trips, racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, class warfare, pretty much any disrespect and derogation of fellow humans, Opinions as Facts, not communicating there's an issue but still being disruptively upset when it's not magically fixed (passive aggression, in general)

13. Any phobias?

Cockroaches. 

14. Favorite childhood sport?

Maybe basketball?

15. Do you talk to yourself?

Sure do.

16. What movie do you adore?

Several, but I watch Pride & Prejudice (2005) an average of twice a month, so.

17. Do you like doing puzzles?

I suppose. Depends on the puzzle, I think.

18. Favorite kind of music?

Uh, currently, whatever Hozier and Florence Welch are? 

19. Tea or coffee?

Yes. 

20. The first thing you remember you wanted to be when you grew up?

International Jewel Thief

Tagging: @wrenbee @joufancyhuh @kvpowers @sasshole-for-rent @nerkierants @thefoxinboots @thevikingwoman @galadrieljones and anyone else I've blanked on and/or who would like to share ❤️

[ladylike-foxes]

I finally did the piccrew by @ummmmandy and tagged by the babies @galadrieljones @buttsonthebeach and @wrenbee ❤️❤️ While I am actually incapable mentally of recognizing myself, this feels more accurate to me than any other piccrew I’ve done. Also, I did Halesta 😅❤️

Anywho, tagging my loves @joufancyhuh @solverne-02 @kvpowers @nerkierants and bby @ellstersmash if any of you feel like it and/or haven’t done it already ❤️❤️

[ladylike-foxes]

10 Favorite Movies

Tagged by the lovely @mrscullensrutherford ❤️ thank you, bby!

Rules: Post 10 gifs of your favorite movies without naming them, then tag 10 people

Tagging, if they like: @joufancyhuh @wrenbee @solverne-02 @kvpowers @nerkierants @timeforelfnonsense @amata-hawke @ocean-in-my-rebel-soul @galadrieljones @thevikingwoman ❤️😙

[ladylike-foxes]

5 things I wanted to be when I grew up

Tagged by the divine and exquisite @galadrieljones ❤️ thank you love!!

Jewel Thief (Professional)

Secret Agent (Professional)

Plastic Surgeon

Marble Sculptor (during the Renaissance)

Zorro

Tagging: @wrenbee @joufancyhuh @kvpowers @nerkierants @prettyandsarcastic @buttsonthebeach @solverne-02 ❤️❤️

[ladylike-foxes]

10 Happy Things

@goddesstiera  is awesome and made up a new ask game where you list 10 things that make you happy. 

I was tagged by my amazing, wonderful friend @joufancyhuh (who is also one of the dear friends mentioned on this list)

I’m stealing this from the original list and Jo: driving with the windows down and music up, just me and a car and no worries. Especially on long drives. 

Also stealing from Jo: Glitter bombing. Essentially sending letters and inside is glitter or confetti and it gets all over the unsuspecting victim... I mean recipient. It honestly makes me laugh so hard. I realize it’s evil.

Afternoon thunderstorms, perfect napping or reading weather while cuddling with Orph.

Making people happy. To share in the joy and excitement and enthusiasm of other people is all I ever want.

My amazing friends, and especially the small group of close friends that put up with my constant nonsense on a daily basis and always manage to cheer me up ❤️

Plants!! I couldn't keep one alive to save my life, but I love love love how light and fresh and green they can make even the most dim and dreary of places. 

Singing in the shower. I feel bad for my neighbors though, cause I can't carry a tune😂

Foxes!! (obviously) But also chubby baby animals and, of course, possums and raccoons.

Mae. He's so funny and is honestly my best friend. I'm grateful for him every day.

Dragon Age. They're still the only games where I've really felt connected to the characters, and I just. Love. 

Tagging to tell me what makes them happy: @wrenbee @kvpowers @nerkierants @prettyandsarcastic @solverne-02 @timeforelfnonsense @galadrieljones @thevikingwoman @ellstersmash @roguelioness @bearly-tolerable and @sasshole-for-rent ❤️❤️❤️

[ladylike-foxes]

21 Questions !

Tagged by: the eternally lovely @im-not-great-at-making-up-names

Nicknames: Fox, Lolly (strictly immediate family)

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Height: 5'2" on a good day

Hogwarts House: Slytherin!

Last thing you Googled: 'Dalish Keeper Robes'

Favorite Musicians: DCFC, Florence Welch, Bllie Eilish, Dagny

Song stuck in your head: "Bury a Friend" by Billie Eilish

Following now: Dragon Age, SheRa, The Orville, uhhh other stuff too I'm sure.

Followers? 1,910 (?!?) (Most of those must be pornbots)

Do you get asks? Occasionally. I got a bunch for my birthday yesterday! Thank you, sweet babies!!

Amount of sleep? Too much but never enough?

Lucky number(s): 9, 6, 3, 2, and any combination thereof.

What I'm wearing: Super soft white T-shirt that says "No Bra Club".

Dream job: Naming paint and nail polish colors.

Dream Trip: India, the Mediterranean.

Favorite food: Oatmeal, chocolate.

Instruments: I can play the part of "Für Elise" on the piano...but other than that, none.

Languages: English, Conversational French, Tourist Spanish

Favorite Songs: "Brother's on a Hotel Bed" - DCFC, "Not a Love Song" - bülow, "Backbeat" - Dagny, "Like Real People Do" - Hozier

Random Fact: @im-not-great-at-making-up-names and @goddesstiera have the same birthday I do!

Aesthetic: Black and dark grey, soft clouds in purples and pinks, the moon, gold jewelry, tarot cards, antique mirror compact, thunderstorms, candles, the smell of cedar and amber, giant mirrors in ornate frames, forests draped in early morning fog, being pleasantly alone, the soft purr of a happy cat.

Tagging: @wrenbee @joufancyhuh @timeforelfnonsense @nerkierants @solverne-02 @kvpowers @swimming-squids @goddesstiera @galadrieljones @thevikingwoman @5ftgarden @bearly-tolerable @ellstersmash @sulevinblade @ anyone else who wants to?

[ladylike-foxes]

Dragon Age Question Meme

Tagged by @galadrieljones ❤️😘 Thank you, Sweets!

Tagging: @wrenbee @joufancyhuh @kvpowers @nerkierants @solverne-02 @ellstersmash @swimming-squids @roguelioness And anyone else who'd like to!

01) favorite game of the series?

Inquisition. I hadn't played Origins or DA2 in so long, I had practically forgotten they existed. I had gotten out of gaming for a long time, until I finally caved when I moved away, and got into Skyrim. I played so much I literally maxed out my levelling, and was starting to get bored...which made me sad. Inquisition not only rekindled my love for Dragon Age, it brought out more fresh inspiration to my creativity overall, and that in turn has improved my life,

02) how did you discover Dragon Age?

I played Origins and DA2 at friends' houses when I was in school, but while I enjoyed them, I wasn't in a place in my life where I could appreciate them. Then I was telling my amazing baby-brother-in-law about how sad I was that Skyrim was feeling stale to me, and he told me to play Inquisition. I was speculative at first, because I was so in love with Skyrim's open-world format and lack of any real Good +/- Evil alignment...but once I got past the Intro, I felt so immersed and so connected to the characters, that now Skyrim feels a little empty in comparison (though I do still love it)

03) how many times you’ve played the games?

Origins and DA2, only once each. Inquisition & its DLCs, 6 times all the way through.

04) favorite race to play as?

Elves. It's a bit embarrassing, but I'm an Elf Person. Though I'm sure it hasn't been obvious at all.

05) favorite class?

ROGUE!!! Especially dual-weild 😍 Mage is super fun too, though, ngl

06) do you play through the games differently or do you make the same decisions each time.

NGL It depends on which character I'm playing as, mostly. I also base new decisions based on the effects of decisions in past play thrus and how they played out. If I'm contented with the results in respect to the character, I'll make the same decisions 😂

07) go-to adventuring group?

Solas, Iron Bull, and Dorian, though I rotate Varric and Cassandra in and out a lot, too.

08) which of your characters did you put the most thought into?

😂😂😂 Halesta

09) favorite romance?

Solas, because I enjoy torturing myself. Sera was cute, too. Cullen was fluffy and sweet, and was good for me after my first play thru with Solas. I was in a bad place after the first Solavellan go 'round, cried for weeks. It was not pretty 😂

10) have you read any of the comics/books?

First Flight and Masked Empire

11) if you read them, which was your favorite book?

Masked Empire, hands down. I don't know why, but I couldn't really get into First Flight? But Felassan in Masked Empire, are you kidding?! SWOON.

12) favorite DLCs?

Trespasser. I also love the Descent, especially for the lore! But the Deep Roads scare the ever-loving shit out of me, so I have to psych myself up before I can play it 😅 While I am hot for Ameridan, Jaws of Hakkon didn't really grab me.

13) things that annoy you?

To steal Gala's answer: "Not much. Mostly I get annoyed when parts of the fandom fixate on things that annoy them. That annoys me, because I’m here for the positive vibes, not the negative."

14) Orlais or Ferelden?

Ferelden for the people and culture, Orlais for the varying environments and the history.

15) Templars or Mages?

Mage Rights

16) if you have multiple characters, are they in different/parallel universes or in the same one?

Halesta + Laleal Verse is technically the same Verse as Camber + Somber, since their stories converge, but their timelines are a little different. Ghani is Omniversal. She's in any and every Verse. She's in your Verse right now, and you don't even know it 🤫

17) what did you name your pets? (mabari, summoned animals, mounts, etc)

The dogs in Origins and DA2 were Bryna and Nilo, respectively. Halesta's horse is Da'assan and her little fox is Ghestlin ("lil monster")

18) have you installed any mods?

No...PS4 😟

19) did your Warden want to become a Grey Warden?

Noooooo.

20) Hawke’s personality?

She's a spiteful, sarcastic bitch and I love her so much I can't even.

21) did you make matching armor for your companions in Inquisition?

Ahahaha, God no. I made armor for each companion that I thought fit their personalities.

22) if your character(s) could go back in time to change one thing, what would they change?

Oh God, uhh, I have no idea.

23) do you have any headcanons about your character(s) that go against canon?

SO MANY. Felassan doesn't die, Halies's father is an Ancient Elvhen Sentinel, she is sent by Fel to kill Solas before he can get the Orb to Corypheus (she doesn't), she knows Solas is Fen'Harel, she saves the Orb from breaking but won't give it to Solas, is able to master the Orb and use the power of the Anchor without losing her arm (though it is severely scarred), etc. etc. ad nauseum.

Also, @galadrieljones , about the barefoot elves: I kinda like that they're barefooted! Though probably because I'm always barefooted 😅

24) are any of your character(s) based on someone?

Halesta's personality is based loosely on my mother combined with certain self-insert aspects of my bipolar disorder. Laleal is pretty much based on a combo of my best friend and my husband. Camber's personality is based a little more accurately on my Momma, and her relationship with Somber is based on mine with my own brother (though we're not twins) when we were younger (we're still close, but you know how things change sometimes with age and distance). And Ghani is just a straight-up personification of my depression and anxiety 😂

25) who did you leave in the Fade?

Stroud. I couldn't live with an alternative.

26) favorite mount?

While Halie has a horse she's very attached to in my fic/hc, I don't use mounts in-game. To quote Gala: "My party and I run around on foot like children and get eaten by bears like men."