#online marketing bureau

[maromedia]

Maro Media

Maro Media is een marketingbureau dat gevestigd is in Gent maar zijn diensten aanbied in Vlaanderen, Antwerpen, Limburg en Vlaams Brabant. Hun specialiteiten zijn SEO, hoger scoren in Google, social media onderhoud en Google mijn bedrijfsprofielen optimaliseren. Een marketingbedrijf dat dus ook een social media bedrijf is. In het specifiek zijn zij een online marketing bureau.

Social media bedrijf

[cnipdigitalagency]

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Everything advertised on social media is overpriced junk

In “Behavioral Advertising and Consumer Welfare: An Empirical Investigation,” a trio of business researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Pamplin College investigate the difference between the goods purchased through highly targeted online ads and just plain web-searches, and conclude social media ads push overpriced junk:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4398428

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/08/late-stage-sea-monkeys/#jeremys-razors

Specifically, stuff that’s pushed to you via targeted ads costs an average of 10 percent more, and it significantly more likely to come from a vendor with a poor rating from the Better Business Bureau. This may seem trivial and obvious, but it’s got profound implications for media, commercial surveillance, and the future of the internet.

Writing in the New York Times, Julia Angwin — a legendary, muckraking data journalist — breaks down those implications. Angwin builds a case study around Jeremy’s Razors, a business that advertises itself as a “woke-free” shaving solution for manly men:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/opinion/online-advertising-privacy-data-surveillance-consumer-quality.html

Jeremy’s Razors spends a fucking fortune on ads. According to Facebook’s Ad Library, the company spent $800,000 on FB ads in March, targeting fathers of school-age kids who like Hershey’s, ultimate fighting, hunting or Johnny Cash:

https://pluralistic.net/jeremys-targeting

Anti-woke razors are an objectively, hilariously stupid idea, but that’s not the point here. The point is that Jeremy’s has to spend $800K/month to reach its customers, which means that it either has to accept $800K less in profits, or make it up by charging more and/or skimping on quality.

Targeted advertising is incredibly expensive, and incredibly lucrative — for the ad-tech platforms that sit between creative workers and media companies on one side, and audiences on the other. In order to target ads, ad-tech companies have to collect deep, nonconsensual dossiers on every internet user, full of personal, sensitive and potentially compromising information.

The switch to targeted ads was part of the enshittification cycle, whereby companies like Facebook and Google lured in end-users by offering high-quality services — Facebook showed you the things the people you asked to hear from posted, and Google returned the best search results it could find.

Eventually, those users became locked in. Once all our friends were on Facebook, we held each other hostage, each unable to leave because the others were there. Google used its access to the capital markets to snuff out any rival search companies, spending tens of billions every year to be the default on Apple devices, for example.

Once we were locked in, the tech giants made life worse for us in order to make life better for media companies and advertisers. Facebook violated its promise to be the privacy-centric alternative to Myspace, where our data would never be harvested; it switched on mass surveillance and created cheap, accurate ad-targeting:

https://lawcat.berkeley.edu/record/1128876?ln=en

Google fulfilled the prophecy in its founding technical document, the Pagerank paper: “advertising funded search engines will be inherently biased towards the advertisers and away from the needs of the consumers.” They, too, offered cheap, highly targeted ads:

http://infolab.stanford.edu/~backrub/google.html

Facebook and Google weren’t just kind to advertisers — they also gave media companies and creative workers a great deal, funneling vast quantities of traffic to both. Facebook did this by cramming media content into the feeds of people who hadn’t asked to see it, displacing the friends’ posts they had asked to see. Google did it by upranking media posts in search results.

Then we came to the final stage of the enshittification cycle: having hooked both end-users and business customers, Facebook and Google withdrew the surpluses from both groups and handed them to their own shareholders. Advertising costs went up. The share of ad income paid to media companies went down. Users got more ads in their feeds and search results.

Facebook and Google illegally colluded to rig the ad-market with a program called Jedi Blue that let the companies steal from both advertisers and media companies:

https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/11/google-meta-jedi-blue-eu-uk-antitrust-probes/

Apple blocked Facebook’s surveillance on its mobile devices, but increased its own surveillance of Iphone and Ipad users in order to target ads to them, even when those users explicitly opted out of spying:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Today, we live in the enshittification end-times, red of tooth and claw, where media companies’ revenues are dwindling and advertisers’ costs are soaring, and the tech giants are raking in hundreds of billions, firing hundreds of thousands of workers, and pissing away tens of billions on stock buybacks:

https://doctorow.medium.com/mass-tech-worker-layoffs-and-the-soft-landing-1ddbb442e608

As Angwin points out, in the era before behavioral advertising, Jeremy’s might have bought an ad in Deer & Deer Hunting or another magazine that caters to he-man types who don’t want woke razors; the same is true for all products and publications. Before mass, non-consensual surveillance, ads were based on content and context, not on the reader’s prior behavior.

There’s no reason that ads today couldn’t return to that regime. Contextual ads operate without surveillance, using the same “real-time bidding” mechanism to place ads based on the content of the article and some basic parameters about the user (rough location based on IP address, time of day, device type):

https://pluralistic.net/2020/08/05/behavioral-v-contextual/#contextual-ads

Context ads perform about as well as behavioral ads — but they have a radically different power-structure. No media company will ever know as much about a given user as an ad-tech giant practicing dragnet surveillance and buying purchase, location and finance data from data-brokers. But no ad-tech giant knows as much about the context and content of an article as the media company that published it.

Context ads are, by definition, centered on the media company or creative worker whose work they appear alongside of. They are much harder for tech giants to enshittify, because enshittification requires lock-in and it’s hard to lock in a publication who knows better than anyone what they’re publishing and what it means.

We should ban surveillance advertising. Period. Companies should not be allowed to collect our data without our meaningful opt-in consent, and if that was the standard, there would be no data-collection:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/03/22/myob/#adtech-considered-harmful

Remember when Apple created an opt out button for tracking, more than 94 percent of users clicked it (the people who clicked “yes” to “can Facebook spy on you?” were either Facebook employees, or confused):

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/02/facebook-says-apple-ios-privacy-change-will-cost-10-billion-this-year.html

Ad-targeting enables a host of evils, like paid political disinformation. It also leads to more expensive, lower-quality goods. “A Raw Deal For Consumers,” Sumit Sharma’s new Consumer Reports paper, catalogs the many other costs imposed on Americans due to the lack of tech regulation:

https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-Raw-Deal-for-US-Consumers_March-2023.pdf

Sharma describes the benefits that Europeans will shortly enjoy thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, from lower prices to more privacy to more choice, from cloud gaming on mobile devices to competing app stores.

However, both the EU and the US — as well as Canada and Australia — have focused their news industry legislating on misguided “link taxes,” where tech giants are required to pay license fees to link to and excerpt the news. This is an approach grounded in the mistaken idea that tech giants are stealing media companies’ content — when really, tech giants are stealing their money:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/04/18/news-isnt-secret/#bid-shading

Creating a new pseudocopyright to control who can discuss the news is a terrible idea, one that will make the media companies beholden to the tech giants at a time when we desperately need deep, critical reporting on the tech sector. In Canada, where Bill C-18 is the latest link tax proposal in the running to become law, we’re already seeing that conflict of interest come into play.

As Jesse Brown and Paula Simons — a veteran reporter turned senator — discuss on the latest Canadaland podcast, the Toronto Star’s sharp and well-reported critical series on the tech giants died a swift and unexplained death immediately after the Star began receiving license fees for tech users’ links and excerpts from its reporting:

https://www.canadaland.com/paula-simons-bill-c-18/

Meanwhile, in Australia, the proposed “news bargaining code” stampeded the tech giants into agreeing to enter into “voluntary” negotiations with the media companies, allowing Rupert Murdoch’s Newscorp to claim the lion’s share of the money, and then conduct layoffs across its newsrooms.

While in France, the link tax depends on publishers integrating with Google Showcase, a product that makes Google more money from news content and makes news publishers more dependent on Google:

https://www.politico.eu/article/french-competition-authority-greenlights-google-pledges-over-paying-news-publishers/

A link tax only pays for so long as the tech giants remain dominant and continue to extract the massive profits that make them capable of paying the tax. But legislative action to fix the ad-tech markets, like Senator Mike Lee’s ad-tech breakup bill (cosponsored by both Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren!) would shift power to publishers, and with it, money:

https://www.lee.senate.gov/2023/3/the-america-act

With ad-tech intermediaries scooping up 50% or more of every advertising dollar, there is plenty of potential to save news without the need for a link tax. If unrigging the ad-tech market drops the platforms’ share of advertising dollars to a more reasonable 10%, then the advertisers and publishers could split the remainder, with advertisers spending 20% less and publishers netting 20% more.

Passing a federal privacy law would end surveillance advertising at the stroke of a pen, shifting the market to context ads that let publishers, not platforms, call the shots. As an added bonus, the law would stop Tiktok from spying on Americans, and also end Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft’s spying to boot:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/30/tik-tok-tow/#good-politics-for-electoral-victories

Mandating competition in app stores — as the Europeans are poised to do — would kill Google and Apple’s 30% “app store tax” — the percentage they rake off of every transaction from every app on Android and Ios. Drop that down to the 2–5% that the credit cards charge, and every media outlet’s revenue-per-subscriber would jump by 25%.

Add to that an end-to-end rule for tech giants requiring them to deliver updates from willing receivers to willing senders, so every newsletter you subscribed to would stay out of your spam folder and every post by every media company or creator you followed would show up in your feed:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/10/e2e/#the-censors-pen

That would make it impossible for tech giants to use the sleazy enshittification gambit of forcing creative workers and media companies to pay to “boost” their content (or pay $8/month for a blue tick) just to get it in front of the people who asked to see it:

https://doctorow.medium.com/twiddler-1b5c9690cce6

The point of enshittification is that it’s bad for everyone except the shareholders of tech monopolists. Jeremy’s Razors are bad, winning a 2.7 star rating out of five:

https://www.facebook.com/JeremysRazors/reviews

The company charges more for these substandard razors, and you are more likely to find out about them, because of targeted, behavioral ads. These ads starve media companies and creative workers and make social media and search results terrible.

A link tax is predicated on the idea that we need Big Tech to stay big, and to dribble a few crumbs for media companies, compromising their ability to report on their deep-pocketed beneficiaries, in a way that advantages the biggest media companies and leaves small, local and independent press in the cold.

By contrast, a privacy law, ad-tech breakups, app-store competition and end-to-end delivery would shatter the power of Big Tech and shift power to users, creative workers and media companies. These are solutions that don’t just keep working if Big Tech goes away — they actually hasten that demise! What’s more, they work just as well for big companies as they do for independents.

Whether you’re the New York Times or you’re an ex-Times reporter who’s quit your job and now crowdfunds to cover your local school board and town council meetings, shifting control and the share of income is will benefit you, whether or not Big Tech is still in the picture.

Have you ever wanted to say thank you for these posts? Here’s how you can: I’m kickstarting the audiobook for my next novel, a post-cyberpunk anti-finance finance thriller about Silicon Valley scams called Red Team Blues. Amazon’s Audible refuses to carry my audiobooks because they’re DRM free, but crowdfunding makes them possible.

Image: freeimageslive.co.uk (modified) http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk/free_stock_image/using-mobile-phone-jpg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

[Image ID: A man's hand holds a mobile phone. Its screen displays an Instagram ad. The ad has been replaced with a slice of a vintage comic book 'small ads' page.]

[thoughtportal]

It sounds weird to say that carrots are having a moment, but social media has catapulted the humble root to a status resembling stardom. Anecdotal evidence suggests online carrot recipes trail in popularity only those for potatoes and brussels sprouts among vegetables, and Pinterest numbers support that: recipe searches for honey balsamic carrots on the platform are up 75% this year, while queries for roasted parmesan carrots skyrocketed 700%. Fresh carrots are an expanding $1.4 billion U.S. market, andAmericans are expected to consume 100 million pounds this Thanksgiving — roughly five ounces for every human being in the country.

At least 60% of those carrots are produced by just two companies, Bolthouse and Grimmway, both of which were acquired by buyout firms, in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

“There’s only two sources,” Adam Waglay, cofounder and co-CEO of Bolthouse owner Butterfly Equity, told Forbes. “We joke around — it’s kind of like the OPEC of carrots.”

Cartels are less funny for neighbors of the two producers in Southern California’s Cuyama Valley, who are calling for a boycott of Big Carrot over the amount of water their farms are sucking out of the ground. In 2022, Bolthouse and Grimmway together were responsible for 67%, or 9.6 billion gallons, of the area’s total water use. Local residents said they expect their wells to dry up if the carrot farms continue to use as much water as they do — Grimmway CEO Jeff Huckaby told Forbes his company has already reduced the amount of acreage it farms — and the two carrot producers have joined forces to defend their thirst in court. That worries local residents, who say they lack the deep pockets needed to wage a prolonged legal battle.

Cattle rancher Jake Furstenfeld places a boycott sign in New Cuyama, California in September.Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

Water fights like this can take years to resolve, and often become a way to delay cutbacks, Karrigan Bork, a professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law, told Forbes. “You see these rights again and again get trimmed back by the state or by courts,” Bork said. “In some cases, your savvy water users recognize that, and for them, just delaying that trimming back is a success, and the longer they can do that, the happier they will be.”

Price Concerns

Waglay uses the word “duopoly” to describe the two companies. Such market consolidationoften leads to higher prices, and the government has for years used increased consumer prices as an indicator of possible unfair competition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture declined to comment on any antitrust issues.

Since 2019, carrot producer prices have increased more than 40%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, outpacing the 22% inflation in the U.S. economy.

Carrot Top

Prices are near their highest since 2019, when Bolthouse was acquired by a private equity firm. Grimmway changed hands a year later.

Huckaby, the Grimmway CEO, told Forbes that the costs of a number of inputs have gone up, too. Packaging, fertilizer and fuel prices have all risen at a higher rate than inflation, he said, and California’s minimum wage has increased 27% since 2018. At $15 an hour, it’s the second-highest in the country.

Still, the carrot business has been a lucrative play. Total U.S. production value has increased 34% since 2019.

Duopoly Origins

Bolthouse, founded in 1915 in Grant, Michigan, started selling carrots packed in cellophane bags in 1959. In the 1970s and 1980s, production was centered around Bakersfield, California. After Bakersfield farmer Mike Yurosek invented “baby carrots” in 1986, consumption soared.

In the 1990s, Bolthouse ballooned into the largest carrot operator, reportedly shipping some 80% of California’s carrots. It amounted to half the U.S. carrot market in 1992, followed by Grimmway, founded by brothers Bob and Rod Grimm in 1969, and Yurosek’s family-owned outfit. Grimmway eventually bought out Mike Yurosek & Son. The carrot crop is now the tenth-biggest commodity in California, where one-third of America’s vegetables are grown.

Today, the industry’s growth could be limited by dwindling water supplies in the drought-prone Cuyama Valley, 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 90 miles west of Bakersfield. But the companies behind the duopoly aren’t giving up without a fight.

Both businesses, which own their own manufacturing, are hitting a similar point in their ownership lifecycles. Private equity-backed businesses typically change hands every three to five years. In 2019, Butterfly Equity acquired Bolthouse from publicly traded Campbell Soup for $510 million in cash. A year later, Grimmway was acquired by Teays River Investments, a Zionsville, Indiana-based investment firm, for an undisclosed amount. That means both businesses are in the sweet spot of what most investors consider the hot time to unload an investment or take it public.

Los Angeles, California-based Butterfly has sold only one of its investments, an organic protein company called Orgain, acquired by Nestle Health Science in February 2022 after two years of Butterfly ownership. Grimmway is Teays River’s only current investment after exiting two others in 2019 and 2013. Teays River held those investments for eight years and one year, respectively.

Grimmway’s owner, which according to Pitchbook has $1.38 billion in assets under management, is backed by pension funds including the public employees of the states of Maine and Oregon, Texas teachers, the New York state Teamsters union and the Producer-Writers Guild of America.

Butterfly Equity, by comparison, has $4 billion in assets under management and is backed byexecutives of private equity giant KKR, where Waglay worked for eight years. The firm has done eight deals in the eight years since it launched. Butterfly also owns America’s largest striped bass farm, the largest free-range egg company, an avocado oil maker that controls 60% of the market, and a large whey protein manufacturer.

Water Rights

Bolthouse and Grimmway started working with each other in a way that competitors rarely do. They filed a lawsuit together in 2021 in Kern County, California to ask a court to decide how to split up the water of New Cuyama, where they farm.

What’s happening in Cuyama Valley is an example of the kinds of water fights that are surfacing across California. Farmers of a variety of crops there have depended on irrigation for decades. Those years of pumping water and spraying it over crops through sprinklers or complex drip irrigation systems have had drastic implications, including threats of land sinking, a receding water table that makes it tougher to dig wells and the threat of some of them drying out.

That’s why water use around New Cuyama could get reduced by two-thirds over the next two decades. To bring the region back to a sustainable level by 2040, water cuts of 5% started this year and will continue each year going forward. The Cuyama basin currently has an annual water deficit of more than 8 billion gallons, and much of the area’s carrot farmland may have to be taken out of production. Some experts say Bolthouse and Grimmway would have to reduce their water consumption by about double what the city of Santa Barbara, California uses annually.

But water-efficient sprinklers can only save so much. The carrot companies’ lawsuit has forced area farmers, ranchers, residents and even the area’s public school to rack up legal bills. In response, a coalition of locals launched a boycott of carrots in July. The boycott’s goals: for the companies to drop the lawsuit, pay all legal fees and to reduce the amount of water they pump. One flyer the boycotters distributed suggests a Thanksgiving recipe for brussels sprouts instead.

Both Bolthouse and Grimmway lease farmland rather than own it. They recently withdrew from the lawsuit, though the companies that own the farmland are still in it, and what the judge decides will dictate how much the companies are able to farm there in the future.

Expanding Elsewhere

Huckaby said the carrot boycott has taken aim at Grimmway and Bolthouse because they’re easy targets. Only 3,700 of the 13,000 acres that Grimmway leases in the Cuyama Valley are being farmed, according to Huckaby. “We cut way back and we cut way back and we cut back and no one else did,” he said.

The companies may have to find new farmland to grow carrots. The average American now eats roughly seven pounds of the fresh vegetable every year, with consumption up 2% so far in 2023, according to NielsenIQ.

Grimmway has already expanded its farming operations outside of California with facilities in Florida, Washington and other states.

Butterfly’s Waglay doesn’t deny that water is one of the biggest barriers that his investment in Bolthouse faces. “Water challenges,” he said with a sigh. “This asset has great access to water, but it’s going to get worse and worse, and you need to be planning for that and trying to work on ways to minimize that. That’ll be a long-term challenge.”

California water fights often result in residents and smaller business owners getting “outgunned in the courts by large commercial actors,” Pomona College environmental analysis and politics professor Heather Williams, an expert on water issues, told Forbes. The lawsuit is among the first of many, she said.

“It’s put into motion a race to the basin — pumping as much as you can, and putting that into production,” Williams said. “Water is property in California. It’s what a rational actor acting on behalf of investors is going to do. If they’re playing this game, they’ve got to play hard.”

Grimmway and Bolthouse can move on, said Williams, unlike most of the residents in New Cuyama. “These are their homes, their small farms. If the well goes dry, it’s worth basically nothing,” she said. “They can’t pay lawyers for ten years of litigation.”

[meret118]

While it hasn't yet been approved, Musk has already threatened government workers on his social media site, X, which has led to online bullying. Now he's talking about targeting the agency that enforces laws that protect Americans from banks, mortgage lenders and other financial markets.

. . .

One person suggested it was akin to defunding the corporate police.

. . .

Since its founding, the bureau "secured more than $19 billion in consumer relief, while penalizing large financial institutions and technology firms for allegedly mishandling Americans’ money," the Post reported. "Its oversight often has stoked the ire of the nation’s biggest banks, credit card companies and other lenders, which have sued the bureau repeatedly over charges of regulatory overreach."

[goatsludge]

glawk killer(tm)

@bureau-of-mines and I pick up Ruger's latest collaboration with everyone's favorite gunplastic peddler

Given our only prior experience with semiautos is a gimp-legged P80 and a plethora of 1911's, this is our next lateral step within that territory

There's a lot of incredibly enticing things about the RXM that made me eager to run out and buy one, namely the slide, which is cut from the factory to accommodate a wide variety of pistol red dots:

And that I later found out, the fire control unit being the serialized component, thus allowing you to interchange grip frames for a theoretically unlimited level of modularity (once and if the market catches up).

Basically a Glock-shaped SIG without all the QC and ND problems of the latter.

Now I'm confident this thing is not without a few drawbacks, namely with factory triggers, grip ergonomics, etc. ranging from "meh" to "pretty all right" according to existing online testimony - nothing spectacular like the Glock's repertoire bears ahead of it, but no outright dealbreakers.

But all the same, I think this Gen.3 G19 clone has a lot of bold statements under its belt. I'm eager to report on performance once I can get out and do more than finger fuck it at my desk.

Probably going to end up sticking an RMR Type 2 and a Surefire X300 Turbo on it later once I've put it through a few mags. Might even get an OD Green or FDE Grip Frame once Magpul releases those. We'll see.

[banecraft]

Why I won’t buy, read, or review “The Green Mysteries” by Daniel Schulke

Three Hands Press has become an untrustworthy print on demand grift and Daniel Schulke, its sole proprietor, is as equally terrible at indie publishing as he is at writing intelligible books. A lot of people don’t know Daniel Schulke is the only person behind Xoanon and Three Hands Press. There’s no companies, no offices, no warehouses, no employees, and no cultus sabbati group, it’s literally just a dude. Despite claiming it was founded in 1992, Xoanon didn’t exist until post 2000 and it was just Chumbley self-publishing. After his death Schulke used it for self-publishing. Despite claiming it was founded in 2003, Three Hands Press was founded after Chumbley’s death in 2004 with its first book not published until 2009. I doubt Chumbley was ever involved. The press ran smoothly for a few years until Michael Howard (the anonymous unnamed partner who was the money and the publishing expert) died in 2015 and then it started to fall apart. Chumbley and Schulke are windy trash bags and always were. Stop listening to traditional witch influencers who make you think you have to have certain authors on your shelf to be legit. Neither has given anything back to the community. They never created community. Exclusion was their marketing ploy and it worked. Everyone wants into the exclusive club. It was always about book sales and the email list. Just an occult bro mlm. And y’all fell for it. Eight years to publish just one book and y’all still kissing Schulke’s ass after he spent all the preorder money, wouldn’t answer emails or give refunds, and then the book sucks? Insane.

Sources:

“Navigating the Crooked Path: Andrew D. Chumbley and the Sabbatic Craft “by Ethan Doyle White, 2019.

Video: “Why I won’t buy books from Three Hands Press anymore”

https://youtu.be/-abIFwGxWuQ?si=x3vK7Rrv0ayNYDfy

Three Hands Press’ Better Business Bureau complaints:

https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-pablo/profile/online-shopping/three-hands-press-1116-925897/complaints

[mariacallous]

Thousands of ads on Facebook and Instagram have promoted “fuel filters” using videos demonstrating how they can be easily modified into gun silencers—a process that, without federal approval, could lead to felony charges. Despite Meta’s policies banning ads for silencers on the company’s social networks, the promotions have persisted for years, driven by a what appears to be a single network of more than 100 Facebook pages marketing “fuel filters” that can be easily turned into gun silencers, WIRED has found. The devices sell for as little as $50.

Silencers, also known as suppressors, are heavily regulated under United States federal law. Purchasing one legally requires submitting fingerprints, passing a background check, and paying a fee to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Federal law allows people to build their own suppressors, provided they register the device with the ATF. But the ads don’t mention this key stipulation, marketing silencers to buyers who may not understand the legal risks.

“You know those things that are definitely not suppressors, even though they look just like suppressors,” a man says in a video that appears in many of the ads. “Well, but they’re still not suppressors, because they don’t have a hole in the other end. So, you can legally own one without going through the paperwork to own a suppressor, because it isn’t one.”

The ads often recycle the same text, referencing “light and durable air-grade aluminum,” and use videos stitched together from a handful of YouTube clips featuring firearms influencers and enthusiasts. The original creators of these videos are likely unaware their content is being used; one tells WIRED they had deleted the footage from YouTube years ago.

One ad features a suppressor engraved with the words Black Collar Arms. A co-owner of Black Collar Arms, who goes by Jeremy McSorely, tells WIRED his company has no connection to the ad. McSorely explains that the footage was taken from a blog and YouTube video he had uploaded years ago but has since removed. “The photos you saw were screenshots taken from my video,” he says, emphasizing that the suppressor was legally manufactured and engraved with their corporate information to comply with ATF regulations.

In November 2023, the ATF warned federal firearms licensees about marketing silencers as “solvent traps,” or contraptions purportedly used to collect gun oil and residue during cleaning. The agency clarified that legality depends on functionality, not what you call a product, and stressed that even incomplete parts intended for silencers are regulated under federal law.

“The test for whether an item is a silencer is not the label a manufacturer or retailer applies. Rather, it is the way the statute written by Congress applies to the item,” the ATF wrote, referring to definitions of suppressors in the Gun Control Act and the National Firearms Act.

A WIRED analysis of more than 2,800 ads revealed they are linked to a network of hundreds of ecommerce websites. These sites often reuse code, share IP addresses, and peddle the same low-quality knockoff products alongside the “fuel filters.” At least one of the sites was flagged by Google as a likely phishing scam.

Experts believe the operation is based in China and relies on a drop-shipping scheme. “It’s likely just a reshipper selling controversial or illegal products,” says Zach Edwards, a senior threat researcher at cybersecurity firm Silent Push who specializes in online data ecosystems.

Typically, Edwards explains, drop-shippers wait for a customer to place an order, then purchase the item from inexpensive online retailers, repackage it, and ship it to the customers. Edwards says that the operator behind the network is likely creating hundreds of websites, applying a moderate markup to the products, and spinning up Facebook pages to promote their items. “Even if some sites or ads get caught and taken down, others keep running,” Edwards says. “It’s a spray-and-pray method.”

Meta explicitly bans ads promoting weapons, silencers, and related modifications. According to Meta, ads are reviewed by an automated system with support from human moderators. However, enforcement has been inconsistent: While at least 74 of the ad campaigns in our analysis were removed for violating the platforms’ terms, the rest appeared to have run successfully.

After WIRED reached out to Meta, the company said that it removed the ads and associated advertising accounts. However, a quick search of Meta’s Ad Library revealed that nearly identical ones have since been published.

“Bad actors constantly evolve their tactics to avoid enforcement, which is why we continue to invest in tools and technology to help identify and remove prohibited content,” Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts wrote in a statement.

Roberts says that many of the ads flagged by WIRED had little to no engagement, suggesting few people ever saw this content. However, at least two ads reviewed by WIRED had thousands of comments, including accusations that it was an ATF honeypot, complaints from self-identified buyers whose products never arrived, and even testimonials from others claiming the item worked as advertised. WIRED reached out to several commenters who said they had purchased the product—none responded.

The ads have also drawn the attention of US Department of Defense officials. An internal presentation to Pentagon staff, viewed by WIRED, claims that the targeted ad for a fuel filter had been served to US military personnel on a government computer at the Pentagon. The presentation, which a source says was delivered to high-ranking general officers, including the US Army’s chief information officer, raised flags over how social media algorithms are being used to target service members.

Meta’s Ad Library provides limited transparency, leaving it unclear exactly how these ads are targeted. Researchers suggest that Meta’s powerful ad tools, which allow advertisers to find niche audiences using granular targeting options, could be exploited to reach gun enthusiasts or military personnel. While Roberts confirmed that Meta did not detect any indication that these ads were targeting the military, WIRED found that advertisers can easily target users who list their job title as “US Army” or “military” on their profiles—an audience that Meta estimates includes up to 46,134 people.

Meta’s platforms have long struggled to prevent the sale of firearms and related products. An October 2024 joint report by the Tech Transparency Project found that more than 230 ads for rifles and ghost guns had run on Facebook and Instagram in nearly three months. Many of these ads directed buyers to third-party platforms like Telegram to complete transactions. In 2024, two Los Angeles County men were charged with operating an “unlicensed firearm dealing business” that used Instagram accounts to advertise and market the sale of more than 60 firearms, which included some untraceable ghost guns and weapons with scratched-off serial numbers. Both individuals have since pleaded guilty.

Silencers are rarely used in crimes, but their use is on the rise—nearly 5 million are registered in the United States, up from 1.3 million in 2017. Last month, 26-year-old software engineer Luigi Mangione allegedly used a 3D-printed gun equipped with a silencer to fatally shoot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a street in midtown Manhattan.

[viceroy-transporter]

How to Buy a Car Online

Buying a car online offers a unique convenience, but it’s essential to approach the process with a plan.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you purchase a car online confidently and securely.

1. Set a Budget and Define Your Needs

Decide on a budget and list your must-have features. Consider whether you need a new or used car, your preferred make and model, fuel efficiency, and any additional features that matter to you. Establishing your needs early on will help narrow your options and streamline your search.

2. Research Reliable Websites and Sellers

Stick to reputable online car marketplaces and dealership websites to avoid scams. Look for verified sellers, read customer reviews, and check the Better Business Bureau for ratings. Some popular and trusted platforms include Carvana, Autotrader, and Vroom. Many dealerships also offer virtual showrooms with secure purchasing options.

3. Conduct a Thorough Vehicle Inspection

Once you’ve found a car that interests you, request detailed photos and a video tour. Look for any signs of wear, rust, or damage, and ask about the car’s history. For used vehicles, check the VIN and obtain a vehicle history report through CARFAX or AutoCheck. It will provide information on the car’s maintenance record, previous ownership, and any reported accidents.

4. Verify Pricing and Value

Use tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get an estimate of the car’s fair market value. Comparing the asking price to these resources ensures you’re paying a reasonable amount and gives you leverage for negotiation.

5. Arrange Financing and Insurance

If you’re not paying in cash, arrange financing through your bank, credit union, or directly through the online car platform if they offer financing options. Shop around for the best interest rates and terms, and get pre-approved if possible. You’ll also need to secure insurance coverage for the car before finalizing the purchase.

6. Schedule a Virtual or In-Person Test Drive

If the car is within reach, test drive it in person to assess comfort, handling, and overall performance. If you’re buying from out of state, many sellers offer virtual test drives via live video calls, where they can demonstrate features and provide a closer look.

7. Negotiate the Price

Don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially if you’ve noticed minor issues or can provide lower price comparisons. Negotiating online is often straightforward, with many platforms allowing you to make offers and negotiate via chat or email.

8. Finalize Paperwork Securely

Complete all necessary paperwork securely, including title transfer, bill of sale, and any required warranty information. Ensure the contract includes any promised services or warranties, and carefully read through all terms. Most online platforms and dealerships will offer a secure digital signing process, or you may be mailed the documents to sign.

9. Arrange Delivery

If the car is far from your location, work with a reliable transport service to have it delivered to your home. Many online car sellers provide their own delivery services, while independent transport services like Viceroy Auto Transport also offer secure and timely vehicle delivery.

10. Inspect Upon Delivery

Once the car arrives, thoroughly inspect it to ensure it matches the listing and is in the agreed-upon condition. Verify that it includes all promised items, such as spare keys or additional equipment, and perform a final test drive if possible.

By following these steps, buying a car online can be a smooth and secure process. With the right preparation, you can find and purchase a vehicle from the comfort of home, making online car shopping a convenient alternative to traditional dealerships.

[paydayquid]

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[fishsouper]

hey you guys should read the winnie the pooh/bee movie (with a camp camp reference because i was a basic bitch) short horror story i wrote in 7th grade

cw for blood, violence, substance abuse, addiction, and overall gore/horror

Morning dawned on the little cottage in the Hundred Acre Wood. The little yellow furry yawned, stretched his legs, and slowly waddled to his bathroom. He looked in the mirror and saw Winnie the Pooh, an innocent little bear.

Well, at least, he used to be an innocent little bear.

It had been 6 years since Christopher Robin left for boarding school.

6 years since the honey addiction started.

6 years since he started trying to find his father.

8 months ago, Owl’s black market trade of honey smuggled in from America had gone dry. Apparently, the bees had revolted against the honey companies. But Pooh had enough. 

Until he didn't.

Honey substitutes kept him sane, but they weren't enough. He had psychotic breakdowns, he was shaky, unstable. And worst of all: Christopher Robin never responded to his texts.

Piglet couldn't take it anymore. He did some digging online and found records of possible families. He gave Pooh the address of an investigation bureau. 

So he traveled to America, with a note to the office. But at this point he’d given up on finding his family. He now had one goal in mind: 

Find honey

Pooh pulled his black hoodie over his head as he jumped out of the white van. He quickly clipped the barbed wires and snuck into the abandoned honey farm. Sneaking in was highly illegal, and just the slightest creak made 

Pooh jump. He took a deep breath and kept walking.

The abandoned hives had started to decay, the honey had rotted and turned red. In this lighting, Pooh could have sworn it looked like...blood… 

No! he thought, It's just my imagination… 

He stopped, and sniffed, his little black nose sticking tentatively out of his hood, his yellow snout scrunched up...did he smell what he thought he smelled?

Honey!

Pooh ran towards the hive, forgetting about the idea of staying secret. Sweet, sweet honey! He began to shovel it into his mouth, when he heard a small voice.

“Hey! Don't you know the laws!” shouted a bee, standing there with his arms crossed.

“It's just a little honey!” Pooh pouted.

“If you take another mouthful of that honey, you will forever pay the consequences!” the bee continued. “You’ll face the wrath of me, Barry B. Benso-”

Pooh had run out of patience. He quickly stomped on the bee and continued eating, convinced that the bee was dead and he wouldn't be bothered again. He scampered over to another hive.

Behind him, Barry’s hand twitched.

When he was full, he filled his van with as many jars of honey as possible. Pooh knew he had to get out of there fast, so while he left, he didn't pay attention to the 25 mph speed limit sign, and was half-an-hour away from the old farm when he first heard the police sirens. He sighed and pulled over.

However, the police officer immediately noticed the sticky red stuff on his yellow paws. “And one more question,” the officer asked after Pooh received the ticket. “What is that?”

Pooh panicked. Honey was illegal now, and he didn't want to be put in jail. “Uhhhh, corn syrup?” he cringed.

“Oh, really?” the officer scoffed. “It looks suspiciously like... blood.”

“It's not! I swear!” Pooh shouted.

The officer grabbed his paw. “Wait, is this honey?”

Pooh hit the gas

He quickly found a place to sleep. A dingy motel, the color of mildew, that smelled like wet socks. Pooh was so tired from the police chase and the jet lag, and the honey effects were starting to wear off. Pooh sighed and rolled over. He tried to sleep, but a little scratching noise on the wall kept him awake. Eventually, he sighed, took a swig of honey, and stood up.

“What is that noise?” he asked. Pooh looked over to the small, dirty window. It was open, and there was a hole in the bug screen. Small enough for a bee to fit in...

I'm just paranoid, he assured himself. Barry is dead. I killed him...didn't I?

“You didn't do a good job of it.” a buzzing whisper echoed around the room. 

“Barry?! How are you alive! How do you know what I'm thinking?!” Pooh screeched.

“Oh Pooh, I was never alive. I’m not a normal bee.” Barry smiled a crooked, dead smile. “And you’ve destroyed my mortal body and taken my bee syrup. I'm here for revenge.”

“B-b-but where are you?” Pooh whimpered.

“We are right outside your window” the voice responded.

We? Pooh though. But he’s only one bee...

Pooh looked outside and let out a shriek.

Swarms of bees crowded around his small window. And they looked intent on revenge. Pooh quickly hid the jar behind his back and slammed the window.

Two hours had passed and Pooh was still cowering in his room. Sure, he had stolen some honey. Sure, he had squished the lead bee. But how did Barry get here so fast? Who were the other bees? Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him.

Pooh cracked the window. “Uhm, so sorry to bother you, but...who are you?” he whispered cautiously.

“We are Barry B. Benson, the reincarnation of every bee you’ve ever stolen honey from, and we are here to make sure it never happens again. Barry NEVER forgets. In fact, we are already on the path to vengeance.” the bees screeched in unison. 

“What-what have you done?” Pooh whimpered.

Barry smiled. “Why do you think Christopher Robin won't  talk to you?”

“H-he’s at school, he may have forgotten-”

The bees began to cackle as Barry held up a rotted head. Pooh’s vision clouded. No, no, no- 

He was paralized by the indescribable sight.

(authors note: i edited this at age 12 im sorry)

Pooh ran.

The flight back is in 20 minutes, Pooh told himself. I’ll be fine, it'll be fine. He had all of his honey hidden under his fur coat, which blended in with his fuzzy yellow figure. As soon as he could see the JFK check-in, he slammed on the breaks and ran for it. Through check-in, through security, through international customs, and to Gate 1B of British Airways. The stewardess offered him a cup of coffee. He panicked and threw it back at her, covering her in boiling liquid and mumbling something about wanting tea. The seatbelt signs came on, and Pooh relaxed. He was safe now, there was no way Barry could find him here.

On the back of the plane, a woman asked the grumpy stewardess why there were thousands of bees outside her window.

Cameron Campbell was not your average man. He’d had several crumbling careers, including a failed fast-food chain called McCampbells, a Russian honey-smuggling business, a mini war with Kentucky, and a summer camp. But he’d spent his time in jail towards becoming a better person, and was ready for his first day as a co-pilot. His partner had gone to use the bathroom and left him steering the plane. He smiled, his grey mustache shining in the sun, and turned on the speaker. 

“This is your captain speaking. We’re currently passing over the Atlantic Ocean. That island you can see in the distance is-” 

He was momentarily distracted by a half-decomposed bee holding an ax above his head. Cameron dropped the speaker and screamed. “WHAT?! WHO ARE YOU- PLEASE DON'T KILL ME, PLEASE-”

With the speed of a bullet, it lodged itself deep into Cameron’s eye. With one last scream, his body went limp. Barry B. Beson was deep in Cameron’s brain. Barry concentrated hard, and bees swarmed Cameron’s eyes. Barry was now in complete control. Cameron’s body smiled and steered straight down, towards the ocean.

“We apologize for the noise and turbulence. Please remain calm. Everything will be fine.” 

He clicked off the microphone and locked the cockpit door.

Pooh knew what had happened. He didn't know how it had happened, but he knew that voice. Barry had found him. Pooh ran as fast as he could, but he knew it was pointless. He was trapped. 

The bees began to swarm throughout the plane, attacking the other passengers. Pooh hid under a seat, in an empty dog cage. The buzzing suddenly stopped. Pooh looked up. 

There were people sprawled everywhere, covered in stinger scratches and dripping with red. Pooh tried not to vomit at the sight. A small child stirred. Pooh ran over, trying to see if he was alive. 

“H-hello? Are you quite well?” he whispered.

The child turned around. In her empty eyes, Pooh could see the familiar glare of Barry B. Benson. 

“Oh, I feel just nifty, Winnie benson.” it creaked softly. 

“B-Benson? What?” Pooh stuttered.

“That's right, pooh. Why do you think you like honey so much? It runs   in the family.” Barry’s voice echoed.

In a way, Pooh realized he’d succeeded. He’d found his father. But all these people would be alive if he hadn't. 

The lifeless bodies of the passengers stood up and smiled at Pooh, blood dripping from their empty sockets. There was nowhere Pooh could run. He slammed on the cockpit door, knowing it would make no difference. Tears streamed down his face. No, no, no, this wasn't how it ended!

The door opened. Pooh ran inside and leaned against the door. He had about 3 minutes till the swarm penetrated the metal barrier.

Pooh curled up into a ball and screamed. He shouldn't have come here at all. Should have listened to his friends. There was no one to blame but himself. All the bees he’d killed had come back to find him. He’d tried to hide from it, but it was true. There was nowhere he could go where his past couldn't catch up. Nowhere he could run where his problems couldn't find him.

He noticed the parachute bag, 5 feet away from him. There was still hope for the little yellow bear! He wiped his nose, then quickly strapped the bag on and opened the emergency exit door.  Pooh thought about everything he had to live for, took a deep breath, and jumped.

Pooh was falling fast. He fearfully pulled the parachute. It opened and-

He kept falling. Pooh panicked and looked up. The parachute was full of little, bee-shaped holes. In one last moment of paralyzing fear for what would happen now, he managed to squeak, “Oh, bother!” before he hit the water.

They never found any trace of Winne the Pooh ever again, except for a small, empty jar of honey with his TikTok username scrolled on the bottom. They never found the bees, either. But legend tells us that every time you take the life of a bee, its soul joins the ever-growing form of Barry B. Benson.

And Barry never forgets.

[cnipdigitalagency]

Full Service Online Marketing Bureau - CNIP Agency

CNIP Agency is hét Full Service Online Marketing bureau dat bedrijven helpt groeien. Van SEO en Google Ads tot social media en contentmarketing, wij bieden complete oplossingen voor maximale online resultaten. Ontdek onze aanpak vandaag nog!

[mediakingbel]

De evolutie en impact van reclamebureaus

Invoering In de ingewikkelde wereld van marketing fungeren reclamebureaus als cruciale spelers, die creativiteit, strategie en marktinzicht met elkaar verweven om merken in de schijnwerpers te zetten. De evolutie van reclamebureaus weerspiegelt het dynamische landschap van media, technologie en consumentengedrag. Vanaf hun oprichting tot hun huidige status als veelzijdige entiteiten hebben deze bureaus zich voortdurend aangepast om te voldoen aan de eisen van een steeds veranderende markt. Dit artikel duikt in de geschiedenis, evolutie, rollen en toekomstperspectieven van reclamebureaus en werpt licht op hun onmisbare rol in de zakenwereld. Voor meer informatie bezoek Reclamebureau.

Een korte geschiedenis van reclamebureaus Vroeg begin Het concept van reclame is zo oud als de handel zelf. Het gestructureerde reclamebureau zoals wij dat kennen begon echter halverwege de 19e eeuw vorm te krijgen. Volney B. Palmer richtte in 1841 het eerste erkende reclamebureau op in Philadelphia. Palmers bureau fungeerde voornamelijk als makelaar voor krantenruimte, een rol die de basis legde voor toekomstige advertentiemodellen.

De opkomst van fullservicebureaus Aan het einde van de 19e en het begin van de 20e eeuw ontstonden full-service reclamebureaus. Deze bureaus kochten niet alleen mediaruimte, maar boden ook creatieve diensten, campagneplanning en marktonderzoek aan. NW Ayer & Son, opgericht in 1869, wordt vaak gezien als het eerste full-service bureau. Ze pionierden met het open contract en introduceerden het concept van creatieve afdelingen, waardoor het reclamelandschap voor altijd veranderde.

De gouden eeuw van reclame Naoorlogse bloei De periode na de Tweede Wereldoorlog markeerde de gouden eeuw van de reclame. De economische welvaart leidde tot een stijging van de consumptiegoederen, en televisie kwam naar voren als een dominant medium. Reclamebureaus floreerden en werden essentiële partners voor bedrijven die de kracht van de massamedia wilden benutten. Iconen uit deze tijd, zoals David Ogilvy, Bill Bernbach en Leo Burnett, introduceerden innovatieve ideeën die de nadruk legden op creativiteit, verhalen vertellen en emotionele verbondenheid.

De creatieve revolutie De jaren zestig en zeventig luidden een creatieve revolutie in de reclame in. Bureaus als Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB) voerden de leiding met baanbrekende campagnes waarin creativiteit en humor voorop stonden. De beroemde ‘Think Small’-campagne van Volkswagen is een goed voorbeeld van deze verschuiving, waarbij eenvoud en slimheid worden gebruikt om een aanzienlijke impact te maken. Deze periode versterkte de rol van creatieve professionals in de reclame en benadrukte het belang van originaliteit en merkpersoonlijkheid.

De digitale transformatie Opkomst van digitale media De komst van internet aan het eind van de 20e eeuw bracht een revolutie teweeg in de reclame-industrie. Traditionele media als print, radio en televisie moesten plaats maken voor digitale platforms. Deze verschuiving bracht nieuwe kansen en uitdagingen met zich mee voor reclamebureaus. Zoekmachinemarketing, sociale media en online display-advertenties werden cruciale componenten van de advertentiemix.

Datagedreven marketing Met digitale media ontstond de mogelijkheid om enorme hoeveelheden gegevens te verzamelen en te analyseren. Reclamebureaus omarmden datagestuurde marketing en gebruikten analyses om de strategie te onderbouwen en de effectiviteit van campagnes te meten. Deze aanpak maakte preciezere targeting en gepersonaliseerde berichten mogelijk, waardoor de relevantie en impact van advertenties aanzienlijk werd vergroot.

Rollen en functies van moderne reclamebureaus Strategische planning De kern van de activiteiten van een reclamebureau is strategische planning. Dit omvat het begrijpen van de zakelijke doelstellingen, marktomstandigheden en doelgroep van de klant. Bureaus doen uitgebreid onderzoek om uitgebreide marketingstrategieën te ontwikkelen die aansluiten bij de doelstellingen van de klant. Deze strategische basis zorgt ervoor dat alle creatieve en media-inspanningen samenhangend en doelgericht zijn.

Creatieve ontwikkeling Creativiteit blijft een hoeksteen van reclame. Bureaus beschikken over teams van creatieve professionals, waaronder copywriters, art directors en ontwerpers, die samenwerken om boeiende advertenties te produceren. Deze creatieve teams creëren boodschappen die resoneren met het publiek, waarbij ze een mix van visuele en verbale elementen gebruiken om merkverhalen effectief over te brengen.

Mediaplanning en -inkoop Reclamebureaus spelen een cruciale rol bij mediaplanning en -inkoop. Zij identificeren de meest geschikte mediakanalen om de doelgroep te bereiken en onderhandelen over de beste tarieven voor mediaruimte. Deze functie vereist een diepgaand inzicht in mediaconsumptiepatronen en het vermogen om relaties met media-eigenaren te benutten.

Digitale en sociale mediamarketing In het huidige digitale tijdperk moeten reclamebureaus bedreven zijn in digitale en sociale mediamarketing. Ze beheren online campagnes op verschillende platforms, waaronder sociale media, zoekmachines en display-netwerken. Dit omvat het creëren van boeiende inhoud, het optimaliseren voor zoekmachines en het gebruiken van data-analyse om strategieën te verfijnen en de prestaties te verbeteren.

Public Relations en Geïntegreerde Marke

ting Veel reclamebureaus bieden public relations (PR)-diensten aan, waarmee ze klanten helpen hun publieke imago te beheren en effectief met belanghebbenden te communiceren. Geïntegreerde marketing, die verschillende promotiemiddelen en kanalen combineert tot een samenhangende strategie, is een ander cruciaal aanbod. Deze holistische aanpak zorgt ervoor dat alle marketinginspanningen naadloos samenwerken om de doelstellingen van de klant te bereiken.

De impact van reclamebureaus Merk bouwen Een van de belangrijkste gevolgen van reclamebureaus is hun rol bij het opbouwen van merken. Door middel van consistente en strategische berichtgeving helpen bureaus sterke, herkenbare merken te creëren die zich onderscheiden in de markt. Dit houdt niet alleen in dat gedenkwaardige advertenties worden gemaakt, maar ook dat de waarden en persoonlijkheid van het merk op alle contactpunten effectief worden gecommuniceerd.

Consumentengedrag stimuleren Reclamebureaus beïnvloeden het consumentengedrag door boodschappen te creëren die resoneren met het publiek en tot actie aanzetten. Of het nu gaat om het vergroten van het bewustzijn, het aanmoedigen van rechtszaken of het bevorderen van loyaliteit, bureaus gebruiken een mix van psychologie, creativiteit en strategie om de perceptie en het gedrag van consumenten vorm te geven.

Economische bijdragen De reclame-industrie draagt aanzienlijk bij aan de economie. Het genereert werkgelegenheid, stimuleert de vraag naar goederen en diensten en stimuleert innovatie. Door bedrijven te helpen groeien, spelen reclamebureaus een cruciale rol in de economische ontwikkeling en welvaart.

Uitdagingen voor reclamebureaus Technologische disruptie Het snelle tempo van de technologische veranderingen biedt zowel kansen als uitdagingen voor reclamebureaus. Het voorblijven van trends en het adopteren van nieuwe technologieën is essentieel, maar kan veel middelen vergen. Bureaus moeten voortdurend investeren in training en ontwikkeling om hun teams bedreven te houden in het gebruik van de nieuwste tools en platforms.

Veranderend consumentengedrag Consumentengedrag evolueert voortdurend, beïnvloed door culturele verschuivingen, technologische vooruitgang en economische omstandigheden. Reclamebureaus moeten wendbaar blijven en reageren op deze veranderingen, zodat hun strategieën relevant en effectief blijven.

Privacy en ethische zorgen Gegevensprivacy en ethische overwegingen worden steeds prominenter in de reclame-industrie. Agentschappen moeten omgaan met regelgeving zoals de Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG) en ervoor zorgen dat hun praktijken transparant zijn en de privacy van consumenten respecteren. Het balanceren van personalisatie met privacy is een cruciale uitdaging die zorgvuldige aandacht vereist.

De toekomst van reclamebureaus Het omarmen van AI en automatisering Kunstmatige intelligentie (AI) en automatisering zullen een belangrijke rol gaan spelen in de toekomst van reclame. Van voorspellende analyses tot geautomatiseerde contentcreatie: deze technologieën bieden het potentieel om de efficiëntie en effectiviteit te verbeteren. Bureaus die AI omarmen, kunnen meer gepersonaliseerde en tijdige campagnes leveren, waardoor de algehele prestaties worden verbeterd.

Focus op duurzaamheid en sociale verantwoordelijkheid Naarmate consumenten zich meer bewust worden van sociale en milieukwesties, zullen reclamebureaus prioriteit moeten geven aan duurzaamheid en sociale verantwoordelijkheid. Dit houdt niet alleen in dat ethische merken worden gepromoot, maar ook dat hun eigen praktijken in lijn zijn met deze waarden. Agentschappen die voor duurzaamheid pleiten, kunnen sterkere banden opbouwen met gewetensvolle consumenten en bijdragen aan positieve maatschappelijke veranderingen.

Voortdurende evolutie van de media Het medialandschap zal blijven evolueren, waarbij nieuwe platforms en formats zullen ontstaan. Reclamebureaus moeten voorop blijven lopen bij deze veranderingen, experimenteren met innovatieve benaderingen en hun strategieën dienovereenkomstig aanpassen. Dit omvat het verkennen van meeslepende technologieën zoals virtual reality (VR) en augmented reality (AR) om boeiende en gedenkwaardige merkervaringen te creëren.

Conclusie Reclamebureaus hebben een lange weg afgelegd sinds hun oprichting in de 19e eeuw. Ze zijn geëvolueerd van eenvoudige tussenpersonen tot complexe, full-service entiteiten die een cruciale rol spelen in het succes van bedrijven over de hele wereld. Nu de sector met nieuwe uitdagingen en kansen wordt geconfronteerd, moeten reclamebureaus wendbaar, innovatief en ethisch blijven. Door dit te doen kunnen ze de groei van merken blijven stimuleren, het gedrag van consumenten beïnvloeden en bijdragen aan de economische welvaart. De toekomst van reclamebureaus ligt in hun vermogen om nieuwe technologieën te benutten, prioriteit te geven aan duurzaamheid en zich aan te passen aan het steeds veranderende medialandschap, waardoor ze onmisbare partners blijven in de zakenwereld.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

The four western states that have traditionally exported large amounts of electricity generated with fossil fuels to neighboring states are poised to draw tens of billions of dollars by exporting clean energy across state lines, but only if the region can successfully expand the vast network of interstate transmission lines needed to distribute the electricity, according to a new study released Wednesday by RMI, the clean energy research and advocacy group.

At stake is a market for electricity from Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Montana that could grow to nearly $50 billion by 2050 or dwindle to just $3 billion if more transmission lines aren’t built. The economic impacts could be far-reaching, not just for those four states, but the entire Western U.S. If the entire region was able to coordinate interstate transmission lines, for example, it could reduce the cost of shifting to a carbon-free grid by 30 percent, according to the report, saving billions of dollars for ratepayers across the West and enabling states to better meet their clean energy goals. 

“The larger area you plan over, the larger the savings,” said Tyler Farrell, a senior associate at RMI’s carbon-free electricity program and co-author of the study. 

Renewable energy projects are booming in the West, with vast solar fields, wind farms and other clean energy technologies coming online or being proposed across the region. The Biden administration has said the 245 million acres of public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management are key to the nation’s energy transition away from fossil fuels, with rules in place to streamline development. 

But getting more clean energy to where it’s needed isn’t just a matter of building more facilities to generate it—it also requires new transmission lines to distribute the electricity, and as the RMI study found, potentially sell the excess to the highest bidder.

Transmission lines are the backbone of the grid, acting as highways that connect the source of electricity to where it is used. With remote solar and wind farms developing over vast expanses far from existing transmission infrastructure, building new lines is critical to the nation’s transition away from fossil fuels, and one of the biggest obstacles to the adoption of more clean energy in the U.S., especially in the West, where interstate lines need to cross vast stretches of federal, state, municipal, tribal and private lands, and can often run into the challenging permitting processes and pushback from those living along a project’s route.

As fossil fuel plants go offline, space opens up on transmission lines for renewables. But that won’t satisfy growing electricity demand, such as from AI data centers and charging stations for electric vehicles, or connect renewable energy projects that are being built in places where transmission lines don’t yet exist.

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How To Sell Gold For Cash: A Comprehensive Guide

Assessing Your Gold

Before selling your gold for cash, it's essential to assess its value accurately. Determine the purity of your gold items by checking for hallmarks or conducting a purity test. Weigh your gold using a scale to calculate its total weight. Understanding the purity and weight of your gold will help you determine its market value.

When preparing to Sell Gold for cash, the first step is to assess the value of your gold items accurately. This involves determining the purity and weight of your gold, as these factors play a crucial role in determining its market value.

One way to assess the purity of your gold is to look for hallmarks or stamps on your gold jewelry or coins. These markings indicate the karatage or purity of the gold, with common hallmarks including 24K, 18K, 14K, and 10K. If your gold items are not stamped with a hallmark, you can use a gold testing kit to determine their purity accurately.

In addition to assessing purity, it's essential to weigh your gold items using a digital scale. Gold is typically measured in troy ounces, grams, or pennyweights, so amake sure your scale is calibrated to the appropriate unit of measurement. Once you have determined the weight of your gold, you can calculate its total value based on the current market price of gold.

Researching Current Market Prices

Before selling your gold, research current market prices to ensure you get a fair deal. Gold prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand dynamics, economic conditions, and geopolitical factors. Use reliable sources such as financial news websites or precious metal market indices to track gold prices in real-time.

One of the most crucial steps in selling gold for cash is researching current market prices to ensure you receive a fair offer. Gold prices fluctuate constantly due to various factors, including changes in supply and demand, economic indicators, and geopolitical events. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the gold market before selling your gold items.

There are several ways to research current gold prices. One option is to use online resources such as financial news websites, precious metal market indices, or mobile apps that provide real-time updates on gold prices. These platforms offer valuable insights into gold price trends and allow you to track price movements over time.

Another option is to consult with reputable gold dealers or pawnshops in your area to inquire about current buying prices. While local dealers may offer slightly lower prices compared to online buyers, they can provide personalized service and immediate cash payment for your gold items.

By researching current market prices through multiple sources, you can gain a better understanding of the fair value of your gold and negotiate confidently with Gold Buyer when selling your gold for cash.

Choosing A Reputable Gold Buyer

When selling gold for cash, it's crucial to choose a reputable buyer to ensure a smooth and fair transaction. Look for buyers who are licensed, experienced, and transparent about their pricing policies. Avoid dealing with buyers who pressure you to sell or offer prices significantly below market value.

Selecting a reputable buyer is essential when selling gold for cash to ensure a fair and secure transaction. With numerous buyers available, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and choose a buyer who is licensed, experienced, and trustworthy.

One way to identify reputable Gold Buyers is to check for certifications or accreditations from recognized industry organizations. Look for buyers who are members of associations such as the Jewelers of America or the Better Business Bureau, as these organizations uphold strict standards of ethical conduct and customer service.

Additionally, consider reading online reviews and testimonials from past customers to gauge the reputation of potential buyers. Positive reviews and high ratings are indicators of a buyer's reliability and professionalism, while negative reviews may signal red flags such as hidden fees or poor customer service.

Transparency is another essential factor to consider when choosing a gold buyer to get high Cash For Gold. Look for buyers who provide clear and detailed information about their pricing policies, including how they calculate gold prices based on purity and weight. Avoid buyers who are vague or evasive about their pricing methods, as this may indicate dishonesty or unethical practices.

Furthermore, it's essential to compare offers from multiple buyers to ensure you receive a competitive price for your gold items. Obtain quotes from different buyers and carefully evaluate each offer based on factors such as price, reputation, and convenience. Keep in mind that the highest offer may not always be the best option if it comes from an untrustworthy buyer.

By choosing a reputable buyer who offers fair prices and transparent policies, you can sell your gold for cash with confidence and peace of mind.

Preparing Your Gold For Sale

Before selling your gold for cash, take steps to prepare your gold items for inspection and evaluation. Clean your gold jewelry or coins using a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and debris. Store your gold items securely in a protective case or pouch to prevent damage during transportation.

Preparing your gold for sale is an essential step in the selling process that can help you maximize the value of your gold items and ensure a smooth transaction. Before presenting your gold items to potential buyers, take the time to clean and organize them to make a positive impression and facilitate the evaluation process.

Start by cleaning your gold jewelry or coins using a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the surface of your gold items with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, oil, or tarnish that may have accumulated over time. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of your gold and diminish its value.

Once your gold items are clean and dry, inspect them carefully for any signs of damage or wear. Look for scratches, dents, or missing stones that may affect the overall value of your gold. If necessary, consider having your gold items professionally repaired or restored to enhance their appearance and marketability.

After cleaning and inspecting your gold items, store them securely in a protective case or pouch to prevent damage during transportation. Avoid mixing your gold items with other jewelry or valuables, as this can increase the risk of loss or damage. Instead, keep your gold items separate and label them accordingly to ensure they remain safe and secure until they are ready to be sold.

By taking the time to prepare your gold for sale, you can present your items in the best possible condition and increase their appeal to potential buyers. Additionally, thorough preparation demonstrates your commitment to transparency and professionalism, which can help build trust and confidence with buyers during the selling process.

Negotiating The Sale

When selling your Gold For Cash, don't be afraid to negotiate with buyers to get the best possible price for your items. Be prepared to walk away if you're not satisfied with the offer and consider seeking quotes from other buyers to leverage your bargaining position.

Negotiating the sale of your gold is an essential aspect of the selling process that can significantly impact the outcome of the transaction. By approaching negotiations strategically and confidently, you can maximize the value of your gold items and secure a fair price for your investment.

One key strategy in negotiating the sale of your gold is to be well-informed about current market prices and the value of your gold items. Conduct thorough research and obtain quotes from multiple buyers to establish a baseline for comparison and gauge the competitiveness of each offer. Armed with this information, you can negotiate from a position of strength and confidently assert the value of your gold to potential buyers.

When negotiating with Jewelry Buyers, be prepared to advocate for your interests and articulate the reasons why your gold is worth a certain price. Highlight any unique features or attributes of your gold items that may increase their value, such as rare designs, historical significance, or exceptional craftsmanship. By showcasing the inherent value of your gold, you can justify your asking price and persuade buyers to offer a higher price for your items.

Additionally, don't be afraid to walk away from a negotiation if you're not satisfied with the offer. Remember that you have the right to sell your gold on your own terms and shouldn't feel pressured to accept an offer that doesn't meet your expectations. Consider seeking quotes from other buyers to leverage your bargaining position and explore alternative selling options if necessary.

Throughout the negotiation process, maintain professionalism and courtesy when interacting with buyers, even if negotiations become challenging or contentious. By fostering a positive and constructive dialogue, you can increase the likelihood of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and completing the sale successfully.

In conclusion, negotiating the sale of your gold requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and assertive communication. By following these tips and approaching negotiations with confidence and professionalism, you can optimize the value of your gold items and secure a favorable outcome for your investment.

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Online business directories have replaced traditional Yellow Pages, offering businesses an essential platform for online visibility. While there are numerous directories, both free and paid, businesses with minimal budgets can leverage several premium options for effective results. Notable choices include Superpages, Better Business Bureau, LocalBizNetwork, Merchant Circle, and Hotfrog, each offering varying levels of features and visibility. These directories enhance credibility, improve search engine rankings, and provide valuable exposure for businesses, making them essential for modern marketing strategies.

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