#postcard: 01

[makgeolii]

we expanded the house!

[tohakumaru]

throw back to January 2 years ago, i think i improved technically, but photograph-wise nothing replaces a lovely window with real sunlight.

music is untitled 01 by sales i still don’t own anything

[ohbueckers]

HEART OF A WOMAN. we ain’t spoke in so long, probably put me in the past. i can still get you wet, and i can still make you laugh.

01, CHAPTER ONE. OLD SPARKS.

ju speaks. who’s catching my word play for this chapter ooouuu.. i’m having so much fun writing them already and yes, maya’s gonna be a problem (i am just so predictable). pairing. wnba!paige bueckers x fem!oc. warnings. sexual innuendos. kinda content too? idk this fic feeds you all.

present day, may, 2025.

los angeles still doesn’t feel real.

it’s like a whole new game out here, and i’ve been telling myself i can handle it. going first in the draft was wild—i’d dreamt of that moment since i was a kid, but hearing my name called, realizing it was real, felt different. la’s been something else too, this city that’s both too big and somehow feels small once you’re in it. i’ve got an apartment with this insane view too. floor to ceiling windows, sunlight flooding in every morning, palm trees out front like something off a postcard, but it doesn’t quite feel like home yet. i guess i thought maybe it would by now.

the team’s been great, though. down to the vets, the coaching staff, the media team… every single one of them welcomed me like i’ve always belonged here, and that makes things easier. cam threw this party tonight to really celebrate me being here, not just another pr event, but like… i don’t know, like they actually wanted to get to know me better. her backyard’s all polished up. the gates hold up some fairy lights, and the smell of barbecue just tops it all off.

maya’s been around since day one, practically the second i landed here. she’s one of our coordinators—smart, organized, and just enough older than me. stanford grad, of course, which she’s mentioned just enough times that i know she’s proud of it. there’s something good about her. yeah, she’s good. she knows how to handle herself, that’s for sure.

nailea hasn’t been around. i thought i’d see her by now, maybe even catch lurking during one of my practices or just… run into her somewhere. i mean, i’m sure she wouldn’t quit her job because of me. she’s been quiet, out of sight. which is fine. we haven’t really talked since before the draft—if that’s what you’d call it. it’s probably for the best. i don’t think she really wants to talk anyway.

i’m mid-sentence, talking to rae and rickea about their pregame rituals when maya steps up, her manicured hand resting casually on my slouched shoulder like it belongs there. she laughs at something rae says, smiling, and i feel myself ease into the conversation a little more.

rae’s all animated, talking about how she won’t step onto the court without this neon scrunchie she swears by. i’m leaning in to give her grief for it when i catch something in my periphery—someone, actually.

nailea’s here. at my welcome to the league party, maybe just coming by to say she showed up. i’m sure cam would kill her if she didn’t, they got pretty close last year. she looks like she just stepped out of my memories, if you think about that memory everyday.

i suck in, turning in attempt to not make myself seen. then, rae, three jell-o shots deep and definitely feeling it, pats my thigh in excitement and grins wide. “nai! c’mere!” she calls her over, completely missing how i’m trying not to look too invested.

i bite my lip, turning my head back over. i see how she hesitates, and then she looks at me. there’s no emotion, not a single ounce of longing or surprise. she looks at me like i’m nothing. it hurts more than i’d ever admit, but at the same time, i get it. i don’t exactly have the right to expect anything else.

her eyes shift to the others, weighing her options, probably playing out how the entire encounter would go in her head, but rae’s insistence doesn’t really give her much of a choice. she flashes us a grin, though i’m sure it isn’t for me, before she slowly waltzes over.

my eyes follow her like some unconscious habit until she’s almost in reach. as she comes closer, i find myself sizing her up, cataloging the way her hair falls just right, how her shirt hangs off her shoulders. then, out of nowhere, rickea shoves a finger into my ear from my left, and i flinch, turning to see her arched eyebrows silently demanding that i lock in. i don’t question it—i do. a little bit.

“nai handles a good chunk of our pr. she’s doing game day operations this year too,” rae cuts through. she was on some paid internship last year, testing out every role the sparks had to offer to see what she liked. she moved up. got the job.

i don’t know why it stings that she’s doing good without me.

“we know each—“ i begin.

“we went to high school to—“ nai says at the same time as me, and i look at her. rickea is stifling back a laugh beside me, and nai finishes her sentence.

“paige and i went to high school together.” she says, and i stay silent. high school? is that all i am now? a high school buddy?

rae’s grin grows wider, and she’s so excited about it i can barely make out her words. “she’s so great, and basically our backbone now,” she says, nudging nailea’s shoulder. “if it weren’t for her, i’d be late to half my interviews, right?” she laughs, a little too loud.

“guess you owe her then,” i say simply, forcing a grin. nai’s eyes flash to mine, but they’re off me just as quick. i let mine stay, squinting as maya begins to ramble.

“and she makes my job way easier.” maya’s fingers tap against my shoulder, almost like she’s staking a claim. “you ever need someone to keep you in line, paige, she’s your girl,” she adds, smiling at nai, though there’s some unfamiliarity to it. i can tell that they know each other, just not well enough i’m assuming.

nai’s eyes drop to maya’s hand, just a quick glance, but it’s enough to make me hyper-aware of the touch. her gaze returns to my face, a single eyebrow raised in that subtle way that’s more telling than words. like she’s already put it all together, and she doesn’t need to say a thing. instinctively, i shift, shrugging maya’s hand off with a casual roll of my shoulder, trying to mask it as if i’m just adjusting my posture.

nai doesn’t react, but her mouth twitches, a hint of a smirk, there and gone.

she lets out a soft laugh as i lean more against the table now, and i caught the way maya dropped her hand to her side. “i think paige has got it handled.”

i raise an eyebrow, leaning back just a little. “could always use the backup.”

nai’s eyes flash with a quick, knowing glint as she tilts her head, that slight smirk of hers appearing like she’s been waiting for an opening. “backup?” she repeats, nearly cheerful. i hated her tone. “thought you were more into… side options than backups, paige.”

it’s subtle, just low enough that only i catch the full weight of it, but it lands. i let out a low chuckle, stroking my chin and licking my lips. “aight,” i say, swallowing down any reaction, “i set myself up for that.”

maya gives me a sidelong look, sensing the tension but probably not quite getting it. nai laughs softly, a quick, dismissive sound that shouldn’t hit as hard as it does. it’s almost like she’s proud of getting that dig in. i cross my arms over my chest, and for some reason, i can’t contain my own smile.

rickea jumps in then, catching the vibe—or maybe just rescuing me. “anyway!” she says, her voice bright, easing into some story about some mascot switch-up from last year nai had to handle. i nod along, pretending i’m invested, though every part of me is still reeling from nai’s words, her laugh, the way she looked at me like she had me all figured out.

but maybe that’s what she wants me to think.

the backyard’s emptied out now, save for a few stray bottles and a couple of plastic jello cups scattered across the tables. i slide the glass door open and step inside, the house now filled with some low music from a record player. i was planning to find cam, to thank her for throwing this whole thing together. but when i come into the kitchen, it’s nai i see, her sleeves rolled up, forearms wet, scrubbing out a vase under the sink.

she’s focused, eyebrows furrowed just slightly, and i catch myself looking just a second too long before she looks up herself, catching me in the act. she pauses for a moment, her hands stilled under the water before she continues.

“didn’t take you for the clean up crew,” she mumbles, a little low that i almost don’t hear it over the running water.

i shrug, poking my bottom lip out. “figured i owed cam for putting this together,” i say, eyes still fixed on her. “nothin’ like a little gratitude, right?”

she lets out a little scoff, eyes still on the vase, fingers working over the smooth glass, rinsing it under the stream. “cam’s got enough gratitude coming her way,” she murmurs, and i can’t really read the implication. “she doesn’t need more from you.”

the words are light, almost casual, but they land with an edge that sticks. i take a slow step closer, letting the sliding door click shut behind me as i stand by it, almost like i’m stuck.

“well,” i start, beginning to stroll closer with my hands tucked in my pockets, “maybe i’m here because i wanted to check in. see how you’re doing.”

her eyes cut to me briefly, unimpressed. “i’m good, paige,” she says, letting the vase drip dry on a towel, and turning her attention to the next one. “never been better, actually.”

“great,” i say, not breaking eye contact, even as she keeps hers on the dishes, hands slowing just slightly. “then you won’t mind the company.”

she lifts an eyebrow, smirking, and i feel my pulse spike. “company?” she repeats, cocking her head as she pauses, hands resting on the edge of the sink, she says, “i think i’ve had enough of yours for a lifetime.”

i wiggle my eyebrows at her. “aw, don’t be like that, nai.” i can’t help the laugh that slips out, soft and a little cocky. “where’d you pick up all this lil’ attitude at?” i manage to get a little closer with each word until i’m rounding the island. she knows i’m there, close, and trying to ignore it probably.

she sighs, setting the vase down with a clink that sounds just a little too deliberate before picking up the last one. “life has a way of teaching you things. people, too.” she cuts her eyes my way, just barely, still trying to act like i’m not right in her space.

“oh, so now i’m a life lesson?” i murmur, stepping so that i’m almost right beside her, leaning on the counter. “but you’re still here. helpin’ clean up my party.”

she hesitates, and i can see her jaw tense just slightly. “i’m here for cam.”

“cam, huh?” i murmur, my eyes never leaving her. “and what about me?”

she laughs, a little breathless, and it’s the first real sign of her softening. i’ll take whatever i can get. “you’re somethin’ else. you know that?”

of course i know that. she knows i know that, she used to tell me it all the time. she reaches to cut the water off, flipping the vase over on the counter to dry. “good somethin’ or bad somethin’?” i ask, inching just a little closer as i tuck my bottom lip between my teeth.

“depends on the day,” she replies simply, and i can tell she’s trying to occupy herself as she rearranges the glasses.

i smile, facing her as i lean an arm on the counter. “that a challenge?” i lick my lips. “you know i love a good challenge.”

she scoffs lightly, rolling her eyes but staying put nonetheless. “don’t think you’re up for this one, bueckers.”

“oh, i’m up for it,” i counter, following her every move. “in fact, i thrive on it.” i’ve managed to get so close now that i can smell the scent of her shampoo mingling with the faint floral notes of soap. i can’t help but notice the newfound lightness to it too, and i realize she must’ve switched out some old with some new.

“mhm?” she asks, that smirk returning as she finally looks at me. i love when she hums like that, like i’ve got her at loss for words or something. her gaze flicks down to my lips for just a heartbeat, but i catch it.

“yeah,” i whisper, testing the waters. “and i’m pretty good at winning.”

i can see the shift in her expression—the way her breath hitches just a bit. “and what do you think you’re gonna win?” it’s like it took everything in her to say that as she exhales.

i lean back slightly, just enough to meet her eyes fully, but my focus has found her lips again. “you know what i want,” i say, and my voice is almost a whisper. “i think you know exactly what i want.”

there’s a faint smirk on her face as she grips the counter. “no.” she says, seemingly very aware of my intentions as she shakes her head, but doesn’t move an inch.

i let my tongue swarm my mouth hungrily. “just one.” i practically beg.

she leans in, leaving a soft, fast peck on my lips, and i’m afraid it isn’t enough for satisfaction. she’s back staring, and before i get the chance to say anything about it, it’s like she already fought the doubts in her mind as she throws herself into me, lips crashing.

my lips press against hers in that familiar, heady rush that i’d almost convinced myself i’d forgotten. she doesn’t pull away—instead, her hand slips up to my shoulder, the same one maya had her paws on just a couple hours ago, and fuck i can barely bring myself to think about that.

my hand finds her waist, gripping just enough to feel her press against me, her breaths shallow, matching mine. i want to rip her clothes off and take her here, no matter how uncordial that may be, but the universe seems to have other plans.

she tastes like everything i’ve had time to reflect on, every memory i know she tried to bury. i’m rough, hands squeezing her waist so tight like i’m scared she’ll slip away if i let go.

but just as i’m getting lost in her, we’re interrupted by the sound of footsteps. we break apart instantly, spinning toward the door just in time to see cam step in, her eyes widening as she stops short, eyebrows lifting as she takes in the scene.

my tongue darts to the corner of my mouth as i place my hands behind my back awkwardly, as if to keep them from wandering. nai is smoothing out her shirt (the most obvious thing you could do in a situation like this), that guarded look slipping right back into place as she clears her throat.

“paige was just leaving.”

[literaryvein-reblogs]

But you? You were with me on Sunday, so very much alive, and now there is silence. (01 August 1916)

What’s the good of writing? You are silent. (02 August 1916)

My dearest, beautiful, beautiful days. Whenever I have the time, the inclination, and the strength, I leave the city, not just to lie in ditches. (09 August 1916)

The fact that you were compelled to hint at these things shows that it would be important to speak frankly. I beg you to do so. I can admit neither considerations nor scruples. Being together, one can be silent; true, this shortens life, but then life on average is long. On the other hand, being so far apart, one should take every opportunity to speak frankly. (17 August 1916)

I hope for news again tomorrow; I snatch at your postcards like the little mouse at the cheese in the trap, where to my horror I found it today in the office. (21 August 1916)

Very pleased, Felice, I am very pleased with you; if only you weren’t too far away for me to show you properly how pleased I am! (24 August 1916)

When you have time, write and tell me more about the afternoon. How you felt in that atmosphere. (31 August 1916)

Excerpts from Kafka's Letters to Felice dated August 1916

[argumentl]

My Dir en grey year in 2024!

I'm so very grateful😭🥰

January

✨Got new single 19990120

✨Attended 01/20 Anniversary live at Gorilla Hall, Osaka.

✨Visited Kaoru's panel display in Osaka.

✨Got 音楽と人 with that amazing Kaoru photoshoot.

February

✨Sent Kaoru a birthday message via TFOE, which was read out to him live on air! He said thank you 😍

✨Pined for, but did not attend Nagano Tora no ana 😭

March

✨Got questions published and answered in Haiiro no ginka.

✨Won the English Dir twitter campaign.

✨Got PHY Vol.25.

✨Asked Kaoru to have a pint in the UK for me. He said he would🍺

April

✨Had a question read out live on TFOE and got a laugh out of Kaoru, also live 🥰

✨Got the new single TDIM.

✨Met and spoke to Shinya at the Devil In Me sign event in Kyoto.

May

✨Attended PSYCHONNECT at the Rohm Theatre in Kyoto.

✨Recieved the prize from the twitter campaign (It was the rare postcard and sticker set from the EU tour).

✨Bought myself the Burrn Japan Dir special edition for Mother's day 😅

✨Got my Tour stamp book in the mail.

✨Got a hand-made badge as a present from Kaoru in the mail 💜😭😭😭💜 (via TTD)

June

✨Attended PSYCHONNECT at the Orix Theatre in Osaka.

August

✨Met a great friend (Dani) when I went back to the UK for 3 weeks in Summer, and she gave me two awesome Kaoru dolls which she made herself 😍

✨Got the Phalaris DVD boxset.

September

✨Got the aknot movie tickets in the mail

✨Got aknot renewal gift.

✨Saw the WTD movie (A great friend sent me the pamphlet in the mail from Tokyo, since it was sold out in Kyoto).

✨Kaoru wished me a happy birthday directly 🥴💜

October

✨Saw the Uroboros movie

✨Attended the movie stage greeting in Kyoto, front row seat.

November

✨Attended Who Is This Hell For in Kyoto, and was right up front. This was special for me, since I don't do VIP. It was a VIP experience for ¥9000 😂 (Im not fussed about the merch)

✨Made lots of new Dir toriko friends.

December

✨Attended Who Is This Hell For In Osaka, and saw Marie Kaoru 🗡️🩸

✨And so many questions answerer by Kaoru on TTD throughout the year, I can't count them. TTD is happiness.

Hoping for a Dir filled 2025!

[hellolovers13]

Lonely Cards Club

by hellolovers13

Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles | Chapter 25/25

tags: Christmas fluff, strangers?/exes?/friends? to lovers, idk but it's one of those

Harry's life in Cardiff is rather uneventful. Until he receives a strange Christmas postcard. It gets even stranger when he finds another one the next day. 💌 An Advent story about missed opportunities and second chances.

💌01💌 💌02💌 💌03💌 💌04💌 💌05💌 💌06💌

💌07💌 💌08💌 💌09💌 💌10💌 💌11💌💌12💌

💌13💌 💌14💌 💌15💌 💌16💌 💌17💌 💌18💌

💌19💌 💌20💌 💌21💌 💌22💌 💌23💌 💌24💌

💌25💌

[waffledforbreakfast]

First Date- [MUTI! BLLK X F!READER]

(SEPARATE) pt2

Staring: niko, kaiser, ness

pt1: Rin, Sae, Kaiser

pt3: Otoya, Karasu, Reo

[ BLLK Scenario Masterlist ]

TW: heavy ooc, bad grammar, bad spelling, bad formatting, cringe, scuff, etc.

>Niko

[Manga/Anime cafe/store ]

Niko waited for you outside the school doors, the two of you had agreed to go to the new anime cafe as a date. It had been a few minutes since class ended and you still weren’t there, Niko was getting worried “I swear if she-” he mumbled to himself

“NIKOO” you crashed into him, catching your breath “Sorry- *huff* the teacher- *huff* held us back…”

“Smh [Y/N]... what’d you do now?” he sighed, you getting in trouble was nothing new

“Nothing nothing” you reassured him, brushing yourself off “Anyway, you ready to go?”

Niko nodded as you both left the school ground, chatting about whatever you found interesting. You spotted the cafe with cats in the window, and he saw it too

“Niko Niko look! It’s this one right?” you smiled at him as you pointed to the store 

“Cute…” he replied “The cats I mean-”

You rolled your eyes as the bells above the doors ringed when he pushed it open, “Hello!” a woman greeted as you two entered “Can I get anything started for you? Are will you look around first?”

“We’ll just look around” Niko was already walking towards the large shelfs of Manga on display “There’s so many…” he stared in awe, talking to himself

You quickly skimmed the shelfs til one book caught your eyes, “Hey Niko,” you pulled it out and showed him “Banana Fish, your favourite right?”

He quickly came over and took the book “Yea! Looks like they have all the volumes here!” he smiled while running a finger through the pages “Oh yea, this one's your favourite, right?” he took out another book and handed it to you, it was one you started recently and desperately tried to get Niko to read

“Mhm! You should totally give it a shot one day” you both took the books as you went up to order food

Niko flipped through the menu and pointed out some cute foods to you “Look, this one’s themed after the main character. Oh I think you’ll like this one, it looks pretty sweet.” In the end, you both decided to share some Totoro styled waffles and each got your own themed side drinks.

While you waited for your food to arrive at your table, Niko told you about Banana Fish, and even listened to you rant about your favourite manga/anime

“Have you watched Blue Lock?” You asked him excitedly, forgetting about the fourth wall

“...Blue Lock?” 

“Nevermind-...”

Finally your food was ready, and you took photos (you did the finger hearts for the camera) before cutting it down the middle and taking a bite

“Geez slow down…” he joked, before eating his portion too. After a while, he excused himself quickly before leaving, you just shrugged and continued eating, almost done anyway

He quickly came back with two macarons in hand, blushing slightly, “For you…” he slid the first one to you, a face of your favourite character on it,

“Awww Geto :D wait what happened to his forehead-” you took a toothpick and poked lightly at it, whoever made the macaroon put red icing bubbles on his forehead

Niko held in a laugh “That’s just foul…”

[Doesn’t have to be Geto lol, just thought it was funny]

“Well, thank you for the macaron!” you gave him a quick smile “I hope it wasn’t too much…”

“Nah it’s fine” he sat down beside you and pulled out a postcard “There was a promotion, so I got a free Miku postcard out of it”

He gave it to you to look at, it was a beautiful card, with a high quality Miku on it with a holographic background.

“It’s so pretttyyyy” your eyes sparkled as you stared in awe at it 

“Y-You can have it…”  Niko whispered as he looked away, the slightest blush on his face

“Are you sure??” you asked hesitantly, it was his after all,

“Yea… you’re always 01 in my heart…”

“...”

“...”

“Was that a Miku pick-up line-?”

The two of you finished eating and headed out the cafe, giving a small thanks to the workers 

“Where to now?” He asked, turning towards you

“Hm… I think there’s actually a manga store around here somewhere, there was a new volume I wanted to pick up…”

“Oh I think I know the one you’re talking about… it’s this way.”

Once you guys got there, your jaw dropped at the sight. Shelves upon shelves of books, new and limited ones in display cases. You thought the cafe had a lot, but no- this one had 6x as many. And you could buy them too!

You dragged your finger across the spines of the books, walking down the isles, Niko close behind.

You suddenly stopped and pulled out a book, it was the limited edition of your favourite series. “Niko!” you spun around and showed him the book “It’s the anniversary special :D” you were going to buy it, until you saw the price… you knew that special volumes may be expensive, but you didn’t think they were that much!! 

You put the book back into their places, silently sobbing at the fact you couldn’t afford it 

“Hm, what’s wrong?” he asked you, while watching you shelve them

“It’s too expensive… Don’t worry, I’ll get it one day!” you replied, trying to convince yourself more than him

“Alright… I saw a book over there that seemed interesting, why don’t we split up for now, we can meet up in a few minutes.”

You gave him a nod, and went back to wandering

After a while, you met Niko at the check out. You had already bought 2 books and it seems that he bought one too.

“Hey Niko! Ready to go?” you got your things and got ready to leave

“Mhm” he hummed as he bagged the book, angling it so you couldn’t see the cover

You though, happened to notice, “What did you get?”

He pretended not to hear your question and walked out, waiting for you to follow. You frowned at his lack of a response, but went along anyway

It came the time that you both had to go home, so you two stood at the entrance to the subway station.

“Thank you for coming out with me” he gave you a short bow, blushing slightly. “I got you a gift…” he pulled out the bag from the manga store and presented it to you, “It’s the special volume you wanted…”

As you opened the bag, you found that it was indeed the anniversary special. You thanked him, still in awe at the book and gave him a hug “Thank you so much, Niko! You really shouldn’t have 🥹”

You pulled out your own bag with the books you bought and handed it to him “These are the only volumes you’re missing in your collection, right?” You remember looking though his shelves, you were 70% percent sure he didn’t have these

“Yes, these are the ones…” he took the books gently, his eyes practically glued to them (not that we can rlly tell) “Thank you” he said, barely louder than a whisper

Niko smiled and gave you a wave as you hopped on your train, hugging the books tightly. He really couldn’t stop blushing, happy with how the day went.

It was that day he decided he’d never be able to get sick of you

>Kaiser

[Ice Skating (also for this is set in Germany, during Christmas]

Running around the German night market was a vibe like no other

And Kaiser being there was the cherry on top. He held your hand while gently guiding you through the stalls.

“Schatz, let’s grab some chocolate”, he said while looking at a few bars of chocolate on display. “They have white, milk, dark, caramel, everything. What would you like?” he asked you, having already grabbed a bar of his own, a very bitter dark chocolate.

You silently judged his decision before choosing your own. “You like your chocolate that bitter?” you laughed

He frowned “What’s wrong with that? I aint no p#ssy.” he grinned at you “And milk chocolate sucks. I can’t stand any white-coloured drinks.”

“Chocolate isn’t a drink-”

“Still sucks. Have you made your choice?” He looked at you, taking the bar from your hands and getting ready to pay. You nodded as the worker scanned the bars

“They’re HOW MUCH??” your jaw dropped as you saw the price

Kaiser only smirked as he paid, “They’re traditional, high quality, german chocolate. A very well-known brand.” he opened your bar and held it up to you, “Try it”

( If you didn’t eat it when he offered, he would’ve shoved it down your throat (affectionately) )

The second you took a bite of the chocolate, it felt like you were transported to heaven. It was perfect, the best chocolate you’ve ever had. You quickly took more, taking the the delicious taste and texture

Kaiser did a prideful huff, knowing that he was the reason for the happy look on your face. Even if it was indirectly-  

He ate his own chocolate as the two of you wandered about more, occasionally stopping at other booths. You guys got matching scarfs, keychains, you were so close to getting him to buy cat ears, but he refused.

Eventually, you guys were at the heart of the market, right where the big Christmas tree was. You were spaced out, admiring the lights, before the flash of a camera snapped you out of it.

Kaiser smiled, looking at the photo, “You look beautiful, Meine Liebe.” He gave you a gentle kiss before taking your hand, “Join me skating?”

You didn’t even have to move as kaiser got on his knees to lace up your skates for you. What a gentleman. He even held your hand when getting on the ice. If you didn’t know how to skate, he’d guide you (or just drag you across the ice). If you do know how to skate, he’d definitely challenge you to a race. 

And do NOT underestimate this man, he is GRACEFUL. Unless ur a professional skater, it’ll prob be a pretty close tie, that or he laps you like twice to show off… if you are really good at skating (or if you wanna pretend to be, we don’t judge) and beat him, he’d just say he was going easy on you with a salty smile, trying to convince himself more than you.

After he’s gotten over it, he’d hold you hand (or pocket it) while skating in circles with you, just admiring your voice as you spoke. He’d spin you in circles, twirl you around, all that ;) If he caught anyone staring, he’d just show you off more and pull you in after a spin.

He couldn’t stop smiling, he was so happy, just being by your side and in your presence. This was one of the few times he was quiet, wanting to hear nothing but your voice.

You both skated around for a bit longer before getting off the ice. Kaiser undid your laces, and put everything away for you. After looking at the last few stalls, the two of you exited the market, and Kaiser sent you home.

He texted you once he got home to make sure you did too, and he couldn’t stop smiling. For the whole week, he was smiling, the whole week (until some imbecile talked to him.) the whole team was slightly scared until it was revealed it was because of you. That made more sense to them.

He already marked his calendar for next year, and it’s not a choice <3

>Ness

[Lego date/chill picnic]

You and Ness had been friends for a while, hanging out whenever he wasn’t busy w/Kaiser (which wasn’t really that often). Today was one of the few days you guys had time, so you were wandering the mall and ended up inside the LEGO store.

“[Y/N] look, it’s a blue rose!” he showed you the box, looking at the price tag “Do you think Kaiser would like it?”

You sighed while browsing, “Ness, you don’t have to always be thinking of him… you’re with me right now after all.”

He hesitated for a second before smiling and putting the box back, “Yes, you’re right. Which set do you want?” he followed your eyes, skimming the shelves 

“Oh, what do you think of that one?” you pointed at a LEGO box, a bunny in a magicians hat on the cover “Do you like it?”

“Oh- yes, it looks very nice…” he stared at it, thinking about how cute it was, but still trying to process that you asked for his opinion “Do you like magic and things like that?” he assumed that's why you were grabbing the box

“No” you started walking over to the cashier and gave Ness a smile “But i know you do”

His face turned red at the words, you weren’t wrong, but he didn’t expect you to know that, he’d barely mentioned it.

“Let me pay,” he said as the cashier rang it up. You would’ve stopped him, but before you knew it, he tapped his card and was already putting the box in the bag

He gave you a smile as he held the item. You felt bad because he was already carrying your other belongings, but he insisted and there was really no way you could convince him otherwise.

The two of you left the store, and slowly made your way around the mall. 

“Hey, let’s grab some desserts!” Ness pointed at the bakery and dragged you in “Look look! It’s bread :D” 

You picked out a few foods you liked, and he picked some too.

After buying the food, the two of you left the mall, and for a while it seemed that you both were just mindlessly wandering. But Ness had something planned, and soon you found yourself at a surprisingly clean picnic table at a near-by park. 

“Ness- Where are we??” you hesitated before sitting down after him

“Don’t worry! Do you like it here?” he gave you a smile, a bit of obsession in his eyes

You nodded as he set up all the food, and even brought out the LEGO set. You felt a bit awkward as you just watched him, but he refused to let you help, insisting on doing everything for you with a smile

After everything was laid out, you guys started eating the food, and building the LEGO at the same time. You listened to him talk about his day, and he listened to you talk about yours!

All in all, you two had a fun time! The food was all finished and the LEGO set was built. Ness took a ton of pictures of you the LEGO, and you even let him keep the final product!

A/N: Hope yall don't mind the ass formatting.. lotta word blocks ik, ill fix it when i actually make tumblr specific posts :')

[garadinervi]

Maja Osojnik & Black Page Orchestra & Maiken Beer, Doorways, (Hand printed Limited Editions 12", CD, Digital album, 6 Poster/Prints, 1 Postcard, 1 Inlay), MAM08, Mamka Records, 2024

Recorded between 2022 – 2024 in different Locations in Vienna Field recorders, electronics recorded, recorders and flute, voice recorded by Maja Osojnik Black Page Orchestra recorded by Alfred Reiter in Westbahnstudios Cello on Blende 01 recorded by Lukas Froschauer in Homestudio Composed, edited, premixed, produced by Maja Osojnik Mixed and mastered by Matija Schellander

LP artwork (mixed media) by Maja Osojnik Photography by Christopher Sturmer

CD artwork Sujet: graphic sound score by Maja Osojnik Artwork & graphic by graphic design Circus, Col Legno

[ofmdrecaps]

12/01-02/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Vico Ortiz; Kristian Nairn; Samba Schutte; Rachel House; Dominic Burgess; Adopt Our Crew; Letting Writing Campaign for OFMD S3!; Fan Spotlight: Our Flag Means Fanfiction; Citizen Dame Pod; 2024 Podfuckery; OFMD Big Bang; Love Notes;

Hey crew, as you can see I'm slowly catching up. I've been sick and my dads back at the hospital so things are a bit cray cray at the moment. Thank you for all your patience <3

= Rhys Darby =

Rhys was out in Atlanta doing comedy with Steve Wriggles, and lots of our crewmates got to get out and see him!

Source: Rhys and Steves Instagram Stories

- More Darby Daily Doodles -

Source: Rhys' Free Substack

= Taika Waititi =

Lots of BTS is coming out with Taika on Interior Chinatown!

Source: Instagram

There's also been more BTS for the KokoFoundation event that he and Minnie did a few weeks back!

Source: Letters Live Instagram

This article features Taika AND Anapela! Thank you to Jess aka @summerlinenss.bsky.social‬ for the share!

Source: Summerlinens Bsky

= Vico Ortiz =

Vico recently received  the “Courage Award” during the 29 Palms Film Festival! Check out their acceptance speech below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vico Ortiz (@puertoricaninja)

Source: Vico's Instagram

= Kristian Nairn =

Kristian was out with friends doing some winter celebrations!

Source: Ryzymackay Instagram

And he had a wee update for everyone before heading off to Columbus OH!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kristian Nairn (@kristiannairn)

Source: Kristian's Instagram

= Samba Schutte =

Fantastic news! Best Life, staring Samba was nominated for a third award! This time New York Shorts Award!

Source: Samba's Instagram

And yet another trailer for Parallel! (It sounds like its working on amazon prime again incase you ran into trouble).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Seasick Studios (@seasickstudios_)

Source: Instagram

- Advanced Chemistry BTS -

Our friend Alec Moore, writer of Advanced Chemistry and big OFMD advocate was kind enough to give us some BTS for the movie with Samba! Check some of it out below-- if you've seen the movie and have yet to review it on amazon, please take a moment to send them some love! Amazon Reviews

Source: Alec Moore's Bsky

A lot of the background pictures of samba's character Allen show Samba doing Air Guitar! Here are some closer looks!

Source: Alec moore

= Rachel House =

Rachel attended the @asiapacificscreenawards_ celebration and her film Te Maunga was nominated for "Best Youth film”. She sends out her "Massive congrats to the beautiful film Boong @lp_devi who deservedly won."!

Source: Rachel's Instagram

= Dominic Burgess =

Dominic always knows how to bring a smile to our face with cat content <3

Source: Dominic's Bsky

In addition, in case you haven't already checked it out-- Skeleton Crew is out on Disney Plus, and our favorite Jeffrey Fettering is in the show! Congrats Dominic!

Source: Dominic's Bsky

== Adopt Our Crew ==

Thank you @adoptourcrew for sharing this article on OFMD from Screenrant! Check it out here.

Source: Adopt Our Crew's Instagram

== Letter Writing Campaign! ==

Our friend Molly aka @aproperpirate.bsky.social has started up a letter writing campaign to try and convince Netflix to adopt #OurFlagMeansdeath!  Check out more info below! (If you don't have bluesky, Molly has agreed to let me post the instructions on the repo as well.)

What?

Letters and/or postcards explaining why you want Netflix to adopt OFMD. Highlight its accolades, reviews, representation, or simply what it means to you. Be honest and authentic! Send as many as you want!

Where?

Mail to:

Netflix Corporate Headquarters

121 Albright Way

Los Gatos, California 95032

When?

Plan for your letter(s) to arrive anywhere during the week of January 5-12, 2025 to coincide with the one year anniversary of cancelation on January 9.

Source: AProperPirate Bsky

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Our Flag Means Fanfiction =

New episode of Our Flag Means Fanfiction is out! Check them out on spotify! "Today we’re talking with Molly, Dahlia and Tessa about crime, criminals and outsiders; and how nefarious law-breakers actually have a positive impact on society — especially when they’re sabotaging authoritarian regimes"

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Spotify

= Citizen Dame =

For those of you subscribed to the citizen dame podcast, the last two episode of OFMD S2 are up! This OFMD Series is for subscribers and it's a been a blast to go over all the wonderful things in the last couple episodes. Wanna learn more? Check them out on Patreon!

Source: Citizen Dame Patreon

= OFMD Podfuckery =

Some fun news! There's a new ofmd podfuckery going on! Several of the resident podficcers of the OFMD community are recording fics in their own style! Wanna follow along with the fun? Check out their bluesky!

First on the list is The Hunt - by our dear @petrichorca and read by @kninjaknitter.bsky.social! Are you a podficcer and wanna get in on the fun? Jump on in and keep an eye out for the #podfuckery tag on bsky!

Source: OFMDPodFuckery Bsky

= 2024 OFMD Big Bang =

The 2024 OFMD Big Bang, hosted by @ofmdbigbang is officially over! You can check out the completed works list here. If you haven't already checked out their tumblr, they've posted all the amazing works people have put together for it! Check them out over on @ofmdbigbang!

Source: OFMDBigBang Tumblr

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies. It's almost 2025! Holy moly! I can't even believe it honestly, where has this year gone? I have been so blessed to be able to spent a lot of it with so many of you, and getting to share in your laughter and your tears, and I am so very grateful for that. Tonight I just wanted to send you a quick reminder that if you need to get something off your chest -- please ,oh please, do. I know a lot of us worry about whether or not there are "worse things" going on for other people, and you know what, something is going bonkers for every person everywhere, and if we all just didn't talk to one another every time someone else was struggling with their own issues, no one would ever talk. Of course, be sure to ask if people have spoons, or find a group you know is cool with chatting (and obviously if they're laying in a hospital bed, maybe dont bug that person unless they say its okay)-- but please find someone to talk to. It's easy to fall into the pattern of "I don't want to bother people" or "My problems seem like so much less". You'd be surprised how much of your crew really cares and wants to help. I myself, when things get really tough, feel better when I get to talk to other people about their own issues, because I can put some love out into the world that I'm not feeling as strongly at the moment from elsewhere.

You never know until you ask, so please ask <3 Love you crew, take care of yourselves, ya hear?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Women Who Run With The Moon (@womenwhorunwiththemoon)

Img Source: WomenWhoRunWithTheMoon Instagram

[stevieweek]

For each week of December, there are two movie titles and four prompts to get inspired by. The tag for this event is #steviesholiday

Stevie's Holiday Movie Marathon

Dec 01-08: Chrissy's Comedy Week

Dec 09-15: Eddie's Edgy Week

Movies: "The Santa Clause" (1884), "Elf" (2003)

Prompts: Decorating, Carols, Santa, Sweater

Dec 16-22: Robin's Retro Week

Movies: "Krampus" (2015), "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

Prompts: Coal, Black, Naughty, Snowstorm

Dec 23-29: Stevie's Sexy Week

Movies: "White Christmas" (1954), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)

Prompts: Angel, Sleigh, Family, Postcard

Movies: "Violent Night" (2023), "The Holiday" (2006)

Prompts: Red, Toys, Fur, Proposal

Important note: from now on the Ao3 collections will stay open until the next event starts.

Happy creating!

[telekinetictrait]

It wasn’t too big of a surprise when Miss Myra Beckett left her Papa’s tobacco farm following her twenty-fourth birthday. Mister Myron Beckett always said his daughter was an independent spirit, and her Mama — may God rest her soul — always said she was too much trouble to ever marry. Nowadays, Myra lives in New York with her closest companion, an up-and-coming artist called Rosetta Nelson. Postcards sent to the remaining Beckett children say that Myra acts now, and has found more solid employment in a library. They say that Rosetta is the best painter since those Italian men of the Renaissance, and that her unkind husband walked out on her, and that she and Myra have recently gotten a puppy together. Ain’t that something? Well, Mister Beckett says over tea, at least she’s not living with a man unmarried…

"maybe i'll use them for something else one day,"

i said, immediately falling in love with them. well. you know the drill, cc links and creator tags under the cut!

check my resources page and genetics tag for genetics

hair/eyebrows : simadelic’s georgie curls – serawis’ 1920’s brows // saturngalore’s harlem pinup locs – ceeproductions’ snatched baby hairs

everyday : zurkdesign's cloche hat conversion – pixelunivairse's wendy earrings 04 – christopher067's prism cloud necklace – adrienpastels solitaire dress (a billion thanks to @simfuldelights to reuploading it for me <3!) – blueraptorsden’s vintage stockings – waxesnostalgic’s cuban heel mary janes // sunflower-petals’ kasi earrings – happylifesims’ 1920s day dress 01 – simlasya’s pearl flower ring – blueraptorsden’s vintage stockings – waxesnostalgic’s cuban heel mary janes

formal : laeska’s zita earrings – happylifesims’ roxie court dress – blueraptorsden’s vintage stockings – simsfromthepast’s 1920’s shoes // thelpethondiel’s pearl choker – happylifesims’ queenie dress – dancemachinetrait’s pemberley gloves – simsfromthepast’s 1920’s shoes

athletic : waxesnostalgic's short sleeved armistice blouse – waxesnostalgic's trousers – lehgames bow oxfords // waxesnostalgic's short sleeved plain blouse – waxesnostalgic's trousers

sleep : happylifesims' accessory duster coat – caio-cc’s ballet flats // largetaytertots’ bonnet add-ons – happylifesims’ 1920s nightgown with robe – simlasya’s pearl flower ring – caio-cc’s ballet flats

party : delis-sims’ marlene headband – glitterberrysims’ jade dragonfly earrings – ladybolet’s old hollywood eyeshadow – evazetta's gwen lipstick – flowermilksims’ clover and pearl necklace – retropixels' starlet dress – kumikya’s sheer gloves – akrsims' bow pumps b // simstrouble’s notte headpiece – someone-elsa’s tassel earrings – ladybolet’s old hollywood eyeshadow – evazetta’s ingrid lipstick – ms-marysims’ isabel necklace – happylifesims’ 1920s evening dress 08 – kumikya’s sheer gloves – gohliad's mary janes

swim : plumbobteasociety’s vintage knit turban – hypergnomesimblr’s soft serve tennis dress // plumbobteasociety’s vintage knit turban – waxesnostalgic’s androgynous swimsuits – simlasya’s pearl flower ring

summer : happylifesims’ boater – pixelunivairse's wendy earrings 04 – christopher067's prism cloud necklace – happylifesims’ 1920s day dress 09 – blueraptorsden’s vintage stockings // pixelunivairse's wendy earrings 0 – christopher067's prism cloud necklace – retropixels stenographer dress – simlasya’s pearl flower ring

winter : moon-simmer's asuncion cloche recolor – pixelunivairse's wendy earrings 04 – standardheld's scarf 03 – moon-simmer's mercedes coat recolor – dancemachinetrait’s pemberley gloves – plumbjam’s wool leggings // happylifesims' miss fisher cloche – pixelunivairse's wendy earrings 04 – zurkdesign's fur coat – dancemachinetrait’s pemberley gloves – plumbjam’s wool leggings

sugar : sforzcc's fetching stuff – nolan-sims couronne de fleurs for pets

thank you to @simadelics @serawis @saturngalore @ceeproductions @zurkdesign @pixelunivairse @christopher067 @blueraptorsden @waxesnostalgic @sunflower-petals @happylifesimsreblogs @simlasya @laeska @simsfromthepast @dancemachinetrait @lehgames @caio-cc @largetaytertots @delis-sims @flowermilksims @kumikya @simstrouble @someone-elsa @ms-marysims @plumbobteasociety @hypergnomesimblr @moon-simmers @nolan-sims and anyone not on tumblr/not-taggable!!

[makgeolii]

sunday mornings

[sovietpostcards]

Used October Revolution Day postcards (1970s-80s) / set 01

Set of 20 vintage postcards for the October Revolution Day (celebrated on November 7). All cards are used! Written on the back. Good condition overall, some cards may have creases or imperfections.

Available for $10 + $9 international registered shipping

Message me if you want to buy this! Other items in my shop. I combine shipping. How to buy.

[flowerakatsuka]

Osomatsu-san's 23rd WEB Kuji 『 So Cute! MATSU Stuffed Pouch♪ 』 ( 2024 )

i'm really excited for this kuji and saw that the website updated to include the prizes, here's what they're gonna be!

A prize : fluffy polyester blanket

B prize : clear pvc multi-pouch

C prize : acrylic stands

D prize : A4 art boards

E prize : mini acrylic figures ( they mention that these can fit into the pouches, which is so perfect )

F prize : sticker set, 3 count

G prize : can badges

last win prize : extra large acrylic stands

purchase bonus ( 01 ) : a postcard for every 5 items purchased

purchase bonus ( 02 ) : neet express shipping box ( based on the 19th web kuji's designs ) if you purchase 20 items or more

moachan prize : acrylic panel

i also want to point out that the " so cute! / 可愛さつめつめ！" from the kuji's title includes the hiragana for tsume, which can mean packing or stuffing. ( i feel like you could also translate it as " cuteness packed! " based on the characters used, but everywhere i tried double checking translated it as so cute so i'll stick with that for now. )

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Google makes millions on paid abortion disinformation

Google’s search quality has been in steady decline for years, and Google assures us that they’re working on it, though the most visible effort is replacing links to webpages with lengthy, florid paragraphs written by a confident habitual liar chatbot:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/16/tweedledumber/#easily-spooked

The internet is increasingly full of garbage, much of it written by other confident habitual liar chatbots, which are now extruding plausible sentences at enormous scale. Future confident habitual liar chatbots will be trained on the output of these confident liar chatbots, producing Jathan Sadowski’s “Habsburg AI”:

https://twitter.com/jathansadowski/status/1625245803211272194

But the declining quality of Google Search isn’t merely a function of chatbot overload. For many years, Google’s local business listings have been terrible. Anyone who’s tried to find a handyman, a locksmith, an emergency tow, or other small businessperson has discovered that Google is worse than useless for this. Try to search for that locksmith on the corner that you pass every day? You won’t find them — but you will find a fake locksmith service that will dispatch an unqualified, fumble-fingered guy with a drill and a knockoff lock, who will drill out your lock, replace it with one made of bubblegum and spit, and charge you 400% the going rate (and then maybe come back to rob you):

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/business/fake-online-locksmiths-may-be-out-to-pick-your-pocket-too.html

Google is clearly losing the fraud/spam wars, which is pretty awful, given that they have spent billions to put every other search engine out of business. They spend $45b every year to secure exclusivity deals that prevent people from discovering or using rivals — that’s like buying a whole Twitter every year, just so they don’t have to compete:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/how-a-google-antitrust-case-could/

But there’s an even worse form of fraudulent listing on Google, one they could do something about, but choose not to: ad-fraud. For all the money and energy thrown into “dark SEO” to trick Google into putting your shitty, scammy website at the top of the listings, there’s a much simpler method. All you need to do is pay Google — buy an ad, and your obviously fraudulent site will be right there, at the top of the search results.

There are so many top searches that go to fraud or malware sites. Tech support is a favorite. It’s not uncommon to search for tech support for Google products and be served a fake tech-support website where a scammer will try to trick you into installing a remote-access trojan and then steal everything you have, and/or take blackmail photos of you with your webcam:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-search-ads-infiltrated-again-by-tech-support-scams/

This is true even when Google has a trivial means of reliably detecting fraud. Take the restaurant monster-in-the-middle scam: a scammer clones the menu of a restaurant, marking up their prices by 15%, and then buys the top ad slot for searches for that restaurant. Search for the restaurant, click the top link, and land on a lookalike site. The scammer collects your order, bills your card, then places the same order, in your name, with the restaurant.

The thing is, Google runs these ads even for restaurants that are verified merchants — Google mails the restaurant a postcard with a unique number on it, and the restaurant owner keys that number in to verify that they are who they say they are. It would not be hard for Google to check whether an ad for a business matches one of its verified merchants, and, if so, whether the email address is a different one from the verified one on file. If so, Google could just email the verified address with a “Please confirm that you’re trying to buy an ad for a website other than the one we have on file” message:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

Google doesn’t do this. Instead, they accept — and make a fortune from — paid disinformation, across every category.

But not all categories of paid disinformation are equally bad: it’s one thing to pay a 15% surcharge on a takeout meal, but there’s a whole universe of paid medical disinformation that Google knows about and has an official policy of tolerating.

This paid medical disinformation comes from “crisis pregnancy centers”: these are fake abortion clinics that raise huge sums from religious fanatics to buy ads that show up for people seeking information about procuring an abortion. If they are duped by one of these ads, they are directed to a Big Con-style storefront staffed by people who pretend that they perform abortions, but who bombard their marks with falsehoods about health complications.

These con artists try to trick their marks into consenting to sexual assault — a transvaginal ultrasound. This is a prelude to another fraud, in which the “sporadic electrical impulses” generated by an early fetal structure is a “heartbeat” (early fetuses do not have hearts, so they cannot produce heartbeats):

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/heartbeat-bills-called-fetal-heartbeat-six-weeks-pregnancy-rcna24435

If the victim still insists on getting an abortion, the fraudsters will use deceptive tactics to draw out the process until they run out the clock for a legal abortion, procuring a forced birth through deceit.

It is hard to imagine a less ethical course of conduct. Google’s policy of accepting “crisis pregnancy center” ads is the moral equivalent of taking money from fake oncologists who counsel people with cancer to forego chemotherapy in favor of juice-cleanses.

There is no ambiguity here: the purpose of a “crisis prengancy center” is to deceive people seeking abortions into thinking they are dealing with an abortion clinic, and then further deceive them into foregoing the abortion, by means of lies, sexually invasive and unnecessary medical procedures, and delaying tactics.

Now, a new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate finds that Google made $10m last year on ads from “crisis pregnancy centers”:

https://www.wired.com/story/google-made-millions-from-ads-for-fake-abortion-clinics/

Many of these “crisis pregnancy centers” are also registered 501(c)3 charities, which makes them eligible for Google’s ad grants, which provide free ads to nonprofits. Marketers who cater to “crisis pregnancy center” advertise that they can help their clients qualify for these grants. In 2019, Google was caught giving tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of free ads to “crisis pregnancy centers”:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/may/12/google-advertising-abortion-obria

The keywords that “crisis pregnancy centers” bid up include “Planned Parenthood” — meaning that if actual Planned Parenthood clinics want to appear at the top of the search for “planned parenthood,” they have to outbid the fraudsters seeking to deceive Planned Parenthood patients.

Google has an official policy of requiring customers that pay for ads matching abortion-related search terms to label their ads to state whether or not they provide abortions, but the report documents failures to enforce this policy. The labels themselves are confusing: for example, abortion travel funds have to be labeled as “not providing abortions.”

Google isn’t afraid to ban whole categories of advertising: for example, Google has banned Plan C, a nonprofit that provides information about medication abortions. The company erroneously classes Plan C as an “unauthorized pharmacy.” But Google continues to offer paid disinformation on behalf of forced birth groups that claim there is such a thing as “abortion reversal” (there isn’t — but the “abortion reversal” drug cocktail is potentially lethal).

This is inexcusable, but it’s not unique — and it’s not even that profitable. $10m is a drop in the bucket for a company like Google. When you’re lighting $45b/year on fire just to prevent competition, $10m is chump change. A better way to understand Google’s relationship to paid disinformation can be found by studying Facebook’s own paid disinformation problem.

Facebook has a well-documented problem with paid political disinformation — unambiguous, illegal materials, like paid notices advising people to remember to vote on November 6th (when election day falls on November 5th). The company eventually promised to put political ads in a repository where they could be inspected by all parties to track its progress in blocking paid disinformation.

Facebook did a terrible job at this, with huge slices of its political ads never landing in its transparency portal. We know this because independent researchers at NYU’s engineering school built an independent, crowdsourced tracker called Ad Observer, which scraped all the ads volunteers saw and uploaded them to a portal called Ad Observatory.

Facebook viciously attacked the NYU project, falsely smearing it as a privacy risk (the plugin was open source and was independently audited by Mozilla researchers, who confirmed that it didn’t collect any personal information). When that didn’t work, they sent a stream of legal threats, claiming that NYU was trafficking in a “circumvention device” as defined by Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a felony carrying a five-year prison sentence and a $500k fine — for a first offense.

Eventually, NYU folded the project. Facebook, meanwhile, has fired or reassigned most of the staff who work on political ad transparency:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/06/get-you-coming-and-going/#potemkin-research-program

What are we to make of this? Facebook claims that it doesn’t need or want political ad revenue, which are a drop in the bucket and cause all kinds of headaches. That’s likely true — but Facebook’s aversion to blocking political ads doesn’t extend to spending a lot of money to keep paid political disinfo off the platform.

The company could turn up the sensitivity on its blocking algorithm, which would generate more false positives, in which nonpolitical ads are misidentified and have to be reviewed by humans. This is expensive, and it’s an expense Facebook can avoid if it can suppress information about its failures to block paid political disinformation. It’s cheaper to silence critics than it is to address their criticism.

I don’t think Google gives a shit about the $10m it gets from predatory fake abortion clinics. But I think the company believes that the PR trouble it would get into for blocking them — and the expense it would incur in trying to catch and block fake abortion clinic ads — are real liabilities. In other words, it’s not about the $10m it would lose by blocking the ads — Google wants to avoid the political heat it would take from forced birth fanatics and cost of the human reviewers who would have to double-check rejected ads.

In other words, Google doesn’t abet fraudulent abortion clinics because they share the depraved sadism of the people who run these clinics. Rather, Google teams up with these sadists out of cowardice and greed.

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/2023/06/15/paid-medical-disinformation/#crisis-pregnancy-centers

[Image ID: A ruined streetscene. Atop a pile of rubble sits a dilapidated shack. In front of the shack is a letterboard with the word ABORTIONS set off-center and crooked. In the foreground is a carny barker at a podium, gesturing at the sign and the shack. The barker's head and face have been replaced with the Google logo. Within the barker's podium is a heap of US$100 bills.]

Image: Flying Logos (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Over_$1,000,000_dollars_in_USD_$100_bill_stacks.png

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

[imnothulk]

*leaves a postcard from Ireland with a picture of a stormy ocean*

Hey dad, it’s Vera. Sorry I missed Father’s Day, in my defense I didn’t know I’d have a dad to celebrate with. Maybe we can do something when I get home. Anyways, yeah. I’m sorry about all the conflict at the moment, I hate it so much. I don’t even care about the right and wrong anymore, I just want my family to be okay. Why do I always have to get caught between all these people I love? Never mind. I don’t want to get into that right now, dad. That isn’t what this is about. I picked this card up a while ago, I get them all over the place. This one reminded me of you, for some reason. Look in the bottom right corner for where, there’s some really cool bioluminescent algae, though I can’t figure out what kind of the life of me.

I like the night, you know that already. After all, I’m functionally nocturnal when I can manage it. The reason this card made me think of you was because of a memory I have, from when I was still new to freedom. I was just starting to get comfortable with you and the labs, and you took me out to these tide pools in New Jersey to look at lichens. I thought it was so cool, you know — you don’t have any reason to remember, but I do. We took the data and sat on the roof of your car listening to Hozier, because it was already some of my favorite music, eating cold sandwiches and talking. I think that’s when I started to move toward seeing you as a father figure. You answered all my questions as best you could about the things we’d seen in the pools, and when I started to tell you about my history you only asked genuine questions, we looked at the stars and you talked about how you came to be an Avenger. I think I almost called you my dad for the first time a few months later at that Young Minds in Science Gala you’d tapped me to speak at? I did that speech for two main reasons — to piss off Flash Thompson, and because of know you hate giving most speeches and I didn’t want you to have to go through that. When I opened it, because we both know I did it with no prep and improved, I almost introduced it with “so, I didn’t think I would be speaking to you all tonight, but my Dad asked me to, so here we are.” I ended up simply saying “I wasn’t exactly planning on this, but when your mentor asks if you can help him out by giving a speech, you ask the topic and how many minutes you need to fill.” I freaked out for a week.

And if my reaction didn’t tell you, I never thought you’d want or care for me as a daughter. You’re still welcome to rescind at any time, clearly. But anyways, thank you, for.. yeah. More than I can write to put into words. Everything. For seeing the fact that we aren’t entirely seeing eye to eye right now and still loving me, for helping me through my sexuality crisises, for making me tea and holding me and giving me a safe space. For letting me be your annoying intern with enough trauma to power the New York power grid. Thank you for not hating me, and for letting me be in your life. I love you, so, so, so much

All the love in the world, your daughter, Vespera A. Volkov Heladottir-Banner

P.s. if you don’t hate me when you’ve read this… text me so I know you got it okay? I would’ve given it in person but I’m a coward

@moongirlwidow

*crying by the time he finished reading* *puts the postcard up on his cork board*

Mini Red🍅

Fuck you you made me cry

Sent at 10:01 am

Love you kiddo

Sent at 10:01 am