#sometimes you find valuable added context!

[halfbaked00q]

one thing I Always Do as a matter of course that I realize most ppl don't, is check the notes of a post I like. I do this to see what discourse or additions might have happened on the post. This takes a bit more digging with many-notes posts, but like, I still think it's very valuable to peruse the notes a bit first. It's like a fairly path-of-least-resistance sort of fact checking- you don't even need to google anything (yet), just see what other ppl have been saying. also sometimes you stumble on the most insane shit lmao but I take that in *shoving popcorn into my mouth* good fun usually

[novlr]

Hey! I'm a non native English speaker and i find it very hard to use wide variety of vocabulary in my writing. Any tips??

Just as a painter needs a rich palette of colours to make their art, writers need a diverse vocabulary to craft deep and engaging story worlds.

Your vocabulary as a writer is much like a paint box, with each word adding depth, contrast, and colour to your creation. So what techniques can you use to improve your vocabulary and give yourself more linguistic colours to choose from?

Read a lot

Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary. It’s immersive, enjoyable, and will introduce you to more varied words. Make it a habit to read often, and try to read widely. Don’t limit yourself to one genre, age range, or style. Whether fiction, non-fiction, articles, or instruction manuals, reading as widely as you can opens your mind to words and styles you might never encounter naturally in your day-to-day life.

Write a lot

Write as often as you can. The more you write, the more often you’ll find yourself reaching for varying words and phrases to accurately convey your thoughts. Every written piece is an opportunity to experiment with new words. As with anything, practice is crucial—regular writing will naturally enhance your vocabulary and make your word usage more instinctive and fluid.

Use a thesaurus

A thesaurus introduces you to a variety of synonyms for the words you’re using and can help you express your thoughts with a bit more flair. However, using a thesaurus does come with a caveat: avoid using complex words just for the sake of appearing more sophisticated. Always choose words that best fit the context and effectively convey what you’re trying to say.

Join a writing group

Beyond being a place to talk about words, writing groups let you test your understanding of words in real time. Writing groups provide valuable insight into whether your word choices effectively convey your intended meaning. Seeing how other writers use their own vocabularies to share their own meanings is a great way to see how word choice can make your writing richer and more nuanced

Play word games

Playing word games is not only fun but is also an effective way to expand your vocabulary. For instance, games like Scrabble challenge you to form varying words from a set of letters, crossword puzzles can improve your understanding and recall of words, and games like Boggle can stimulate quick thinking around word formation.

Keep a word journal

Every time you encounter a new and intriguing word, whether through reading, conversation, or even during a TV show, jot it down in your word journal. Follow it up by researching its meaning, synonyms, and usage in sentences. Revisit these entries frequently, and try to incorporate these words into your writing somehow, even if it’s only during practice sessions. Over time, you’ll notice these new words naturally creeping into your vocabulary.

Sometimes simple is best

While having a broad vocabulary is an asset for any writer, it’s also important to remember that effective communication is what it’s all about, and sometimes, simpler words serve this purpose best. Not every situation calls for intricate or sophisticated language; in fact, often, using simpler, more direct language can make your message clearer and more accessible to a wider audience. More important than a wide vocabulary is an understanding of your readers and the message you want to convey in your text.

[pokemon-card-of-the-day]

Pokemon Card of the Day #3240: Volcanion (Unbroken Bonds)

Volcanion was the other early-game Fire-type in Unbroken Bonds, being there to get Energy out on the field quickly. It was significantly weaker damage-wise than Arcanine, but it could get plenty of Energy in play if you went second. Since going second also lined up with getting your first Welder in earlier, the type worked well with Volcanion in general, and that plus being a Basic Pokemon instead of a Stage 1 meant that there were very obvious differences and plenty of room for Volcanion to find a way into decks as well.

120 HP was okay in the context of a very early game Pokemon. Volcanion wasn't going to take hits past the very early part of a game, and some decks could even take it out then, but all Volcanion needed to do was to get the 1 Flare Starter off to have some value and not every deck was reliably going to get a strong attack off by turn 2. The Water Weakness mattered in rare spots, as it did help Dewgong get a KO. This was only relevant in SUM-On since Dewgong was pretty poor afterward. Keldeo-GX had a few months in the spotlight later on, and the Weakness meant no ADP boost was needed. The Retreat Cost was 2, but Volcanion was usually in decks with plenty of switching cards for other things. If it survived long enough, sometimes it would just decide to go for the High-Heat Blast to soften something up anyway.

Flare Starter was the best attack here. Yes, it did no damage, but also only needed a Fire Energy. It had you search your deck for a Fire Energy card to attach to 1 of your Pokemon, which wasn't really enough. If you went second, however, and it was your first turn, you got to search for up to 3 Fire Energy cards instead, attaching them however you wanted. Getting 3 on the first turn could help get a ton of Energy into play for later, and losing a Prize wasn't even too bad if you played it right because getting to 5 against Pokemon that gave up 3 Prizes was the same as getting to 6. Volcanion, of course, was only really good at this if going second, but with plenty of decks wanting to go first and a coin flip win meaning picking to go second, you were more than likely going to be able to do this.

High-Heat Blast wasn't actually that strong. 50 for 2 Fire Energy was the base here. If you had 4 or more Fire Energy in play in total, 60 was added, and 110 for 2 was good enough to use here. It set pretty much anything up for a Reshiram & Charizard-GX hit, for example. You'd need to do the math to make sure this was worth the use, but this was damage off something that might complicate the Prize trade a bit which was relevant.

Volcanion was best by far when going second, which was a little awkward. Despite this, the rate of being able to do so was high enough that Volcanion got a decent amount of play, especially since it was also something that you could let fall without too many problems. Its most famous use was in decks with only it and Reshiram & Charizard-GX, as that let you use Green's Exploration with nothing in the deck using Abilities. It got some use, sometimes in large amounts to maximize the chances of starting with one, in all sorts of Fire decks, and it kept getting use until it rotated out of Standard play. Having that way to get Energy, as well as a decent way to set up for other attackers in some spots, was valuable enough to get the spot even if it wasn't always going to do everything you wanted. The upside was just too good to ignore and Fire was probably the one type that both really liked the help and could fight back if it couldn't quite get all of it.

[the-s1lly-corner]

Tropes 6-11 with Itward

I knowwwww I just said I was gonna be skipping the body trope thing for a lot of these "writing speed runs" the only reason itward gets the body swap trope is because I keep coming back to dumb joke scenarios I used to make last year that.. included body swaps!!

BODY SWAP

He is not at all used to having flesh. He tries to be as gentle with your body as he can be, though that's easy considering itward doesn't take many risks when it comes to you..being in your body is no different. As an added bonus if you've been neglecting yourself he makes sure your body is in tip top shape when its returned.. totally not because he kind of felt like shit when he was inside of it.. that's only partly the reason. You, on the other hand, likely end up bumping your (itwards?) Head on doorways, not at all used to being so tall. You both definitely get a few heads turned your way when your dialects swap, as well as your general mannerisms

UNREQUITED LOVE

You were the one crushing on the skeleton, but given that hes constantly here and there you never get to see him much. You try to work up the courage to tell him how you feel before he runs off again to do... whatever he ends up doing while on his adventures. Hes eventually going to notice that something is going on with you, and hes going to ask. Hes very respectful if he doesnt return your feelings, being firm but mindful and letting you down gently.. he doesnt want this to ruin your friendship, but he would be understanding if you want to stop seeing him

MUTUAL PINING

When he has a crush he tends to get talkative. Very talkative, he just wants to spend time with you and build your bond. This leads to a lot of info dumping, where you take turns talking. He attempts to get into some of the things he knows you enjoy so you have a common talking point. On the flip side, if you want his attention offer to help him with his machines. Hes going to appreciate the help and it gives you his time. Very valuable stuff, you know. If you're available after, he might just ask you to have a cup of tea with him.. just play it cool and it should be smooth sailing!

DRUNKEN CONFESSION

While not a confession in the context that he he has a crush on you and you two arent together yet... but a confession in the way where you two are together but he spills just how much you mean to him. Of course, hes been drinking the special lemonade from ithersta.. sometimes a man needs a drink to wind down..! Very sweet, not really a crying drunk or a loud one. If anything he might get poetic.. though he isnt very graceful.. he just goes on about how hes lucky to have you in his life, how hes grateful that you stick around with him, things like that. Sweet man

SHARING CLOTHES

He catches you wearing his coat. He'd much rather you ask him before getting into his wardrobe, but hes not particularly angry or upset.. did you miss him? Oh you poor thing.. he makes a mental note to put some time aside to spend it with you. Like how he smells? He probably.. smells like..he looks like he would smell like a fireplace, and parchment. With a little hit of oil, of course from his machinery. Hes a little confused, but hes not going to shame you for enjoying his scent

DOMESTIC

Living in the flying ship with itward is a nice life. You both travel a lot, so hopefully you dont mind that.. hopefully you dont get air or motion sick either, as the rocking of the ship is going to be near constant. The home a chaotic sort of mess, though everything fits together to give off a cozy feel.. there isnt much to tidy up, but itward won't stop you from trying to rearrange things. Just let him know first! He does most of the cooking, finding the task calming. Sometimes you both watch the sky, on top of the machine as you two travel

[theinstagrahame]

Not to go all Game Designer on Main (too late, I know), but again found myself thinking about D&D as a game, and again... failing to see the appeal.

By volume, combat accounts for like 75-80% of the rules. I find the combat system ponderous and dull, which means I tend to avoid it at all costs. I just don't find it fun to wait 10 minutes for my turn to Do the Cool Thing on my character sheet, find that the opportunity passed 2 turns ago, and whiff my basic attack *again*.

But this leaves us with about 25% of the rulebook being dedicated to everything else, including a lot of the rules people always tell you you can ignore (encumbrance, lifestyle, food and water, etc). What's left is a bunch of stuff that I find interesting (sneaking, animal handling, perception, deception, acrobatics, sleight of hand, and a bunch of other stuff). But, we again run into mechanics that I am not interested in:

1d20 + Modifier vs Difficulty

The DMG doesn't have a ton of guidance for how to set Difficulty (not no guidance, but also not much I found helpful when running), so it feels very arbitrary. Players also don't have a wealth of resources to impact that roll, outside of Advantage/Disadvantage (which is probably why people are always asking if they have it).

And the outcome is usually either: you do the thing OR you do not do the thing. Which, depending on context, could be interesting, but could also be boring, or possibly soft-lock some content behind a door you can't open.

Plus, I think other systems do it better. Here are some other systems I'm familiar with, and how they do it (I think) better:

Powered by the Apocalypse

One of the core ideas of PbtA games is that whenever the players touch the dice, something in the world should change. So, something as simple as picking a locked door becomes way more interesting, because if you fail, you could: Alert guards to your presence, Take harm, Lose something valuable, or Whatever Else the GM Comes Up With.

We are still looking at a roll:

2d6 + Modifier vs 2-6 Fail; 7-9 Mixed Success; 10+ Full Success

Adding that extra layer of success changes a lot. Mixed Success adds a lot of Narrative Juice, because in addition to the players' success, their situation can get worse. Statistically, 7-9 is also more likely than the other two outcomes (I think? I did get a D in stats in college), meaning you can succeed but also make things a lot worse for yourself in a few rolls.

But another neat design element is: moves with triggers. Players can choose moves during character creation that also impact how things progress. The move might trigger "When you pick a lock" or "When you fail to pick a lock", and then give the player or the GM some kind of tool to use during that situation. Sometimes it's just a tweak to the modifier, sometimes it's another option for the outcome. In some cases even it's "whenever you pick a lock, the door always opens; but on a failure, the worst possible thing is on the other side."

Now, picking a lock is a really interesting choice.

Special Case: Monster of the Week

MotW in particular has a neat additional mechanic: Luck. Players can spend their Luck resource several times per campaign (usually 7), and declare that a roll was a Full Success. The resource is Limited, and the book tells GMs that players who run out are Doomed, which makes it a capital-D Decision every time someone uses it. This forces us to wonder: Is this lock *worth* picking? Is it Mission-critical, or can we find another way in?

Forged in the Dark

As a system, FitD is very much drawn from Apocalypse games, and has some similar ideas behind it. But, we have some interesting changes.

First, a roll is a bit more of a process:

Describe your process. Work with the GM to determine what kind of roll you're doing. (This is interesting, because different skills have different statistical ratings, but also because they can change the outcome. You could "Engineer" the door lock open, or you could "Wreck" it; both will get you past the door, but one may take more time, while the other may leave more evidence).

Determine Position and Effect. If it goes well, how well does it go? If it breaks bad, how bad does it go? (Knowing the stakes up front helps you make a decision about what resources to commit, and feels realistic, in that your character would be able to foresee some possible outcomes).

Assemble a dice pool, based on your rating and any resources you're spending. (Dice pools are already a different mechanic, but you also have resources to increase your odds. All characters usually have Stress or a similar resource, which you can spend for extra dice, position, or effect--or that your colleagues can spend to help you out).

Roll the dice. Look for the highest result (or Lowest if your rating is low). Again, we're looking at Success/Mixed Success/Fail. Things change in the world based on it. (FitD games also use a lot of clocks and tracks, and typically a Mixed Success or Failure ticks up some of the "Bad" clocks, and Successes or Mixed Successes tick up "Good" clocks. Some of these clocks are secret, and some are open, which gives players a sense of how their actions have consequences.)

Resist consequences. You can also spend stress to undo some of the negative aspects of a roll. (If the GM introduces a bad consequence, such as "You set off the alarm while picking the lock", you can roll and take stress to say "Actually I stopped that.")

There are also PbtA-style moves with triggers, but the dice mechanic here is already doing a lot. I like that the stakes are written up front, and it also encourages the GM to come with some ideas for what could go wrong, but not plan too much (Which I also really hate doing anyway; planning is hard!)

It feels like a lot written down, but genuinely when you're playing, it feels very smooth. It also helps keep people engaged, because the options to help are more at the forefront, and the outcomes impact everyone equally.

No Dice No Masters / Belonging Outside Belonging

This one is a slightly odd case, but it also draws from the PbtA design philosophy. Generally BoB games are GMless, so we're already putting everyone's hand on the narrative ball in a different way.

Your character sheet will probably have something like the following:

Strong Move (Spend 1 token to...)

Succeed without any negative consequences

Basic Move (You can always)

Complete a task, but draw unwanted attention

Weak move (Gain 1 Token when you)

Completely fail at a task and draw unwanted attention

Let's assume you already have 1 Token, and you want to pick the lock.

You could do it. But, you can also talk to the rest of the table and ask: "Hey, is it narratively interesting if I succeed here? Or are things going a little too smooth, and should we mix things up?"

This is probably one of the things that trips new NDNM players up, because it's so unlike other systems. You can choose the outcome! You and your fellow players are encouraged to "Metagame". You're telling a story with your friends, and it can be the story you think is cool.

Resistance System

(as seen in Heart and Spire)

Resistance is another dice pool system that uses Stress, with d10s instead of d6s. There are also moves, as in other systems. But, there are a few interesting things that I think are worth looking at.

Characters have Skills that they're good at, and Domains that they're familiar with. A Skill is going to be something like your Lockpicking (or a more general, like, mechanics skill), while the Domain is going to be related to the area you're in. The locks in a "Technology" domain are going to be different than those in a "Haven" or "Wilderness" domain (I don't remember the exact terms, so I'm kinda fudging them).

So, as you assemble the dice pool, you get bonuses if you have the right Domain and Skill. You can also get a die for help from other players, as well as a die for a Knack: Something you're especially good at. The roll ends up being:

1d10 + 1d10 (if a relevant skill) + 1d10 (domain) + 1d10 (if getting help) + 1d10 (knack) (- dice for difficulty) = Success +/- Stress.

(With a gradient, where low results give you stress with no success, and higher rolls give you success with no stress, and all results in between)

The Stress is what's interesting, instead of being a resource, it's closer to your HP, but you have different kinds of it. So the GM will tell you up front what kind of stress you're taking. After you take any stress (and there are ways to not take stress, or take less of it), you roll again to see if you get fallout.

Fallout can be temporary or permanent, and usually has a mechanical consequence. Fallout can also take different levels, and upgrade over time. It does give each roll a sense that the player is pushing their luck, and hoping the fallout doesn't take hold. This makes the rolls feel very significant, because even picking a lock badly could turn into a Fallout; so is it worth taking that kind of a risk?

----

And this is just three categories of games that I think do it in a more interesting way. There are a ton of other games out there, many of which I've never even played, so I don't know how they work. I also think there are ways to spice up a 1d20+mod roll in interesting ways, but generally, I prefer that kind of stuff.

[abdulrehman51]

What is compound seo: A Complete Guide

The technique of implementing SEO into your marketing efforts is known as compound SEO. This method can multiply the effects and produce more significant leads than ever. Compound SEO requires the use of the combined impacts of several techniques. This strategy understands the complexity of search engine algorithms, which now consider various criteria when ranking webpages. Consequently, it is essential to take an in-depth approach that addresses these concerns.

Components of Compound SEO

High-Quality Content The king of the digital world is quality content. Producing high-quality, relevant, and exciting content is crucial for bringing in new visitors while maintaining. Compound SEO puts a lot of focus on creating content that relates to user intent and offers valuable data, which can increase engagement and improve search rankings. It must include high-quality content. Keyword Research To locate a topic that ranks highly in searches for the niche you are targeting, conduct comprehensive keyword Research. Try to find the best keywords for your top competitors.  Content structure Content collected and divided into different parts is referred to as structured content. In a CMS (content management system), the headline, byline, publishing date, snippet, and keyword tags are all examples of different structured content fields. Persuasive headline A good headline goes beyond simple wording to create feelings, draw attention, and represent value. It's your first chance to establish a relationship with your audience and tell them your material is valuable. On-Page Optimization This essential step is to improve the value and visibility of specific web pages. Meta tags, headings, text organization, keyword usage, and internal linking are all optimized. Better rankings result from on-page SEO, ensuring search engines quickly understand the content context. Backlink Strategy An essential part of compound SEO is creating reliable and valuable backlinks. Search engines can tell that your material is reliable and valuable when they see high-quality backlinks from trustworthy websites. Developing an extensive backlink profile can significantly increase your website's reputation. Here are some guidelines to help you to create a successful backlink strategy for compound SEO.  Guest Blogging Guest blogging, sometimes called "guest posting," is writing content on another company's website. Guest bloggers typically post for comparable sites in their sector to Bring visitors back to their website. Increase their domain authority by linking to high-authority domains. Increase the credibility and exposure of their brand, and Create connections with colleagues in their sector. Guest blogging provides mutual benefits to the guest blogger and the website hosting the guest material.  Broken Link Building Search for broken links on other web pages that point to your content. Describe the broken link to the website's owner. Contact them and offer to replace it with something more acceptable. Forum Posting Forum posting is an efficient off-page SEO strategy that involves participating in online community forums imparting knowledge, posing queries, and adding to relevant discussions on your company or niche. Bookmarking  Bookmarking in off-page SEO refers to saving and organizing links to web pages on social bookmarking platforms. These platforms allow users to manage, store, and share their favorite web pages, articles, blog posts, and other online content. As part of an off-page SEO strategy, bookmarking can help enhance the visibility, authority, and traffic to your website by leveraging the power of social sharing and online communities. Profile Sharing Profile sharing in off-page SEO refers to creating and optimizing user profiles on various online platforms to increase your visibility, showcase your expertise, and build backlinks. Directory submission Include relevant local directories and sites for your industry when publishing your website. These directories might offer beneficial backlinks that increase the ranking of your website. Local SEO Local SEO is essential for companies who want to reach nearby customers. Creating and maintaining Google My Business properties, collecting favorable ratings, and ensuring accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across internet platforms are all part of optimizing local search. Semantic Search By understanding the context of words and how they relate to one another, semantic search tries to increase the accuracy and validity of search results. Semantic search, in contrast with traditional keyword-based search, goes beyond only sense matching to understand the intent and context of the query.

Conclusion

Compound SEO is an efficient way to improve your website's search engine access and overall visibility in the dynamic world of digital marketing. You may develop a comprehensive approach that works with the latest search engine algorithms by combining the power of on-page optimization, producing high-quality content, technological skill, backlink strategy, increasing user experience, and local SEO. Remember that cooperation frequently has excellent results in SEO, and Compound SEO supports this idea. Read the full article

[joemuggs]

How To....

A couple of years back on Twitter, someone was asking me if I had practical tips for anyone who wanted to start music reviewing – as I started to reply I realised they’d be worth saving so I posted them as a thread. Now I’m deleting my Twitter archive I thought I’d save a few highlights, including this. And then this week I did a lecture for some music industry students, and added a few bits to it that cropped up in the conversations with them. So here you go!

The main answer is: do some of your own reviews on a blog, Substack, YouTube, even TikTok for a bit – or if you can find something like a local listings site or uni magazine that will take a couple even better. If you are then contacting editors of bigger mags, that’s a really great showcase: however small or amateur the platform is, you have at least been published. This is also something you can send to PRs to get press tickets or pre-release copies of records. 

I know we're supposed to say “never write for free” but I think fundamentalism on “that issue sometimes puts people off getting started. Obviously it's bad if it's a company that could afford to pay but doesn't, but community / fanzine / college mags etc are great places to cut your teeth and though it’s become a dirty word “exposure” genuinely is valuable if you���re trying to get a foot on the ladder.

Then track down reviews editors for publications, and email suggesting upcoming records you're interested in with a VERY SHORT precis of why they're interesting at this specific time for this specific publication, and including link to your already-published stuff, whether on your own blog or another publication. Don't send a generic pitch to everyone, but one for each publication showing you understand their specific angles, house style and requirements. 

Don't expect a reply but don't take no reply as a “no”, either. Feel free to give a nudge a week later, but don't hassle repeatedly. Rather, if you don't hear back after a reminder, again it's not a “no” – again, editors are always swamped and may not even have seen it – but move on, and try another pitch another time, when you've got a really good one.

All of this is something you’ll have to repeat throughout your working life, no matter how established you get. Pitches WILL get ignored, that’s just life, and it is not a reflection on you. You need to develop thick skin on that. This is tough, writers are very prone to rejection sensitivity. But persistence and repetition will get you partially used to it... eventually. 

Style is a whole other subject really – there are lots of basics like “say what you see”, “don't write it if you wouldn't say it”, “use fewer adjectives” etc (and really, take these to heart) – but the ideas and understanding are more important. If you have sharp or original understanding of the records you’re talking about, AND show you understand the particular publication and its ethos too, a good editor should clock that, and be forgiving of, or willing to work with, stylistic quirks.

Sometimes it'll take a lot of pitches for them to notice, so persistence is good, but don't oversell yourself. Just have good ideas. And LISTEN TO THE MUSIC. Each time you write or pitch a review, start with what you’re hearing, not your preconceptions of the artist, genre or context. This is also an important thing to cultivate in terms of not getting jaded: if you privilege the experience of listening to music over your own theoretical framework or assumptions, it will keep you in touch with what you loved about it in the first place, and stop you going round in ever decreasing circles creatively.

And one annoying but important one: don't get bitter. People will always leapfrog ahead of you based on having more privilege and connections; there will always be people in influential positions who fail to register your potential. It's good and right to note that, be angered by it, and sometimes call it out. But don't let it eat away at YOU or taint your view of the value of good media and the value of what you do. 

Talk to other freelancers, mostly they're v supportive and there are at least as many ppl who'll actively help you deal with those iniquities as there are who perpetrate them. Even aside from that, chance plays a huge part. All the stars can align and yet it “never quite gets going, then at other times something seemingly inconsequential can be a massive breakthrough. 

It took me a good decade from getting byline in national publication to being more-or-less full time in writing and music, and the industry was considerably more forgiving back then. You have to constantly work on having faith on yourself, and just relentless, repetitive graft, to get anywhere and often it feels like it's for nothing.

But again it comes back to your ideas. Is your engagement with the subject for real: do you have something you want to communicate about it, and will you enjoy the often tiring and mundane process of hammering that idea into a clear and concise form? If so, hang onto that core thing and it'll get you through a lot.

And this relates back to being clear about your motives and not getting jaded: if you are serious about the craft, time spent writing and/or pitching is never time wasted. Opportunities may be fewer now but if you care about music (or indeed whatever your chosen topic) and about communicating then honing that craft by repetition, learning the difference between having something to say and just showboating, learning to take criticism, developing ideas over time etc: all these things are valuable personally, valuable as a growing writer, and transferable to the workplace, academia etc.

[digital-wealth-lifestyle]

Crafting a Winning Strategy: The Importance of Varied Backlink Types for Bloggers

In the bustling, competitive landscape of blogging, standing out can be a daunting challenge. One of the most critical elements in enhancing visibility is mastering the art of backlinking. Backlinks have long been an essential part of blog SEO, boosting rankings and ensuring your content doesn’t get lost in the vast expanse of the internet. Yet, it's not just about acquiring backlinks—it's about understanding the types that will suit your blog, driving the most impact and creating a balanced, robust online presence.

The Backbone of SEO: Why Backlinks Matter

Before delving into the types of backlinks, it’s crucial to understand why they hold such sway. Backlinks are akin to votes of trust. When another site links to your blog, it signals to search engines that your content is credible and valuable. Search engines like Google use these signals to rank pages. Therefore, a well-thought-out strategy that incorporates diverse backlinks is indispensable for boosting organic reach, audience engagement, and domain authority.

Diversifying Your Backlink Portfolio: Types to Consider

1. Editorial Backlinks

When a high-quality, authoritative site references your blog as a source, you receive an editorial backlink. This type of backlink is often seen as the gold standard. It usually comes organically, making it one of the most valued backlinks due to its genuine nature and the credibility it adds to your blog. Building relationships with respected figures in your niche can increase chances of obtaining such links.

2. Guest Blogging Backlinks

Contributing relevant, insightful content to another blog in exchange for a backlink is a win-win situation. Guest blogging allows you to tap into a new audience, enhancing your exposure while also providing credibility through association with established sites. The key is to focus on quality content and choose blogs that align closely with your own niche.

3. Business Profile Backlinks

Registering your blog on different business profiles, such as social media and directories, can yield backlinks. Although these links are often easier to acquire, they are vital for your online presence and can add up over time, supporting your overall SEO strategy.

4. Comment Backlinks

Inserting a link to your blog in a comments section on another blog is another method. This should be done judiciously and with expertise to avoid coming across as spam. Thoughtful, insightful comments that genuinely add to the discussion can sometimes translate into clerically approved backlinks.

5. Forum Backlinks

Participating in forums related to your blogging niche can be beneficial. Adding valuable content and linking back to your own blog (when relevant) can help gain visibility. Consistent and respectful engagement is vital to leveraging this method effectively.

6. Social Media Backlinks

While often 'nofollow', social media backlinks can drive traffic and increase visibility. Sharing your content across platforms and engaging with the community can create indirect benefits that are critical in enhancing your blog’s reach.

7. Webinar and Infographic Backlinks

Creating unique content such as webinars or infographics can attract backlinks when others share or refer to them. This format acts as a magnet for backlinks, particularly from users who find your content insightful or entertaining.

8. Sponsored Posts

This involves paying for your content to be published on another high-authority site, which includes a backlink to your own blog. Special attention should be paid to ensure transparency and adherence to guidelines related to sponsored content.

The Importance of Balance and Quality

With these diverse options available, building a balanced portfolio of backlinks becomes imperative. Search engines are increasingly sophisticated; they evaluate the context, relevance, and diversity of your backlinks. Quality always triumphs over quantity. A handful of high-quality, relevant backlinks outweigh a scores of low-quality, unrelated links.

Crafting Your Backlink Strategy

To create an effective backlink strategy, one needs to combine various types, ensuring that your approach remains agile and adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the web. Research your niche, analyze competitors, and develop a keen understanding of what has succeeded for them to inform your own approach. Creating top-notch, valuable content should always be at the heart of your strategy, as this naturally encourages backlinks.

Conclusion

In a rapidly evolving digital arena, bloggers who wish to succeed must embrace every tool at their disposal. Understanding the nuances of different backlink types and strategically implementing them will not only solidify your blog's online presence but will also help pave the way toward greater audience traction and improved search engine rankings. Success is within reach for those who are willing to craft a meticulous, thoughtfully balanced linking strategy tailored to their unique goals and audience.

Click Here to read: How Many Types of Backlink Do You Need for Your Blog? A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Link Building.

[aitohumantextconverter]

Using AI Text for Academic Writing: How to Humanize Content for Essays and Assignments

AI-generated content is becoming a valuable resource for students and professionals working on essays and assignments. It provides quick insights, structured information, and a solid foundation for various topics. However, AI text can sometimes lack the personal tone, depth, and critical thinking that academic work requires. If you're considering using AI for academic writing, learning to humanize the content can make your essays and assignments sound more natural and engaging. Here’s a guide on how to make AI-generated text suitable for academic purposes.

Why Humanizing AI Text is Important in Academia

Academic writing demands a formal, yet engaging tone. Essays and assignments should showcase a deep understanding of the topic, clear arguments, and a logical flow. While AI text can assist with facts and data, humanizing it ensures the writing feels cohesive, thoughtful, and relevant to readers. By humanizing AI-generated content, you can turn raw information into insightful analysis that meets academic standards.

How to Humanize AI Content for Academic Writing

Let’s walk through the key strategies to make AI-generated text sound more polished, engaging, and academically appropriate.

1. Use an AI to Human Text Converter for Initial Refinement

Before diving into detailed edits, it’s helpful to use a tool like AI To Human Text Converter. This tool tailors AI-generated content for readability and coherence, making it sound more human and conversational. These converters can be a great first step in transforming robotic text into a form that’s better suited for academic work.

Pro Tip: Look for tools that offer customization for tone, allowing you to adjust the text style to meet the formal requirements of academic writing.

2. Incorporate a Critical Perspective

One of the main differences between AI text and human-written essays is the depth of critical thinking. AI content often provides facts without context or analysis. To humanize AI-generated content, go beyond listing facts—explain the “why” and “how.” Interpret data, offer contrasting viewpoints, and add personal insights to demonstrate critical engagement with the topic.

Example: Instead of just stating “AI has improved text generation,” add context like, “While AI has enhanced text generation, it raises questions about originality and academic integrity.”

3. Add Transitional Phrases and Connective Words

Academic writing requires smooth transitions between ideas. Transitional words and phrases like “therefore,” “in addition,” and “conversely” guide the reader, making the text flow naturally. Adding these elements to AI-generated text can make it sound more cohesive and well-structured.

Examples:

"Thus,"

"However,"

"In light of these findings,"

"On the contrary,"

4. Include Citations and References

AI-generated text often lacks specific citations or references, which are crucial in academia. Where possible, integrate sources to back up facts and arguments. This adds credibility to your essay and makes it more academically rigorous.

Tip: Use citation tools like Zotero or Mendeley to organize sources effectively and avoid plagiarism.

5. Adjust Sentence Structure for Variety

AI-generated content may produce repetitive sentence structures. Varying sentence length and structure can improve readability and add a human touch. Combine short sentences with longer, complex ones for a balanced flow that maintains reader interest.

Example: Instead of "AI can generate essays. AI helps with research," try "AI can not only generate essays but also assist with detailed research, making it a valuable tool for students."

6. Engage with Questions and Hypotheticals

Asking questions within the text can encourage readers to think critically and add a conversational tone to academic work. Posing questions helps signal that the writer is engaging with the topic on a deeper level.

Example: Instead of saying “This technique is useful,” try “But how effective is this technique in real-world scenarios?”

7. Use Formal Language, but Keep it Accessible

Academic writing benefits from formal language, yet it shouldn’t feel overly complex or inaccessible. Replace technical or AI-specific jargon with terms that fit your field. Aim for clarity without sacrificing the depth of your analysis.

8. Read Aloud to Check for Natural Flow

Reading the text aloud is one of the easiest ways to identify any awkward or robotic-sounding phrases. Hearing the words can reveal issues in flow, tone, or clarity, allowing you to make adjustments that create a more humanized final draft.

Best Tools for Refining AI Text for Academic Use

There are several useful tools available for students and professionals aiming to refine AI-generated text for academic purposes. Here are a few that can make the process easier:

AI To Human Text Converter: This tool transforms AI content into smoother, more human-sounding text, allowing students to focus on content rather than extensive rewriting.

Grammarly: A grammar and style tool that enhances tone and provides suggestions for clarity.

QuillBot: Offers paraphrasing options to improve sentence structure and vocabulary for better flow.

When to Use AI for Academic Writing (And When Not To)

AI-generated content can be an excellent starting point for essays and assignments. However, be mindful of when to rely on AI and when to contribute your own analysis. For example:

Use AI for generating ideas, gathering background information, or creating an outline.

Avoid using AI for final arguments, critical analysis, or personal insights—these should be developed based on your understanding of the topic.

[aaravsharmasblog]

The Evolution and Impact of Newspaper Matrimonial Classified Ads

In an age where digital platforms dominate our daily lives, the humble newspaper matrimonial classified ad continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. For generations, these ads have been a trusted medium for individuals seeking a life partner. Despite the rise of online dating and matrimonial websites, newspaper matrimonial classified ads remain a relevant and respected method for finding a match. In this blog, we'll explore the enduring charm and significance of matrimonial classified ads and their impact on the search for a life partner.

The Traditional Appeal of Matrimonial Classified Ads

Newspaper matrimonial classified ads have a long-standing tradition. They offer a straightforward and personal way to connect with potential partners. Unlike the often impersonal and overwhelming nature of online dating platforms, newspaper ads provide a tangible, curated approach to finding a match.

1. Personal Touch: Matrimonial classified ads allow individuals to craft a detailed and personal message about themselves and their expectations. This personal touch helps convey sincerity and commitment in a way that automated online profiles may not.

2.  Focused Audience: Newspapers often cater to specific communities or regions, which can be beneficial for individuals seeking partners within a particular cultural or geographic context. This targeted approach helps narrow down the search to a more relevant audience.

3.  Credibility and Trust: There is a certain level of trust associated with newspaper ads. Unlike online platforms, which can sometimes be plagued by fake profiles or scams, newspaper ads are seen as a more reliable source of genuine matrimonial intentions.

Crafting Effective Matrimonial Classified Ads

Creating a compelling matrimonial classified advertisement is key to attracting the right match. Here are some tips for crafting an effective ad:

1.  Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state your goals, values, and expectations in your ad. Avoid vague descriptions and focus on what makes you unique. A well-defined ad helps attract individuals who share your values and interests.

2.  Include Essential Details: Mention important details such as age, education, occupation, and any other relevant information. This helps potential matches quickly assess compatibility.

3.  Highlight What Matters Most: Share your personal interests, hobbies, and what you’re looking for in a partner. This adds a personal touch and helps potential matches understand your personality and preferences.

4.  Use a Positive Tone: Maintain a positive and optimistic tone in your ad. This creates a welcoming atmosphere and encourages individuals to respond with genuine interest.

Conclusion

Newspaper matrimonial classified ads continue to be a cherished method for finding a life partner. Their personal touch, targeted audience, and credibility make them a valuable option for many individuals. By combining traditional methods with modern approaches, people can maximize their chances of finding the right match. Whether you choose to rely solely on newspaper ads or integrate them with digital platforms, the essence of a matrimonial classified advertisement remains a testament to the enduring quest for meaningful connections in the journey of life.

[miranimarketing]

Intent Mapping vs. Keyword Mapping: Key Differences for PPC Advertising.

In the world of PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, strategies evolve to meet the changing needs of advertisers and users. One significant shift in recent years is the transition from keyword mapping to intent mapping. It's important to recognize the differences between these two approaches to create PPC advertisements that are effective and provide results. What is intent mapping and how does it impact PPC advertising strategies? This is crucial to understand, as intent mapping aligns your PPC efforts with the specific intentions of potential customers, ensuring your ads are more relevant and effective.

What is Keyword Mapping?

Keyword mapping has been a cornerstone of PPC advertising for years. To display ads when people search for them, you must choose certain business-related keywords and place a bid on them. The process includes:

Keyword Research: Finding keywords that potential customers might use to search for products or services similar to yours. SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner are common tools for this.

Ad Group Creation: Organizing keywords into ad groups based on themes or topics. This makes it easier to create landing pages and advertising content that suit each market niche.

Bid Management: Setting bids for each keyword based on its value and competition. Better ad positions are typically the outcome of higher bids.

Monitoring Performance: Tracking metrics like click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and cost per click (CPC) to evaluate the effectiveness of your keyword strategy.

While keyword mapping has proven beneficial in many circumstances, it is not without restrictions. It focuses on the specific terms that users type into search engines, which can sometimes hide the larger context or intent behind their searches.

What is Intent Mapping?

Intent mapping is a change away from just focusing on keywords and toward understanding the core meaning of a user's search query. Instead of just matching keywords, intent mapping aims to address the specific needs and goals of users. Here’s how it works:

Understanding User Intent: Intent mapping requires analyzing why users are searching for particular terms. Are they prepared to make a purchase, are they searching for information, or are they trying to solve an issue?

Creating Relevant Ads: Based on the identified intent, ads are crafted to meet the specific needs of users. For example, if the intent is informational, the ad might offer a guide or tutorial. If the intent is transactional, the ad might highlight special offers or discounts.

Optimizing Landing Pages: The landing page should align with the user’s intent. If a user is looking to purchase, the landing page should facilitate easy buying with clear calls to action. If they are seeking information, the page should provide valuable content and answers.

Using Advanced Targeting: Intent mapping often involves more sophisticated targeting techniques, such as demographic targeting, behavioral targeting, and remarketing. Based on their behavior and intent, this validates the display of advertisements to users who are most likely to be interested.

Key Differences Between Intent Mapping and Keyword Mapping

Understanding the key differences between intent mapping and keyword mapping can help you choose the best approach for your PPC campaigns. These are a few of the key differences:

Focus on Keywords vs. Intent

Keyword Mapping: Concentrates on specific keywords that users search for. It’s a more direct approach where the exact terms determine ad placement.

Intent Mapping: Focuses on the broader context and purpose behind a search. It aims to understand what users are trying to achieve with their search queries.

Ad Relevance and Personalization

Keyword Mapping: Ads are triggered by keywords but might not always align perfectly with user intent. For example, a keyword like "buy shoes" might trigger ads for various types of shoes, not necessarily the exact type a user is looking for.

Intent Mapping: Ads are crafted to match the specific intent of users. This results in higher relevance and can improve user experience. For instance, if a user is looking for running shoes, ads will focus on that category, providing more targeted options.

User Experience

Keyword Mapping: Users might see ads that don’t fully address their needs if the keywords are too broad or not well-aligned with their search intent.

Intent Mapping: Enhances user experience by delivering ads that are closely related to what users are seeking. This can improve engagement and conversion rates.

Campaign Optimization

Keyword Mapping: Optimization focuses on adjusting bids and refining keyword lists based on performance data.

Intent Mapping: Optimization involves analyzing user behavior and intent to refine ad copy, targeting, and landing pages for better alignment with user needs.

Conclusion

The shift from keyword mapping to intent mapping represents a significant advancement in PPC advertising. By focusing on user intent, advertisers can create more relevant and engaging ads that better meet the needs of their audience. Understanding the differences between these approaches and adapting your strategies accordingly can lead to improved performance, higher ROI, and a better overall user experience. Embrace the power of intent mapping to stay ahead in the competitive world of digital advertising and drive more meaningful results for your business.

[shobhit18]

Aarogyam Test: Your One-Stop Shop for Proactive Health!

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing our health often takes a backseat. But what if there was a convenient way to check in on your well-being regularly? The Aarogyam health test offered by Thyrocare might be the answer you've been looking for.

What is the Aarogyam Health Test?

Aarogyam, meaning "good health" in Sanskrit, is a comprehensive health checkup package designed to give you a snapshot of your overall health. It includes a series of blood tests that assess various aspects of your body's functioning, allowing for early detection of potential health concerns.

Why Choose Aarogyam?

There are several reasons why Aarogyam could be a valuable tool for your health journey:

Prevention is Key: Early detection is crucial for managing many health conditions. Aarogyam helps identify potential issues before they develop into serious problems.

Peace of Mind: Knowing your health status can offer peace of mind and allow you to address any concerns proactively.

Customization: Aarogyam offers various packages catering to different needs and age groups. You can choose a basic profile or a more advanced one depending on your health history or specific concerns.

Convenience: Aarogyam tests are widely available at diagnostic centers and can often be booked online. Plus, home sample collection services are sometimes offered for added convenience.

Affordability: Aarogyam packages are generally budget-friendly, making preventive healthcare accessible to a wider range of people.

What Does the Aarogyam Test Include?

The specific tests included in an Aarogyam package can vary depending on the chosen profile. However, most packages typically assess the following:

Blood Sugar: This helps identify diabetes or prediabetes.

Lipid Profile: This measures cholesterol levels to assess heart disease risk.

Liver Function Tests: These tests evaluate liver health and function.

Kidney Function Tests: These tests assess kidney health and function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test provides information about red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Thyroid Function Tests: These tests measure thyroid hormone levels to detect thyroid disorders.

Some Aarogyam packages may also include additional tests, such as:

Vitamin Profile: This assesses levels of essential vitamins like Vitamin D and B12.

Electrolytes: These minerals play a vital role in various bodily functions.

Uric Acid: This test helps identify potential risk for gout.

Preparing for Your Aarogyam Test:

Choose the right package: Consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable Aarogyam profile for your needs.

Fasting: Depending on the tests included in your package, fasting for 8-12 hours before the test might be necessary.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water before the test to ensure smooth blood draw.

Wear comfortable clothing: Opt for loose-sleeved clothing for easy access during the blood draw.

Bring your medical history: Sharing your medical history with the lab technician can provide valuable context for your test results.

Understanding Your Aarogyam Test Results:

Once you receive your Aarogyam test results, it's important to review them carefully.

Normal Results: If your results fall within the normal range, it's a positive sign indicating good overall health.

Abnormal Results: Don't panic! Abnormal results don't necessarily mean there's a serious issue. It could be a sign of a minor imbalance or a need for further investigation.

Discuss your results with a doctor. They can interpret the findings in the context of your medical history and advise on any necessary follow-up actions. This might involve additional tests, dietary changes, medications, or lifestyle modifications.

Aarogyam: A Step Towards a Healthier You!

The Aarogyam health test is a valuable tool for taking charge of your health. By prioritizing preventive healthcare, you can identify potential health issues early on and take steps to maintain optimal well-being. Remember, a healthy body is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life!

Additional Tips:

Regular Testing: Consider taking the Aarogyam test periodically, ideally once a year or as recommended by your doctor.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support overall health.

Open Communication: Maintain open communication with your doctor to discuss any health concerns or questions you may have.

By incorporating the Aarogyam health test into your routine and adopting healthy habits, you can empower yourself to live a long and healthy life!

[jcmarchi]

Learning to Appreciate Great Content

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/learning-to-appreciate-great-content/

Learning to Appreciate Great Content

The web is teeming with content. There are articles, videos, and podcasts to serve every niche. And we can’t forget about the many newsletters out there. That certainly applies to web design and all its subgenres.

Perhaps we should be celebrating this golden age of content creation. Publishing is easier than ever. We can learn just about anything we want on demand. How cool is that?

It’s worth wondering if we’re pushing the limits of the human mind, though. There’s so much content that we can become overwhelmed. It may also lead us to devalue those who create it.

For example, consider your social media habits. How many times have you “liked” content – even if you didn’t bother to read it? I find myself doing this quite often.

The act represents a tiny show of support – which is fine. But it also speaks to how scattered this technology is making us. We’re always in search of that next hit of dopamine. Meanwhile, we pay little attention to what’s right in front of us. Maybe we’re missing out?

All of this makes me think that there must be a better way. So, how can we learn to appreciate great content? How do we support those who create it? Here are a few ideas.

Optimize Your Social Media Feeds

Social media feeds can get out of hand. You might be following too many accounts. Or accounts that bombard you with low-quality content. Maybe it’s time to take a step back.

Take some time to optimize your feed. You could unfollow the accounts you aren’t interested in. But you don’t have to go that far. It’s also possible to mute these users. That way, you regain some sanity without hurting anyone’s feelings.

These platforms also provide ways to focus on what’s relevant to you. For example, Twitter/X’s Lists feature lets you follow accounts related to a specific subject. It might save your head from exploding.

The idea is to choose quality over quantity. You’ll save time and spare yourself from visual clutter. Both are positive for your mental health.

Why sift through all that garbage for a golden nugget? Customize your social media experience so that you only get the good stuff.

Tell Others Why You Love a Piece of Content

Clicking a share button helps content creators. You’re spreading the word about something you found valuable. More views and likes could mean more revenue for the author.

Shared content is easy to miss, though. Sometimes, we mindlessly share something of interest. Again, maybe we didn’t take the time to read it. However, without context, it can easily get lost in the shuffle.

Thus, adding a testimonial to the mix is even more powerful. Explain why you love a piece of content. Tell others what you learned.

Maybe it helped you navigate a coding challenge. Or it changed your perspective on a subject. Testimonials can be powerful. And they may convince someone to check it out.

Reach Out to Your Favorite Creators

Is anyone out there? That’s the question I ask myself when publishing an article. Analytics can tell me how many people are visiting. However, those statistics don’t reflect personal impact.

I suspect other content creators are wondering the same thing. It’s hard to know if you’re reaching people. For some, it may lead them to question whether to keep publishing.

Here’s where a little feedback can go a long way. Reaching out to the author lets them know you care about their content.

The web communities of old did this with blog comments. These days, it’s just as easy to connect via social media.

What should you say? Anything that’s on your mind is fair game. You can write a short “thank you” note or ask a follow-up question. A little constructive criticism or a counterpoint is also welcome.

Granted, not every creator will react with gratitude. But these interactions mean something. They could be the motivation to stay in the game.

Subscribe to Free and Paid Content

Publishers are experimenting with various business models. Some are ad-supported, while others are offering subscriptions. That may include subscription fees.

The idea of paying for content on the web has always been controversial. I was firmly against it in my younger days. Why should I pay when so much is available for free?

But it’s becoming harder for creators to get by on ads alone. A few well-known people may receive cushy sponsorships. However, that’s a rarity in this economic climate. It seems that companies aren’t as willing to part with their cash. We’re seeing this frequently in the web design space.

That puts the onus on consumers to show support. If you value a content creator – subscribe to them. That may mean sharing your email address. Or it could be a paid subscription. Both scenarios are helpful.

Providing direct monetary support helps creators cover costs (and maybe eke out a profit). A free subscription boosts the number shared with advertisers.

The more subscribers, the better the chance for them to publish more outstanding content. Thus, it’s worth helping however you are able.

Support the Content You Love

Most content creators aren’t part of a corporate conglomerate. Many are independent people who are passionate about a subject.

The web design community is chock-full of examples. We’re often willing to share what we know. And we care about subjects like creativity, security, and accessibility.

The reality is that it’s harder for creators to break through the noise. Social media is chaotic. And the old-school promotional techniques don’t work as well.

The good news is that it’s possible to support your favorite content. And doing so has some mental health benefits!

So, clean out the clutter in your feeds. Share content that’s important to you. Reach out to authors and let them know you’re paying attention. And subscribe to them when you can.

Each of these steps makes an impact. And you’ll help great content rise above the rest.

Related Topics

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[mahayanapilgrim]

Buddhism and Tolerance: The Buddha's Response to Blasphemy

Blasphemy is to speak in insulting terms about a deity, religious doctrines or revered persons like saints, prophets or religious leaders. In some traditions, even to express scepticism about such things amounts to blasphemy. In the rough and tumble of the religious world of ancient India, blasphemy and highly critical assessments of one religion by another were fairly common. The Buddha himself was sometimes the target of derogatory and insulting comments and of unfair criticism.

Not only did he respond to insults and disparagement with calm or indifference but he advised his disciples to do the same. When he was informed by his disciples that a man named Suppiya was ‘finding fault in all sorts of ways with the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha’ he said to them: ‘Should anyone speak disparagingly of me, the Dhamma or the Saṅgha you should not get angry, resentful or upset because of that. For if you did you would not be able recognize if what they said was true or not.

Therefore, if others speak disparagingly of me, the Dhamma or the Saṅgha you should explain whatever is incorrect saying: “This is not correct, that is not true, we do not do this, that is not our way.”’ (D.I,1-3). Having said this he then added an interesting point: ‘Should anyone speak in praise of me, the Dhamma or the Saṅgha you should not get proud, puffed up or exultant because of that. For if you did that would become a hindrance to you. Therefore, if others speak in praise of me, the Dhamma or the Saṅgha you should simply acknowledge what is true as true saying: “This is correct, that is true, we do this, that is our way.”’

The Jain teacher Saccaka was proud of the aggressive questioning he subjected religious teachers to when he engaged them in debate. When he ridiculed their ideas or asked them difficult questions he said they would often ‘hesitate, change the subject and display annoyance, anger or resentment.’ After his discussion with the Buddha, Saccaka commented: ‘It is wonderful, really marvellous, how the good Gotama’s complexion becomes clear and his face becomes radiant when he is continually spoken to rudely or verbally attacked. It is as you would expect of one who is fully enlightened.’ (M.I,250).

Because the Buddha did not get angry when others abused or insulted him, Buddhists do not feel that they have to get angry on his behalf. The Bodhicaryāvatāra makes this point in relation to the desecration of Buddhist shrines and symbols. ‘Hatred towards those who speak insultingly about or damage sacred images or stūpas is inappropriate. The Buddhas do not get angry at such things.’ None of the legal codes of traditional Buddhist cultures included blasphemy as a criminal offence. See Tolerance.

Blasphemy, the act of speaking in derogatory terms about deities, religious doctrines, or revered figures, has been a contentious issue across various religious traditions throughout history. In the context of ancient India, where religious diversity and philosophical debates were common, the Buddha's response to blasphemy offers valuable insights into the Buddhist perspective on tolerance and equanimity. This essay explores the Buddha's teachings and his approach to handling blasphemy, demonstrating how it embodies the principles of tolerance and non-reactivity.

I. The Buddha's Stoic Response to Blasphemy:

In the tumultuous religious landscape of ancient India, the Buddha was not immune to derogatory comments and unfair criticism. He, however, responded with remarkable calm and indifference, setting an example for his followers.

1. Calm and Indifference: When confronted with insults and disparagement, the Buddha remained composed and advised his disciples to do the same. His equanimity in the face of adversity is exemplified in his words: "Should anyone speak disparagingly of me, the Dhamma, or the Saṅgha, you should not get angry, resentful, or upset because of that."

2. Encouraging Rational Dialogue: The Buddha encouraged his disciples to respond to blasphemy with rationality and dialogue. He urged them to correct inaccuracies and false statements calmly rather than reacting emotionally.

II. The Jain Teacher Saccaka's Observation:

The Buddha's response to blasphemy was not only commendable but also left a lasting impression on those who engaged with him in debate.

1. Saccaka's Testimony: The Jain teacher Saccaka, known for his aggressive questioning of religious teachers, noted the Buddha's unwavering composure when subjected to ridicule and harsh criticism. Saccaka's observation highlights the Buddha's enlightenment and his ability to remain unperturbed in the face of blasphemy.

III. Buddhism's Stance on Blasphemy:

Buddhism's approach to blasphemy is rooted in the Buddha's teachings and is characterized by tolerance and non-reactivity.

1. Non-Reactive Attitude: Buddhists are guided by the Buddha's example in not reacting angrily or defensively when encountering blasphemy. The idea is that reacting emotionally can hinder one's ability to discern the validity of the criticism.

2. The Importance of Acknowledgment: On the other hand, if someone speaks in praise of the Buddha, the Dhamma, or the Saṅgha, Buddhists are advised not to become proud or exultant. Instead, they should acknowledge the truth in those praises without attachment.

IV. Legal Codes and Tolerance:

Unlike some other religious traditions, traditional Buddhist legal codes did not include blasphemy as a criminal offense. This reflects the emphasis on tolerance and freedom of speech within Buddhism.

1. Tolerance as a Core Value: Buddhism's inherent tolerance is reflected in the absence of legal sanctions for blasphemy. Buddhists do not feel compelled to defend their faith aggressively but, rather, they are encouraged to uphold the principles through their actions and words.

The Buddha's response to blasphemy stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to tolerance, non-reactivity, and rational dialogue. His teachings and actions have shaped the approach of Buddhists towards criticism and derogatory remarks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and engaging in constructive dialogue. This approach, rooted in the principles of Buddhism, fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding, making it a valuable model for religious tolerance in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

[madhukumarc]

Is Quora like Reddit?

Yes, Quora and Reddit are both popular social media platforms, but they have distinct differences in terms of their purpose and functionality.

Let's dig deeper to provide you with more information.

Do you know? - “Not only can Quora bring valuable traffic to your site, but it can also help with your company’s Brand Authority” – Search Engine Journal

Quora vs Reddit:

1. First, let's talk about the similarities between Quora and Reddit.

Both platforms allow users to ask questions, seek advice, and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics.

They are designed to foster a community-driven approach where individuals can share their knowledge, opinions, and experiences.

2. However, there are several key differences that set Quora apart from Reddit.

One of the main differences is the focus on expertise and quality content.

Quora encourages users to provide well-thought-out answers backed by personal experience, professional knowledge, or credible sources.

While Reddit also has knowledgeable users, its format allows for more casual conversations, memes, and general discussions.

3. Another difference lies in the voting system's influence on content visibility.

On Quora, users can upvote or downvote answers and comments based on their quality and relevance.

This helps to highlight the most helpful and accurate responses, though most upvotes to answers, and views influence its visibility.

Reddit, on the other hand, also uses an upvoting system for posts and comments, which determines their visibility within the platform.

But here, it can sometimes result in content rising to the top, even if it may not be the most informative, accurate, not much helpful.

4. Quora emphasizes personal profiles and credentials. Users have the ability to create a detailed profile that showcases their expertise, professional background, and interests.

This adds credibility to their answers and helps other users gauge the reliability of the information provided.

In contrast, Reddit is more anonymous and focuses less on individual profiles.

5. In terms of user experience, Quora has a reputation for being more user-friendly with a cleaner interface.

It offers a seamless browsing experience and provides personalized content recommendations based on the user's interests and previous interactions.

Reddit, on the other hand, has a more cluttered and text-heavy interface, which may take some getting used to for new users.

6. Lastly, both platforms have different communities and user demographics.

Quora tends to attract professionals, experts, and those seeking specific knowledge or advice.

Reddit has a wider range of communities that cater to various interests, including niche hobbies, entertainment, news, and more.

"we’ve seen great results from Quora ads. Not only is it generally cheaper than other PPC platforms, but it also has great targeting options” - Ahrefs

Expert Insight: While Reddit excels in the overall social context, Quora excels in the overall professional and business context.

Quora vs Reddit Comparison:

Here's a tabular comparison of the most important differences between Quora and Reddit:

Image Content Source - Generated through ChatGPT

In conclusion, while Quora and Reddit share some similarities as social media platforms for sharing information and engaging in discussions, they have distinct differences as shared above.

Depending on your preferences and goals, you may find one platform more suitable than the other.

Here's related information that you may also find helpful - How to increase Quora followers? [by writing quality answers].

[biosssa]

Did You Know: Edify Presents Psychometric Testing And Profession Guidance

Khano Consulting Services provides Selection, Development, Career Assessments & Job Profiling. The strategy of assessments minimizes the expenditure that is often wasted on steady recruitment for a similar role, re-training and loss of production when selected staff are mismatched with the job requirements. One of the key benefits of psychometric evaluations is their capacity to minimize back biases and promote equity within the analysis course of. By utilizing goal, scientifically validated measures, organisations can make certain that their HR selections are based on correct and reliable knowledge somewhat than on private opinions or perceptions. Additionally, psychometric evaluations can help improve the effectivity of the talent administration course of by offering organisations with a wealth of details about job candidates and present workers in a comparatively quick amount of time. In addition to being used for recruitment and selection, psychometric checks can additionally be employed for profession planning, staff constructing, and worker improvement.

Personality assessments are utilized in recruitment to evaluate a candidate’s character profile. It supplies helpful insights regarding how candidates behave in a work context and predict job efficiency and firm fit. Data can also be used to improve overall productiveness and effectiveness of groups. Each test, additionally measures your character traits using a unique type of psychometric test questions. This group of psychometric exams isn't using a timer and you may be allowed to complete the tests at your individual tempo. This group of psychometric tests doesn't measure if you're better than others.

Managers can benefit from a candidate’s psychometric assessments by actively incorporating the insights into the onboarding and improvement plan for the prospective employee. In the past, psychometric assessments have often been poorly positioned and sometimes candidates full these assessments with nervousness and worry. Adding a tool psychometric corresponding to psychometric assessments to your hiring arsenal can assist your group in making a sound hiring decision. An organization’s most dear asset is its staff and much effort is made to ensure that appropriate candidates are recruited or promoted inside the firm.

Personal and govt coaches additionally make use of our services and products to counterpoint their improvement platform from which they construct their client on wards. Impaq provides a comprehensive set of academic merchandise based mostly on a CAPS aligned curriculum for All Grades, in English and Afrikaans. Our curriculum and associated psychometric assessments options are designed to enable individualized learning and are used to educate learners at home. Psychometric tests are a normal and scientific methodology used to measure individuals’ psychological capabilities and behavioral fashion. Consists of 14 assessments which specialize in Integrity, Personality, Cognitive Potential & Job Matching.

The results obtained by way of aptitude testing provides the assessor a sign of the lengthy run potential of the person being examined. Career counsellors use aptitude checks to find out if an individual will have the power to perform occupational tasks if he/she receives the mandatory coaching. However, it may be very important do not forget that psychometric assessments (though helpful) are just one of the many tools obtainable at present to assist information college students of their profession choices.

By utilising psychometric exams, employers can make more knowledgeable decisions regarding hiring, expertise administration, and skilled development. Psychometric assessments are a valuable device psychometric test for evaluating candidate fit and potential. By analyzing traits, abilities, and cultural alignment, these assessments can provide priceless insights into whether or not a candidate is well-suited for a selected function.