#that is then used not only to pay creatives less by employers

[toxicsugar]

Trying to put fanart and fanfic into the same basket as generative AI slop is disingenuous and ignorant at best. Though it doesn't surprise me - most pro-genAI people have no grasp neither on creativity nor the passion of artists doing any transformative work, not to say original content.

i am pro-copyright infringement. anybody who does fanfiction or fanart or anything should be pro-copyright infringement and obviously we are on the Fanart Website. why this is not a more popular stance among people who spend all their time doing transformative works is beyond me

[ohnoitstbskyen]

I deleted the ask, but someone wrote one basically saying "why do you post reaction videos to Helluva Boss? Don't you know the show exploits its workers and they're overworked and get burned out?"

And, I mean, I love your energy, person who asked, definitely hold on to those values and speak up about this. But also, I am afraid I might have some bad news for you about literally the whole entire animation industry.

As near as I can make out from the sparse journalistic reporting that's been done on SpindleHorse -- and as a sidebar, please for the love of god read actual reporting about these things and not just callout posts and fandom discourse -- as near as I can make out, SpindleHorse as a studio is neither all that much better nor all that much worse than basically anywhere else in the industry on their level. It seems like it is (or was? Hazbin Hotel seems to be run differently) a studio mostly run by contracting people on a project-by-project basis, which leads to a crapton of turnover, and a huge need for organizing and onboarding, which according to the reporting I have read, the producers and freelancers have struggled to balance and manage properly, which has negatively impacted a number of the workers.

Top that with the usual catty, clique-based backbiting, sniping and poorly managed conflict resolution that's just kinda endemic in creative environments mostly staffed by twentysomethings and stressed out freelancers, and you have the recipe for a workplace where a lot of people are going to have a great time and feel creatively fulfilled, and a lot of people are going to come away feeling justifiably burnt the fuck out and exploited.

All of this is... not especially unusual for the animation industry, or indeed for any creative industry. Which is not to say that it is good, or that it should be allowed to be normal, or that it shouldn't be reported on and criticized (and please for the love of god support unionization efforts because that's the only thing that will actually address these kinds of systemic problems). It's just to say that if those kinds of issues are the line in the sand you draw where you refuse to engage with a studio's output...

Then, for starters, say goodbye to basically all of anime, because the Japanese animation industry is actively in a state of crisis trying to recruit new talent because its working conditions and pay are so astonishingly abysmal. And the horror stories that escape from that industry make the issues at SpindleHorse look like summer camp at times.

But you also have to say goodbye to a lot of American and European animation. Please do not imagine that Disney and its subcontractors, or that Nickelodeon or Warner Bros, are benevolent employers. They exploit their staff brutally and are currently trying to crush the labor value of animation with threats of generative AI being used to replace jobs. But those corporations also have extremely well-funded PR departments and the ability to silence employees with NDAs and threats of blackballing, so you don't get to hear as many of the horror stories as you might from a smaller independent studio that's less able to silence criticism by holding people's careers hostage.

All of this is to say that 1) it's valid and important to have criticism of both large and small-scale animation studios, and to keep the well-being and happiness of the workers higher in your priorities than the output of Products™.

And 2) if you're going to have a principle for what kinds of problems make a studio's output morally untouchable for you, and what kinds of problems you think should make a studio's output untouchable to other people, you do need to apply that principle consistently to the entire industry, and not just to the independent animation studio that happens to be surrounded by the internet's most inflammatory fandom discourse.

If you don't apply that principle consistently, maybe don't send reproachful messages to strangers scolding them for not living up to your standards, and even if you do apply that principle consistently, maybe still don't do that, because it's mostly quite annoying, and doesn't really do anything to support animation workers struggling for better working conditions.

The Animation Guild in the US is currently in the middle of a bargaining process with their industry, and they have a social media press kit as well as relevant talking points on their website which you can use to post in solidarity with the workers. If it comes to a full industry strike, consider donating to their strike funds to help them maintain pressure. Outside of the US, try and find out what (if any) local unions exist for animation workers, and maybe sign up to their mailing lists. They will let you know what kind of support they need from you.

[puckpocketed]

Hello. You might have seen this floating around on twt:

link 1 // link 2, archive link

If by any chance you or someone you know are thinking about joining in on the challenge… no one can stop you but I implore you as someone who makes art, as someone with friends in an often-exploited creative industry, as someone who lives in late stage capitalism alongside you and has seen this play out before: proceed with caution.

Read the fine print on that form. There is NO guarantee of an internship, much less a job at the end of it. I haven't gone further than this form, but if anyone reading this does, and if there's no written agreement that your work won't be used without credit to you + payment for services rendered - RUN.

This is a common corporate tactic to get free labor out of people. I'm not saying this is necessarily what’s happening; for all we know this was done as a completely innocent move to drum up some fan engagement and as a genuine search for talent for their analytics team. WHO KNOWS. But I can't ignore that I’ve seen this situation play out again and again, at every scale.

Job interviews, when they ask you how YOU think they should improve their systems, how YOU would solve their problems? When they require that you do some problem-solving for them, and it goes beyond a simple task? That’s a free consultation you’re giving them, that's free work you or someone else should be getting paid for.

When big streamers/influencers ask their fans to join in on a fan art contest to choose their new pfp/banner? That’s hundreds, possibly thousands of pieces of free art they never would’ve gotten otherwise. They could've gone to the trouble of paying someone in-house to do it, hiring someone for that position, commissioning a professional for a piece. It's free work from their dedicated fans.

In this case, Utah HC is asking fans to not only choose/provide their own dataset, but to do a complex analysis on it AND do the work of visual and verbal communication to senior management, who likely do not have a deeper grasp of the concepts and will need it simplified. The stipulation that you will present your work could be ANYTHING!! The "five page deliverable" is already bananas to me, having dipped my toe into what analytics is and how complex the fun ones are. Condensing it all is WORK. The presentation portion may include speaking time and answering questions; the groundwork for doing this effectively may include producing data visualisations, making spreadsheets, time consuming write-ups. Maths and science communication is hard. It is WORK. They are asking for free labor.

Many have already called it out, but it's still gaining traction via retweets from big accounts uncritically sharing it. I found out through the official Puckpedia account. Jack Han called it out pretty eloquently on twitter and on his substack:

Many people aspire to work as an analyst in the NHL. Earlier today the Utah Hockey Club gave those people a glimmer of hope. Utah’s Summer Analytics Challenge is unusual in that it doesn’t provide a dataset or detailed instructions. The open-ended contests contrasts with other public (ex: Big Data Cup) or private (ex: NHL team interview) events. In those scenarios, participants are given proprietary data to clean, model and analyze, which influence direction and methodology. Meanwhile, Utah is seemingly happy with anything as long as the writeup is under five pages long. Utah’s contest also stands out in its near-total absence of legal fine print. There are no mention of intellectual property implications, which is perhaps fitting when the team is asking participants to bring their own data and analysis. [...] Open casting calls such as Utah’s analytics challenge start out as a lose-lose-lose proposition: > The employer loses because it will have to invest massive human resources to trawl/filter/evaluate/reverse-engineer the hundreds of write-ups it is sure to receive, with no guarantee that any of them will be of use > Applicants lose because the vast, vast majority of them will have nothing to show for their efforts, while a tiny minority risks having its IP stolen > Good ideas lose because they’ll be born into an environment where their parents (the applicant & the employer) have no defined relationship and won’t be in a position to grow together

link, archive link

I do try to keep things light on this blog, but this is super personal for me <3 thank u for listening

[notdefendingtaylor]

the most worrying thing to me about the asylum aesthetic

aside from the clear co-opting of mentally ill and disabled people's historical abuses under a broken, underfunded, and at times deeply unscientific system....

is that mental healthcare available NOW can be a profound help, life changing AND life saving.

but the asylum/love made me crazy/'female rage' imagery of ttpd is provoking a lot of discussion about historical abuses and the actual benefits are getting somewhat lost in that discussion. (scientology, THE anti-psychiatry organization, must be thrilled.)

here are some facts about recovery under appropriate and professional help:

bipolar: "Shorter duration of illness, higher social class, and treatment compliance were associated with higher rates of recovery and more rapid recovery." (source)

borderline personality disorder: "One study found that 77% of participants no longer qualified for the DBT diagnosis [of borderline] after one year [of DBT treatment]" (source)

major depressive disorder: "Clinical and functional remission was achieved in 70.6% and 56.1% of the MDD patients, respectively." (source)

hospitalizations: "it can reduce the stress of daily responsibilities for a brief period of time, which allows you to concentrate on recovery from a mental health crisis. As your crisis lessens, and you are better able to care for yourself, you can begin planning for your discharge. In-patient care is not designed to keep you confined indefinitely; the goal is to maximize independent living by using the appropriate level of care for your specific illness." (source)

what is my point here? contributing to the STIGMA around psychiatric care, trying to couch mental illness in language of romantic shared mania (folie à deux) is not just giving 2005 myspace, it's inherently irresponsible. a 'recovery is possible' mindset is what saves lives and in the US, her home country, the stigma against seeking help works hand in hand with the systematic defunding of mental health care to dissuade people from achieving the recovery that can lead to abatement of suffering and transition into a life worth living.

here's my mental illness cheat sheet:

it's not romantic. it can be associated with creativity, but that's not guaranteed or inherent and may largely be a cliche that sidetracks real functional improvement: "Romanticizing the 'mad genius' myths surrounding bipolar disorder can also be harmful, and have negative consequences on your wellbeing and productivity." (source)

it's expensive as hell to treat, but under certain income thresholds in the US, Medicaid can pay for most if not all of the treatment you might need.

it generally leads to lower employment rates or underemployment but treatment leads to the best outcomes for employment and housing: "undertreatment can have a negative impact on occupational functioning" (source)

substance abuse is a conversation that can't be unlinked to mental illness and for some reason the US seems more ready to talk about that than the underlying mental health issues - because then an element of blame can be assigned to the individual for self-destructive behavior. but addressing the core mental health issues can certainly lead to recovery in other areas, when the substance use is linked to depression, anxiety, etc.

the US loves to talk about mental illness when gun violence occurs, but that doesn't mean those same legislators will vote to expand access to mental health treatment (source)

my #1 tip i have is this: if you don't have insurance or your insurance only covers a fraction of your psych inpatient bill, CONTACT PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FILL OUT PAPERWORK TO SEEK A WRITE-OFF. instead of that $3000 bill you can leave owing $500 (or less). literally cannot emphasize this enough! the write-off is based on income so they will need to see your financials to assess what write-off(s) may be appropriate in your case.

peer support groups like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) may hold meetings in your area where you can discuss your problems and relate to others' who may share some of your struggles. this is basically peer-led, FREE group 'counseling'. seriously, it's effectively nearly as good as the group sessions you might have to pay for, and the frequency is often weekly. (find support)

yes, we can talk about past historical psychiatric abuses and ongoing abuses today, which tend to disproportionately affect the socioeconomically disadvantaged. but the conversation needs to also include the benefits of access to scientifically-informed mental health treatment as well.

[obsessiveyand]

My character for Rick and Morty

Heavily inspired by the fanfic on AO3 Anomaly

Sasha 🚀 28 🚀 Female/Human 🚀 Dimension K237

5'4" - 154lbs - 💜 - 🎶 - 🌌 - 🥂 - 🍰 - ⛈

Bad ending and Happy endings available

TW for bad endings/ Gore, Abuse, Stockholm, kidnapping, body modification, possibly self harm, death, etc but these are welcome in RPs

🌌Backstory🌌

💫💣Maybe she's a masochist, but baby maybe so is he💣💫

☆Infinite yous, Destroy infinite mes, and we call it love.☆

🎶🚀High Enough - K.Flay🚀🎶

Sashas are a lot like Mortys, in the sense they are meant to be partnered with a Rick, However Ricks don't need a Sasha the way they need a Morty. Its more recreational. Sashas need a Rick to feel complete. Not every Rick meets their Sasha. This causes a vacuum of want/need.

Some Ricks will take other Ricks Sashas for themselves. The amount of Sashas in existence have slowly dwindled over time. Most dying in Rick related accidents, Getting stranded as get away bait, experimented on, and more. Rarely do Sashas get their happy ending with a Rick.

On a genetic level, Sashas are considered the perfect partners for Rick. Their devotion and obedience allows them to put up with Ricks eccentricities. Their urge to please and be useful to their Ricks runs on a molecular level, almost inescapable for a Sasha.

Because of this they generally find their demise at the hands of a Rick, Much like the Mortys. Every Sasha leans on the creative/artsy side of things, usually painters, musicians, anything involving the arts, ccasionally found as elementary teachers or coffee baristas.

When a Sasha meets a Rick, they are automatically drawn to them, this could also be said for a Rick. Certain groups of Ricks formed to figure out the reason Sashas exist and what drew the two together. This led up to many horrific and immoral experiments involving the Sashas.

Because of this, in certain dimensions parents of Sashas who had learned from other dimensional versions of themselves that this was to be their daughter's fate, began sending their Sashas away, in hopes of hiding them, or slimming their chances of ever meeting a Rick.

🎶🚀Deathbed - Bring me the Horizon🚀🎶

This was to be the fate of our Sasha. Her mother, in hopes of protecting her from a future of one sided devotion sent her away with a stranger who promised to hide her away, at "the end of the universe".

Swept away to live a new life in space. Though she didn't expect "The ETU" To be a shit space bar floating at the edges of a desolate area of the universe; in a completely different dimension than the one she called home. She found herself dropped off and a silent deal made for her. She would now work at "The ETU" until her company seen fit.

Only 17 at the time, her new employer found Sasha had an aptitude for music, able to read sheet music easily and pick up the piano like a natural, so he arranged to have her pay her way by playing the Piano for his patrons. This slowly brought new clients, which made boss happy.

So for the next 11 years Sasha grew up in the run down bar, playing piano and, as she got older, singing on stage. The ETU generally housed bounty hunters and other miscreants, seedy patrons but hella parties. The Bar itself was a large space ship that constantly floated freely Through space, causing its exact whereabouts to constantly shift which made it the perfect spot for less than legal deals or activity. Sasha grew used to this way of living, always kept on a tight and short leash by her employer who, now considered her more property than people.

Now 28 and still performing for her /savior/ Bernardo, she knew very little of the ways of space, which was ironic for someone who lived there. She was rarely allowed to sit at the bar after or before performances, her socialization with others kept very short. Bernardo didn't Want any risk of his little bird trying to spread her wings and leave, as he had become quite accustomed to her company at this point. And Sasha had shown no interest in anyone nor of the idea of leaving ETU so there was no reason to change the way things were. That was until..

A drunk older man stumbled his way through the steel doors of the ETU, He had wild spiked blue hair and fair skin, his face red with a drunk intensity as he belched his way towards the bar. This is the moment that would change Sashas life, forever; for better or worse.

🚀🌌🎶Do you feel it - Chaos Chaos 🎵🌌🚀

Sasha generally wears cozy large sweaters, "They make me feel safe and warm" often accompanied by a pair of rolled shorts and knee high socks. Sneakers are a must at all times "Hey never know when I may need to run for my life, sneakers are both fashionable and practical" when she's home and around the house her shoulder length brown hair generally falls loose, unless she's in the kitchen, on adventures its always a high pony, advice from Rick "W-wouldnt want your - your You know it gett-ting caught in something" Most of her clothing consists of soft colors, greens blues and yellows, some pinks, greys and off blues.

Sasha can be clumsy, not as clumsy as most but clumsy enough Rick finds himself bandaging her up after most adventures "Do-Do you need glasses or some sh-it, how-how , why can't you fuc-king see where you're going"

Ricks biggest Sasha based pet peeve is that Jerry asks her to play commercial jingles on the piano every day all day, and of course Sasha complies "You-You could literally, fuck-ing literally ask her to play .. you know.. m-morty the guy with the fingers morty wh-who was it morty with the piano" "uhmm you mean Mozart, Rick?" "Thats the guy, Jerry you you waste of space you-you could literally ask her to play Mozart and you land on stupid annoyi-ing jingles that that just take up brain space" "Awe Jeez Rick I-I kind of like the - the jingles" "Of course you do Morty"

🎶🚀Sex with a Ghost - Teddy Hyde🚀🎶

Sasha spends most of her time at the Smiths house, only going with Rick and Morty on certain adventures, generally ones Rick thinks she may be useful, but sometimes just because. At home she spends her time playing the Piano in the living room and working on new songs, cleaning up after Rick so Beth doesn't have to, and helping Morty with his homework when he's around. Sasha also took it upon herself to tidy the house and occasionally cook for the family, anything to keep herself busy while Ricks off on adventure after adventure. If she's not doing any of that then she's most likely off with Summer somewhere or getting wine drunk with Beth.

🎶🚀Breezeblocks - alt-J🚀🎶

Drinking with Sasha

Sasha never complains or broods about her and Rick, However she has been known to open up about her feelings, towards Rick and how he makes her feel negatively, when she gets too drunk, This is the only time Sasha truly let's on how Rick negatively affects her, Drinking is the only time she let's herself be vulnerable, and thats only because she has such less control of herself when intoxicated. Otherwise Sasha would never do anything to make Rick feel like, or look like, the bad guy. She puts him on a pedestal even if she can't help it, and it really shows when she's drinking. It can go from talking about how worthless she feels to how amazing it is to be near him in only a few seconds, its sick and toxic and inescapable for her.

Sasha tries not to get drunk often, having a glass or two of wine with Beth is one thing, but leaning Over Summer talking about how much she loves her while barely being able to stand is another, Theres definitely been more than once where Sasha has gotten too drunk or passed out in precarious places, Rick calls her a flight risk after finding her passed out in an alley after a night of drinking at a club with Summer. He specifically doesn't bring her apocalypse bar hopping because he doesn't want to have to find her before a planet burns out. There's so drunk you're the life of the party, than there's so drunk you're just trying to numb your entire existence, Because deep down Sasha is in a lot of pain, She knows what's between her and Rick isn't healthy but can't admit to it unless she plastered, and Sasha doesn't know where the middle is, so its a hit or miss.

If you are drinking with Sasha be prepared for random dancing and breaking out into song lyrics that may or may not suit the current situation, Sasha is a sucker for Karaoke and after a few drinks all she wants to do is play piano or sing her heart out.

If you wanna read my other OC posts, just type Sasha into my search bar!

☆Please note, Sasha is not a Diane replacement, If Rick had to choose between the two he would always choose Diane☆

In dimensions where Ricks are happily living with their Diane's, Sashas are usually living a normal life, however most who are more fortunate to live like this generally feel like they are missing something, often trying to find meaning in their lives, or they no longer exist in that dimension due to other Ricks, who choose to take misplaced or /unused/ Sashas for themselves.

If Diane's existed more predominantly I believe we would also see Ricks aside themselves with grief and other traumas, stealing Diane's, killing and replacing their Ricks, or as we seen from Prime just straight up killing the happy family.

Sashas are not Diane replacements, as its rare for a Rick to fall truly in love again, they are merely conduits of pain for Ricks.

Sasha truly does love Rick, for her being part of the Smith family has been the greatest joy of her life, finally living back on earth and, for the most part, living a life free to do as she pleases. It has come with many dangers and heartbreak, but she will always remain loyal to Rick and the rest of the Smith family.

^most of the songs posted can be found here^

[prismmultimedia]

Graphic Designing – Expectations Vs. Reality

Recent years, there is significant demand for visual graphics, and so has the need for skilled & efficient graphic designers. The field of graphic designing has evolved to greater heights over the years, with technology advancing rapidly and new mediums emerging.

As a result, the expectations from graphic designers have changed as well. However, many people have a misconception about graphic designing. They have a certain expectation which will not reflect with the reality of the job. In this blog, we will explore the expectation vs. reality of graphic designing.

Expectation: Graphic designers only need to know how to use design software

Reality: It is not just knowing about software it is more of using it well

Graphic designers must and should know how to use design software for e.g. – Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign. Not just knowing it but they also need to be Efficient in communication and collaboration, as they often work with clients, Entrepreneurs, and other members of the creative team. Prism Multimedia offers Graphic Designing course with cutting edge tools where our expert trainers will teach you how to use which will make stand out in this competitive world.

Expectation: Graphic designers work alone

Reality: Graphic designers often work in team’s

Graphic designers are not solitary workers. They often work in teams with copywriters, art directors, photographers, and other designers. Collaboration is essential in creating cohesive designs that effectively communicate the message to the target audience. Graphic designers also work along with client on day-to-day basis.

Expectation: Graphic designing is easy

Reality: Graphic designing is a challenging and time-consuming process

Designing a visually appealing graphic requires a lot of patience and efforts. Graphic designers need to research, brainstorm, sketch, and create multiple iterations before arriving at the final design. They also keep in mind regarding end user, the client’s brand identity, and the place in which the design will be used. It takes lot of effort and experience to create a design that effectively communicates the message and matches the end user of that design.

Expectation: Graphic designers just make things look pretty

Reality: Graphic designers create designs with a purpose

Graphic designers don’t just make things look pretty. They create designs with a purpose. Whether it is to promote a product, convey a message, or create a brand identity, every design has a specific goal.

Expectation: Graphic designers only work on print designs

Reality: Graphic designers work on a variety of mediums

Graphic designers work on Many mediums, including print and digital. They create logos, visiting cards, social media posters, and many other images related content. As there is sudden spike in digital exposure graphic designer ensure and make themselves perfect for both print and digital platforms.

Expectation: Graphic designing is a high-paying job

Reality: Graphic designing pay will be varied from person to person depending upon experience and employer

While it is true that graphic designers can make a good living, salaries vary based on experience and location. Entry-level graphic designers may make less than experienced designers, and salaries in larger cities may be higher than in smaller towns. Freelance designers also need to factor in expenses like equipment and software when setting their rates.

Prism Multimedia also offers 100% Placement assistance program who opts and execute course with us. Resume & Portfolio building, interview hacks will be communicated once after the completion of any course at our Prism Multimedia which is in Ameerpet, Hyderabad. If you are looking a passionate career in multimedia field, then Prism Multimedia is perfect destination to learn and achieve.

In conclusion, the expectations vs. reality of graphic designing are varied and complex. While creativity, multitasking, expertise in design tools, independent work, and versatility are essential aspects of graphic design, collaboration, specialization, industry-specific knowledge, and balancing aesthetics with functionality are also critical. Graphic designing requires skill, creativity, and dedication. There were many theories about the job, but Graphic designers plays important role in giving impact with their creativity and appealing designs.

We at Prism Multimedia offers various multimedia courses with proper training and certification. Prism Multimedia is premier institute which brought many changes in multimedia training field since 1999. Discover the power of visual communication and learn essential design principles, software proficiency, and industry-standard techniques. Join our Graphic Designing course and unlock endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner, recently graduated or experienced we have proper curriculum which makes Master in graphic designing.

[samwiselastname]

Samwise Lastname Life Update (Negative)

I moaned and groaned in that selfie a bit already but like. I have many people who have offered to help me with many things. Truly thankful.

At the same time I've always been The Person with the stable job and full time wage, like, pretty much since I finished DBT halfway through college that's been my defining character trait. Even before then, it was "person who is a prime target for financial exploitation."

My current situation is a shared living space where I am covering about 4/5s of our expenses, by virtue of being able to mask my disability well enough to work full time. We are still coming up $400 short a month. I've just gotten assurance that should change, a housemate is seeking work, but. It hasn't changed yet, and even once it does, I will not feel secure until we have an emergency fund for housing, and I won't feel safe keeping any personal savings until that's settled. Which is a couple years out at this rate - even farther with some necessary home repairs, which will push our deficit even higher.

We only get takeout once a month at most, our expenses have been essential housewares and home improvement items - pest control, plumbing maintenance tools, repair supplies. A few hundred of that deficit is just repeat homeowner shit. We planted a garden this year which was an expense but, not exorbitant. I don't know how to cut down more without like. Eating less? Historically that approach has turned into dangerous weight loss & migraines pretty quick. As it is we're only spending about $100 more a month than the FDA's recommended frugal grocery plan.

I can stop buying alcohol & weed and save... about $10 a month. I could cancel some of my subscriptions and save $20-50. Anything I can cut back on at this point is not financially worth the detriment to my well-being, especially when things like "watching youtube on the TV" and "playing FFXIV" are like. Some of my only safe and passive low-pressure recreational activities.

Don't really know what to do about this other than keep grinding. I'm making myself sick. Tacking on any extra work - hobby creative pursuits that might one day turn into commercial creative pursuits, any amount of job hunting, even a shot at adult content creation - feels unbearable.

I am trying to stop "working overtime" because even the 40 hours fucks with my ability to do anything else. I tried to work around this by job searching and side hustling. Now all my hobbies feel like jobs and every day I'm not working on income feels like self-sabotage. It's stupid - I can get better compensation at my current job picking extra hours. At least when I do that I don't go into a neurotic spiral and stop sleeping. As much. It's at least effective.

So I have this limbo - working over 40 hours physically destroys me, and it's the only way to tip the scales at all right now. I know one can often get a pay raise by finding a new job but - yall the market sucks. I'm trying. I need full time remote WFH and good god is it bad out there. Plus my current insurance rn is killer - I have a 3k out of pocket max. My medical costs would outweigh the raise at any job I've successfully applied for thus far, because my current employer affords me this bizarrely fantastic health insurance with HSA deposits.

Just feel hopeless. If I've gone dark on you that's why. We have four months to get this shit fixed before we're totally fucked and I'm doing everything I can to buy us time.

[sa7abnews]

You Should Be Able to Live a Good Life Without a College Degree

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/16/you-should-be-able-to-live-a-good-life-without-a-college-degree/

You Should Be Able to Live a Good Life Without a College Degree

Jan moved to my area about 15 years ago to be closer to family but couldn’t find a job as an office manager, though she’d been one for years. She was a bright, articulate, middle-aged woman with glowing references. But times had changed in the decade since she’d last looked for a job. She wasn’t even getting a chance to interview, as one potential employer after another told her: No bachelor’s degree, no interest.

The same has been happening to people across the country seeking middle-management jobs, or those in sales, customer service, and support—jobs that had never required a four-year education before. The work demands hadn’t changed appreciably, but the educational minimums had. Instead of looking for the most skilled and enthusiastic applicants, employers were looking for “pieces of paper”—college degrees. It’s been bad for the economy, bad for diversity in the workplace, and bad for uplifting low-income families and populations. But only now are employers and the public at large realizing that not everyone wants or should need a four-year college education to lead a good life.

What this so-called “degree inflation” means is that smart, skilled, personable people who haven’t followed the conventional college route after high school have been shut out of jobs they could have performed well—which often means that people of color, who are less likely to attend college, are denied an opportunity for social mobility. Meanwhile, people with college degrees are often underemployed, taking on jobs that didn’t make use of their education. A full decade after receiving their bachelor’s degree, 45% of bachelor’s holders are working jobs that don’t require a college grad’s skills.

For decades, teenagers and families heard this refrain: If you want to be someone, you have to get a bachelor’s degree. It’s the only way to make good money. Without it, you’ll be left out of the 21st century global economy. High schools were rated by how many of their graduates went on to four-year schools, and many still are. But for too many college-goers, the results haven’t been great. A third leave college without a degree—but often with plenty of student debt.

Read More: Too Many High School Seniors Are Turning Away from College Altogether

Antonio Santos is one of the more than 100 people I interviewed for my book, Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree. He attended college to become a video editor but left when he found the instruction too rigid. “I felt like my teachers kept stifling any creative ideas I had,” he told me. When he dropped out, he took with him $70,000 in student debt. Ultimately, he taught himself video editing with the help of mentors he cultivated and now makes six figures doing what he loves.

Meanwhile, a shocking 45% of people with college degrees are underemployed, taking on jobs that don’t need a bachelor’s. The bottom fourth of college grads actually make less money, when adjusted for inflation, than they did two decades ago.

During the Great Recession, employers searching for higher-quality employees turned to college grads, which were in plentiful supply. In essence, they were using a degree as a proxy for smarts—which wasn’t very smart of them. Degree inflation is bad for business, according to a 2017 report by Harvard Business Review. Managers pay more for college grads yet they ultimately find that experienced employees without degrees perform just as well. Meanwhile, college grads, seeing these jobs as beneath them, leave sooner. Rapid staff turnover is expensive and time-consuming.

That doesn’t make a college degree worthless. On average, bachelor’s holders still earn more money than the average high school or community college grad and the number of good new jobs for them is predicted to grow. Usually at least some post-high-school training is needed to earn a good living—with growth in good jobs predicted for this sector as well.

But nearly 30% of people with a two-year associate’s degree actually earn more than the average four-year grad, according to a 2021 Georgetown University report. Just imagine how much income gaps might close if employers opened more good jobs to people with less than a bachelor’s in cases where it really isn’t needed.

That’s how things work in Switzerland. University there is for students who succeed at a very rigorous high-school curriculum and are moving into professions such as doctor, teacher, or engineer. But those interested in the hospitality industry, tech, manufacturing, and other fields typically attend high school half time for the last two years, and work at a paid, part-time apprenticeship in their field of choice. They then might train for an extra year or so before starting careers that in this country would require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. One expat in Switzerland told me that her husband, a longtime bank executive, decided to go to university only at the point where he started working with American bankers, because he knew they wouldn’t respect him without a college degree. Hotel managers here generally need a bachelor’s degree; in Switzerland, apprenticeship and some extra training suffices.

The pendulum is starting to swing in the United States, though too slowly. The pandemic created a labor shortage; at the same time, the Black Lives Matter movement made employers get more serious about hiring a diverse workforce.

Prodded by such nonprofits as Opportunity@Work, which lobbies employers to hire based on skills rather than pedigree, more companies are opening previously college-grads-only jobs to people who have built their resumes through other kinds of training. Tech companies have been among the first to drop requirements; in my book there are several programmers who learned via short-term programs or, in one case, a man who self-taught and is now making close to $200,000 a year. The federal government and more than 20 states have removed bachelor’s requirements from public jobs that really don’t need a degree.

In Denver, philanthropist Noel Ginsburg started a white-collar apprenticeship program in tandem with some of the local high schools and businesses. One of the young women in that program had grown up in a household so financially strapped that she relied on free meals at school to eat well; by age 20, she was making six figures and the only debt she had was the mortgage on her new house.

Major companies, especially in the insurance and corporate-support sectors, have started their own apprenticeship programs through community colleges.

There’s legitimate fear that in a skills-over-degrees world, schools will channel Black and Latino students toward non-college careers. Our nation must keep working at making college more affordable and accessible for all students who crave a college education. Forget the “College is a scam” movement. Higher education is worthwhile for many students and should not be reduced in our minds to mere job training. Intellectual pursuit enriches minds and society.

At the same time, college isn’t for everyone, just as it wasn’t for Santos. We can build more financially stable families if states create robust white-collar apprenticeship programs in public high schools and require school counselors to learn about and honor the many paths—not just skilled labor and the military, but the creative fields, entrepreneurialism, tech, management, sales, aviation and even some forms of volunteerism—to a rewarding career and life.

[douxlen]

You Should Be Able to Live a Good Life Without a College Degree

New Post has been published on https://douxle.com/2024/08/14/you-should-be-able-to-live-a-good-life-without-a-college-degree/

You Should Be Able to Live a Good Life Without a College Degree

Jan moved to my area about 15 years ago to be closer to family but couldn’t find a job as an office manager, though she’d been one for years. She was a bright, articulate, middle-aged woman with glowing references. But times had changed in the decade since she’d last looked for a job. She wasn’t even getting a chance to interview, as one potential employer after another told her: No bachelor’s degree, no interest.

The same has been happening to people across the country seeking middle-management jobs, or those in sales, customer service, and support—jobs that had never required a four-year education before. The work demands hadn’t changed appreciably, but the educational minimums had. Instead of looking for the most skilled and enthusiastic applicants, employers were looking for “pieces of paper”—college degrees. It’s been bad for the economy, bad for diversity in the workplace, and bad for uplifting low-income families and populations. But only now are employers and the public at large realizing that not everyone wants or should need a four-year college education to lead a good life.

What this so-called “degree inflation” means is that smart, skilled, personable people who haven’t followed the conventional college route after high school have been shut out of jobs they could have performed well—which often means that people of color, who are less likely to attend college, are denied an opportunity for social mobility. Meanwhile, people with college degrees are often underemployed, taking on jobs that didn’t make use of their education. A full decade after receiving their bachelor’s degree, 45% of bachelor’s holders are working jobs that don’t require a college grad’s skills.

For decades, teenagers and families heard this refrain: If you want to be someone, you have to get a bachelor’s degree. It’s the only way to make good money. Without it, you’ll be left out of the 21st century global economy. High schools were rated by how many of their graduates went on to four-year schools, and many still are. But for too many college-goers, the results haven’t been great. A third leave college without a degree—but often with plenty of student debt.

Read More: Too Many High School Seniors Are Turning Away from College Altogether

Antonio Santos is one of the more than 100 people I interviewed for my book, Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree. He attended college to become a video editor but left when he found the instruction too rigid. “I felt like my teachers kept stifling any creative ideas I had,” he told me. When he dropped out, he took with him $70,000 in student debt. Ultimately, he taught himself video editing with the help of mentors he cultivated and now makes six figures doing what he loves.

Meanwhile, a shocking 45% of people with college degrees are underemployed, taking on jobs that don’t need a bachelor’s. The bottom fourth of college grads actually make less money, when adjusted for inflation, than they did two decades ago.

During the Great Recession, employers searching for higher-quality employees turned to college grads, which were in plentiful supply. In essence, they were using a degree as a proxy for smarts—which wasn’t very smart of them. Degree inflation is bad for business, according to a 2017 report by Harvard Business Review. Managers pay more for college grads yet they ultimately find that experienced employees without degrees perform just as well. Meanwhile, college grads, seeing these jobs as beneath them, leave sooner. Rapid staff turnover is expensive and time-consuming.

That doesn’t make a college degree worthless. On average, bachelor’s holders still earn more money than the average high school or community college grad and the number of good new jobs for them is predicted to grow. Usually at least some post-high-school training is needed to earn a good living—with growth in good jobs predicted for this sector as well.

But nearly 30% of people with a two-year associate’s degree actually earn more than the average four-year grad, according to a 2021 Georgetown University report. Just imagine how much income gaps might close if employers opened more good jobs to people with less than a bachelor’s in cases where it really isn’t needed.

That’s how things work in Switzerland. University there is for students who succeed at a very rigorous high-school curriculum and are moving into professions such as doctor, teacher, or engineer. But those interested in the hospitality industry, tech, manufacturing, and other fields typically attend high school half time for the last two years, and work at a paid, part-time apprenticeship in their field of choice. They then might train for an extra year or so before starting careers that in this country would require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. One expat in Switzerland told me that her husband, a longtime bank executive, decided to go to university only at the point where he started working with American bankers, because he knew they wouldn’t respect him without a college degree. Hotel managers here generally need a bachelor’s degree; in Switzerland, apprenticeship and some extra training suffices.

The pendulum is starting to swing in the United States, though too slowly. The pandemic created a labor shortage; at the same time, the Black Lives Matter movement made employers get more serious about hiring a diverse workforce.

Prodded by such nonprofits as Opportunity@Work, which lobbies employers to hire based on skills rather than pedigree, more companies are opening previously college-grads-only jobs to people who have built their resumes through other kinds of training. Tech companies have been among the first to drop requirements; in my book there are several programmers who learned via short-term programs or, in one case, a man who self-taught and is now making close to $200,000 a year. The federal government and more than 20 states have removed bachelor’s requirements from public jobs that really don’t need a degree.

In Denver, philanthropist Noel Ginsburg started a white-collar apprenticeship program in tandem with some of the local high schools and businesses. One of the young women in that program had grown up in a household so financially strapped that she relied on free meals at school to eat well; by age 20, she was making six figures and the only debt she had was the mortgage on her new house.

Major companies, especially in the insurance and corporate-support sectors, have started their own apprenticeship programs through community colleges.

There’s legitimate fear that in a skills-over-degrees world, schools will channel Black and Latino students toward non-college careers. Our nation must keep working at making college more affordable and accessible for all students who crave a college education. Forget the “College is a scam” movement. Higher education is worthwhile for many students and should not be reduced in our minds to mere job training. Intellectual pursuit enriches minds and society.

At the same time, college isn’t for everyone, just as it wasn’t for Santos. We can build more financially stable families if states create robust white-collar apprenticeship programs in public high schools and require school counselors to learn about and honor the many paths—not just skilled labor and the military, but the creative fields, entrepreneurialism, tech, management, sales, aviation and even some forms of volunteerism—to a rewarding career and life.

[hellsquills]

This is happening in translation too. Because of automatic translation programs like DeepL or Google Translate (which CAN be helpful but in no way a substitute for human professionals), I've seen companies that expect full books (literary, CREATIVE translation) being translated and revised in under two weeks. In other cases, I've seen employers who pay their translators 0,01 cents per word, which roughly means about 2-3 bucks an hour.

The thing is, even if they genuinely think this is how it works, it's still their fault for not doing a proper research into translation and how it works. "You can use DeepL/ChatGPT/OpenAI, it shouldn't take that long" THEN YOU DO IT. If you only need a free program to do it, then DO IT. But they don't, because they want to be able to say they've employed professionals and the security that comes with it while not paying what a professional costs.

Don't let anyone tell you that just because you have tools to make your job a little easier, you shouldn't be paid accordingly. You wouldn't pay a carpenter less for their work just because they're using a nail gun instead of a hammer.

[rozinaaa]

My New Site Just Dropped

Introducing my new portfolio site which actually shows a selection of my work instead of it being obscured by links.

I feel like it's been long overdue, but the threat of becoming unemployed in a matter of weeks was probably the kick up my butt that I needed, since I've had no choice but to quickly cobble together a professional portfolio site, especially since a lot of the jobs that I'm applying for do ask for a portfolio, not to mention that it feels ironic to be a designer/any other creative that doesn't have a portfolio.

I decided to use the Website Builder from Krystal (although I ended up getting the cheapest hosting package, which included the Website Builder and a trillion other different features, which only cost about £2 more per month, but is something where I'd get my money's worth on the long run), and although using it felt clunky at first, the learning curve (and the cost to pay for the site) is ironically a lot lower than that of Webflow with all of its bells and whistles and insane monthly prices which I may or may not be able to afford.

I know I could have hand coded and self hosted everything like a purist, but I haven't had any time at all (I brought the domain (my full name, but with the hyphen in the middle) with the hosting package on Tuesday and I released it on Friday at around 12pm, so it feels like I've broken a world record by creating a functional site in less than a week, which probably explains why I feel so stressed and exhausted since I'm currently spinning a lot of plates at one), plus I wanted something that was actually cloud based and easy to maintain, so that it would be more accessible for me.

The UI is fairly minimal (and I guess I want to keep it that way, especially now that I've pretty much fallen out of love with UI Design and visual aesthetics, since I've realised that I'm actually a lot more interested in UX Design and Research), so I guess it's my style, and also because I focused more on actually getting everything onto the site and making sure that everything works than to fuss about aesthetics, so it might not look pretty, but it's a start.

I've also realised that my hosting package offers MediaWiki (software that was originally designed for Wikipedia, although the package itself has a wide range of software that I can use, which is good, and I can also create custom email addresses with it), so I guess I can use that for the curation front, since the UX is fairly similar (or will be similar) to that of Wikipedia, which will probably feel a lot more effective than having a massive HTML document where I apparently don't even use the HTML elements in the way that they should be used.

Again, I'm not too fussed about the UI for the curation front (especially now that I know that I can literally make it look and behave like Wikipedia), so I'll probably make a start with this when the threat of unemployment becomes significantly lower (I've got an interview for a UX Researcher role at the end of May that I need to prepare a lot for, and I'm actually looking forward to it, since the role itself seems like a much better and interesting opportunity than the job that I'm getting laid off from, so I hope the rest of that application process goes well for me), so that I have more time to get to know how to use the software.

Other than that, it feels good to have a site that actually works, and one that feels professional enough to share with potential employers and other people.

[vcguru]

Break the 9-to-5 Chains: Proven Strategies for Making Money from Home

The traditional 9 to 5 workday is becoming less of a rule and more of an option in today's quickly changing labor landscape. Thanks to technological developments and the recent events that have sparked a global trend towards remote employment, many people can now actually make money from home. This article explores tried-and-true methods that you can use to escape the traditional office setting and start a successful business from home.

Embracing the Remote Revolution

In the past, people were skeptical of the idea of working from home since they thought it would only appeal to freelancers or procrastinators. But now the story is told differently. These days, remote work is praised for its flexibility, ability to reconcile work and personal life, and—above all—the potential for high income. To break free from the 9–5 grind, one must first fully adopt this new work ethic. Recognize that earning money from home involves dedication, self-control, and a readiness to change and grow.

Identifying Your Skill set and Market Demand

A successful home-based business starts with identifying your skills and matching them to market demand. Which skill set best describes you: careful planner, tech-savvy developer, persuasive salesperson, or creative writer? It's critical to determine your core competencies. Next, do market research to determine the areas most in need of your expertise. Sites like Glass door, Up work, and LinkedIn can provide information on market trends and in-demand talents.

Establishing a Freelance Career

One of the easiest methods to earn money from home is through freelancing. It lets you take advantage of your abilities how you see fit. Start by building a strong online presence on freelance marketplaces and start submitting proposals for jobs that fit your expertise. You'll progressively become more visible and have more opportunities to obtain higher-paying employment if you build a great portfolio and get positive ratings.

Diving into the Gig Economy

There are several options to earn money from home in the gig economy. Short-term jobs and projects are in demand in a variety of fields, including writing, digital marketing, graphic design, and video editing. Task Rabbit and Fiverr are two websites that can be great places to start. Recall that sticking to a high standard of quality and specializing in a narrow field are essential for success in the gig economy.

Leveraging Affiliate Marketing

By promoting the goods and services of others, you can earn income through affiliate marketing, a performance-based business model. It involves producing material and including affiliate links, whether it be on a blog, social media platform, or YouTube channel. You receive a commission if members of your audience click on these links and make purchases. The secret to successful affiliate marketing is to cultivate a devoted following and promote goods that fit their interests.

KNOW MORE

Creating and Selling Digital Products

There are countless opportunities to create and sell goods from home in the digital sphere. This could include software and apps as well as ebooks, courses, stock images, and music. Digital items have the advantage of having very high profit margins and no need for physical inventory. Sites like Shopify, Udemy, and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing can assist you in introducing your goods to a worldwide market.

Investing in Stock and Cryptocurrency Trading

Trading stocks or cryptocurrencies can be quite profitable for someone with a knack for finance and analysis. It necessitates knowledge of risks, markets, and strategic investing. Before making larger commitments, you can learn the ropes by beginning with modest investments and utilizing platforms that offer instructional tools.

Building a Home-Based Business

An additional option to consider is launching a home-based business. This might be a tech startup, a craft company, or a consulting practice. To establish your brand and connect with your target market, the secret is to pinpoint a niche market, write a business plan, and use internet marketing techniques.

Utilizing Social Media and Content Creation

Social media and content production present significant financial opportunities in the era of digital media. Whether you want to podcast, vlog, or blog, producing interesting material can draw in a sizable audience. You may make money from your interest by monetizing your material with sponsorships, adverts, and goods.

KNOW MORE

Conclusion

With the correct attitude and techniques, breaking free from the 9–5 grind and earning money from home is a realistic objective. It necessitates recognizing your advantages, comprehending consumer needs, and maintaining an open mind to constant learning and change. The options are endless, whether you decide to pursue freelancing, the gig economy, affiliate marketing, digital product creation, stock and cryptocurrency trading, home-based business ownership, or content creation. Take advantage of the remote revolution and set out on a path to flexibility and financial freedom.

[govindhtech]

How Real Artists Face AI Risk

AI has changed healthcare, entertainment, and everything else. It’s upending the creative business, forcing real artists to reassess their professions and roles. AI is actively engaged in the creative business, not only demonstrating its skills. It involves producing stunning artwork, ingenious product designs, melodic compositions, and even award-winning novel writing.

Take AIVA, for example, an AI composer of music. And then there’s GPT-4 from OpenAI, which can write whole books. Industrial design is also being revolutionized by tools like Autodesk’s Project Dreamcatcher. The way people create and consume creative content is rapidly evolving due to AI. AI is comparable to an extremely productive artist who never stops creating new concepts.

Real Artists’ Challenges in an AI-Powered Environment

His experience with artificial intelligence in the creative industry has been nothing short of revolutionary as a seasoned art major and marketing professor at Texas Christian University. At first, he was certain about the value of human creativity being unique. AI questioned their views that art is a human activity that is shaped by culture, emotion, and experience.

He had an unwavering belief in the special ability of human imagination to produce art. Next came artificial intelligence (AI) and a tsunami of change. AI’s ability to create intricate, inventive masterpieces with such accuracy and efficiency was both astounding and unsettling. The emergence of AI in art initially seemed like an encroachment and a danger to the sacredness of human creation. He was watched intently and the intersections of innovation and other sectors were covered in reports. But at first, he found it disconcerting that AI would be encroaching on the field of art, which he always considered to be deeply personal and fundamentally human.

Being a starving artist is not a novel challenge. However, this work has become even more difficult as AI has taken over many creative duties. The competition for real artists is severe since AI-powered tools can produce content far faster and more economically than people. These instruments are always getting better, which could result in more pay decreases, less employment opportunities, and more unstable finances.

Today’s creatives struggle to understand where they fit into this new society. What happens to the abilities or distinctive voice of an artist if technology are able to mimic or even exceed human creativity? For his pupils studying art and creative marketing, who have dedicated a great deal of time and energy to perfecting their skills, this is especially concerning. With AI dominating the globe, they’re questioning their education, abilities, and career prospects. To study, adapt to new technologies, and stay ahead can cause stress and burnout.

Deeper investigations into the nature of creativity itself are also sparked by the integration of AI in art. It poses important queries on uniqueness, the worth of art, and the changing role of the artist. These conversations are not only scholarly but also essential to comprehending how his world is evolving.

Is It Possible to Work Together?

His viewpoint keeps changing as he delves more into this new digital realm. It’s possible that artificial intelligence in art aims to augment rather than replace. These resources offer a fresh perspective on creativity. Instead of rivals, they may be creative partners. AI lets real artists focus on their work. The goal is to enhance the artistic process and bring thoughts from the mind to life.

He uses AI as an artist and educator to enhance his abilities and express himself. His transition from doubt to acceptance and excitement for artificial intelligence in art is representative of a larger social story. It’s about growing, changing, and striking a balance between innovation and tradition. In the modern day, real artists should welcome rather than fight the changes brought forth by AI. They can increase his creativity by using these instruments, stretching the bounds of what is feasible and reinventing the art of the possible.

Real Artists must adapt, learn, and try new things to succeed in this environment. Even in the AI age, human touch is priceless. AI’s skills combined with the distinctive voices of real artists will allow them to thrive.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[english-mace]

Capitalism does not care about your right to create art, holy shit does it ever not care about that. I'm begging folks to scratch just a LITTLE deeper on this one and ask why these corporations are shilling so hard to normalize generative AI in the creative fields, PARTICULARLY in the wake of writers' strikes and lawsuits against massive corporations for failure to honour royalty agreements because -

It's wage theft. It's always been wage theft.

Set aside for a second the gut-reaction that creatives are luxurious celebrities lounging around eating grapes, because whether you think artists deserve to be paid for their art or not, it is also the canary in the coal mine for customer service wage theft.

Corporations do not want to pay call center employees. Corporations do not want to pay help desk professionals, they do not want to pay customer service representatives or secretaries or receptionists, they do not want, if at all physically possible, to pay human beings. Ever. Why would they? A corporation wins when it shaves its costs to nothing at the expense of everything but profits; a corporation is not a member of society, and only faintly is it a member of the economy - a corporation is not capable of conceptualizing that its own customers, who pay it, are also human beings who only have money by dint of employment by, shockingly, mostly other corporations (who also don't want to pay them).

The art argument is dehumanizing and paternalizing towards those with disabilities, yes. But it's also a distraction.

None of us want to live in a world where AI wins the race to the bottom. Not when our governments clearly have less than no interest in UBI or any other means of support in an employment drought such as the one bigtech firms shilling AI, and the late-stage capitalist mega-corps buying it, are in the vanguard of creating.

I first posted this in a thread over on BlueSky, but I decided to port (a slightly edited version of) it over here, too.

Entirely aside from the absurd and deeply incorrect idea [NaNoWriMo has posited] that machine-generated text and images are somehow "leveling the playing field" for marginalized groups, I think we need to interrogate the base assumption that acknowledging how people have different abilities is ableist/discriminatory. Everyone SHOULD have access to an equal playing field when it comes to housing, healthcare, the ability to exist in public spaces, participating in general public life, employment, etc.

That doesn't mean every person gets to achieve every dream no matter what.

I am 39 years old and I have scoliosis and genetically tight hamstrings, both of which deeply impact my mobility. I will never be a professional contortionist. If I found a robot made out of tentacles and made it do contortion and then demanded everyone call me a contortionist, I would be rightly laughed out of any contortion community. Also, to make it equivalent, the tentacle robot would be provided for "free" by a huge corporation based on stolen unpaid routines from actual contortionists, and using it would boil drinking water in the Southwest into nothingness every time I asked it to do anything, and the whole point would be to avoid paying actual contortionists.

If you cannot - fully CAN NOT - do something, even with accommodations, that does not make you worth less as a person, and it doesn't mean the accommodations shouldn't exist, but it does mean that maybe that thing is not for you.

But who CAN NOT do things are not who uses "AI." It's people who WILL NOT do things.

"AI art means disabled people can be artists who wouldn't be able to otherwise!" There are armless artists drawing with their feet. There are paralyzed artists drawing with their mouths, or with special tracking software that translates their eye movements into lines. There are deeply dyslexic authors writing via text-to-speech. There are deaf musicians. If you actually want to do a thing and care about doing the thing, you can almost always find a way to do the thing.

Telling a machine to do it for you isn't equalizing access for the marginalized. It's cheating. It's anti-labor. It makes it easier for corporations not to pay creative workers, AND THAT'S IS WHY THEY'RE PUSHING IT EVERYWHERE.

I can't wait for the bubble to burst on machine-generated everything, just like it did for NFTs. When it does some people are going to discover they didn't actually learn anything or develop any transferable skills or make anything they can be proud of.

I hope a few of those people pick up a pencil.

It's never too late to start creating. It's never too late to actually learn something. It's never too late to realize that the work is the point.

[influencermagazineuk]

How to Make Your Brand Stand Out in 2024

Today’s business landscape is highly competitive, giving the customer an unlimited list of products and services to choose from. Since there are various companies with a similar version of what you’re offering trying to meet the needs of your target customers, you must stand out from the competition. To truly make a mark in your industry, choose to be more innovative and think outside the box. This article provides crucial tips for brands that desire to stand out in 2024 and achieve business success regardless of the fierce competition they face.   Treat Your Employees Right The success of any business doesn't rely solely on the actions of its owners or management. You may be the boss, but your employees are the ones who interface with existing customers, potential clients, competitors, and suppliers. That is why their actions are important in managing your brand’s reputation. When your brand has a positive reputation, it'll enable you to thrive in the competitive landscape and encourage customers to engage more with your brand, both digitally and offline. Therefore, you must learn to treat your employees right. They shouldn't feel undervalued or like they aren't treated fairly. Employees who feel they are treated unfairly are likely to be less productive and engage in unprofessional behavior that could negatively affect your brand’s reputation. Maintain a culture of open communication within your organization that allows people to share their opinions. Provide the flexibility that your upper-level management and lower-level staff Need to order their work days and complete tasks effectively. Also, reward your staff Not just for their technical tasks but also for engaging in positive behaviors that align with your company culture. If your business is one that requires a sales team to interface with potential clients, ensure you award your sales staff for their efforts. Anyone who's ever been part of a sales team knows how many obstacles such teams have to face when trying to increase their numbers and keep their companies on track. It is only fair for employers to recognize them through various means. You can organize award events during which you hand out trophies or plaques to deserving employees. According to EDCO.com, a supplier of corporate recognition products, ‘’Companies can get creative with their formal sales recognitions and use some of the top sales awards titles to tell their employees, ‘’You’re Crushing it! Or ‘’Our company couldn’t thrive without team players like you.’’ Update Your Website Regularly Many business owners make the mistake of spending so much money on social media adverts to draw attention to their brands without updating their websites. Your ads might attract customers to your brand, but the state of your website might prevent them from completing purchases or carrying out the action you desire. There’s no point in spending your money to drive people to your website if they are going to be disappointed by what they see and leave to patronize your competition. Therefore, you must update your website regularly to give you the competitive edge your business needs. To successfully update your site, thoroughly evaluate your current website. This initial process will help you lay the groundwork for the upgrade since it will give you the opportunity to identify what works well for you and the areas that need improvement. Analyze your website’s overall performance, including responsiveness, user navigation paths, and load times. You can use Google Analytics tools to gain insight into user activity and behavior on your website. Analytic tools can help you know your user engagement metrics, bounce rates, and the most visited pages. This will highlight areas that could be causing friction and provide a clear picture of the user experience. Furthermore, pay attention to the design aspects and content you publish on your website. Determine whether your content is engaging enough for your target audience and whether they are relevant and up to date. If the content you post doesn't identify with your brand and appeal to your target audience, then it won't achieve the aim. Also, look at the technical aspects of your website, including SEO optimization, mobile responsiveness, and website security. If you don't have a proactive security strategy, your business will be at risk for attacks on your networks and other IT infrastructure. Take Advantage of Online Reviews Customer reviews create a new opportunity in communication and marketing that can influence people’s opinions of your brand. Such reviews can help you understand your overall customer satisfaction and provide feedback about what your customers truly want. Use this insightful information as input to improve customer service by efficiently resolving issues that customers face and creating a positive experience for them. This approach will help you keep focus on your customers’ needs and offer your brand some business benefits that you can’t get from a typical marketing campaign. Read the full article

[lonita]

Third places

Third places are social settings outside of the home (first place) and work (second place) where people gather, socialise, and form community bonds. These settings offer numerous benefits to individuals and communities: Third places foster social connections and provide space for people to meet, interact, and connect. They are places that foster conversation and other social connections that contribute to a sense of community and social well-being, reducing feelings of isolation, and facilitating community building. The community in such places kindles diversity and inclusivity among people of different backgrounds, fostering diversity and inclusivity, enriching social interactions, and aiding in understanding varied viewpoints.

Through the community of a third place and the hubs that they become, the ease of finding advice, support, and assistance is greatly simplified and facilitated. These places provide a vital source of cultural exchange by providing an easy-to-access place to share ideas, knowledge, and traditions, contributing not only to personal and communal growth, but also to understanding, and personal enjoyment. They provide a way not only to learn about the differences of others but also the things you hold in common with others. Through that shared discussion and learning, through brainstorming, through the sharing of varied views and perspectives, can come the enriched creativity and innovation that can only come from a group of people working together. Which, amongst other things, can also contribute to civic engagement, provide a forum for the discussion of local issues, and can contribute to a sense of responsibility and participation in local affairs. The community formed in third places, and the opportunities for recreation and socialising, can help foster a sense of belonging, can help to reduce stress, and promote well-being, Although we aren't all joiners, we still sometimes need the company of others, and third places can alleviate loneliness and depression. Not only do third places provide immense personal benefits, they offer social and economic benefits as well, for visitors and locals. A good third place can attract visitors, and provide ease of access for locals and others to a variety of businesses, services, and other amenities, which can have a positive impact on local economies and employment. All of these things together can lessen social inequality by providing a place for people to meet on equal terms. Third places can take many different formats, but some of the most common manifestations of third places in North American culture include parks, town squares, public spaces, libraries, cafes and other eating spaces, community centres and halls, bars and pubs, churches and other places of worship, galleries, museums, bookstores, rec centres, personal care shops, farmers and community markets, coworking spaces, plus communal and shared transit. I think we should concentrate on building more third places that are accessible to a more diversified range of people and are less dependant on a person's ability to pay. These spaces also need to be less hostile to the homeless and to youth, both of whom have very limited options when it comes to healthy gathering places. The homeless are often made unwelcome via the use of hostile architecture, which makes spaces unfriendly for everyone else as well. Youth are often unwelcome for a host of reasons. Elements of hostile architecture need to be eliminated in favour of architecture that serves humans, not harms them. To foster the equal footing of all, third places could - at least in part - be publicly funded, providing a wide range of services and amenities to suit the community's needs and choices. Access to some of these places could, for example, result in earned credits for educational purposes, both in terms of learnt information and volunteering.

Things that should be considered for a functional and enjoyable third place:

Accessible entrances, ramps, restrooms, adaptive technologies, and amenities for people with disabilities.

Comfortable and accessible seating that appeals to a variety of needs - couches, armchairs, benches, tables, etc.

Tables and workspaces that Include standing desks, tables, or work areas equipped with power outlets, ethernet, charging ports, and wireless access.

Free reliable and high-speed internet access to support remote work, study, research, or casual usage.

Keeping a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment, that includes recycling options.

That could include these small touches to kick up the enjoyability and functionality a notch:

Reading materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, digital resources, and little free libraries.

Board games and other activities such as puzzles, cards, digital gaming, colouring and craft supplies.

Community bulletin boards, info kiosks, announcements, event flyers, local news, and message exchanges.

Art installations, decorations, murals that add visual appeal, colouring materials, and craft supplies.

Ambient music or live performances that add to the ambiance without being intrusive.

Used applicably, you could include plants, seating, gardens, or parkettes.

Consider including a method of prompting or display that encourages people to converse, share thoughts, or participate in discussions.

Expanding on what makes the space enjoyable and functional to use, you could consider the following:

Community involvement, programmes, clubs, volunteering, collaborative projects, and other initiatives that encourage community involvement.

Affordable childcare options, after-school programmes, summer and other holiday camps, emotional support services, and other childcare and youth programmes and services.

Classrooms or workshops for vocational training, adult education, and other forms of learning.

Clinics, mental health services, nutrition counselling, wellness workshops, first aid training, CPR classes, disaster preparedness workshops. fitness classes, yoga studios, meditation rooms, and other health and wellness amenities.

Community kitchens, cooking classes, nutrition education programmes, community gardens, community fridges and food banks, and other food and nutrition services, including for-profit businesses such as cafés, restaurants, or other food and beverage options.

Festivals, markets, and other encompassing community events.

Sign language interpreters, as well as other services and amenities for people with disabilities.

Areas for community events, meetings, and socialising, that are flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of events, workshops, seminars, and other gatherings.

Business incubators, mentorship programmes, resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs, networking, job boards, job fairs, and co-working space.

Computer labs, digital media production facilities, filmmaking facilities, and other technology services.

Educational programmes, workshops, training sessions, and classrooms.

Galleries, studios, performance space, printmaking studio, other arts and cultural spaces, community arts programmes, public art installations, community theatre, and other forms of community-based art and culture.

Gyms, sports facilities, game rooms, and other rec areas.

Intergenerational programming that brings together people of different ages, mentorship programmes, intergenerational book clubs, and community volunteering.

Makerspaces, tool libraries and equipment for DIY projects, 3D printing, and other services.

Meeting rooms, event spaces, co-working and office space, private offices, printing facilities, and other workspaces.

Outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, plazas, and outdoor recreational and sports areas.

Recycling programmes, energy efficiency workshops, community clean-up initiatives, upcycling opportunities, and environmental services.

Shared office spaces with internet access, printers, and other office equipment for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

Support and community services such as financial and other forms of counselling, legal aid, and other forms of support.

Translation and interpreter services, language classes, and multilingual staff and signage.

Voter registration and info services, election voting locations, civic education workshops, community organising initiatives, community engagement, participatory voting events, and events advertising.

We already have a fairly functional source of third place in the form of the public library - but there's no reason we couldn't enhance that, and make that better.

You could designate spaces within the library specifically for socialising, collaboration and more informal meet-ups, and furnish them in a comfortable and welcoming manner.

When needed, provide dedicated spaces for specific groups such as teens, seniors, or entrepreneurs.

Host a variety of diverse events, such as book clubs, talks, workshops, game nights, movie screenings, cultural events, and family/children's activities.

Work with local organisations to facilitate events, workshops, and programmes.

Provide educational opportunities and services.

Technology access that includes Wi-Fi, computer use, and other technologies.

Promote the idea of the library as a community hub, and a central meeting and gathering space.

Spaces could be provided for coworking and study, which gives these groups access to the library's other amenities - internet access, printing services, and books.

Many libraries also provide makerspaces and creative studios, such as 3D printing and crafting.

Many libraries also include performance and exhibition spaces, and function as locations for voting during elections.

Along with other gathering spaces, space could be provided for game rooms/nights - for board games, digital gaming, and other recreational activities.

If space allows, you could provide external reading areas and small garden spaces.

Offer an area for a snack bar and applicable seating to promote sociability.

You could host salons, listening events, tech taster events to try out new stuff, ask an expert sessions, etc.

Another way to increase community - and provide a wealth of different kinds of supports - is to create a community kitchen/cooking. This would be a perfect addition to a third place, especially in conjunction with a community garden. The benefits and services of a community kitchen/community cooking, not the least of them being a way to address food insecurity and social isolation, include:

Learning to adapt recipes and cooking techniques to accommodate the available ingredients.

Communal cooking projects can change an individual struggle into a collective effort, lightening the load for everyone.

They can promote community building and support, as communal cooking can foster a sense of community and shared purpose, reduce social isolation, and provide a supportive environment.

Communal cooking can help foster a sense of support and connection.

Communal cooking/kitchens can provide cost-effective meals. By cooking in larger quantities, more affordable meals can be provided by stretching limited food budgets Each participant can bring in what they have and someone can come up with a recipe or meal plan that can make use of everyone's contributions, thus creating more for everyone.

Community kitchens have the added benefit of potentially providing exposure to a variety of different cultural foods and traditions.

Active participation in the cooking process can help foster confidence in participants in their ability to prepare foods, which promotes self-reliance and less dependence on prepared foods or other sources.

People can be encouraged to share knowledge, skills, and cultural traditions with the group.

Nutrition information and healthy eating habits can be provided during cooking sessions, teaching participants about healthy food choices, meal planning, and strategies for making the most of available resources.

Education on sustainability practises can also be provided during the cooking and gardening sessions, such as using local and seasonal ingredients, reducing packaging waste, use of more parts of a plant or animal, and composting food scraps.

A community cooking project could provide a chance for people to learn new cooking techniques, recipes, new uses for known foods, food preservation methods, how to make the most of limited resources, and how to utilise their resources effectively.

Some other practicalities could include:

Establishing a regular schedule for cooking sessions can help provide accessibility for those with varied schedules.

These initiatives can serve as distribution points for surplus food from food banks, community gardens, grocery stores, and farms, helping excess food reach those in need.

The pooling of ingredients and tools can help people make the most of the resources they have, reducing waste and creating more substantial and varied meals.

Some other enhancements could include:

Community bike shops and bike/e-bike sharing

Disaster relief and emergency response hubs

Green corridors

Marketplaces

Newcomer welcome pack distribution

Partnerships with local businesses

Pedestrianised streets

Playgrounds and play spaces

Pocket parks

Public restrooms and showers

Streetscape enhancements