#this looks like an ad for a mac campaign

[lokiondisneyplus]

How Marvel officially added McDonalds to the MCU

On the very last day of filming on the first season of the Marvel Disney+ TV series Loki, executive producer Kevin Wright sat on the steps of The Citadel at the End of Time with costar Sophia Di Martino (Sylvie), and they started to chat about what might be next for her character. Not in any official script capacity, just as fans of the story they’d just finished filming. 

“This character had been on a decades-long, maybe centuries-long revenge mission, and the classic trope of those stories is that it’s all-consuming and she’s not thinking about what comes next,” says Wright. “Now she has this moment of opportunity, where is she going to go?”

Di Martino thought about it for a moment, and said, “She’d probably be pretty hungry.

There are more than 13,000 McDonald’s across the United States right here in 2023, and untold more across the multiverse. In a new campaign launched this week, the fast-feeder gave Marvel and Loki fans a peek at its own cameo in the series’ upcoming second season, set to launch on October 6.

“As Featured In” is the Golden Arches latest Famous Orders meal campaign and, instead of being tied to a particular artist or character, it celebrates all the instances in TV and movies that McDonald’s has appeared or been mentioned by characters: Friends, The Office, Seinfeld, Space Jam, Coming to America, and many, many more. But at the center of the campaign is Loki, one that hasn’t even happened yet, which is probably appropriate for a show that revolves around the multiverse and many different timelines. 

The meal itself—a choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, or Big Mac, with medium fries, a Loki-branded Sweet ‘N’ Sour Sauce, and a medium soda—is, like the Famous Meals before it, nothing all that special, but that has always been the point. The genius of Famous Orders is that it drives customers to McDonald’s core menu items rather than a limited-time stunt. There is, of course, also a merch collaboration, this time with streetwear darling Palace Skateboards. The packaging features QR codes that customers can scan to get fun Loki content and buy pieces from the Palace collaboration.

Long after his conversation with Di Martino on the Citadel set steps, Wright and his team were developing season two, and they were finding it difficult to pick up a new Sylvie storyline. She had just killed He Who Remains in season one, where does she go? 

“When we stayed in the view of character, this woman who went on the run as a child, had been running through time, a fugitive of time, living in apocalypses, never being able to relax or slow down, the novelty of walking into a 1980s McDonald’s looked appealing,” say Wright. “You play a Little League game and go to McDonald’s. You go to a kid’s birthday party at McDonald’s. Someone like Sylvie would never have experienced that, and would be really taken by that.”

Marvel Studios has been a brand partnerships factory since Iron Man first ate a Whopper in 2008. Typically these things happen when there is a finished script, and producers go through it with the studio’s brand partnerships team to see where opportunities may be. A car chase, you say? What brand of car should we use? Maybe an Audi?

But this latest collaboration happened in reverse. A 1982 McDonald’s was specifically written into the script, so Wright approached Marvel’s partnerships people to talk to the brand about helping them out with the details. “I was worried that McDonald’s would think we wanted to do something ironic or make fun of them,” says Wright. “But we were selling an earnest story, a love letter to nostalgia through a character’s eyes who will see all of the novelty and joy of it.”

He needn’t have worried. “When I pitched it, our internal team said, ‘Uh, you realize we have a partnership with McDonald’s already, right? The fact we’re going to them wanting to do something makes it even better.”

Around that same time mid-last year, McDonald’s marketing execs were on a tour of sorts, meeting with content creators and creative teams at studios like Disney about the brand’s interest in participating in cultural moments beyond the typical product tie-in. That’s when the call from Marvel about Loki came in.

“We tend to embrace things like this,” says McDonald’s global chief marketing officer Morgan Flatley, “which we feel can be an opportunity for us to learn, especially because we felt that between Marvel and Loki, there was a real willingness to take their rabid fandom and mix it with a fan truth around McDonald’s and bring them together.”

The fan truth Flatley refers to is of McDonald’s as a congenial gathering place, a common experience for so many people. “Sylvie’s storyline perfectly aligned with how we think about our brand in terms of providing comfort and familiarity,” says Flatley. Familiarity is the key to the emotion of nostalgia and shelter that Wright was aiming for in the story.

That same familiarity is indicative of a brand so ubiquitous, it’s become a cultural touchpoint. Hence all the McDonald’s references in TV and movies. There’s a reason McDowell’s works as such a big bit in the classic comedy Coming to America. We all get it.

That all sounds great, but many brands get nervous or overprotective when they aren’t in full control of the creative. Not that long ago, McDonald’s was among them. The success of Famous Orders, allowing artists and partners like Cactus Plant Flea Market to play with its brand logos and characters, and the passionate response from fans—along with the sold-out merch and boosted sales—has given Flatley and the brand more confidence than ever in what she calls “sharing the pen.”

“I’ve become a big believer that if we lean into the right kind of creators in the right cultural phenomenon, and loosen some of our control on the brand, magic will happen,” says Flatley. “A few years ago, I don’t know that we would have felt as comfortable handing over key aspects of our brand to be part of a storyline like this, but today we’re really aware of the authenticity of our brand and the role that it can play.”

Wright is very familiar with the pitfalls of ill-conceived brand partnerships, and the impact they can have. “Wayne’s World was making fun of this stuff 30 years ago,” says Wright. “When it’s done poorly, it looks like business not driven by story. I don’t think that was ever a concern for us, mainly because we knew it was being driven by our story, and the more McDonald’s partnered with us, the better we were able to service the story.”

Multiversal marketing? Let’s see McDowell’s try that.

[linuxgamenews]

Discover Thrones of Decay: New Lords, Units, and Features for Total War: WARHAMMER III

Thrones of Decay is the latest game DLC pack for Total War: WARHAMMER III on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to CREATIVE ASSEMBLY and Feral Interactive for their incredible work. Due to make its way onto Steam. Big news for Total War: WARHAMMER III fans. SEGA Europe Limited and The Creative Assembly Limited just announced the latest DLC pack, Thrones of Decay, due to release on April 30th. It also adds a ton of fresh content for the Empire, Nurgle, and Dwarfs. Think legendary lords, battle units, campaign features – it's a fully packed game update. And Feral Interactive also continues to keep up with Linux ports.

Elspeth

Let's start with Elspeth Von Draken from the Empire in Thrones of Decay. She’s a powerhouse Amethyst Wizard, teetering on the brink of life and death. What's special is that she brings some unique campaign features. For instance, the Imperial Gunnery School in Wissenland & Nuln lets you upgrade units and get powerful abilities in exchange for Schematics you earn in battle. Then there's the Gardens of Morr, these are fast-travel points across Empire settlements, but they also come with a cost and cool down. In battle, Elspeth is a force to be reckoned with. She rides a Carmine Dragon and uses her magical skills to control the battlefield before diving into the fray. The Empire also gets a boost with new units like the Marienburg Landship, Steam Tank Volley Gun, and more. Theodore Bruckner, as a Legendary Hero, is particularly impressive.

Total War: WARHAMMER III - Thrones of Decay Game Trailer

Tamurkhan

Now, onto Nurgle’s champion, Tamurkhan, the Maggot Lord. A sentient maggot in a rotting Ogre Tyrant's corpse – that’s Tamurkhan. His goal? Spread death and disease everywhere. His campaign features include Tamurkhan’s Chieftains, where he gathers a warhost while dominating and recruiting warlords. In battle, he's also a juggernaut, riding a Toad Dragon and wielding a two-headed axe. His ability, Feast of the Maggot Lord, deals damage to enemies even as he’s down, keeping him in action longer. In Thrones of Decay, Nurgle's forces get support with new units like Plague Ogres, Rot Knights, and Toad Dragons.

Malakai

For the Dwarfs, we have Malakai Makaisson, the Slayer Engineer. He's a mix of smarts and strength, looking for redemption through a valiant death. He brings things like the Spirit of Grungi, an upgradable airborne machine that also increases his combat skills. Malakai's Adventures let him test and improve his engineering inventions in dangerous battles. His battle style? A perfect mix of range and close combat, due to use everything from explosives to shotguns and even a huge spanner. Dwarf ranks are enhanced with new units like the Daemonslayer, Dragonslayer, and Doomseekers. And let’s not forget the Slayer Pirates – they sound like a blast! Thrones of Decay also comes with Patch 5.0, adding free content, quality of life upgrades, and bug fixes. So expect a new Legendary Lord, a Hero unit, the Nemesis Crown campaign feature, and campaign reworks for the Empire, Dwarfs, and Nurgle. This DLC can be purchased as a pack or individually, which is great for flexibility. Total War: WARHAMMER III is shaping up to be a solid update and I look forward to diving into new features and units. Stay tuned for more updates, and let's get ready to experience this epic expansion. Be sure to Wishlist each including Elspeth on Steam, Malakai on Steam, and Tamurkhan on Steam. Coming to Linux, Mac, and Windows PC on April 30th.

[heckyeahponyscans]

In my search for info about the Oldsmobile ad campaign, I came across this blog post:

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The story of “not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Or how some really bad advertising changed the culture forever!

October 14, 2008

Time for a story boys and girls. It’s a tale that requires we go back 20 years, before copywriters had Macs, before email, before I lost my hair. This story harkens back to a day when Oldsmobiles roamed the earth. And their commercials filled the airwaves. I should know; I made some of them. Including the campaign that served as Olds’ final and famous (infamous?) death gasp: “Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile.”

 Dad’s was better.

The line has become a pop culture catch phrase, in the same ilk –albeit attached to worse advertising-as “Got Milk?”  Both slogans have been co-opted literally hundreds of times, far outlasting their original intent. Try reading your morning paper and not finding a variation on either line. For example, about a candidate: “This is not your father’s Democrat.”  About a technological innovation: “This is not your mother’s sewing machine.” And so on. Sadly enough, more Americans are familiar with the Olds’ slogan than of Shakespeare’s finest sonnets. Way more.

A soft-spoken creative director by the name of Joel Machak wrote that famous line. I actually came up with the campaign’s tag: “The New Generation of Olds.” Both pieces were intended as lyrics. That’s right, a jingle! As a matter of fact, I was brought in to help Joel come up with the refrain. The piece went together as follows (sing along):

       This is not your father’s Oldsmobile…This is the new generation of Olds.

Pretty spiffy, eh? The word “generation” was key. If you recall, each commercial featured a celebrity and one of his or her offspring. This is why the campaign is so damn silly. Outside of a morbid fascination with ogling Ringo Starr’s purple-haired daughter or Dave Brubeck’s motley looking brothers, placing the kin of “B” and “C” celebrities on camera was pure folly. Though I will concede we anticipated Reality TV by 10 years! If you do nothing else today, go to the above link. Trust me.

Where’s my Cutlass Supreme?

The very first spot was for the “totally redesigned Cutlass Supreme.” The protagonist for this commercial was none other than William Shatner, appearing as; you guessed it, Captain Kirk! Riding shotgun was his lovely college-aged daughter, Melanie Shatner. A middling actress, she was pretty darn cute. She also was well endowed. And this became problematic given her wardrobe and where we were shooting. It gets damn cold in the Palm Desert at night. The diaphanous gown provided Melanie was meant to be futuristic a la Star Trek, but it did nothing to warm her up. Subsequently, her nipples went completely rigid, sticking up like Spock’s ears.

beam me up, Scotty!

While this may sound lurid and comical now, at the time (3 AM) it was a “situation.” Imagine the middle-aged suit from GM, replete in a satin Oldsmobile Racing Team jacket, making his way over to the director. “Excuse me, but we can see her nipples!”  Given we’d already shot scenes of Melanie in the gown, a wardrobe change was not possible. The solution? Duct tape. And thus her cleavage had a silver lining.

The other moment I’ll never forget was a captured piece of dialogue (unscripted) between William and his daughter. Between takes, they were side by side in the white Cutlass. Unbeknown to either, the mic was still on. Listening to Captain Kirk school his daughter about the virtues of pep and sleeping pills as a key to nighttime shooting was priceless. What a Dad. What a cad. In a way, it preceded his Emmy-winning turn as Danny Crane by some 20 years.

I know this is trifling gossip, and long past its vintage. But like everyone else, I’m beaten down from our grim economy and an evermore-depressing election. Not to mention the woes of Chicago’s sports franchises… When I was new I used to love listening to the old-timers tell bawdy stories from their shoots. Now that I have a few under my belt, I figured we could all use a respite.

----

As a post-script: in 2021 the writer returned to his blog after fifteen years away. He explained that he had dropped out of the advertising biz and become a substance abuse counselor. He began work just as Covid broke out. Wow! I find that inspiring! He also has a Youtube channel devoted to his aquarium hobby, check it out here!

[ocularpatdowns]

someone on tiktok took that homophobic ron desantis campaign ad and edited out all the trump shots and slowed it down and set it to boyz ii men and unfortunately it looks exactly like something mac would make in imovie

[bawwsadface]

Liberals Don't Learn

we live in categorically Tough Times. the climate disaster is already happening, the least educated, most mentally deteriorating elderly cronies in the world are holding the lock and key to the nuclear codes, homelessness rates are skyrocketing, and the big mac costs 10 dollars.

it probably seems like an easy time to give up. probably seems like the perfect storm for apathy. and it has proven to be for many. but in the wake of trump's re-election, i've noticed an effervescent attitude bubbling among my peers. folks far left of the political establishment. folks who have taken enough drives around the same traffic circle to see the plays get run over before they even come. there's been a sense of "well, better keep on trucking i guess."

because we are all educated enough to know better by now. it's still frustrating to see, sure. upsetting to watch the country's full blown descent into fascism that's been happening since 9/11 crystalize before our eyes. we know that they know that we know and they just don't care. but we can't pretend anymore that it's a surprise.

because we know better, we know to not let it be such a heavy weight on our shoulders. we will fight back. we will organize. we will do everything we can within our abilities to strengthen our communities. to grow what is small, what is local, what is huddled together into a stronger coalition. one that may not entirely beat the man, but can stand toe to toe with him when push comes to shove. and that's what matters. so we truck on through. we are all over this. we are all better than this. we need to focus on what makes us human and learn to nurture it.

and i get it, it's tempting to dig into the weeds. to want to play political strategist and history teacher and point fingers. act like any of the third party votes, when fully added up would've swung any of the states she lost (they wouldn't have). or to call people who have checked out of the process altogether privileged cowards. suggest that kamala's nonstarter nature was because she was a black woman. or to handwring about putting aside the politics of a cop who openly supported her administration's genocide because it would be an election that supposedly "saved democracy." oh you mean like the last one? the one before that? and the ones before those as well?

don't look for blame among your peers. those are the very same people you should be trying to rally with. besides, it's pretty easy to see when you take one or two steps back, that it is and has always been the dems and liberals fault that they can't govern. that simpsons joke has remained evergreen since 1994.

learning that the dems predicted a far less gracious turnout for their candidate then ran her anyway? it's no surprise. seeing that they stonewalled any objection to keeping someone with declining mental faculties in the white house just so they wouldn't open up a primary in his wake? you know one where, god forbid, one of their own who actually had a platform could run a successful campaign? yeah that tracks.

listen man, i've been voting for just long enough (since 2012) that i can recognize that even in the two administrations where the liberal establishment seemed like it was "winning", all these problems were still there making them fumble. clinton was a centrist with a house that hated him. obama refused to push any progressive moves thru congress even when he had the doors wide open to do so. and they still expected us to come crawling back and check that same ballot box every four years and then shut up and stop listening in the interim.

i think we're all within our rights to be fed up with it all. and to be so used to the same blows coming that a fascist getting re-elected is just puffing past us like smoke. why would it surprise anyone at this point?

your time is better spent advocating for your community. go volunteer at planned parenthood. go support local meal programs for your neighborhood. share resources openly. get a library card. find a friend who's a teacher or a student and share access to their educational materials. give your time and your energy and your money when you are able to the people that matter. the people that make up your every day that you actually live. and remember to rest and keep yourself nourished along the way.

even after everything, i can still believe in that.

[daveg65]

316 - You Need a Separate Bed for Your Apple Watch

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guest Mike Potter, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet. We welcome back Jeff and he gives experiences at the Macstock event. Beta this week. iOS 17.6 RC was released along with iOS 18 developer Beta 4 and Public Beta 2. in Apple Music using generative AI, We delve into the new standalone Passwords app in iOS 18, focusing on its streamlined features for password management and its potential impact on third-party password managers like 1Password. Marty talks about VisionOS 2 Beta 3 and WatchOS 11 Beta 4. WatchOS 11 adds sleep data collection and he thinks his watch needs its own bed. LOL.Mike gives updates on Macstock Digital pass plus more.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com


Direct Link to Audio 

Links to our Show

Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it!

Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee 

Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios

Website: In Touch With iOS

YouTube Channel

In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard

Facebook Page

Mastadon

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Instagram

Threads

Spoutible

Topics

Beta this week. iOS 17.6 RC was released along with iOS 18 developer Beta 4 and Public Beta 2. 

Apple Seeds iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 Release Candidates to Developers

Apple Seeds watchOS 10.6 Release Candidate to Developers

Apple Seeds tvOS 17.6 Release Candidate to Developers

Apple Releases visionOS 1.3 Release Candidate to Developers

Apple Seeds macOS Sonoma 14.6 Release Candidate to Developers

Apple Seeds Fourth Betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to Developers

Apple Seeds Fourth Beta of watchOS 11 to Developers

Apple Seeds Fourth Beta of macOS Sequoia to Developers

Apple Seeds Fourth visionOS 2 Beta to Developers

Apple Seeds Second tvOS 18 Public Beta - MacRumors

Apple Releases Second watchOS 11 Public Beta With Vitals App and More

Reminders in iOS 18 can now live inside the Calendar app, bringing two key productivity tools together

Apple Releases Second macOS Sequoia Public Beta With iPhone Mirroring and More

iOS 18 beta releApple Releases Second macOS Sequoia Public Beta With iPhone Mirroring and More

iOS 18 beta release schedule: Here’s when to expect new betas 

Everything New in iOS 18 Beta 4

You Can Change iPhone Mirroring Window Size in macOS Sequoia Beta 4

Apple Intelligence Features Still Coming in Later iOS 18 Developer Beta

Apple Vision Pro Gains New Lake Vrangla Environment

Jeff’s macstock Insights he missed. 

Apple Intelligence to Generate Playlist Artwork in iOS 18

iOS 18 Passwords App: All the Features

Mike’s Password App Strongbox 

Apple Launches New Safari Ad Campaign: 'A Browser That's Actually Private'

Reminders in iOS 18 can now live inside the Calendar app, bringing two key productivity tools together

News

Apple Intelligence Not Trained on YouTube Content, Says Apple

Apple Looking to License More Movies to Expand Apple TV+ Library

Apple Maps Now Available on the Web Not Firefox Maps on the web is compatible with these web browsers

Announcements

Macstock 8 wrapped up for 2024. But you can purchase the digital pass and still see the great talks we had including Dave talking about Apple Services and more. Content should be available in August - September.  Click here for more information: Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo with discounts on previous events. 

Our Host

Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastadon @daveg65, and the show @intouchwithios

  Our Regular Contributors

Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s managing editor, and Smile’s TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet as well as Twitter and Instagram as @jgamet  His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet

Ben Roethig Former Associate Editor of GeekBeat.TV and host of the Tech Hangout and Deconstruct with Patrice  Mac user since the mid 90s. Tech support specialist. Twitter @benroethig  Website: https://roethigtech.blogspot.com

Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social  https://thepodtalk.net 

About our Guest

Mike Potter is the organizer of Macstock Conference: and the host of the For Mac Eyes Only Podcast. You can reach him on Mastodon: https://tooting.ninja/@formaceyesonly https://tooting.ninja/@macstockexpo

Here is our latest Episode!

[socialit36]

Best Video Editing Tools for Collaboration in 2024

In today's fast-paced digital world, the demand for high-quality video content is soaring, and social media platforms are the primary stages for this visual storytelling. For businesses and content creators in India, collaboration in video editing is crucial for producing engaging and professional content. This blog explores the best video editing tools for collaboration in 2024, ensuring your team can work together seamlessly, no matter where they are.

Why Collaborative Video Editing is Important

Collaboration in video editing allows multiple team members to contribute their unique skills and ideas, resulting in more polished and creative content. Whether you're working on a marketing campaign, a YouTube series, or social media ads, collaborative tools help streamline the workflow, improve efficiency, and ensure consistency.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global video editing software market size is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for video content and the need for efficient collaboration tools.

Top 10 Video Editing Tools for Collaboration in 2024

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading video editing software used by professionals worldwide. It offers robust collaboration features through Adobe Creative Cloud, allowing team members to work on projects simultaneously. Real-time collaboration, version control, and cloud storage make it a top choice for teams.

Final Cut Pro X

Apple's Final Cut Pro X is a powerful tool for Mac users. Its magnetic timeline and advanced organizational tools facilitate seamless collaboration. Teams can share libraries and work on the same project without worrying about file compatibility issues.

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve by Blackmagic Design is renowned for its color correction capabilities and collaborative features. The software includes a dedicated collaboration panel, enabling editors, colorists, and sound designers to work together in real time.

Avid Media Composer

Avid Media Composer is a professional-grade video editing tool used in the film and television industry. Its collaborative features, such as shared storage solutions and project sharing, make it ideal for large teams working on complex projects.

Frame.io

Frame.io is a cloud-based video review and collaboration platform that integrates with popular editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X. It allows team members to upload, review, and comment on video projects, streamlining the feedback process.

WeVideo

WeVideo is a user-friendly, cloud-based video editing platform perfect for teams with varying levels of expertise. Its collaborative features include real-time editing, cloud storage, and easy sharing options, making it suitable for educational institutions and small businesses.

Cinegy

Cinegy offers a range of collaborative tools designed for broadcast and post-production environments. Its Cinegy Workspace allows multiple users to access and edit video content simultaneously, ensuring efficient teamwork.

HitFilm Pro

HitFilm Pro combines video editing and visual effects, making it a versatile tool for content creators. Its collaboration features include project sharing and cloud storage, allowing teams to work together seamlessly.

Lightworks

Lightworks is a professional video editing software with a focus on collaboration. It offers shared projects, real-time editing, and integrated cloud storage, making it a great choice for remote teams.

Kdenlive

Kdenlive is an open-source video editing tool with a growing user base. Its collaborative features, such as project sharing and multi-user support, make it a cost-effective option for teams looking to create high-quality video content.

Conclusion

Collaborative video editing tools are essential for producing high-quality content efficiently and effectively. Whether you're a small business, a content creator, or part of a large production team in India, these tools will help you streamline your workflow, enhance creativity, and produce professional-grade videos.

Investing in the right video editing tool can make all the difference in your collaborative efforts. Choose a tool that best fits your team's needs and start creating exceptional content today.

[ahmedreviews]

VidMails AI Review – Send Unlimited Text, Voice & Video Emails + Lifetime Access

VidMails AI Review

World’s First Video & Audio Email Marketing App

Welcome to my VidMails AI Review, Today I will discuss about the features, demo, price, upgrades, free booster bonuses, and how VidMails AI can benefit you. This brand new Google and Yahoo-friendly AI autoresponder sends unlimited text, Voice and video emails to unlimited subscribers with built-in FAST servers and a guaranteed 99.4% inbox delivery rate, boosting your sales and conversion rate by 10x.

Audiences have shorter attention spans and are constantly bombarded with information. But creating high-quality videos can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, requiring specific skills and resources. This is where VidMails AI steps into the spotlight, promising an innovative solution. VidMails AI boasts the power of artificial intelligence to transform video marketing. It caters to a broad audience — marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to create professional videos without the complexities of traditional editing software. This introductory section sets the stage, highlighting the growing importance of video marketing and introducing VidMails AI as a potential game-changer.

VidMails AI Review: What Is VidMails AI?

VidMails AI is a cloud-based software application designed to revolutionize video marketing through the power of artificial intelligence. It caters to marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to create professional-looking videos without the need for extensive design or editing expertise.

The software’s core functionality lies in its ability to convert text content into engaging videos. Simply provide your script or message, and VidMails AI utilizes AI to generate a corresponding video. It offers a library of pre-built templates encompassing various styles and themes, allowing you to choose a starting point that aligns with your video goals. VidMails AI goes beyond basic text-to-video conversion. It boasts an AI-powered voiceover artist feature, eliminating the need to hire external voice talent. You can select from different voices and intonations to narrate your script, adding another layer of professionalism to your videos. The software even offers a basic drag-and-drop editor, allowing you to personalize your videos further by incorporating your own images, videos, and music.

VidMails Ai Review 2024 — What is it?

VidMails AI is an online tool that works on any device, be it Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. It’s the first of its kind globally, allowing you to send unlimited text, voice, and video emails to as many subscribers as you want, thanks to its super-fast servers.

Plus, it boasts a 99.4% inbox delivery rate with its user-friendly AI autoresponder. This innovative email service lets you embed videos and voice messages directly into your emails, skyrocketing your sales and conversions by 10 times with just three easy steps:

Simply click on any button on the page to get VidMails AI, then log in to the dashboard.

Pick a pre-made email template or craft your own using the intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

Select your recipients and hit ‘send’ to start boosting your sales. Enjoy the results!

VidMails AI Review 2023 — Features and Benefit

VIDMAILS AI OTO – IS IT WORTH BUYING?

VidMails AI is so powerful.

Unlimited Imports You can import as many lists as you’d like at once. This is helpful for segmentation, and emailing to lists in different niches.

Unlimited Campaigns Construct infinite campaigns using our drag-and-drop editor, or edit our beautiful done-for-you templates

Unlimited Contacts Whether you have 100, 1000, or 100,000 contacts, your email list can be uploaded to VidMails AI. There are no limits.

Unlimited Broadcasters Send out & schedule as many broadcasts as you’d like with VidMails AI.

1. VIDMAILS AI WEB APP

You can send emails from any device that’s connected to the internet, such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone

2. VIDMAILS AI EMAIL BUILDER

Put together beautiful emails for your subscribers using the drag-and-drop email builder inside of VidMails AI. You’re getting all the tools you need to blow away your subscribers.

3. VIDMAILS AI SMART SENDER

This is the secret sauce of VidMails AI. It lets you go under the radar, and bypass the spam filters of Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and more

4. VIDMAILS AI DFY TEMPLATES

Don’t have much time on your hands? No problem! Tweak our wide collection of done-for-you email templates to your liking, and hit send

5. VIDMAILS AI SUPPORT

If you have any questions or have any issues, you can contact our support. We will be more than happy to quickly assist you

[linuxgamenews]

Get Geneforge 2 - Infestation: The Enhanced RPG Experience

Geneforge 2 - Infestation open-ended adventure game is playable on Linux via Proton with Windows PC and Mac. Thanks to the skilled team at Spiderweb Software for making this happen. Available on both Steam and GOG. If you're into RPGs and looking for something new to dive into, check this out: Geneforge 2 - Infestation has just landed on PC and Mac, and it's playable on Linux. This isn't just any release; it's a complete overhaul of the cult favorite "Geneforge 2" from 2003.

All of our games run well under WINE emulation. We’ve done it in the past, and I’m afraid they don’t sell.

Although Spiderweb Software doesn't offer native ports, their games are compatible with WINE, which extends to Proton too. It's a bit of a letdown not to have a native build, but at least there's a workaround for Linux players. The team at Spiderweb Software has gone all out here, expanding on the original into Geneforge 2 - Infestation. Along with added storylines, quests, and adventures, not to mention a slick, updated UI. But don't worry, they've kept all the elements that made fans like the original. It's all about striking that balance between the new and the nostalgic, and it looks like they've nailed it.

Geneforge 2 - Infestation Trailer

You get to play as Shapers, incredibly powerful wizards with the ability to create life. The twist? Your creations, once loyal, are now rebelling. Caught in the middle, you're faced with a huge decision: support the Shapers or join forces with the rebels. It's a complex setup that offers a ton of freedom in how you approach the situation. The enthusiasm for the Geneforge 2 - Infestation release is a given. A hugely successful Kickstarter campaign raised over $76,500, thanks to more than 1,500 backers. This support has allowed the developers to pack in even more content. We're talking about over 50 hours of playtime, multiple endings, and loads of replay potential. Whether you're into direct combat or prefer a more strategic, diplomatic approach, there's a playstyle for everyone. And choices matter here; they shape the world and your experience. Geneforge 2 - Infestation isn't just a simple touch-up; it's a full revamp with new areas, quests, characters, and dialogue. The team has reworked everything to bring it up to modern standards without losing the charm of the original. Jeff Vogel, the founder of Spiderweb Software, sums it up well. He's a veteran in the industry, and "Geneforge 2" is one of their biggest successes. According to him, the depth and variety in player choices. Such as being able to go through the entire thing without fighting. While making it stand out even two decades later. So, if you're on the hunt for a solid, old-school open-ended adventure game with a fantastic story and lots of freedom, Geneforge 2 - Infestation is definitely worth checking out. It's available right now Windows PC and Mac, but playable on Linux via Proton on Steam and GOG. Priced at $16.99 USD / £14.23 / 16,57€ with the 15% discount.

[johnnyrobish]

Trump Takes to Truth Social to Spread ‘Roomer’ About Ron DeSantis

Former president Donald Trump just shared some juicy gossip about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on his Truth Social platform.  Trump posted, “Roomer (sic) are (sic) strong in political circles that Ron DeSanctimonious, whose Presidential run is a shambles, and whose poll numbers have absolutely crashed, putting him 3rd and 4th in some states, will be dropping out of the Presidential race in order to run, in Florida, against Rick Scott for Senate.  Now that’s an interesting one, isn’t it?”

Gee, Donald Trump spreading “roomers?”  Say it ain’t so!  Now, me thinks perhaps that prestigious Wharton School of Business Trump attended might want to consider adding some basic 3rd-grade spelling classes to its curriculum.  Apparently, Trump is stalled at that level of language development where he is still spelling words phonetically.  Why his poor spelling makes him look like a real “looser.”  Frankly, I’m not sure its a wise choice for Republicans to choose a standard bearer who’d get his ass kicked by Dan Quayle in a spelling bee.  Of course, and in his defense, Trump did spell “DeSanctimonious” correctly, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Roomers” album is a rock classic.  

That said, this whole spelling fiasco makes me wonder if Trump is still spreading those “roomers” about a “stolen erection?”  The truth is - even though there’s some pretty solid evidence the 2016 Trump campaign “colluded with the Russians,” Trump’s post makes it crystal clear he could never be accused of “colluding with a dictionary.”  Now, I hate to sound alarmist, but it kind of sounds like Trump may have some kind of incurable “brain toomer.”  Let us not forget this is a guy who wanted to use nuclear weapons against hurricanes.  Of course, Republicans don’t care what a politician has done or stands for, just as long as there’s an “R” associated with their name.  Hey, maybe R. Kelly should consider a run for VP?  After all, he and Trump sure seem to have a helluva lot in common.

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve just read, please consider joining me at:

[charmac]

To be honest, I think everyone does know this and it’s something that’s nice to assure to yourself and others, for sure. Like yes they are canonically in a relationship with insane feelings and you can talk and talk and talk for hours about it and posts do numbers when they’re just, canon scenes of Dennis looking at Mac or doing extremely gay shit. But at the end of the day, the majority of the people watching this show would laugh in your face if you told them Dennis has feelings for Mac.

I say this because I was one of those people who, for over 2 years, loved this show but never understood what people were saying when they said Dennis wasn’t straight, when they said Dennis likes Mac. (Like what, lol, Dennis hates Mac, if he ever slept with him it would be just for sex, just to manipulate him, he doesn’t have feelings for the guy whatsoever.) Queer Dennis truthers seemed like ‘insane shippers’ to me, someone who shipped fucking Destiel for a decade.

And then I interacted with fandom and I saw edits, and gifs, and writing, explanation of meta and scenes and parallels and it was like Dennis has been in front of me on a platter for years, a covered plate and someone told me ‘here’s your steak’ and I said, ‘alright, buddy, that’s clearly just dishware,’ and sat there with my potato thinking everyone was a little delusional talking about how good the steak was tonight, because there wasn’t any fucking steak. Dinner was fine, but c’mon that’s not steak. And then one day someone came up to me and said, ‘Hey, try uncovering it. Lift the top off the plate.’ And there it was, a fucking steak I could cut to pieces and sink my teeth in, warping my whole perception of dinner.

Maybe I was pretty fucking stupid, personally blind for awhile, but I didn’t want to be. I didn’t want to not see it, I just, couldn’t fucking see it until I was shown. And let’s be honest, a lot of people who watch this show are stupid to pretty varying degrees.

So when people are annoyingly complaining Macdennis is ‘not canon’ or begging RCG to just full-send commit, complaining of the slow burn being a little too slow, that everything’s just a degree too subtle, that there’s some criticisms of whatever Dennis is, it’s not because we don’t see Macdennis as canon, or we want to see them raw on screen, but because the majority of the fans can’t see it without being told, without being shown. I complain and campaign for everyone in my position 3 years ago, who would really fucking get it if someone held their hand and lifted the lid, but no one is, so RCG need to go fucking do it.

(And there’s always the added bonus that the horde of misogynistic transphobic homophobic fans who watch this show and interact with it on a daily basis would instantly be thwarted (and most would fuck off) if we had explicit, canon Macdennis.)

Personally I’m at a point where I really would be fine if the show ended without them sucking or fucking or just kissing or even with no actual dialogue revealling they’ve banged, but that doesn’t do much for everyone else, and it makes me hurt a little.

For Sunny to end, go down as a beginning to end beautiful 20-year-long story that 80% or more of people will tune into, watch all the way through, and walk away from confidently saying ‘Yeah Dennis is straight and hates Mac’ fucking infuriates me, and I just won’t stand for it, so imma continue to be a little annoying about canon Macdennis (well, for now obviously we’re riding the Dennis undeniably having feelings for Mac train, but ik you’re all in the car with me)

macdennis shippers are annoying because they're always like "is it gonna be cannon?" ...when it's already cannon. There are commentaries where they agree they have a "gay thing" going on... I mean, if they consummated it or not, it is already very much cannon (and Dennis prefers a slow burn seduction with lots of preamble, even for one or two night stands he has a multi-step process, so for the LOVE OF HIS LIFE of course he's going give Mac an epic slow burn romancing for the ages, spanning decades and continents.) "when will it be cannon" IT'S UNFOLDING RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. HAS BEEN THE WHOLE TIME. Newsflash assholes...

[sweetandbratty]

 Inbound marketing vs. digital marketing

Digital Marketing Tactics and Channels

Digital Marketing is the use of numerous digital tactics and channels to connect with customers where they spend much of their time – online.

It allows brands to target consumers across the globe in a more personalized manner than with traditional marketing. Before starting a campaign, it’s important to identify your target audience and create a budget to ensure that you’re spending your money effectively towards your goals.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the process of improving your website to increase its visibility in search results produced by major search engines like Google and Bing. Increasing your website's visibility in SERPs increases your organic traffic, which means more leads and sales for your business.

To do this, you need to create and optimize content that is relevant to your target audience's searches. This includes keywords, meta descriptions, headlines (H1), URLs, and other elements that can impact your site's ranking in SERPs.

Search engine optimization is also about offering the best possible experience for users and delivering content that fulfills their search intent. If your goal is to bring in a large number of visitors who are looking for a recipe for quick and easy homemade mac and cheese, for example, you need to ensure that the pages on your site offer the best possible information and experiences for those visitors.

2. Social Media Marketing

Social Media Marketing (SMM) is a form of digital marketing that uses social media platforms to promote products and services. It involves building a community of followers who will share and engage with the company's content.

Many organizations use SMM to attract new customers and cultivate existing ones. However, this type of marketing requires time and strategic know-how to make it successful.

Businesses need to build a strategy that includes organic posts and paid ads. This entails using analytics and reporting features to determine who page followers are, what they're interested in and how to reach them.

Marketers also use specialized tools to create paid ads that target specific audiences based on demographic information, behavior and other factors. These features can be expensive, but they can help a business achieve its goals.

Social media platforms are also a great place to engage with users in real time. By creating conversations and answering user questions, companies can build brand awareness and loyalty. Moreover, they can access new marketing data that can be used to improve their strategy.

3. Email Marketing

Email marketing is a form of digital marketing that uses email to communicate with customers. It can be used to promote products, boost brand awareness, and increase sales.

Emails can also be used to promote new services and special offers. They can be sent to current customers or potential ones.

The best way to use email is to create a strategy that focuses on your goals and then use it to meet them. You can then track your results, like your open rate, click-through rates, and conversion rates.

To start, make sure you have a sign-up form on your website or on your social media pages that people can easily fill out to get emails from you. Once they submit their information, you can send them emails regularly that provide value or encourage them to take action.

Emails are one of the most effective marketing channels and are a great way to engage with your audience and get them to do business with you. However, you need to ensure that your emails are relevant and interesting for your audience. Otherwise, you might find that your open rates are low or your unsubscribes are high.

4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

PPC is an online advertising model in which a business pays a publisher, such as Google or Facebook, for each click on their ad. It is a great option for brands that want to reach a specific audience and drive sales.

PPC ads typically appear in the form of sponsored content or display ads on search engine results pages (SERPs). They’re also found on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Depending on the type of business, PPC can be used to generate leads or increase brand awareness. Your goals will determine the types of ads you choose and how much you’ll spend.

A common example is a shopping ad, which contains a product title, image and price, along with the ability to click through to your website for more information. These can be generated through PPC platforms, such as Google Ads and Bing Ads, which require a product data feed from your eCommerce site.

5. Mobile Marketing

Mobile Marketing is a type of digital marketing that targets customers on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices. It involves reaching your audience through a variety of channels, including websites, email, SMS and MMS, social media, and mobile applications.

The main goal of mobile marketing is to engage customers and keep them informed about your business. This is done by offering relevant content that relates to the customer’s location or time.

This strategy also helps businesses to maintain relationships with their clients by delivering special offers, updates on new products, and other important information. It also allows them to share relevant content with their target audiences on a number of platforms, including push notifications, SMS, and in-app messaging.

This marketing strategy also makes use of geofencing and location services to send messages at certain times, such as when a customer walks into a store. This is helpful for both local and national companies, as it allows them to reach their customers at the most appropriate time. Ultimately, this strategy is a great way to increase brand awareness and sales.

6. Video Marketing

Video marketing is a powerful tool that helps you explain products in detail. It also helps you increase your traffic and reach a larger audience. However, it is important to keep in mind that you should only produce quality videos.

Creating an effective video marketing strategy is essential for businesses that want to stand out from their competition. It starts with defining goals and putting a plan in place.

You should use a data-led approach to design your strategy and track success as you go. This will help you iterate quickly and ensure your videos are working for you.

Once you’ve decided on your goals, it’s time to plan out your video(s). This will include identifying which type of video will work best for your business and determining what metrics you’ll track.

You’ll also need to plan out the content you’ll use in your videos, including the story and core values of your brand. These elements can make or break your video. Taking the time to research your audience and develop a strong narrative can help you stand out from the competition.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of online marketing where you earn commissions for promoting other people's products. This can be done on your own website or social media platforms.

First, you need to choose a niche and find products that are relevant to your target audience. This is the most important step because it will help you determine which marketing strategies to use to promote your product.

Next, you need to sign up for an affiliate program and find brands that you want to partner with. Choosing the right affiliate programs will make your job easier and will increase your chances of generating revenue.

Once you've joined an affiliate program, you need to create content that will attract your target audience. This can be in the form of a blog post, newsletter, or social post.

A successful affiliate marketing business takes time and dedication. It also requires a wide range of skills, including writing, marketing, presentation, and videography.

8. Content Marketing

Content marketing is a type of digital marketing strategy that uses information to develop brand awareness and attract customers. It’s a holistic approach that integrates with other marketing strategies, such as SEO and social media.

Content marketing typically includes blogging and writing informative articles, sharing pictures and videos, and using various social media advertising techniques. It also focuses on providing value to your audience in order to build trust and a relationship with them.

A strong content marketing strategy should encourage your audience to take action. This may be to sign up for your email list, buy a product, or register for a service.

To get the most out of your content marketing strategy, set goals for it and track how your efforts are performing. Then, make adjustments based on your results. To help you do this, you can use tools such as DemandJump to connect your sales and marketing data so that you can find out what content is generating leads and driving sales. This will ensure that you’re optimizing your content marketing to its full potential.

[the-firebird69]

Watch "Kikker 5150 hardknok HK-III" on YouTube

Well pleased to reintroduce the Hard knock kicker 5150 line of motorcycles for sale now globally and we are available online to take your order. We're looking for store locations if you would like to offer one we are interested in franchisees and we do have deals on bulk orders and small bulk orders for those interested in becoming a distributor so please feel free to use our website and enjoy have a good time riding.

The bikes are available in three sizes no, we do have a smaller size but this is pretty much the large size that we sell most of and the smaller sizes for smaller people. And this is a 250cc but our motors are larger and faster a lot faster.

Thor Freya

I want to sell these in store so I'm going to open one and you said they're looking for a franchisees so Im going to open a store. I have a location and everything and main is closed the state but they do have all those shoe company buildings and yes I thought of it and he's amazed it's greatness and I'm putting my proposal together. They are saying yes already but they haven't seen what I'm thinking and he's curious. I want to take the stores and plop them all over the United States I have a plan of approach to attack and systematic and he'll think that I'm nuts but I want to put them in Florida using those resort places that never sold and see them sitting there empty I just prep them move them. And the best part is to try and get them to one and can't get there so keep trying lol. He likes it. They do. Thor Freya approve it. We move on it now

Hera

Great idea!

And I need some

Zues

You shall have some

Hera

We approve

Olympus

Good. I see it too. Cheap buildings and re used and inexpensive as is the bike. Good. Needed this too

Thor

We ride too soon.

Freya

Lol on our brand new Hard knock 5150

Hera

Thank you Hera

Zues

You're welcome Zeus i see why, i revived it

Hera

Good too the best I see him too hey I'm sensitive now and felt it sad from loss so we revive it now advertise it

Thor Freya

Need this it up and out on now. We see why. We begin an ad campaign now all. Hardknocks style ok. Lol good we see it

Olympus

I post mine ok. Online and tagged. Put on my websites a button get funding per hit and on billboards in restaurants and more. Clubs etc bars especially

Hera

Me now I'm at a bar post it too

Zues on thier board hv cards too I resell. Bought 100 will sell 99. Good price too at suggested retail 1,850.00 I mk 200/bike

We do this I hv 300 I sell at retail 1,800.00 make 200/ bike now. Awesome lots say

Hera

We buy the bulk and I have 4,000 and I'm selling it 1750 and I made 200 a bike and and that's a lot of dough this is sold out already

Thor Freya

I'm at 40,000 and I'm selling them I make $300 a bike. And I'm sold out and I'm a millionaire

Zig

Me too, I sold out same numbers together made 2 million dollars

Zag

The buy them get a resale license and we can get those houses too and modify them today

Mac

I'm putting up a shop and it will be in Florida and it's going to sell like madness tons I said they want one.

Zues

Me too but in Arizona

Thor Freya

I'm setting up mine in California right now I know so probably a billion bikes and I made 200 bucks now I'll make probably 400 each and that's $400 billion dollars

Hera

And yes one shop has been known to sell that money bikes so you should get your franchise now

[thedurvin]

Okay so Mac Tonight started as a local ad campaign in California in 1986 (eventually picked up by the company as a national thing in 1988), while the 1990 movie “Nightbreed” was based on Clive Barker’s 1988 novella “Cabal��; I haven’t been able to tell yet if he’s in the book or was created for the movie, but since Barker was living in England at the time and it looks like the Mac Tonight campaign never went broader than the US, he was probably not familiar with the character and it is unlikely that the one was inspired by the other.

I wonder which came first, Mac Tonight or Moon Face from “Nightbreed”

[illylli]

Bite My Tongue (Pt. 1) | Eddie Munson x fem!Reader

→ Eddie’s never felt so enamoured with someone before he met you. The only problem is, your heart’s already spoken for. Still, the Dungeon Master of Hellfire Club has a plan to keep you close, even if he can’t have you.

→ 3k words: includes mentions of drug use, unrequited love (or is it?), sneaky touches

→ a/n: I’m hoping to make this into a multi-part series, so please comment if you’d like more + message me if you’d like to be added to the taglist. this is also my first fanfic so please feel free to send me any writing advice you have x

♫ mood: ‘no other heart’ by mac demarco

→ read part 2 | → read part 3

Eddie Munson doesn’t do flustered.

He doesn’t have time for dumb crushes, heart palpitations, or anything of the like. He had always scoffed at the heart-eyed, body-floating, jaw-dropping interpretations of attraction. The dramatization of which filled his ears with static as late-night cartoons hummed on the TV, the off-switch neglected while he greened out, having pushed the limit once again.

It was at such times that he felt dauntingly lonely. He flirted with just about anyone who spent more than 5 minutes with him, to feel something, anything. It was not for lack of wit which danced on his silver tongue that he failed to sway both women and men alike into growing fond of him. He would give up the chase before it began.

Maybe he’d set his standards too high. He was a secret lover of romance; he managed to convince the Hellfire Club not only into hosting a plethora of romantic subplots in their campaigns, but also that it was of their own accord and totally not planned out in detail prior by their Dungeon Master.

Still, he had yet to meet anyone who made him feel a fraction of the excitement that surged through his veins whenever the dice rolled in favour of a kiss. Fiction was far superior to reality, so much so that his mind was steeped in unrealistic expectations of perfectly timed confessions and sweeping romantic gestures.

He always searched for a secret beauty hidden amongst the rowdy bar crowd when he was strumming epic riffs for Corroded Coffin. His eyes always scanned the cafeteria for someone interesting to fall for. Time and time again, not a soul caught his eye, at least not in the way he was yearning for.

Which is why a mundane interaction in the Hawkins High parking lot caught him so off guard it had him rethinking his entire outlook on life.

“Eddie,” His name said in a huff, like a passing thought.

He had turned, a smirk already tugging the corners of his mouth, ready to exude cool indifference to whatever half-assed insult was about to be lugged his way. Instead, he felt his limbs go rigid as you stepped into his space, soft fingers following the curve of his ear as you tucked his hair back.

“You dropped your joint.”

“Yeah?“ He was stunned from the sudden contact, but more so from the fact that your touch had caused his eyes to start burning.

He reached up, tapping the twisted edge of the paper, then, so stiffly he thought you’d perhaps injected him with paralysing venom, he gave you a two-finger salute.

“Appreciate it, sweetheart.”

You gave a single nod, your textbooks clutched under taut knuckles. “Sure.”

With that you’d turned heel, and Eddie stood there like an idiot, crowds of people brushing past him as he watched your jock boyfriend open the car door for you, clicking open and closed, engine revving, reverberating in his heart, until he was left in the wake of burnt rubber and swirling dust clouds a changed man.

It didn’t make sense. You were nondescript, you were another face in the crowd, another hand raised in class, hidden behind the gossamer of the everyday.

“(Y/n) (Y/l/n)?”

Dustin looked unimpressed when Eddie had suggested the idea of gauging your interest in joining the club.

Eddie crossed his arms, knowing he could pull off nonchalance better than anyone else, yet his heart still hammered, reminding him he was not immune to the mention of you yet. “You know her?”

“Of course,” Mike interjected as he slid into the seat beside the two, his lunch tray clattering. “She’s always hanging out with Nancy.”

Eddie realised he was gnawing on his bottom lip when the two boys narrowed their eyes at him. He gave a little drumroll on the lunch table, hoping to distract them with the flourish of a newspaper. He cleared his throat as he straightened out The Weekly Streak, eyes darting to the place on the page he’d kept coming back to.

“In the Dead of the Night, chapter forty-two by (Y/n) (Y/l/n)…”

By the time he’d finished reading the story aloud, Mike and Dustin at least looked half interested.

“He going on about that newspaper chick again?” Gareth sighed as he took a seat, getting comfy as he reached for his juice box.

Eddie seized it first, holding it just out of reach as Gareth snatched for it.

“An astute observation, my friend, but surface level,” he placed the juice box down with a thump and flung an arm over his shoulder, pulling him close, his voice lowered, “You know I wouldn’t invite just anyone into Hellfire, so think a little with that great big brain o’ yours,” he nuzzled a knuckle against Gareth’s temple and he wriggled in Eddie’s grip.

“I don’t know,” he scrunched up his face.

“I’ll give you a hint,” Eddie raised a hand to the ceiling, fingers outstretched as he punctuated each word as he said “Year. Long. Campaign.”

“Impossible,” Jeff’s greeting was one of awe as he sat down, “There would be too much ground to cover. No one person can handle campaign that big.”

“Ding ding ding,” Eddie clapped succinctly, his excitement growing, “Though your assumption is humbling, it is correct. For such a grand journey, we’d need another master writer. Someone-“ Eddie tapped on your column in the newspaper, “who knows how to weave a narrative. Attention to detail, characters, subplots. She’s the one.”

Mike and Dustin looked at each other after taking in Eddie’s beaming façade.

Mike shrugged. “I can ask her if she’d be interested, next time she’s over my house.”

“No, no,” Eddie shook his head animatedly, “No. Wheeler, you have the charisma of a damp towel. I need to be there to convince her.” He pointed a ring-clad finger at the boy, “You call me as soon as she shows up and I’ll be there.”

Gareth perked up at Eddie’s enthusiasm. “There something we should know?”

Eddie gripped Gareth’s shoulder, just hard enough to be slightly threatening. “Only that you’re all about to be treated to the best damn adventure of your lives.”

Mike’s call came later that afternoon, passing on the information that you and Nancy had made a peculiar stop before going home. The ring of the landline echoed in Eddie’s head as he pulled out of the trailer park, his palms sweaty against the steering wheel of the van.

He wanted out of his mortal body. If he could’ve separated heart and soul, he would have, so that he could focus on the task at hand without freaking himself out.

What if you said no? What if you said yes? Why did he care?

He’d never gone so out of his way to recruit someone to Hellfire before, and maybe, if he allowed himself to admit it, it was because he was chasing that high only your touch had been able to give him.

Despite being surrounded by drugs in his tailer, he’d never been tempted to overindulge. He wasn’t an addict. But one close encounter with you and he was itching for his next hit. Suddenly the romance novels all made sense, and things that had never clicked before were falling into place, the once-obscured coming into view.

It was painfully cliché. He wanted to pull the steering wheel and wake up from whatever dream this was. But as he pulled up at the arcade, he felt that strange bubbling still within him, like he truly had woken up. He could see you through the window if he squinted, the class reflecting the sunset over your form. Nancy was nodding politely to whatever you were saying, though she looked out of place, much too mature for such a setting.

Eddie hopped out of the van, the chain on his wallet clinking as he approached the entrance. The door squealed on its hinges, but was immediately drowned out by the chatter and loud music, all out of sync as each machine carried its own game theme.

Nancy’s eyes followed the darting pinball as you attempted to rack up your points, but her gaze went smoothly from top to bottom.

Nancy gave you a tight smile, “Should we head back to mine and get started on brainstorming your next chapter?”

“Good idea,” you replied, your feigned up-beat tone fooling no one, including Nancy.

Eddie thought it a good moment to swoop in and save her from needing to say something peppy to pry you from the machine.

“This one taken?”

You blinked up at him, a slight frown forming in the split second before you realised who it was.

“We were just leaving,” you announced, taking a step away and motioning like you were offering up a gift.

“Y’know, it’s all about the timing,” he said, slipping a quarter into the slot. The pinball machine lit up again, a tinny jingle sounding as the balls were loaded up. Eddie’s rings clacked against the side as he waited patiently to launch the first one into the arena.

You hovered closer to him as you watched him flip the ball expertly, hitting the bumpers with ease to allot him more points.

Nancy exhaled loudly, drawing your attention.

“What’re you girls doing here anyway?” Eddie asked casually, trying to stall for time. “Didn’t take the illustrious journalist-writer duo for a bunch of arcade dwellers.”

He viewed your downtrodden expression in the reflection of the pinball machine glass.

“A bad case of writer’s block,” you revealed, “I thought, I don’t know, the excitement might spur something within me. But nope. Turns out the only thing evoked today was the truth of how bad I am at pinball.”

Eddie chuckled, the screen lighting up with an impressive score as he finished his playthrough. “I’d take future bestselling author over future pinball champion any day.”

He felt his soul go gooey as he watched your smile grow in the glass reflection.

“If only a person could be both,” you teased, then turned as Nancy called your name from the door, where she was now waiting.

Eddie caught your arm before you could leave, and immediately regretted it, meeting your eyes in a stomach-churning instant. He forgot how to talk for a few seconds, his brain lagging behind his hard-beating heart.

“Listen, (Y/n),” he started, balling his fist to rest on the machine as the lights went out, “I uh…” He met Nancy’s gaze and she rolled her eyes, but exited with a good-natured smile on her face. “Why don’t you play one more round? I could teach you a few pointers before you leave. Take a crack at that writer’s block with some healthy ego stroking?”

You took position as he fed the machine another quarter, grinning as you asked, “What, are you going to be my cheerleader?”

He watched in the reflection as your smile fell, mouth parting as he slid his hands over yours, wishing and hoping and goddammit, even praying that his touch had the same effect on you as yours did on him.

“You paying attention?” He whispered as the pinballs were loaded onto the spring. You nodded silently, and Eddie could feel your back brush against his chest with each breath.

As the first ball fell towards the flippers he tensed, pressing down onto your fingers and subsequently the right button, flicking it back up and into a route that had your score shooting up. You let out an elated sound, something between an unbelieving scoff and an amused giggle. It had him reeling.

“Watch out,” he laughed, “Right there. That’s it.”

As the score went up so did the stakes. Both of you could see it was fast approaching the high score. Eddie didn’t stop encouraging you, and he could tell with each spoken word that he was bolstering you.

“Good girl,” he coaxed, “Keep going. Just a little more.”

He felt every jolt of your body as you anticipated the silver ball’s movements, so engrossed in the game that as he eventually removed his hands, you were still able to mimic his technique to perfection.

He could already tell that you’d work well together.

“You’re a quick learner,” he praised as you released an elated sigh at the new high score that flashed on the screen.

You turned to him, your eyes sparkling with a new energy. “You’re a good teacher.”

He tapped a hand against the machine as it went into idle mode once more. “At pinball, maybe, but I could use a few pointers on some other things…”

You shook your head, knowing this had to be leading somewhere, but you still humoured him, “Other things?”

“Well, you know,” He threw a hand up, counting off each finger as he started, “How to put on eyeliner without looking like a racoon, how the hell taxes are supposed to work, how to write a wicked story…” He drew out the last word, his last counted finger wiggling as you smiled.

“Did Nancy put you up to this?”

Eddie took a step forward as he crossed his heart. “I have a vision for the future of Hellfire, but I’m gonna need your help to get it there.”

“That’s the roleplaying game you play, right?”

“Pretty much,” Eddie confirmed, “Dungeons and Dragons. DnD.”

“I don’t get it,” you admitted as you picked up your bag, “You have to write a story to play it?”

Eddie followed you as you made your way to the door. “There are pre-written campaigns with their own lore, but I’ve always wanted to delve into writing original storylines. Only problem is, it takes a lot of work. Lots of writing, character design, you’d know how it is since you write those stories for the school paper.”

“Okay,” you pushed the door, the arcade’s bubble of noise being shut in as it drifted closed behind you, “So… you want me to join?”

“You wouldn’t have to,” Eddie slipped out in front of you, causing you to halt. “I know you’re the busiest person in school next to Wheeler, so I wouldn’t ask you to play. I’d just… appreciate some help with the story. Your writing is really, really good. I mean, honestly, I got chills reading those horror stories you posted last Halloween.”

“Really?” you glowed.

“Really,” Eddie answered.

It was the truth. He had enjoyed those stories, but he hadn’t paid much attention to the school newspaper in general until that fateful day you’d tucked his joint behind his ear and he was compelled to learn everything about you.

He’d hassled some nerd who worked at The Weekly Streak into lending him a copy of every newspaper that had come out since last October, and in the span of a couple days he’d binged all your work, through which he’d picked up on your style and quirks. He supposed that he’d learnt an integral part of who you are from the pieces of yourself you chose to reveal through your characters and stories.

Still, he wanted to learn more; he wanted to learn exactly how you’d managed to distil pure electricity into those soft hands of yours. He wanted to know how a person managed to fit the whole world into their eyes.

“So,” He fought the embarrassing urge to pout, “You in?”

You glanced between him and Nancy, who was tapping her fingers against the steering wheel of her car.

“I should say no,” you admitted. He knew why: your boyfriend certainly wouldn’t like the idea.

“But you will say…?”

“Maybe.”

Eddie huffed, pushing his tongue against his bottom teeth.

“Say yes,” His eyes flitted up to yours, “Please.”

You could tell he wasn’t used to asking for favours. His arms were folded behind his back and he was swinging on his heels. Eddie could scarcely believe he would sink as low as pleading, but he had never been more determined for something in his life now that he’d set his sights on you.

“Fine,” you spoke quickly, conscious of how long you’d made Nancy wait, “But Chance can’t know.”

“Chance?” He spoke aloud, but it clicked in his brain and he nodded. “Your boyfriend.”

“Eddie,” you raised your brow at him, “Seriously. If he found out-“

“Hey, my lips are sealed.” He even made the gesture of zipping them closed and throwing away the key.

You nodded, “Good. Then I’ll see you at my place, Friday night.”

Nancy smirked as you finally entered her car, and she said something that had you hiding your face in your hands. Eddie turned away then, knowing he’d only pick apart every miniscule expression for anything negative and be persuaded by his interpretation to call the whole thing off.

As soon as he slid into the driver’s seat of the van he took a deep breath, checked his side mirror to see that Nancy had pulled out, then shook himself out let a wet dog, expelling all the nervous energy that had pooled in his body.

“Okay, okay,” he mumbled to himself, turning the key in the ignition, “It’s happening, it’s happening.”

He was so ecstatic for the rest of the day, his uncle asked if he was high when he got home.

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[chongoblog]

I enjoy your OCs and love seeing you post about Red Kraken. How did you come up with everything for them? Was there a method to the madness or was it just all just brainstorming and such?

I think I've told this story before, but I'm more than happy to tell it again.

They started as a group of villains that were created for a DnD campaign I was DMing (it was also a podcast, although many of the players are referred to by what are now deadnames in it iirc, so out of respect for them, I will not name it). Of the ten RK members, The only ones who are exactly like their first iteration are Tango, Waltz, and Dougie, although even then they left their DnD fantasy race archetypes. Tap and Samba were present as well, however they were very different from their current iteration (especially Tap). After the campaign petered out, I fell in love with the characters and added Mac, Twist, Disco, Salsa, and Jig, making the RK we know today.

The ideas that (in my mind) defined the Red Kraken started with two things. First of all, the sea creature iconography was decided around Waltz, simply because I thought the idea of an encounter against an enemy who utilized sleeping gas across the arena while wearing a gas mask would be enhanced if the mask was in the shape of a squid (which is known for spraying ink, giving a similar visual underwater). I figured I would expand the metaphor to other members, inspiring me to give Tango a shark tattoo (although he also had a pet shark that he rode like a jet ski, which was boss as FUCK). As for why they're named after dances.....loooooooong story short, it was all to set up an incredibly lame pun that I spent the entire campaign building up to.

But that's how it all started. One thing that's actually really funny is that my favorite OC of all time originally had a completely different look to her (my original concept was for the squid gas mask to cover her entire face and for her to have much more of a plague doctor vibe to it), however after the episode released, @peppermint-moss drew a representation of Waltz with the mask covering half of the face along with the visor and the ponytail, and I just loved that much much more (so thanks for that <3)

Anyway hope that answers your question