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fuck-customers · 3 months ago

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Last year I worked at a small student led handicraft store run by my university and it was originally supposed to be a temporary pop-up run by the lecturers who led the events management course. It was the best job I’d ever had - which isn’t saying much because every other job I’ve had has been horrendous and traumatising in ways I can’t even describe - so of course I was overjoyed when they told us they were extending our temporary contracts by a year and keeping the shop open indefinitely.

At that point things started going downhill. The uni stopped promoting the shop at all so our customer numbers dropped dramatically, and the uni’s PR department refused to let us utilise the shop’s social media page despite asking one of the employees to manage the social media and making her take on extra hours. They refused to make the necessary changes in order to make it the permanent storefront they envisioned - All our bookkeeping for every single purchase had to be written in a paper ledger and then copied and reformatted into a dozen different stock and accounting spreadsheets on a laptop, for every single individual item in each sale, before we could take payment, because they refused to pay for software that would automate it, so a single transaction could take anywhere between 5-20 minutes depending on what the person was buying. Many customers ended up getting frustrated and just walked off.

We started haemorrhaging stockists as the uni didn’t pay them fairly or on time, despite pestering from both stockists and floor staff. Even now, nearly 6 months after the whole thing shut down, some stockists still haven’t been paid. The uni took such a huge amount of commission from each sale (nearly 3 times the industry standard!) that the stockists making products couldn’t afford to pay themselves fairly without doubling or tripling the prices of their work, which fucked up their sales. Most people didn’t even earn enough to cover production costs for their work.

I was maybe the only person on the entire staff who actually had any significant retail and customer facing experience, having worked in the fast food and retail industries for ~4 years before I started at the shop, and it was abysmal. The events management faculty who were supposed to be running it had no customer facing experience and did nothing to help when problems came up - they treated it like a temporary event rather than a permanent shopfront and we had so little support and oversight it was awful. We had to take on full management responsibility despite it being well above our pay grade because they refused to hire an experienced manager or supervisor - while trying to man the store we would also have to do admin, liaise with clients and stockists, accounting, stock input, paying for essential supplies with our own money because the Uni refused to approve them, organising our own shifts and pay, making social media content, and arranging cover for if someone was ill or had an emergency. Instead of any reasonable support they sent us a horribly overworked postgrad intern who was working between 5-6 different departments and could only actually be in the store maybe one hour a month, had no idea what she was doing, and was so overworked that she eventually had a breakdown and quit.

This issue was compounded because they’d only ever let us put two employees on each shift - they refused to pay enough for staff numbers above that despite being so busy in the first few months that we couldn’t keep up, and told us that for safety reasons both employees had to be there to open the shop- so if somebody was late or didn’t show up the other person wouldn’t be able to work either. If one person was on a double shift and the second person’s replacement for second shift wasn’t on time, the person on the double wouldn’t be able to leave for a lunch break, and the person on the single would have to stay extra time. There were several employees that would spend the entire shift doing fuck all - one guy was at least two hours late every single shift, and bought his XBOX with him every time, and spent the entire time he was working with his feet propped up on the counter playing GTA. The university genuinely didn’t care about the shop or its success enough to even give him a disciplinary.

It was awful, especially because there were a small group of us who were both stockists and floor staff, and were genuinely invested in the shop’s success. But our contracts ran till the end of the academic year, and the pay was really decent compared to a lot of jobs in the area, and it was stable and above minimum wage, so we (the staff) really did try to make it work, but we were set up to fail. Eventually we were barely making a sale a day, and then it dropped to a sale a week.

When they closed the shop, right before the end of the semester when people’s rent would be due, they gave us 10 days’ notice - which went against our contract - and no redundancy pay. Most people had had shifts for the next 8-9 weeks already scheduled, which we never got to work. We never got our holiday pay or the Christmas bonus they’d promised us 9 months prior. It was such short notice that several people couldn’t find new jobs in time, couldn’t scrape enough together to pay their bills and rent on time, and they didn’t even have the decency to tell us we were losing our jobs in person - they sent out a single email to one of the girls who helped organise shifts, and she had to post it in the staff group chat.

And the sad thing? It was still the best, least stressful job I’ve ever had. It was the only job I’ve had that didnt actually make me want to die. I miss it like hell. It was the only job I’ve had that paid me above the legal minimum wage. I’m physically disabled, and it was the only job I’ve ever had that actually followed through on the reasonable adjustments and disability accommodations they’d promised me.

But the way it was run it wasn’t fair or sustainable , and it shouldn’t have ended the way it did.

Posted by admin Rodney

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misfitwashere · 19 days ago

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April 11, 2025

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 12

READ IN APP

On April 4, Trump fired head of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) and director of the National Security Agency (NSA) General Timothy Haugh, apparently on the recommendation of right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who is pitching her new opposition research firm to “vet” candidates for jobs in Trump’s administration.

Former secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall wrote in Newsweek yesterday that the position Haugh held is “one of the most sensitive and powerful jobs in America.” Kendall writes that NSA and CYBERCOM oversee the world’s most sophisticated tools and techniques to penetrate computer systems, monitor communications around the globe, and, if national security requires it, attack those systems. U.S. law drastically curtails how those tools can be used in the U.S. and against American citizens and businesses. Will a Trump loyalist follow those laws? Kendall writes: “Every American should view this development with alarm.”

Although Caine has 34 years of military experience, he did not serve in any of the required positions. The law provides that the president can waive the requirement if “the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest,” and he has apparently done so for Caine. The politicization of the U.S. military by filling it with Trump loyalists is now, as Kendall writes, “indisputable.”

The politicization of data is also indisputable. Billionaire Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) claims to be saving Americans money, but the Wall Street Journal reported today that effort has been largely a failure (despite today’s announcement of devastating cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that monitors our weather). But what DOGE is really doing is burrowing into Americans’ data.

The first people to be targeted by that data collection appear to be undocumented immigrants. Jason Koebler of 404 Media reported on Wednesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been using a database that enables officials to search for people by filtering for “hundreds of different, highly specific categories,” including scars or tattoos, bankruptcy filings, Social Security number, hair color, and race. The system, called Investigative Case Management (ICM), was created by billionaire Peter Thiel’s software company Palantir, which in 2022 signed a $95.9 million contract with the government to develop ICM.

Three Trump officials told Sophia Cai of Politico that DOGE staffers embedded in agencies across the government are expanding government cooperation with immigration officials, using the information they’re gleaning from government databases to facilitate deportation. On Tuesday, DOGE software engineer Aram Moghaddassi sent the first 6,300 names of individuals whose temporary legal status had just been canceled. On the list, which Moghaddassi said covered those on “the terror watch list” or with “F.B.I. criminal records,” were eight minors, including one 13-year-old.

The Social Security Administration worked with the administration to get those people to “self-deport” by adding them to the agency's “death master file.” That file is supposed to track people whose death means they should no longer receive benefits. Adding to it people the administration wants to erase is “financial murder,” former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley told Alexandra Berzon, Hamed Aleaziz, Nicholas Nehamas, Ryan Mac, and Tara Siegel Bernard of the New York Times. Those people will not be able to use credit cards or banks.

On Tuesday, Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Melanie Krause resigned after the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security agreed to share sensitive taxpayer data with immigration authorities. Undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes, in part to demonstrate their commitment to citizenship, and the government has promised immigrants that it would not use that information for immigration enforcement. Until now, the IRS has protected sensitive taxpayer information.

Krause was only one of several senior career officials leaving the IRS, raising concerns among those staying that there is no longer a “defense against the potential unlawful use of taxpayer data by the Trump administration.”

Makena Kelly of Wired reported today that for the past three days, DOGE staffers have been working with representatives from Palantir and career engineers from the IRS in a giant “hackathon.” Their goal is to build a system that will be able to access all IRS records, including names, addresses, job data, and Social Security numbers, that can then be compared with data from other agencies.

But the administration’s attempt to automate deportation is riddled with errors. Last night the government sent threatening emails to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and even a Canadian (in Canada) terminating “your parole” and giving them seven days to leave the U.S. One Massachusetts-born immigration lawyer asked on social media: “Does anyone know if you can get Italian citizenship through great-grandparents?”

The government is not keen to correct its errors. On March 15 the government rendered to prison in El Salvador a legal U.S. resident, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, whom the courts had ordered the U.S. not to send to El Salvador, where his life was in danger. The government has admitted that its arrest and rendition of Abrego Garcia happened because of “administrative error” but now claims—without evidence—that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and that his return to the U.S. would threaten the public. Abrego Garcia says he is not a gang member and notes that he has never been charged with a crime.

On April 4, U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordered the government to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. no later than 11:59 pm on April 7. The administration appealed to the Supreme Court, which handed down a 9–0 decision yesterday, saying the government must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release, but asked the district court to clarify what it meant by “effectuate,” noting that it must give “due regard for the deference owed to the Executive Branch in the conduct of foreign affairs.”

The Supreme Court also ordered that “the Government should be prepared to share what it can concerning the steps it has taken and the prospect of further steps.”

Legal analyst Joyce White Vance explained what happened next. Judge Xinis ordered the government to file an update by 9:30 a.m. today explaining where Abrego Garcia is, what the government is doing to get him back, and what more it will do. She planned an in-person hearing at 1:00 p.m.

The administration made clear it did not intend to comply. It answered that the judge had not given them enough time to answer and suggested that it would delay over the Supreme Court’s instruction that Xinis must show deference to the president’s ability to conduct foreign affairs. Xinis gave the government until 11:30 and said she would still hold the hearing. The government submitted its filing at about 12:15, saying that Abrego Garcia is “in the custody of a foreign sovereign,” but at the 1:00 hearing, as Anna Bower of Lawfare reported, the lawyer representing the government, Drew Ensign, said he did not have information about where Abrego Garcia is and that the government had done nothing to get him back. Ensign said he might have answers by next Tuesday. Xinis says they will have to give an update tomorrow.

As Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently warned, if the administration can take noncitizens off the streets, render them to prison in another country, and then claim it is helpless to correct the error because the person is out of reach of U.S. jurisdiction, it could do the same thing to citizens. Indeed, both President Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have proposed that very thing.

Tonight, Trump signed a memorandum to the secretaries of defense, interior, agriculture, and homeland security calling for a “Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions.” The memorandum creates a military buffer zone along the border so that any migrant crossing would be trespassing on a U.S. military base. This would allow active-duty soldiers to hold migrants until ICE agents take them.

By April 20, the secretaries of defense and homeland security are supposed to report to the president whether they think he should invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to enable him to use the military to aid in mass deportations.

—

#heather cox richardson #letters from an american

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gabessquishytum · 1 year ago

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Dream's a software developer (I could see either as an architect for that large-scale view mentality or as the Senior level dev that keeps getting asked to move into management type positions and just straight up refuses because he's been doing code happily for the past fifteen years and doesn't plan on changing that now).

He enjoys his job enough. He likes computers and code. It functions exactly as told (for better or worse) and appreciates the straightforwardness of it all. He's a bit insufferable to work with, but if you have an issue, he'll readily help (just be prepares for critiques on your code in the process).

Hob works at the same company as Dream, but as a front-end dev. The work he does for his day job is kinda boring. All standard corporate style web design. No fancy scripts or fun colors. But in his spare time, he weaves Javascript and CSS like a wizard and creates magical, animated scenes across the page. Would it be easier to just make a video and play it on the page instead? Sure, but where's the fun in that?

Dream and Hob get paired together on a small side project for work. Hob does the front-end work, Dream does the back-end. They get on each other's nerves at first, until Dream spots Hob tinkering with his personal code on their lunch break and is honestly a bit in awe. He's found code beautiful in its own right (the way one appreciates a well-oiled machine) but he's never seen it wielded in such a fashion before. This is the moment he falls just a little bit (read: a lotta bit) in love with Hob. He was already starting to fall for that endless charm and wit of his anyways.

The company hits the first quarter of the New Year and with it come layoffs. Hob gets fired along with some other devs from Dream's same team (a younger pair of devs: Matthew and Jessamy). A fellow named Will comes along to help Dream finish the project in Hob's stead and Dream hates every moment of it. He misses Hob, more than he ever thought he would.

So, in an impulsive rush of anger and longing, he quits the company because how dare it toss someone as good as Hob Gadling out the door without a thought? He's halfway to the café he and Hob had started frequenting together when he realizes that he's just thrown away a career fifteen years in the making. But when he finally gets to the café and sees Hob tapping away on his laptop, he knows he's made the right choice.

Dream slides into the seat across from him and proposes that they build something wonderful together. So they create a small business of their own. They become a freelance web dev team (and steal Jessamy and Matthew as well) and with their skills combined, they take off. It's not huge, but for their size, they're incredibly popular. And Dream's certain he's never enjoyed his work more than when he's working beside Hob.

Later on, Hob proposes to Dream via a custom website with the most beautiful web animations he's ever seen before. And of course, he says yes.

(If you're curious about what inspired this, here's the website: http://www.species-in-pieces.com)

This is such a good concept for a story!!! I really really love aus where Dream and Hob are coworkers. Dream being the grumpy, awkward guy who hides behind his coffee mug while Hob is the popular, chatty one who tries to get Dream involved in fun office activities or socialising after work - it makes so much sense to me.

And Dream quitting his long-term dream job because he's mad that genuinely talented people have been laid off? I love it. Dream just has this inate appreciation for hard work and good art, and that's exactly what Hob (and Jessamy and Matthew) do. How dare the stupid company not understand that they're firing people who deserve to thrive and grow in an environment which actually appreciates them? Everyone is shocked that Dream has quit (not only that, he sends around an email to everyone in the company from the ceo all the way down to the work experience guy, outlining exactly why he quit) because he seemed to be the type to play by the rules and never leave his comfort zone. Apparently, Hob has really helped him bloom into a much more confident person, able to express his principles and strive for better.

And Hob isn't surprised, because he always knew that Dream had the courage, talent and ambition to strike out on his own. Maybe he just needed a bit of love and understanding. Which Hob is only too happy to provide.

Their work together sometimes involves long hours and stress, but Dream wouldn't ever want to go back to the slightly soulless corporation where he used to be. Even if he's tired and a little frustrated by Hob’s disorganised workspace, Dream is perfectly content. There's nothing better than curling up in Hob’s lap while he taps away on a line of code. Plus, he has a great time building their wedding website. Hob got to propose, so Dream gets to celebrate their upcoming marriage with his own expression of love through code. The theme colours are, of course, black and red <3

#kydrogendragon #the sandman #dreamling

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 20 days ago

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Matt Davies

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 11, 2025

Heather Cox Richardson

Apr 12, 2025

The Supreme Court also ordered that “the Government should be prepared to share what it can concerning the steps it has taken and the prospect of further steps.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

#political cartoons #Matt Davies #The Big Chill #Heather Cox Richardson #Letters from An American #personal data #the right to privacy #identity theft #mistaken identity #SCOTUS #secretary of defense #homeland security #incompetence #data mining #data weaponization

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girlboss-enthusiast · 1 year ago

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Please tell us how to get into IT without a degree! I have an interview for a small tech company this week and I’m going in as admin but as things expand I can bootstrap into a better role and I’d really appreciate knowing what skills are likely to be crucial for making that pivot.

Absolutely!! You'd be in a great position to switch to IT, since as an admin, you'd already have some familiarity with the systems and with the workplace in general. Moving between roles is easier in a smaller workplace, too.

So, this is a semi-brief guide to getting an entry-level position, for someone with zero IT experience. That position is almost always going to be help desk. You've probably heard a lot of shit about help desk, but I've always enjoyed it.

So, here we go! How to get into IT for beginners!

The most important thing on your resume will be

✨~🌟Certifications!!🌟~✨

Studying for certs can teach you a lot, especially if you're entirely new to the field. But they're also really important for getting interviews. Lots of jobs will require a cert or degree, and even if you have 5 years of experience doing exactly what the job description is, without one of those the ATS will shunt your resume into a black hole and neither HR or the IT manager will see it.

First, I recommend getting the CompTIA A+. This will teach you the basics of how the parts of a computer work together - hardware, software, how networking works, how operating systems work, troubleshooting skills, etc. If you don't have a specific area of IT you're interested in, this is REQUIRED. Even if you do, I suggest you get this cert just to get your foot in the door.

I recommend the CompTIA certs in general. They'll give you a good baseline and look good on your resume. I only got the A+ and the Network+, so can't speak for the other exams, but they weren't too tough.

If you're more into development or cybersecurity, check out these roadmaps. You'll still benefit from working help desk while pursuing one of those career paths.

The next most important thing is

🔥🔥Customer service & soft skills🔥🔥

Sorry about that.

I was hired for my first ever IT role on the strength of my interview. I definitely wasn't the only candidate with an A+, but I was the only one who knew how to handle customers (aka end-users). Which is, basically, be polite, make the end-user feel listened to, and don't make them feel stupid. It is ASTOUNDING how many IT people can't do that. I've worked with so many IT people who couldn't hide their scorn or impatience when dealing with non-tech-savvy coworkers.

Please note that you don't need to be a social butterfly or even that socially adept. I'm autistic and learned all my social skills by rote (I literally have flowcharts for social interactions), and I was still exceptional by IT standards.

Third thing, which is more for you than for your resume (although it helps):

🎇Do your own projects🎇

This is both the most and least important thing you can do for your IT career. Least important because this will have the smallest impact on your resume. Most important because this will help you learn (and figure out if IT is actually what you want to do).

The certs and interview might get you a job, but when it comes to doing your job well, hands-on experience is absolutely essential. Here are a few ideas for the complete beginner. Resources linked at the bottom.

Start using the command line. This is called Terminal on Mac and Linux. Use it for things as simple as navigating through file directories, opening apps, testing your connection, that kind of thing. The goal is to get used to using the command line, because you will use it professionally.

Build your own PC. This may sound really intimidating, but I swear it's easy! This is going to be cheaper than buying a prebuilt tower or gaming PC, and you'll learn a ton in the bargain.

Repair old PCs. If you don't want to or can't afford to build your own PC, look for cheap computers on Craiglist, secondhand stores, or elsewhere. I know a lot of universities will sell old technology for cheap. Try to buy a few and make a functioning computer out of parts, or just get one so you can feel comfortable working in the guts of a PC.

Learn Powershell or shell scripting. If you're comfortable with the command line already or just want to jump in the deep end, use scripts to automate tasks on your PC. I found this harder to do for myself than for work, because I mostly use my computer for web browsing. However, there are tons of projects out there for you to try!

Play around with a Raspberry Pi. These are mini-computers ranging from $15-$150+ and are great to experiment with. I've made a media server and a Pi hole (network-wide ad blocking) which were both fun and not too tough. If you're into torrenting, try making a seedbox!

Install Linux on your primary computer. I know, I know - I'm one of those people. But seriously, nothing will teach you more quickly than having to compile drivers through the command line so your Bluetooth headphones will work. Warning: this gets really annoying if you just want your computer to work. Dual-booting is advised.

If this sounds intimidating, that's totally normal. It is intimidating! You're going to have to do a ton of troubleshooting and things will almost never work properly on your first few projects. That is part of the fun!

Resources

Resources I've tried and liked are marked with an asterisk*

Professor Messor's Free A+ Training Course*

PC Building Simulator 2 (video game)

How to build a PC (video)

PC Part Picker (website)*

CompTIA A+ courses on Udemy

50 Basic Windows Commands with Examples*

Mac Terminal Commands Cheat Sheet

Powershell in a Month of Lunches (video series)

Getting Started with Linux (tutorial)* Note: this site is my favorite Linux resource, I highly recommend it.

Getting Started with Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Projects for Beginners

/r/ITCareerQuestions*

Ask A Manager (advice blog on workplace etiquette and more)*

Reddit is helpful for tech questions in general. I have some other resources that involve sailing the seas; feel free to DM me or send an ask I can answer privately.

Tips

DO NOT work at an MSP. That stands for Managed Service Provider, and it's basically an IT department which companies contract to provide tech services. I recommend staying away from them. It's way better to work in an IT department where the end users are your coworkers, not your customers.

DO NOT trust remote entry-level IT jobs. At entry level, part of your job is schlepping around hardware and fixing PCs. A fully-remote position will almost definitely be a call center.

DO write a cover letter. YMMV on this, but every employer I've had has mentioned my cover letter as a reason to hire me.

DO ask your employer to pay for your certs. This applies only to people who either plan to move into IT in the same company, or are already in IT but want more certs.

DO NOT work anywhere without at least one woman in the department. My litmus test is two women, actually, but YMMV. If there is no woman in the department in 2024, and the department is more than 5 people, there is a reason why no women work there.

DO have patience with yourself and keep an open mind! Maybe this is just me, but if I can't do something right the first time, or if I don't love it right away, I get very discouraged. Remember that making mistakes is part of the process, and that IT is a huge field which ranges from UX design to hardware repair. There are tons of directions to go once you've got a little experience!

Disclaimer: this is based on my experience in my area of the US. Things may be different elsewhere, esp. outside of the US.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have more questions!

#answers.txt #feel free to reblog with more advice btw

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seat-safety-switch · 2 years ago

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I think every artist is used to the idea of “stop working on it.” At some point, the work is done, and adding extra stuff to it will just make it worse. They’ve all gone through the experience of adding a comma splice, and turning a decent-feeling sentence into a clunky technical thing. Or they’ve bolted on a stray brush stroke, and ended up having to redo all of the hair. Or they’ve messed with the skin shader for their holographic controlled-sentience AI wife and wrecked the frame update time. Business people, though, have never experienced this.

Business folks live by the concept of adding value. If you add value to a thing, then you can sell the thing for more (or to more people.) The easiest way is to give people what they’re asking for, and the convenient part of that is that you can always find someone who will ask for a new feature without being forced to pay for it. Really devious customers will tie the addition of that feature to giving you money.

Examples abound of this phenomenon. Have you ever avoided installing a software update because you know that some project manager somewhere refuses to accept that the project is “done,” and insists upon adding a useless feature that makes it worse? Or bought an oven with a downloadable “turkey mode” that requires wifi access to work? Or bought into some product that used to be great before the upper management decided that their engineers need to stay busy, and added a cost-reduction step or redesign that rendered the thing fragile? I bet you have, and there’s a good reason for this.

It’s because it’s less risky for these folks to “add onto” something that is already loved, than to start something new that maybe will be ignored. That’s subtracting value, even if it isn’t from the same thing. And then they get taken out to the woodshed. How dare you take this risk, they are told by bigger business people, presumably.

There is only one way for us to get out of this: go and make some new stuff. Is it risky? Sure it is. Good thing we’re too stupid to know this, what with our lack of business learnin’. The fact that this philosophy dovetails with my inability to ever actually finish a project but instead switch between ideas a thousand times a second is total coincidence.

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jcmarchi · 3 months ago

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Ganesh Shankar, CEO & Co-Founder of Responsive – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ganesh-shankar-ceo-co-founder-of-responsive-interview-series/

Ganesh Shankar, CEO & Co-Founder of Responsive – Interview Series

Ganesh Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder of Responsive, is an experienced product manager with a background in leading product development and software implementations for Fortune 500 enterprises. During his time in product management, he observed inefficiencies in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process—formal documents organizations use to solicit bids from vendors, often requiring extensive, detailed responses. Managing RFPs traditionally involves multiple stakeholders and repetitive tasks, making the process time-consuming and complex.

Founded in 2015 as RFPIO, Responsive was created to streamline RFP management through more efficient software solutions. The company introduced an automated approach to enhance collaboration, reduce manual effort, and improve efficiency. Over time, its technology expanded to support other complex information requests, including Requests for Information (RFIs), Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs), and security questionnaires.

Today, as Responsive, the company provides solutions for strategic response management, helping organizations accelerate growth, mitigate risk, and optimize their proposal and information request processes.

What inspired you to start Responsive, and how did you identify the gap in the market for response management software?

My co-founders and I founded Responsive in 2015 after facing our own struggles with the RFP response process at the software company we were working for at the time. Although not central to our job functions, we dedicated considerable time assisting the sales team with requests for proposals (RFPs), often feeling underappreciated despite our vital role in securing deals. Frustrated with the lack of technology to make the RFP process more efficient, we decided to build a better solution. Fast forward nine years, and we’ve grown to nearly 500 employees, serve over 2,000 customers—including 25 Fortune 100 companies—and support nearly 400,000 users worldwide.

How did your background in product management and your previous roles influence the creation of Responsive?

As a product manager, I was constantly pulled by the Sales team into the RFP response process, spending almost a third of my time supporting sales instead of focusing on my core product management responsibilities. My two co-founders experienced a similar issue in their technology and implementation roles. We recognized this was a widespread problem with no existing technology solution, so we leveraged our almost 50 years of combined experience to create Responsive. We saw an opportunity to fundamentally transform how organizations share information, starting with managing and responding to complex proposal requests.

Responsive has evolved significantly since its founding in 2015. How do you maintain the balance between staying true to your original vision and adapting to market changes?

First, we’re meticulous about finding and nurturing talent that embodies our passion – essentially cloning our founding spirit across the organization. As we’ve scaled, it’s become critical to hire managers and team members who can authentically represent our core cultural values and commitment.

At the same time, we remain laser-focused on customer feedback. We document every piece of input, regardless of its size, recognizing that these insights create patterns that help us navigate product development, market positioning, and any uncertainty in the industry. Our approach isn’t about acting on every suggestion, but creating a comprehensive understanding of emerging trends across a variety of sources.

We also push ourselves to think beyond our immediate industry and to stay curious about adjacent spaces. Whether in healthcare, technology, or other sectors, we continually find inspiration for innovation. This outside-in perspective allows us to continually raise the bar, inspiring ideas from unexpected places and keeping our product dynamic and forward-thinking.

What metrics or success indicators are most important to you when evaluating the platform’s impact on customers?

When evaluating Responsive’s impact, our primary metric is how we drive customer revenue. We focus on two key success indicators: top-line revenue generation and operational efficiency. On the efficiency front, we aim to significantly reduce RFP response time – for many, we reduce it by 40%. This efficiency enables our customers to pursue more opportunities, ultimately accelerating their revenue generation potential.

How does Responsive leverage AI and machine learning to provide a competitive edge in the response management software market?

We leverage AI and machine learning to streamline response management in three key ways. First, our generative AI creates comprehensive proposal drafts in minutes, saving time and effort. Second, our Ask solution provides instant access to vetted organizational knowledge, enabling faster, more accurate responses. Third, our Profile Center helps InfoSec teams quickly find and manage security content.

With over $600 billion in proposals managed through the Responsive platform and four million Q&A pairs processed, our AI delivers intelligent recommendations and deep insights into response patterns. By automating complex tasks while keeping humans in control, we help organizations grow revenue, reduce risk, and respond more efficiently.

What differentiates Responsive’s platform from other solutions in the industry, particularly in terms of AI capabilities and integrations?

Since 2015, AI has been at the core of Responsive, powering a platform trusted by over 2,000 global customers. Our solution supports a wide range of RFx use cases, enabling seamless collaboration, workflow automation, content management, and project management across teams and stakeholders.

With key AI capabilities—like smart recommendations, an AI assistant, grammar checks, language translation, and built-in prompts—teams can deliver high-quality RFPs quickly and accurately.

Responsive also offers unmatched native integrations with leading apps, including CRM, cloud storage, productivity tools, and sales enablement. Our customer value programs include APMP-certified consultants, Responsive Academy courses, and a vibrant community of 1,500+ customers sharing insights and best practices.

Can you share insights into the development process behind Responsive’s core features, such as the AI recommendation engine and automated RFP responses?

Responsive AI is built on the foundation of accurate, up-to-date content, which is critical to the effectiveness of our AI recommendation engine and automated RFP responses. AI alone cannot resolve conflicting or incomplete data, so we’ve prioritized tools like hierarchical tags and robust content management to help users organize and maintain their information. By combining generative AI with this reliable data, our platform empowers teams to generate fast, high-quality responses while preserving credibility. AI serves as an assistive tool, with human oversight ensuring accuracy and authenticity, while features like the Ask product enable seamless access to trusted knowledge for tackling complex projects.

How have advancements in cloud computing and digitization influenced the way organizations approach RFPs and strategic response management?

Advancements in cloud computing have enabled greater efficiency, collaboration, and scalability. Cloud-based platforms allow teams to centralize content, streamline workflows, and collaborate in real time, regardless of location. This ensures faster turnaround times and more accurate, consistent responses.

Digitization has also enhanced how organizations manage and access their data, making it easier to leverage AI-powered tools like recommendation engines and automated responses. With these advancements, companies can focus more on strategy and personalization, responding to RFPs with greater speed and precision while driving better outcomes.

Responsive has been instrumental in helping companies like Microsoft and GEODIS streamline their RFP processes. Can you share a specific success story that highlights the impact of your platform?

Responsive has played a key role in supporting Microsoft’s sales staff by managing and curating 20,000 pieces of proposal content through its Proposal Resource Library, powered by Responsive AI. This technology enabled Microsoft’s proposal team to contribute $10.4 billion in revenue last fiscal year. Additionally, by implementing Responsive, Microsoft saved its sellers 93,000 hours—equivalent to over $17 million—that could be redirected toward fostering stronger customer relationships.

As another example of Responsive providing measurable impact, our customer Netsmart significantly improved their response time and efficiency by implementing Responsive’s AI capabilities. They achieved a 10X faster response time, increased proposal submissions by 67%, and saw a 540% growth in user adoption. Key features such as AI Assistant, Requirements Analysis, and Auto Respond played crucial roles in these improvements. The integration with Salesforce and the establishment of a centralized Content Library further streamlined their processes, resulting in a 93% go-forward rate for RFPs and a 43% reduction in outdated content. Overall, Netsmart’s use of Responsive’s AI-driven platform led to substantial time savings, enhanced content accuracy, and increased productivity across their proposal management operations.

JAGGAER, another Responsive customer, achieved a double-digit win-rate increase and 15X ROI by using Responsive’s AI for content moderation, response creation, and Requirements Analysis, which improved decision-making and efficiency. User adoption tripled, and the platform streamlined collaboration and content management across multiple teams.

Where do you see the response management industry heading in the next five years, and how is Responsive positioned to lead in this space?

In the next five years, I see the response management industry being transformed by AI agents, with a focus on keeping humans in the loop. While we anticipate around 80 million jobs being replaced, we’ll simultaneously see 180 million new jobs created—a net positive for our industry.

Responsive is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. We’ve processed over $600 billion in proposals and built a database of almost 4 million Q&A pairs. Our massive dataset allows us to understand complex patterns and develop AI solutions that go beyond simple automation.

Our approach is to embrace AI’s potential, finding opportunities for positive outcomes rather than fearing disruption. Companies with robust market intelligence, comprehensive data, and proven usage will emerge as leaders, and Responsive is at the forefront of that wave. The key is not just implementing AI, but doing so strategically with rich, contextual data that enables meaningful insights and efficiency.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Responsive,

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storybookprincess · 1 year ago

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Do you have any tips for an aspiring librarian who’s going to college in a few months?

my first instinct upon reading this ask was to give you some good but fairly generic advice about getting library experience via your school's work study program, exploring different career paths within the library umbrella, interning at your local public library if possible, and so on & so forth

but then i realized that that is the sort of information you can find pretty much anywhere & i will instead give you my personal insight into what has helped me be successful in my current library role.

do whatever weird shit you are passionate about with your whole heart & soul, because you will learn invaluable skills without even intending to

what i mean by all that is that my current position as the assistant manager of a small, rural library branch is really just twenty-nine different jobs in a trench coat. i'm alternately an it specialist, a graphic designer, a career counselor, a preschool teacher, a customer service agent, or whatever else a particular situation demands.

and so much of my current skillset is a result of spending my high school & college years doing random nerd bullshit on the internet.

i'm dead serious. my ability to troubleshoot basically any possible tech issue, my knowledge of graphic design software, my extensive research capabilities, my written communication skills, and my absolute certainty that if i don't know how to do something, i can figure it out if you give me fifteen minutes to poke around on google are all products not of my formal education or work experience, but of the countless hours i have devoted to online nerd bullshit

enjoy college. explore your passions. get super into modding minecraft, or archiving lost media, or formatting fanzines, or literally whatever niche nonsense speaks to you. librarianship is a career of quick thinking & problem solving skills, and you'll best develop those doing something you truly care about

in the words of the mountain goats, the things you do for love are gonna come back to you one by one

#hope this makes sense!!!!! it's almost 1 am and i'm in the chronic illness flare from hell #and thus am largely incoherent!!#enjoy insomnia!liv's advice #asked and answered #Anonymous #library life

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woundliqour · 7 months ago

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dreading talking on the phone tomorrow severely. People hate spelling their information for me. I'm trying a new approach to calming myself down which is to try not to catastrophize what happens if I can't adapt and don't make it, but I rlly rlly do want to keep a wfh job at least for now if I can help it. It'd be nice if I could do something less phone-oriented though, or just like. idk it's never as bad doing like zoom or a teams meeting with a coworkers/supervisors where you can resolve audio issues or miscommunication at least mostly efficiently with no hangups. I also just particularly dread our system bc it's Quirky Old Reliable Software, but it's a live system so like none of us had hands on experience until handling annoyed people who've already been transferred xyz many times and I gotta act composed n try to sell that I'm an experienced agent when I'm like.

Staring at parts of the script or navigating a part of the website that I've never made it to before bc there's no dummy version of [redacted] information to put in for training/practice. there's like floor managers to answer questions, but the ratio is like? Idk anywhere between 1 and maybe 4 floor managers to maybe 20-30+ ppl also scared, confused, stuck at various parts of the system, difficult customers, phoning in a lifeline question, tech issues, etcetera, so it's like. Wait times for help or clarification for anybody or anything is a hot minute for anyone. A lot of customers disconnect. I just find the transition to be rlly stressful already and I know it's only going to become extremely more busy for like the next month starting Tuesday. And also bc it's related to healthcare and not like idk food or merchandise customer service, it's like I really do give a shit about not wanting to make anything a hassle for callers so I genuinely do feel awful they have to manage with my learning curve for the system itself.. But also aside from being like apologetic I have to be authoritative and direct the call in some capacity. And they want me to build rapport, be friendly and chatty with some callers, but i can just barely put together what people are saying over the phone half the time and struggle to multitask since I'm still doing so many things for the first time. but I've just spent most of today dreading tomorrow.. if I'm going to have a comfort zone for this I hope it comes together quickly 😮‍💨

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justforbooks · 8 months ago

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Mike Lynch

British tech entrepreneur who sold his Autonomy software group to Hewlett-Packard and was later cleared after a long-running US fraud case

Mike Lynch, who has died aged 59 in the wreck of his yacht, was sometimes described as “Britain’s Bill Gates”. It was a huge exaggeration, but Lynch could claim two parallels with Gates: he developed world-leading technology (in his case in machine learning or AI) and, unlike so many UK scientists, he learned how to turn it into commercial success.

Such was this success that his company, Autonomy, was valued at $11bn when he sold it to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, but the fall-out from the sale would come to overshadow his technological achievements, and lead to a national debate about the circumstances in which UK citizens may be extradited to the US.

Lynch founded Autonomy with two partners in 1996. Its software enabled a computer to search huge quantities of diverse information, including phone calls, emails and videos, and recognise words. He told the Independent in 1999: “The way our technology works is to look at words and understand the relationships because it has seen a lot of content before. When it sees the word ‘star’ in the context of film, it knows it has nothing to do with the word moon. Because it works from text, it can deal with slang and with different languages.”

Autonomy became a leading company in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen cluster and established a base in San Francisco. “We knew we had to be successful in America. It was a question of ‘Go West young man, go to San Francisco and be ignored.’ They found it hard to believe that anyone from England could have anything powerful.” Lynch found what he called the “cold-hearted schmooze” to secure funding tough.

But Autonomy’s software, enabling computers to identify and match themes and ideas, and sort mammoth amounts of data, was licensed to more than 500 customers, including the US State Department and the BBC. It was listed on Nasdaq in 1998 and on the FTSE 100 in November 2000, although its value of £5.1bn would be halved within a few months in the collapse of the technology boom and accusations of over-promotion. In 2005 it bought a major US rival, Verity, for $500m.

Lynch’s profile rose with it. In 2006 he was appointed OBE for services to enterprise and the following year joined the board of the BBC. In 2011 he became a member of the government’s Council for Science and Technology, and was named the most influential person in UK IT by Computer Weekly. In 2014 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society.

Though quietly spoken, he had a reputation for toughness, coloured by a liking for James Bond, which led to Autonomy conference rooms being named after Bond villains, and a tank of piranha fish in reception. (Lynch claimed it belonged to one of his business partners.) Challenged about a company culture where people were “a little fanatical”, he replied: “This is not the place for you if you want to work 9 to 5 and don’t love your work.”

Born in Ilford, east London, to Michael, a firefighter, and Dolores, a nurse, and brought up in Chelmsford, Lynch won a scholarship to the independent Bancroft’s school in Woodford Green, before taking a natural sciences degree at Cambridge, where his PhD in artificial neural networks, a form of machine learning, has been widely studied since.

A saxophone player and jazz lover, he set up his first business, Lynett Systems, while still a student, to produce electronic equipment for the music industry. Later he would attribute some loss of hearing to adjusting synthesisers for bands. He quoted his own experience to highlight the difficulties of finding funding for startup businesses in Britain. He finally negotiated a £2,000 loan from one of the managers of Genesis in a Soho bar.

Lynch’s next venture came out of his research. In 1991 he founded Cambridge Neurodynamics, specialising in computer-based fingerprint recognition. Then he established Autonomy.

The pinnacle of his success appeared to come in October 2011 when Autonomy was purchased by Hewlett-Packard for $11bn and Lynch made an estimated $800m. Shortly afterwards he established a new company, Invoke Capital, for investment in tech companies, and he and his wife, Angela Bacares, whom he had married in 2001, invested about £200m in Darktrace, a cybersecurity company.

But just 13 months after the Autonomy sale, HP announced an $8.8bn writedown of the assets “due to serious accounting improprieties, disclosure failures and outright misrepresentations” which it claimed had artificially inflated the company’s value. The authorities investigated, and while the UK Serious Fraud Office found insufficient evidence, in 2018 the US authorities indicted Lynch for fraud. Soon after, Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to five years in prison.

In March 2019 HP followed up with a civil action for fraud in London. Lynch spent days in the witness box as the civil action stretched over nine months. It ended in January 2022 with the judge ruling that HP had substantially succeeded, but that damages would be much less than the $5bn they had claimed.

Meanwhile the US authorities sought Lynch’s extradition on criminal charges of conspiracy and fraud. In spite of representations by senior politicians and accusations that the US authorities were attempting to exercise “extraterritorial jurisdiction”, a district judge ruled in favour of extradition.

An application for judicial review and a further appeal failed, and in May 2023 Lynch was flown to the US to be held under house arrest in San Francisco, with the prospect of a 25-year sentence.

Charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy, on 18 March this year Lynch pleaded not guilty, alongside his former vice-president of finance, Stephen Chamberlain. On 6 June, they were found not guilty of all charges. Chamberlain died after being hit by a car on 17 August.

Lynch declared that he wanted to get back to what he loved doing – innovating. But he had little opportunity to do so. He soon embarked on a voyage to celebrate his acquittal, with family, colleagues and business associates. It ended with the sinking of his yacht, Bayesian – named after the 18th-century mathematician, Thomas Bayes, whose work on probability had informed much of his thinking – in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily.

Lynch is survived by his wife and elder daughter, Esme. Their other daughter, Hannah, was also on board the Bayesian.

🔔 Michael Richard Lynch, technology entrepreneur, born 16 June 1965; died 19 August 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

#just for books #Mike Lynch #in memoriam

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ciriogcumd · 13 days ago

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Maximize Your Printing Efficiency: The Ultimate Guide to Gang Sheet DTF Transfers for Custom Designs

Introduction

Hey there! If you're looking to streamline your printing process and discover a fabulous method for creating custom designs, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this ultimate guide, we’re diving into the world of gang sheet DTF transfers. Trust me; it’s a game-changer for anyone involved in the printing industry. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a larger commercial operation, understanding how to maximize your printing efficiency can save you time, effort, and money. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

Maximize Your Printing Efficiency: The Ultimate Guide to Gang Sheet DTF Transfers for Custom Designs What is DTF Printing?

Direct to Film (DTF) printing is one of those innovative technologies that have transformed the way we think about fabric customization. Instead of traditional methods like screen printing or heat transfer printing that can be quite limiting, DTF allows for vibrant colors and complex designs on various fabrics with ease.

Key Features of DTF Printing:

Versatility: Works on cotton, polyester, and blends. Durability: Prints are resistant to cracking and fading. Ease of Use: Simple application process without extensive equipment.

Why should you consider Visit this page DTF? Well, if you want high-quality prints without breaking the bank or spending hours on setup, this might just be the route for you!

Understanding Gang Sheet DTF Transfers

So what exactly is a gang sheet? It's essentially a large sheet that contains multiple designs printed together for efficiency. Instead of wasting space on individual sheets, gang sheets optimize every inch by grouping designs—making them ideal for both small and large runs.

Benefits of Gang Sheets Cost-Effective: Reduces material waste. Time-Saving: Less time spent on setup means more production. Creative Freedom: Allows designers to experiment with multiple designs in one go.

When you're aiming to maximize efficiency in your operations, gang sheet DTF transfers should be at the top of your list!

The Process of Creating Gang Sheet DTF Transfers

Creating custom gang sheets isn’t as daunting as it sounds! Here’s a simple breakdown:

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Step 1: Design Creation

Start by creating your digital artwork using design software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Make sure each design fits well within its designated area on the sheet.

Step 2: Print Setup

Load your film into a direct-to-film printer (the best DTF printer will make this step smoother). Adjust settings based on the material you’re using.

Step 3: Print

Print all designs onto the transfer film simultaneously! This is where you'll appreciate how much time you're saving.

Step 4: Apply Powder Adhesive

Sprinkle adhesive powder while the ink is still wet on your prints.

Step 5: Cure

Heat cure your prints using a heat press or oven until fully adhered.

Choosing the Right Equipment for DTF Printing

If you want to ensure quality results with minimal fuss, investing in reliable equipment is crucial. Here are some must-haves:

| Equipment | Description | |-------------------------|---------------------------------

#Youtube

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societ1 · 3 months ago

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Nonprofit Software: A Key to Efficient Mission Management

Nonprofit organizations operate in a challenging environment where maximizing impact is essential while keeping administrative costs low. Managing donations, volunteers, events, and operational workflows can be overwhelming without the right tools. Nonprofit software has emerged as a vital solution, tailored to address the specific needs of mission-driven organizations. These tools streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and ultimately help nonprofits achieve their goals more effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the types, benefits, and future of nonprofit software, shedding light on how it empowers organizations to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

What is Nonprofit Software?

Nonprofit software refers to digital tools and platforms specifically designed to help nonprofits manage their operations efficiently. Unlike generic software, nonprofit-specific tools address core needs such as donor relationship management, fundraising, volunteer coordination, grant tracking, and financial reporting. With features tailored to their unique challenges, nonprofits can save time, optimize resources, and focus on their missions.

Types of Nonprofit Software

Donor Management Software Also known as nonprofit CRM (Customer Relationship Management), donor management software helps organizations track donor interactions, manage contributions, and personalize engagement. Tools like Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, and Little Green Light simplify donor retention and make campaigns more effective.

Fundraising Software Platforms like Classy, Givebutter, and Fundly empower nonprofits to create online fundraising campaigns, process donations, and analyze results. Peer-to-peer fundraising, recurring donations, and mobile giving features enhance the donor experience.

Volunteer Management Tools Managing volunteers is essential for many nonprofits. Tools like VolunteerHub and SignUpGenius streamline recruitment, scheduling, and communication, ensuring an organized and engaged volunteer base.

Grant Management Software Grant tracking tools such as Foundant or Submittable help nonprofits identify funding opportunities, submit applications, and manage deadlines and compliance, improving the chances of securing vital grants.

Accounting and Financial Management Software Nonprofits need tools to maintain transparency and manage budgets. Accounting software like QuickBooks for Nonprofits or Aplos ensures accurate reporting, proper fund allocation, and regulatory compliance.

Event Management Software Nonprofits often rely on events to engage supporters and raise funds. Tools like Eventbrite or Cvent simplify event planning, ticketing, and attendee management, creating seamless experiences for donors and participants.

Benefits of Nonprofit Software

Operational Efficiency Nonprofit software automates routine tasks such as data entry, reporting, and communication, allowing staff to focus on mission-critical activities.

Improved Donor Relationships With donor management tools, nonprofits can personalize outreach, track giving history, and maintain strong relationships that increase donor retention.

Transparency and Accountability Financial and grant management tools ensure that nonprofits comply with regulations and demonstrate transparency to stakeholders, boosting credibility.

Better Decision-Making Analytics and reporting features provide valuable insights into campaign performance, donor behavior, and operational efficiency, enabling data-driven decisions.

Scalability As nonprofits grow, software solutions can scale to accommodate larger donor bases, expanded programs, and increasing complexity.

Challenges of Implementing Nonprofit Software

While nonprofit software offers significant benefits, organizations may face challenges, including:

Budget Constraints: Even with nonprofit discounts, advanced tools can strain limited budgets.

Learning Curve: Staff and volunteers may require training to use the software effectively.

Integration Issues: Ensuring new tools work seamlessly with existing systems can be complex.

Data Security: Protecting sensitive donor and organizational data is crucial and requires robust security measures.

Organizations should evaluate their specific needs, select user-friendly tools, and partner with providers offering support and training to overcome these challenges.

Future of Nonprofit Software

The future of nonprofit software lies in innovation and technology integration. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to predict donor behavior, optimize outreach, and analyze trends. Blockchain technology is enhancing transparency in donation tracking, while virtual reality (VR) is creating immersive experiences to engage donors. These advancements will further empower nonprofits to achieve their missions efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

Nonprofit software is transforming the way mission-driven organizations operate. From donor management and fundraising to financial tracking and volunteer coordination, these tools address the unique challenges nonprofits face. By adopting the right software solutions, organizations can save time, optimize resources, and focus on what truly matters—making a difference in the world.

As technology continues to evolve, nonprofit software will remain a cornerstone of effective mission management, helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing environment. For nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact, investing in the right software is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

#nonprofit software

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jobmentorai · 14 days ago

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Master Your Job Interview with Live AI Support

In today’s hyper-competitive job market, having the right qualifications is just the beginning. Employers are looking for confident, well-prepared candidates who can communicate their value clearly and concisely. This is where Job Mentor AI becomes your secret weapon.

Whether you're a student entering the workforce, a professional eyeing a promotion, or someone looking to pivot into a new industry, you need more than just traditional prep. You need personalised, intelligent coaching and Job Mentor AI delivers just that through cutting-edge AI technology tailored to your unique journey.

What is Live Interview Assist?

The Live Interview Assist feature is a breakthrough tool that provides real-time support during your interviews, whether it's a mock session or the real deal. It listens, analyses, and offers instant, AI-driven feedback on your responses. Think of it as your virtual career coach sitting beside you during those high-stakes moments.

Key features include:

Live Transcription of your answers for easy review

Instant Feedback & Suggestions to improve your responses on the fly

Real-Time Interview Assistance

Works seamlessly across various platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams

Why Use AI for Interview Prep?

Traditional interview prep methods like practising interviews or generic YouTube tips are outdated and often ineffective. They lack personalisation, real-time feedback, and data-driven analysis, all of which are critical for true growth. That’s where AI shines.

Job Mentor AI leverages artificial intelligence to elevate your preparation by offering:

Tailored Interview Strategies: Every candidate is different. The platform adapts to your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals to build a preparation path that works.

Insight-Driven Coaching: Instead of vague advice, you receive performance metrics like speaking pace, filler word usage, clarity, and confidence indicators. These insights help you target exactly what needs improvement.

Real-Time Adaptability: The AI evaluates your answers live and offers tweaks that you can implement on the spot, making your prep more agile and efficient.

Continuous Learning Loop: Every session becomes a data point that helps the system get smarter about you, enabling more personalised recommendations over time.

Job Mentor AI: Your Complete Career Companion

Job Mentor AI is more than a one-trick tool. It's a full-fledged career readiness platform designed to support every stage of the job-seeking journey.

Here’s what else it offers:

AI-Powered Cover Letter Generator Writing cover letters can be a tedious, confusing task, but it doesn’t have to be. With AI cover letter generator, you can generate compelling, role-specific cover letters in minutes, using language that resonates with hiring managers and passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Mock Interview Simulations with Feedback Run a fully simulated AI mock interview practice that mimics real-world scenarios. The AI acts as a virtual interviewer and evaluates your answers in real time, just like a human coach would, but with zero judgment and 24/7 availability.

Interview Q&A Generator Generate custom question sets for your specific role or industry. Whether you’re interviewing for a software engineering job or a marketing role, you’ll get realistic, challenging questions to practice with from your very own AI Interview Answer Generator.

Together, these tools form a career success ecosystem that equips you with everything you need, not just to land interviews, but to crush them.

Who’s It For?

Job Mentor AI is not just for tech professionals or executives. It’s for anyone who wants to take control of their career narrative and perform confidently under pressure.

Whether you are:

A recent graduate with little interview experience

A mid-level professional switching industries

A career returnee after a break

An experienced executive preparing for C-suite interviews

Job Mentor AI tailors its feedback, content, and tools to your specific goals, experience level, and industry.

Explore Now & Try Live Interview Assist

Whether you’re entering the job market, navigating a career change, or striving to advance within your field, this tool is designed to support your progress with intelligence, precision, and flexibility.

Discover how Live Interview Assistant works and how Job Mentor AI can help you prepare more effectively, respond more thoughtfully, and present yourself more compellingly in any interview setting.

#aIinterviewassistant #aiinterviewcopilot

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crossatlanticsoftware-blog · 14 days ago

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Why Your Business Needs Expert WordPress Development?

1. WordPress: The Platform Built for Growth

WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally—and for good reason. It’s flexible, customizable, and SEO-friendly. Whether you need a sleek portfolio, a content-driven blog, or a high-converting e-commerce store, WordPress adapts to your business needs.

But just having a WordPress site isn't enough. You need experts who know how to unleash its full potential. That’s exactly where expert WordPress website development services step in to make a real difference—turning ideas into digital experiences that work.

2. Custom WordPress Web Design That Reflects Your Brand

Think of your website as your digital storefront—it should feel like your brand, speak your language, and instantly connect with your audience. Generic templates and cookie-cutter designs just don’t cut it anymore.

At Cross Atlantic Software, our team specializes in creating fully customized WordPress web design solutions. We take the time to understand your brand, audience, and business goals—then design a website that communicates your identity with clarity and impact.

From choosing the right color palettes and typography to structuring user-friendly navigation and responsive layouts, our designs are both beautiful and functional.

3. Speed, Security, and Scalability by Professional Developers

Having a fast, secure, and scalable website is crucial—not just for user experience but also for search engine rankings.

Our skilled WordPress web developers at Cross Atlantic Software don’t just build websites—they engineer digital experiences. We optimize every aspect of your site, from lightweight coding to secure plugins and future-ready architecture.

Whether it’s integrating payment gateways, custom plugins, or third-party APIs, our developers ensure that your site runs smoothly and grows with your business.

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Built-In

What good is a stunning website if no one finds it?

A professional WordPress site should come optimized from the ground up. We integrate best SEO practices into the development process, including keyword placement, metadata, mobile responsiveness, site speed, and more.

This means your website won’t just look good—it will perform well in search results, helping you attract more organic traffic and potential customers.

5. User Experience That Keeps Visitors Coming Back

Today’s users are impatient. If your website is clunky, confusing, or slow, they’ll bounce within seconds.

Our WordPress website development services focus on creating seamless user experiences—fast-loading pages, intuitive navigation, clear call-to-actions, and a design that adapts across all devices.

Great UX doesn’t just please your visitors—it builds trust and drives conversions.

6. Looking for “WordPress Experts Near Me”? We’ve Got You Covered

We know how important it is to work with a team that understands your market. Whether you're searching for WordPress experts near me or want a team that communicates closely and understands your local business context, Cross Atlantic Software bridges the gap.

We offer both local and remote development services, with dedicated project managers who ensure smooth communication and progress at every step.

So, even if we’re not just around the corner, we work as if we are—collaboratively, transparently, and efficiently.

7. You Deserve the Best WordPress Designers Near You

A good design is more than just visual appeal—it’s a strategic asset.

Our WordPress designers near me service ensures you get the best of both creativity and conversion strategy. We blend aesthetics with analytics to craft websites that not only look great but also guide your visitors towards taking action—whether that’s filling out a form, making a purchase, or signing up for your newsletter.

8. Reliable Support and Maintenance

Launching a site is just the beginning.

We offer ongoing support, maintenance, backups, and updates to ensure your website stays healthy and competitive. If you ever run into issues or want to scale, our team is just a call or click away.

In a digital landscape that’s constantly evolving, your website should not only keep up—but lead. Don’t settle for average. With Cross Atlantic Software, you get access to top-tier WordPress website development services that are tailored, tested, and trusted.

Whether you're looking for WordPress web design, reliable WordPress web developers, or trying to find the best WordPress experts near me, we’re here to help.

#wordpress web design #WordPress web developers #WordPress experts near me #WordPress website development services

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reddanceragain · 19 days ago

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Heather Cox Richardson

April 11, 2025 Heather Cox Richardson Apr 12 On April 4, Trump fired head of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) and director of the National Security Agency (NSA) General Timothy Haugh, apparently on the recommendation of right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who is pitching her new opposition research firm to “vet” candidates for jobs in Trump’s administration.

Just after 2:00 a.m. eastern time this morning, the Senate confirmed Retired Air Force Lieutenant General John Dan Caine, who goes by the nickname “Razin,” for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by a vote of 60–25. U.S. law requires the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have served as the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of staff of the Army, the chief of naval operations, the chief of staff of the Air Force, the commandant of the Marine Corps, or the commander of a unified or specified combatant command. Although Caine has 34 years of military experience, he did not serve in any of the required positions. The law provides that the president can waive the requirement if “the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest,” and he has apparently done so for Caine. The politicization of the U.S. military by filling it with Trump loyalists is now, as Kendall writes, “indisputable.”

(NOTE: AND MOGRHADDASI IS AN IRANIAN NAME, I BELIEVE!!!!) The Social Security Administration worked with the administration to get those people to “self-deport” by adding them to the agency's “death master file.” That file is supposed to track people whose death means they should no longer receive benefits. Adding to it people the administration wants to erase is “financial murder,” former SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley told Alexandra Berzon, Hamed Aleaziz, Nicholas Nehamas, Ryan Mac, and Tara Siegel Bernard of the New York Times. Those people will not be able to use credit cards or banks.

Rene Marsh and Marshall Cohen of CNN note that “[m]ultiple senior career IRS officials refused to sign the data-sharing agreement with DHS,” which will enable HHS officials to ask the IRS for names and addresses of people they suspect are undocumented, “because of grave concerns about its legality.” Ultimately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the agreement with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Krause was only one of several senior career officials leaving the IRS, raising concerns among those staying that there is no longer a “defense against the potential unlawful use of taxpayer data by the Trump administration.”

But the administration’s attempt to automate deportation is riddled with errors ��Last night the government sent threatening emails to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and even a Canadian (in Canada) terminating “your parole” and giving them seven days to leave the U.S. One Massachusetts-born immigration lawyer asked on social media: “Does anyone know if you can get Italian citizenship through great-grandparents?” The government is not keen to correct its errors. On March 15 the government rendered to prison in El Salvador a legal U.S. resident, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, whom the courts had ordered the U.S. not to send to El Salvador, where his life was in danger. The government has admitted that its arrest and rendition of Abrego Garcia happened because of “administrative error” but now claims—without evidence—that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and that his return to the U.S. would threaten the public. Abrego Garcia says he is not a gang member and notes that he has never been charged with a crime.

WILL NO ONE STOP THIS FASCIST FROM MAKING OUR GOVERNMENT INTO AN AUTHORITARIAN DICTATORSHIP? I CANNOT FUCKING BELIEVE WHAT IS HAPPENING BEFORE OUR VERY EYES!!!!!

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kiriti2009 · 24 days ago

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Maya vs Blender: What to Choose for Your Animation Journey

Embarking on a journey into the world of 3D animation is an exciting, yet daunting task. With a variety of animation tools available, one of the biggest decisions aspiring animators and seasoned professionals face is choosing the right software. Two of the most popular choices in the industry are Maya and Blender. Both are powerful tools, each offering a unique set of features tailored to different needs and skill levels. In this article, we will dive into the key differences between Maya and Blender to help you make an informed decision for your next animation project.

User Interface and Experience

When it comes to animation software, first impressions matter. The user interface plays a crucial role in how efficiently you can work, especially with complex tasks.

Maya: Known for its sleek and professional interface, Maya is designed with industry professionals in mind. It offers a customizable layout that allows you to adjust the workspace to your specific workflow, enhancing your productivity and overall experience. However, this can sometimes make it feel a bit overwhelming for beginners.

Blender: On the other hand, Blender offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Its intuitive navigation tools make it easy to jump into the software, and it can be easily tailored to suit individual needs. Blender's all-in-one interface simplifies the learning curve, especially for those just starting in the world of 3D animation.

Comparing Workflow and Processes

The way each software handles workflow and processes differs significantly.

Maya: Following a more traditional pipeline, Maya separates tasks into distinct modules for modeling, animation, and rendering. This structured workflow provides clarity and helps facilitate collaboration and project management, making it ideal for larger, team-based projects.

Blender: Blender takes a more integrated approach, combining all aspects of the animation process into a single interface. While this can be a huge advantage for individual users who prefer a streamlined process, it may feel a bit cluttered or overwhelming for some, especially those working on large teams.

Modeling Capabilities

Both Maya and Blender provide powerful tools for creating intricate 3D models, but there are some key differences to note.

Maya: Maya is renowned for its advanced modeling toolkit, which includes features like NURBS modeling, sculpting tools, and advanced polygon modeling techniques. These tools allow for precise control and are highly favored in professional environments where intricate models are required.

Blender: Blender also offers a comprehensive set of modeling tools, including sculpting, retopology, and procedural modeling options. While its modeling capabilities are incredibly powerful, some users may find that Maya’s advanced tools are more suited for highly detailed, professional-grade work.

Materials and Texturing

Texturing and materials are essential to creating a polished 3D model, and both Maya and Blender excel in this area.

Maya: Maya’s node-based material editor provides precise control over material properties, making it ideal for more complex shading workflows. This level of control is particularly valuable for users who need advanced customization in their textures.

Blender: Blender’s integrated material system offers a more user-friendly approach to texturing, with a library of pre-made materials and procedural textures that can speed up the workflow. While it’s more beginner-friendly, it still provides enough flexibility for advanced users.

Animation and Rigging

The animation and rigging process is crucial for bringing your 3D models to life. Here’s how Maya and Blender compare:

Maya: Maya is widely regarded as the industry standard for animation and rigging. Its robust animation tools include keyframe animation, procedural animation, and advanced character rigging capabilities. Maya also offers powerful tools for facial animation, muscle systems, and dynamic simulations.

Blender: Blender offers similar animation features, including a powerful armature system, inverse kinematics, and a variety of animation modifiers. Although its animation tools may not be as specialized as Maya’s, they are more than sufficient for most professional work and are perfect for indie developers and hobbyists.

Rendering

Rendering is the final step in the animation process, and both Maya and Blender deliver stunning results.

Maya: Maya uses Arnold as its default rendering engine. Known for its photorealistic quality and speed, Arnold is a favorite among professionals in the film and animation industries.

Blender: Blender’s Cycles renderer offers similar capabilities, supporting ray tracing, global illumination, and GPU acceleration. Cycles provides excellent rendering quality and is known for producing beautiful results in both still images and animations.

Conclusion: Maya vs Blender – Which One to Choose?

In the age-old debate of Maya vs Blender, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both software options offer unique features and capabilities that cater to different needs and preferences. Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

Maya: Best suited for professionals working in large teams or in industries where the highest level of detail, precision, and control is required (e.g., feature films, AAA games).

Blender: A great choice for independent artists, hobbyists, and small studios who want an all-in-one, beginner-friendly tool that doesn’t come with hefty licensing fees. It’s also an excellent option for those who prefer open-source software.

Ultimately, the choice between Maya and Blender comes down to your personal needs, project size, and workflow preferences. Both programs offer powerful features that can help bring your animations to life, so don’t hesitate to experiment and explore both to see which one best fits your style.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of animation? Check out our selection of 3D animation courses and start your animation adventure today—whether you're a Maya enthusiast or a Blender aficionado, there’s something for everyone!

#vfx #animation

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