#who has a damn good product - then what would they do with a brand new one. with nothing to recommend them?

[lady-raziel]

idk man i know times are hard but i can't help but feel that watcher putting all their eggs in the basket that is their own streaming service is a bad call. like sure i totally get wanting a platform where you have full control both creatively and financially but i feel they might be misjudging how much loyalty non-hardcore fans might have for what they're creating. in every internet fandom there's a subsection of people willing to pay with actual money to support the creators they enjoy, and that's what services like patreon are for. but to expect that casual viewers will sign up and pay a monthly fee to get access to just watcher content when a large portion of them were likely just watching the content because it was free and accessible on youtube assumes that someone who isn't a diehard fan won't just go "oh well" and find something else on youtube that IS still free? that seems like a miscalculation to me. the massive fanbases online content creators have may literally be only possible because the content is available to anyone-- it seems foolish to assume that every single one of those fans is going to stick around once you try to upsell them.

i hope this new venture goes well for the watcher crew. I really do. but i also know that a lot of brands and startups that bank on the loyalty they earned when their product was free or low cost and expect that to sustain them while they try to do something that historically has not gone well for the vast majority of businesses. at best, they'll have halved their fanbase by alienating those who can't or don't want to pay and made it much more difficult for remaining fans to create fandom products like memes or gifs that promote their shows on social media. at worst, they'll discover in the near future the independent streaming service model is unsustainable with only the fans they have left and by that point they'll have already deleted themselves from youtube and made it impossible to come back to the level of success they had before. any attempt to return to youtube will be an admission of a critical miscalculation and i doubt many remaining fans will tolerate the back and forth. they'll have crippled their credibility, relevancy, and fanbase loyalty over a very short period of time-- and i don't know if it would even be possible to come back and still be beloved after all that.

worst of all-- if the watcher streaming service crashes and burns after they've already removed all their content from youtube, all the watcher shows are essentially going to become lost media, only accessible via reuploaders willing to risk a copy strike or if you know someone who has a copy downloaded. given how genuinely good the watcher content is in the sea of lackluster youtube mush, that really seems like a damn shame.

i hope the watcher team sees how everyone is responding and decides to course correct before it's too late and get away with only the hit to their reputation that they've already taken by announcing this, instead of pushing forward on a path that might lose them everything instead. nothing i've said here is with any hate intended toward anyone involved or those who are excited about the new service, but this just seems like a really ill-advised decision to me.

[rafesslxt]

𝐒𝐋𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒 | 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐋

sfw headcanon | Enzo, Theodore, Mattheo, Draco

「 ✦ Headcanon about how their girlfriends would smell, what they would use + their reaction to it. ✦ 」

words: 1,2k

aesthetic: 🛁🧴🧖🏼‍♀️🧺🫧

Enzo:

coconut ☁️🥥🧴🌴🐚

haircare; coconut milk shampoo & conditioner by ogx

bodycare; coco cabana body wash and body cream by sol de janeiro

perfume/bodyspray; coco cabana body spray by sol de janeiro and coconut passion by Victorias Secret

It all began when you and the Slytherin Gang would chill in your common room late at night. Your sister had send you a package with some new products from the muggle world form a brand you really liked. You let yourself fall back into the couch where your boyfriend Enzo pulled you between his legs, so your back was against his chest. Not even a minute after he smelled your hair and his eyes widened as if he just pulled a line of coke he asked, "Baby, what is it that your hair smells so good?" He starts sniffing your hair like a dog and you giggle, your cheeks blushing. "My sister sent this to me the other day. A few products from the muggle world that I wanted to try. It's the brand I told you about a few days ago." He tried to listen to you but was totally consumed by the new smell. "Here, smell this." you grin and hold your arm in front of his nose. "What is– oh god damn.." The smell of coconut made it's way through his nose right to his brain. "It's a new body lotion and two body spray's I mixed so–" But before you could finish your sentence he pulled you with him up from the couch and pushed you towards his dorm. "Uhu you can tell me all about it once I'm ready with you."

Theodore:

pistachio & salted caramel 🍂🌞🍯🌰🧸

bodycare: body lotion and wash nr. 62 by sol de janeiro

lips: salted caramel lip balm by rhode skin

perfume/bodyspray: bodyspray nr. 62 by sol de janeiro or Casablanca Swiss Arabian perfume

His obsession with your smell started when you came back from your summer holiday's with your parents in the muggle world. You showed him what you brought back there, doing a little haul in front of him and your friends. They knew how much you loved to show the your new things every time you got back so they sat there and listened to your happy voice. "Oh and I almost forgot! I got these new things from a brand called 'sol de Janeiro' it's supposed to smell like pistachio and salted caramel. It's smells delicious really." You handed the items around and your friends smelled on the lotions and sprays. They all told you how good and yummy it smelled, smiling at the scent. When they finally passed it to your boyfriend, he took a smell and his eyes widened immediately. "Oh Mia cara this smells— oh dio aiutami." He pulled you closer to him and sprayed the bodyspray on your skin, waiting a few seconds before it dry's and he pulls your arm in front of his nose. "Oh principessa, this smells even more devine on your skin." "I'm glad you like it, Teddy." you smile at him and giggle. He puts more on you, on your bare legs, your arms, your chest and neck. "Baby we need to go." he suddenly urges and try's to pull you away from your friends who look knowingly at your boyfriend. He leans down to your ear and whispers into it, "It turns me on so fucking much sweetheart. And If you don't come with me right now I'm gonna take you over this couch."

Mattheo:

vanilla 🍦☁️🧁🧸🍨

bodycare: vanilla shea butter body wash and body lotion by dove

lips: laneige vanilla sleeping mask

perfume/bodyspray: Vanilla 28 perfume by kayali and Vanilla bodyspray by Victorias Secret

Mattheo really tried his best to be a good shopping partner but after the hundreth shop you walked through, he barely could comprehend anything you said. "Oh look a drugstore! I need a few new things. I wanna change my scent." His eyebrows shot up. "New scent? In like, new perfume?" You nodded your head and walked inside, your eyes already on a few products. "Yes and also my showering routine has to change so the smell matched the perfume." he looked at you in confusion. What do you mean your shower routine has to change? Just shower, right? "Hmm I'm thinking since it's getting a bit colder I'm gonna go for something less fruity." You browse through the shelves of the store until you find something to fill your basket. "And?" he asked lazily, looking at the new items. "Vanilla." you proudly smile at him, taking one of the bottles and opening the cap. "Here, smell it." You hold it in front of his nose and he takes a little sniff, his face soon changing into utterly confusion. "Wait–" he mumbles when you're about to pull the bottle away. He takes it out of your hand and smells it again, then the rest in your basket. "Oh baby, If you're gonna smell like this I'm eating you up as soon as you leave the shower." he smirks at you. You roll your eyes but can't help the giggle that leaves your mouth. "What are you doing?" you question your boyfriend when he starts walking through the store on his own. "Finding more of this vanilla stuff!"

Draco:

fruity 🍊🍋🌞✨🍹

haircare: mehr shampoo and conditioner by rituals

bodycare: mehr body scrub, shower foam and dry oil by rituals

perfume/bodyspray: body mist mehr by rituals or orange soleia by guerlain

Draco couldn't understand what got you so obsessed with muggle things until you showed him your newest treasure. "So you've been in this dirty muggle world to buy what? Showergel?"he mocks you a bit when he sees all of your new stuff spread around you on the bed. You roll your eyes at him and scoff. "Oh don't be so grumpy Dray, this smells really good. You'll love it." He sighs and sits down at the edge of your bed, his eyes scanning all of the products. "Looks pretty.." he admits in a quiet mumble but you still heard it. "I know! It's on the more luxury side and like a whole new brand! It's supposed to smell like orange and sandalwood." "Sandalwood? You wanna smell like a forest?" "Dracooo stop mocking me, please. Try it and tell me how you like it, seriously." You pull off the cap of your new bodyspray and spritz it on your wrist, holding it in front of his nose. You studied his face to see a reaction, but nothing. "Draco? Don't you like it? I chose something fruity because I know you li–" but before you could finish your sentence, you were pulled up from your bed. "Dray, what are you doing?" "We're gonna take a shower, right now." "Oh so you like the stuff from 'the dirty muggle world', huh?" Now you were the one who mocked him and made him roll his eyes but in his opinion it was worth it. "Yeah yeah, we'll see who's gonna laugh when I am ready with you, darling." And just like that your smile dropped to your panties.

sooo this is something different let me know If you liked it ☁️✨

also got inspired by a post from @ahqkas and how Theodore would love your vanilla scent. 🍦

+ i swear the rituals of mehr is SO freaking good! I worked at a rituals shop and it‘s so worth it 🍊

taglist: @justarandomcanadiantransdude @helendeath @thatonepansexual2000 @imabee-oralizard @supernaturaldawning @brodiedoesthings @yourenogoodforme @sofa-couch26 @little-miss-naill @kolsangel @itsarajr @mixvchelle @hisparentsgallerryy @littlemadamred @ummmmmmm-username @jeannie-beannie @belle-blue @sagetakami @simp-for-fantasy @i-like-pandas5 @your-local-simp26 @romantasyreader28 @whiteboylover222 @batsching @themissingweasley26 [if you wanna be added or removed to my taglist, click here]

xoxo sarah <3

[ghostssweetgirl]

Hello, I hope you are well. 141 men+Konig and Roach.Alex. How do they react when they accidentally see female reader in the city for the first time? And just like that. The reader is shopping at a grocery store. And men do not know her. because they never saw the reader's face. but the reader recognizes them because she has seen their faces before and the reader says. What's up? (name) I'll send you a photo of the reader's gaze. so the reader works on the same team as them but right now it's a free day

Have a nice day :)

Hey there! I really like this request <3

TF141 + König + Roach + Alex Reacting to Seeing the Reader's Face (in public)

warnings: cursing, other than that, none. they think you're pretty 😍

Simon 'Ghost' Riley

Simon happened to be shopping in your town. No, he didn't do it on purpose. It was just on his way home.

You were shopping as well. You lived in a big city, so it wasn't unusual for you to be unmasked when doing your business. No one here knew you. You were on the pet food aisle, glancing over the ingredients of a specific brand until you suddenly felt a familiar presence walking by along the outside of the aisle. You look to your side and... spot Ghost.

Why was he here? Not like, why was he shopping, but why would he come to your city? It was too many people for his liking.

You watch him walk by, he doesn't give you a second glance as he goes about his business.

You set the bag of food down as you abandon your cart, walking fast to catch up to him. "Ghost!"

He heard a familiar voice call behind him, but as he turned around, he didn't know who he was looking at and how they knew his callsign. "What's up?" you asked, tilting your head at him. He stopped in his tracks, looking you up and down. "Bloody hell are you?"

You nervously laughed. "Y/N...?"

He was in disbelief. Wow, you were quite beautiful. He didn't think you'd be ugly, but my goodness, he was swept off his feet. "Fuckin' hell, kid," he rasped, chuckling nervously, you could tell.

"Sorry, I forgot you've never seen my face."

"Forgot to warn me you were quite stunning, too, darlin'."

Johnny 'Soap' MacTavish

He heard about this big grocery store from a friend, deciding to check it out. It was also the one you were at, trying to find some new clothes.

In your own little world, you weren't paying attention to the fact you were absent-mindedly taking over the aisle as you were folding a shirt back up.

"Excuse me," a voice called from behind you.

"Sorry," you muttered, moving out of the way. The man gave you a polite smile, and as you made eye contact, your pupils dilated, recognizing your teammate, Soap. "What's up?" you asked.

"Oh, jus' shoppin', nothin' much." You looked into his cart, curious. Some beer, socks, small food items. Also hygiene products. He watched you nose into what he's buying, wondering who the hell this random (pretty) lady is.

You stifle a laugh, looking at the soap in his cart. "Soap." He shook his head, softly chuckling. "Wha's so funny about that?"

You teased him. "Soap! For Soap... Come on, do you not get it?"

For a minute, he recognized the voice but couldn't put two and two together. Wondered if you were who he thought you were.

After awkward staring, you throw your arms up playfully. "Soap! You must not... recognize me...?" "Y/N...?" you continued.

He just figured it out, the way you emphasized his name. "Y/N... Shite, yer... beautiful," he muttered. "Didn't think I'd ever see your face, lass."

Captain 'John' Price

He was just leaving, checking out with his cart full of his selected items. Damn this long line, he'd be here a while.

You were walking in with an empty cart, eyes glued to the front of you. Wanting to get in, and get out. You take notice of the long line. Sighing in annoyance, you go about your business.

You make your way up to the front, expecting the line to have made progress. Nope, still long. Some person had 3 full carts, and was giving one of the cashiers a hard time. Not to mention it was one of the rush hours of business. You look around to see a bunch of grumpy, tired faces. It was all just regular people, until you saw your captain. You smiled, hesitant to say hi to him, not wanting to be a bother.

"Hey, Captain Price!" you sang. He fixed his gaze onto you precisely, questionably. "What's up?"

He met you halfway in between the queues. "How in the bloody hell do you know who I am?" his voice was low.

"Because... I'm in the task force, silly," you laughed. "Y/N."

"Oh," he said plainly, his body visibly relieved. "Well, kid. Near freaked me out, some pretty lady knowin' my rank."

"Sorry," you blushed. "I'll leave you be, then? See you at work."

"Nice to see ya, y/n," his bright blue eyes beamed as they crinkled from his wide smile.

You were nearly finished up shopping, when you walked next to Gaz.

You didn't notice him at first, but when you did, he smiled at you with a polite nod as if you were a stranger.

You smiled back. "What's up, Garrick?"

He squinted his eyes at you, wondering how he knew you.

"I'm sorry, remind me of who you are?"

"Y/N, silly," you quipped.

"Oh," he sighed, looking over the features of your face. "Nice seein' you without the mask."

You almost blush, reaching up to soothe your unmasked face. "Thanks. Definitely didn't expect to see you... here."

"It was just on my way."

"Yeah, well, I hope you're enjoying your time off," you smiled.

"You, too, y/n," he smiled back, walking off but making sure to get one last look at you before you walked off, memorizing your face.

König

It's been such a long day already, and here you were stuck at a busy grocery store in your city. You usually stopped by here every so often, but didn't think the store would be busy when you came here today.

You were pretty much just looking at useless stuff at this point, to pass time by as the queues were not moving. You sigh as you grew tired of looking at this nonsense. Seeing some queues move, you finally hopped in one. You were in a hurry, and that was obvious, but so was someone else.

You almost bumped carts with this man, and before you go to apologize, you hear his thick German accent being the first one to apologize profusely. "I... am so sorry! You go ahead, ma'am," he muttered.

"König! I am so sorry!" you giggled. "I was in a hurry, I didn't see you there! What's up?" He stuttered, hands nearly shaking at you knowing his name. "I... was just shopping here."

"Are... you okay?"

"Ja... yes, I just... sorry, I don't think I know you..."

"Y/N! I don't have my mask on..." you rubbed your cheek. "Sorry to confuse you."

He was taken aback by how beautiful you were. He was already an anxious man, finally being able to put a voice to a very pretty face felt quite nice, but finding out just how gorgeous you were was making his heart slam against his ribcage.

"I-sorry," you could hear his nervousness, it was admittedly very cute. "You are very pretty, Maus."

Roach

You had gone to the store to get some alcohol, it was one of your days off and you wanted to enjoy yourself.

You went to the aisle, and started browsing.

You grabbed a few bottles of wine, and an extra bottle of liquor for another day and started walking out of the aisle to leave.

Until someone came around the corner.

You smiled as you spotted your teammate, Roach.

"Roach! Hey, what's up?"

He made eye contact with you, and you could tell he was confused.

"Sorry, do I know you?"

"It's Y/N! Sorry, don't have my mask on," you apologized, blushing.

"Oh. I was wondering how some beautiful woman knew me," he laughed. "It's nice to see you."

"Thanks, Roach," you smirked. You bid your goodbyes as you walked off, not seeing him look back at you once more.

You were stumped on a product, deciding if you should buy it. You started looking around for products that seemed popular, and went with the correct brand.

You were on your way to the front, when you spotted someone you knew. Alex. He was either in a hurry, or just wanted to get to where he was going, but you followed him.

You about lost him, but finally caught up.

"Alex! Hey!"

He looked around at a few people before he looked at you.

"What's up?" you smiled at him.

He stammered his words. "Hi. Who're you? How do I know you?"

You laughed as you playfully rolled your eyes. "Y/N."

"Damn, nice to see your face, lil lady," he chuckled, eyes wide at your beauty.

"Aw, thanks," you replied. "Enjoying your time off?"

"You know it." You both did some small talk before you had to make your way out. You waved goodbye at him, and he returned it with a polite smile, watching you as you walked away.

"Damn, she's beautiful," he whispered under his breath.

--

A/N - Hope this was good! I've never written for Roach or Alex, so I don't know if I wrote them out well, but thank you for this request and sorry it took a while to get finished! <3

[midnight1nk]

So, this week's episode...

[spoilers below cut]

y'know, i've taken the time to calm down from what happened minutes ago and this might be the distraction i need. hey, the Karen and Swag dynamic is back (for real this time) and i got myself some instant ramen :)

(the following is my life reaction:)

hey luke, oh that's right the murder drones merch ofc

ah yes, just innocent child imagination. very nice :)

dude, it's good to see Karen and her kids again

THEY BROUGHT IT BACK LET'S GOOOOOO

and the corporation is at it again. OMG seriously leave Karen alone bruh

well, ig she didn't technically finish the job of killing Marty (nope i'm still not over that btw)

well we at least know what Karen has them under in her contacts, "Hitman inc"

YES YES YESSSSSSSS THE SMG4 KIDS ARE BACK BABYYYYYY

i have been WAITING for this to happen, i can check this off the bucket list

can they be friends PLEASE?????

oh hang on i gotta pull a Pitch Meeting (TM) here, give me a second...

Writer!Ink: "..And Frankie said that Beeg4 claimed the playground right before they did." Producer!Ink: "Wow, it's going to be hard to go against Beeg. I mean, this is the kid known to start fights with other kids to get what he wants, like that one time with the ice cream." Writer!Ink: "Actually, it's going to be super easy. Barely an inconvenience." Producer!Ink: "Oh, really?" Writer!Ink: "Yeah, because Zach is just going to poke Beeg with a stick and that should pretty much do it."

Producer!Ink: "If only we could do that irl... but wait, if they're in their imaginary world, could the stick be a stand-in for a sword or weapon in general? I mean, it was the same stick they used to execute that guy." Writer!Ink: "Well, sir, we're already pushing boundaries on what YouTube is allowing Glitch Productions to do. We're already doing the Knights of Guinevere and, with Dana Terrace and TOH team onboard, there's not enough in the budget to show a kid getting stabbed even though it's pretend." Producer!Ink: "Oh yeah, YouTube will definitely going to kick our ass for that. We got away with it last time with Terrence." Writer!Ink: "Also, death is sometimes not real." Producer!Ink: "...What?"

...let's just move on

sad moment for Beeg for sure, but I just like how he rolls around like that

Swag, my dude, no....

that was cute for Swag to call Beeg little buddy

EGGDOG NOOO (well, they are kids, they probably didn't realize how much it's affecting Beeg, even if it's pretend)

SWAG FLASHBACK? i did not see that coming

also these grown-ass men clowning on a kid, bruh how about you mind your damn business

this really sweet though and very on brand for Swag to go against a bunch of kids

*holding out for a hero shrek 2 version mp3 plays in bg*

yep, everyone in SMG4 has trauma 😀👍

"OMG IT'S SPIDER-MAN" *look at the camera* how did I get in this show? am i cory this whole time?

guess who's back from that call?

Swag, you're so dead. RIP already to you dude

(also weird how in the same week, the fandom found out that Kevin was going to be in a boxing tournament, huh...)

that R roll though, hold onnnnn

i really do love the switch between their game of pretend and irl

using a HIGHLY EXPERIMENTAL GOVERNMENT DEVICE on CHILDREN in a PLAYGROUND....

huh *sweats nervously* this isn't new, very on-brand for Swag to do, but... oh god they read my episode concepts /silly

honestly that's a good question Karen, finally someone says it

SWAG

This is giving "The Incredibles" vibes and i'm somehow here for that, hell yeah

PFFT HAHAHA YEAH KAREN FUCK THIS GET THEIR ASS

well Swag you did dare them to "stomp out" your spell

OH BEEG HE'S JUST A BABY 😭

YES YES THIS IS WHAT I WANT YESSSS

WAITER WAITER I WOULD LIKE SOME MORE 💳💥💳💥💳💥💳💥

*LE GASP* WE CAN HAVE SMG4 CREW MINI WITH ALL THE KIDS

...huh *to self, don't think about goop!4 don't think about goop!4 don't think about goop!4*

i'm going to point at whoever wrote this scene intentionally. you, yes YOU, if i'm thinking exactly what you are putting down, touché

OH SHIT GET THE KIDS KAREN

F in the chat for Swag o7 (ik he's not dead)

WOAH WOAH WOAH HOLD UP NONONONONO TEAM YOU CAN'T JUST DROP THAT ON US! ON ME!

oh fuck dude, that just slapped me across the face. "Reckless and chaotic", huh? WHO THE HELL IS THE KIDS' BIO FATHER? For all we know, this guy might be dead. divorce is an option, sure, but the way Swag's sacrifice caused a lot of destruction...

the implications, guys... i can't believe this...

ANYWAY Beeg4's little hops 💙 like father, like son

andddd Swag's not dead, i knew it. and in the sky just like Old Man who's also not dead btw :)

Congrats to choripandia for your art being featured in the credit 🎉 love the art, dude

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

omg... what an episode! This has been fantastic, honestly!!! Everything from the plot to the animation, all of it was SOOOO GOOD. It's crazy and wacky and I love it! It featured side characters the whole time, love those kinds of changes! and we got character backstories which WOAH that was a nice surprise :D

AND AND i get a dose of the Mini Crew? HELL YEAH

this has been phenomenal and I truly think this might lead to something. Aside from the imagery the Team likes to tease me and goop!4 theory with, this could lead to an arc, likely on Karen. A non-Mr.Puzzles arc, I'm all for it.

(and y'know me I would've called it the most non-Puzzles Puzzles arc potential of all times, that doesn't seem that it's linked to Puzzles in any way but it could be brought back bc character development. after all, Karen is linked to Marty, Puzzle Park, and the corporation and Swag to episodes related to IGBP. but for our sakes, let's not have Puzzles this time, it'll be a very creative challenge for the Team)

If there's no arc, that is totally fine! I am more than happy to just have more episodes like this without it being in an arc. not necessarily non-plot relevant bc of the corporation and Karen's mystery husband. it's still insane that the Team dropped that in for us and Swag's backstory like that. Amazing job, truly.

Now I know some people might've been confused about Mario being in the thumbnail and not in the episode. I get it really. According to Ben, he didn't see the episode itself until after its release and this thumbnail was what the Team sent him to do. It's crazy ik, but do understand that they're working on a tight schedule.

Take it from me: I work as a major editor for a publishing group (that i'm not going to specify) and we have to release a new thing every two weeks. It's not of "one team works on this and then passes it on to the next" like a factory production line. All teams are working at the same time and have to deliver at the same time, regardless of the amount they were given in the first place. And there are times when something's missing, we have to improvise (but still maintain good quality) just so we could meet the deadline. Even if we have good communication with each other.

Obviously for the SMG4 Team, they have a lot of things going on in their lives, other projects to work on, timezones to get through, and yet they still have the moment for this show. Perhaps when Ben was sent the request, they planned to have Mario in the episode but the writers (Aaron, Paul, and Wiz) decided to write him out. Who knows? Just imagine doing a thumbnail and then the group chat tells you to make a different one quickly before they release it. Plus, his computer is holding on by a thread from all the rendering, poor Ben

i know how that feels, man 😔 there goes my program crashing

For what it's worth, it's okay, the episode was still great. Thanks as always, Team. Anyway guys, that's all I have to say for now, really enjoyed nice little distraction. And remember: numbers go first!

I'll see you all next time!!! 💙

[canmom]

damn i missed this whole exchange in 2022. did i even need to write the 'what is the book for' series? well, I guess many can beat the drum.

the first is a polemic I pretty much entirely agree with. indie RPGs benefit very little from being bought and sold. it is a tiny market and unfortunately the pressures of playing to it are not good for the milieu. when marcia says...

Here we also turn a common indie criticism of Wizards of the Coast on its head. It is said often enough that the official publications for Dungeons & Dragons do not offer good material for use. The rules given are wishy-washy, the guidelines unhelpful, and the adventures uncreative. Wizards of the Coast relies instead on building a brand surrounding the game, encouraging players to play however they like and to share in common D&D as an aesthetic and pretense of play. It is obvious then that most of the products sold for the game have no inherent quality to them besides the social value ascribed to them due to their branding. Indie publishers know this. Therefore they may advertise their works as a foil to D&D, that their rules as written actually work and that their texts are written with fuller intent. Their rules are authoritative, their guidelines helpful, and their adventures pushing the edge of creativity. This has sometimes led to an overemphasis of authorial authority among indie publishers, that if you are not playing the game how the author of its rulebook intended, then you are playing incorrectly. Players of D&D thus have a much more flexible relationship to the game they play, even if this is a calculated move by Wizards of the Coast [6]. Who cares what people do with rulebooks or adventures or other materials? Of course, we can read and interpret any text, but these so-called game designers have no reason to expect fidelity to their material in practice. Their emphasis of authorial intent serves mostly to assert the value of their products in the face of a monopoly that openly flaunts its promiscuous interpretability. The stronger answer to both parties is that we shall freely take and use whatever we wish, irrespective of stated intent, and we shall not buy anything if we don’t want to.

it is a relief to see someone else saying the same thing! (her comment on the evolution on D&D into the new edition, through the lens of shifting audience, is also really fucking insightful. I need to read this girl more.)

lich van winkle's post has a good take on many of the sociological observations about the legitimising role of glossy printed RPG books I went on about in part 3. as Prismatic observes in the third post, van Winkle's tone is melancholy - he reflects on the past of deeply personal experiences with games that don't fit into any reproducible published form, unrecordable 'dreams' such as his friend Ben's game (a story spiced with such elements as a psychotic break and slide into death). he observes how the transition of RPGs from niche hobby to major entertainment industry changes the flavour of the hobby, and seems largely resigned to it.

Only with $$$ does the fantasy of today become more than private. It became a part of mass culture when it cost money, a shared medium of exchange. Somehow, that is disappointing to a dreamer like me, as it was to Kask in 1981, yet one must acknowledge that the hobby would be much, much smaller and lonelier without this system of valuation of fantasy.

Prismatic injects a little economic theory with the concept of Veblen goods whose demand increases with price, here observing that putting a price on things gives them a kind of reach that makes people more interested than when they're free. I would qualify this, I think, by saying this is true... when you are at least somewhat known already. Anyway, they then segue into a list of RPG zines to suggest backing in a crowdfunding event, which... idk how I feel about, all things considered.

A couple of weeks ago I released a story on itch (more are coming, but it's taken me longer than planned to get the next one ready to go out, cover art being the main obstacle). I elected to make it 'pay what you want' i.e. free, and I was surprised to see that a few people still sent me money. All in all, A Summoning has made $29... which is $29 more than I got from sending it to magazines, but also it's less than an hour's work at my actual job.

I believe this is probably true of the vast majority of indie RPGs that get published: it's a 'long tail' industry, where only the few projects that get really popular make any actual money. Very few people can make a living as a game designer - even a relatively successful designer is probably sum minimum wage if you tot it up, and it has little to do with how good you are at coming up with interesting games and everything to do with personal branding and all that crap. So why does anyone who isn't called Vincent Baker sell their games, as opposed to putting them out as free blog posts and similar? For the prestige, obviously. Perhaps you'd take me more seriously as a game designer-type-person if I had a PDF to sell you!

Is there a solution to this? I would love to think we could follow Marcia in just rejecting money from the equation outright. I generally release stuff I make outside of work for free, and trust I can accrue prestige in other ways.

However... I also spent money to get an RPG book that caught my interest this morning. I am usually very pro-piracy, but I will generally choose to voluntarily spend money on small indie RPGs, seeing it as something like a donation, or perhaps more accurately, the respect due a peer.

Would I pay so much attention to Apocalypse World if it was just a series of blog posts on the lumpley website? Whether you spend money or pirate it, the printed books, the industry of 'indie RPGs', all serve to reify the whole thing into a movement worthy of discussion and respect.

I don't know a solution, except to just try to be really eclectic in my influences and try not to let my 'play' be measured up against anyone's codified product.

fuck i hate monetary exchange lmao. broken shit please nerf

[jovenshires]

endless au edits: smosh theatre's seasonal lineup (3/4)

no matter what else you have to say about it, one thing is certain. smosh's summer show is a fascinating choice: a production of godspell directed by zoe moacanin. smosh fans may know moacanin from directing last year's infamous performance of les miserables, which was the first show in almost a decade to star both smosh founders, ian hecox and anthony padilla. in a P.I.T. interview with hecox, he revealed that les miserables was moacanin's "brainchild." from the beautiful, minimalistic set to the haunting, romantic stage direction, hecox credited it all as her idea. "the show would not have gone on without her," hecox said. "she's one of the greatest directors i've ever worked with." moacanin's understanding of tragedy and theatre itself truly make her a force to be reckoned with. with a standout crew to support her, including arguably smosh's most talented stage head alex tran, i think we can all preemptively agree that this religious comedy-drama will lean far into the latter and leave not a dry eye in the house. it will surprise almost no one that shayne topp is staying atop the heap of most leading roles in smosh productions as he takes on the intimidating role of jesus christ himself. jesus is a high-energy, charismatic, strong leader that others instinctively follow - all words that accurately describe topp. when i reached out to him to set up a potential interview (coming soon), he had this to say: "it's truly such an honor to be working with zoe [moacanin]. she's extremely talented, and this cast has really captured my heart. i'm so excited to put on this show." i'll have the pleasure of sitting down with topp next week to dive further into his character and his relationship with the cast. speaking of, his fellow lead actor is none other than chanse mccrary, who will be playing john the baptist/judas. mccrary is known for speaking out about how his sexuality and race affect his career, both in how he's perceived by others and how it informs his art. to see him play such a double-edged character will be fascinating, as he will act as jesus's confidante as well as his downfall. smosh theatre is often highly praised for giving their actors room for interpretation. mccrary has taken that and run with it in the past, and i have no doubt that he'll do that again. mccrary shared on his instagram that he's "excited" for the upcoming performance. "i've had so much fun working on this show; this is truly one of my dream roles. come see me and @ shaynetopp sing all for the best and maybe kiss, who's to say". well, he certainly has me sold. godspell is a unique show in that theatre companies often name all of the characters after their actors. smosh is following that unwritten rule, releasing the rest of the cast solely as the songs they sing rather than the characters' names. the incredibly talented arasha lalani will be singing "turn back o' man," performed by the mary magdalene-esque character. lalani has played mostly high-strung, comedic roles with smosh thus far, and she's damn good at it. but as she showcased as cosette in the aforementioned production of les miserables, she absolutely has the range. backing her up in the ensemble of apostles are relatively up-and-coming actors marcus munguia (singing "light of the world" as the comedic, up-beat, class clown apostle) and peter ditzler (singing "all good gifts", a character notably sweet and innocent yet slightly slow on the uptake) among others. the stark mix of both classic smosh members and newer actors makes for a perfectly balanced cast, one that will make this old show feel brand new.

[lithominium]

Ughhh hahah im ahving a “nobody under 40 really expects anything good to happen ever again” moment right now going “climate change has completely ruined seasons as we know them, not the hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by sea level rise and (un)natural disasters caused by global warming” and “every single product in the entire world is designed to break down in a year at the most and every year it gets worse, including housing”

Its not like yoi can go buy a good that actually functions, because All goods are like this. Tools are godawful now. You buy a brand new sandblaster from a reputable company and it literally sucks shit. You buy a modern reissue of music equipment and its shoddily built and doesnt work right or something. Houses being built in the modern era are thrown up in a week and collapse with people inside a week later. Video games come out and are half baked and dont change when people ask

The consumers dont have power anymore, they havent for Years.

Every time i look at politics (USA because im unfortunately usamerican, but ive seen some godawful shit in other countries too) i go “well he cant nearly be as bad as the last guy” but somehow they always one up each other for being more genocidal and more awful. On both ends of the spectrum. It used to be 3 years ago “do i wanna vote for the awful person or the awful person who actively wants to kill me” but now its literally just. “Person who wants to kill me or person who wants to kill me.” And every single worthless politician in existence is doing the same thing. If i voted for someone who didnt want to kill me, so few people would end up voting for them, that the people who DO want to kill me would win anyways. My old college town banned public homosexuality. Tennessee of course. Worthless ass state.

I dont doomscroll, i know how ungodly unhealthy it is to scroll through tags showing off how bad everything is. But its inescapable. I go to funny youtube videos and see wade dankpods complaining about how all tools suck while he tries to rebuild a car. I scroll through my dashboard which is supposed to be memes and fandom content and its “this us democrat just said ‘yaknow i really think its great that israel is finally killing all those subhuman palistinians” and what the hell am i supposed to do about that??

I just need. Some semblance of hope. Anything just to tell me it will be alright. Tell me theres a reason for me to not steal a plane and fly it into a god damn mountain so my final moments will be doing the one thing i really love.

[nickgerlich]

Tariffs, Part 2

My intentions with this blog are to force my students to think…to think about branding, marketing strategy, technology, digital life, consumer behavior, and more. But sometimes I must hit on…and even return to…topics that are very very thorny, contentious, and—dare I say it—divisive.

Like tariffs, something we have already hit on. It’s just that it keeps coming up in the news, and since each semester is different and blog topics reflect those differences, here we are again. To wit: President Trump just announced retaliatory tariffs against every nation imposing them on us.

And before I continue, I am going to put my foot down and say that I will not tolerate rude behavior in the responses. It is perfectly OK to disagree with me or your peers. I hope that happens, because it is never good when we all agree on things. Difference is good, and we can learn from one another, as long as we do so in a civil, respectful way.

Carry on.

Essentially, Trump declared a tit-for-tat executive action. If someone slaps a tariff of 10% on our goods, then we will respond in kind. And, as is the case in most tariff situations, the goal is to see domestic production grow, as well as be safe and secure.

It’s just that it usually doesn’t end there. Expect equal or greater responses from those nations facing new US tariffs. Tariff wars seldom end well, and in the end, consumers are the losers, because they have to pay this for what it really is: a tax.

There is a lot to unpack here, and you would have to take an entire course in International Economics (highly recommend!) to fully understand it. Basically, trade is a good thing because it improves the lives and lifestyles of everyone. Because of trade, we have strawberries, blueberries, and other fresh fruits and veggies in winter, when there is no way we could produce enough in the US to meet demand. They can only grow so many berries in a Florida winter.

Another lesson from that IE class is comparative advantage, which means that if Country A is really efficient at producing a certain product, then it should double down on it and use that to trade for things with Country B, who also ideally is doubling down on the things they do well.

A good example would be pickup trucks. We are damn good at making pickup trucks, even if some of them are also produced in Mexico and Canada. We could make pickup trucks all day long, and sell to the world.

At this point some might argue that other nations—let’s say China—is an unfair competitor, because it heavily subsidizes certain industries and companies. The same was said of Japanese auto makers in the 70s and 80s, until they invested heavily in American factories and showed us how to make cars.

But I need to also point out that the US is also in the subsidy game, to the tune of about $30 billion a year for farm and ag businesses, and another $757 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. Yikes. No wonder our gas is so relatively cheap in the US. Oh yeah, one more thing: The US Treasury pumped about $51 billion to prop up General Motors when they filed for bankruptcy, under the premise that the company was “too big to fail.”

Like I was taught at university, tariffs are most typically found in developing nations with developing industries, but those text book examples don’t always apply. For example, the US has also heavily subsidized—at least until January of this year—green energy. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, also included a ton of dough for new wind and solar farms. There were also tax incentives for people buying EVs. Say goodbye to those for now.

So…will this new round of tariffs cause you to alter your behavior? This can happen from the grocery store to Amazon, and everywhere in between. Some large companies may try to absorb tariffs as just a cost of doing business, but they can only do that for so long. And smaller companies probably can’t do that at all.

As for me, I’m just going to keep doing what I do. I refuse to let myself be bullied—or taxed—into compliance. My mantra about being in business, be it a mom-and-pop to mega-corporations and even nations, is that if you cannot be competitive, you probably shouldn’t be in that line of work.

That’s just me, and my undergrad Economics major made me a fiscal conservative (for the record, I am cool with a lot of the DOGE cost-cutting, although not all of it). But I am not cool with tariffs nor subsidies. No bueno. They just create artificial senses of well-being.

Have at it, gang. Let the civil discussion ensue, and please be sure to discuss how this may or may nor affect your consumer behavior.

Dr “Tightening My Belt” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[bluandtherestlesshands]

I think I may open comms in the future…

Update time, first things first - Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate, I hope you enjoy a good meal with your friends, family, chosen family, etc.

Once again, a lot has changed. Started a new job two weeks ago, and I decided to take the plunge to get some new tech to continue drawing. The pencil I had was an okay starter pen, but I was feeling confident enough in my abilities that I wanted to get the apple pencil pro. Of course after buying it I discovered that I would need the latest iPad to even charge the damn thing… But you know what? I was eying a deal to get a new phone anyway, and my carrier from my old state doesn’t have great service… A new job with a much higher pay made it far more feasible to afford the higher phone bill - Mine was incredibly low anyway, ~ $35 a month. So, new phone, new phone number, and new iPad that now also benefits from the carrier service. Art is cathartic for me, it’s my way to unwind after long days at work. This is my treat to myself after getting out of my situation. ❤️

As for the results of testing out this new pencil… The results speak for themselves.

The left is a sketch done with the old pencil. No pressure sensitivity, no shortcut capabilities, basically just a stylus.

On the right is a (cleaned up) sketch done with the apple pencil pro on the new ipad (iPad Air 11”)

RIP first pencil, whose brand I do not know. You did good for what you were! I’d always recommend that for people starting out. I only made the jump to digital this year. If you’re just starting out and need to get used to the feeling of a digital pencil in your hand, starting out with something like that is not a bad option. Give yourself time to progress before upgrading to the professional products. Start off small, work your way up.

I’m going back to testing out this new pencil ✨ For now, enjoy a colored sketch of a Fullbringer OC I’m working on. You’ll see her and her traveling companion in due time~

[md-guel]

hey everyone and welcome to this week's guel wednesday! episode 22 was a bit of a mess in terms of pacing, especially since they're ramping up for the climax, but it does give me two things about guel and his two big relationships to talk about!

first: guel jeturk and suletta mercury. again, yes, but I just love their relationship and their dynamics so much. I could go on and on about their parallels and contrasts and about how I think they'll always be bound by something because of both. but for now, I'm gonna talk about something else, which is how I think their fighting styles differ from each other!

so, staying on brand with episode 22's disjointed style, this fencing match really was kind of shoehorned in the middle of so many things that had to be done. more than being a real part of the narrative, the whole fight actually feels more to me like a product placement. like I think it matters less if suletta really won or guel just let her win.

as an aside, when he called miorine his fiancee and asked suletta why she thinks he'd let her chat with her, I don't think he meant it in a romantic way. it was just something appropriate to say as a holder, never mind that he never even wore white, anymore. but I do think that now that he no longer sees miorine as a trophy and a ticket, he's come to care about her as an ally and a person. so maybe there's a bit of that when he challenged suletta to a duel: is suletta really strong enough for miorine and all that

but even with that, going back to what I was saying, I think it's just more important for the anime to bring the protagonist back to her rightful and official colors, now that she's coming to stand on her own two feet after being manipulated by the system all her life. and also: to give a nod to amuro and char who famously fenced in their characteristic white and red colors. I really think that's the whole point of this fencing scene

still, I think it does give us a clearer perspective of how guel and suletta win and fight their fights. on the get-go of the duel, guel is seen to dominate the piste with his power and his reach which I think has always been his advantage as a sportsman and he's always been a damn good one. I think he's the type to easily take to any kind of sport or physical thing he puts himself into, and I think that's what makes him a really effective fighter

suletta, though, never had that advantage. while guel was studying the blade, she was saving people from storms in mercury. but also, she's a different brand of fighter who comes with her own set of advantages. and I think part of those is that she's a smart fighter. she knows how to adapt to a given situation and turn things around to her advantage

guel was blindsided when she'd used his height and reach against him, which if you think about it, is a similar situation with his first loss. and maybe if they did this again another time, maybe guel would pick up some tips from her, the way he'd picked up some tips from all the pilots who defeated him before and applied them on his winning battles. maybe he'd win against her this time, and maybe suletta would find a way to one-up him again and guel would be back to learning some new moves again. I think, to be ace pilots, that's the kind of fighters they'd have to be

funnily, guel's next fight actually puts him in "amuro's color" as he faces up with someone else in "char's color", who is none other than his brother lauda neill. talk about a cliffhanger ending but also, what a way to symbolize the past catching up with this brand new version of guel

I've already talked a bit about this before, I think, about how I think he's scared of the schwarzette and the schwarzette is so damn flashy and vicious because it's a representation of all of lauda's repressed rage. but for all that it's sad that such a shiny sexy beast only got a few minutes of screen time, now that it's been more than a year(!) since this episode first came out, I really have to say that I think the schwarzette couldn't have found a better pilot than lauda.

I mentioned that it's symbolic of the past catching up to guel, and it all starts in episode 18 where guel was forced to reveal the half-made schwarzette when prospera made a very thinly-veiled hint of a gundam in production. now guel's never really cared about gundams, not with all the misery they keep coming with, but I think, on top of his partnership with gund-arm inc, I think he couldn't let the schwarzette go, too, because it was his dad's last project. the schwarzette was the darilbalde's successor. it's probably something he didn't know what to do with but because it belonged to his dad, he still kept it

it's too bad that lauda found it. but then, even when guel has been making great progress moving forward, his guilt is causing him to leave his brother behind in the first place. he probably thinks it's his way of making it up to lauda after being such a bad brother to him, but as always, he never considered his feelings in the first place. he just assumes he's doing something good for lauda's sake, but lauda's about as broken as he is. vim jeturk raised him, after all. and I think, a lot of lauda's safe space and self-worth are tied directly to his brother. and then everything about guel begins to change and everything else just keeps getting worse and worse for him

so lauda, the man guel had left behind in all his trying to move forward, goes and does something crazy in the schwarzette, his dad's last project that was left to collect dust (it even has the facade of a skull!) until lauda had gone and piloted it. I think nothing could be better as a final boss for guel's arc than this combo.

[samanthalucas]

How to grow your Teacup business online

How to grow your Teacup business online? That's a damn good question. We live in a day and age where tea is hotter than ever, and it has been for the past couple of decades, but still, growing an industry takes time, money, and effort; luckily, the internet can make that easier. If you are one of these people trying to figure out how to grow your business online, you have probably come across many different methods that range from expensive to free. In today's post, we're going over ways to grow your business online using custom rigid boxes for Packaging.

Advertising Is Not A Luxury - It Is A Necessity

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to advertising your tea business online. It can be challenging to know where to start, but once you've got a few good ideas in mind, it's pretty easy to get the ball rolling.

If you're starting, there are a few things you should keep in mind when advertising your tea business online. First, advertising is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without advertising, how will anyone know that you exist? How will they know what kind of tea you sell? How will they understand why they should come into your shop instead of buying their tea online?

Second of all, remember social media! Social media is one of the best ways to learn about new businesses, especially if those businesses are local ones like yours. Make sure that all of your social media accounts have links to your website so that people can find out more about what you offer at any time of day or night (or even during their lunch break).

Thirdly: make sure that everything looks fantastic! The internet is full of distractions—don't let yours stand out from the crowd by having an ugly website or profile picture on Facebook!

You Need To Tell The World About Your Business

Tell the world about it if you want to grow your Teacup business online.

It would help if you created an online presence for your business by creating a website and social media accounts. You can then promote these sites through search engine optimization (SEO) techniques such as keyword research, backlinks, and content creation.

Once you have created a website and social media accounts, you should start writing blog posts related to tea cups or tea. These posts should be informative but also entertaining or funny to attract readers who click through to your website or social media page, where they can learn more about your products or services.

Your Competitors Are Telling The World About Their Businesses

They're posting about how they do things and why they do them. They're sharing their expertise, and they're making themselves look good.

Your competitors are talking about their businesses, and you should too! People are looking for information about your business, so it makes sense to help them. To grow your Teacup business online, you must start blogging about your products and services at least once a week. You can also include links to other places where people can learn more about your business—like websites or social media accounts.

By blogging regularly, you'll build up an audience of potential customers who will see your content whenever they search for information on tea cups or accessories. If someone is interested in buying a new tea cup but needs to know where to start looking? They'll probably search for "tea cup reviews" or "best teacup brands" in Google! When that happens, yours could be the first website they visit—and there's nothing better than getting an interested customer before anyone else does!

Advertising Is Not Only About Selling. It Is Equally Essential For Building A Brand

Advertising is one of the essential strategies to build brand awareness, increase sales and generate leads. But it has become extremely challenging to attract customers through traditional advertising methods like TV, radio, and print ads which are very expensive. So what's next? The answer lies in digital marketing.

With digital marketing, you can reach a large audience at an affordable cost without spending too much on media or print advertisements. Digital marketing is an effective way to target specific audience segments with highly customized messages at scale by using various digital channels such as search engines, social media platforms, mobile apps, etc.

Digital marketing offers many benefits over traditional marketing methods, such as direct mail or television commercials that are expensive to produce and distribute.

Embrace The Power Of Packaging with Custom Rigid Boxes

Packaging is integral to any product's journey from manufacture to the customer. It's how you get your products from A to B, and it's also how you tell your story and show off your brand.

When you're selling online, Packaging is especially important: because most shoppers need to get a chance to hold or see your products in person before buying them, Packaging is often the first thing they see. It's an opportunity for you to make a great first impression that will set the tone for their experience with your brand.

How do you make sure that the first impression is a good one? By embracing the power of custom rigid boxes!

Custom rigid boxes are an excellent way to ensure you're doing everything. They're made from sturdy materials, so they'll protect your goods during shipping and handling. And they can be customized to fit any size or shape of the product, so you don't have to worry about having inventory left over after the holiday season ends. Plus, they're easy for customers to open and re-close without damaging anything inside.

Influencer Marketing

If you want to grow your tea cup business, then influencer marketing is one of the best ways.

Influencer marketing is when you get influential people to promote your product. You don't have to pay them, but they will help you spread awareness about your product through their social media channels or other platforms where they have influence.

For example, if someone with many followers on Instagram posts a picture of themselves drinking out of a mug with a quote saying, "I love tea!" then people who see that post might be interested in buying cups with similar quotes themselves.

If you want to grow your Teacup business online, then influencer marketing can be an effective way to do it because it's free!

Email Campaigns

Email campaigns are a great way to grow your tea cup business online. Email campaigns allow you to target your audience with relevant, timely, and personalized content, which can help you increase sales and customer loyalty.

There are two main types of email campaigns:

Automated email marketing

This is where the emails are automatically sent from your website when a user visits. For example, if someone visits your site and adds an item to their basket, an automated email might ask them if they want to subscribe to your mailing list or receive special offers by email.

Personalized message

Personalized messages are manually sent from you to customers based on their previous behavior on your website or via other platforms such as social media channels like Facebook or Twitter. They can include product recommendations based on past purchases and special offers based on customer preferences (e.g., customers who purchased this product also bought this other product).

Referral Marketing

Referral marketing is a great way to build your tea business online. You can use it to get more customers, increase sales and improve your brand awareness.

Choose a referral program that works best for you and your customers. For example, if you sell teas through Amazon, you may want to offer an Amazon gift card as a reward. If you sell wholesale teas, offer free shipping on future purchases.

Offer incentives for referrals such as discounts or cash back. Make it easy for them to refer friends by offering a link or button on your website that they can send directly to their friends via email or social media.

Final Words

If you want to grow your Teacup business online, knowing your options and how to choose the best one for you and your business is essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of viable options available that can help you grow in this specific area. Choose one, get started, and watch your business reap the benefits. With the right tools and tactics, I'm confident that any entrepreneur can succeed at taking their business online.

[spectaculardistractions]

To José Rubia Barcia Mexico City, 6 February 1947 Dear Barcia, Your letter arrived a few days ago and I had to wait a few more to reply, because I was overwhelmed with work. I’m now at leisure to do so as shooting finished on the 1st of this month. I was getting a bit fed up of that damned Tampico and heaved a sigh of relief after shooting the final scene. In fact, I left the studio with a raging fever and was in bed for three days with the onset of pneumonia. Even today, finally out of bed, I still have stabbing pains in my right side. I won’t say much about the film, as you’re already familiar with its fairly mediocre story. I made a few good changes, including a suggestion of yours to do with them not escaping en masse from the prison, etc. It certainly won’t put me up there with the greats of Mexican cinema, white or Indian, but it has put me on the map as a commercial director. I finished it, although not without great effort and squandered energy, in the thirty-four days they gave me to complete it, managing to stay under budget at the same time. I’ve had offers to do other films, particularly with Negrete, who has become fond of me, but for the moment I’m cutting loose and heading off alone to France towards the end of the month at the latest. I’m taking advantage of a free tourist flight that will get me there directly. The main purpose of this trip is to take up my brand-new position as Secretary of the Film Archive and to assess the situation in France for myself. I fear it’s not a particularly happy one where cinema is concerned, and I’ve been told that even what I would earn at Cine France and at the archive wouldn’t be enough to put stale bread on the table. I feel duty-bound to make the trip though. I’ll probably be back in Mexico by the end of March. The crisis over here continues with little sign of resolution any time soon. This is not to say though, that all production has stopped. I would say you should come over here at once to stake your claim and wait it out a few months, but I know this would be impossible for a number of understandable reasons. You should wait until I get back and then you could come out at once with your tickets paid. I promise to get you on board as a writer and, for filming, as a dialogue ‘arranger’. Our glorious trades union allows no mention of the actual director to prevent a shadow being cast over their wonderful members. But, of course, my title doesn’t really matter. As for your script for Don Álvaro, now I know how things work over here I think the only way is to get Armando Calvo to read it. If you want me to, I could arrange an introduction and give him the script. I don’t think there are any other suitable actors. Negrete is out of the question, and the Baledones etc., monstrous. I see you are as ill-informed as ever about dubbing at MGM. I’ve heard no news that they are planning to come down here and Demetrio, who wrote a few days ago acknowledging payment of my debt, made not the slightest mention of a relocation. I see Godoy’s little birds are still spreading rumours. The general impression among the refugees over here is that there is no sign the situation in Spain is going to improve any time soon. I shall attempt to make it to the Motherland next month under the auspices of the International Film Federation. It seems highly likely I’ll be able to spend two weeks there, which would be wonderful. In any case, and if that falls through, I shall go to Biarritz to spend a week with my mother. As far as I’m concerned, you may do whatever you like with our unfortunate story. Send our very best greetings to Evita’s parents. We often reminisce about our splendid banquets and conversations; I always remember Eva with a gastronomical tear and in the warm glow of friendship. Please extend our greetings to the rest of the family of course, Our warmest regards to you and Evita, Buñuel Elba 9F PS Let me know if I can do anything else for you. You can count on me from 1 April, of course, when I’ll be back over here again. I’m leaving my family in Mexico, to Jeanne’s great despair. I won’t take them to France unless I can do it with $10,000 earned over here, or a guarantee I’ll be paid enough over there to live comfortably. The same day I wrote this letter I took to my bed with a glorious lung infection. To top it all, I was still convalescing from the first illness I gave myself after a bout of overeating and have now broken out in the most terrible rash. Forgive the delay in sending this unfortunate letter.

Jo Evans & Breixo Viejo, Luis Buñuel: A Life in Letters

[icinch]

The 3 Copywriting Lies You Need to Know

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The 3 Copywriting Lies You Need to Know

These are without a doubt the biggest mistakes new marketers tend to make when it comes to copywriting…

Lie #1: Good copywriting uses lots of exclamation points and over-the-top jargon a 5 year old wouldn’t believe.

“This Brand New Revolutionary Never Before Seen Blah Blah Will Explode Your (Bank Account! Abs!! Sex Life!!! Etc.)” Seriously, who really wants their abs to explode???

“This Revolutionary Once In A Lifetime Opportunity Is Only Available To You Because You’re So Damn Handsome, But It Will Disappear In 10 Minutes And Then You’ll Be Ugly Forever!!!” Okayyyy…….

“This Incredibly Awesome Majestic Indescribable Super Secret Opportunity That Only The Super Duper Uber Wealthy Rich Know About Can Be Yours Because This One Rich Nerd Guy Decided To Spill The Beans Because He’s Really Angry At All The Other Rich Jerk Guys!!!” Yeah, who doesn’t believe that?

If you think you need exclamation points, it means you really need a thesaurus. Writer Henneke Duistermaat gives some great examples of this. Instead of “It’s big!” Try “It’s enormous.” Instead of writing, “That was brave!” Use, “That was heroic.” Finding the right words instead of lazily using exclamation points makes your writing more persuasive and tantalizing.

And forget wild promises and over the top worn out phrases. Instead, try being honest and genuine, like you’re talking to a friend over tea. Your sales copy will get noticed and read because it sounds like it’s coming from a real person and not the worst possible version of a used car salesman.

Lie #2 – You can simply ‘swipe’ your way to copywriting success.

Just rip off other writers, substitute your product for theirs, change a little bit here and there and call it good, right? Yes, it will save you time and yes, you might make some sales.

But to be truly successful and to BE a success (two different things, btw) you need fresh thinking and honest copy.

Because unless you are selling the exact same product to the exact same customers, ripping off someone else’s copy won’t provide the sensational conversions you’re looking for.

Telling your own story in your own way will.

Think about every blog that you read on a regular basis. Could someone else write those blogs and have them be the same? No. If someone tried to rip them off, would they be as successful as the original authors? No.

Once you master copywriting you’ll have a tremendous amount of power to write your own paychecks because you will be the source of new ideas and perspectives that resonate with your customers and create buying frenzies.

Lie #3 – Copywriting is super simple, once you know the ‘secrets.’

That’s right – just spend $997 for my latest course and in no time at all you’ll know all the secrets of the pros and you’ll be a copywriting savant.

Actually, no. No there are no secrets and you won’t become a copywriting wiz overnight.

The fact is, there are a multitude of books and courses that will teach you about copywriting. But there are no real secrets except this – there is no substitution for practice. And more practice. And more practice after that.

Hopefully this won’t sound too sentimental, but great copywriting is about one thing: Caring.

Caring for your customer, caring that he gets the best possible solution to his problem, caring enough to see to it that you make every effort to get that solution in his hands.

It’s about empathy and stepping into your customers’ shoes. Seeing life from his or her perspective. Living with the problem they have, knowing what it’s like to desperately want the solution.

You can’t outsmart your prospects. What you can do is be one of them so you can talk to them and counsel them as they would want to be talked to and counseled.

When you learn how to do that, you’ll be a great copywriter indeed.

[dwsavideos]

I question this all the time. I’ve been wanting to share my thoughts about it, so I might as well do it now. Prepare for a long ride.

In my opinion, there are FOUR kinds of shows on Broadway nowadays:

The limited runs

The stunt cast

The revivals

The “regular” Broadway shows (I didn’t know what to name this last category sorry lmao)

Shows with limited runs are expected to close at a certain date and tickets sell REALLY WELL and more often than not, producers decide to extend the run for a bit because, well- tickets sell really well. Parade and Camelot are both perfect examples. Both great, popular shows with successful runs- but the runs were limited to begin with, which is why the closing may seem so premature- but it was planned that way.

The stunt cast shows (or sometimes called ‘star’ casting) are just shows that cast a celebrity or more well known Broadway actors to boost ticket sales. Some of these actors are great (stars), others are… meh (stunt). Think Jordan Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Brendan Urie, maybe even Josh Groban (Even though I’d see Sweeney Todd no matter who’s in it)… Also think Cameron Dallas. Seriously, who’s idea was that? Whether it’s stunt or star, it’s all just a ploy to sell more tickets. Chicago does it every two seconds.

The revivals. Shows everyone loves to death. Shows everyone wants to see. Classic Broadway at its finest. A lot of revivals tend to also be limited runs (which I hate). Those have no problem selling tickets. Again, Parade did this. So did Into the Woods, and also Deaf West Spring Awakening back in 2015, and Merrily We Roll Along will do it once it opens this fall.

Now we get to the “regular” new Broadway shows. We get the enigma that is “Making it on Broadway”. Brand new shows that we get to see a sneak peak of at BroadwayCon or Broadway in Bryant Park. These are the shows that could go one of two ways. It can be an overnight sensation and last 10 years on Broadway- or it can unfortunately slip through the cracks and close after a few weeks or months. The mystery is: It doesn’t even matter if the show is good or bad or the best thing anyone has ever seen. Some shows just slip through those cracks and either don’t sell well or maybe isn’t as popular as other shows (due to other shows using stunt casting maybe), or maybe the running cost is too high. There are even some shows that are Tony Nominated or Tony Winners that close too soon. To be honest, I believe sometimes it’s chalked up to luck. Some examples of shows that had the better route: Hamilton (duh), Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen… Recently MJ, Moulin Rouge, Hadestown. Shows that slipped through the cracks despite popularity or achievements: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. Recently Almost Famous, Life of Pie, New York, New York. Some of these shows get Touring runs. Some aren’t so lucky and are designated as flops.

There’s also a fifth category I could add. That would be Disney shows. Disney Theatrical Productions always wants to have at least two shows running on Broadway at once. They are familiar, good for any age, and always sell well. Disney is always making sure they have multiple shows on stage and in the works at all times.

Bottom line is: I do believe that some shows just get lucky and last on Broadway while other shows with possibly the same amount of talent, interesting storylines, great music, great design, and great characters don’t- and boy it’s harder now than it ever has been. Audiences are picky. Audiences are tough. Audiences move on so quickly, wanting the next Hamilton or next Wicked. Audiences give up and move on when a show isn’t as good as Hamilton or Wicked, whereas I could see certain “average” shows 1200 times and never get tired. Also limited runs are ruining Broadway in my opinion- there’s just too many of them. I’m fine with two or three but I feel like every other damn show is a limited run. Parade, Camelot, Good Night Oscar, Grey House, Merrily We Roll Along, Gutenberg, Titanique, The Shark is Broken, and many others are strictly limited engagements!!That’s more than enough! One day every show will be limited and that’s just not fair. I don’t know. Ticket prices have never been higher, and all I hear about is record breaking grosses. I don’t get it. It’s impossible for all 41 shows to last forever, I know that- but there are too many shows that close too abruptly and it doesn’t sit well with me.

Bro why are a bunch of smaller Broadway shows closing while others are celebrating their 10+ year anniversary??? New York, New York gave one week of notice for their closing, Good Night Oscar and Grey House are both closing before August and Camelot and Parade aren't even making it through august. Why is this happening???

[chubbology]

Getting Big

prompt: someone discovering they're a feeder as their feedee partner gets bigger

Sometimes you’re both in bed, distracted and ignoring each other on your phones or laptops, when you notice. Your eyes lift from your phone and notice your partner’s relaxed belly, rising and lowering with calm breath, stretching the fabric of their shirt. Really stretching it now, not just with every inhale, but by default. Not just pushing the seams a little with chubbier hips, but forcing the cotton to bow out close to its limit, forcing the stitching to cave into a belly button deeper and softer-looking than you remember. And your eyes inevitably take in the rest: thicker thighs, more shapely chest, less defined arms, softer jawline.  

You’re aware that your partner’s gained a little weight. More than a little, but it’s fine. Probably thirty or so pounds, not a big deal, and you absolutely don’t judge them for it. Have they mentioned it at all? No, they just keep tugging at their shirts and pants. And underwear. Their underwear is getting too small for them, with weight gain making them a bit of a pear and all, but you don’t say anything. You don’t say they need bigger underwear. You don’t tell them how much you appreciate the fact that they need it. As long as they stay mum on the subject of their weight and the fit of their clothes, so will you; that’s your rule.

Sometimes you’re both in bed, watching TV, and they’re eating their way to the bottom of a quart of appallingly flavored ice cream (super-caramel-quadruple chocolate-chunk type stuff), and you keep sneaking glances. Because you’re amazed they’re comfortable enough around you to eat freely like this—or so you tell yourself. Their eyes are so glazed with distracted pleasure that maybe it didn’t even occur to them not to gorge themselves tonight, right in front of you.

Not gorging themselves like some kind of pig—no, it’s just, you both ordered a lot of takeout just a couple hours ago, and then they snacked on chips for a while, and then there was that candy bar they ate on a whim while you took out the trash, and now it’s a whole quart of ice cream. A whole quart. The more glances you sneak at them, the more you notice how their budding second chin peeks out when they chew. The more you notice that their bites seem hasty, as if tinged by some kind of distant, unconscious desperation.

You lean against them as if too tired to stay upright, reaching over them casually, letting one arm rest against their belly. It’s soft. It’s bigger. Not a big deal at all, you tell yourself for the millionth time.

And yet, you ponder their weight more. You’ve been pondering it incessantly. You can’t stop thinking about how they went to the mall two weeks ago without telling you, bought clothes a size up, and already were uncomfortably tugging and pulling on on every tight band and seam again. You can’t stop your thoughts from wandering to the idea of them sizing up again any more than your partner can stop their hands from opening another package of cookies.

“Ugh, this stuff is so good,” they mutter, swallowing the last bite, then closing the lid on the carton and setting it aside.

“Mm. I’ll buy more then,” you say without thinking. It’s fine if they size up again, after all. You’ll love them no matter their body type. Their happiness comes first. “I’m going to the grocery store anyway.”

A couple months later, going to the grocery store is not a chore to you, but a fun outing. You never used to even go down the junk food isles if you were by yourself, but now you scour them carefully. You place things in the cart you know your partner will like, and consider new brands and products they might like to try. It’s all so colorful and thrilling to actually buy. You tell yourself you might even try some of it and ignore the intrusive thought of your partner sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night again to binge on half the goodies themselves.

What niggles at you isn’t that you’re buying way too much junk food for your partner, who’s a little overweight now. It’s not as if they’ve told you to stop, or have implied they want to lose weight, or have said anything about any of it at all. That’s the thing: you’re in uncharted waters, and they haven’t told you a word about whether they fine with the way the tide was turning or whether they were actually really concerned that they were getting heavy and a little jiggly and they didn’t know what to do about it, let alone have the wherewithal to say, Honey, stop buying junk food. I’m getting fat.

Just the thought of the word makes you blush at the box of Fudge Covered Twinkies you’re holding. You quickly set them back on the shelf. Twinkies were practically the poster food for getting fat, right? Surely, your partner would suspect something, even though there wasn’t anything to suspect. You just know that they like food, particularly food that’s soft and sugary and addictive, and what better, cheaper food to comfort them with than Twinkies? No, it wouldn’t be good for their waistline, but you can already see their eyes fluttering closed at the taste—which was probably not even good, but that was hardly the point, was it?

Compromising, you buy a limited edition blue-stuffed brand of Twinkies instead, preparing an excuse that you thought the novelty of it was amusing and wondered if it was good.

But later that night, your partner eats six of them while you play video games and doesn’t mention the novelty of it at all. Your character dies stupidly and your partner laughs at you, belly jiggling as they do. You swallow, eyes fixating on their fat thighs. There’s no other word for them—they’re fat. Their thighs have gotten fat, just like their belly got fat, just like their hips and chest and arms and even their neck and face has been rounding out with so much chub. They were fat and they did eat like a pig, and all signs pointed to more weight gain. They were going to keep gaining weight, and when was it going to stop? When you finally decided enough was enough? When their doctor told them to take control? Yeah, so, you could imagine them awkwardly saying, coming home from the doctor, I guess I gotta lose weight. Maybe they would be holding a pamphlet on obesity or something, looking ashamed.

And maybe they would try at first. You would help. They’d exercise a little here and there, maybe only eat one Twinkie instead of six, maybe not ask for takeout so often. But it wouldn’t last. The second their will broke, yours would too. And you’d both be in bed, distracted by nothing but endless waves of pleasure that your sex life hadn’t known in a while, them leaning back against the headboard, eating every fattening thing you had to offer, which would be many, many, as many fattening things as they’d agree to swallow down like they glutton they were becoming.

“Babe?”

You blink.

“You okay?” they say with that chubby face of theirs, a face that said, I’ve been gaining so much weight, and you’re really aroused.

“I’m glad you like those,” you stutter. You look at the Twinkies box, and so do they. Your mouth keeps moving without forethought. “I’ll buy you more next time. Any other flavors you like?” You set down your controller and push your hand into their hair affectionately. Since they’re slouched, they look up at you, and you lower your hand to the back of their neck, touching the bulge of the fat there. “Want me to get you your favorite ice cream? I know you had a long day at work.” You stand and head for the kitchen, ignoring your partner’s confused ums and wells.

You open the freezer and get one of many ice cream quarts. Thanks to you, the fridge and freezer have been stuffed to the gills with crap, but you can’t regret it, not when it makes your partner look perpetually stuffed to the gills too. You get a spoon and sit down next to them again, brain fuzzy with want. “You’ll feel better when you finish this. By the time you do, I’ll finally finish this damn level.”

“I’m—I’m not…” But the look in their eyes is conflicted. “I’m not that hungry, really.”

You laugh. Your body is buzzing. “Please. With you, when you eat and when you’re hungry are completely unrelated. Let’s make it a competition! Finish before I do. Go!”

“What?”

You’re already starting the level over, thinking to yourself What the hell? Don’t make them eat if they don’t want to. Even if they do want to, even when they’re full, because they’re greedy and addicted, gonna get obese soon—

A minute passes, and they’re sitting up, belly folded in rolls on their lap, looking poised to either stand up and put the ice cream away or rip the lid off and devour it all.

“Eat it,” you say innocently, or try to. It mostly comes out like a pathetic attempt at sounding not-horny.

You glance over, and they still look conflicted, so you lean over and kiss them on their tubby cheek. “Go ahead,” you say, quieter. You meet their eyes. “Don’t you want to?”

They look taken aback now, flushed. All at once, they seem aware of their blubbery, overweight body, and they shift on the couch. You forget the game and lean in again, kissing them on the lips, then deeper as they lean into you. “I know you want to,” you whisper. You cup their fattened hip, squeeze it gently. “I bet you really want to.”

They’re blushing really hard now, gone shy and speechless. So you move closer to them, and since their head is lowered to avoid your eyes, you land a sweet peck on their bulging second chin. Then you peel off the lid of the carton, tear the plastic off, and push the spoon satisfyingly into the over-processed sugar that has been fattening your partner out of their clothes so well.

Despite their air of reluctance, they eat the spoonful you offer as if on instinct. They squirm with pleasure, and your breath hitches when their plump hand twitches out to take the spoon away from you when you don’t use it quick enough. You scoop them another bite. Then another. The room is quiet except for the game in the background and your rapidly beating heart. Their eyelids lower, and you murmur encouraging words to them. That’s it. It’s good, huh? Big bite... The experience seems no less momentous to them than to you, and so you keep going. Their eyes drift shut and so you guide their mouth to open at the right times. Eventually, your cooing gets bolder.

“I know how much you like this. Like eating. Eating a little too much.”

Their mouth pauses around the spoon, but their eyes don’t open. They swallow and wait for the next bite.

“And I know you get up in the middle of the night sometimes, just to eat,” you say. “Eat and eat until your clothes feel tight and your stomach’s queasy, right? You always come back to bed so uncomfortable, tossing and turning, panting a little. Holding back little burps. I wake up and all the junk food I bought is gone.”

Your partner leans into to your next spoonful, then takes it from you. Without meeting your eyes, they start eating from the tub themselves, at twice your pace. You smooth your fingers through their hair. Then rub a hand down their arm, which was now sausage-like with so much fat clinging to it. But it’s squishy, when you pinch it. No firmness anywhere you can see.

“I’m sure you know you’re getting big, baby. You’re getting big. But that’s okay.” You rub your hands over their belly, their hips, their rolls of back fat. “You just keep eating as much as you like.”

And after another pause, they nod.

[luminari-mc]

(Mammon x MC/Reader)

Prompt: "She doesn't compare to you. No one does.”

Genre: Angst, hurt(emotional)/comfort.

Pairing: GN!MC/Reader x Mammon

Summary: You and Mammon finally get to enjoy a well-deserving shopping trip just between the two of you. Just as you are about to hit the next shop, your attention is caught by an image advertised in the street.

Warnings: N/A

A/N: I wanted to try my hands at a prompt that is tagged as "fluff", but of course I ended up turning it into something angsty instead. But I like sad stuff, so that still works for me.

-------------------------------------------

It wasn't often that you got to spend time with Mammon without having any of his brothers around to bother you. But you had made it very clear to them that these few hours after school would be spent with Mammon, and only him. And for today's trip, you two had decided to go shopping in one of the busiest streets in the Devildom.

Clothes and jewelry stores, malls- you had done them all. When most of this time had been spent doing window shopping, Mammon had still insisted on getting at least a few bags of purchased goods for each of you by the end of the day. After all, what was the point of going on a shopping trip, if you didn't end up emptying your bank account only to regret it later?

And so, thanks to the demon's wonderful influence, your arms had now several bags hanging off of them. There was a certain guilt still looming over your head as you realized way overboard you might have gotten with your purchases, but Mammon promised he would take care of any financial problems you could encounter in the near future because of that. You still wondered how he was going to manage it, him being Mammon and all...

"Damn, now THAT'S what I call a good haul! Look at ya!" The white-haired demon grinned as he watch you hop out of the store, the glass doors opening automatically at your presence to let you out. He placed his wrists on his hips as his own bags dangled in his hands. "What'cha got for yourself this time?"

"They actually had that jacket I saw in a magazine the other day!" The doors closed behind you as you showed the white bag which contained the jacket. "You were right, that store was amazing. I can't believe you never showed it to me before."

"Ha! Told ya the Great Mammon knew where the best treasures were! Consider it an exclusive info, because I ain't gonna share more if any of my brothers are around next time." Mammon turned around before flipping a few of his bags over his shoulder, as you instantly began to trot to get to his level.

"What? So all this time you knew about it and you didn't tell me? Just because Asmo comes with us sometimes?" You expressed shock, right before your eyebrows joined together. "Really, as if you couldn't have told me over text or something."

"And have you go without me?! Nah, ain't gonna happen- you'd just get lost and end up in the worst store possible." Mammon glanced your way, and you could only smirk at his poor excuse.

"Sure, you're right. I forgot that humans don't have the same flawless sense of orientation as demons do." Despite your obviously sarcastic tone, Mammon didn't seem to register it as he nodded at your words.

"Exactly! Even if I gave you the full address, who knows where you'd end up? I don't want ya to come and complain to me afterwards, so it's gotta be with me or nothin'."

Even as you rolled your eyes, you noticed Mammon's face slightly turning away from yours, probably to hide the extra shade of color that had appeared on his cheeks ever so discreetly. Even when he was in his usual tsundere mood, it was endearing to see how concerned he was for your safety. And just how badly he wanted to be alone with you.

"So, where to next?" You asked without really thinking, surprising yourself that even after your extensive purchasing, you still wanted to do more. Or maybe it was that you didn't want this date to end right away. The past few weeks had been nothing but the brothers interrupting each other when any of them found themselves alone with you, so getting to spend some alone time with one of them, especially with Mammon, deserved to be extended a bit more.

"Glad ya asked!" As if a battery had been plugged into him, the demon brandished his arm into the air, the bags swinging by his face and missing him by a few inches. "I got this whole place where they're sellin' tons of stuff for pretty cheap, but it's actually authentic branded things. See, they're actually sold to that one guy who then has to sell them to another guy, and..."

As you listened to Mammon explain how he was able to find "authentic stuff" (probably not that authentic, you were pretty sure about that) for less than a quarter of its original price, your eyes found themselves drifting to an impressive ad plastered on a building the two of you were walking by. Recognizing the habit of Majolish to put their models on display for everyone to see was pretty easy, but that wasn't what caught your eye in the moment.

What tuned Mammon down completely in your ears, were the models themselves. The second born, sitting on a stool with a ripped shirt and pants, a few accessories hanging off his neck and barely covering anything of his exposed chest. He looked serious, staring straight at the objective- and at you, while the light shined on him to completely capture his frame for the picture.

And sitting down in the middle of the shot, between his legs, was a female demon wearing a red leather dress, her head resting on top of Mammon's leg. The clawed hand dangling off his knee- covered in golden rings, seemed to taunt you, as well as the piercing yellow eyes she had. Saying she wasn't beautiful would be lying. In fact, she was absolutely stunning. A perfect model for a perfect shot. Just looking at her made you feel small, like a prey that was about to be devoured by a hungry beast, the longer you were looking at her.

But that's what demons were supposed to make you feel like, right?

"Hey!" Mammon called out from the distance he had put between the two of you since you had stopped walking beside him. "Yo, MC!"

Watching as you kept staring into nothing, Mammon rolled his shoulders with a furrowed brow before walking back toward you, his head tilting to the side as he noticed your dead expression.

"Huuh hello, Devildom to MC? In which realm did ya get lost this time?"

"They replaced it." The words that left your mouth were weak, almost too silent for him to hear. It's as if all of the energy you had had evaporated from your body in an instant.

"Huh?" Mammon grew a bit concerned at this sudden change. His eyes perked up at the ad you were looking at, as you continued.

"The shoot we did together." Finally, you spared yourself from the sight, your gaze dropping to the ground. "They already replaced it with another one."

As soon as Mammon understood why *this* ad in particular seemed to be upsetting you so much, his jaw was already clenching. He remembered the stars he had seen in your eyes the previous week when you saw yourself on the Majolish ad, posing beside him- a shoot opportunity you had gotten while accompanying him after RAD a few days prior. In the middle of his shoot, he practically didn't leave any choice to his agent and had insisted that you be included in the shots to promote one of the new pieces of jewelry the brand was planning to release in the upcoming months. Asmo, who was there to witness your reaction on that day the three of you went out, had even taken a hundred pictures or so of you posing in front of the ad.

Except that, the jewelry you had posed with, was now present on the new model posing alongside Mammon.

He had made sure to engrave that smile of yours in his head at the time, even going so far as to snap a picture of your face while you were too focused on Asmo to notice him. But now, there was absolutely no trace of that same happiness anymore.

"The fuck?" The snarl that left him shook the walls of his throat. "That wasn't supposed to be advertised before another month! Why'd they have to take ours so soon?!"

"It's okay, Mammon." The demon stopped growling as his eyes lowered on the hand that was clutching his arm. "I mean... I'm not a model. Figures they wouldn't put it up for long... I-I mean, look at me. Seriously, who would want to see my face being exposed for longer than they can bare? It's hard to imagine. I wouldn't probably have sold their product anyway, so... it's okay."

The look on your face was devastating. Despite trying your best to smile, the tears pricking in your eyes were threatening to roll down your cheeks at any second. Mammon felt his heart being stabbed with a thousand invisible daggers, he couldn't bear to watch you feeling insulted in such a way.

His bags were immediately dropped onto the floor, the demon no longer caring for any of the fragile items he may have bought. His hands swung forward to cup your cheeks, forcing your face up to look at him straight in the eyes.

"Hey hey, MC. C'mon, look at me."

You did your best not to let your vision turn blurry because of the upcoming tears, and stared back at Mammon, your bottom lip trembling weakly.

"I don't care what anyone, model agents or not, can say- you'd sell a thousand more times than any fuckin' models out there, okay? In fact, you're worth even more than their stupid jewelry!"

His thumb quickly brushed away a tear from the corner of your eye as his other hand came to rest on your temple.

"They just put that one up there because that model is famous. They don't care about what's really beautiful, they just want to boast their popularity to the rest of the world." The blue of his eyes seemed to radiate the closer he moved towards you. "But I know what's beautiful. And her? She doesn't compare to you. No one does."

You could only look down in shame as his hands never left you, closing your eyes shut to let a couple tears out before Mammon grabbed a tissue from his pocket to dry your face. He patiently waited a few seconds for you to calm down, soothing you with slow caresses of your hair until your shoulders stopped shaking.

"I'm sorry..." you muttered, sniffling as you passed a wrist over your eyes. "I don't know why that upset me so much..."

"Ya got nothing to be sorry about." Mammon retrieved his hands from your head, only to grab the bags that were hanging off of your arms. He somehow manages to hold them alongside his own behind him, before wrapping the other arm around your shoulder.

"Hey, I'd call this a day. How about I prepare ya a bath when we're home? Courtesy of the Great Mammon."

You nodded, your lips arching into a smile as you grabbed the hand hanging off your shoulder. The day was cut too short for your liking, but you didn't feel up for any additional purchases, or to properly enjoy your outing anymore.

"Will you wash my hair?" You entertwined your fingers with his as he gave them a gentle squeeze.

"Pah, of course! Who else but me could do that?" He huffed through his nose, shaking his head at such an obvious question. Your laugh ringing in his ears gave him a brief moment of respite.

But the demon furrowed his brows as he lead you into your walk back home, keeping you snuggled at his side. Holding the bags in his left hand, his white nails sharply digged into his palm the more steps he took alongside you.

Making them cry? Such a big, big mistake. One thing was sure, Mammon wasn't about to let that one pass.

"But before that..." The hiss that escaped his throat went unnoticed by the two of you as your head rested against his shoulder.

"I'll have a few calls to make."