#<- new tag for this specific brand of nonsense

[plusultraetc]

in a hypothetical office-style UA faculty sitcom I honestly can't tell if it's funnier if Aizawa stares into the camera more than anyone or if he has no reaction to anything ever

[cherryheairt]

Law of Attraction ch.3

Previous Chapter

General Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Finally meeting Chishiya!

chapter three: Outlier

“Death to all traitors” Was the third and final rule that Hatter decided on. While you stayed silent in pure shock, the rest seemed to unanimously agree. Across from you, Mira even seemed to shift in her seat and unconsciously lean forward like the idea enthralled her. You shrunk back, uncomfortable at the idea of a few select ‘Militants’ running this group's security.

Anyone could be deemed a traitor so long as an accuser has backup. The mood lifted as Hatter dismissed everyone, keeping only the three that had been in the room from the very beginning and himself. Promising to assign more specific roles in the morning, he let everyone off with a jovial ‘goodnight!’

The next floor down was the suite rooms, only ten on the floor that marked the rooms that each of the top residents would stay in. Niragi split off immediately, following Aguni as if he'd known the older man his whole life and not uttering another word to you and Hoshiko.

In your room, labeled ‘Six’ with the original ones crossed out with black spray paint, you sighed and slumped down on your bed. The room was clean enough besides the faint scent of dust, and was otherwise empty of all personal touches as any resort room should be. The only things in the room that were usable were sample hair and body products plus some towels and bathrobes. Briefly, you wondered if it was even worth it to find anything around Tokyo to fill your room with, but the thought of having to move everyone when you might eventually be usurped out of your spot wiped that brief hope away. If you lived past the next game long enough to be usurped, that is.

Your only respite from the somber evening after Laser Tag was the promise of a shower. Cold or not, you wouldn't do jack shit before getting that shower.

A knock on your door shattered your one dream.

“Who is it?” You asked suspiciously, wondering is Hoshiko or Niragi would bother to knock.

“Ann.” Came the monotone female voice from behind. Ann? What would she want?

Opening the door, your confused expression was cleansed away from your face at the sight of a stack of skimpy bikinis in her arms. Holding them out to you with a downturn to her lips, you scowled.

“Hatter is instating the rule immediately?”

“There was a shoppe downstairs, for the tourists. Filled to the brim with nonsensical souvenirs and emergency outfits.”

You took the bikinis into your grasp, deciding vaguely between throwing them off your balcony or into Hatter's face. “Are there coverups down there?”

Shrugging, she straightened up, long legs shown off in the shorts she'd been wearing since you met her a few hours ago. “Not that I saw. Next game, I'll find some with you.” She promised, leaving promptly immediately after.

Not having room to say anything else, you dumped the suits on your desk and jumped into the shower before any more interruptions could stop you.

It was better than you ever remembered. Something as simple and mundane as a shower was taken for granted your entire life, but now you never wanted to leave it. Using way too much of all of the soaps and simply standing under the hot water for what might have been all night, you reluctantly parted with the bathtub and wrapped a fluffy white towel around your body. Finding a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash you immediately got to work yet again. The refreshment was almost worth the two harrowing games you had survived.

Almost.

Outside, Niragi's figure lounging on your bed as if it were his own startled you. Clutching your towel tighter over your chest to ensure no slips, you glared down at him from the bathroom door. “The fuck is wrong with you?”

Niragi laughed and fell back into the bed, showing the brand new automatic weapon Aguni had apparently trusted him with. “Can't I visit my companion?”

“Not with the shit you pulled this evening.” You said, sifting through the pile of swimwear irritatedly. He frowned, no longer in his giddy mood and instead joining you near the table. He sat at the office chair, leaning forward to look into your eyes. He looked intensely sobered up, even though he was never inebriated to begin with, and spoke.

“This is good. You, me, and that kid you wanted to keep around can stay here and leave this place for good. There's power in numbers. No more scrounging around for food or clean water.” He said your name with a pleading tone.

“You really believe that gathering all of those stupid cards will work?” You asked. “Just, hold all the cards in your hands and poof! Back home again!” You exasperated, throwing your hands up. “This guy doesn't know anything for certain. We could end up at the back of the line in a few weeks for all we know—or! get accused of being traitors and killed on the spot.”

He leaned back, resting his head on the back of the chair and staring at the ceiling tiles. “No. We don't know if it's true or not. But I need to keep us safe, and this is the best way.”

You sat across from him on your bed, nodding slowly to his words. “It's not all on you, Niragi. We could make it out there, just the three of us.”

“It's too late, now. There are more Militants that Hatter didn't let attend the meeting earlier. Not many, but every Game Night they go out and recruit others at the games they play.”

You hummed, taking his words into consideration. “So you're a recruiter and gunman. What about me and Hoshiko? Did Aguni say anything?”

Niragi shook his head. “Hatter decides that. Probably with those other head honchos there.” He pointed upwards. “They seemed pretty close.”

“For now,” You urged. “Let's just stay low and play the games. If shit gets out of control here, we leave. Promise me that you'll leave, Niragi.”

“I swear.” He said, grabbing your hand to softly interlock your pinkies like children do.

Feeling extremely exposed, you loosely hugged yourself as the other members of the table gathered around to sit with each other. You picked out a pastel spring color that didn't stand out too much in color yet wasn't a neutral to blend into your skin tone, giving more to the imagination than others already were given. The seat was cold on your back and the bottom of your thighs but you kept all complaints to yourself. After all, Ann and Mira were in quite a similar situation with their white and black bikinis respectively. Only, Ann had her shorts on again and Mira had a long flowy skirt to appear more modest. You were the odd duckling out, it appeared, and all the men had on swim trunks that were basically cargo shorts along with open button-ups. Fair rules, your ass. The Militants were downstairs, fixing up a car that worked on diesel, apparently.

Hatter calling your name drew your attention immediately. “I want you and Mira to finish the card paintings until the games tonight, which have been partnered already.”

“Got it.” You smiled tightly, nodding to the silly request. Though, you supposed you had nothing better to do with your time. Mira looked nice enough, but the anxiety of waiting for another game bit at you. “Wait—tonight?” You whipped your head around again.

“We're joining games every night.” Kuzuryu pointed out like you were stupid. “To get people to join us at a rapid pace, we cannot simply join games on our last visa days.”

“So my five days are just cut to the very next evening?” You rubbed your temples. Niragi better have his bags packed.

“Only temporarily.” Hatter smiled sympathetically. “I know it seems wasteful to not use your days for yourself, but after we get more members for The Beach we will follow a different schedule.”

You agreed to appease him, irritation climbing up your throat yet again.

Glancing around, you were entirely alone yet again in your displeasure for Hatter's insane rules and regulations. One against everyone else. Even Hoshiko didn't outwardly seem to mind the rule, giving you a knowing and sympathetic smile while bouncing his leg.

Perhaps the Beach would simply fall before you could escape it. Waiting it out wouldn't take too long, especially when it was being run by someone like Hatter, who you could easily imagine allowing things to get out of hand just enough to be controllable—but would accidentally allow the scales to tip out of his favor.

You never knew how long fifty days truly were until you lived them with no internet. At first, it was fine. You weren't bored with all the work needed to set up The Beach. Games every evening, glueing locks and painting stupid cards on the wall while Hatter and his closest friends drank downstairs. There were a few other things to do, sure, but nothing to fully occupy the waking hours of the day. The main thing to do was mingle with your fellow Beachers.

Not to say that you weren't social, it was just easy to get tired of the way people acted when drunk or high twenty-four/seven. You unfortunately got stuck with bartending duty on nights that you had no game, which meant you were in the thick of it most every night. The sounds of moans, vomiting, or whoops and hollers of intoxicated men and women never let your ears have a day of rest.

Every day, the numbers grew at The Beach and you and the other executives were finally allowed to play your games whenever you pleased—which was usually the very last visa day available. The lower numbered people were unlucky enough to continue doing games every day or other while also recruiting more people. The resort was nearly full, you would guess, and never slept either. People truly lived up to Hatter’s rules. Parties lasted all day and all night, never broken by the solemn news of many not making it back to home base after a game was completed. You hadn't even dipped a toe into the pool since the second week—horrified at the sights that occured, defacing the public pool itself. Chlorine was strong in the air, but no amount of cleaner would ever allow you to trust it again.

A team system was developed quickly by the Militants, who you also quickly learned to avoid when possible. While the Idealists first came up with the idea that certain people should be lumped together, Aguni suggested that at least one militant member is on each team. He seemed to be the most sane member, and you considered yourself lucky that he was the leader rather than anyone else. What do you get when you mix drunks and druggies with guns? Trigger-happy and controlling bastards who never got told ‘no’ anymore.

Niragi was one of them. He had taken to their partying and carried around his gun like it was a lifeline. He parted the crowds like the Red Sea wherever he went, usually either following Aguni or having his own followers behind him. He seemed to take the unofficial spot as ‘second in command’ to the Militant branch. You and him rarely spoke during the day, but always got partnered up in your ‘teams’. Since you were in good with Mira (who worked with Kuzuryu to make the perfect teams according to ‘player specialty’ and their estimates about what venue was what card type) you were able to get Hoshiko and Niragi in your car 90% of the time. There always had to be at least one militant in a car for every group attending games, and you got either Aguni or Niragi each time. You didn't exactly know why Aguni was your spare when Niragi was busy, but you wouldn't deny the security his broad shoulders brought when you lingered behind him.

You were apparently a Clubs player, according to the monotone voice of Kuzuryu. Mira had disagreed, telling you that Hearts was definitely your specialty although you haven't joined a single one yet. From what you'd heard of it, you'd hoped you could continue that lucky streak.

When the rare occurrence did happen and Niragi was off to a Spade while you were sent to a Club with Hosiko (also a Club specialist) your anxiety about not seeing your companion upon your return had worsened. You could only comfort yourself with the knowledge that Niragi was indeed a smart guy who presented himself as a pure meathead and had passed every game sent his way so far.

You were not even aware of just how many games you had survived. You stopped counting after Hatter finally allowed the top 10 group the freedom of decision. With the amount of death you had seen and the blood on your hands, you felt like the games had turned you into an entirely new person. Born of blood and desperation and fear.

Though, life in The New World was not entirely miserable.

You had grown quite close to Mira and Ann during your two month stay. The two women were proven to be a godsend amongst the raving people of The Beach. They rarely went down to the bar and when either of them did, it was to simply sip on a cocktail and have a genuine conversation with you. Of course, you had little girl's nights in your room and celebrated surviving games with champagne or little treats brought back by scavengers. It wasn't nearly what the Old World's nights of enjoyment might be like, but none of you complained when in each other's comforting company.

Aguni was an unexpected friend, although he would never call you one. He lingered downstairs when no meetings were called, sharp eyes making sure no fights broke out between the drunks. You were grateful for his interventions whenever Niragi was involved: one sharp look from the older man and Niragi was silenced like a dog. You and him quietly cooked and ate your meals together after a game completion. His fight and tension seemed to release in the quiet parts of the day when no one else was around. The games were tiring him, too, and the fact that someone as strong as Aguni had grown exhausted of the games was a true testament to how much you'd endured.

Hoshiko was a designated supply runner, usually taking a car out in the mornings and not returning until the early hours of the next and happily digging into whatever hot meal you scrounged up for him. Occasionally, Niragi would linger around to ensure Hosiko was safe from his trip before he said curt ‘goodnights’ and went up to his room, still number Six You were honestly shocked that you were still number Seven although Hoshiko was demoted to the 20's and now stayed on a different floor of the hotel.

Hatter’s intentions of keeping you in the Six spot bemused you to no end but you kept your mouth shut and didn't outwardly question his choices. You had brought back many useful cards for Hatter, you and your team often being the sole survivors in the randomized games and that was an undeniable benefit to The Beach, but you knew your main use lay in your communication skills and the sheer number of recruits you brought in.

You were young and a kind face in a sea of people who adapted the ‘every man for themself’ mentality, which increased your geniality to the fresh meat of the New World. Some were lost causes, namely the few that had been you as long or even longer than you. They developed their routines and made safehouses, not willing to trust a stranger who promised them a life of luxury at a resort. You couldn't blame them, and found yourself feeling all the more guilty when the teary eyed desperate ones eagerly clung to your every word and joined your team’s car home.

You never told them about the third rule—not when Aguni and Niragi were always looming over your shoulder to ensure just that. Blindside the recruits with promise of safety, food, and community while keeping the darkness of The Beach away from them.

Tonight, you had Hoshiko and Niragi with you in an old Chevette with you in passenger and Niragi driving. It was only you three and you were unsettled about the potential suite of the card you would be forced to play.

“Do you think it'll be Hearts tonight?” Hoshiko quietly piped up from the back. He was the only one out of the three of you to play one before in the early days. It took him three days to speak again and you tiptoed around him all the while trying to get him cheered up. You never found out exactly what happened during his game, but one of the other scavengers that he usually hung around didn't return with him.

“Kuzuryu said it would be Diamond.” Niragi said casually. He didn't ever seem bothered by games anymore, and in fact seemed to look forward to the more aggressive ones like Spade and Club.

You agreed with a short nod. “It's a small venue. Usually Diamonds are held in them, and Kuzuryu is rarely wrong.”

Hoshiko swallows harshly but bobs his head in an eager agreement. “Yeah! He and Mira are practically geniuses.”

Mira and Kuzuryu were extremely intelligent and they both knew it well. Mira wasn't as cocky and outward about it like Kuzuryu was, but her silent emotional intelligence spoke volumes when you watched her expressions change whenever others were speaking. Usually, she was amused by the drunks that argued or mindlessly fought around the pool or lobby area but she never seemed to gossip about it afterwards. Contained and elegant outside as she was inside.

She was an angel not in disguise, though her dark wardrobe was a stark contrast to her personality. She often wore long, flowy cover ups to match her black or red bikinis and let you have your pickings in whatever clothes had arrived in the scavengers’ car before she did. You always left the darker colors for her and the knowing smile she sent you afterwards made your heart warm. You had grown used to the revealing clothes and even more confident as days went on, choosing to wear tube tops and mini skirts over your bikinis. Hatter learned to stop pestering you about your clothing decisions, knowing it was the best he could manage out of you before you rebelled and switched clothes right after he was out of your room again.

For the games, however, you stuck with more athletic wear to protect yourself from any scraped skin or roadburn. Even knives, as much as you hated to know that other players were often your biggest threat. Breathable leggings and a thin jacket over a sports bra did the trick and was easy to move in when the time called for it. You missed jeans and hoodies, but they seemed to be a thing of the past at The Beach.

Niragi pulled up to the glowing venue, turning the car engine off and simply staring at the building for a few long and silent moments while everyone got ready to leave the car. Hoshiko entered ahead, sensing Niragi’s tension and wanting nothing to do with his temper.

“Is something up?” You asked, hand hovering over the handle. His hands limply sat over his thighs as he breathed through his nose—pierced now, by the way, to your shock (it had been somewhat of an argument when he came back from a ‘scavenging trip’ with some Militants with multiple facial piercings. They looked good on him, you had to admit, but Hoshiko thought so too and you had to be the one to shut the kid down, explaining that his parents would be furious when he got back home)—and mumbled something about ‘everything being just fine’.

“If you want to sulk for no reason, be my guest. Don't make it everyone else's problem in the game.” You rolled your eyes at his juvenile behavior, leaving the car with a pinched brow and growing headache.

Hoshiko was already in the game arena, phone in hand and awkwardly shifting his weight between both legs. You seemed to get here extra early, being the only three to register in the small building. It was a fairly small building in a strip mall-type huddle, with a glowing sign that simply said ‘Game Lounge’ at the top. Inside, it was rows of computers and cozy seating with bean bags and couches in corners with large tvs and game consoles. You'd never been the type to pay to play games in a random building with a bunch of others shoulder-to-shoulder with you, but the concept was easy to understand. Probably the easiest and most affordable way to meet friends with similar nerdy hobbies that didn't include spending hundreds of dollars at a ComicCon.

Niragi inspected the area, staying mysteriously silent as he seated himself laxly on a bean bag. You rolled your eyes and Hoshiko tensely found a seat at one of the desks, keeping his eyes on the lasered entrance.

“One minute remaining until registration closes.” The robotic voice announced.

“Looks like it's just us three today.” Hoshiko said, though his brow furrowed deeper at the thought.

“No problem.” You shrugged. “We're plenty smart enough together to figure out a diamond game.” By the look of the computers, it was best to assume Diamond was the game you'd be playing.

The bell chime of the glass door broke the silence. A man around your age stepped in completely alone, wearing regular cargo shorts and a greyish jacket over a plain t-shirt that stayed half-zipped. His hoodie was over his head, but the little strands at the sides of his neck gave away the slightest curl of white-blonde hair. From what you could see of his face, your first thought was that he was pretty cute.

“Registration closed. The game will begin shortly.”

He made no move to greet anyone, simply taking a phone and unlocking it with a blank look on his face.

The voice chimed again. “Game; Would you Rather: Outlier. Difficulty: 5 of Clubs.

“Clubs?” You asked no one in particular. How would an all-rounder game work in a place so small?

“Rules: Players will use the devices available to choose from options on the screen. Each round, your goal is to pick the option that you think the other players would prefer. If you choose the less popular option, you are the Outlier. Three wrong answers is an elimination.”

Hoshiko sucked a sharp breath in. “That should be fine! We just need to communicate and we'll all live.”

“Speaking is prohibited at this time until the game is cleared. Cheating results in an automatic elimination. The game is cleared when ten rounds are successfully passed. Three minutes are provided per question.”

You felt your heart drop to your stomach at the conditions. Sure, you and your two companions have grown closer due to the mutual desperation to survive and supposed trauma-bonding, but it's not like you'd stopped your days and played 20 questions with them. The new guy has also an annoying variable who could have everything or absolutely nothing in common with any of you.

Behind you, the amused breathy laugh from the blonde guy made you turn your neck and glare back at him. He had no worries or care plastered on his features, just a small cat-like smirk as he brushed past you and sat himself at one of the laptops.

Your second thought was that this guy might be a bigger asshole than Niragi.

The four of you sat parallel and side-by-side in a four square formation, glances shared between the three of you who were familiar.

The screen lit up right when you seated yourself. It's bright light caused you to squint for a moment, eyes adjusting to see the first question plastered on screen in a colorful display that reminded you of the Norwegian online game: Kahoot.

Four options. Much more niche than the two you were expecting to choose between. The only sound in the room was the four of you breathing and shifting in your seats, and the urge to glance at the screen of the stranger next to you was growing by the second.

‘Question One’

‘Would you rather visit:

♡ America

◇ China

♧ Brazil

♤ Finland’

The answers stumped you. The four options were all entirely different countries with different languages and cultures. You had zero clue what the others had experienced in their lives. Personally, you'd never even left Japan your entire life. You highly doubted Hoshiko did, either, with his young age. Niragi was a wild card but given his timid demeanor when you first met him the most likely chance was that he never ventured outside of Tokyo. And the asshole next to you? You wouldn't even begin to assume.

Time felt like it passed quickly, though there was no clock or timer on your screen to tell.

You changed your internal question, taking a deep breath in to sooth your frazzled nerves.

It didn't matter where they might have visited before. What did matter was what is the most popular general tourist area? Picking the most popular one was likely what everyone else would do, and you doing the same would mean all the answers line up.

Although Japan was extremely close to China, most of your friends always gushed about the tourist cities in America like Los Angeles or New York. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, the Hollywood walk of fame. So many bucket list options could be crossed off with one country.

Steeling yourself, you clicked ‘America’ and sat back to watch Niragi and Hoshiko in front of you. Hoshiko's face was glistening with sweat at the sheer anxiety of the game, and Niragi was slightly squinting at the question. You remembered the glasses that he was all too quick to ditch early on in the New World, and almost laughed at his lack of planning.

When all the answers were submitted, you smiled at the pie chart lying on the screen. 75% choose America.

But who was the Outlier? You scanned the three for panicked faces, and saw Hoshiko's face lit up with a red light on his screen. As much as you wished to give words of comfort, all you could provide was a tight smile.

Three chances out of ten games. The odds were not too challenging.

The next question was fast and the answer even faster. You felt confident in your pick, sitting back first to observe again. Your eyes caught on the man next to you, who had never seemed to be ill at ease like the rest of you and rather seemed to enjoy people-watching when he clicked an answer.

You looked away immediately, his dark eyes almost drawing you in and distracting you from the game. What exactly made him so confident in a low strategy game like this?

The game's second round came to a close and every screen was green. Sighing in relief, you felt ever more confident for Round Three.

‘Would you rather choose between yourself or your best friend?’

What kind of question was that? You chewed your lip, looking at the two options given, which simply said ‘Yourself’ and ‘Friend’. There was little context, so your best bet was to assume that the situation was life or death. You glanced at Niragi and Hoshiko. You weren't the type to hang around many people in the Old World given your busy schedule, so you didn't have a specific person that came to mind when ‘best friend’ was in question.

However, Niragi and Hoshiko, as well as perhaps Aguni, Mira, and Ann were your friends. Though half of them would simply name you an ally, that was the closest to a friend you could ask for in this world.

Would you sacrifice your life for theirs? Or rather, would they sacrifice theirs for you? Your tablemate seemed to turn his head and stare into your side profile when he finished answering, his dark gaze burning into your skull like lasers that you tried to vehemently ignore. What's his deal? The scrutiny felt like being held under a microscope and observed for testing, leaving a prickly feeling up your spine and down your arms.

Everyone would pick ‘Friend’, right? It was the obvious answer to pick whatever made you look more selfless and agreeable. When it truly came down to it in a life-or-death scenario, most would abandon all relationships and instinctively protect themself.

You took the question from the others’ perspective, wondering what they might assume was your answer.

Niragi would choose himself, undoubtedly.

Hoshiko might choose ‘Friend’.

The stranger would also certainly choose himself.

You pressed ‘Yourself’ and sat back, hoping that Hoshiko had the same thought process as you.

Your heart dropped yet again when his screen lit up a blazing red. Two dings, there were 7 more rounds and he only had one more chance. You bit your tongue, the forced silence nearly killing you. You'd have to try and take two questions for him, or manipulate the answers so it was possible to split the decision half and half and that way no one would be an outlier. Everyone could live through the ten rounds easily, so long as you took the questions seriously.

With no way of communication and the constant anxiety of your hands being watched for cheating, you'd have no other choice but to attempt it alone.

The next was a much simpler question. No moral compass in play, just; “Would you rather own a:

‘♡ Bird

◇ Cat

♧ Fish

♤ Dog’

Bird and fish were the obvious outliers, as none would risk choosing such unpopular options. Personally, you thought both cats and dogs made great pets for you. As far as your schedule, a cat would work better.

Niragi would pick the dog. The comparison was almost ironic but you knew one would suit his new lifestyle well. Perhaps a Doberman Pinscher or even a Belgian Malinois that he would train diligently for protection or hunting.

Glancing at the guy next to you, you couldn't help but associate him with ‘Cat’.

That's 50/50 right there, and Hoshiko could do either way. Dog, maybe. He was an energetic teenage boy, and dogs often found the best lives with active owners.

You picked ‘Cat’ and waited for the pie chart.

All the screens lit up green, and you couldn't hide your satisfied grin at the results: 50% Cat and 50% Dog. There were no outliers and everyone moved on. Meeting Niragi's eyeline, he seemed to understand the strategy and nodded to himself, slumping in his desk chair.

Everyone moved on to the next round safely. Hoshiko let a loud breath out and wiped sweat from his forehead.

Question five was next. Half way done.

‘Would you rather live in:

♡ A townhouse

◇ A beach house

♧ A mansion

♤ A cabin’

You smiled slightly, wasting no time to press the Diamond option, knowing that your companions would, too. It almost felt like an inside joke, seeing the option pop up on your screen. A safe, free round.

Your screen lit up green. As did Niragi and Hoshiko's, who both looked relieved in their own ways. Beside you, a dim glow of red caught your eye. The man in the hoodie pursed his lips for only a split second before letting his face be neutral again. He met your eye, raising a brow as if to say, ‘what about it?’ You quickly left it at that.

‘Question Six’

‘Would you rather have the power to:

♡ Fly

◇ Read minds

♧ Gain super speed

♤ Use the elements to your will’

The juvenile question felt quite nostalgic. The blurred memories of you asking your middle school friends the exact same type of questions during late night sleep-overs and giggling at which celebrity you'd ‘rather date’ or what career you'd (unrealistically) want as your dream job. Without fail, you always choose something impossible like ‘actress’ or ‘popstar’.

The question was hard. It could go any of the four ways. Really, this one relied on personal knowledge of a person. You weren't even quite sure of your own answer. The most practical one, maybe, would be a realistic answer that the other three would pick. Either way, if you all choose a different answer then there would still be no outliers. All it took was one answer having two players choose it for the other two to be dinged. For Hoshiko, it was his final chance and his most stressful. With only about two minutes left, he wasn't looking confident.

You choose Club, the presumably least popular option among the others. Praying that no one else picked it or had the same thought process, you held your breath and focused on the others in your peripherals.

The pie chart lit up, showing you a green screen. Immediately, you checked to see Hoshiko's, which was also green. There was 25% pieces evenly splitting up the chart, making everyone clear the round.

Round seven was next.

‘Would you rather own:

◇ A game company

♧ A private airport

♡ A theme park

♤ A race track’

You hesitantly clicked the option for Diamond again. You hoped the other three might put together ‘game’ in common with the game room and also choose it, but there was no differentiating between personalities and answers. All were nice things to own and would all make good money, leaving personal preferences out the window.

The answers were all submitted and you were the only one with a red screen. You grew tense again, rubbing your sweaty palms on your leggings and soothing yourself. Only three more anyway, and you had another chance before you were out. Niragi's stare was obvious in your peripherals, but you sent a small smile to him to let him know that you were just fine. Rolling his eyes, he read the next question as it appeared.

‘Question Eight.

Would you rather:

♡ Drown

♤ Get set on fire’

Morbid and jarring at the same time, a stark contrast to the last question. It seemed like every few questions that were light-hearted also gave one question that was serious.

You'd rather neither entirely. You shuddered when you remembered your very first game and how the water completely submerged you in its grasp, leaving no room for escape until Niragi saved your life. If possible, you'd rather avoid large bodies of water for the rest of your life. Living next to the water on the beach resort was uneasy enough, although the pool was small and open enough to be fine.

You picked the spade.

After the minutes passed, the final person (Hoshiko, you knew, who was definitely overthinking the most due to his two dings) submitted their answer.

Your screen lit up green.

The chart was 50% for both answers, and you grew more hopeful that all four of you would pass the game together. Only two more.

‘Question Nine’

‘Would you rather fight:

♡ A gorilla

◇ A kangaroo

♧ A tiger

♤ A shark’

Your first thought was that Niragi might actually fight whatever option he picked. You felt like the easiest might be the shark, simply from the fact that you enjoyed ‘fun fact’ videos in your little spare time. Most sharks were passive upon crossing paths with humans, and did not blindly attack them unless they flailed around and tried to swim away, giving themselves away as easy prey. And, it never specified what type of shark, either. Fighting a lemon or mako would be easy as pie. You picked Spades with little thought for how the others might vote.

Your screen lit up red, as did Niragi's. 25% for shark, 25% for tiger while kangaroo had 50%. The white jacket guy breathed through his nose in what might be considered a laugh. You shot a look to him, wondering what could be so amusing at the prospect of three others dying right in front of his eyes. Even if Jacket Guy was the Outlier in the next round, he would survive.

Well, shit. Although it was only one more round, the three of you now all had two dings and the 10th round could very well make or break the entire thing.

Final question. You missed your lifeless room at The Beach.

‘Would you rather:

♡ Go back home

♧ Stay here?’

It felt like a pin dropped in the middle of the room. Unanimously, all of the answers were placed at once and the screens lit up green. The question felt sentient, like someone was behind the screen rather than an AI making up random questions. It was a taunt. Someone knew you were trapped here and even possibly had the power to bring people in or out.

“Game clear. All remaining players may exit.”

You tucked your head into your palms, dragging them across your face in ragged relief. Hoshiko stood like the seat he was on got lit on fire, jumping with all the energy any teenager should have but you never seemed to.

You watched Jacket Guy stand up cooly from his seat, hands stuffed into his pockets as he turned towards the exit, opening the door to see a table, probably holding the Club card on it.

“Wait,” you spoke up, chasing after him after your nerves settled and your throat no longer felt like you were being choked out by the tension.

He looked subtly over his shoulder at you, face still frustratingly neutral and holding no signs of being relieved that he had just won a Five of Clubs game.

“What's your name?” You asked politely after quickly introducing yourself. Bringing home a new resident as well as a decently valued card would make Hatter all the more content and allow you to be left alone until at least your next game.

“Why?” He asked, the first word spoken since you'd met.

“Can't I learn the name of the guy who I survived a game with?” You shrugged, eyes gleaming with the hope that he wasn't a huge jagoff like you suspected. Maybe he was simply socially inept.

“You won't see me again.” He stated matter-of-factly, walking away to the card table before he was cut off by Niragi, who made a show of snatching the card and pocketing it.

Great, now he would feel cornered.

“The lady asked you a question.”

Hoshiko stood awkwardly in the doorway, not having any experience recruiting players.

“Oh? Are you her guard dog?” Jacket Guy asked with a purring amusement in his deep voice.

Niragi was all too happy to whip his gun out, which had been strapped over his shoulder. “Want to find out?” He growled, inching closer while shoving the head of the gun to the other guy's face. Jacket Guy showed no indication of fear but had the wit to at least put his arms up, glancing sideways at you like you truly were Niragi's handler.

You set a hand on the gun, lowering it with a raised brow to Niragi. “We don't wanna fight. I'm just asking to be friendly, I promise you. It's good to have allies in this place.”

Jacket Guy hummed. “Shoving guns in people's faces gives off friendly vibes.”

You felt your face grow hot, glaring at the smirking Niragi. “It won't happen again. I wanted to extend an olive branch. You seem experienced in these games, am I right? Smart, useful—we're always looking for people like you.”

He only seemed to grow more amused, like he was listening to a child ramble on about their new favorite tv show or video game.

“We live in a sanctuary not far from here. The Beach. We have electricity, running water, and vehicles.” You nodded to the car parked just outside of the front entrance. “If you don't like it, you can leave. I'll even give you a car.” You offered.

That was a blatant lie, and Niragi and Hoshiko knew it well. Once you were recruited, you were a resident of The Beach and would live there until you died. All your previous thoughts of leaving were quickly nullified by Aguni's militant team growing in numbers and actually taking that part of their responsibilities seriously.

You'd offered it many times before, but it's not like anyone actually ever wanted to leave. This guy was no different from the others.

“You're in a position to hand out cars?” He asked.

You waved your, honestly extremely ugly, bracelet that had the key number ‘Six’ on it. “I'm an executive. I can do pretty much anything.” It wasn't too far off. You did get away with more stuff than the average person, probably because you had a suspicion that Hatter wanted to get in your pants (bikini) and buttered you up for it. It wasn't like you were abnormally smart like Mira, Ann, and Kuzuryu or strong like Aguni and Niragi, so your continued stay on the executive branch was something of an anomaly.

He seemed to think it over for a minute, looking to the streets as they seemed to grow dark once more as the games finished one by one. “Fine, I'll bite. I'm Chishiya.”

You smiled genuinely, glad to have brought another into the mix. You'd grown numb to the guilty feeling what felt like years ago, but in reality it was only weeks. The Beach was lawless and gave no sympathy for the weak, but ultimately if a person died from their games or being labeled a traitor—it was their fault, not the recruiters.

“You won't regret this, Chishiya.”

mira trying to pair up people who would lose their best friends in heart games core

actually not my proudest game idea, it came out more childish and simple than I imagined 🥲 I have others that are much more intense, but this was just a way to introduce Chishiya.

Their bracelets are so ugly. was originally gonna have one of MCs responsibilities be making the player's bracelets with actual materials but that was kind of a ridiculous notion lmao making like 200 bracelets for all the people plus more for the ones who needed replacement numbers when they die in games

longer or shorter chapters? idrk, this one's about 7k but took a while to pump out.

subtle forshadowing with answers hint hint

[bigfuckingcrab]

Lets do this tag game or whatevuh

(under the cut so everyone doesn't have to see my self-indulgent bullshit lol)

Tagged by: @meloncolle (love this kinda shit but never really get to do them because I've never really had mutuals before)

Last Song:

The last *new* song i heard is "No Sabo" by Micah Palace (hoooo damn that boy got me like 👀😳😵‍💫😳)

but last song I *listened to* is "Wet Sand" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, they get shit on alot but RHCP goes fuckin hard sometimes. Also just to be indulgent I'll list last song I heard that I'd recommend to anybody is "Boys Will Be Girls" by We Are The Union love me some gay ska.

Fav Color:

Cobalt Blue (specifically the exact shade of Cobalt Blue that my DS Lite was)

Also extremely partial to hot pink and teal/turquoise i mean just look at my blog theme.

Last Book:

Last book I read was "The Flight of the Eisenstein" by James Swallow, book #4 of the Horus Heresy series from Warhammer 40k.

I'm a big fan of 40k, especially because I loooove injecting my own personal brand of fruity nonsense into anything faschies love. (Also fuckin lmao these big space boys are so gay its insane lol)

I also just reread "Supermega Saves the Troops" by Ryan Magee & Matt Watson because its just so fucking funny oh my god these boys.

Last Movie:

Just re-binged the Sonic movies for the 30th time but also just watched "Color Out of Space" with Nic Cage

Pretty good movie, overall i'd give it like a 7/10 but its one of the best Lovecraft adaptations I've ever seen (mostly because the bar is so low lol)

Last Show:

Too many honestly uhhh lets see

New Doctor Who but the season finale pissed me off so bad that I'm not even gonna count it. I've started watching the Fallout show, it's not good but it's fun at least, I've also been putting off watching the finale of Edgerunners because its gonna fuckin hurt, my wife has been showing me the old Moomintrolls anime which is very cute and fun, and I've been slowly getting her to watch Arcane because its so fuckin good.

Oh also SHORESY because of hot hockey boys

Last Obsession:

Surge the Tenrec because fuckin look at her

I place a hex upon: @thaat1dude @peanutters @rclipseatron @sonicsfurrycock (if they wanna)

[charmwasjess]

ASK GAME

@the-little-moment wrote a fun new ask game and was kind enough to tag me in it :D I really like this one!!

Any eating utensil preferences? Not really, although I agree with Lil that the cheapy flat-sharp utensils are appalling on a sensory level.  

A genre of music you love? weirdly specific, but 70s freakfolk/psychedelic folk, bands like Comus, Pentangle, Spirogyra, Fairport Convention… god it’s so so good

A type of seasoning/condiment that would make anything edible for you? This sounds so basic, but salt. It gets such a bad rap but it makes food taste like food and I think a lot of people who think their cooking doesn’t taste good just don’t salt it properly. Unfortunately, I also buy bespoke salt and I’m picky about brands; it’s my Millennial nonsense avocado toast expense, I shall never retire. 

Pens or pencils? What kind? I love a nice pen, but honestly I almost never handwrite anything anymore. 

What's your weirdest/most interesting hobby? Uh, the kind of bird-watching where some crows I know personally have come into my kitchen through a faulty window screen and stolen my bread. They don’t even like bread, they just did it because they could. I can’t quit them. There are some outside right now making eye contact with me through the window to beg for peanuts. 

If you had to get rid of one color entirely, what would it be? Specifically banana yellow. Other shades of yellow are fine, even great. Goldenrod? I love it. Mustard? Yes! Butter-yellow. Oh yeah. But I don’t like that banana shade, it reminds me of fast food joints and the smell of 90s scratch-and-sniffs.  

Any allergies? I have a skin contact reaction to mango and pineapple. So I can eat them, I just look stupid doing it because I can’t let it touch my lips. 

Favorite fictional character? Doo-ku, doo-ku, doo-ku! I wanna kill that man.

Favorite real person that you don't personally know? This one’s hard! Honestly, Patricia Lockwood of Miette fame - I followed her twitter from way back before that tweet, her poem “Rape Joke” was life-changing, and I feel like her sense of humor defined my own from re-reading Priestdaddy too many times. I relate to her so much as a queer person from a super religious background.

How many alarms do you have set? 2 

Do you have any pets? Do you want some? I’ve got a dog, Sven, and a cat, Trash. They are plenty. 

Favorite drink, alcoholic or non? Prosecco and water. Not mixed together, just for alcoholic and non respectively. 

Favorite smell? Woodsmoke, woods-after-the-rain, lavender, jasmine, gasoline, garlic cooking in butter

Favorite shoes? I wear the same pair of leather Blundstone boots every day with almost every outfit; I am careless with my belongings and they keep up with my lifestyle of lurching off trail to inspect a mud puddle and then falling tragically into it

How do you feel about bugs and spiders? I love ‘em! I have a giant scar on my ankle from being bitten by a venomous brown recluse a couple years back. 

Outdoors or indoors? I am an all-weather outdoors person to the point of absurdity. I'm friendly with the owner of our downtown winery, and she once told me "you know you don't have a normal person's conception of what is 'sitting outside' weather??"

Sunny or rainy? I like the rain, but if it goes on too long I turn into a bird with a blanket over my cage. 

Where would you really like to visit? Would you move there? wugh, I was supposed to be in Greece again this fall, but I’m experiencing one of those occasional years of cascading life misfortunes. And yeah, we’d messed around with the idea of moving before even this hell administration, but I’m not sure I could handle the earthquakes. 

Are you a people person? Oh yeah. If I start liking a person, I unironically want to be their friend, and I'm gonna try and try until I look like a fool. People are fascinating, I genuinely like them.

At what temperature do you keep your home (or would if you could)?

It's 59/15 degrees in my house right now with all the windows open and the fog still burning off, and this feels exactly perfect.

No pressure tagging: @purple-ant @rochenn @calcedon79 @blueberry-ry @bolithesenate @dapurinthos @reconstructwriter

[asinnerscity]

　　　　 welcome to sinners city

This is an all inclusive build a headmate blog run by a subsystem that resides in a medically recognized traumagenic cdid system, working on getting a proper diagnosis. This blog is ran by the host and cohost of that subsystem, with our own personal blogs found at @xyrosins and @hamsterfoods.

Please let it be known that we are bodily a minor, though respectively are 18 and 20 ourselves and would prefer to be referred to as such, do not call us children or say we are "too young to be in paraphilic spaces," we know where we are, what we are doing, ect... and are indeed, adults with adultlike minds.

Because we are a minor bodily though, we do partake in schooling activities as we do wish to have an education, which is required for our dream occupation, because of this our answers to asks may be delayed, especially since we are cracking down on the last few months of school meaning finals are coming up.

We allow requests that include introjects (fictives, songtives, foodtives, factives, ect...) of any sources, no matter how "problematic" they are deemed to be, as well as brainmades. We accept the idea of radqueer ideologies and are radqueer ourselves, meaning, feel free to request your headmate with paraphilias and trans/cis/trisids.

We reserve the right to decline any request that we deem inappropriate or that makes us uncomfortable, and we mainly do so without warning, so do beware if your request isn't answered within 1-3 days, it has most likely been declined and deleted by either me, Hewa, or Hammy for our own, or the general publics comfortability.

Our requests are open, considering we are a brand new build the headmate blog-share us with your friends, please! We would love to get ourselves out there. Also feel free to ask questions, the majority should be about radqueer stances and systems as a whole, but do not be afraid to reach out about anything, we enjoy researching several topics.

Be warned that our details and expertise with certain sources vary, this is primarily because we have autihd and know way more about one media than we do others, but we will try to have good information for each headmate no matter the source. You can find a list of sources we know a lot about here.

We have 3 tiers as of currently, with more to come as we continue our build a headmate blog adventures, so look out for any updates that come here so you can look and see what new information we have to offer to make your headmate more detailed! You are also completely allowed to request any additional information you would like that isn't already included in the tiers, you may also mix and match tiers, so say you want TIER 01 + paras, feel free to ask for such.

TIER 01 - Name, pronouns, gender, sexuality, role, source (if applicable), faceclaim

TIER 02 - TIER 01, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, proxies/sign offs

TIER 03 - TIER 01 + 02, music taste, paras, transids

We do tag appropriately to make sure that our posts do not blend together into a big giant soup of nonsense, you can search personally for specifics through these tags, or just note that this is how our tagging system works and move about your day; and yes, these tags do include caps + the quotations.

' SINNERS ' - general anonymous asks that came through our inbox, most likely antis/hate we decided to prevoke for the fun of it, or that just aren't related to questions or building a headmate.

' SINNERS HEADMATES ' - this is obvious enough, but these are requests around building a headmate.

' SINNERS QUESTIONS ' - answering questions, no matter what they are about, that flow through our inbox.

' SINNERS MAYOR ' - general posts that aren't related to anything above, usually us announcing hiatus or that request answers may take longer than usual for a specified or unspecified reason, just be patient with us.

[alchemicaldesignquery]

Overwatch: Generational Design

Been a while?

Yeah. Life, y'know? Or some form of protomorphic resemblance to such.

So let's kick this off with a long one.

Gonna talk about Overwatch Heroes for a minute. This is a framework for broad traits and values that help serve Design in recognizing how iterations can progress into a new evolution-

Otherwise known as Generational Design.

Think of the heroes in Overwatch as builds; each build tries to accomplish something within the broad context of the game (Matches, Missions, Maps, Skins/Cosmetics, Animations, Lore, etc.), but also in the narrowed contextual categories as well (Ranks, MMR, Roles, Gamemodes, etc.) where specific connotation(s) have their own unique difficulties or-

A Hero can be loved overall in the broad context of the game- in Tracer's case- but as a DPS in the backline, she is going to make the lives of many Support heroes a living Time Loop of misery

Navigating this shift at the Design level is tricky (the mildest possible interpretation here), which is why it helps to have demarcations (points of reference that allow you to understand the context) while traversing that transition of scope between broad and narrow contexts.

As the game updates with new heroes, modes, cosmetics, and developers, the Builds shift to different levels of importance, with each new addition, acting as momentum- this momentum will eventually result in a rupture (Limit Break?) that results in a brand new demarcation or Generation of heroes and other additions, that follow new guidelines and structures in the Design...

...For better or worse.

Early Generations

The initial Generation (1st Gen.) heroes were just the original cast. There was no other iteration or builds to point at for comparison and, by and large, these builds served as a launch pad for a brand new set of types; type of game, type of experience, type of play, type of purpose, etc. etc.

Overwatch was, itself, a demarcation within the industry for a wide variety of precedents and direction. It's impact even now, nearly a decade later, can't be understated.

But those 1st Generation heroes had issues a plenty, many of which were made recently noticeable with the Classic series brought back in '24-'25.

1st Generation Heroes performed with a level of Potency, Versatility and Texture that was abstract, even downright absurd;

You might get tagged with a vaguely purple effect and barely know it, because within a quarter of a second, you're dead to the smallest amount of focus fire after the 50% Discord Orb takes effect, but hey! That lil' Omnic only has 150 health and no mobility, so just jump in there with 6 people and delete him even faster!

You might have Earth Shattered 5 enemies, wiped them out with a quick little Death Blossom, and celebrated with a spray, but forgot about the Angel lady AFK around a corner and now all the enemies are back in the fight and you're down 2 Ults, mid celebratory emote so that's fun!

That Bastion? He's stuck in a corner waiting for people to walk into his line of sight. Might as well not be participating right? Except your team keeps walking past his cubby hole and getting deleted b/c he has no cooldown on his turret form and can self heal anything you throw at him in the meantime!

Lots of bigs swings, limitations, and Try-Try-Again mood.

1st Gen. invited experimenting, with the broader context, by figuring out what you could use the narrow context to get away with. It allowed for a lot of weird dynamics, and concentrated force that, rewarded that experimentation without denying players access to those same solutions. This was the closest and most accurate description of a common refrain from players

"If everything is overpowered, nothing is overpowered"

Which, anywhere outside of an initial game's release, is complete nonsense, that only works based off ignorance. Once a game has been fleshed out by the playerbase, Overpowered becomes leverage for that same concentrated force or-

Dive as a strategy became so omnipresent after a year or so of Overwatch, that the fine art of deleting a single individual on the enemy team demanded too much from players outside of the top end of the game. The result was an introduction of one of the (arguably) worst Metas in the game's history in the form of launch Brigitte's release and the introduction of GOATs, which would inevitably lead the Development team down a road of no return, Design-wise

1st Gen. Heroes are often described as some of the "most fun Overwatch ever was", but a lot of those players are longing more for the co-ordination of concentrated force + high experimentation that allowed for interesting plays...and for errors to be made in earnest, rather than in derision.

1st Gen was also the only Generation, due to the lack of comparative examples, where History/Release date, was the defining trait for it's existence.

The demarcation for 2nd Gen Heroes would make a massive splash onto the scene and Design, with the Introduction of everyone's favourite Grandma...

2nd Generation or "Figuring out Fun"

Ana was the first new hero introduced to the game after the initial cast and brought with her an abundance...an Excess, even, of Design choices and options. Her entire kit was next to unheard of across other games and relatable mechanics and cemented Overwatch as a Design force that could not (easily) be replicated.

For some perspective; Design as a whole is heavily impacted by Precedent. New precedent in mechanics, effects, applications, are unknowns and can't be accurately predicted by Developers or Players. New precedent needs to be tested. A lot.

Ana's Biotic Grenade, just by itself, was the first instance of applied Burst Healing, AoE Burst Healing, Healing Amplification, and Anti-Healing in Overwatch.

A single ability with 4 separate precedents that would impact how Design for future heroes, hero reworks, balance adjustments, maps, and missions would be regarded?

It's little wonder the vast majority of 1st Gen. heroes would be upgraded to 2nd Gen. soon enough (Note: there are still a few left in the game, but only 2 are still considered relevant Design-wise and without constant reproach from the Playerbase).

Potency was the main driving force behind the majority of 1st Generation heroes (Big Swings, levelled out by limitations, and Try-Try-Again attitude), but 2nd Gen. was all about the Versatility; deciding who to target with Bio-nade, Sleep, or Biotic Rifle was entirely on the player. Where to position to maximize the sniper option, while sorting out being isolated vs. easier group up and LoS angles. The options were plentiful for an Ana, to the point that many players did not fully grasp what to do with her at first-

A Sniper that healed and could not headshot was a novel concept that went against decades of FPS' standard, but also proved why Overwatch was such a different game with much broader appeal.

It also showed that the design of the game was willing to take chances, with the reward being a unique perspective and character (Older women as a concept were relatively unheard of as Avatar's for players to actively play) that is thoroughly loved by many.

Ana would give rise to other 2nd Gen. heroes (and inspire reworks and re-designs for a variety of 1st Gen. heroes like Mercy, Symmetra, Roadhog, and Dva, into a 2nd Gen. state) such as Moira, Brig, Wrecking Ball, Sombra, and Ashe.

Regardless of how people felt about the gameplay of many of these newer heroes, the Design strongly leaned toward expanding much of the game's Versatility and just what you could accomplish playing them in those narrow contexts.

Does this mean Ana's release was an unmitigated success for Design? That 2nd Generation was the coming of the Golden Era?

In a word? OhGodPleaseNo

2nd Gen. started to run into problems with the broader context; the Designs that would release in 2nd Gen. inspired too much control in their existence, erasing many of the variances that went along with Maps, Missions, Cosmetics, and Lore.

Sombra's ARG basically took control over Lore for a few weeks/months, relegating many of the 1st Gen. heroes to a Lore-in-Limbo status that saw them barely get a scrap of a mention in any context.

Cosmetics meanwhile, leaned heavily away from those with less followings or dedicated fans and, instead, toward the more "popular" (Read: often times, controversial) heroes.

The introduction of Biotic Grenade also brought with it Anti-heal, which, as a concept, was so disruptive of the choices Design could follow, that it would lead to the future introduction of a variety of sustain mechanics that would be considered a worse direction for the game overall.

Roadhog went from a niche Tank pick that could work in isolated circumstances, to having his Take a Breather provide healing, damage reduction, and allowed him to Move, all while still doing incredible damage with a precise isolation displacement (Hook put you exactly where he wanted you to be, while also doing damage), all because Ana could so easily shut him down, demanding the Design Philosophy update him for the modern era...which also pushed him into the DPS-player favourite that, to this day, is the dominant perspective for his overall Design (whoops...).

2nd Gen. defined itself by Versatility, rewinding the clock on many 1st Gen. heroes while introducing narrow context as a "Run the show" dynamic that many players really enjoyed-

-unfortunately, as with many things, that would inevitably give way to a soul-crushing truth: Versatility breeds innovation and with innovation, dominance follows.

3rd Generation or the "Do Not Die" Era

If you'd asked me back in the day about 3rd Generation I would have probably said a few other options; Brig, Wrecking Ball, maybe even Doomfist were the markers for what would eventually become the starting point of 3rd Generation heroes-

-but I'd have been wrong. Largely in part because the actual start of this Generation, was not with a Hero as much as a conflux of circumstances, both old and new.

For the sake of a finger to point though? Orisa was the hero that would (eventually) define the 3rd Gen.-

-and that feels horrible to say, because of how many negative opinions the Overwatch Community has about this hero, but it did not start with her.

It started as exposure to a meta that, collectively, said the only thing that matters is the Broad Context and how you control it.

GOATs proved that, with enough abandonment of Design (the extended GOATs era was the early start of development for the 'Walk' phase of development that was meant to be PvE), Player knowledge extraction, and extreme concentration of forces?

You could ensure the enemy was never allowed to do anything to you ever again. Texture warped from limitations to prove innovation, into hard restrictions that disallowed any other form of play.

No plan, no strategy, no tactic, no composition, no skin, no lore bite, no nothing was ever going to dislodge 3 Tanks and 3 Supports from that objective. Nothing-...except maybe a mirror match but even then, it was just two unkillable objects throwing nukes at one another for minutes at a time without anyone dying.

That sustain? That value and execution of a composition would make it's way into the philosophy of the Design for the foreseeable future and become a mainstay that got inserted into individual hero Design right up to today.

Orisa's release saw the full on expansion of "Unkillable" but would not really make it into the Player defined dominance until GOATs showed up and persisted for as long as it did. When, eventually (inevitably) the Developers took action against it by implementing 2-2-2, the playerbase had caught onto "Just don't die" as a Design structure, opening the way for Orisa's presence to be felt and known.

3rd Generation was born the day Orisa (and, by extension, the Tank that would prove Overwatch 2's inevitability) came to the forefront of play; Do Not Die was narrowed down from a carefully executed composition, to a single four-legged, behorned bit of Omnic divinity with enough Damage Mitigation to put any other Tank pair combined, to shame.

Deny deny deny was the prevailing philosophy of 3rd Gen. and it showed through the hero releases (Baptiste, Wrecking Ball, Echo, Brig, New Mercy, New-New Symmetra, all had elements of this built into their fundamental designs; bricks in the road to present 3rd Gen.).

Orisa's Barrier, Halt, Fortify, and Super-charger weren't methods of playing the game, as much as they were individual buttons to press that the enemy now had to figure out (if they even could be figured out, as Bap's Immortality Field and Orisa's Fortify would call into doubt).

Most 3rd Gen. heroes went looking for easier to apply/activate denials that put much of the onus and responsibility onto the enemy, which largely contributed to player complaints of "Low Skill".

(Note: Design could have allowed for many of these mechanics to be tempered by further iteration, especially with different applications and activations, but at this point PvE was well and truly chugging along)

3rd Gen. heroes would/remain the standard for Modern Overwatch, especially as the game moved into Overwatch 2, but, as with all things Design, the evolution has come a long way within the Generational regard.

Orisa was the initial finger point moment to 3rd Gen., sure, but not the defining one overall, as both broad and narrow contexts would culminate together to ultimately define it.

We'd also get a major first look at what the future Generation of the game would eventually be; cutting edge, beyond the pale, ahead-of-his-god-damned-time, recognition that would ultimately obliterate any sense of Team-based experimentation?

In favour of the current Gen's all-consuming obsession:

Bloat.

4th Generation or "Thicc is an understatement"

Overwatch 2 is probably the biggest and most obvious demarcation for a brand new generation, and that is partially true; 3rd Generation heroes largely translated over into the format change (with considerable revisions and re-designs across the cast throughout Overwatch 2's current lifetime to update most into 3rd Gen. states), but Denial and Survival remain one of the core concepts of the game, thus making the sequel less of a demarcation and more of a fresh start.

3rd Gen. is still the dominant Generation for this game. That said-

Perhaps it's a testament to how quickly Design Philosophy was being picked up and left behind, or just a culmination of every design decision made up to that point. Nevertheless?

Sigma is the 4th Gen. prototype. Without question.

If Orisa was proof of 3rd Gen. concept, Sigma's release saw a hero so overkit'd, that any attempt to interact with him by anything other than a 3rd gen. (or beyond) hero would have been laughable or-

Attempting to interact with a Sigma during his release days meant having one part of your kit that might have done something, if he was out of a couple of cooldowns and the other Tank was busy with- oh wait no Orisa. It was Orisa. No you weren't getting anything done.

The hero brought about a level of kit supremacy that fit him right in with Overwatch 2 heroes, dubbed often as the first 5v5 appropriate Tank.

4th Generation Heroes are defined not just as cutting edge in their mechanics, but also lacking in exploitable weaknesses. It isn't just survival and existing for them, it's execution of a kit that guarantees a rapidly adjustable value that most other Kits in the game just Do Not Have An Answer For.

When a Tank comes equipped with Denial, CC, High Damage, Broad Coverage, Minimal downtime, Frontline/Off-angle potential, and Compositional Flexibility?

All other heroes in that Generation are bound to be nightmare fuel.

In the same vein that 3rd Gen. Design displaced Versatility with hard denial Texture limitation? 4th Gen. is attempting to overcompensate back into Potency, where it all started, via Bloat.

Sigma proved it was possible. Preferable, even, given Orisa and the Supports at the time, accrued all of the blame for the dread presence that was "Double Barrier" Meta, while he has largely remained unblamed in history.

And with Sigma as the prototype, Overwatch 2's hero releases would steadily iterate and build on 3rd Gen. designs, rapidly accelerating toward 4th Generation as a new standard.

Junkerqueen, Sojourn, and Kiriko all came forward with brutal effectiveness in their releases (with the first 2 receiving no small amount of nerfs to bring them, at least somewhat, back into a 3rd Gen. state), while the likes of Lifeweaver, Illari, Ramattra, and Mauga all maintaining the Deny to Exist canon that was 3rd gen...with some extra spice to ensure their Potency matched the modern day 5v5 format.

All the while Sigma kept comfortable pace with everyone without missing so much as a melodic hum.

You might be forgiven for thinking that's where it would stay. 3rd Generation frustrations of denial, were largely assimilated into the divisiveness that was the 5v5/6v6 debate, much of the Design Philosophy taking a backseat in favour of more immediate concerns (Monetization, Cosmetic availability, Content Creator opinions, Developer newness, and PvE fallout)-

-and then Venture came out.

A brand new DPS with major CC potential, extended invulnerability, hard burst damage, and a terrifying level of backline savagery. 4th Gen. would make itself known in their Design. Once again, modern concerns outside of Design, allowed for them to emerge into the Cast with relatively little impact (Missing Cosmetics are still the main concern for much of the playerbase, to this day)-

-but they were just clearing the obstacles for the inevitable.

Juno's release was hailed as a fresh new presence in Hero Design; dynamic and chock full of value from multiple angles, her playstyle was herald to a new stage of "Fair and Balanced" from much of the playerbase, which, many of the Developers, took as a great sign-

-only to be a dominant presence at the highest ends, that got little pushback from other areas, because she was such a friendly presence in the broad contexts of the game or-

The Playerbase can be entirely forgiving of Design Escalation, if the cosmetic potential, lore, and Bloat all match-up in abundance

Juno isn't an overkit'd Hero by modern Overwatch 2 standards. Absolutely not for 5v5 as a format which is where she and most of the other releases belong. It's one of the major saving graces of the Format.

But it is very difficult not to notice the creeping signs and directions of the game when Venture/Juno are back to back releases.

When you consider just how "upgraded" heroes like Pharah, Roadhog, Doomfist, and Orisa all became with Overwatch 2's progressing Design choices.

And how utterly frightening all this is, in context, with what would reveal itself to be as definitive proof that Generational Design did not end with the sequel's release.

5th Generation? "Wait and See"

Dear Fuckin' God.

If Sigma was the prototype for what Overwatch 2 was going to be?

Hazard is proof there's always more to add.

More mechanics. More effects. More abilities. More inputs. Just...more.

Dominant from release with no discernable counters, even at the gameplay level (especially at the gameplay level), Hazard represents a "Sandbox" philosophy of design that clearly states the future is unlimited.

Broad/Narrow context have never mattered less than with Hazard's release, which single-handedly re-defines every measurable component of the game from Cosmetics, to Map navigation, and on into Lore.

Potency, Versatility, and as minimal Texture as possible, if there is ever going to be a 5th Generation hero era, it will be proven by Hazard's presence.

Sigma's capacity for rapidly shifting value that is difficult to find an answer for, is measurable in Hazard, just in the use of his Jagged Wall; an ability that has persistent knockback, Collision, anti-mobility, unrestricted environmental deployment, persistent burst damage, Tank-level Health, and Offensive/Defensive utility or-

A single ability in Hazard's kit, achieves multiple effects throughout Sigma's entire kit-

-Bloat

Where does it all go from here?

So where does that leave us?

What specific earmark will define the 5th Generation, remains to be seen, but with the addition of Perks as a strong new "Tier of Gameplay Variance", Clash and Flashpoint as flawed gimme Missions that players will consistently struggle with, and New Collabs and Gamemodes from season to season? The possibilities have expanded well beyond traditional Overwatch Design.

Even Freya's most recent playtest, suggests her presence as a 4th Generation hero is all but guaranteed, identifying 4th Gen as the new staple going forward.

Context is no longer a requirement. Lore is an isolated component specific to those who care about it. Loot boxes return gambling values to the foundation of cosmetics, and balance can now be relegated to easily adjusted power-ups only available after you gain enough in-match XP.

New Dawn. New Day. New (types) of Generation.

The Future seems more like "Revolving Door Design", rather than any sort of stable ground to plan on. Still, the playerbase is receptive and responding strongly, so maybe it isn't about stable ground anymore?

Marvel Rivals has proven Overwatch's response; that the team wants to prioritize innovation.

And maybe that is the future.

[blue-grama]

A little Film/Jam requeim

Upon the news that these two are not planning any projects together in the future, I was pondering Thai actor pairings and why I liked this particular one. First let me say I'm very in favor of actors not getting joined at the hip forever -- I doubt that's why anyone gets into acting, and while I get the financial reasons this happens in Thai entertainment, I'm generally in agreement that it tends to limit creativity, since the brand often has to come before the story. My only gripe is that now they're off doing lakorns that will never get subbed in English and it's not fair and look, I need to see The Empress of Ayodhaya ok?? I don't think it's a bad thing to have actors with great chemistry appear together in multiple shows, however, and I wanna say that I think these two used that opportunity right. Look, we have Tian:

Utter cinammon roll, too pure for this world, total sweetheart. He's a little scared and a lot beaten down, but he still has a burning spark of respect for himself that he doesn't let extinguish. He spends 73% of this show in the throes of a mental breakdown but still manages to take control of his narrative in the end. It's actively insane that the murder glitter show has such fantastic characters.

And then you have Charn, who is...

... also beaten down by this world, but evil about it. It's all manipulation, manwhoring, and complicated smiles belaying his real feelings with this guy. Refreshingly, he only has to reform himself a little bit to get his happy ending.

Meanwhile, Jiu. Assassin, kind of a tsundere. Marshmallow center, obviously. I'll never be over how after he and Tian first had sex (under the influence of a beetle fungus, OBVIOUSLY), he got deeply hurt that Tian said it was a mistake and accused Tian of doing this to all the boys. Possibly my favorite Jiu moment. ANYWAY.

There isn't as much distance between Jiu and Tinn as there is between Tian and Charn (from what I've seen, Jam maybe doesn't have quite as much range as Film, or at least hasn't been asked to demonstrate it). But Tinn is a more open and straightforward character, the moral center of Laws of Attraction versus a guy who assassinates several people with scissors without remorse in Khun Chai.

Point is, we don't always get this with repeated actor pairings. A lot of the time, you have an underlying dynamic that comes through in all the pair's shows, and it can't wander too far from its origins - I was thinking about this specifically with regards to Only Friends after listening to this excellent debut of the Part 5 (of 4) podcast, which talks about the way Force's Top turned into a completely flat character, possibly because "interesting" would conflict with the whole True Love ForceBook dynamic that GMMTV needs to sell. An appealing dynamic can be great -- hey, I read fanfic, I get the joy of putting the same guy in situations -- but I really liked how Film and Jam went with/were given quite different characters in their two projects together. This could be a lakorn vs. BL thing, but it'd be cool to see more paired actors take on more disparate roles together!

My disappointment over no more shows from these two comes down to wishing I could see what else they might pull off. Jam as the rich jerk instead of Film? Both of them playing morally grey? It could have been fun.

Oh well; I'll just be over here lighting candles for English subs from One31, because at least this hot murderous royalty nonsense looks exquisite.

And if you've read this far, please feel free to drop me recs in the tags or comments of other pairs that have played really different roles or dynamics with each other. I love seeing actors show their range!

[utilitycaster]

i am deeply intrigued by and invested in a certified utilitycaster brand roast of rupi kaur

So here is the thing: I don't think she deserves a full roast, and also I have not read much of it, certainly not recently, so it wouldn't be terribly informed.

What it ultimately comes down to is that she got published, at age 22, because she was popular on Instagram, and the vast, vast majority of people at age 22 write extremely annoying poetry (source: I took two semesters of poetry writing senior year of college). If she hadn't been writing poems that were, fundamentally, mediocre but not egregiously bad in the unbelievably narrow sliver of time when publishing companies were looking for anyone with a big Twitter or Instagram or YouTube following and passing out book deals she would have not become known for this; she just would have moved on with her life as "girl who wrote some blah poetry in her early 20s".

I mostly use her as a touchstone for a particular style though that is deeply influenced by like, 2014-ish social media vibes: that all lower-case, heavy on aesthetic imagery, simple language, and weird enjambment choices which again isn't bad but it's very derivative, and tired, and at this point in time reads to me as "this person has not found their own voice and is also not terribly creative."

In the tags I just had specifically the jibe is more about how an overly poetic style in prose meta-writing is often, though not always, an indicator you're going to read some overwrought nonsense. I think there's a place for more purple prose - truly, I do - but in actual poetry I lean more towards a plainer, prose-like style and so when someone goes really hard on a poetic flowery style in prose and specifically in meta or fandom predictions it tends to lose me because this is simply not a good writing style for making an argument. (It also usually loses me in fic unless you're really good because the thing about writing fairly plainly and directly is that if you aren't a great writer it still comes out okay, whereas if you're not a good writer and you start throwing what my sister refers to as "wickety-wack" into it, it highlights every weakness).

Back to sort of roasting though: I do think that Rupi Kaur got praised for being straightforward when that's not unique and plenty of poets did it better, of which Langston Hughes was just one example. One of my favorite poems, which was read at my friends' wedding, is Frank O'Hara's "Having a Coke with You" and it's very conversational and straightforward. Like, the most damning thing I can really say about Rupi Kaur is that she doesn't do or say anything new nor impressive.

[jungkoode]

TAGGING.

If my tag usage bothers you, Tumblr lets you filter tags! Just add my username or a specific tag I use (see them below) to your filtered words. That way, you won’t see them at all.

tags ❀

･. ✧:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ✧

This section is for wandering souls. If you feel like exploring but aren’t sure where to start, here’s a breakdown of the tags I use and what they mean:

Main tags for my works:

❁ #KGP / #kkangpae

❁ #FMU / #fuck me up

❁ #SA(TMH) / #strings attached / #strings attached (to my heart) / #satmh

❁ #25H / #the 25th hour

❁ #OL / #off labels / #offlabels

❁ #ASW / #altars in shallow waters

❁ #C:E / #code : epitaph

❁ #5STF / #five seconds to freedom

❁ #IPY / #in the presence of you

❁ #MG / #margins

❁ #WGU / #we grew up somewhere along the way

Use these to find story chapters, moodboards, edits, playlists, etc. Each post is always tagged with both the abbreviation and the full title.

Asks:

❁ #ask/[abbreviation] – Asks or commentary about a specific story, for example: ask/fmu

❁ #askjungkoode – General asks not tied to a specific work

Specialized tags per story:

Some tags use the story abbreviation + concept format for more precise organization:

❁ #[abbreviation]concepts – Art I draw for the story

❁ #[abbreviation]lyrics – Lyrics that inspired the story or vibe with the characters

❁ #[abbreviation]tidbits – Headcanons / rambles about that story.

Example:

→ #fmuconcepts, #kgpconcepts, #25hlyrics

→ Same format applies for any new fic—just plug in the new abbreviation

Mood-based tags:

❁ #angst, #slow burn, #smut – If you’re in a particular mood

❁ #teaser, #snippet, #spoiler – For upcoming or partial content

Personal tags:

❁ #kiki replies – My responses to reblogs and reviews

❁ #kiki rambles – Me talking about writing, characters, psychology, the works

❁ #kiki down bad – Me thirsting publicly and shamelessly (usually Jungkook and Hobi)

❁ #lame kiki / #kiki is lame – Self-deprecating humor, mental illness girl swag, general nonsense

❁ #kiki recs – Fics and posts I’ve reblogged and loved

❁ #unhinged kiki nation – Your unhinged asks, submissions, and my favorite brand of chaos

Other/Misc:

❁ #🩷 – Love notes, sweet messages, support y’all send me

❁ #nita, #rev, #97, #🌺 , #sasha, #🧸 , #🌷, #roo, #massi, #ash, #venus, #🍒 , #🤍 #🐰, #vani, #ana, #🍪 , #🌙 , #🪐 , #loren, #🫧 , #🍊 , #hera, #minie, #🎃, #🍞 , #👼 my girlies, gays, they/thems and overall most interactive readers <3

Tag wisely. Stalk respectfully. May your dash be full of unhinged literary thirst.

[goblinbugthing]

Bugthing’s brand-new Pinned Intro Post!!!!!!

Hi! I’m Bug, I’m a mentally ill emo artist and fic author. This is where I put my nonsense for you internet ppl to look at.

I’m transmasc, currently identifying as altersex & xenogender, and I use he/xey/it/they pronouns. Mutuals, and only mutuals, can use my other neos, blood/bleed and gore/gory. I’m lunian/mspec lesbian, fictoromantic, and fictosexual. Please respect that!!

Currently, I’m into Hollow Knight, the Kirby series, A Hat in Time, Bug Fables, Cult of the Lamb, Rain World, and Fate/Zero. Do be warned, though, I can fall out of these fandoms at any time — my interests are almost always fluctuating.

This blog is safe for minorities! (e.g. disabled ppl, LGBTQ+ ppl, BIPOC, Palestinians, etc.)

16+ only blog btw, no kiddos

Other stuff under the cut!

(divider gif via @/animatedglittergraphics-n-more)

My asks are open! Feel free to ask me stuff about my hyperfixations, or whatever you wanna know about me, as long as it’s not too personal.

Commissions are closed. You can still support me by donating/tipping! Ko-Fi linked below!

My other socials:

My YouTube channel (I don’t upload much)

My Wattpad I can’t link for some reason. My @ is goblinbugthing on there (I hardly ever touch this one)

My AO3 (All my fics live here now)

My $$app (Consider supporting me and my reckless spending addiction)

My Ko-Fi (Support me with tips!)

My other blogs:

@princes-creations-askblog — An askblog specifically for my OCs.

@ask-emporianroyals-au — My AHiT AU askblog.

@kirby-souljourney-au — My Kirby AU blog.

@hollowknightinsanity — My HK sideblog.

@xx-scene4ngel-xx — My RP blog, where I act as my fursona.

Current works:

Kirby: Soul Journey — My Kirby AU fanfiction, taking place after Kirby and the Forgotten Land. (Read on Tumblr / Read on Wattpad / Read on AO3) (To be rewritten)

Kirby: Soul Journey oneshots collection — A set of oneshots created for K:SJ. (Read on Tumblr / Read on Wattpad / Read on AO3) (To be rewritten)

Hollow Knight: Empty Promises — A set of fics created for my base Hollow Knight AU, Empty Promises. (Read on AO3 / Wattpad link to be added)

My tag key:

#buggie’s rambles — Text posts

#buggie’s randoms — Nonsense stuff! In other words, my homemade memes

#buggie’s doodles — Doodles and sketches

#buggie’s characters — OC stuff

#buggie’s creations — Proper artwork

#buggie’s creations (in the making) — Work-in-progress artworks

#buggie’s building paradise — All my Minecraft build stuff :3 (here’s a list of all the mods i use if you want em)

#buggie’s stories — My original writing

#buggie’s answers — My answered asks

#buggie’s polls — Self-explanatory. My polls

#buggie’s queue — The Very Rare Queued Posts

#buggie’s stims — Stuff I stim to

#buggie’s sluttery — Anything super suggestive or borderline NSFW

#buggie irl — IRL pics of me, mostly just my gender euphoria

#saved 4 serotonin production — My comfort tag

#quicksave — Stuff I want to look at later

#important — Self-explanatory. Important stuff

#semi-important — I’m honestly not sure, just scroll through the tag if you want an idea, because I can’t describe it myself

#besties doodles — Art from my mutuals

#besties rambles — Ramblings from my mutuals

#other’s art (it’s awesome) — Other people’s awesome art

#bbg tag — Posts both by me and by other people about my F/Os

#images that describe my gender — My gender envy tag. Don’t question the stuff that’s in there.

I tag triggers with #cw (trigger).

I tag OCs with #oc: (oc).

If I make any new tags (or remember any ones I forgot), this section will be updated!

Also, please keep in mind that tumblr is a bit fucky and sometimes doesn’t show posts under tags for some reason! Some posts might have my old tags on them.

And I believe that’s it! Enjoy your time here :)

[all-or-nothing-baby]

WHAT AM I UP TO? (with tags)

tagged by @poebin thank you, charles <3

.

LAST SONG: was wish by sign crushes motorist.

WATCHING: catching up on some american horror story (i'm 3 seasons behind) bc it's honestly just bloody trashy dumb fun and my head is a shed right now and in need of that specific brand of nonsense, i guess. also watched this film on gender the other day.

READING: nothing but everything. nothing bc my reading brain has gone caput again but also everything bc i'm part way through so many things, as ever. one is an as of yet unpublished novel that @poebin very kindly sent me recently :) oh, and i also read some of @sweatermuppet's grit this morning, again (always).

NEW OBSESSION: definitely procreate! i honestly had no idea it was so feckin cheap—why did nobody tell me this?! due to chronic pain, i can't really do trad art any more which is horribly shit. so discovering i could actually own this software has been such a boon and a very big help in me coming out of a creative block that's lasted like 6ish months or something. i now have something new to play with, huzzah! and yeah i highly recommended it to any digital artist who hasn't had a bash — it's got a ton of good stuff in there to try.

.

tagging, play or nay: @shealynn88 @sharkfish @novemberhush @greyhavenisback @jmeelee @jimmypricegf @iscarusholmes @witchsickness @passivenovember @aeon-of-neon @lenaospinka @wellwaterhysteria @deklo @artymcart @gorgeousgreymatter-x @wulfnerd @demonlandline

[digital-mathur]

"Social Bookmarking in Digital Marketing: Best Practices for Maximum Reach"

Social bookmarking has evolved into a powerful tool in digital marketing, providing a unique way to increase visibility, drive traffic, and improve SEO efforts. For digital marketers, understanding how to leverage social bookmarking can unlock untapped potential for reaching broader audiences. This blog will delve into the essentials of social bookmarking, its role in digital marketing, and the best practices for maximizing its reach.

What is Social Bookmarking?

Social bookmarking is the practice of saving and sharing links to web pages that interest you on platforms specifically designed for this purpose. Instead of saving these links in your browser's bookmarks, you save them on social bookmarking sites like Reddit, Pinterest, Digg, or StumbleUpon (now Mix).

These platforms allow users to categorize and tag their saved links, making it easier for others to discover new content in a highly organized manner. For marketers, social bookmarking offers an opportunity to improve brand visibility and generate traffic by exposing their content to a wider audience.

How Does Social Bookmarking Benefit Digital Marketing?

Increased Traffic: Social bookmarking sites can drive significant traffic to your website, especially if your content is shared and saved by users. When content resonates with the audience, it can go viral on these platforms, leading to a steady stream of visitors.

SEO Benefits: Search engines view social bookmarking as a signal of content relevance and popularity. High-quality bookmarks can improve your site’s search engine ranking as these platforms often have high domain authority. A well-bookmarked link has the potential to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Content Discoverability: Social bookmarking makes your content easily accessible to a broader audience. Users search and browse based on tags and categories, leading to organic discovery of your content by individuals interested in your niche.

Building Authority: As your content gets bookmarked and shared by others, it helps build credibility and authority in your industry. Consistently providing valuable content that is widely shared increases your brand’s reputation in your niche.

Best Practices for Using Social Bookmarking in Digital Marketing

To maximize the benefits of social bookmarking, you need to adopt strategic approaches. Here are the best practices you should follow to enhance your digital marketing efforts using social bookmarking:

1. Choose the Right Platforms

Not all social bookmarking platforms will be suitable for your content or target audience. To maximize your reach, it’s essential to focus on platforms where your audience is most active. Some popular platforms include:

Pinterest: Ideal for visually-driven content such as infographics, design inspiration, and how-tos.

Reddit: Great for niche communities. However, ensure your content adds value, as Reddit has a no-nonsense approach to self-promotion.

Mix (formerly StumbleUpon): Focuses on content discovery. If your content is engaging and visually appealing, Mix can drive high traffic to your website.

Pocket: A popular tool for saving articles and long-form content, it allows users to bookmark resources they want to read later.

Each platform caters to a specific audience and content style, so it’s essential to align your strategy with your content type and target demographic.

2. Optimize Your Content for Sharing

Before you bookmark any content, make sure it’s optimized for sharing. Here's how:

Create compelling headlines: Titles should be eye-catching and accurately reflect the content. Use numbers, questions, or powerful adjectives to attract attention. For example, “10 Best Practices for Social Bookmarking That Boost SEO” is more likely to be bookmarked than “Social Bookmarking Tips.”

Include high-quality visuals: Especially on platforms like Pinterest, visuals are key to engagement. Ensure that your content has shareable images that fit the dimensions required by different platforms. For infographics and visuals, add brand logos or watermarks to increase brand visibility.

Write compelling descriptions: A short, concise description is often required when submitting your bookmark. Use keywords strategically and ensure your description encourages users to click through to your content.

3. Tag Your Bookmarks Effectively

Social bookmarking platforms rely on tags to categorize and organize content. Tags function like keywords, helping users find content related to specific topics. Follow these tagging best practices:

Use relevant keywords: Tags should be closely related to your content. Research popular and trending keywords in your niche and use them as tags. This will make your content more discoverable.

Avoid over-tagging: Stick to 3-5 relevant tags to maintain a focused approach. Over-tagging can dilute the effectiveness of your post and may even be viewed as spammy.

Utilize long-tail keywords: Use a mix of general and long-tail keywords as tags. While general tags will bring in more traffic, long-tail tags will attract a more targeted audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

4. Be Active on Bookmarking Platforms

Like other social platforms, active participation is key to success on social bookmarking sites. Engage with the community by upvoting or saving other users’ content, leaving comments, and contributing to discussions. Here’s why being active helps:

Builds relationships: Regular interaction with other users can help establish you as a trusted figure in the community. This increases the chances of your content being shared or saved by others.

Increases visibility: The more active you are, the more visibility you gain. Engage with popular posts within your niche to increase your profile and brand exposure.

Earns trust: Being active and contributing to the community signals that you’re not just self-promoting. Users will be more inclined to engage with your content if they see you as an active participant rather than a passive marketer.

5. Leverage Analytics

Most social bookmarking platforms provide analytics or insights to help track the performance of your saved content. Use this data to:

Identify what’s working: Track the bookmarks that are driving the most traffic and engagement. Identify trends in content type, format, and timing that lead to successful bookmarks.

Refine your strategy: Based on analytics, tweak your bookmarking strategy to focus more on what works. For example, if you notice that infographics perform better on Pinterest, prioritize creating more visual content.

Monitor competitors: Use bookmarking platforms to observe what content from your competitors is gaining traction. This can provide insight into what your audience is interested in and inspire new content ideas.

6. Promote Content Consistently

Social bookmarking should be an ongoing part of your content marketing strategy. Bookmark new blog posts, articles, or media consistently to maintain visibility on these platforms. However, avoid spamming your content; instead, focus on sharing high-quality and valuable information.

Develop a schedule to bookmark your content as soon as it’s published and track the engagement levels over time. If a particular piece of content performs well, consider sharing it across multiple platforms or re-sharing it after a period of time to reignite interest.

Pitfalls to Avoid

While social bookmarking can be highly beneficial, there are pitfalls to avoid:

Avoid excessive self-promotion: Many bookmarking platforms have strict rules about self-promotion. Be mindful of each platform’s guidelines and balance sharing your content with sharing others’ valuable content.

Stay relevant: Bookmark only relevant content for the platform and community. Posting irrelevant or low-quality content can damage your brand reputation and lead to bans from certain communities.

Avoid automation tools: Automation tools may be tempting for sharing across multiple platforms, but they often come across as spammy. Always take the time to personalize your posts for each platform to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Social bookmarking is an effective strategy for enhancing your digital marketing efforts. By following these best practices—choosing the right platforms, optimizing your content, tagging effectively, being active, and leveraging analytics—you can significantly increase your content’s reach, drive traffic, and improve your SEO. Keep in mind that success with social bookmarking requires a blend of patience, consistency, and active participation within the community.

When done right, social bookmarking can become a cornerstone of your digital marketing strategy, helping you reach broader audiences while building credibility and authority in your industry.

[contentcouture]

Introducing Shelf: The Smart, Open-Source Solution for Effortless Asset Management

Are you fed up with motionless and unresponsive asset-tracking software? Introducing Shelf, The Smart and Open-Source Storage and Retrieval System

Managing assets can indeed be a hassle you, as a business owner or manager of an office, would know too well. Asset Panda tracking software is designed to address this deficiency, but in practice, it only overwhelms users with excessive submenus and obscure pricing schemes. Well, there is a much better way. Allow me to introduce you to Shelf, an open-source tool that can greatly help optimize asset management.

The guys explained that the interface is very friendly, and the configuration of the program takes little time.

A contender, Shelf is unique in its minimalistic design with a no-nonsense, easy-to-navigate, instant asset tracking system. There is no need to search through flat hierarchies of menus to find the path that leads to adding a brand-new asset or modifying the existing one. The main distinguishing characteristics are evident in the use of the software to monitor assets right away without going through an extensive introduction. Well, farewell to that slight incline that everyone experiences at the onset of any new skill!

Premium Support If Only a Little Extra Help Is Required

This is true when implementing new software, as questions or issues arise at some point. While other asset-tracking platforms abandon you with hundreds of videos and articles, Shelf offers you outstanding customer support where real professionals are waiting for you. Shelf is composed of writers who are always ready to help you craft your paper or edit it at any stage from the onset to its final stages.

Fair and Transparent Pricing

They provide options for their users to pay for the services they offer or avail of basic services without charge. Every cost is disclosed clearly and frankly so that you can select the most beneficial plan for you. You can leave any time since Shelf subscriptions do not compel you to commit to a certain period of time or engage with the content regularly.

An Architecture for the Future Open to Everyone

Being an open-source solution, Shelf provides you with the same rights as to the software code. It enables you to tailor it and adapt to other solutions within your other tools stack so they work perfectly together nowadays and in the future as your business grows. Another advantage of Shelf being an open-source product is that there is a community of users and developers who get to help in enhancing the product.

The key features that make work with an asset easier include:

Shelf equips you with all the features needed for simplified asset tracking in today's workplace: Shelf equips you with all the features needed for simplified asset tracking in today's workplace:

Specific database systems for the management of assets like equipment, inventory, computers, and other IT-related equipment.

Specify attributes of assets such as owner, tag, category, and photo.

Barcode and, at times, QR code printing for asset labels

Quick and easy-to-use timeline and activity history of each asset

Full search and filtering capabilities to enable direct access to assets

This is a convenient mobile app that allows for asset management from the comfort of an individual's pocket.

It is time to bid farewell to unrefined software and embrace the possibility of Shelf.

Do not spend more time and effort keeping up with your assets; instead, try Shelf, the open-source inventory management tool. It is easy to use, has very good support, and its prices are reasonable, often helping you forget it is there rather than hindering you from managing your assets efficiently. Want to know how Shelf works for yourself? Go ahead and check out the app right now!

[spiritualceo]

EP 213 - You are at a PIVOTAL POINT!!! You Have Risen From the Ashes of Your Old Self. (Divine Feminine Collective Message)

This message is for the divine feminine collective that has done the inner work and is ready to fully let go and surrender (PLUS two things that will keep you hooked into cycles of suffering if you’re newer to the TF journey).

The Calling Uncensored For Divine Feminine Leaders is your no-nonsense guide to navigating the divine feminine journey. Your host and Founder of Divine Femme, Sarah Rose, is a catalyst for awakening women worldwide who are ready to activate their feminine magnetism and live in the flow of their divine nature. 

Divine Femme is a divine feminine embodiment and leadership brand that helps women worldwide to awaken, activate, and embody their divine feminine (and sacred masculine) essence to claim their sovereignty and power as divinely worthy women. As a divine feminine embodiment coach, speaker, and channel, Sarah Rose explores mythology, archetypal imprints, embodiment practices, shadow work, and the dualistic polarity of both inner feminine and masculine energies (not gender specific) as they create the world of form and simultaneously point to the oneness that underpins duality as the essence of all things. 

Sarah Rose is also a mentor to divine feminine leaders, coaches, authors, artists, and healers who are ready to master the art of aligned magnetic sales and scale their business online for more impact and freedom inside her signature program, Sacred Leader Academy™   

Experience Divine Femme Embodiment and Leadership Programs + Free Masterclasses and Live Events at:

https://bit.ly/DIVINEFEMME Say hello and connect with Sarah Rose on YouTube @DivineFemmeTV and Instagram @spiritualceo and if this episode resonates share a snapshot of you listening to your Insta stories and tag Sarah to let her know!

New podcast episode!

[flamsteedequipment]

Why Should You Consider Buying Used Earth Movers from Flamsteed Equipment?

In the ever-changing world of construction and earthmoving down under, opting for used equipment often proves to be a savvy financial move. When it comes to snagging used earth movers for sale, Flamsteed Equipment stands out as a top-notch provider, making a fair dinkum case for why investing in pre-loved machinery from them is a wise and strategic choice.

Top-Notch Gear with a Stamp of Approval

One of the main concerns when eyeing used earth movers is the gear's condition and reliability. Flamsteed Equipment tackles these worries head-on by putting all their used earth movers through a thorough and fair dinkum inspection process. This process, handled by seasoned technicians, ensures that every piece of machinery meets Flamsteed's no-nonsense quality standards.

Choosing to snag used earth movers from Flamsteed Equipment means buyers can rest easy, knowing the equipment has been meticulously examined and spruced up if needed. This dedication to quality control sets Flamsteed apart, delivering buyers machinery that's not only reliable but also well-maintained and ready to take on the demands of various construction and earthmoving gigs.

Saving Cash without Skimping on Quality

One of the biggest perks of grabbing used earth movers from Flamsteed Equipment is the fair dinkum cost savings. Brand-new gear often comes with a hefty price tag, making it a fair dinkum financial commitment. Opting for used earth movers allows businesses to get their mitts on top-quality machinery without breaking the bank.

Flamsteed Equipment's commitment to quality means buyers don't have to compromise on the machinery's performance or reliability, even when going for used gear. This cost-effective approach empowers businesses to allocate their funds more efficiently, possibly directing the saved dosh towards other critical aspects of their operations.

Time-Tested Performance and Durability

Flamsteed Equipment has earned a bonza reputation in the industry for dishing out earth-moving gear that stands the test of time. This reputation extends to their selection of used earth movers. When buyers opt for Flamsteed's pre-loved machinery, they're putting their dough into gear with a proven track record of performance and durability.

The reliability of Flamsteed's used earth movers is a testament to the company's commitment to delivering top-shelf equipment, whether it's fresh out of the box or pre-owned. This reliability is gold for businesses aiming to minimize downtime and crank up productivity on their construction sites.

Tailored Solutions to Suit Individual Needs

Flamsteed Equipment gets that every construction project is as unique as a kangaroo in the bush, and equipment requirements can vary like chalk and cheese. When buyers choose to grab used earth movers from Flamsteed, they're dealing with a provider that goes the extra mile to wrap their heads around their specific needs.

The company's switched-on staff works hand in hand with buyers to suss out the right gear for their projects. This personalized approach ensures that businesses get used earth movers that mesh perfectly with their operational needs, boosting efficiency and performance on the job site.

Top-Notch Support and After-Sales Service

Flamsteed Equipment's commitment to keeping customers chuffed goes beyond the point of purchase. When grabbing used earth movers from Flamsteed, buyers can bank on the company's top-notch support and after-sales service. This includes access to tech whizzes, maintenance tips, and a stash of spare parts that are as easy to get as a snag at a BBQ.

The peace of mind that comes with ongoing support is gold for businesses relying on earth movers day in, day out. Flamsteed's commitment to customer service ensures that buyers have a dependable mate throughout the life of their used equipment, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

In a Nutshell: Flamsteed Equipment – Your Trusted Cobber in Used Earth Movers

In the world of used earth movers for sale, Flamsteed Equipment stands out as a reliable and trustworthy cobber for businesses after quality, bang for their buck, and top-notch performance. The company's dedication to rigorous inspection, budget-friendly solutions, proven performance, personalized service, and all-encompassing after-sales support makes Flamsteed Equipment the go-to choose for those keen on making a savvy investment in pre-owned earth-moving machinery.

When deciding to grab used earth movers from Flamsteed Equipment, you're not just scoring equipment; you're entering into a partnership with a company dedicated to your success. Make the savvy move and consider Flamsteed Equipment for your used earth-moving machinery needs – where quality and value come together for a ripper investment.

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