#Future of Contract Staffing

[information-message]

As India’s economy grows, businesses are rethinking how they hire and build their teams. Contract staffing offers agility, cost-effectiveness, and faster project execution, while permanent roles build internal expertise and long-term stability. In this blog, explore how leading Indian industries are redefining workforce strategies by balancing short-term flexibility with sustained growth to meet the complex demands of modern business operations.

[hollycrowned]

cipherhunt log: some sunny day

It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?

On July 27th, I went to the Hillsboro Barnes & Noble signing event for The Book of Bill. I’ve decided to come back to this account at least for a moment to write a little bit about what it was like. At the end of this post, there’s some Cipher Hunt related news, so be sure to read all the way through.

The Q&A was a lot of fun. There was excitement in the air even before the event began, with eager fans wearing Dipper hats and flannel shirts hurrying to their seats. A few fans were in cosplay, too, which was heartwarming to see. While there were several kids with their parents in the audience, most of the fans there were younger adults—which really made it hit me that the series first aired over ten years ago.

By total accident I ended up next to the door Alex stepped through and caught his entrance:

Alex has the type of charm that can get anyone laughing, and his own laughter is contagious. I didn’t record much of the talk, wanting to simply experience it, but here’s a short video I took of him talking about how The Book of Bill came about:

Over the half hour, Alex talked about the the book itself, about the show, his characters, and about creating a television series. Fans, when the mic was turned over to the audience, said what they love most about the series and asked about intentionality and the possibility of crossovers (Alex’s immediate “yes” was a hit). Alex expressed after one question that while he never could have guessed that people would like Gravity Falls so much, he’s grateful for the enduring love fans have for the show.

The event coordinator, who schooled a few questions to Alex before mic was given over to the audience, asked what I think we all want to know: “What are you working on right now?” Alex gave the answer he’s given in the past: that as is typical in Hollywood, he can’t talk about the projects he’s currently involved in.

If you were around when I was active here, you might remember that by the time I left, my focus had become to follow Alex through his career. To recap: after Gravity Falls ended, Deadline reported in 2018 that Alex had signed a multi-year exclusive contract with Netflix. Not long after, Netflix announced the opening of its own animation studio, alongside a reel showcasing some of the artists they’d recruited. The reel highlighted that this group of artists included industry legends, young talent, and diverse voices; each artist in the reel talked how excited they were for what the studio itself meant the future of animation, and for the opportunity to work there. Alex was in this reel, too.

Although I’ve moved on to other fandoms and my own creative work, I’ve kept up with movements in the animation industry. If you have, too, you may know about the massive cuts and cancellations Netflix has made in the last several years, especially to its animation department. Alex has produced and consulted on a few projects at Netflix since his contract began—chief among them Inside Job, which was initially renewed by for a second season before Netflix reversed their decision six months later and cancelled the series altogether. Shion Takeuchi, the creator of Inside Job and previous writer on Gravity Falls, confirmed the cancellation, saying “I’m heartbroken.” Alex, in a reply, expressed the same, adding, “Grateful to have had the chance to help on one of my best friends shows, for however briefly”.

In the six years since Alex signed his contract with Netflix, there have been hints that he’s been working on a series with his name on the masthead. In late 2020, he tweeted about staffing his new show:

But if his project was among the cuts Netflix made a few years after that, he gave no sign of it in his answer.

It’s jarring, and saddening, to watch that reel from 2018 with the knowledge of what has happened since. Outside of Netflix, things seem just as dire, with the dragging of AI into animation giants like Disney and Dreamworks by their corporate executives—notably, as The Animation Guilds’ contract approached its expiration date. In 2023, Vulture published an article which included testimonies from four artists who worked on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse about the unsustainable working conditions at Sony while the film was in production. Over the last few years, Warner Bros has shelved two animated films and one hybrid for multimillion-dollar tax write-offs. In addition, their subsidiary HBO Max purged multiple animated series from its catalogue, denying the artists who worked on them access to their own works—and for some of them, residuals as well.

The final question at the Q&A was from a fan who said that they’re currently in school for animation. They asked Alex if he had any advice for new animators trying to break into the industry. Immediately, my mind went to all of that news I linked in the paragraphs above. I listened intently…

Alex’s response did not have hopelessness in it. He did talk, foremost and with humor, about how risky it is to pursue art as a career, especially at this moment—laughed, as he ended a sentence with, “Don’t go into the arts.” But he moved on from that, and gave an even more honest reply: hone your skills, put your work out there, and don’t give up. Be persistent, share what you make, make what you love. Make sure it’s easy for people to contact you, explore feelings through your work even when it’s uncomfortable, and show your work to others, even though it’s scary. Alex also remarked on creating itself being hard work, from the raw process to putting your art out there to taking criticism to learning from what didn’t work and applying it to your drafts and future projects. Hard work, challenging in more ways than one, on top of an unforgiving cultural moment, yes—but keep going. Keep creating.

Keep making art.

Then the Q&A ended, and the signing began. I found myself at the end of the line, but I didn’t mind; neither did anyone else waiting with me. In the moments when I wasn’t chatting with other fans, I thought about that last question and Alex’s response.

There is little that is easy about being an artist these days. I have come to know this by having friends who are artists, by following the careers and accounts of other artists, by reading the news, and—since becoming an artist myself—finding out firsthand. But I have come to know, just as well, that the best remedy for these ills is community. Whether you create art as a hobby or you have a career in the arts, whether your medium is collaborative or solitary in nature: in the face of intolerable working conditions, cutthroat corporations and corner-cutting clients, the advantages they take, the instability and uncertainty, and what all artists can relate to: the challenges of the creative process itself—it’s the support of your fellow artists that helps you survive. It helps art survive. A community that creates alongside you can give trusted critique, celebrate with you, stand up for you, introduce you to other artists you can learn from, and give what is necessary for so many of us to create at all: encouragement. A voice that says, keep creating. This gives to the world what is necessary for us all: more art.

If tech companies develop their AI by stealing from artists, if the c-suites who own the studios see artists as disposable, with the way freelancing can throw water on creative fire, if popular opinion increasingly trends toward art only having as much value as money it makes, then we must support each other. Helpful, practical advice given by a successful artist on how to succeed in the arts in this particular moment is a gem to anyone who is reaching for that goal. But invaluable and eternal is example; not just of success, but of how to be good to your fellow artists—and in turn, to yourself.

And I just think that’s how an artist ought to be.

As the line moved, and I got close enough to see the signing table across the room, I watched Alex greet the fans ahead of me. I found that he was as sweet to people as I always have heard he is, as I remember from watching the Periscopes he appeared in during Cipher Hunt: generous with his time, genuine, and good-natured. One fan skipped away from the table with their book, and a big smile on their face.

And then it was my turn.

When you meet him, he looks you in the eye. I always forget, until I shake someone else’s hand, how small my own hands are. I told him my name is Holly. He asked, “Spelled how it sounds?” I spelled it for him, reflexively, before I could fully process the question and simply say yes. I said lightheartedly that he must be extra happy to see us, being that we were at the end of the line—it was over three hours after the event had begun—and he said, “I’m sorry you all had to wait for this long.” While he was signing my copy, I asked if he was enjoying Portland—though what I really meant to ask was if he was happy to be back in the PNW, in the summertime. He said yes, he loves it here.

It all happened so fast, with me completely forgetting that I’d passed my phone to a kind father of some fans waiting near me in line, and I almost walked away without getting a picture with him. When you meet a celebrity crush from your younger years, it has you reckon with how the part of you who crushed back then has walked with you through time—in what ways who you were back then is still a part of who you are now, and who you want to be. And, of course, it gets your heart beating a little faster, too.

There was much more I wanted to ask him (this has never stopped being the case), but there were other fans waiting for their turn, and he had given his time to just shy of 150 people already. So I smiled at him, and said thank you, and moved along.

I am, and always will be, excited to see anything Alex makes. Hearing him talk about his art, and artistry, and being an artist, was beyond wonderful; not only young Holly’s wish come true, but inspiring for Holly, today—as an artist in my own right. In the years since I retired this account, as I’ve read all this news about the industry, I’ve often wondered how Alex has been. I am very happy and grateful I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the signing, and meet him.

And finally…the Cipher Hunt news.

First: the fan waiting in front of me in the signing line (I’m so sorry I didn’t get your name, but if you’re reading this, I hope you had a safe and smooth flight back home!) said she had been to Confusion Hill recently, and that Bill and the treasure box are still there. I haven’t been to Confusion Hill since I last went in 2017–before COVID—but I think about Bill and the treasure box all the time. It made me so happy to hear that fans are still visiting and exchanging treasures. I hope I get to go again, someday soon.

The second announcement: by chance, I happened to meet a fan who is working on a documentary about Cipher Hunt. I introduced myself and said I’d be more than happy to help out with the project! The creator, Keyan Carlile, can be found on both Twitter and YouTube. I hope you’ll follow along!

I met so many other lovely fans while waiting in line, as well. There is still so much affection and excitement for this series, and it was so nice to step back into the fandom, if only or a moment. If we spoke with each other: it was so nice to meet you! Maybe our paths will cross again, someday. And to everyone, all of the fans who were there, and all of you out there with The Book of Bill:

happy reading!! ∆

[nanowrimo]

A Message from the NaNoWriMo Board of Directors

Dear NaNoWriMo Community Members,

Thank you for reaching out to us with your inquiries about the forums, your support, offers to volunteer, and your legitimate concerns.

Our inbox has been flooded, and we appreciate all of the thoughtful responses from participants and volunteers who genuinely care about NaNoWriMo, our fellow writers, and the community as we do. It is impossible to respond to each message individually, but we wanted to let you all know we are working with purpose and sincerity.

Please see below the breakdown of the work that has been done since we last shared an update with the community. Our intention is to keep you abreast of all we are doing to make NaNoWriMo a better, safer, place:

We’ve overseen a full-scale review of business practices led by former Board Member, Kilby Blades, who has stepped in to assist the organization on an interim basis.  

We’ve begun to implement new procedures around community safety, including:

Full revision and legal review of our employee handbook and codes of conduct.

Full revision and legal review of our Municipal Liaison(ML) agreement.

Development of a formal contract agreement for all (non-ML) Volunteers.

Development of a stricter vetting process for all volunteers (which includes identity verification and background checks, wherever necessary).

Licensing of a digital constituent management system that will enhance volunteer management capabilities.

Comprehensive background checks for all current employees.

Checks and balances to ensure that standards of conduct and ethics are adhered to (e.g., better leadership training, volunteer training, tech mechanisms, and active oversight).

We’ve made staffing changes and revised our staffing plan.

We have rescoped certain roles and initiated some staffing changes. (However, certain employees who left the organization voluntarily are in pursuit of their next opportunities.)

We believe that learning from this moment through addressing skill gaps in the organization is healthy and we will go through a hiring process to fill necessary gaps in open roles.

We’ve listened to other community feedback and are still in listening mode.

We’ve disabled the mechanism on the YWP website that allows users to self-identify as educators for the purpose of creating classrooms, and we are researching mechanisms that will allow us to verify adults as educators.

We’ve revised our technology roadmap to address usability issues and are hoping to introduce new features in 2024.

We are midway through a deep dive on forums and forum moderation; this has included benchmarking with other organizations with similar challenges.

In February, we will hold focus groups for continuing MLs. We are also thinking through the logistics of Town Hall meetings and other gatherings.

We’ve processed dozens of pages of community member feedback and are integrating it into our thinking.

With the staffing changes mentioned above, we are open to hearing from those of you who have reached out with offers to help and/or be a part of the organization’s future. Get notified about future job opportunities at NaNoWriMo.

We are excited about the future, and expect it to be brighter! We hope you feel seen and heard, and that you will stick with us as we continue supporting the writing community and our organization.

Kind regards,

NaNoWriMo Board of Directors

[fans4wga]

September 26 - WGA Contract Details

AI limitations. Minimum staffing agreements. Wage increases. Streaming data. All this and more have been won by the WGA Negotiating Committee, but it couldn't have been done without the leverage generated by thousands of striking writers and tens of thousands of supporters.

Thank you for supporting the WGA. But the fight is not over. It's time to continue our support for WGA members coming out of the work stoppage, as well as to continue supporting SAG-AFTRA in their future negotiations, IATSE in theirs, and more industry and non-industry unions as they fight for worker rights. Solidarity always!

[rjzimmerman]

The National Climate Assessment is required by law, pursuant to the Global Change Research Act of 1990 enacted by Congress. So, as with the other illegal actions taken by trump in effectively killing the report, where are the concerned parties and, in particular, the totally ineffective Democrats? Sitting with their asses on their hands and their eyes looking down, pretending to look guilty.

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The Trump administration has dismissed the hundreds of scientists and experts who had been compiling the federal government’s flagship report on how global warming is affecting the country.

The move puts the future of the report, which is required by Congress and is known as the National Climate Assessment, into serious jeopardy, experts said.

Since 2000, the federal government has published a comprehensive look every few years at how rising temperatures will affect human health, agriculture, fisheries, water supplies, transportation, energy production and other aspects of the U.S. economy. The last climate assessment came out in 2023 and is used by state and local governments as well as private companies to help prepare for the effects of heat waves, floods, droughts and other climate-related calamities.

On Monday, researchers around the country who had begun work on the sixth national climate assessment, planned for early 2028, received an email informing them that the scope of the report “is currently being re-evaluated” and that all contributors were being dismissed.

“We are now releasing all current assessment participants from their roles,” the email said. “As plans develop for the assessment, there may be future opportunities to contribute or engage. Thank you for your service.”

For some of the authors, that appeared to be a fatal blow to the next report.

“This is as close as it gets to a termination of the assessment,” said Jesse Keenan, a professor at Tulane University who specializes in climate adaptation and was a co-author on the last climate assessment. “If you get rid of all the people involved, nothing’s moving forward.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The climate assessment is typically compiled by scientists and expert contributors around the country who volunteer to write the report. It then goes through several rounds of review by 14 federal agencies, as well as a public comment period. The entire process is overseen by the Global Change Research Program, a federal group established by Congress in 1990 that is supported by NASA.

Under the Trump administration, that process was already facing serious disruptions. This month, NASA canceled a major contract with ICF International, a consulting firm that had been supplying most of the technical support and staffing for the Global Change Research Program, which coordinates work among hundreds of contributors.

[askagamedev]

In light of the recent controversy surrounding Sony (and, by extension, Helldivers 2), could you please explain the publisher-developer relationship that many, many people seem to misunderstand?

Despite the common myth that publishers are evil vampires who exist to make things work, publishers really do serve a legitimate purpose that makes them valuable. What publishers do is provide logistical support to the development studio. Beyond the obvious of providing funding to build the game, publishers also generally handle things like:

Providing QA support

Providing technical support/code/back end for console development

Providing tool support

Providing network/back end support

Handling game marketing

Handling the business negotiations

Handling physical media and delivery

All of these things both cost a lot of money to establish and require specialized staffing to handle. Most game studios don't want to do these things because it means the studio leadership has to step away from overseeing the game development and focus on setting up all of those logistical elements. As always, there are negotiations made in the contract between a publisher and a developer - the publisher agrees to do all these things and provide X moneys to the developer over this period of time, and the developer promises to deliver a game based on this schedule with these requirements.

One key thing to remember is that attacking your partners in public is never a good idea from a business perspective. Even if the relationship was strained behind closed doors, being anything but supportive of your partners in public will be remembered - not just by the partner who may choose not to work with you again, but also by other prospective future partners who will want to avoid getting burned in a similar fashion. The temporary internet points from players for being "on their side" just isn't worth it, especially because players are fickle and will turn on you in an instant, but potential business partners have elephant memories.

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Got a burning question you want answered?

Short questions: Ask a Game Dev on Twitter

Long questions: Ask a Game Dev on Tumblr

Frequent Questions: The FAQ

[liaromancewriter]

Miracles

Premise: A chance encounter with Ethan brings an expected revelation for Cassie.

Fandom: Choices Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,050

A/N: Submission for @choicesmaychallenge24 prompt "mood changed like the weather" and for @jerzwriter Mother's Day event.

Miracle of life, my ass!

It was a miracle the world’s population was edging toward eight billion, given the indignities that pregnancy wrought on women’s bodies.

Cassie Valentine barely controlled a grimace as her patient let out an inhumane scream and tried to push a watermelon-sized human being out of her hoo-ha. The mammoth pregnant belly heaved and metamorphized with each contraction, blood and fluids gushing out from between her thighs.

She was in week three of her intern year ambulatory electives block. She’d chosen Women’s Health, thinking learning more about her body would be cool. However, most of her rotation had been spent in labor and delivery since that team was short-staffed.

Apparently, this was a popular time for giving birth in Boston. What else could horny Bostonians do during the long, cold winter nights?

Contrary to popular belief, babies straight out of the womb were not cute, with their skin red and wrinkly and covered in amnio fluids. Witnessing a mid-morning birth was enough to put one off their lunch.

“You have a beautiful baby girl,” the third-year resident cooed, smiling widely as she laid the wriggling tiny human on the mother’s chest.

Cassie scrutinized the scrunched-up face peeking through the blanket and thought it looked more like a fish, but to each their own.

Leaving mother and child to bond, she followed the team out of the delivery room, discarding the protective sheath and cap in the bin outside, and shook loose her long blonde hair.

Checking her watch to make sure she wasn’t late for afternoon didactics, Cassie strode toward the nurses’ station, intent on completing the notes from this case while it was fresh in her mind.

She didn’t often think about motherhood. After an almost scare in college that had given her and Jackson several restless nights waiting for the results, she’d been diligent about preventing accidental pregnancies.

Still, given that she came from two prolific dynastic families, Cassie supposed it was inevitable she’d have kids one day. But everything she’d witnessed these few weeks hadn’t exactly endeared her to the idea of putting her body through all that!

Her mind came to a screeching halt, and her feet slowed at the sight of Dr. Ramsey leaning against a wall, arms folded, chatting with another attending.

Ethan looked out of place in the brightly painted maternity ward, decorated with colorful wall posters about the benefits of breastfeeding and glittery balloons bobbing in the air as eager parents took their babies home. His somber expression countered the excited hubbub in the busy hallway.

Now, that was a man who couldn’t see kids in his future. Cassie still remembered his ambivalence about family and children when they tested the fMRI machine. Given how his brain scan lit up, it was a sore subject.

Not that it’s any of my business, she thought, turning away. Still, she furtively sniffed her underarms (the delivery room had been hot and sweaty) and sighed in relief. All clear.

Cassie sat behind the desk at the nurses’ station, entering notes into the computer, when a shadow fell over her. She glanced up mid-sentence, instinctively knowing who it was.

“Be with you in a minute, Dr. Ramsey,” the charge nurse said from behind her.

Ethan towered above the station, but his eyes were locked on his phone so Cassie could observe without him being any wiser.

He looked tired, his jawline scruffy with overgrown stubble. His short, neatly styled dark brown hair was unusually tousled—as if he’d run his fingers through it.

Cassie’s hand itched to touch the small, subtle strand of hair that fell slightly forward. It gently curved towards his forehead, softening his otherwise polished (and somewhat austere) look.

She thought it added a bit of character, giving Ethan a relaxed and approachable appearance. Until his striking blue eyes caught you spying. Then, there was nothing casual about Ethan Ramsey.

“Rookie,” Ethan said neutrally, head cocked sideways, his gaze inscrutable.

“Dr. Ramsey,” Cassie acknowledged cooly with a slight nod. She wanted to be nonchalant, but curiosity won out. “What are you doing here?”

He quirked one eyebrow, his expression haughty, for lack of a better word.

“Sorry!” Cassie blurted out, feeling her cheeks flush. “I know it’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s not,” he said, hesitating. “But, since you knew Dolores…”

His Adam’s apple pulsed as he swallowed, emotions swimming in his eyes. He blinked them away, cleared his throat, and shut down any hint of vulnerability.

“Baby Hudson is being discharged from NICU this week. Dolores’ sister asked me to coordinate the transfer to his pediatrician in Minneapolis.”

“Oh. I didn’t know he was still here.”

Cassie realized she hadn’t given Dolores or her baby much thought in the last couple of months. She had moved on to other patients, trying to keep her head above water as the harsh realities of residency and competing in the fellowship competition beat down on her.

Of course, Ethan Hudson was still in the neonatal ICU, given his premature birth at twenty-six weeks. It was a miracle he’d survived the night. She felt terrible for her negligence, even though Dolores’ untimely death had devastated her at the time.

“Why would you?” Ethan commented impassively, drumming his fingers on the desk. “He was no longer under your care.”

“How is he?”

“He——” Ethan sighed, looking away from her briefly. “He’s hit all his developmental markers. Dr. Lozoya doesn’t expect any long-term complications. He has Dolores’ eyes.”

Her green eyes sharpened at the softly spoken words, the tenderness in his voice catching her off guard. From the sudden frown on his lips, Cassie suspected he hadn’t meant to make that admission, at least not to her.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, doctor,” the charge nurse interrupted.

The bubble surrounding them burst. Ethan straightened from the desk and nodded absently before accompanying the charge nurse down the hallway.

Cassie watched his retreating back with a considering look. In the short time she’d known him, his moods appeared to change like the weather.

The man was full of contradictions: arrogant one minute, compassionate another. Dismissive and rude at times, he was also wickedly sarcastic and funny on the most unexpected occasions.

Who, she wondered, was the real Ethan Ramsey?

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

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @lady-calypso

@mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16

@justyourusualash @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[mariacallous]

A database containing sensitive, sometimes personal information from the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women was openly accessible on the internet, revealing more than 115,000 files related to organizations that partner with or receive funding from UN Women. The documents range from staffing information and contracts to letters and even detailed financial audits about organizations working with vulnerable communities around the world, including under repressive regimes.

Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered the database, which was not password protected or otherwise access controlled, and disclosed the finding to the UN, which secured the database. Such incidents are not uncommon, and many researchers regularly find and disclose examples of exposures to help organizations correct data management mistakes. But Fowler emphasizes that this ubiquity is exactly why it is important to continue to raise awareness about the threat of such misconfigurations. The UN Women database is a prime example of a small error that could create additional risk for women, children, and LGBTQ people living in hostile situations worldwide.

“They're doing great work and helping real people on the ground, but the cybersecurity aspect is still critical,” Fowler tells WIRED. “I've found lots of data before, including from all sorts of government agencies, but these organizations are helping people who are at risk just for being who they are, where they are.”

A spokesperson for UN Women tells WIRED in a statement that the organization appreciates collaboration from cybersecurity researchers and combines any outside findings with its own telemetry and monitoring.

“As per our incident response procedure, containment measures were rapidly put in place and investigative actions are being taken,” the spokesperson said of the database Fowler discovered. “We are in the process of assessing how to communicate with the potential affected persons so that they are aware and alert as well as incorporating the lessons learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

The data could expose people in multiple ways. At the organizational level, some of the financial audits include bank account information, but more broadly, the disclosures provide granular detail on where each organization gets its funding and how it budgets. The information also includes breakdowns of operating costs, and details about employees that could be used to map the interconnections between civil society groups in a country or region. Such information is also ripe for abuse in scams since the UN is such a trusted organization, and the exposed data would provide details on internal operations and potentially serve as templates for malicious actors to create legitimate-looking communications that purport to come from the UN.

“You have a list of organizations and details about their staff and activities, and some of the projects I saw had budgets in the millions of dollars,” Fowler says. “If this data fell into the wrong hands or it reached the dark web, you could have scammers or an authoritarian government looking at which organizations are working where, and who they working with, to target them and even find out names of people they've been helping.”

This leads to the other crucial element of the finding: In addition to fueling scams and potentially exposing local organizations, the data could be exploited to directly target at-risk individuals with extortion attempts or even local law enforcement action.

“I saw letters from people who were victims of kidnapping, rape, abuse—people telling their stories probably believing that they will remain anonymous,” Fowler says. “There was a letter from someone who had gotten HIV who was helped out by a foundation, and they told their whole story of how their family and friends had turned on them.”

If the finding spurs infrastructure review and other detections, it could go a long way toward helping UN Women—and the sprawling ecosystem of UN organizations more broadly—to catch any other easy-to-fix errors and prevent potential data breaches.

[hiredassault]

LAWTON FAMILY EMPIRE :-

1. Lawtonville

The entire town was built around the Lawton estate ;; complete with streets named after family members, legacy statues, and centralized governance subtly run by their financial influence.

2. Lawton Station ; Train Depot.

A grand, old world railway station serving Lawtonville ;; built during the industrial boom && still bearing the engraved family crest on the archway.

3. Lawton Downs Racetrack

A luxury horse racing venue funded by George Lawton; hosts private races, charity events, and serves as a hub for high society gossip.

4. Lawton Diner

A retro, chrome-accented eatery originally opened for workers and now preserved as a town relic --- still displaying family photos and vintage menus with “Miss Genevieve’s Specials.”

5. Lawton Greens Golf Course

An exclusive members-only club where deals are struck && the Lawtons’ social supremacy remains subtly enforced through legacy plaques and reserved holes.

6. Lawton’s General Market

A multi-generation grocery enterprise that started as a farmstand and grew into a local chain--- stocked with branded wines and high-end imported goods.

7. Lawton Strategic Solutions (Private Military Firm)

A shadowy security and weapons consulting group founded post-Vietnam by a Lawton cousin ;; tied to international contracts, ex-military personnel, and controversial operations.

8. Lawton Bank & Trust

A family-established private bank that funded local businesses and civic projects ; also served to exert financial control over the town.

9. Lawton Arms Factory

A manufacturing plant tied to defense contracts and hunting gear -- fitting Floyd’s future obsession with weaponry && marksmanship.

10. Lawton Estate Grounds

Vast land surrounding the mansion, possibly including a vineyard, horse stables, and hidden features like an old war bunker or escape tunnel.

11. Lawton Private School

A prep school bearing the family name where children of town elites (including Edward and Floyd) were groomed for academic and political success.

12. Lawton Medical Clinic

A pristine clinic or hospital with a family wing ;; donated to the town but subtly controlled through appointments and board seats.

13. Lawton Family Courthouse

The local legal building featuring a Lawton-donated wing, ensuring influence over judicial outcomes when necessary.

14. Lawton Memorial Park

A landscaped park built after a staged philanthropic gesture ;; includes a statue of George Lawton and plaques commemorating family donors.

15. Lawton Family Chapel

An ornate building used for family ceremonies and curated public religious events -- also a private meeting space shielded by spiritual pretense.

16. Lawton Mausoleum (Cemetery Grounds)

A forest-locked stone crypt housing generations of Lawtons, including Edward ; Floyd rarely visits, but the grounds are immaculately kept.

17. Lawton Airstrip (Private Landing Strip)

A minimally staffed but fully functioning strip for private jets and high-value deliveries --- often used for unrecorded travel or weapon shipments.

18. Lawton Warehouse & Logistics Hub

A large industrial space used for storing shipments, surplus arms, and possibly black-market goods; located discreetly near the town edge.

19. Lawton Drone & R&D Facility

High-security facility developing prototype drones and digital tracking systems, many tested in overseas or urban conflict zones.

20. Lawton Firearms Museum

A showcase of the family’s weaponry lineage --- from hunting rifles to customized revolvers; closed to the public, invitation-only for collectors.

21. Lawton Theater House

Once grand and glittering, now half-abandoned; built by Genevieve’s side of the family as a show of cultural dominance -- now used only on rare, eerie occasions.

[knitpurlgoal]

Me, multiple times in this meeting: yeah [project] isn’t really an option right now. our partners have told us they don’t have the time/staffing. we can revisit this in the future

That One Guy: so to clarify, we’re doing [project] now?

Me: uhhhh no

Guy: WELL (wants to look at their contract/budget, implies none of us are actually doing our jobs, etc etc)

[panicinthestudio]

"Doctors are pushing back against Alberta's COVID-19 task force report. Here's why", Canada Tonight, January 28, 2025

Alberta doctors are pushing back against a report published by the task force created by Alberta's UCP government to review the province's pandemic response, saying it contains misinformation and poses a threat to public health. Canada Tonight medical contributor Dr. Samir Gupta breaks down the implications of this report. CBC News

The UCP using its position to generate medical dis- and misinformation about vaccination and public health measures that slowed the spread of COVID, is not as surprising as it is galling. Not only are they misrepresenting the existing science and data, but also promoting debunked therapies like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine on the public dime. Now they're making recommendations for future policy that deny masks help prevent spread either in the public or in health care settings, and especially for children. The latter is the most troubling because the authors are explicitly pushing back that children were a transmission risk, that they also experience severe outcomes, or that long-term effects of contracting COVID for children and adults alike are still in question.

We were a hotspot in multiple waves because people refused to follow health measures like social distancing and proper masking. Every time they eased early, the explosion of cases put us back where we were with supply and bed shortages. This was further diluted by the UCP's own rush to dismantle testing as soon as it was convenient in the interest of the economy; narrowing the population able to get mRNA boosters despite availability and proven safety; undermining the Alberta Health Service and their own medical experts, including selling off and being forced to buy back public lab services in a span of a year during the pandemic, with existing plans to lean more on private providers and facilities, and worsen existing staffing shortages; and finally courting anti-vaccine, reactionary, and medical science skeptics for political gain. It hasn't even been a full five years, and we are already actively trying to forget the panic for basic supplies, let alone the scramble for respirators and PPE.

This report is ultimately revisionism and denial of the pandemic that many people didn't make it out of, and an insult to all those that tried their best to keep the rest of us healthy at the expense of their own safety. The general public was not asked to do much more than anyone else: keeping distance, observe basic hygiene, mask in public and socially, while avoiding situations and gatherings where transmission is likely. Yes, it changed and disrupted lives but using the pretext of a official report to erase the lessons that were learned the hard way is not a solution, if not dangerous.

[information-message]

The gig economy is transforming the way people earn a living, offering short-term opportunities instead of traditional full-time jobs. This shift provides businesses with cost-effective solutions while giving workers more control over their schedules. This article explores everything one needs to know about this evolving work model. However, it also comes with challenges like inconsistent income and lack of job security. As the gig economy continues to grow, understanding its impact is crucial for both businesses and workers.

[t0mies-b0dy]

.... so nanowrimo sent out an apology email.

[Copy-Paste under the cut, its a long one, boys]

To Our NaNoWriMo Community: 

There is no way to begin this letter other than to apologize for the harm and confusion we caused last month with our comments about Artificial Intelligence (AI). We failed to contextualize our reasons for making this statement, we chose poor wording to explain some of our thinking, and we failed to acknowledge the harm done to some writers by bad actors in the generative AI space. Our goal at the time was not to broadcast a comprehensive statement that reflected our full sentiments about AI, and we didn’t anticipate that our post would be treated as such. Earlier posts about AI in our FAQs from more than a year ago spoke similarly to our neutrality and garnered little attention. 

We don’t want to use this space to repeat the content of the full apology we posted in the wake of our original statements. But we do want to raise why this position is critical to the spirit—and to the future—of NaNoWriMo. 

Supporting and uplifting writers is at the heart of what we do. Our stated mission is “to provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people use their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page”. Our comments last month were prompted by intense harassment and bullying we were seeing on our social media channels, which specifically involved AI. When our spaces become overwhelmed with issues that don’t relate to our core offering, and that are venomous in tone, our ability to cheer on writers is seriously derailed. 

One priority this year has been a return to our mission, and deep thinking about what is in-scope for an organization of our size. A year ago, we were attempting to do too much, and we were doing some of it poorly. Though we admire the many writers’ advocacy groups that function as guilds and that take on industry issues, that isn’t part of our mission. Reshaping our core programs in ways that are safe for all community members, that are operationally sound, that are legally compliant, and that are mission-aligned, is our focus. 

So, what have we done this year to draw boundaries around our scope, promote community safety, and return to our core purpose? 

We ended our practice of hosting unrestricted, all-ages spaces on NaNoWriMo.org and made major website changes. Such safety measures to protect young Wrimos were long overdue.

We stopped the practice of allowing anyone to self-identify as an educator on our YWP website and contracted an outside vendor to certify educators. We placed controls on social features for young writers and we’re on the brink of relaunch. 

We redesigned our volunteer program and brought it into legal compliance. Previously, none of our ~800 global volunteers had undergone identity verification, background checks, or training that meets nonprofit standards and that complies with California law. We are gradually reinstating volunteers.

We admitted there are spaces that we can’t moderate. We ended our policy of endorsing Discord servers and local Facebook groups that our staff had no purview over. We paused the NaNoWriMo forums pending serious overhaul. We redesigned our training to better-prepare returning moderators to support our community standards. 

We revised our Codes of Conduct to clarify our guidelines and to improve our culture. This was in direct response to a November 2023 board investigation of moderation complaints.

We proactively made staffing changes. We took seriously last year’s allegations of child endangerment and other complaints and inspected the conditions that allowed such breaches to occur. No employee who played a role in the staff misconduct the Board investigated remains with the organization. 

Beyond this, we’re planning more broadly for NaNoWriMo’s future. Since 2022, the Board has been in conversation about our 25th Anniversary (which we kick off this year) and what that should mean. The joy, magic, and community that NaNoWriMo has created over the years is nothing short of miraculous. And yet, we are not delivering the website experience and tools that most writers need and expect; we’ve had much work to do around safety and compliance; and the organization has operated at a budget deficit for four of the past six years. 

What we want you to know is that we’re fighting hard for the organization, and that providing a safer environment, with a better user interface, that delivers on our mission and lives up to our values is our goal. We also want you to know that we are a small, imperfect team that is doing our best to communicate well and proactively. Since last November, we’ve issued twelve official communications and created 40+ FAQs. A visit to that page will underscore that we don’t harvest your data, that no member of our Board of Directors said we did, and that there are plenty of ways to participate, even if your region is still without an ML.

With all that said, we’re one month away! Thousands of Wrimos have already officially registered and you can, too! Our team is heads-down, updating resources for this year’s challenge and getting a lot of exciting programming staged and ready. If you’re writing this season, we’re here for you and are dedicated, as ever, to helping you meet your creative goals!

In community,

The NaNoWriMo Team

[terribledactyl]

There’s a one-day strike going on at multiple Starbucks locations across the US over poor staffing today (Nov. 16)!

Image IDs:

1. Characters from the anime Maple Town Story standing happily outside with text that reads "Sbux Baristas in a world w/o Red Cup Day

2. Characters from the anime Maple Town Story baking cookies with text that reads "The store where Mills works typically brings in about $8,000 in sales each day but promotional events add at least an additional $3,000 in revenue, which amounts to a nearly 40% increase in business, Mills said."

3. Characters from the anime Maple Town Story looking tired with text that reads "Starbucks, however, leaves staffing levels unchanged on promotional days, leading to overworked employees and unsatisfied customers, Mills added."

4. Characters from the anime Maple Town Story tied up back-to-back with text that reads "Mills said their store unionized in August 2022 but Starbucks representatives have only attended one bargaining session, which they walked out of after 15 minutes. "Starbucks is promoting that it's bargaining in good faith but that's not what we're experiencing," Mills said."

5. Characters from the anime Maple Town Story handing each other a gift with text that reads "The strike can raise awareness and help boost union morale," he said. "To get a contract you need solidarity events that get the membership engaged and the community engaged."

6. Patty Rabbit from the anime Maple Town Story edited to have the Starbucks Workers United symbol on her apron with text that reads "Remember, Starbucks baristas are making massive and historic strides in unionizing, so try not to harass the striking workers! A win for the Starbucks union is a win towards the future of food service!"

[3leads2]

Understanding Manpower Agencies: Connecting Talent with Opportunities

In an ever-evolving job market, organizations face the constant challenge of finding the right talent to meet their needs. Manpower agencies, also known as staffing agencies or recruitment firms, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between employers seeking skilled workers and job seekers looking for opportunities. This article explores the functions of Manpower Agencies in Bangalore, their benefits, and how they can aid both businesses and individuals in today’s competitive landscape.

What is a Manpower Agency?

A manpower agency is a specialized organization that provides workforce solutions by connecting employers with potential employees. These agencies cater to various sectors, including IT, healthcare, engineering, hospitality, and manufacturing, among others. Their primary goal is to streamline the hiring process, helping companies fill job vacancies quickly and efficiently while assisting job seekers in finding suitable employment.

How Manpower Agencies Operate

1. Understanding Client Needs

Manpower agencies begin by consulting with businesses to understand their specific staffing requirements. This involves discussions about job roles, required skills, company culture, and timelines for hiring. By gathering this information, agencies can tailor their recruitment strategies to meet client expectations.

2. Talent Sourcing

Once the agency comprehends the employer’s needs, they start sourcing candidates. This process may involve:

Job Advertising: Posting job openings on various job boards, social media platforms, and the agency’s website.

Database Search: Utilizing an existing database of candidates who have previously registered with the agency.

Networking: Reaching out through industry contacts and events to find potential candidates.

3. Screening and Selection

Agencies conduct thorough screenings to ensure candidates meet the job specifications. This often includes:

Resume Reviews: Assessing candidates’ qualifications and experiences.

Interviews: Conducting initial interviews to gauge candidates’ skills and fit for the role.

Testing: Administering assessments or tests relevant to the job requirements.

4. Facilitating Interviews

After identifying suitable candidates, the agency coordinates interviews with the employer. They often provide feedback to both parties to ensure clear communication and alignment throughout the hiring process.

5. Onboarding and Follow-Up

Once a candidate is hired, Manpower Recruitment Agency Bangalore may assist with the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition. They also follow up with both the employer and the employee to address any issues and ensure satisfaction on both sides.

Benefits of Using Manpower Agencies

For Job Seekers

Access to Job Opportunities: Manpower agencies often have exclusive access to job openings that may not be advertised elsewhere, providing candidates with more options.

Expert Career Guidance: Agencies offer valuable insights into the job market, helping candidates tailor their resumes, prepare for interviews, and develop their skills.

Time Efficiency: Job searching can be time-consuming. By leveraging the agency’s resources, candidates can focus their efforts on preparing for interviews and enhancing their employability.

Networking Opportunities: Agencies can connect job seekers with industry professionals, opening doors to future job prospects.

For Employers

Reduced Recruitment Time: Manpower agencies streamline the hiring process, allowing companies to fill positions quickly without compromising on quality.

Access to a Broader Talent Pool: Agencies often maintain large databases of candidates, increasing the likelihood of finding the right fit for various roles.

Specialized Expertise: Many agencies specialize in specific industries, providing valuable insights and access to niche talent.

Flexible Staffing Solutions: Manpower agencies can assist with temporary, permanent, or contract staffing needs, allowing businesses to adapt to changing demands.

Choosing the Right Manpower Agency

When selecting a manpower agency, consider the following factors:

Industry Focus: Look for agencies that specialize in your field to ensure they understand your specific needs.

Reputation: Research the agency’s track record, including reviews and testimonials from both employers and candidates.

Services Offered: Evaluate the range of services provided, such as temporary staffing, permanent placement, and employee training.

Fee Structure: Understand the costs associated with their services, as some agencies charge employers while others may have fees for candidates.

Conclusion

Manpower agencies play a vital role in the modern job market by connecting employers with the right talent and assisting job seekers in finding meaningful employment. Their expertise in recruitment, extensive networks, and tailored services can significantly enhance the hiring process for both businesses and individuals. As the workforce continues to evolve, leveraging the resources and support of a manpower agency can be a strategic move for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of today’s employment landscape. Whether you’re an employer seeking the best talent or a job seeker looking for your next opportunity, manpower agencies can provide the assistance you need to succeed.

[erastaffingsolutions]

The Employer’s Playbook: Correcting Employee Misclassification

Navigating the labyrinth of labor laws, tax responsibilities, and HR best practices can sometimes feel like a full-contact sport for business owners. One of the significant challenges in this game is correctly classifying your personnel as either employees or independent contractors. Misclassification can result in dire consequences, including hefty fines and back taxes. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down why correct classification is critical, how to spot misclassification, and what to do if you find you’ve been playing on the wrong team.

What Is Employee and Independent Contractor Classification?

Before we draw battle lines, it’s essential to understand the various types of personnel at your disposal. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) each have their own criteria for what constitutes an employee versus an independent contractor. Employees typically work under the direction and control of an employer, whereas contractors maintain their independence, controlling when, where, and how the work is done. The distinction is vital because it affects how you pay taxes, allocate benefits, and protect your business from legal disputes.

Employers often prefer to engage workers as independent contractors because it:

Reduces administrative overhead

Eliminates the need to provide employee benefits

Allows for more flexible staffing arrangements

However, misclassification can open a Pandora’s box of unforeseen liabilities.

5 Indicators of Employee vs. Contractor Misclassification

The lines between employees and independent contractors can seem blurry, but certain indicators can clearly point one way or the other. Here are five indicators to watch for:

The Business's Degree of Control

The more control a business exercises over the work being done – including the manner and means of the work – the more likely the worker should be classified as an employee.

Financial Control

When the business controls significant aspects of a worker’s financial affairs, such as setting the pay rate or providing tools and materials, it’s a strong indication of an employer-employee relationship.

Investment in Facilities

If the worker has a significant investment in things like office space or equipment, they're more likely to be a contractor.

Opportunity for Profit or Loss

Contractors typically have the potential to make a profit or suffer a financial loss, while employees are often insulated from business fluctuations.

Permanency of the Relationship

An ongoing, indefinite working relationship suggests an employer-employee relationship. Contracts that specify a defined project or time frame lean more toward independent contractor status.

By assessinging these factors, you can catch early signs of misclassification and protect your business from unnecessary risk.

How to Correct Employee Misclassification

Discovering that you’ve misclassified workers can be a daunting reality, yet there is a path to rectification. Here are the vital steps to correct the course:

Identify the Misclassified Workers

The first step to fixing a problem is recognizing its existence. Audit your workforce to determine the scope of the misclassification.

Re-Evaluate Workforce Hiring Practices

Once the misclassified workers are identified, reassess how and why they were classified as independent contractors. Ensure your classification practices adhere to legal guidelines moving forward.

Adjust for Prior Compensation and Tax Withholding Errors

Correct any erroneous payroll tax filings and ensure all relevant taxes are appropriately withheld and paid.

Communicate Changes Transparently

Notify affected workers of the status change and what it means for their compensation and benefits.

Implement Corrective Policies

Establish clear policies and procedures for future worker classification, including documentation of the basis for classification.

By following these steps, you’ll mitigate the immediate damage and establish a framework for avoiding future misclassification issues.

5 Factors to Calculate Employee Misclassification Costs

Once you’ve acknowledged misclassification, it’s time to tally the costs. Knowing what you’re up against can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Back Pay and Overtime

Misclassified employees may be owed back wages and overtime pay if they were treated as contractors when they should have been deemed employees.

Unemployment and Workers Compensation

Your business may be responsible for past and future payments associated with unemployment and workers compensation benefits.

Tax Adjustments

The IRS can penalize you for failing to withhold and match taxes appropriately for employees. You’ll need to amend past returns and address any unpaid tax liabilities.

Fines and Fees

In addition to the back taxes, the IRS or DOL may levy fines for misclassifications. These penalties can be substantial and vary depending on the number of employees involved and the severity of the violation.

Legal Costs

If an employee brings a lawsuit against your business due to misclassification, you’ll also need to factor in legal fees, settlement costs, and potential damage awards.

By factoring in these costs, you’ll be better equipped to map out how to best address the misclassification with the least amount of impact.

Navigating the complexities of employee classification is not for the faint of heart. However, staying informed about the indicators of misclassification and understanding how to rectify errors can save you immeasurable headaches down the line. Compliance isn’t always simple, but it is non-negotiable. Your workforce — and your bottom line — will thank you for these proactive measures.

In the fast-paced world of business, agility and foresight are your strongest allies. Knowing how to respond to misclassification can transform a potential pitfall into a learning opportunity. By understanding the rules and diligently auditing your practices, you can ensure that your team — both on the field and off — is set up for success.

@erastaffingsolutions