#I even try to add visual instructions to help them

[lesbianstarlightglimmer]

Tbh the strangest and most concerning thing about kids that I’ve observed get steadily worse is how these kids just…don’t know how to use a computer???

Like if you put a 12-15 year old kid and my 50 something year old mom next to each other and asked them to copy and paste using a computer, both would look at me like a deer in headlights!!

And yes I know some of this is because schools just don’t really have computer classes anymore (like I had ones that taught “proper” typing, Microsoft office programs like Word and PowerPoint, etc.) but like??? Every school I’ve been to so far has had computers for students so they’re all on devices all the time yet still don’t know how to use them.

Hell, they barely know how to type a URL in! Like! Huh! I’m genuinely concerned about them not knowing how to use a computer properly and how they use it so freely without proper thought and care as to what they put out into the world.

[asterafroditis]

Hello! Nice to meet you, your whole aesthetic is very beautiful, would you mind like writing with dorm leaders ( if you want to add others you may.) with reader being forgetful? I have severe bad memory problems and can only remember doing stuff if I make an action or a noise to remember me doing it. I have this problem a lot of having to repeat or check things multiple time cause I forgot if I did it or not. Like she or they can remember names and like very very specific details ( about the form leaders) but when given a task or like told something it just INSTANLY gets forgotten.

𐔌 . ⋮ memory markers .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

☓┆ Housewardens x forgetful gn! reader

𓏵 1266 words

ᝰ.ᐟ headcanons, they/them pronouns used (only in Kalim's part, if I recall correctly), fluff, not proofread but here we go!

Whew, finally finished with this, hopefully I got your request right (-"-;) feel free to like, reblog, or comment!

ᝰ.ᐟ masterlist

At first, Riddle finds your forgetfulness deeply frustrating. He’s meticulous with schedules and rules, and you forgetting assignments or dorm responsibilities—even moments after being told—makes him visibly stiffen.

"You just said you’d feed the hedgehogs, and yet they’re still waiting!" he’d scold, hands on his hips.

But the moment you look at him, repeating softly, “Hedgehogs, clap twice,” and then actually do it—clap, clap—before dashing off to complete the task, he freezes. “...You made that noise to remember?” you nod, and he grows quiet.

Over time, he adapts. He reminds you with structure: written lists, color-coded planners, short mnemonics—he even helps you develop rhythm games to trigger memory.

He still grumbles when things slip your mind, but he also notices how well you remember him. His favorite tea. His favorite tart recipe. That tiny twitch in his brow when he’s about to get angry. It humbles him.

“You always remember the details that matter,” he says once, softer than usual. “Even if the little things fall through.”

─────────────────────────

Leona plays it off like he doesn’t care when you forget things, shrugging and sighing with a “Tch. Figures.” But it’s clear he notices.

You’ll get up three times during a study session to check if you locked the door. The fourth time, he mutters, “It’s locked. I watched you do it.”

Eventually, he gets used to your system. When you start humming a low tune while writing something down, he raises an eyebrow. “That your memory trick?”

“Mhm.”

“Huh,” he grunts, but after that, he whistles the same tune whenever he reminds you of something; low and lazy, just like you do it.

He never baby-talks or coddles. If anything, he lets you figure things out, but always keeps an eye on you—especially when others get impatient. “If you got a problem with it,” he growls at a classmate once, “you try remembering five things at once without a system.”

He pretends not to care. But he always waits when you retrace your steps, always double-checks for you if you’re too tired.

“You remember what I like in my sandwich,” he mutters one day. “Guess you’re not totally hopeless.”

─────────────────────────

Azul is fascinated by your memory quirk. At first, he offers solutions like contracts for detailed memory aids—which you politely decline—but then becomes genuinely curious.

“You associate action with recall? That’s... intriguing.”

He starts observing you like a scholar. He doesn’t mock your forgetfulness, but he’ll raise an eyebrow when you repeat things out loud.

��I need to water the plants. Knock on wood,” you say—and then knock twice on the desk.

“Hm,” he muses, “So auditory-tactile pairing improves retention for you. Fascinating.”

Soon, he’s suggesting systems you hadn’t thought of—like memory charms based on your sound triggers, or organizing things visually with little charms you can tap. And while he might chuckle when you forget the same instruction for the third time, he never grows impatient.

“You remember the exact temperature I like for tea, and which cufflink I always forget. That’s more than most,” he’ll admit, adjusting his glasses.

And when you ask nervously if he finds your forgetfulness annoying, he says, “Not at all. You remember what counts.”

─────────────────────────

Kalim never gets frustrated—ever. If anything, your memory quirk becomes something he finds endearing.

“You forgot already? That’s okay! Let’s try again—wanna turn it into a song?”

He enthusiastically supports your sound-action system, helping you make memory dances and claps. If you repeat a task twice, he does it with you: “Double-checking buddies!” he laughs.

Jamil’s the one who sighs in the background, but Kalim is always cheerfully defending you: “They’re trying their best!”

You once mention, “I remember your birthday and your fifth favorite fruit, but I can’t remember what I had for lunch.”

Kalim beams. “That’s because you care about me! That’s way more important than lunch!”

He starts setting reminders to remind you of things, and even gives you little chimes to wear on your wrist that jingle when you move—because you once told him sound helps. “See? This way you remember to write things down!”

He never makes you feel less-than. “Everyone has their way of doing things,” he says brightly. “And I think your way is amazing!”

─────────────────────────

Vil is patient—but he will call you out. “Didn’t I tell you to moisturize your hands before handling those herbs?” he says with a sigh.

“I forgot. I—uh—tap my fingers three times now to remember.” Tap-tap-tap.

He raises an eyebrow. “If it works, then fine.”

He’s not dismissive, just exacting. He respects discipline, and once he realizes you’re working with your brain and not just making excuses, he starts helping refine your methods.

“Tap once for self-care tasks, twice for homework. Use different scents to jog memory—lavender for study, citrus for chores,” he advises.

He won’t sugarcoat when you mess up, but he notices how you never forget his advice on posture, or which side of his face he prefers to be photographed from. That earns you a fond smile.

“You may forget your lunch, but you never forget the little things that make people feel seen. That’s its own kind of brilliance.”

─────────────────────────

Idia is probably the most understanding of all. He gets it immediately.

“Oh! Like… executive dysfunction? Memory loops? Yeah, yeah—I do that too sometimes, especially IRL stuff. I set alarms for literally everything.”

You bond over your shared need for weird memory hacks. He programs Ortho to gently remind you of important things with little beeps, and even creates a digital “noise journal” where you can log your clicks/taps/claps.

“You can’t remember if you brushed your teeth? Easy fix. Record a five-second vid of yourself. Timestamped. Boom.”

He’s not great with face-to-face praise, but in private, he mumbles things like, “You always remember my routine of building and checking my character stats… that’s, uh, actually kinda sweet.”

He finds your memory quirks strangely comforting, like a familiar bug in a system you’ve both learned to navigate.

“People think it’s weird, but I think it’s just… like having different RAM.”

And when you panic over forgetting something again, he just gives a thumbs up from behind his laptop. “You got this. I believe in your noise-clicking wizardry.”

─────────────────────────

Malleus finds your memory struggles curious—but not bothersome. He’s lived for centuries, watched mortals forget everything.

When you ask the same question twice in five minutes, he doesn’t even blink. “Ah, repetition for retention. A wise method,” he says sincerely.

He listens carefully when you explain your sound-action system. “So a snap means you’ve done it, and a tap means it needs doing?” he confirms, nodding slowly.

He helps without condescension. Sometimes when you trail off or panic over forgetting, he quietly hums the sound you use to remember.

Snap, snap. “You mentioned you’d done the task already,” he says, a small smile in his voice.

When you confess how forgetful you feel, how ashamed you get, he tilts his head. “Yet you remember the way I admire gargoyles in the moonlight, and the cadence of my lullaby in Valley of Thorns. You remember things that others would never notice.”

He considers that the highest form of care.

“If your mind works differently, that does not make it flawed. Only unique. And I am most fond of unique things.”

[beegone-yeet]

While I've seen posts think Kevin is younger than the fandom thinks, or/and is autistic, I'm gonna suggest another alternative I never seen people bring up. I suggest that Kevin has a language disorder. I'd also drop extras in this post about my Kevin too

(My Kevin is autistic too)

I have MRELD and possibly autism too, so I'll talk from experience. A post talked about noticing Kevin has a softer voice than Jack and Matthew, and I'm told to speak up but my voice feels like I'm talking normally, probably due to sensitive ears because I feel like I'm being loud (Everything's too loud. Too loud!). I've also never really talked at all when I was younger, so I resorted to hand gestures mainly being pointing to emphasize my want for an item, because to me, it felt wrong to hear my voice suddenly when it wasn't there before and maybe in Kevin's case as Doey it felt wrong hearinga voice that's not his own (or the others voices). Maybe I'd get yelled at for speaking weird. It was easier not to talk because talking didn't cause people to notice me and then ask more questions I didn't know how to answer which made me feel stupid when trying to respond. Being quiet was a way to not cause myself confusion too and maybe even fear.

At 12 I got mistaken as 10 years old, so that can play into the fandom's perspective of Kevin's age speculation. "But what about how he speaks? Sounds like hes a younger child" I have a limited vocabulary, and based off my rants I notice I don't use a word that simplifies what im saying. Repetition is semi there since I'm trying to add more details to follow up an explanation to what I said (hurt back, always hurt back. Parents, scientists) and (just wanna play a little longer. Play play play). Also how I "put quotation marks so people get an understanding of what the character thinks or said". Not sure if people are gonna use intelligence to debunk it since Kevin's scores are described well above average,- I'm actually considered smart at school and at home, and I think my language disorder isn't noticeable because I had early intervention, and given a reblog of my post's tags said they liked the breakdown rant for my Kevin, so I guess it made sense. In the Report:Void VHS, Kevin's reported to have neural abnormalities from a recent checkup

When it comes to understanding what someone's telling me. If it's vague I can pretty easily misinterpret it which makes me confused and if perceived negative like about my interests I guess I get defensive where I'm like "no this is that because of this and-". I imagine Kevin's confrontational social tendancies stem from this. Because he got used to people demeaning his interests. I need clear specific instructions on what to do, and giving me mutiple tasks at once is stressful and it's why the scripts I make take longer. I'm a visual learner. I can easily mimic an action when shown rather than being told. Also I like specific comments and tags because it helps me understand what someone's thinking and knowing how someone thinks on something is interesting to me. When talking about mimicking, my Kevin mimics his parents aggression and violence, and phrases he's heard. I'm not oblivious to things, I can read people pretty good and also understand their situations when they're talking to me about it which makes them feel understood. Like how example: I guessed a friend had split custody parents because they said "their mom lives here while dad lives here". I wanna ensure people don't think I'm oblivious to signs which is why I'm specifying. Oh- I also just rant sometimes when excited to info dump so incase I info dump to someone they don't think it's me feeling insulted.

I also have a great memory for example: At my first memory I knew the layout of the house despite their being no earlier memories, and I remembered objects which were recently confirmed by my parents that I used to have. I say the memory bit because despite being 10 years after the Hour of Joy plus there being almost 3 more years since project Doey is in 1993 maybe beginning somewhere around March and on 8/8/1995 around 10:30 (clocks in the school stop at that time) thus making around 13 years later, Kevin seems to have an accurate memory of the courtyard back then. In-game where Kevin's talking, and another user pointed out Kevin talks from an experience perspective. I think I format my rants like he does to help present info on a way others could understand and get what I'm talking about. It also sounds like Kevin's like to Player "yeah, this is what you a former employee here caused us" because sometimes when I'm thinking back on something, I, unprompted, bring up what I'm thinking in an indirect way where I don't mention specifically what bothered me to the person but I explain certain things I do which explains my side better. Whether or not the person knows about the past thing or not, I think I still talk relatively the same.

I didn't go over all the dialogue, but those are just examples. Onto my extras

I did make a document rant on how maybe my Joseph and Kevin's friendship started because I had this scenario on it. In general, my Kevin likely kept Joseph around at first because he (hinted in VHS that the scientists likely assumed Kevin had no one who'd miss him) had no one, but like how "I'm not a cat person but I dont mind the pet cat" they grow onto them, so that's the concept.

Practically Kevin just simply tolerates Joseph's presence at first to have someone go up to him despite his reputation, but then actually starts caring about him which is scary to him because of his trust issues combined with abandonment issues which presents itself as being distant, while also not knowing how to navigate vulnerability and a friendship since prior to being surrendered to Playcare, he always chalked other kids up as being stupid, immature, just not likeable to him because the household Kevin was raised in had their values being held on being independent, strong and smart.

I'm putting my Kevin and Joseph through a redesign, and before that I never thought of my Kevin's heritage, but during the process, I thought back to a post which describes how there's a racism problem mainly on Twitter where Kevin's displayed with darker skin while Matthew's featured with lighter skin. This accidentally went just that 🦆 because it had me thinking "what if Kevin was someone of color" and it led me to gather 4 paragraphs worth of reasons why my Kevin would be someone of color, more preferably to me Mexican. Yet again it's in document rant form!

Gonna mention sm regarding the ending of the rant. I've also seen users want others to make diversity in the characters yet complains when someone does because "that's not possible for them to be British because Playtime CO is in--" yeah. That is why I announce a concept that there's a program. Unrealistic? Living toys is unrealistic along with a brain computer, and this is my last resort to make future ideas regarding nationalities making sense.

Forgot to mention (edit) I also think language programs would be implemented into Playcare if they did this which is why the experiments who can talk speak English

I had considered after the Kevin nationality rant whether or not my Joseph could he mixed race or just white, so here's another one! This post was originally gonna be about only the language disorder stuff, but I decided to use this as an opportunity to rant more about my Kevin.

Hehhee anyway

Who's that pokem--

Also some design process stuff for the two

Unofficial

For now I'm keeping my old Kevin design when I draw him, but there'll be a change eventually when I get to his hc art. I'd also say my Kevin's maybe or almost 12 because I consider that the age where you become the worse version of yourself. Also the reason the bigger body orphans are in the double digits usually (theodore and jack excluded) is because "smaller organs in smaller bodies so functioning is harder, older subjects can yield better scores and are more emotionally and physically likely to manage their new body, and that'll lead to less problems"

[windvexer]

what spells would you recommend for trying to grow a discord server?

Feed the server and make it fat and happy. It will begin to expand on its own, like an eldritch monster unfurling its tentacles.

To feed a Discord server so it grows fat and happy and expands like an eldritch monster:

I have for you two methods. The first is feeding an effigy, and the second is direct energy work.

Create an effigy of your Discord server, and feed it physical offerings:

Create an effigy. Here are some ideas.

a dollie or a poppet, your idealization of what creature the server might look like if it were a guy, marked with the server ID as a taglock

a sachet or container filled with server taglocks (name, ID, date of birth, printed "About Server" content, etc)

a sigil based on the name and purpose of the server

Create and awaken the effigy in your usual manner. Then, keep it in a nice location and often feed it physical offerings. This may include food, beverages, luxury gifts like liquor and tobacco, candles, and incense.

Feed it as often as you like, even daily. When you feed it, make it clear that it should be going out to find new members and bring them in. Encourage it to soothe potential members so they are willing to go through any membership validation processes, and any other instructions you think are helpful.

Directly energize the server:

In a trance state, seek out the energetic core of the discord server and directly feed it energy. This is not the same thing as energizing the physical device which you are using to view the server.

Try using an energy working technique similar to "grounding roots," except instead of growing roots into the earth, you are growing tendrils into the internet.

It can help to focus on an admin-only sigil channel (described below), and you can also energetically feed an effigy (described above).

A candle spell may work well for a temporary boost to membership.

A candle spell to get people to join your Discord server:

Energize a candle of any color. Here are ideas of energies to capitalize on:

Mercurial, mercury

Drawing in, creating

Visualizations of members joining

Air

On or around the candle holder, in whatever fire-safe manner you prefer, encircle the candle in honey or sugar (to sweeten; make pleasant), and include allspice berries or ground allspice (chatter, movement, exchange).

Enchant and seal the candle in your preferred method.

The candle flame may provide a helpful omen.

Before modern architecture where frames supported a building, buildings used to rest on the weight of their walls. This necessitated hugely fortified walls to support the structure.

Likewise, a server that grows too rapidly may not have the necessary framework available to support it, and collapse under its own weight.

Be preemptive and build large walls around your server, to provide necessary support while inner frameworks are developed and expanded.

To work a protection on a server, a blog, or any online space:

Prepare a jar spell using:

an opaque black stone (obsidian, jet, and tourmaline work well for you rock collectors; also, river rocks and landscaping rocks painted black; lava rocks, or found stones very dark in color), [an impregnable wall]

a tangle of knotted thread (any color), [to 'trip up' unwanted things]

an iron nail [a knight with sword and shield standing guard]

To this, add two things:

a paper with the server ID number (or, URL of the web group)

a sigil for the purpose of protection

Enchant the jar in your usual manner. Then:

in an admin-only hidden channel of the server, include a photograph of the spell jar and upload a photograph of the sigil for the purpose of protection.

This entire operation is elevated if the ward is tied to a ruleset members must agree to on joining.

[mischiefmaker615]

Role Play (Words from MM)

SO i used to be big on role playing, not so much anymore but still do. This is my brain's knowledge on the matter in which i've titled:

My way of Role Playing (Avengers style)

Example: Marvel Fandom~

(you'd put) name quickly picked up speed as she sent another glance behind her. there was no way Tony was going to get her back this time, and after his reaction from walking face first into a pie, she was not going to stick around to find out the results. now sharply turning the corner, she rammed into something solid and lost her balance.

(i would then put) Steve headed down the hall, his interest and curiosity rising from the commotion ahead and decided to check it out. his mission was cut short though once name rammed into him, catching him by surprise but his reflexes allowed him to quickly snatch her hand and pull her forward so she wouldn't fall "name?? are you you okay? who are you running from?'' he asked urgently, his eyes scanning for any injures till his cheeks reddened once he noticed how close she was to him

Forms:  When Having a form, you must put detail. i say, a descriptive form means a descriptive rper. have pictures or gifs to help your RP partner visualize better on the story. you don't need a backstory, characters can find that out in the story, but if playing with a certain crush/character, they could use your backstory to mock and play around with. if having a power, always put a weakness to add some drama in the story. but remember, no one likes an OC who is over powered. if in a fight scene, characters like when they get advantage or a shot here and there, instead of fighting someone practically like God. 

Mary Sue: NOBODY likes to play with someone who is depressed ALL the time. as in suicide, cutting, crying 24/7. i know sometimes you'd like to make ocs as real as possible or unfortunately, like the rper in real life who is actually like that, but a role play is somewhere you can actually get away from your troubles, make everything the way you want it to be. same thing goes with being happy all the time. if your crush is a villain, don't have your oc skip into the room and jump into his/her lap and giggle all the time. would you do that to someone who could kill a person in one heart beat?

Lines/Descriptive:  i know some people use phones and some use computers or other, but always try your very best to be equal with lines! example: •Patch walked over to the interrogation room, just as Fury instructed, even though she wasn't happy about it considering she was to interrogate the most dangerous criminal in the Carrier, Loki. •Steve walked down the halls, stumbling a little as he rubbed his tired eyes, looking around for (name)

that is totally not even. try to be at least even, but one or two words ahead of the other is fine, just don't be constant about it. also, people want something to work with, so try to put at least 3 lines or 2 at least. i'd rather wait for a long good reply than a short crappy one. take your time to be descriptive and put details, as if your writing an awesome story together! when being descriptive, put details, example.

•Bad: Tony walked down the halls with a yawn as he entered the living room •Better: Tony yawned as he made his way down the halls, making his way to the living room

get it? and when being descriptive, always have awesome scenes to play! don't just make the character wake up, eat breakfast, hang with the Avengers before going to bed at the end of the day. have them wake up to a call from Fury that something's wrong in the city for example! or have them go on a mission because your friend or other is kidnapped! spice it up! put a plot to it! which brings us to our next lesson, storylines!

1X1:  don't rp Avengers unless you know your actually rping the Avengers! or any fandom. example, call it the SHIELD Carrier, NOT flying ship in the sky :P seriously. and Loki for example, ''he zapped her with his magic'' no, be creative as in 'Loki waved his hand, sending an electric shot that glowed bright green as it shocked her by summing his magic'. I'm sure you get the picture ;) i would always go 1X1 because if you rp in a group, people would get frustrated if they type a long reply and someone writes another reply before you so you have to change the whole thing to catch up. unless you all agree to take turns, i HIGHLY recommend 1X1

Drama:  share the drama! when someone rps your crush and you rp theirs, you make their crush go to the oc! example •Do: Steve bit his lip, gathering his courage and shyly walked over to (name). ''hey (name)...how was the mission?'' he asked, immediately feeling like an idiot, considering he wasn't that good still around women •Dont: Steve sighed as he entered the room, glancing at (name) and gave a small smile before he sat down to go through his thoughts if he should talk to her or not

okay, i know that sucked. but still! have the crush go to the oc! not the oc go to the crush, the storyline usually goes better when it's like that. same as equal lines, give equal drama. don't make your super awesome with a plot and the other with only a simple day at Stark's tower kinda thing.

Rules/Storyline:  when making your own group, you make the rules! as in, if you don't like cursing, ut no cursing and let people know, if they get 3 strikes from breaking the rules, their out! not to be mean, but people say to me, sorry..it's a habit. it's not when your actually typing a word. if you see you cursed in the rp, just reread what you wrote, and delete it. that simple.

Mix your rps up a bit! give a point to rping! add some drama so your not having a normal average day, i even made some ideas your free to use to spice up your rps (last page) ALSO! don't let them say ''hmm i don't really want a storyline'' because, then what are you going to rp about? it's just going to be boring. help each other create one if you don't like any choices.

Rules when i RP

•Whatever story line you choose, your crush may be out of character. (Ex. mind control means Steve won't be that nice gentleman we love)

•PLEASE be descriptive , its hard to cope with 1 line! I am begging you! i need something to work with; and make it good please, i'd rather wait for an hour's reply then a short crappy one (no offense) 3+ lines at least. (lap top vs phone can be tricky tho)

•Sorry, i don't role play as any other characters outside Avengers. it takes me a while to master their personalities so please stick to the original characters at most.

•Please role play equally! if you give yourself 4 lines and mine 2, doesn't seem very fair with the action and stuff. depending on the storyline i know there could only be so much, but effort is noticeable Lol

•i'll put drama in yours, you put drama in mine. let me know if you want the story in a certain direction or you have ideas.

•please be patient and don't nag, ill reply as soon as i can! i do my best to give a heads up but a lot of us work, have family/social life, etc.

•Don't make your character super depressed . Please…No Mary sues. if theirs a chase/fight scene, don't have your character deflect all the time and be invincible, the storyline must show up sometime LOL suicidal themes need to be warned as well.

•i'm sorry, i only RP FXB. not much practice elsewhere on the topic Lol

•please don't join unless you ACTUALLY know the Avengers. i'm talking about the proper names like the carrier, not the giant plane in the sky :P

•Proper grammar please, i wont be able to respond if i cant read it, auto correct thankfully is normally on our side Lol

•Please don't join if your not going to role play, tell me if your bored cause i don't like how people start then don't reply. if you don't respond in a week without a notification, i gotta move on.

OKAY

that was a brief history on ow my brain functions LOL i normally rp in google docs, it's kinda hard to rp in a tiny chat box cause sometimes i need reference or something and scrolling up can take forever, any suggestions tho, i'm open.

(My OC normally) (name and character background may change with each storyline)

[agentrouka-blog]

Do you think a faithful adaptation of ASOIAF (in an ideal world where the books are finished) would work if they included narration? Especially if the overall aesthetic vision would be more inspired by John Boorman's work/80s fairytale films? I keep thinking about this and like. How robbed we were of a good adaptation. There's some aspects in the show that really worked (mainly most of the cast and like. A few individual shots) but from the very beginning they just didn't do a good job and made almost everything worse. I keep thinking about like an ideal way to adapt the books (I don't think it's impossible!) and the main thing that would be important for me would be to try to make it as faithful as possible, possibly only add scenes that are important for the relationships (I.e. scenes between Catelyn and the girls, since GRRM himself regrets not giving them more) and give it a more coherent aesthetic vision/really lean into the fantastical/focus more on the starks than on the lannisters and targs.

Back to the narration: with Sansa especially I just cant see it working without narration. She figures out so much and has so much background knowledge that i really don't think can be included in dialogue (especially since Littlefinger tells her to never even speak out things to herself since everyone is spying) and good narration could really help

Sidenote but I find it so annoying how GOT just used any opportunity to make Sansa dumber (show!petyr telling her everyone else is smarter than her vs book!petyr acknowledging her intellect, "I'm a slow learner but I do learn", having podrick instruct her etc)

I'm not sure! It might work? A big challenge with narration would be the fact that GRRM is working with individual POV's and multiple unreliable narrators and you'd have a hard time making the presence of deep personal bias felt without being Very Obvious about it and spoiling it as a technique of obfuscation.

I also think the language is often extremely beautiful and underrated in the books, but you can't necessarily make that center-stage in a visual medium, you'd have to translate the imagery into images that evoke the same feelings. Otherwise, it's more of an audiobook with visual aids.

I still think animation would be a great way to tell the story because it's much easier to distort "reality" to signal the presence of memories, extreme emotions, historical information, dreams, magic, hypotheses and concepts.

One thing that would probably be important in any medium would be to slow down and let characters observe from time to time. Just the acknowledgement that they are watching and having thoughts about something, highlighting what they actually focus on, would already work well to establish the importance of their internal life and their individual intelligence and a potential direction of their thoughts.

But I am no expert in these matters.

[xtrablak674]

Feedback

[Design feedback on Tony Kushner's web page design given via email on September 27, 2008 at 2:38pm]

Chan Magazine Online

▪️I see why you did the "08", "07", "06" with just the last two digits but you may want to add the 2008 for those that are just stupid. I know it says the year under the issues, but people are just dumb. I have enclosed an idea of a potential treatment

▪️I would also suggest the addition of a breadcrumb, its an indicator where you are on the site. I have included that in my suggested layout revision also.

▪️I would shift the donation to the bottom of the page its awkward being at the top. esp on the first page. I just got to this section and you have your hand out already it seems in appropriate.

▪️note the "share your favorite" opens the pandora box for another form element page

▪️I added the years at the top of the page too if they don't have too many years that might be a good alternative to "older" issues. You can just bold the issues that are on the page your on and underline the rest showing that there are links to other years.

▪️What happens when you click "view" or "download" in the grey header at the top of the page? Does is show the current issue, that is a little confusing. If it is instructional you may want to treat the copy differently.

Event Calendar

▪️I would consider the use of breadcrumbs on this page too

▪️I know you have a very grey palette but the hierarchy of the header versus the body copy isn't totally clear. I would try to knock out "ongoing activities" so its clear that everything in that bar is ongoing, there are several ways you can do that. Darken the grey, left justify the copy, or make it bigger to fill the box so it take more ownership of the space

▪️The right side of the page is not clear that they are "May Events" you may want to either move your sub nav "may", june", "july" over so the may falls in the blue box, secondarily you may want to add a header that says "May Events" at the bottom of the section you may want to put a link on the bottom right to "more May events" so the page isn't too scrolly.

▪️Do you have a thing against line breaks I have added some horizontal lines to break up the information a little bit more. a problem I am having scanning it, is isn't hierarchied well, which makes it hard to visually scan

▪️the grey on white in the on going events its a little hard to read I would really consider going with black

General Note

▪️You need to have a stronger top of the page lock up for this content that is off the homepage, right now you have information jumping all over the place you really need to have a consistent lock up so the user isn't confused moving from page to page.

▪️My previous suggestion of adding breadcrumbs would help with consistency but also your placement of headers and even your color treatments  should not jump around so much. ie if  dark grey is the header color for the publication section every section of publications should have the grey header. If all of the calendar is that teal color all calendar pages should have that teal header.

▪️But please do a consistent header for each section no matter if they have their own special type treatment. There is nothing wrong with redundancy but you need to have consistency when navigating the page are the user will be confused. A good exercise is to drag all of the jpegs of your flats to preview and scroll thru them seem which content is jumping around from page to page. In a good design you don't want a lot of that. The only major changes should be coming in the body of the page but not in the footer and headers of the page.

[Afterwords: I was oscillating on whether I should share this email or not, but then I thought about the fact that I am a multi-faceted individual and my interactions aren't always just limited to romantic or plutonic relationships, sometimes I take on more of a teacherly role. By this time I had designed dozens of websites, and had been the business manager for an interactive department at a boutique ad agency, I had a good grasp on web page design and could easily advise a bourgeoning designer.

What I love best is my feedback is even, and not attacking the designer but giving my opinions on how to make the designs stronger. I will have to admit, it was actually exciting for me, because I was taking on a more creative director role. In an ad agency there is a hierarchy to a design team, the creative director usually oversees an art director and a copywriter.

The AD and CW will drive the content and design and the CD will just make sure it all makes sense and is on brand for the client, taking in all the information they may have from direct client meetings, et al. It's a more advisory role. Thats what I felt like I was doing here with Tony, taking on an advisory role to his design. Unlike an agency, my feedback was voluntary, he could take what I said or not, I would never usually see revised flats unless he got stuck again.

Also the comments all make sense even without having the actual flats to look at. I am really trying to relay my thought process, and what I feel a user will experience as they navigate the page, something called usability. It just reminds me of how good I was at this kind of work, and albeit website design would move to a more template based application driven platform, I loved this period of time when an actual individual would design all the elements on a page.

I think I am understating how much I loved website design. I would sometimes just design pages for shits and giggles, nothing that would ever get programmed, but because I loved the challenge of taking someone else's page and figuring out another way to execute it creatively. I remember sometimes being in front of my computer for twelve hours straight coding a page, trying to get everything right. Hand coding was just so relaxing for me, I probably would have made a good engineer if I kept at it, but then like so many things I begin to loose interest.

I love that Tony felt that I was enough of an expert in this to approach about feedback, I am pretty sure I put more than ten thousand hours into this at this point. I would get so frustrated with clients who didn't really understand the depths of my skills, and how much backend work I put into their pages, some of which stood up beautifully decades later.

Now I need to find a visual to go with this essay, what exactly can show something that you don't necessarily photograph while you're doing it? Now that will be the challenge, won't it?]

[Photos courtesy of the Brown Estate]

[myengyne]

My Engyne: Redefining Casual Men's Wear with Confidence

When it comes to everyday dressing, men are constantly on the lookout for style that feels authentic, easygoing, and effortlessly put together. My Engyne offers a collection of casual menswear that taps into modern sensibilities while keeping things practical and sharp. With the line between workwear, streetwear, and homewear getting increasingly blurred, casual clothing has evolved into a full-time fashion statement.

Let’s explore how My Engyne crafts casual wear that feels relevant, sharp, and wearable—day in and day out.

Why Casual Wear Matters More Than Ever

The daily routine doesn’t require a suit and tie anymore. Whether you’re heading to a café, working remotely, or meeting up with friends, what you wear plays a role in how you show up—not just to the world, but to yourself. Casual menswear today is not about being dressed down but dressing right for the moment.

It brings ease without losing the edge. A well-styled casual outfit sends the message that you’re relaxed but still care about how you present yourself. My Engyne captures that balance perfectly with thoughtfully designed pieces that reflect an effortless sense of personal style.

The Power of Good Fit and Style

Fit is the cornerstone of dressing well. You could wear a basic outfit, but if it fits right, you’re already ahead of the game. My Engyne focuses on clothing that’s tailored just enough to create structure but relaxed enough to not feel restrictive. This balance ensures the pieces look sharp without trying too hard.

A slightly structured tee, clean-lined pants, or a neat shirt—these are the kind of wardrobe staples that become repeat choices. They don’t rely on loud prints or unnecessary detailing, but on solid design that works with your lifestyle.

Details That Make a Difference

Casual dressing is about subtle choices. Stitching, fabric texture, button placement, and the finish of a hem all add to the overall look. My Engyne’s range pays attention to these details, ensuring that nothing looks out of place—even in something as simple as a T-shirt.

Muted tones, smart cuts, and transitional styling allow you to go from a casual morning to an evening plan without needing a change. The pieces are as ready for layering as they are for standalone wear, adding to their versatility.

Function Meets Visual Appeal

Great casualwear should be visually sharp but also aligned with how you move through the day. Breathable materials, durable stitching, and uncomplicated designs are key components in making sure you not only look good but feel at ease.

My Engyne merges form and function so your everyday outfit is never a second thought. Every item works with the rest of your wardrobe, giving you more options with less clutter. That’s smart, efficient styling.

Real Style for Real Days

My Engyne stands out by leaning into simplicity with purpose. This isn’t fashion built on trends that fade. It’s day-to-day style—smart, unfussy, and wearable across situations. Whether you’re heading out for coffee, hitting a coworking space, or just stepping outside for a breather, your outfit supports your energy.

You’re not just getting dressed. You’re getting ready for whatever the day brings—with style that keeps pace.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can My Engyne casual wear be styled for work settings?

Yes. The minimal and structured pieces from My Engyne are easy to elevate with smart shoes or outerwear, making them ideal for semi-casual or creative workspaces.

2. Is My Engyne suitable for all body types?

The cuts and sizes cater to a wide range, with thoughtful tailoring that accommodates various builds without sacrificing style.

3. How do I know what size to order?

Each product has a detailed size chart available. Measuring yourself and comparing with the chart helps ensure a good fit.

4. Are the clothes machine washable?

Yes. Most of the items are designed to be low-maintenance and can be machine washed. Specific care instructions are provided for each product.

5. Can I wear My Engyne clothing for travel or weekend getaways?

Absolutely. The ease of styling and practicality of these pieces makes them ideal for packing light while still looking well-dressed on the go.

Dressing casually doesn't mean giving up on style. It means finding clothes that align with your real-life needs—easy to wear, well-made, and smartly designed. My Engyne delivers just that. With subtle structure, useful design elements, and clean aesthetics, it gives men the freedom to dress their way—without fuss.

When your wardrobe reflects your pace and personality, every day starts on a strong note. Casual wear should be about confidence, and My Engyne delivers that in every thread.

[meganwilliams1]

Top 10 Hookah Accessories Every Smoker Needs in 2025

Hookah smoking is more than just a pastime; it’s a ritual that blends tradition with modern innovation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, having the right accessories can elevate your experience. The right tools make the setup smoother, enhance the flavors, and extend the life of your hookah. If you're looking for the best hookah guide to upgrade your setup, this buying guide will help you choose the must-have accessories for 2025.

1. Heat Management Device (HMD)

A heat management device (HMD) is a game-changer for hookah care guide enthusiasts. It regulates heat efficiently, ensuring an even burn and enhancing the taste of your session. Modern HMDs, like the Kaloud Lotus, minimize charcoal use and prevent ash from mixing with your shisha, keeping your sessions smooth and flavorful.

2. Premium Hookah Hoses

Using a high-quality silicone hose improves airflow and durability. Unlike traditional hoses, modern washable hoses ensure better hygiene, an essential aspect of hookah pipe maintenance guide. They also come in stylish designs, making them a great addition to your setup.

3. High-Quality Hookah Bowl

The type of bowl you use can affect your smoking experience. Clay, silicone, and glass bowls each have unique benefits. A well-designed bowl ensures better heat distribution, making it easier to follow how to pack hookah bowl instructions and enjoy maximum flavor.

4. Hookah Base Enhancements

A solid glass base improves the stability of your hookah. Some modern bases feature LED lighting, which adds a unique visual effect to your session. If you're wondering how to clean a hookah, using the right cleaning solution will keep your base spotless and extend its lifespan.

5. Hookah Charcoal Burner

A high-quality burner is essential for properly lighting your charcoal. Whether you prefer electric burners or gas-powered options, having a reliable one speeds up the process and ensures an even burn, essential for hookah setup instructions.

6. Hookah Wind Cover

A wind cover helps regulate heat and keeps your coals burning consistently. It’s especially useful for outdoor sessions and prevents unnecessary charcoal waste, making it an important part of hookah maintenance guide practices.

7. Hookah Tongs and Poker

Proper tools make setting up your hookah effortless. High-quality tongs help handle hot coals safely, while a poker assists in perfecting airflow when packing your bowl. These simple accessories are essential for learning how to use hookah effectively.

8. Hookah Grommets Replacement Set

Over time, grommets wear out and affect the airtight seal of your hookah. Always have extra grommets on hand to replace hookah grommets when needed. A secure seal improves airflow and enhances the overall smoking experience.

9. Hookah Cleaning Solutions

Keeping your hookah clean is crucial for maintaining its longevity and flavor quality. The best hookah cleaning solutions are formulated to remove buildup and bacteria without damaging the materials. Pair them with proper brushes for an effective hookah base cleaning guide.

10. Hookah Flavor Enhancers

Mixing flavors can create a unique and enjoyable experience. If you’re curious hookah benefits, try using flavor-enhancing stones, syrups, or fruit bowls. These additions make your sessions more exciting and allow you to experiment with different taste combinations.

Hookah Benefits and Health Considerations

While hookah is a social and enjoyable activity, it’s important to follow Simple health tips to minimize risks. Always clean your hookah regularly, use high-quality tobacco, and smoke in well-ventilated areas. Reading the best hookah blogs can also keep you updated on new trends and best practices.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my hookah? 

You should clean your hookah after every session to prevent residue buildup. A deep cleaning should be done weekly using the best hookah cleaning solutions.

2. What is the best way to store hookah accessories? 

Store them in a dry, cool place. Keeping them organized prevents damage and makes setup easier.

3. Can I use regular charcoal for hookah? 

No, always use natural coconut coals or quick-lighting hookah coals for a better smoking experience.

4. How do I prevent my hookah from getting harsh? 

Proper hookah pipe maintenance guide includes packing the bowl correctly, using an HMD, and adjusting the airflow to avoid overheating.

5. What are the best hookah flavors to mix? 

Some popular mixes include mint with fruity flavors, citrus blends, and creamy vanilla with chocolate.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right accessories enhances your smoking experience and ensures your hookah lasts longer. Whether you're focused on hookah setup instructions, learning how to clean a hookah, or experimenting with new flavors, these tools will take your sessions to the next level. Which accessory do you think makes the biggest difference in your hookah setup? Share your thoughts in the comments!

[lydiadesign]

Week 3

Description: 

This week my focus was on creating my presentation for my tech demo. The tech demo was centered around the concept of baking under the design umbrella. This was achieved by exploring the intersection of culinary arts and design principles. The actual presentation showcased various aspects of baking, such as the importance of having the correct ingredients. This all relates to having a broader design concept like structure, composition, and user experience. My presentation utilised visual aids including a step by step instruction to create the biscoff truffles. 

Feelings: 

When creating my presentation I felt like I was missing something but it wasn't till I was actually in class that I realised I missed a whole chunk of the instructions and had to quickly add anything more onto my presentation and still handing it in late and not to my standards at all. This made me lose a lot of confidence in my presentation. But I know how to present well. I have done it for at least 10 years now. This meant that even though my submission did not have everything I was able to say everything to my audience which was something at least. This was definitely a massive lesson for me as I do not ever want to feel like I did when I realised my mistake ever again. 

Evaluation: 

Some things that I did well was the interactive and visual nature of my presentation. This included images, video, and the biscoff truffles for everyone to try. Explaining the connection between baking and design was also something that I believe I did well in the presentation itself. What went wrong was my lack of organisation and at the end of the day my reading skills that led me to missing half of the information I needed on my presentation slides which then led me to handing in my assignment late. This is also due to my procrastinating tendencies which I really need to work on. 

Analysis: 

The strengths of my presentation comes down to how I was able to sell my presentation after my slides were incomplete. What really helped was the visuals that I had as well as the video at the end which people seemed to like as I created it using a trending sound and style from TikTok. My lack of preparation hindered my hand which in turn made me  want to crush the actual presentation so then I would at least have something that I felt confident in. I still do not know how I missed all the things needed in the presentation but it is definitely something I will be learning from. 

Conclusion: What Can Be Learned?

The presentation successfully demonstrated the value of using baking as a metaphor for design, showing how iterative processes, material constraints, and aesthetic considerations all play a role in creative problem-solving. However, it also highlighted the importance of tailoring explanations to the audience’s knowledge level, balancing pacing, and incorporating more direct engagement to enhance learning.

My presentation was able to successfully demonstrate the value of baking as a metaphor for design, by showing how interactive processes, material constraints, and aesthetic considerations all play an important role in creative problem solving. However it is also important to consider the audience's knowledge of the topic. But most importantly I have learned the importance of triple checking the instructions because I never want to come unprepared for a presentation again. 

Action Plan:

In the future I am going to make sure that I have everything on the presentation slides as well as being smarter with my time. As I have stated constantly throughout this week's blog, this presentation did not go as I thought it would. But I am still proud of my delivery and ability to explain everything without having slides to fall back on. Something that I thought about doing and would want to do in the future if it was feasible would be to increase audience participation by letting them make their own baked goods during the presentation. This is because I believe being able to work with your hand while learning means that you absorb more information and you can learn skills as you go. I believe that by implementing these adjustments, future presentations would be more inclusive, engaging, and educational, which in turn would ensure that the intersection of baking and design is communicated effectively. 

[justicepuppet]

Info for Goro Akechi. Spoilers for P5R and like... triggering content.

Mentions of: child abuse, speculated rape, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, self harm, and murder

Is likely the product of rape

often had to serve as the role of parent to his mother, taking care of her, making dinner, taking her to a mental health clinic to help her drug addiction/depression

mother killed herself when he was eight. (unsure how still - potentially drug overdose? - Akechi found the body.) Akechi was passed out from foster family to foster family after.

when he was 14, he awoke to the power of the Wild Card

approached shido and was offered a chance to 'work' for him; through shido he was shown how to cause mental shut downs. This is when he killed Wakaba on Shido's instructions/with his guidance.

events of the game and all happen

Things that? may go against fanon:

Akechi was never going to kill/hurt Shido. His true desire was always to be noticed by his father and to be seen as something valuable and irreplaceable. He told himself he was doing this to take revenge, because he didn't have to face the truth of his own desires. Coming face to face with the cognitive version of himself in Shido's palace forced him to realize that he never mattered and would never matter to his father.

Akechi escaped the standoff against his cognitive self through his power as the Wild Card, which was the same power that kept him from showing up on Futaba's scan; the distortion he could create to cause insanity affected even his cognitive self. He was badly wounded though, and the mental toll of the battle caused him to seek shelter at the same clinic he had taken his mother to all those years ago.

Escaping from Shido's palace left Akechi with a wound on his right side where cognitive Akechi's bullet hit him, and head trauma. The wound on his side healed but left a sizeable scar. The head trauma had created more long-lasting consequences.

in reality, Akechi is in a coma between the end of Shido's palace and roughly mid February

Maruki created a duplicate Akechi that first appeared on 12/24 as he did not know that Akechi had survived

this Akechi was forcibly joined into the real Akechi's mental and cognitive state on 2/3 - 2/4. This created a permanent fracture in his mind; attempting to think about the events between December and February causes intense pain, and bad weather can cause migraines that also bring with them hallucinations, both visual and auditory, due to the cognitive split.

random... thoughts??

Akechi was an intensely traumatized child trying to find love. He's now an intensely traumatized adult trying to cope with the reality of the decisions he made.

He has migraines quite frequently from the neurological trauma that was caused to his cognition.

Akechi is bipolar, which also greatly affected his behavior was he was never diagnosed prior to his probation. He struggles with the diagnosis, both from its stigma and from the 'out' it gives him in terms of the actions he did.

He is terrible at remembering to take his meds.

He has no idea who he is as a person as nearly his entire persona was a carefully constructed facade to make people like him. His likes, dislikes, hobbies... all of it was fake. Darts and billiards are things he still likes, but he's more of a thrill seeker, enjoying high-adrenaline activities like rock-climbing, sky-diving-- other things that i'll be able to add later.

SO UH YOU MADE IT HERE? Akechi... is in love with Joker. 100% with Sera's, like... still probably true with other Joker's, but just won't be acted upon as I'm actually really like haha afraid to write with other Joker's since I feel this Akechi probably doesn't jive with fanon. Other ships are fine, just like... bang on my door and tell me.

Also yeah write him being over 18 since this is assumed post canon unless stated otherwise.

[forenerblog]

7 Powerful Writing Techniques to Improve Your Content in 2025

Great writing is like a magnet—it grabs attention, pulls readers in, and keeps them engaged until the very last word. But in today’s fast-paced digital world, writing isn’t just about stringing words together; it’s about crafting messages that resonate. Whether you're a blogger, marketer, or business owner, mastering effective writing techniques can take your content to the next level. In this guide, we'll explore seven powerful writing techniques that will enhance your content in 2025. Want more expert insights? Visit https://reporterist.com/ for valuable tips.

The Importance of Great Writing in 2025

With the rise of AI-generated content and information overload, quality writing stands out more than ever. In 2025, strong writing skills will be essential for capturing attention, building trust, and driving engagement. Whether you're writing a blog, an ad, or a social media post, compelling content can make or break your success. Let’s dive into seven powerful techniques that will elevate your writing.

1. Hook Your Audience with a Strong Opening

First impressions matter. If your introduction doesn’t grab attention, readers will move on. Start with:

A surprising fact: "Did you know that the average reader decides whether to stay on a page within 7 seconds?"

A compelling question: "What if I told you a simple tweak could double your engagement?"

A bold statement: "Most content fails not because of bad ideas, but because of poor execution."

Your goal is to make readers curious enough to keep reading.

2. Master the Art of Storytelling

People remember stories more than facts. A well-told story creates an emotional connection and makes your content more engaging.

How to Use Storytelling in Writing

✔ Start with a relatable scenario – Example: “Imagine losing all your website traffic overnight…” ✔ Introduce conflict or a problem – Example: “That’s exactly what happened to Sarah when Google updated its algorithm.” ✔ Offer a resolution – Example: “But with a few strategic changes, she regained her traffic and doubled her revenue.”

Stories make abstract ideas more tangible and memorable.

3. Keep It Simple and Concise

Great writing isn’t about using fancy words—it’s about clear communication. Avoid unnecessary fluff and get to the point quickly.

Tips for Simplicity in Writing

✔ Use short sentences and paragraphs – Large blocks of text overwhelm readers. ✔ Avoid jargon and complex words – Write as if you're explaining to a friend. ✔ Cut the fluff – Every word should serve a purpose.

Example: ❌ In order to facilitate a better understanding of the product, we have included a detailed instruction manual. ✔️ We’ve included a simple instruction manual to help you get started.

See the difference?

4. Use Power Words to Create Impact

Certain words trigger emotions and action. Using power words can make your writing more persuasive.

Examples of Power Words

For Urgency: "Now," "Limited," "Hurry," "Act Fast"

For Excitement: "Unbelievable," "Amazing," "Revolutionary," "Breakthrough"

For Trust: "Proven," "Certified," "Guaranteed," "Backed by Science"

For example, instead of saying “This method works well,” try “This proven method has helped thousands succeed.”

5. Make Your Content Scannable and Engaging

Most people don’t read every word—they scan. If your content is hard to skim, readers will leave.

How to Improve Readability

✔ Use subheadings – Break content into sections. ✔ Use bullet points and numbered lists – Makes key points easy to spot. ✔ Highlight key phrases – Bold important ideas. ✔ Add images or infographics – Visuals enhance understanding.

The easier your content is to digest, the more people will engage with it.

6. Write with SEO in Mind

Even the best content won’t be effective if no one finds it. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your writing reach the right audience.

SEO Writing Tips

✔ Use keywords naturally – Like "content writing techniques" instead of awkwardly stuffing "writing techniques 2025" everywhere. ✔ Write compelling meta descriptions – This improves click-through rates. ✔ Optimize for voice search – Use conversational phrases like "how do I improve my writing?" ✔ Include internal and external links – This boosts credibility and keeps readers on your site.

7. Edit and Refine Like a Pro

Great writing isn’t written—it’s rewritten. Editing ensures clarity, flow, and effectiveness.

Editing Checklist

✔ Read aloud – Helps spot awkward phrasing. ✔ Cut unnecessary words – Simplify where possible. ✔ Check for consistency – Make sure tone and formatting are uniform. ✔ Use editing tools – Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWritingAid can help.

The best writers know that writing is a process—don’t skip the editing stage!

Real-Life Examples of Effective Writing

Apple’s Product Pages – Simple, engaging, and easy to read.

Nike’s Slogans – Short, powerful, and action-driven.

Best-Selling Blogs – They use storytelling, power words, and SEO best practices.

Analyzing successful content helps you refine your own writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much fluff – Keep it concise.

No clear structure – Use headings and bullet points.

Overcomplicating sentences – Simple is better.

Ignoring SEO – If people can’t find it, they won’t read it.

Avoiding these mistakes will instantly improve your writing.

The Role of AI in Writing: A Tool, Not a Replacement

AI writing tools can assist with grammar and structure, but they lack human creativity and emotional depth. Use AI as a helper, not a substitute.

How to Keep Improving Your Writing

Read daily – Learn from great writers.

Write regularly – Practice makes perfect.

Seek feedback – Get opinions from others.

Take writing courses – Continuous learning sharpens skills.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Writing in 2025

Writing is a powerful skill that will always be valuable. By mastering these seven techniques—strong openings, storytelling, simplicity, power words, readability, SEO, and editing—you can create content that captivates and converts. Start implementing these tips today and watch your writing transform!

[monriatitans]

Let's Read Some $#!7 by Mark Nelson, Phoebe Im, and Tessa Creative Art & Sarah E. White

Monria Titans

Welcome to another installment of Let’s Read Some $#17! In sum, the purpose of these videos is to introduce educational resources regarding the creation of video games, to promote literacy, to provide world-building tools for creatives, to provide books for the purposes of escape, and/or to get banned books into people’s view.

They go as follows: 1. Read the summary on the back of the book (if applicable). 2. Read the “Forward” and “Preface” (if applicable). 3. If there is no “Introduction,” read [part of] the first chapter.

If this is something you’re interested in, don’t forget to hit the “Subscribe” button!

Even though the purpose is education, I only read PORTIONS because of DMCA and Copyright.

Today, I read PORTIONS of 3 art related books from The Neverending Reading List:

Fantasy World-Building by Mark A. Nelson When artists and designers create a fictional setting, the milieu must be completely fleshed out, explained, and designed. In this book, comic and gaming art veteran Mark A. Nelson explores and demonstrates his methods for fashioning visually stunning, believable environments for fantasy creatures and characters. Scores of images and step-by-step examples illustrate how variation and experimentation lead to fresh, original designs for otherworldly beings, their environments, and their stories. Nelson discusses how to find ideas and borrow from history to add the strength of realism to a fantasy world. In describing the best ways to establish a habitat, he offers specifics about climate, terrain, flora, and wildlife. He shares insights into founding societies in terms of their means of survival, manner of warfare, spiritual practices, style of dress, and levels of technology. All visual creatives—illustrators, comic artists, and game designers—who work with imaginative material will take a lively interest in this source of inspiration and practical guidance.

Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters by Phoebe Im Chibi is Japanese slang for “short,” and the legendary monsters in Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters live up to this description with their roly-poly bodies that make them so loveable. Master this anime and manga drawing style with over 60 step-by-step tutorials of your favorite fantastical creatures, including dragons, mermaids, centaurs, unicorns, kraken, and more. Instagram artist Phoebe IM shares her tips and tricks for drawing chibi creatures traditionally or digitally; coloring, shading, and highlighting; and accessorizing for added cuteness. There’s also folklore sprinkled throughout the book for some extra fun. So, get out your drawing tools and start creating your mystical kingdom!

Drawing Fantasy Chibi by Tessa Creative Art & Sarah E. White Crack open your sketchbook, grab your pens and pencils, and get ready to turn your mythical illustrations into kawaii (cute) and chibi (small) creatures. With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow tips and tricks, this instructional handbook will help you bring a new level of anime style to your sketches. Start with a few familiar fantasy creatures, like a unicorn, mermaid, and dragon, before learning how to transform ancient, lesser-known beings like the basilisk, oni (Japanese demon), and kraken into adorable chibi versions. Whether you’re a beginner or a drawing pro, Drawing Fantasy Chibi makes this fun, anime-style drawing easy, with workbook-style pages that provide a space for readers to try their hand at practicing each illustration multiple times before they master it!

All book links above are affiliate links.

—

The Sunday, March 10th, and 552nd, Artist Shout-Out goes to Magdalena Węgiel! Check out the shout-out on Tumblr here!

—

TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Welcome Gamers! 1:38 Artist Shout-Out 3:47 Just Chatting 5:28 Read Aloud Prelude 7:06 Background Image Change 7:55 “Fantasy World-Building” 20:52 “Cute Chibi Mythical Beasts & Magical Monsters” 34:35 “Drawing Fantasy Chibi” 40:26 Artist Shout-Out 41:20 Commentary/Closing 42:26 Bookshop 43:28 Farewell

—

TO SUPPORT – Buy Me a Coffee: 15% of the proceeds go to Kids Need to Read! – MonriaTitans Summary & Links – MonriaTitans’ Bookshop – LRSS About Page – Throne Wishlist

[an-aussie-button-masher]

Can's Best Friend - A Quick Review of Boxville

   Welcome to Boxville - a cosy cardboard city populated by sentient tin cans that communicate via drawings. In this point-and-click puzzler developed by the Ukrainian indie team Triomatica Games, strange earthquakes leave you searching for your lost “dog” Rusty throughout the city, all the way from the rooftops to the industrial slums below. Along the way, fate seems intent on putting all sorts of obstacles in your path - but not to worry, as the city is full of other tin can residents that are (mostly) happy to help…once you’ve given them a hand with their own problems, of course. Grab and combine various items throughout the city, track down missing belongings, trade and help your neighbours in a chain-of-events style puzzle game where one puzzle solved usually helps progress the next puzzle. Hang on, Rusty - we’ll find you!

   Boxville is a very, very short and sweet game - I finished it in just under 3 hours, without having too much difficulty with the trickier puzzles. Even so, it was a very enjoyable 3 hours; perhaps a little pricey, but absolutely worth grabbing if it’s ever on sale. The puzzles range from straightforward sequences to more complex headscratchers, but they’re never annoying or frustrating. You never feel like blaming the game for having trouble with the puzzles, and there’s always that lightbulb moment of “oh, that’s the solution, of course” which always feels great. As a point-and-click game, the old reliable trick of wiggling the mouse cursor all over the screen to see if it reacts to anything clickable still works, though sometimes it takes a little more critical thinking to figure out what to do with any interactables.   There’s something oddly nostalgic about the art style - it kinda reminds me of those old I Spy games, if any 90’s kids that grew up playing CD-ROM games know what I’m talking about. Add the chill music, and you get a cosy, almost “hand-made arts and crafts” vibe for the whole game. The lack of any written instructions, relying instead on drawings and visuals, make the game highly accessible, and even the short length of the game didn’t keep me from growing attached to the cute little tin can citizens - except for that one guy that steals your dog and keeps bullying all the other characters. Screw that guy. Again, it’s only a three-hour-or-so long game, but it was clearly made with love for a very fun afternoon of puzzle-solving. Try it out for yourselves, and support a team of Ukrainian developers at the same time!   I hope you enjoyed this quick review of Boxville - feedback, reblogs and likes are all much appreciated!   Thanks for reading!

An Aussie Button-Masher

[vitthi]

How to Create an Entire Online Course using Chat GPT and Make Money from Udemy

In today's digital age, online courses have become a thriving industry, with the e-learning market surpassing $315 billion in 2023. Experts predict that the online course industry will reach over a trillion dollars by 2028. This remarkable growth underscores the significance of online courses, making it an opportune time to create your own. In this comprehensive guide, I will show you how to create a lucrative online course using Chat GPT and artificial intelligence (AI). We will cover everything, from crafting the course outline and modules to generating scripts and even creating videos with the power of AI. Moreover, I'll guide you on how to effectively market your course to attract students and generate revenue.

Step 1: Signing Up for Chat GPT

Before you embark on your online course creation journey, you need to sign up for Chat GPT. To do this, follow these simple steps: - Go to openai.com and create a free account. - Click on the "Try Chat GPT" button on the website. - Follow the prompts to create your account. Once your account is set up, you can start utilizing Chat GPT's capabilities to create various content, including scripts for your online course modules.

Step 2: Asking Chat GPT to Create a Course Outline

The next step is to ask Chat GPT to create a comprehensive course outline for your online course. For instance, you can instruct Chat GPT to design a course on "How to Start an Airbnb Business from Scratch" and request an outline with modules. Chat GPT will generate a complete course outline for you. It's essential to remember that Chat GPT can provide you with a foundational outline, but you can customize it to suit your style and audience. Feel free to add your personal touch to the course structure.

Step 3: Creating Scripts for Each Module

After obtaining your course outline, you can proceed to create scripts for each module. Chat GPT can assist you in this process by generating scripts tailored to your course content. Whether you want to add humor, personal anecdotes, or a specific tone to your script, Chat GPT can accommodate your requests. Remember, your course script should reflect your unique style and voice, making it engaging and relatable to your target audience.

Step 4: Using HeyGen to Create Course Videos

Now that you have the scripts ready, it's time to transform them into engaging video content. HeyGen is the AI software we'll use for this purpose. Follow these steps: - Sign up for HeyGen by visiting heygen.com. - Create an account, and once you're logged in, you can access the software's features. HeyGen offers AI avatars to present your course content. You can select an avatar that resonates with your audience, customize its appearance, and use it to generate video content based on your scripts.

Step 5: Uploading Your Course to Udemy

Udemy is a prominent platform for hosting online courses and reaching a vast audience. To get started, you'll need to create an instructor account on Udemy. Follow these steps: - Create a Udemy account if you don't already have one. - Sign up as an instructor within your Udemy account. - Begin the process of adding a new course. You'll need to provide information about your course, including the title, category, and description. Remember to optimize your course title, subtitle, and course description for SEO. This optimization will help your course rank higher and attract more potential students.

Step 6: Completing Your Course on Udemy

Once your course is set up on Udemy, you can begin adding the content you've created using Chat GPT and HeyGen. This includes the video content for each module, along with any additional materials such as assignments, quizzes, and resources. Ensure that your course landing page is attractive and informative. It should include a compelling title, a captivating subtitle, and a detailed course description to entice potential students. Additionally, a visually appealing course image or thumbnail can significantly impact the success of your course.

Step 7: Pricing and Monetization

Udemy offers various pricing options for your course, ranging from free to paid. You can choose a pricing strategy that suits your goals. Additionally, Udemy provides opportunities for affiliate marketing, allowing you to earn additional income by promoting related products or services within your course content. Remember to make use of Udemy's promotional features, such as discounts or free course enrollments, to attract students and build your course's initial reputation.

Step 8: Promote Your Course and Grow Your Audience

Once your course is live on Udemy, you can leverage the platform's built-in audience to attract students. Udemy does much of the marketing work for you, bringing potential customers to your course. However, you can take additional steps to promote your course and expand your audience: - Encourage reviews: Positive reviews help build trust and credibility, making your course more appealing to potential students. - Offer promotions: Udemy allows you to create promotional discounts and attract more enrollments. - Engage with students: Actively participate in discussions, answer questions, and provide additional value to your students. - Leverage affiliate marketing: Promote your course through affiliate programs and encourage others to share it. - Build your brand: Use social media and other marketing channels to promote your course and attract a broader audience. By following these steps, you can create a successful online course using ChatGPT, HeyGen, and Udemy. The future of education is digital, and this presents a fantastic opportunity to share your knowledge, build a passive income stream, and impact the lives of students worldwide. Start your journey in the world of online education today and embrace the power of AI in course creation. Read the full article

[riinzler]

Things were…tense after the Admin had reviewed the other program’s code. At least for Rinzler, Clu hadn’t seemed all that shaken. While the results hadn’t been inconclusive per say, they hadn’t made the program’s point of origin any clearer. Rinzler’s own memory files of the initial encounter were reviewed and scrutinized for any indication of where the copy had come from. Once that had proven unhelpful a team had been dispatched to investigate the shore, something that hadn’t yielded any results so far. Rinzler had looked for himself but was unable to locate any signs of where the other had come from.

Oddly enough, following the viewing of the copy’s disc, an order was given to release the duplicate from the cells. Not only were they let out, but they were also given assignments, ones startlingly similar to Rinzler’s own, save for the fact that they were kept out of the public eye. It was a good strategy, Clu’s decisions always were, but Rinzler couldn’t help his instinctive recoil. To add further insult, no matter how closely he monitored and reviewed the copy’s reports there was never any discrepancies, no actions he could cite as reasoning for a deresolution or demotion. He would just have to wait for a mistake and silently seethe. Even when copy was occasionally instructed to give a report to Clu in person they still didn’t falter. It was infuriating.

While Rinzler understood why the Admin was keeping the program around as a means of accessing the newly discovered alternate system, he didn’t see why the duplicate was allowed out of the prison block. It wasn’t his place to understand so he didn’t broach the topic, but his irritation with the others' presence continued to grow the longer they roamed free. He would need to find an outlet for the aggression, it was starting to become outwardly noticeable, much to his chagrin. It wasn’t that he thought the program was a threat to his position. It wasn’t. It was just that they were just an unnecessary annoyance, one that would no doubt turn against Clu. Being the Admin’s primary security it was only logical that Rinzler would be suspicious of them.

All of that is to say the current confrontation was a long time coming.

He’d cornered the duplicate in the private vehicle bay, having waited impatiently for him to return for this encounter. Rinzler knew the usual threats of violence wouldn’t work, so no matter how badly he wanted to grab them by the shoulders and demand answers, he refrained. That didn’t stop him from pacing though, as the repeated motion was the only thing keeping him from trying to strangle the other program.

[I know what you’re trying to do,] He said as he stalked the length of the garage. Rinzler already knew they were sent specifically to infiltrate Clu’s forces, likely to directly undermine the Admin and his work. While Rinzler didn’t know that for sure that was his most prevalent theory and he was rarely wrong. Clu had to be aware of it. [It's not going to work.] He pictured them shattering into a pile of voxels and the visual worked to lessen the edge of his anger, but not completely. He hasn’t had an opponent he couldn’t outright derez in thousands of cycles and it was driving him up the metaphorical wall.

The marching led him back towards where the duplicate had parked, rerouting the energy in his internal system to recalibrate his impulse control. He had standing orders to not derez them, he reminded himself. Clu had a use for them, one Rinzler wasn’t privy to, but had to support regardless. No matter how badly he wanted to ignore it just this once. Just a bit of maiming, it wouldn’t have to be fatal. He didn’t want to face the repercussions of doing so, which kept his hands at his sides instead of reaching for his discs.

Darkness surrounded them, alongside a cold so deep it made his circuits ache and burn. There was nothing that showed any sense of direction and his scans came back too scrambled to be of any help. Rinzler reached out blindly, trying to find some way out of the darkness. Oh, water. He was in water. Great. No time to panic or wonder how he had gotten here, he needed to find which way was up before the seal on his helmet broke.

Think... look... there! The faintest beam of light, pulsing softly in the far distance. It seemed to be pulsing in a pattern, a line within it growing brighter before it disappeared away into the darkness. Logically, the pulse should be moving downwards so if Rinzler swam the opposite way they should reach the surface.

Not like they had any better options anyways. Rinzler began to kick and swim in the direction that was hopefully up. It was exhausting, and at some point he heard a sharp hiss. Some part of the seal on their helmet had gave way. Rinzler can feel the nip of freezing cold water at his neck as it began to make its way in. They try to kick faster, to frantically claw their way to the surface but it feels like trying to wade through a sea of grid bugs.

Finally, Rinzler breached the surface but a moment later a wave forced him back under. The startling force of it caused Rinzler to inadvertently inhale some of the water inside his helmet, and his vision blacked out. But what he thought may have finally killed him turned out to be a saving grace. Rinzler felt solid ground under him for a moment. The large wave must have pushed to land.

Using the last of his strength he dragged himself out of water, coughing from the liquid that had nearly choked him to death. It took several minutes for Rinzler to regain some semblance of clarity and several more frustrating minutes for the water to drain completely out of the helmet.

When they had finally stopped hacking up water and their limbs didn't feel like liquid the Enforcer shakily sat up to try and figure out where they were.

Large floating rocks hung in the air over the water with beams of bright white energy emerging down from them. Rolling waves lapped at their feet. Rinzler knew this place, it was the Sea of Simulation. Shit. He quickly scrambled away from the poisoned water. As if that would do any good with him having already choked on the it. Well, at least they had an explanation to why they felt even worse than usual.

Rinzler growled in frustrated anger. Now they were likely going to have to go through a decontamination process. And who knows how long he'd be out of commission for. Clu was going to be at the very least extremely disappointed, and at the worst enraged. But none of that would matter if Rinzler stayed here and derezzed on the beach. They reached for a baton at their hip, finding as they did so that both light jet and light cycle batons were missing. Well, at least they still had their discs and the communicator. It could be worse.

He unlatched the communicator and activated it. The interface was bizzare, none of the comm channels on it were even coming up as online or even unreachable. They just weren't there, like the signals never existed. Not even the grid wide emergency line. Well, he should be able to at least broadcast his own signal from it. Hopefully as he trekked to the city someone would pick up on it. Preferably an ally, but Rinzler could always just commandeer whatever form of transport any program stupid enough to attack them used.

They activated the signal transmitter on the communicator. It beeped softly, the light on the side turning green to show the signal was successfully transmitting. No time to wait, they better get moving now. With a sigh of frustration and a hiss of pain, Rinzler pushed himself to his feet and began walking towards the lights of the city in the distance.

- @enforcerrinzler (If the sea of simulation can randomly produce life then who's to say it can't act like some weird portal.)

Rinzler had been picking up on…something for most of the millicycle. He didn’t know what it was, just a little blip at the very edge of his radar, far enough away that he couldn’t get a read of what it was but it was close enough to catch his attention. He’d wanted to go investigate it far sooner but with the way he’d been assigned to follow at Clu’s heels it hadn’t been an option. By the time he was finally dismissed he’d been all but vibrating out of his shell to see what had been causing the disturbance, something he was sure the Admin had noticed and would be asking after soon but until then Rinzler was going to see what had been lurking in his peripheral all that time and driving him up the damn wall.

He was meant to stay nearby even after he’d been dismissed as was protocol but Rinzler knew Clu could tell when he came and went and he hadn’t stopped him so he was going to utilize the opportunity even though it meant he had to fly to the far outskirts of the city. It was odd that Clu hadn’t also noticed the anomaly but he could report on it once it was eliminated. As he drew closer Rinzler disengaged his lightjet to cross the final stretch on foot, using the code signature as a guide.

It occurred to him that tracking an unknown program notable enough to be registered by his threat assessment across the entire city while no one knew his current location was extremely stupid and so he sent a location marker to Clu before he continued on.

Once he was close enough he began picking up on a signal, but not one produced by a program which was odd as it wasn’t coming from any sort of device he could recognize either. It wasn’t being sent through any of the channels made to receive distress signals. What were they transmitting from and why? He supposed he’d soon find out.

The sight he was greeted with as he finally tracked down the source was the very last thing he expected to see. It was like looking in a mirror. A soaking wet mirror with an improperly sealed helmet. Rinzler didn’t know if it was the shock of seeing a duplicate or if his system really was that damaged but his threat assessment returned to its regular levels like he wasn’t currently staring at himself standing in the middle of the road leading into the city.

Rinzler’s first assumption was that it was a disguise but a quick scan showed that wasn’t the case as the program’s code aligned with his own. It wasn’t an exact copy, both in terms of render and coding but it was close enough to be completely impossible. How was he going to explain this to Clu? There were several long moments where nothing was said or done as Rinzler stared his copy down, his processor stuttering loudly before he finally spoke,

[Who are you?] It was sent as a ping, a flash of text across the other program’s vision.

Finally knocked out of his stupor Rinzler drew his disc to punctuate the inquiry though he didn’t approach. Not yet.

[How did you replicate my code?] They shouldn’t have access to his render let alone his code itself. Clu was the only program capable of that and he hadn’t sanctioned…whatever this was. A virus, maybe? Doesn't matter.

As he warily crept closer he saw the blackened pixelated residue from the Sea. He thought maybe it was an ISO but the scan would’ve revealed that. He amended his previous question,

[What are you?]