#Website Conversion Guide

[brandngraves]

HTML to WordPress Developer vs. DIY

Deciding between hiring an HTML to WordPress developer or taking the DIY route can impact your website's performance and customization. This article explores the benefits and challenges of each approach, helping you choose the best path. Discover how professionals at HireWPGeeks can streamline your conversion for lasting results.

[mustmed00]

To Read More: https://bit.ly/4e5HwIB

Google Ads conversion tracking: A Comprehensive Guide https://bit.ly/4e5HwIB

In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various aspects of Google Ads conversion tracking, from setup to advanced techniques, and the significant benefits it offers to advertisers. By the end of this review, you will understand how to implement and leverage conversion tracking to achieve your marketing goals, avoid common pitfalls, and stay ahead of industry trends.

[ratcarney]

TUMBLR 101: a helpful guide for tiktok refugees

are YOU a former tiktok user trying to learn how to use tumblr to fill the void the american tiktok ban is leaving in your soul? here are some things you should know, from someone who’s going on their eighth year on this hellsite:

1. you can say anything on here. gone are the days of having to use words like “unalive” and “seggs.” murder! kill! sex! fuck! speak your mind!

2. there is a community for you on here. regardless of what you’re into or however small the fandom is, you have a place here. at least one other person will have heard of your weird obscure interest. strike up a conversation!

3. followers don’t matter. tumblr is one of the last remaining social media sites in which your number of followers means absolute jack shit. this can be disorienting at first, but once you lean into the fact that everyone on this website is equal, it’s very freeing. clout means nothing here.

4. similarly, you can post at any time. while tiktok has an algorithm that favors certain times, tumblr has no such algorithm. post whatever you want, whenever you want. every post has virtually the same chance at getting notes, regardless of when it is posted.

5. tags can have spaces between the words! this one is very exciting. tags can be a whole sentence. you can also use the tags to comment on someone’s post without actually adding onto the physical post itself (which is sometimes frowned upon and called “derailing” if you use this feature to bring up a completely different point other than the one that’s being made on the original post).

TL;DR: speak your mind, find your place, followers don’t matter, post anytime, have fun with tags!! tumblr is a wonderful site used to share things you’re excited about. be patient with yourself as you’re learning and have fun!

[fantastic-mr-corvid]

html & web stuff got me remembering why i switched to engineering...

[followerofmercy]

Networking/Knowing A Guy: A Guide

This is the autism website. Now, as an extension of the power of love and friendship, there are few things more useful than Knowing A Guy. Knowing A Guy means you have a support network. Knowing a plumber, or a tax accountant, or just that one dude that's really fucking good at finding the information you need when you're really overwhelmed, can be the difference between being able to pay rent and having a fun party with friends to fix your shit.

How does one end up Knowing A Guy? It's a skill you can develop called Networking and it is one of the foundations of society. Unfortunately making those connections with people is fucking hard and nobody makes a tutorial for it. So, here you go:

The golden rule is you scratch my back and I scratch yours

It is necessary for survival to seek out useful people

Great news! Everyone is useful in some form or fashion - including you! When given the opportunity to learn about someone, do it! Extroversion does not come naturally to some people and that's okay. Just take whatever falls in your lap.

Types of usefulness: trade skills, connections of their own, personality you jive with, pleasant to talk to, niche interest in shared hobby, security - the list is pretty much endless. I know a guy that lives in the metro area - no job, no major hobbies, inoffensively annoying to me personally, kinda ignorant, not attractive to me, but you know what? He knows how the fuck to get around the city by foot. My rural-raised ass APPRECIATES the guide.

Remember important information: general personality, background, skillset, likes and dislikes. You can find this information by making smalltalk about their life. There is no such thing as pointless conversation. (Yes, even the annoying smalltalk)

The more people you know, the higher the likelihood that one of them will be useful in a given situation - or will know someone who is.

It is overwhelming. In a given clique/community/workspace/whatever, there is A Guy Who Knows The Other Guys. This Guy is a shortcut. Find them. They're often elderly, extroverted, a little bit annoying, a secretary or in some otherwise forward-facing position. Look for people that are gossipy/talk about other people a lot but not in negative ways. If they constantly talk shit, they'll talk shit about you too. They're still useful but be careful with the information you share

You do not have to like someone for them to be useful.

You do not have to like someone for them to be useful.*

If you have low self esteem, you're going to feel like you're using people. You're not. That's the devil talking. People like feeling valued and the connections you are making are the threads holding community together. Recognize people for their talents. It's only a problem when you're taking advantage of people

So: don't feel scummy about it. You're an animal. You have to claw out your right to survive and people will respect you more for it.

Luckily mutualism is the name of the game in the animal kingdom. Offer something back. The foundation of a Know A Guy relationship is Mutual Benefit

Sometimes that Mutual Benefit is just spreading news of the The Guy far and wide. My plumber friend is my actual friend and I love her to death, but I'm maintaining our backscratch relationship by pimping out her plumbing business to anyone that'll listen

Food is a good Mutual Benefit. People across cultures for all of human history have bonded over food. I have good success asking people for a favor and then offering to buy them lunch in return **

General compensation is also good. Offer a service in return and always do your best to offer financial compensation as appropriate. Having your plumber friend take a look at your drain: doable with a case of beer. Having your plumber friend redo the pipes in your entire house? You need to pay for that.

Being transactional is not necessarily a bad thing. I would advise against keeping an itemized list of things owed, but fish don't seek out cleaner shrimp just because they enjoy their company. Everyone gets something

Unfortunately being extroverted and generally personable is a huge benefit here, but that's the value of the Guy That Knows A Guy. There's someone out there that has consolidated All The Guys so you don't have to be the local expert. Always remember nobody can do everything and you don't need to master every skill

* This is the foundation of a functioning community. I have many acquaintances that I find incredibly annoying. They include doctors, welders, artists, social workers, lawyers, construction crew and random fuckers at the grocery store. I do not hang out with them. I do not have to in order to maintain a civil Know A Guy relationship. I can drop them useful tidbits and fuck right off so I don't have to spend any more time than necessary with them

** People may assume romantic intent. Be prepared for that. I generally denote that it's a friendly/work lunch by calling them bro at some point if they're my age. Otherwise my general demeanor is sufficient to show that I do this with everyone

Source: personal experience, mother's teachings of crime, booth vending and poverty

[isubhamdas]

Ecommerce Product Page SEO

Boost your ecommerce product page SEO to drive sales and increase visibility. Learn how to find and map keywords, optimize meta tags, and create high-quality content. Continue reading to discover expert tips and suggestions to improve your product page SEO. Ecommerce Product Pages for SEO: How?Find and Map KeywordsOptimize Meta TagsCreate High-Quality ContentAdd Internal LinksUse High-Quality…

[marketingprofitmedia]

Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online

Amazon Affiliate Marketing offers a high potential for earning with a vast product range. It enables easy monetization of content for creators and publishers.

Venturing into the world of online earning, Amazon Affiliate Marketing stands out as a promising avenue. Known for its straightforward program, it allows website owners and bloggers to earn commissions by promoting products from Amazon. com. Participants simply share links to Amazon products, and when a shopper makes a purchase through one of these links, the affiliate earns a commission.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Introduction To Amazon Affiliate Marketing

Have you ever dreamt of earning money while you sleep? Amazon Affiliate Marketing might just be the golden ticket to your dreams! You don’t need a warehouse full of products. All you need is a website or social media presence. Let’s dive into the world of affiliate marketing and discover why Amazon is king!

The Basics Of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is all about earning commissions. You promote products and get money when people buy through your links. It’s a win-win situation! Here’s a simple breakdown:

Choose a product you love.

Create content to promote it.

Share your affiliate link within this content.

When people click and buy, you earn cash!

Why Amazon Stands Out

Amazon is a powerhouse with a massive inventory. This means endless options for you to promote.

Amazon’s AdvantagesTrusted worldwideHigh conversion ratesCommission on full cartEasy to use affiliate program

Credit: www.amazon.com

Ease Of Getting Started

The Ease of Getting Started with Amazon Affiliate Marketing sets it apart from other online money-making strategies. Joining is straightforward, and you don’t need a physical product inventory. Let’s uncover the simple steps you can take to jump into the world of affiliate marketing through Amazon.

Setting Up An Amazon Affiliate Account

Starting your affiliate journey with Amazon is a breeze. The process is simple:

Visit the Amazon Associates homepage.

Create your Amazon Associates account by signing up.

Enter basic personal and website details.

Choose your preferred payment method.

Start promoting products with your affiliate links.

You can begin earning commissions once your account is active. Amazon offers a wealth of tools and support to help affiliates succeed.

No Inventory Management Required

Unlike traditional retail, affiliate marketing on Amazon eliminates the need for inventory. You won’t deal with:

Product sourcing — no need to find or buy products.

Storage issues — no space needed for inventory.

Shipping logistics — Amazon handles delivery.

Customer service — Amazon manages customer queries.

This hassle-free approach allows you to focus on growing your online presence and maximizing your revenue through affiliate marketing.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Wide Array Of Products

The Amazon Affiliate Program unlocks a sea of products for marketers. This platform stands unrivaled for those eager to dive into affiliate marketing. Why? The sheer volume and diversity of items at your disposal. With Amazon’s vast inventory, affiliate marketers can easily find products that resonate with their audience.

Diverse Niches And Selections

Every niche imaginable finds a place on Amazon. From books to tech, beauty products to home goods, the list is endless. Marketers can select products that are not just popular but also align with specific, niche interests. This means affiliates have the unique advantage of promoting items that are tailored to a highly specific audience, ensuring higher relevance and potential conversion rates.

Vast categories ensure you never run out of options.

Select items that reflect emerging trends.

Access to exclusive products found only on Amazon.

Opportunities For Targeted Marketing

A diverse product lineup enables laser-focused marketing. Affiliate marketers can create content tailored to very specific segments of the market. This is key in attracting and retaining a devoted audience. Targeted marketing also increases the chances of clicks and purchases, thus boosting potential earnings.

Use Amazon’s data to identify hot sellers.

Match products with the right audience based on their interests.

Improve click-through rates with highly relevant offers.

Credit: www.amazon.com

Trust And Reliability

In the world of online earning, trust and reliability stand tall. They are the pillars that support the bridge between a customer and a marketer. Amazon’s affiliate program offers just that — a trustworthy and reliable path to making money online. Let’s explore why these factors make Amazon Affiliate Marketing your go-to strategy.

Leveraging Amazon’s Reputation

Amazon is a household name. People know it, use it, and trust it daily. When you become an Amazon Affiliate, you tap into this powerful trust factor. Here’s how leveraging Amazon’s reputation helps:

Instant Credibility: Your affiliate store benefits from Amazon’s long-standing reputation for quality and service.

Less Effort in Convincing: With trust already built, your energy focuses on driving traffic, not building credibility.

Better Conversion Rates: Trust leads to clicks, and clicks lead to purchases. Amazon’s name converts window-shoppers into buyers.

High Customer Loyalty

Amazon’s customer base is massive and loyal. The customers return to the platform looking for products that they can rely on. Here’s what high customer loyalty means for affiliate marketers:

Repeated Purchases: Loyal Amazon customers are more likely to buy products you recommend not just once, but repeatedly.

Customer Trust: Happy Amazon customers bring in a sense of security and reliability, which reflects on your affiliate offerings.

Increased Earnings: With returning customers, your potential to earn commissions grows. Every repeat purchase links back to your affiliate efforts.

Attractive Commission Structure

Imagine a world where your earnings grow while you sleep. This is the promise of Amazon Affiliate Marketing. Their commission structure stands out in the digital landscape. You can earn up to 10% in affiliate fees. The secret lies in understanding the ins and outs of Amazon’s rate card, and selecting the right products to promote. With strategy and insight, your profit potential is vast.

Understanding Amazon’s Commission Rates

The commissions vary by product category. Each sale you drive to Amazon puts money in your pocket. Amazon’s fee schedule is public and clear. You will know exactly what to expect from each item sold.

Add more rows as needed

Product CategoryCommission PercentageLuxury Beauty, Amazon Coins10%Furniture, Home, Home Improvement8%Headphones, Beauty, Musical Instruments, Business & Industrial Supplies6%

Maximizing Earnings With Smart Product Selection

Not all products are created equal. To maximize earnings, choose products wisely. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between popularity and commission rates.

Analyze market trends.

Consider seasonality and demand.

Spot products with less competition but high commission rates.

Focus on high-ticket items or those with repeat purchase potential.

Credit: optinmonster.com

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Tools And Support For Affiliates

Imagine earning cash while you sleep. This is the dream for many wanting to make money online. Welcome to Amazon Affiliate Marketing, where dreams turn to reality. With top-tier tools and support, it’s no wonder affiliates gravitate towards Amazon.

Amazon’s Affiliate Marketing Resources

Amazon provides a wealth of resources to help affiliates succeed. Here’s a glimpse:

Amazon Associates Central: A dashboard packed with tools.

Product Linking: Find and share countless products.

Banners: Ready-to-use graphics to grab attention.

APIs: For tech-savvy folks to build custom solutions.

Tracking And Analyzing Performance

Knowing your numbers is key to growth. Amazon’s platform comes with robust tracking features:

FeatureDescriptionReports:View detailed stats on clicks and earnings.Click-Through Rates:Identify which links get more traffic.Conversion Rates:Understand what drives purchases.Earnings Overview:See your financial success at a glance.

These tools enable you to adjust your strategies and maximize earnings. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Amazon supports your affiliate journey.

Success Stories And Strategy

Exploring the riveting world of Amazon Affiliate Marketing unfolds countless success tales. These triumphs aren’t just inspiring — they’re educational. They show strategies that can turn clicks into income. Let’s dive into some eye-opening success stories and strategic moves that can pave your road to affiliate prosperity.

Case Studies Of Successful Affiliates

Many have found a goldmine in Amazon’s Affiliate Program. Real people, real results — a closer look can reveal the potential lying within this opportunity. Here are a few compelling case studies:

Case Study 1: A tech blogger began a simple review site. With consistent, quality content and SEO, they now earn over $10,000 a month.

Case Study 2: A DIY enthusiast created tutorial videos linked with Amazon products. This creative approach resulted in a six-figure annual income.

Case Study 3: A niche site focused on outdoor gear. With targeted content and affiliate links, they scaled their earnings to $120,000 per year.

These stories show diverse strategies leading to success. They began with a clear niche and built a content-rich platform, integrating affiliate links smartly.

Key Strategies For Affiliate Marketing Growth

Building a thriving affiliate site involves several proven strategies. Committing to these approaches can make a significant difference:

StrategyAction StepsCreate Valuable ContentIdentify audience needs and provide solutions with articles, guides, and reviews.Optimize for SEOConduct keyword research and optimize posts to improve search engine rankings.Build TrustOffer honest reviews and build a community around your niche for credibility.Utilize DataAnalyze data for insights on what works. Adjust strategies based on performance.

To put these strategies into action, start with in-depth research. Understand your chosen niche. Create content that adds value. Respond to questions your audience may have about products. Focus on SEO to attract organic traffic. Engage with your readers to build a loyal following. Trust is crucial — never compromise on giving fair and helpful product insights. Leverage analytics to refine your strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is Amazon Affiliate Marketing?

Amazon Affiliate Marketing is a program where affiliates earn commissions by promoting Amazon products and driving sales.

Q. How Does Amazon Affiliate Payout?

Affiliates receive payouts from Amazon through direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift cards, typically within 60 days of the end of the month.

Q. Why Choose Amazon For Affiliate Marketing?

Amazon’s vast product range, trusted brand, and user-friendly affiliate tools make it an appealing platform for affiliate marketing.

Q. Can Beginners Succeed With Amazon Affiliates?

Yes, beginners can succeed by creating quality content and effectively promoting Amazon products to the right audience.

Q. What Are Amazon Affiliate’s Commission Rates?

Commission rates for Amazon Affiliates vary by product category, ranging from 1% to 10%, with frequent updates from Amazon.

Conclusion

Embracing Amazon’s affiliate program paves the way for substantial online earnings. It taps into a vast product selection and a trusted brand. The system is user-friendly, offering reliable tracking and payouts. Start your journey towards financial freedom; Amazon Affiliate Marketing is your key to successful online income.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Thanks for reading my article on Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online, hope it will help!

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This post contains affiliate links, which lets me make a little profit at no extra cost if you buy anything. We earn affiliate money for reviews and promotions on this post, but we always provide honest thoughts, user experiences, and product or service perspectives. We want to assist readers make the greatest purchases, but our testimonials and views are ours. Before buying, check claims, outcomes, and metrics. You should assume we get affiliate compensation for clicking links or buying anything mentioned in this post. We evaluate intriguing items and services. We may get a commission from our partners If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online

[felidae-sims]

Sims 2 Databases Database

(Alright it's an index, I just had to)

Made it for myself, I might as well share. If there's something I've missed please let me know. This list is being updated, Tumblr is being a pain and updates won't show up on re-blogs. Visit the original post to view the most current version. Mirror: Dreamwidth.

CC:

By Type:

Sims 2 - Object Default Database [Discontinued - DW].

Sims 2 - Object Default Database [Active - Spreadsheet].

Sims 2 - [CAS] Default Database.

Sims 2 - Hair Database.

Sims 2 - CC: Afro Hairstyles.

Sims 2 - Shoes Database.

Sims 2 - EA Store Items 2016.

Sims 2 - The Maxis Match Repository Project [CAS] [Pinterest Ver.]

Sims 2 - Repository Finds [CAS&Objects] [sorted into categories].

Sims 2 - Functional Finds [Sorted by function].

Resource list: Clutter and decorative items [massive index at GoS].

Sims 2 - Wall Hanging Decor Recolors Database [New!].

Sims 2 - Lot Database [Maxis ones emptied out].

Sims 2 - Lot Makeover Database [of Maxis Lots] [Note the Uploading Tutorial].

SkyBox/Horizons/Skylines Database.

Maxis Career Conversions TS1+3+4 to TS2 [Sorted by Game&EP - Under Downloads].

Fractured Moonlight's Stone Super Set Database [Creator Unknown, let me know if you know].

By Theme:

List of Maxis Lost & Found Objects Converted into Usable Items.

Stories to Sims 2 Conversion Database. [DW Backup]

TS1 to TS2 Conversion/Recreation Database.

TS1 to TS2 Catalog Conversions [Active, Includes OG Object Descriptions].

TS3 to TS2 Conversion Database [DW Backup].

TS3 to TS2 Traits Project Mod Tracking Sheet [Blog Ver.]

TS4 to TS2 CAS Conversion Archive [EA].

TS4 to TS2 CC Clothing Conversion Database [Custom - ts4 only?].

TS4 to TS2 Build/Buy Conversion Database [EA].

TS4 to TS2 CC Build & Buy Database [Custom].

The Sims spin-off games to the PC TS2 [&3+4].

TSM-to-TS2 Conversion Database [DW Backup].

Sims 2 Historical Finds [CAS&Objects] [Sorted by Era/Period].

Historical Sims 2 Wiki [New!].

Grunge Masterlist Project 2025.

List of Asian Sims 2 Sites With Working Downloads [As of 2017?].

CC Archives:

Sim Archive Project, at The Internet Archive [Introduction Post].

Sims Cave.

Sims Graveyard.

Simblr.cc - Dead-Site Repository.

Liquid Sims - Community Archives.

The Booty, at PSMBD.

Sims 2 Packrat, on Tumblr [Watch out for the recent SFS Hacking problem].

Ekrubynaffit (a.k.a bestbuild4sims) has re-uploaded a lot of archives of defunct creators. Albums with DL on her pinterest. Mainly build and buy mode, thanks a lot!

Resources:

CEP-Extras List, Huge Lunatic at Sims 2 Artists.

The Sims 2 Tutorials Database [Active] (Really needs a backup outside of Tumblr).

Several Lists of Maxis Resources for Modding,Pick'n'Mix Mods, own website, under Notes.

Sims 2 GUID Database Revival (Yes I'm shamelessly promoting it).

Sims 2 Trait GUID Database, by FireFlower.

Sims 2 Painting Sizes Database.

List of all Color Actions, With DL, ZeroDark/Graphic at GoS.

List of all WSO Actions, by Blue Heaven Sims, under Resources.

List of Hacks & Mods That Use Tokens, Bulbizarre at MTS.

Giant List of Simlish Fonts - Collect ‘Em All!, by franzillasims.

Masterlists of Recolouring Templates; MTS [+Cloning] | Hafiseazle | ZreoDark [not a list but a tag].

Index of Effects Names & Definitions [+ Guide], by AmmarAskar at GitHub.

Update notes are under the cut:

Update: Custom Clothing Conversion db [4t2], by @brandinotbroke/ Hair db, by @krabbysims/ Sims 4t2 CAS Conversion Archive [EA], by @mdpthatsme/ CEP-Extras List, by @hugelunatic/ Lists of Maxis Resources for Modding, by @picknmixsims/ Sims 2 Tutorials db [Active], by @sims2tutorials/ Sim Archive Project at The Internet Archive, by various - see @simnostalgia. Update 1: added EA ts2 store items at GoS/ Painting sizes db/ Tutorials db, by @sims2tutorials. Update 2: GUID db Revival. Update 3: believe it or not, there's more - Shoes db/ Sims 2. Functional Finds [sorted by function], by @sims2functionalfinds. Update 4: Resource list: Clutter and decorative items, at @gardenofshadowssims. Update 5: added archives section. Update 6: added @ekrubynaffit's Pinterest Archive. Update 7: Fixed TSM link, added Stories db/ Afro Hairstyles db, by @letomills/ SkyBox/Horizons/Skylines Database, by @simmergetic/ Grunge Masterlist Project 2025, by @pixeldolly/ and DW backup links (Everything that's exclusively on Tumblr/LJ should be backed somewhere else). Update 8: List of Asian Sims 2 Sites With Working Downloads [as of 2017?] by @0201-sims. Update 9: added Sims 2 Repository Finds [sorted into categories], by @sims2repositoryfinds. Update 10: added Sims 2 Object db [Discontinued], because the more the better. Update 11 Yet another (!): The Maxis Match Repository Project [CAS], by @whattheskell [how did i forget?]/ TS3 to TS2 Traits Project Mod Tracking Sheet, by  Rowena Sims & @noodlebelli. Update 11: Maxis Career Conversions TS1+3+4 to TS2 [Sorted by Game&EP - Under Downloads], by @sims2idea-lientebollemeis2i. Update 12: HS I found another one: List of all Color Actions - Names, Creators, and Download Links. Maintained for over a decade by @zerographic at GoS :P Update 13: separated by type & theme. added Sims 2 Historical Finds [CAS&Objects] [Sorted by Era/Period], by @ts2history. Update 14: added to resources Trait GUID db, by @fireflowersims. Update 15: I shit you not, there's more - Sims 2 Lot Makeover db [Maxis Lots], by @ts2lotmakeoverdb/ List of Hacks & Mods That Use Tokens, Bulbizarre at MTS/ TS1 Catalog Conversions [Active], by @kitteninthewindow/ WSO Action Masterlist, by Blue Heaven Sims under Resources. Update 16: List of Maxis Lost & Found Objects Converted into Usable Items, @kirlicues. Update 17: Sims 2 Lot db [Maxis ones emptied out], by @mikexx2 @mrsktrout @ts2lots. Update 18: Historical Sims 2 Wiki [New!], by @theacmecatalogblog. Update 19: under archives; Simblr.cc - Dead-Site Repository by @simblrcc-site. Jackpot! Update 20: added Giant List of Simlish Fonts - Collect ‘Em All!, by @franzillasims. Update 21 [can't believe there's more]: Masterlists of Recolouring Templates; MTS [+Cloning] | @hafiseazale | @zerographic [not a list but a tag]. Update 22(!): Index of Effects Names & Definitions [+ Guide], by AmmarAskar at GitHub. Update 23: added Sims 2 - Wall Hanging Decor Recolors Database [New!], by @sims-for-semi

[cherrystaineddoll]

𝓽hings to do instead of scrolling ౨ৎ

summer is here, school is over and you have way too much free time on your hands. so unless you want to spend your whole days with your eyes locked on a screen, here's an in- depth guide on what to do this summer, or whenever!!

learn a new language - trust me, speaking more than one language is a skill that everyone should have, and it always comes in handy. you can watch tv shows, movies or youtube videos in your target language, read beginner books, use apps (not duolingo though.. ) and even just listen to music!! just expose yourself to the language as much as you can, even better if you know anyone you can have conversations with. you could also learn sign language!!

journal or scrapbook - writing down your feelings really helps understanding your own self more. you can try doing shadow work to really dive deep, or just write whatever you feel in that moment. it doesn't have to become a chore, and remember, write for yourself and not as if someone else was going to read!! as for scrapbooking, just print out some nice photos and decorate the pages with stickers, drawings, fun colored paper.. whatever you want, just be creative!!

make art - it doesn't have to look perfect, remember that all art is beautiful in its own way. even if you think you're not good at it, just create, it will help you feel better & you'll also get better with time!! you can draw, paint, sculpt, do pottery, etc. you don't have to follow any guidelines, just buy a random sketchbook, bring out your inner child and do whatever you feel like doing

learn how to play an instrument - this can be a bit expensive, but if you have any instrument in your house that you've never used, it might be a great time to start learning it!! you don't necessarily need to take classes, you can easily find tutorials on youtube, even though it might be harder to learn by yourself. but making music is a really fun activity & good for the soul

reading and writing - i will never recommend reading enough !! everyone should read. it helps you learn new things, understand different perspectives, expand your vocabulary, and so much more. i know books can be expensive, but you can always try to buy them at flea markets, or ask a friend/family member to lend you some. and just in case, there are always some sites where you can read books online for free, like zlibrary!! you can read before going to bed instead of staying on your phone (which is sooo bad for your sleep), at the beach while tanning or outside while getting some fresh air. and if reading books inspires you, you can try to write something!! i'm not saying you have to write a 600 page book, but you can try to write small stories, or poetry, and who knows, someday you might actually write a book! if you want to get published, there are some small literary magazines you can find on social media that publish the works of small writers, it can be a great way to start. you can also always post your works here on tumblr, substack, or any social media platform!! you could also try to write the story for a movie and start screenwriting, if you're into cinematography

research interesting topics - now that school isn't forcing you to study things that maybe you don't care about, you can study whatever you want !! remember, knowledge is power, and with the internet, you basically have the world in your hands. you can watch a youtube video, read a book, or simply research on websites (make sure they're reliable though). you can also take online courses!! i might make a post on ideas for what to research??

start a new hobby - your life can't only be made of school/work, sleep, and a screen. you need hobbies that you actually like and that make you feel good. some of these can be: baking and cooking, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, jewelry making, nail art, makeup, photography, editing, blogging/vlogging, coloring, candle making, soap making, perfume making, modeling, origami, sewing, making diy stuff, chess, puzzles, acting, singing, flower arranging, meditating, lego building, trying new hairstyles or outfits, doing animations, discovering new music, sudoku, the things i previously wrote, and probably a million other activities i can't think of right now

stay active - moving you body is good for both your physical and mental health, i'm sure we all know that. you can go on walks or runs in the nature with your headpones on, or do any sport that you like- some ideas: swimming, dancing (ballet, hip hop, modern, ecc) , tennis, martial arts (judo, karate, taekwondo, ecc), volleyball, basketball, athletics, gymnastics, football, archery, fencing, table tennis, boxing, surfing, rowing, hockey, horseback riding, softball, golf, biking, figure skating, rollerblading, skating.. you don't need to do it competitively (unless you want to), as long as you're having fun and moving your body. you can also do workouts, like yoga or pilates, at home or outdoors, or go hiking.

watch movies, tv shows, or documentaries - it can always be a good learning experience, or just something fun and relaxing that isn't mindlessly scrolling. a bonus: after you've watched something, write a very long, detailed and in-depth review in your journal. you can also post it wherever you want (like letterboxd, to fight all the one liners)

hang out - with friends, family, or even by yourself !! (i know, i know, it can be scary). you can do anything, as long as you're with the right people everything is fun, but here's some ideas: have a picnic, go to the beach, go to a water park, have a baking contest, do temporary tattoos, go to a concert, go out to eat, do a one day trip, go on a road trip, take a walk in the nature, go hiking, go to a trampoline park, go to an amusement park, visit a museum, go thrifting or shopping, have a board games night, try out a new cute cafe or bakery, do an escape room, have a karaoke night, have a movie marathon, and so much more!!

i hope this helped!! ♡

[brandngraves]

How to Successfully Execute Drupal to WordPress Conversion

Unlock the potential of your website with our guide on How to Successfully Execute Drupal to WordPress Conversion. This comprehensive resource from HireWPGeeks outlines essential steps, best practices, and expert tips to ensure a smooth transition. Transform your site efficiently while preserving your content and enhancing functionality.

[incorrectbatfam]

WFA spoilers ahead

Content warning for discussion of mental illness

Can I take a moment to appreciate how they showcased Jason's PTSD in the latest ep? This isn't the first time but I feel like this round struck much closer.

Although this is the website where people are open about mental illness, there's still a reluctance to address the "loud" or "frightening" or "angry" or "messy" side of it. Stuff like bipolar, schizophrenia, addiction, PTSD. It's why I'm extremely hesitant to talk about my own problems even under anonymity.

Conversely, there are mainline comics (and other media) that use this category of mental illness as an excuse for characters to go all-out in their aggression. Even if not intentional, it perpetuates the idea that a trigger will always send the person spiraling until either the worst happens or someone steps in as the "hero." It's basically sending the message to people like me that we're a ticking time bomb.

Then there's WFA. Jason's not fully present during his episode. It leads him into a dangerous situation while at the same time he's unable to grasp things like pain. The adrenaline and the overwhelming sense of fear drives him into fight mode. He gets tunnel vision while he's beating up the bar patrons to try and find the Joker. Without getting into details, I've been in Jason's shoes. I've found myself in risky places doing things I'd later regret. All because of the disconnect from reality that makes me believe what I'm doing is necessary. Not even justified, just necessary. Almost like a survival instinct.

And what's so important is that Jason isn't a villain and Dick isn't a savior. Dick reaffirms Jason's trauma and guides him through tangible steps rather than giving broad sweeping advice. Of course there's no one-size-fits-all coping method, but the biggest thing is having somebody in your corner who sees you beyond this bad episode. Sometimes I have that, sometimes I don't. WFA won't show it since it's all about family, but the times I didn't have someone were exponentially scarier.

At the same time, there are consequences that a simple grounding exercise can't remedy—Jason got hurt, he hurt others, and his appearance at Noonan's definitely put him on someone's radar if not the Joker. And they're just as real as his feelings and (hopefully) he's gonna be held accountable. Because that's how it goes in real life. Something sets me off, I screw up, I get bailed out, and once I come down from it I have to fix the mess I made.

Maybe I'm just reading too much into a fan comic. But I know that if a few panels can resonate so closely with me, then it's worth talking about because someone, somewhere is also feeling the same way.

[dazzlingjaeyun]

ꜱᴘᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇɴʜʏᴘᴇɴ

✧ just very short drabbles of how enhypen would spend quality time with their s/o

bf!enhypen x fem!reader (seperately)

୨୧ genre: pure fluff | words: 250-300 per member | cw: these are mostly very cliché, skinship, mentions of food ୨୧

- ', lee heeseung ; 290 words ꒱ ↷

boyfriend!heeseung, being the gamer that he is, would definitely spend a lot of his free time in front of his computer – even when spending time with his significant other.

however, he would never make you feel left out or like he didn't care about you. he would always find a way to include you, exactly according to your needs.

you just want some time with him close to you? he'll carefully pull you down to sit on his lap, wrapping his arms around you tightly as soon as you get comfortable (making sure to turn down the volume and keep his occasional comments to himself whenever you fall asleep).

you want to get involved in the game? he'll let you sit on his lap, his chest softly pressed against your back and his arms wrapped around you as he guides your hands to show you how it works, eventually letting you play without his help once you get the hang of it. he'll smile proudly whenever you win, hugging you a little tighter and pressing a rewarding kiss on your cheek. "that's my girl."

you want to just watch him play? he'll let you, trying his best to not only look extra handsome for you but also to show you the best side of his skills.

you want to talk to him? he'll pause his game immediately (or leave his friends hanging if he's playing online where he cannot click pause), giving you his full attention – no matter if you want to talk to him about something serious or if you just want to tell him something you'd consider insignificant, such as what you had for breakfast.

"you know you're always my priority. you come first, gaming comes second."

other members under the cut!

- ', park jongseong ; 272 words ꒱ ↷

cooking is definitely one of jay's many ways to express his love for the people he cares about. when it comes to his significant other, boyfriend!jay would not only love to prepare meals for them, but also enjoy cooking together.

you'd stand in the kitchen of your shared apartment next to him, helping him prepare the ingredients for a new recipe he wanted to try with you (he'd tell you he randomly came across it, but in reality, he had been scrolling through countless websites the night before while you were fast asleep, trying to find something new to create out of your favorite ingredients).

although fully trusting you and your skills, jay would always glance over at you, making sure you didn't accidentally get hurt.

once the two of you had successfully prepared everything, he would start the actual cooking. you'd sit on top of the kitchen counter next to the stove (but far enough away to not get burnt or splashed with food, as per jay's instructions), reading out the recipe so he could follow the steps. whenever it's time to taste-test, he'd give you a spoonful of the food to make sure it suits your liking.

of course, he'd let you cook with him whenever you wanted, but he'd just love to spoil you (and to show off his skills to you, hoping it would make you fall for him even more, which – spoiler alert – it would).

whenever you eat together, it wouldn't matter much whether you engage in a lively conversation or just stay in comfortable silence. as long as you're with jay, everything feels just fine.

- ', sim jaeyun ; 288 words ꒱ ↷

as jake's significant other, you'd always have to share his heart with his beloved pet dog layla. luckily enough, you were just as in love with her as your boyfriend!jake – and she seemed to love you equally.

safe to say, quality time with jake would, at least many times, also include her.

you'd love taking long walks in the park with her, taking turns holding her leash, and letting her run free wherever it was permitted. jake would look at you lovingly whenever you knelt down to pet her or to pick up one of the toy balls she loved to play fetch with (sometimes, he would allow himself to wonder if you were equally loving and caring with children and how it would be to have your own little family with him).

"watch this," you'd tell him, before showing him a trick you had secretly practiced with layla whenever jake wasn't around. he'd smile proudly at the two of you, quick to kneel down and praise layla with some affectionate words and a treat or two.

every once in a while, you and jake would playfully fight over layla's parenthood, you claiming that you had the right to be her mom officially, now that she chose to lay her head on your lap instead of his during your weekly movie night, and jake playfully telling you to "know your limits" (he wouldn't state the obvious: that she only chose you over him because the bowl of chips was on your lap and she was probably waiting for something to fall down).

"so you do love her more than me!" you'd shout jokingly, to which jake would whisper, "don't tell her, but i love you both equally."

- ', park sunghoon ; 265 words ꒱ ↷

as an ex-athlete, boyfriend!sunghoon would love to take his significant other on ice skating dates from time to time.

although not being an active figure skater anymore, he'd feel the happiest at the ice rink – and he'd love to share his passion with you.

the first few times, sunghoon would be extra careful, making sure you didn't get hurt or feel uncomfortable. he would stand in front of you, grabbing both of your hands in his. "just hold onto me, alright?" he'd say as he effortlessly skated backwards, pulling you with him (he'd claim he did that so you could get used to the feeling of being on the ice, but in reality, he just loved seeing the smile that spread across your lips as you slowly moved forward).

after you got the hang of it, the two of you would skate next to each other with your fingers intertwined, or you'd challenge him to a race (which you knew you'd lose, but seeing how he could speed up so effortlessly was just too remarkable). sometimes, sunghoon would let his competitiveness take over, but more often than not, he would still let you win, loving the way you'd cheer happily and enduring all your playful mocking – as long as it meant he could see you smile.

he'd be surprised when you told him you wanted to learn how to do a spin, but he'd be more than willing to teach you patiently.

when you'd finally get it right, he'd smile at you proudly. "see, that's why we're meant for each other, you're a natural."

- ', kim sunoo ; 256 words ꒱ ↷

there's no one who's as much into skincare as sunoo, so naturally, he'd love to spend at-home spa days with his significant other.

after a nice bath with a bath bomb the two of you had picked out together, boyfriend!sunoo would softly apply body lotion to your back where you couldn't reach, before helping you into your robe and tying it carefully.

sunoo would open the drawer that contains his skincare, picking out just the right products for your skin's current needs. once you're back in his room, he'd instruct you to lay down on your back so he could apply the products to your skin, his hands gliding across your face in soft motions. he'd love to take his time, making sure you felt good in the process, too.

given the perfection of his skin, you'd be extra careful when it's your turn to take care of his face, not wanting to irritate it in any way. sunoo's heart would warm at the way you'd caress his face with such care, making it hard for him not to jump up and squish you in a tight hug.

"don't be scared, baby, i'm not going to break," he'd say with a playful smile, to which you'd pout your lips.

"but you're so perfect, i don't want to ruin it!" your reply would make sunoo's heart flutter even more.

he'd take your hand and bring it to his lips to place a short kiss on the back of it. "a perfect boyfriend for a perfect girlfriend."

- ', yang jungwon ; 289 words ꒱ ↷

i feel like boyfriend!jungwon would love to go on cute little dates with his significant other, keeping a good balance between exploring new places and going back to your favorites.

as ordinary as this may sound, with jungwon, you'd never get bored. not only because he'd always find the best places to go, the most fun activities to do, or the most delicious restaurants to try, but he'd also always share the most random thoughts that would come to his mind, always giving you a reason to either giggle or leaving you wondering what was going on inside his head.

for your first date, wanting it to be different from the usual first dates, he'd take you to a botanical garden, showering you with the most random facts about the most random plants (he'd claim that he was a natural when it comes to plants, while in reality, he had studied all different kinds of biology books in hopes of impressing you on your first date. only months later, when his cactus injang died, you'd find out that he wasn't that much of a natural after all).

whenever he'd take you to the cute cat café at the other end of town, he'd spend his time smiling brightly at the way you interacted with the pets, while keeping the one cat that always came running to him on his lap, petting it softly and occasionally meowing back at it. "look, y/n, this one looks like she likes to eat yogurt," he'd say, to which you'd chuckle gently, wondering where he'd gotten this idea from.

"and what do i look like?" you'd ask, smiling extra cutely, hoping you could fish for a compliment.

"you? you look like my future wife."

- ', nishimura riki ; 258 words ꒱ ↷

riki = dance, dance = riki. that's why riki would for sure love to have a significant other who is at least half as passionate about dancing as he is. boyfriend!riki wouldn't need his partner to be at his level, but since he'd love to spend his free time dancing, he'd love to share his passion with his significant other.

you'd always be impressed by how incredible he was, knowing that all his skills were gained from endless hours of practice. sometimes, you'd need to physically drag him out of the studio and to your shared apartment to make sure he'd get the rest he needed.

he'd love to let you watch random dance jams just as much as well-practiced choreographies. of course, he'd let you join him, challenging you to a battle from time to time. whenever you'd ask him to teach you something new, he'd immediately agree, patiently practicing with you until you were satisfied with it.

needless to say, the two of you would dance together as well, finding joy in the way your bodies synced and feeling closer and more connected to each other than ever.

whenever exhaustion took over, the both of you would lay down on the parquet floor, panting until you caught your breath. after some moments in silence, riki would pull you closer to him, your head on his chest, so you could listen to his heartbeat.

"you're getting better every day, y/n. guess i gotta practice harder or one day you'll surpass me. i could never let that slide."

© dazzlingjaeyun, 2024. please do not copy.

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[john-laurens]

John Laurens Cigar Box

Since June 14, 2014, I have been using an image of a dandified John Laurens from a cigar label as my icon for this blog. It is one of my favorite artistic representations of John Laurens, and to me, it has become an intrinsic part of my blog's identity. Over the past 11+ years (!), I have periodically searched for this cigar label so that I might add it to my collection of books, art, and other items related to John Laurens. I even reached out to the runners of the Cigar Label Price Guide website where I had originally found this image. They were no longer in the business of buying/selling cigar labels, but they kindly provided me with the current high-res version of my icon and gave me some suggestions on where I could search for cigar labels for sale. Despite my efforts, I never came across this white whale of mine - until last week. Imagine my surprise when I received an eBay notification advertising a rare John Laurens cigar box for sale. After frantically texting @ciceroprofacto about this development, I immediately contacted the seller and purchased the cigar box. Shout-out to the seller for including "Laurens was rumored to be the secret lover of Alexander Hamilton" in their listing description - they 100% knew the audience for this item. After over a decade of searching, my beloved John Laurens cigar label is finally in my collection, and it contains so many details that I have never seen before! The above image shows the label on the outside of the cigar box lid, and the below image shows the label on the inside of the lid:

The left side of the label appears to depict the story of Laurens presenting his memorial requesting French aid directly to King Louis XVI while the right side appears to show John Laurens (left) conversing with Benjamin Franklin (right). These depictions may be based off of illustrations from McClure's Magazine. I love the gold details along these images:

Here is a close-up of Laurens from the inside lid:

The front of the box features a label bearing Laurens's name and some additional decorations:

The image I've been using for my blog comes from a label that spans an outer edge of the box:

My John Laurens collection truly feels complete with the acquisition of this cigar box. I had thought that I may never find it for sale - to finally own it is an incredible feeling. Here's to another decade of John Laurens posting.

[qqueenofhades]

do you have any advice for those in the very early stages of thesis-writing? currently desperately clinging to the mantra of "shitty first drafts," et al

Unfortunately, there is no place where you will more whole-assedly have to embrace the "shitty first draft" mantra than in academic writing, especially in thesis writing, especially if this is your first-ish crack at an advanced and major piece of original research. I'm not sure if this is for an undergraduate senior thesis, a MA-level thesis, or (my true and heartfelt sympathies) a PhD dissertation, but the basic principles of it will remain the same. So there is that, at least. This means that yes, you will write something, you may even feel slightly proud of it, and then you will hand it into your supervisor and they will more or less kindly dismantle it. You have to train yourself to have a thick skin about this and not take it as a personal insult, and if your supervisor is remotely good at their job (not all of them are, alas) they will know how to be tactful about it and not make it feel like a direct and extensive commentary on your private worth as a person. But you will have to swallow it and do what you can, which can include -- if you're the one who has done the research and know that's how you want to present it and/or you are correct about it -- pushing back and having a conversation with them about how you think your original approach does work best. But that will come later. The first step is, yes, to mentally gird yourself to receive critical feedback on something that you have worked hard on, and to understand that no matter how much you grump and grumble and deservedly vent to your friends and so on, implementing the feedback will usually make your piece better and stronger. That is the benefit of working with a trained expert who knows what makes a good piece of research in your particular academic field, and while it doesn't get easier, per se, at least it gets familiar. Be not afraid, etc.

If you're in the writing stage, I assume that you've moved past the topic-selection and general-research stage, but allow me to plump once more the services of your friendly local university library. You can (or at least you can at mine and probably in any decently well-equipped research university) schedule a personal consultation with an expert librarian, who can give you tips on how to find relevant subject databases, create individual research guides (these might already be available on the university library website for classes/general topics), and otherwise level you up to Shockingly Competent Research Superhero. So if you're still looking for a few extra sources, or for someone else who might be reading this and is still in the "how the heck do I find appropriate and extensive scholarly literature for my thesis??" stage, please. Go become a Research Ninja. It's much easier when you have a minion doing half the work for you, but please do appreciate and make use of your university librarian. It's much more effective than haphazard Google Scholar or JSTOR searches hoping to turn up something vaguely relevant (though to be fair, we all do that too), and it's what your tuition dollars are paying for.

Next, please do remind yourself that you are not writing the whole thesis in one go, and to break it down into manageable chunks. It usually does make sense to write the whole thing semi-chronologically (i.e. introduction, lit review, chapter 1, chapter 2/3/4 etc, conclusion), because that allows you to develop your thoughts and make logical connections, and to build on one piece to develop the next. If you're constantly scrambling between chapters and zig-zagging back and forth as things occur to you, it will be harder to focus on any one thought or thread of research, and while you might get more raw output, it will not be as good and will require more correction and revision, so you're not actually hacking yourself into increased productivity. You should also internally structure your chapters in addition to organizing your overall thesis, so it makes sense to draw up a rough outline for section A, section B, section C within the body of a single chapter. This will make you think about why the segues are going in that order and what a reasonably intelligent reader, who nonetheless may not have the specialized knowledge that you are demonstrating for them, needs to move understandably from one section to the next.

Some academics I know like to do an extensive outline, dumping all their material into separate documents for each chapter/paper and kneading and massaging and poking it into a more refined shape, and if that works for you -- great! I'm more of the type that doesn't bother with a ton of secondary outlines or non-writing activity, since that can lead you away from actually writing, but if you need to see the fruit of your research all together in one place before you can start thinking about how it goes together, that is also absolutely the way that some people do it. Either way, to be a successful academic writer, you have to train yourself to approach academic writing in a very different way from fun writing. You do fun writing when you have free time and feel inspired and can glop a lot of words down at once, or at least some words. You do it electively and for distraction and when you want to, not to a set timeline or schedule, and alas, you can't do this for academic writing. You will have to sit your ass down and write even when you do not feel like writing, do not feel Magically Inspired, don't even want to look at the fucking thing, etc. I have had enough practice that I can turn on Academic Writing Brain, sit down, bang something out, sit down the next day and turn on Academic Editing Brain, go over it again, and send it off, but I have been in academia for uh, quite a while. The good news is that you can also automate yourself to be the same way, but the bad news is that it will take practice and genuine time invested in it.

As such, this means developing a writing schedule and sticking to it, and figuring out whether you work best going for several hours without an interruption, or if you set a timer, write for a certain time, then allow yourself to look at the internet/answer texts/fuck around on Tumblr, and then make yourself put down the distraction and go back to work for another set period of time. (I am admittedly horrible at putting my phone away when I should be doing something else, but learn ye from your wizened elders, etc.) You will have to figure out in which physical space you work best, which may not be a public coffee shop where you can likewise get distracted with doing other things/chatting to friends/screwing around on the internet/doomscrolling/peeking at AO3, and to try to be there as often as possible. It might be your carrel in the library, it might be your desk at home, it might be somewhere else on campus, but if you can place yourself in a setting that tells your brain it's time to work and not look at WhatsApp for the 1000th time in a row, that is also beneficial.

Finally, remember that you do not have to produce an absolutely world-beating, stunningly original, totally flawless and perfect piece, even in its final form. Lots of us write very shitty things when we're starting out (and some of us, uh, still write very shitty things as established academics), and you do not have to totally redefine your entire field of study or propose a groundbreaking theory that nobody has heard of or anything like that. A lot of academic work is small-scale and nuanced, filling in spaces on the margins of other things or responding or offering a new perspective on existing work, and it's best to think of it as a conversation between yourself and other scholars. They have said something and now you're saying something back. You don't need to be so brilliant that everyone goes ZOMGZ I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THAT BEFORE; by its nature that happens very rarely and is usually way out on a limb (extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, etc); you just need to continue the dialogue with a reasonably well-constructed and internally plausible piece. So if you think of it that way, and understand that a shitty first draft will usually develop into something that is good and valuable but not SHOCKING NEW REVELATION clickbait hype, you will take some of the pressure off yourself and be more able to shut up that perfectionist voice in your head. However, all of us have some degree of imposter syndrome and it never entirely goes away, so you'll have to manage that too. Etc etc as before, it doesn't vanish altogether, but it gets easier.

And last but not least, though I'm sure I don't have to say this: for the love of fuckin' god, do not use ChatGPT. Even the genuinely shittiest paper in the world that you still worked on researching, organizing, and writing with your own brain is better than that. Trust me.

[allykatsart]

Hello! I had a question regarding your internet humans! (awesome designs btw) Do you happen to have any idea of what search engines might look like? I was thinking they might be some like... greater life form ig? bc they sort of house every single website out there, but honestly I'm not really sure and I'd love to see what you think/come up with!

So... that's not actually how search engines work. They do not "house every single website" within them. Lemme educate y'all a bit since I know I've got some youngin's here!

Back in the old days (before search engines), to find a website you would have to know it's URL and type it into the address bar (not the search bar, the one with the URL). This was back in the days before the internet had really taken off.

Search Engines were websites you went to that searched for other websites. At first they just looked for similar URL's, then they started incorporating tags that people put under their photos. Then that slowly grew to using keywords, meta data, etc!

(And then companies started paying to get their websites at the top of the search results. And then some search engines started recording personal data and selling it to advertisers. And then they got so big they could start influencing politics. But I digress)

I guess, for the Internet Humans, search engines are also websites! I guess they'd act as... Guides? Maybe traffic controllers? Idk, something that directed you to go where you needed to go. Of course, sometimes they'll just straight deceive the customer to make a quick buck.

They'd have eyes that can see into a websites' data and scan it for what they need. It's a little unnerving to be around them/hold a conversation with them because of that. They're always looking for something...

[reasonsforhope]

By the time Sue Shusterman turns away from the bench at the overlook and back toward the trailhead, she knows the paddleboarders are out in force 300 yards away on the gleaming blue surface of Chatfield Reservoir.  

She knows the high runoff waters have flooded the roots of Chatfield’s willows and cottonwoods, and that the first spring-green layers of the foothills rise to the west like soft fabric. 

How she acquired these life-affirming memories is at first a mystery, since Shusterman is blind and is heading back toward the parking lot making her usual sweep of the path in front with her ever-present white cane.  

But then a friendly voice emerges from the phone that Shusterman is pointing toward the path from her other hand.

A little to the left to stay on the paved path. Looks like there’s a trail all the way down to the beach, about 75 yards, if you wanted to go. I’ll just be here watching, let me know if you need anything. 

The voice is from a live, trained human guide FaceTiming through Shusterman’s phone camera on the Aira ability-assist app. Sight-impaired people have been using Aira’s guides to make it easier to do anything from navigating an airport to filling out an online job form. Now, all 42 Colorado state parks like Chatfield are geofenced to allow any visitor to use Aira for free to stroll the trails with a helpful set of eyes. 

The Aira guides seemingly effortlessly offer what a blind hiker either needs, or wants. If there’s a dangerous steep drop-off on the right, they warn. If the hiker would rather know if the sneezeweed is in bloom or the sailboats are luffing through a turn, Aira offers that instead.

For Shusterman, trying Aira as an outdoors adventure for the first time, the allure was simple: “Independence.” 

“So she’s doing, I think, a phenomenal job of including the necessary safety things, but the perks of the scenery, too,” Shusterman said, as she paused during a conversation with an Aira guide based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “She’s doing great.”

State accessibility officials recently announced the expansion of Aira to state parks grounds, after previously providing Aira free for other state-related functions such as navigating a government building or getting help on an online site or filling out forms. Colorado cannot control the cellphone signal, though, so parks officials encourage visitors to try Aira at a familiar or close-in park space before ranging farther afield with it. Popular parks like Staunton or Golden Gate contain pockets where signals are not strong. 

For consumers buying access on their own, Aira costs about $50 for 30 minutes of assistance a month. Private employers and governments often buy package access to Aira and other accessibility apps for all employees to use. State accessibility coordinator Theresa Montano, who is blind and accompanied Shusterman on her Chatfield walk, said Amazon buys access so that sight-impaired shipping center employees can navigate steps to pack orders.

Montano uses Aira at her state job, saying the guides on the app can share her computer screen and help her get through an online task in 30 minutes that might take her four hours without help or through older accessibility tools. 

Adding Aira for state-owned lands was wrapped into the overall $250,000 budget for free Aira use on state property and with state websites. The additional utility is an obvious plus, Montano said. 

“This gives blind people the same opportunity to come and enjoy it by themselves or with their family if they want to, and be independent,” she said...

Shusterman walked away taking more from the big picture experience, rather than any particular scenic detail. 

“For me, it was, you know what, I could go for a walk on this path, and I could feel completely safe, and I would enjoy a nice walk and get some exercise, in an unfamiliar area,” Shusterman said. “It’s definitely a real confidence boost for me.”  

-via The Colorado Sun, June 11, 2024