#rethinking my strategies based on that...

[wasyago]

one billion tango sketches for a commission

posted with permission, really like how these turned out, they're goofy <3

[loredrinker]

The Distinct Eras of Solas's Existence

Solas’s life isn’t one-dimensional. He’s lived through three distinct eras of existence, each defined by transformation and struggle. What draws me to his story time and again is the tension between detachment and connection, immortality and change, and the weight of eternal choices.

Because Solas has lived through such vastly different phases of existence, each has forced him to adapt, rethink his perspectives, his morality and confront the consequences of his actions.

This constant cycle of transformation and resilience is why I believe he is capable of change.

I'm looking at his journey through 3 eras of his existence: 

Pre-Veil: Becoming a man (lyrium crafted) and living before creating the Veil.

Uthenera: Veil newly created. Centuries of slumber and existence in the Fade. 

Post-Veil: Waking in modern Thedas, reengaging with the world, joining the Inquisition, and culminating in Veilguard. 

First off: this post isn’t about the concept of Solas learning what it’s like to have a body for the first time. While I’m sure that experience was equal parts traumatic and exhilarating, that’s a post for another day. 

I’m also steering clear of the horrors and wars of Solas’s Pre-Veil existence - we already know he suffered terribly, made devastating choices, and carries immense regret. The blood on his hands and the weight of those decisions are undeniable. 

Lastly, I’m not entertaining the idea that Mythal had him bound or wielded some magical power (like a geas) to control him (you can read more here). To me, that narrative diminishes the complexity and the writers say you can interpret it how you want. I see their bond as one rooted in duty, loyalty, and complicated and twisted by shared choices. Every awful thing they endured and enacted together only deepened their connection, forged in the fire of mutual commitment and consequence. It's still a chain in it's own right, but a different kind.

Long post below. Everything below the cut is my imagination and interpretation.

Pre-Veil (Roughly 8,000-10,000 years – Time with the Evanuris / Rebellion Wars) 

I’m certain Solas’s time in Elvhenan wasn’t solely defined by war and rebellion. He served as Mythal’s second-in-command, likely handling battles and strategies, but he was also immersed in politics and court intrigue. His role was probably a combination of strategist, diplomat, and advocate for fairness and balance among the elven people. 

We know he enjoyed life in the courts, as he reveals at the Winter Palace in Inquisition: 

"I do adore the heady blend of power, intrigue, danger, and sex that permeates these events." 

He wasn’t just an observer of Elvhenan’s grandeur; he thrived in it. Heady - intoxicating. With a core essence of wisdom, Solas would have fully embraced the era’s philosophical debates, artistic endeavors, groundbreaking inventions, and empire-building. When he refers to “our great cities” and “our deepest mysteries” during his confrontation with Elgar’nan, he speaks as being a part of Elvhenan’s beauty and innovation - not separate from it.  

Solas’s Independent and Rebellious Nature - Hot Blooded and Cocky

Solas was far from a submissive figure, even in service to Mythal. He was independent, rebellious, and stubborn - “unmanageable, even by Mythal’s reckoning.” (I love this line from Elgar’nan. Even Mythal, who knew Solas best, was scratching her head at times because she couldn't control him – and also why I don’t buy the geas concept.) This fierce individuality is one reason the Evanuris gave him the name Fen’Harel. 

A Sensual and Spiritual Man 

Solas strikes me, based on the games, as someone deeply connected to life (how could you not be when you see spirits as people too), both spiritually and sensually. His conversations in Inquisition and Veilguard hint at an appreciation for the world’s beauty and experiences. He loved dancing (Inquisitor: Do you have any interest in dancing? Solas: A great deal…), savored food and drink, and created beautiful art and music. This isn’t someone detached from his physical form or the material world - he immersed himself in its richness. 

A man who composes music and paints intricate frescoes, full of symbolism and emotional depth, usually has a vibrant inner life – which makes sense for wisdom.  His art and creations are tools for reflection and introspection, ways to process his choices and regrets. But where did this come from? Did he learn these skills from a spirit? Was he taught by a wise elf or an inspiring companion? I love the mystery of these glimpses into his life - they humanize him and add layers to his character. 

Solas wasn’t a solitary figure either. He built connections beyond the Evanuris - with spirits, other elves, and likely even lovers (Ghilan’nain, anyone?). Far from being a lone wolf, he seems to have been actively engaged in the cultural, social and political dynamics of his thousands of years. His relationships, creations, and experiences paint the picture of a man tied to life, even as his long painful journey eventually pushed him toward isolation. 

Witnessing the Fall of the Evanuris 

But life in Elvhenan wasn’t all beauty and splendor. Solas witnessed firsthand how power corrupted even those who began with noble intentions. He saw the Evanuris rise to tyranny, and the defeat of the Titans - a major regret of his - became a foundational moment. While it enabled the empire’s growth and stunning cities, it came with immense moral cost to Solas. 

The Rebellion and Isolation 

Solas eventually reached a breaking point. When the Evanuris’ tyranny became unbearable - when they wouldn’t listen, not even Mythal - he walked away. He forged his own path, leading a rebellion to free the elven people. 

During this time, his relationships likely narrowed. He tells Rook it took him centuries to build bonds during this time (but he still built them). Playing a long game of strategy and sacrifice required isolation, though key connections, like Felassan, remained. Mythal’s murder drove him into despair, and he became even more isolated, pouring himself into planning the ritual that would change everything. 

The Creation of the Veil 

The Veil was a desperate solution to stop the Evanuris and the blight, but something went horribly wrong. It didn’t just destroy the world he knew - it reshaped reality. The Veil severed the Fade from the world, altering existence forever. And for Solas, it left him shattered. His physical body remained in the world he destroyed, while his spirit/mind retreated into Uthenera. 

Uthenera: The Dreaming State (3000+ years) *In Trespasser Solas says he lay unconscious for millennia, millenia is multiple thousands)

During Uthenera, his long "dark and dreaming" sleep, Solas existed in a liminal, dreamlike state - a place between worlds.

It’s striking that he entered Uthenera at the exact moment the Fade was severed from the physical world. The mental fortitude required to withstand such a monumental shift and prevent his total annihilation - or even a psychological collapse - speaks volumes about his strength. Solas’s power is undeniable, but for me, this also confirms that he is a deeply reflective man, one who cultivated a strong mind to endure such force, isolation and emotional cataclysm. (All New Faded for Her - now I must endure - again.)

I initially wrote about his activities during this time, but his claim of being unconscious in a dark, dreaming sleep suggests he was largely unaware of the world around him. Rather than delete it, I've left it in below but this more recent post shows my changed thoughts.

From this vantage point, he could witness the catastrophic aftermath of his actions: the loss of elven immortality, the severing of the Fade from the physical world, and the corruption of spirits into demons. He saw the rise of humans, the fall of empires, and the continued oppression of his people. Each new event added to his layers of guilt and grief. If the Fade reflects emotion, can you imagine Solas’s overwhelming feelings during this time? His emotions would have rippled through it, shaping the dream realm itself.  In the Fade, Solas remained detached, able to observe and reflect without directly engaging in the chaos of the broken world. He likely encountered the demons and maddened spirits born of his actions, forcing him to navigate this unfamiliar, broken Fade.  Perhaps this is where his greatest fear - dying alone - began to solidify. Without the complexities of relationships or the challenges of the waking world, his isolation left him emotionally detached and vulnerable to increasingly rigid thinking. After centuries of war and rebellion, his retreat to Uthenera may have offered recovery, but it also severed him from the connections that had once grounded him in “humanity”.  It’s assumed that during this time, Solas began to shape his plans to tear down the Veil – to fix his mistake. It also seems that it’s during this period at some point that Felassan reconnected with him, leading to yet another tragedy. Unlike Solas, Felassan had lived in modern Thedas for a time. He had built relationships, forged bonds, and seen the value in the world as it was. He urged Solas to give this new world a chance. But Solas, entrenched in his painful guilt and unable to let go of his vision, refused - killing his friend and brother-in-arms, adding yet another layer of grief and regret to his already growing burden. I wonder - Solas killed him in this detached state, in a highly emotional Fade state - could Solas have killed him physically face to face? 

For Solas, time in the Fade didn’t march forward as it did for mortals. What probably felt like yesterday to him was ancient history to the rest of the world. This disconnection from the flow of time would only deepen his sense of detachment, a gap he could only begin to bridge when he awoke in a world utterly changed from the one he remembered. 

So eventually he does wake up – a year before the Inquisition. 

Post-Veil: Modern Thedas – 14-16 years (Inquisition to Veilguard) 

When Solas woke up in modern Thedas, it was a world that had moved on without him - alien and unrecognizable. The magic he revered was now feared, spirits were seen as monsters, and elves were fragmented and oppressed. It was a rude awakening, and Solas had no choice but to reengage with life, relearning how to "be human" in a world so far removed from the one he knew - in a world that he broke. 

Solas initially tried to reconnect with the Dalish, but they rejected him (interesting how one of his first actions upon awakening was to seek connection...hmm). Then came the disaster at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, Corypheus, and the Anchor. Suddenly, Solas had a path: join the Inquisition, study the Anchor, observe the one who wields it, and figure out his next move - all while avoiding personal entanglements. 

Fail. 

Connections in the Inquisition 

Despite his best efforts to remain detached, Solas formed bonds with the Inquisition’s members, particularly the Inquisitor (in my world, low approval doesn’t exist for me but I won’t torment you either with my Solas Lavellan love).  

The exact timeline of the Inquisition is debated. While most agree it spans 1.5–2 years, there’s also an old fantastic post by @threestories that argues for closer to 4–5 years (complete with a detailed spreadsheet and timeline goodness). Either way, it’s plenty of time for Solas to weave himself into the lives of those around him – and for them to sneak their own ways in. 

During this time, Solas wasn’t an aloof observer. He shared meals, debated philosophy, laughed, argued, and played cards and continued painting. He fought alongside people like Blackwall, Iron Bull, and Cole, relying on them for survival. Solas is not the powerful being he once was. Weakened, he’s forced to navigate the world in a more vulnerable state. I believe this humility provides him with new insights and forces him to see value in collaboration and diversity once again (reflections of Elvehnan). 

The messy, imperfect beauty of life began to creep back into his perspective. Living and fighting beside mortals for this period of time forced Solas to confront the reality of their fleeting but rich experiences. It wasn’t something he could experience in the detached safety of the Fade. If romanced, his love for the Inquisitor only deepens his inner conflict, tearing him between personal connection and his mission. (He possessed knowledge beyond any mortal, yet even the Dread Wolf could not foresee what it would mean to fall in love - sorry, couldn't help myself).

Yet, despite these connections, he remained steadfast in his mission. After Corypheus’s defeat, Solas leaves. But he wasn’t quite done; he wanted the Inquisitor to know the truth of who he was. Two busy years followed, leading to one final reunion - a moment where we see a shift in Solas’s perspective. His relationship with the Inquisitor was important enough that Solas set this whole thing up. There was a part of him that would love to be turned away from his path, but not yet.  

The Decade of Isolation 

After Trespasser and his final goodbye to the Inquisitor, Solas retreated into a new kind of isolation - active but distant. For ten years, he worked through agents, manipulated events, and positioned himself for his ritual to tear down the Veil. This period seemed to harden him. If he was in love, he made the painful decision to try and sever that bond, he forced Cole to forget him so Cole wouldn’t follow him - Solas hardened his heart to a cutting edge, and put that pain to good use.   

And then, he killed Varric. 

The act wasn’t premeditated - it might even be argued as accidental - but it wasn’t without weight. Solas never intended to kill Varric, and we see the regret flicker in his expression, his eyes turning down for a moment. Yet, the symbolism of that moment is striking. If Varric embodies persistence - whether it’s the refusal to give up on life, friends, or hope - then his death by Solas’s hand reflects the cost of Solas’s mission. In hardening his heart, he’s cut away the very persistence Varric represented. 

But then came Rook.

Conduits and Catalysts

Forced to interact with Rook and the team, much like he was forced to interact with the Inquisitor and the Inquisition, Solas once again found himself entangled in the lives of others. What makes Rook interesting to me is their role as a conduit. While Solas is trapped in the Fade prison, Rook becomes his connection to the outside world. For someone who had been isolated again for a period of time, being compelled to engage with another person is significant.

Rook and Solas's conversations may seem simple at first, but they force Solas to talk, to reflect, to bring up memories, people, and choices he thought he had left behind. Regardless if he's lying to Rook, these conversations would stir things up for him, peeling back the layers of detachment he has built. They compel him to think about his past, his connections, and his mistakes - reminders of life beyond his mission.

When Solas finally escapes the Fade prison, he doesn’t retreat back into isolation. Instead, we find him fighting alongside the people of Minrathous and then eventually Rook and the team. While his goal remains focused - defeating Elgar’nan and tearing down the Veil - he’s participating in life again.

Even amidst the chaos of battle, Solas can’t help but connect. He talks with the team, echoing the camaraderie of his time in the Inquisition. In one of my favourite moments, he and Emmrich share a brief but mutual appreciation of spirits - on a battlefield, no less. It’s a small yet powerful reminder: no matter how much Solas tries to harden himself, connection finds him. And maybe, just maybe, he still seeks it.

If Solas’s experiences prove anything, it’s that he struggles to stay detached.

Solas’s Shifts 

The bonds Solas formed through his long life were personal. Sure, anyone can argue they weren’t, pointing to his lies and the secrets he kept while plotting the entire time. And yes, he absolutely had an agenda. But whether you played a high- or low-approval Inquisitor, Solas admits he grew fond of the mortal people in the Inquisition. These connections gave him new perspectives on this modern world, connections forged through the shared intensity of battle and survival, and filtered through his reflective, intellectual, and philosophical nature. 

And no, I don’t believe the Inquisitor alone could have swayed him from his path. His growth wasn’t tied to a single relationship or event. While his time with the Inquisition may seem insignificant compared to his millennia-long existence, it planted the seeds of change. I maintain that the foundation for his change was established in Inquisition. As I’ve said before in this post, his eventual shift at the end of Veilguard wasn’t an overnight revelation but the accumulation of these disruptions to his worldview (warning, that post is totally Solavellan). Rook, as a conduit and mirror, brought their own voice as well as the voices of Solas’s past back into focus, reflecting and reminding him of what he had learned.  

By the end of Trespasser, Solas went from planning total destruction to preparing a host of spirits to preserve as much life as possible in Veilguard. You can call him a liar if you want, still question this morally grey choice, but this is a fascinating shift to me.

Enter Sola's Fourth Era

And now, we stand on the edge of Solas’s fourth (and likely not final) era of existence. How will he step into this stage? As a broken, beaten man forced into submission? Or as a man of wisdom, finally able to see another way forward?

This is why, for me, the only ending that feels true to Solas’s arc (as I see it) is the Atonement ending and the only one that exists for me. It aligns with his defining trait: choice. It offers him the agency to forge his own path, just as he did when he walked away from Mythal and the Evanuris.

Whether Solas enters this stage alone or with his heart is up to the player, but the ending feels significant regardless. He returns to the Fade, not in the detached slumber of Uthenera, but with his eyes wide open - awake, active, and ready to face what comes next.

And yes, I’m a sucker for redemption stories.

A Journey of Growth 

The Inquisitor once called him a terrible liar of the heart, and I think it speaks to the core of who he is: wisdom seeking connection. At his heart, Solas is driven to reflect, connect, and understand - even when those impulses clash with his mission. 

Solas’s life isn’t a straight line, nor is it defined by detached indifference. Instead, we see a complex web of relationships, regrets, and moments of growth. His post-Veil life shows us that even an immortal can be shaped by the mortal world. While his immortality makes change slow, it doesn’t make it impossible. Every person he lets into his life - whether reluctantly or intentionally - leaves a mark. Figures like Felassan, the Inquisitor, Cole, Varric, and Rook all serve as mirrors, reflecting his flaws and his potential. That's the beauty of relationships - we are all reflections of each other.

For Solas, change isn’t the result of one grand revelation. It’s a slow, deliberate process, shaped by his experiences, choices, those around him and the experiences they shared together. If his journey proves anything, it’s that even the Dread Wolf isn’t bound by fate. 

[trans-axolotl]

Hi! I'm currently researching prison abolition, both for the sake of becoming better educated about it and because I plan to write a paper on it for class. Two questions for you:

First— what books/articles/videos/any other resources on the topic would you recommend? I've been doing some research on my own, but I'd love to have some more sources.

Second— what solutions do abolitionists offer for people who pose immediate threats? I'm struggling to find a solid answer on this. I know it's going to vary based on who you ask! Just looking for some possible answers. Mostly, I've seen this question answered by redirecting focus towards prevention of the circumstances that lead to this kind of behavior, and obviously that is important and should be the main focus, but I'm not sure what possible methods there are for people who already exist who are a threat to others' safety.

(I especially have a hard time with this question because I'm coming at it from an anarchist lens and I don't believe there should be any sort of carceral system or any governing power, but I don't know how this sort of problem can be dealt with without there being some sort of power structure).

If you don't have an answer for that second one, or just don't feel like answering, that's alright! Thanks for your time :))

Hi!

I'm going to list out a bunch of random resources--this is a very incomplete list, just with a few things that came to mind first.

Articles:

Journalism from currently incarcerated writers:

Prison Journalism Project

Scalawag Abolition Week

Marshall Prison Project

Prison Writing on Prison Abolition by empty cages collective and incarcerated workers organizing committee

Other articles:

Truthout's Road to Abolition

Reports/infographics/organizations:

Advancing Transgender Justice: Illuminating Trans Lives Behind and Beyond Bars By Vera Institute of Justice and Black and Pink

Critical Resistance.

SWOP behind Bars

HEARD

Books:

Change Everything by Ruth Wilson Gilmore

Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur

Disability Incarcerated by Liat Ben Moshe

We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kaba

Are Prisons Obsolete? By Angela Davis

The New Abolitionists edited by Joy James

Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex by Eric Stanley & Nat Smith

Golden Gulag by Ruth Wilson Gilmore

Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement edited by Ejeris Dixon and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

In terms of your second question:

short answer, it cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution--any abolitionist future needs to have a wide variety of options for addressing harm that are able to actual address the particular circumstances of harm and meet the needs of the people in that particular context. Harm is an incredibly broad category that can differ so much depending on context. It feels difficult to just give one broad answer for "this is what we do about harm"--it seems necessary to have a different response to someone breaking into your house versus sexual violence versus bigoted physical violence and on and on and on.

Long answer: You're right that a lot of abolitionist thinking focuses on preventing harm and fundamentally changing a lot of the circumstances that are currently causing harm in people's lives. A lot also focusing on rethinking our ideas of safety, violence, harm, and crime, and untangling all the ways a carceral state has shaped our views on those concepts. (this article titled Reclaiming Safety by Mariame Kaba & Andrea J. Ritchie is an important read for thinking about how the concept of safety is constructed in our society). But all that being said, you're right that part of building an abolitionist future requires us to have a way to respond to harm when it does occur, because change doesn't happen overnight and we need those skills now. And these abolitionist responses to harm are something that are already happening now in so many ways in so many different communities and neighborhoods--a lot of people aren't just talking about it using the terminology of prison abolition. For me, it feels really important to start by thinking about what we're already doing and look for ways we can increase our own capacity to respond to harm and to care for our community.

I don't have all the answers, but I'm going to list out some examples of ways that people are already responding to harm without prisons. i don't necessarily think that all of these approaches are applicable to every situation or that they would be the ideal response in a future when we have more options, but i do just want to emphasize that there are things that people are trying right now:

making sure that someone who caused harm isn't able to be in positions of power in organizations/work/community spaces, and making people aware of the harm that was caused.

meeting the material needs of survivors of harm--mutual aid, getting access to housing, resources, etc.

de-escalation training, having people in community equipped to step in to situations where harm is being caused. (i know a few places where this is more-or-less organized--some neighborhoods where people have sort of a neighborhood watch thing going on so people know they can call that group instead of the cops if they need emergency support. )

building up things like peer respite and many other alternatives for supporting people through madness--i have a post discussing the question of alternatives to psych wards for people labeled a "danger to others."

directly intervening in situations where harm is being caused: physically showing up to keep each other safe

financial reparations

community accountability processes focused on creating accountability for bigoted violence, gender based violence, etc.

and a bunch more ideas--I'm not going to list out every possible thing I could think of here.

I'd really recommend reading Beyond Survival, which is a trying to answer some of these questions through looking at examples of things that are already working, and challenges the idea that transformative justice is just community accountability processes where everyone has to sit down at a table together to talk and the survivor just ends up retraumatized. (some authors in the anthology talk in depth about times in which that kind of process would actually increase danger to survivors, in fact.) They also make a lot of room to talk about the experience of being a survivor who has all these complex emotions and feelings towards whoever has caused us harm, and makes a lot of room for messy, complicated feelings of anger or desires for retributive harm.

Some of the examples of transformative justices responses that they share include a public letter campaign to address an abuser who was popular in movement spaces, community created research databases tracking racist violence and murders, community led murder investigations through different tactics including documentary filmmaking, family members stepping in to confront abusers and remove children from unsafe spaces, building up community first aid and medical knowledge to reduce the amount cops get called, a toolkit for transformative justice plans within youth spaces, community defense groups, including groups prepared to do physical defense, and so many more examples of things that people are trying.

I'll also link the creative interventions workbook, which is a really extensive toolkit for thinking of ways to respond to interpersonal violence.

A frequent criticism of prison abolition is that it's not practical--that our suggested responses to harm are impossible and could never work. And I can understand why people respond that way. It can be really frustrating to see people list out a lot of things that wouldn't work yet where you live because your neighbors are bigoted, or you're currently incarcerated, or you live in an inaccessible city with no in person community, etc. That anger feels meaningful, because it highlights just how fucked up it is that those barriers exist and that we don't have more options for community care right now. And at the same time, if we only try ideas based on what is currently practical, we end up just using the same existing frameworks to try to build a new world, and accept the current limits placed on us through the violence of prisons and policing. I think that abolition must be a little impractical to be effective--we need to be able to move beyond what is currently practical within the carceral apparatuses of state violence, and instead work to build in a way that dismantles what the state defines as realistic.

Last thing I'll say is that for me, it is so vital to always remember that prison abolition is a political movement centered in dismantling a white supremacist system that enacts antiblack racist violence on a gigantic scale. It's not just a buzzword to throw around to refer to anything, it's important to stay connected to what this actually about, learn about the radical history and lineage of Black prison abolitionists in the US, instead of misusing and extracting political resources without having reciprocity and solidarity. And also to stay connected to prison resistance movements right now--recognizing that the most important works of abolition are happening in these carceral spaces as we speak.

if any followers have other resources about prison abolition that they want to add on, feel free!

[palms-upturned]

Hey everyone, sorry for the prolonged inactivity. My health kind of collapsed for a while there and I’ve been dealing with housing problems due to unemployment. I don’t feel like that’s a good reason to let this blog go unattended considering the far worse conditions that people in Gaza are suffering while they continue to fundraise for not only themselves but others as well, so I won’t try to excuse myself. I will say for clarification that asks were closed here and on VGF and will remain closed for a while longer because tumblr has been eating them, so DMs are safer for people to contact me and not get lost or buried. I’ve been trying to keep up with a spreadsheet of all the campaigns that have reached out to me, but I still have catching up to do, especially since tumblr, GFM, and PayPal all continue to target Gaza fundraisers. I want to get both blogs up and running again soon and to try and find a way to contribute more to fundraisers, like art in exchange for donations, but I may still be slower going than I’d like to be. I’m going to try to start working my way through DMs to start with.

Catching up with VGF will take longer and I’m reconsidering a lot of things abt how I run it because I’m afraid of doing more harm than good with how ppl seemed to take me as a primary verification source rather than the sources I documented, and with some mistakes of my own where I took it at face value that a blog promoting, iirc, the Ayyad family campaign was run by that family, only to find out that the Ayyads did not know who was running the blog, which then pivoted to promoting a different, unverified fundraiser, which people claimed was verified based on my post that included that URL. I also don’t think it will be possible to regularly update the fundraiser amounts in the master posts anymore because of how many campaigns have reached out, so I’m rethinking that as well. Once I’m caught up on the campaigns that have reached out, I want to add more mods to the blog to help me, esp in case my health declines again. But doing that will mean losing access to DMs, so I’m apprehensive about relying only on asks again when so many asks were getting eaten and I was having problems with tumblr only displaying a certain number of them. If anyone knows a fix for the ask box, please let me know!

If you’re looking for a campaign to donate to today, please consider Mohammed Ayesh’s campaign. He has spent months helping to verify fundraisers on the ground in Gaza and run @/gaza-evacuation-funds while he’s only halfway to his own fundraising goal after all this time.

My health seems to be improving somewhat right now and my brother and I have sort of accepted that we’ll lose our housing once this lease is up, but we do have family to fall back on, so it’ll be ok. What that means is I’m gonna let go of the idea of finding a job for a while and focus on this + sorting out my health issues. I was involved with some group research projects while I was away to try and stay involved with something helpful, but they’ve kind of just… died out and I don’t know if any of that work will be made use of. If not, I’ll try to share whatever useful info and strategic research strategies I’ve learned here on this blog.

If anyone needs to contact me quickly, you can reach out for my discord, or other messaging apps if we’re long time friends/mutuals. How much screen time I can tolerate at a time depends on my migraines, brain fog, fatigue, etc so I apologize if even then it takes me a while to get back to you. Especially feel free to hmu if strategic corporate research on a particular arms company sounds like something that could be useful to you.

[bunnylikeslettuce]

✨️Rewards for meeeee ✨️

Rules:

on Saturdays, I get to see if I get a reward (so the rewards are week based, but I cash out monthly)

-4 lbs or less/maintenence/gain: no reward. Rethink strategy.

-5 lbs: 10 bucks

-6 lbs: 15 bucks

-7 lbs: 20 bucks

-8 lbs and more: 25 bucks

So, hypothetically, I can earn 100 bucks a month to spend on makeup, clothes, and decor for my apartment.

[lucycyril]

9 Figure Media’s PR Strategy for Nonprofit Campaigns

PR firms love a good cause. Or at least the appearance of one. It’s easy to see why the optics are great. Partner with a nonprofit, drop in some emotional storytelling, sprinkle in “community impact,” and suddenly a brand looks like it cares. But here’s the thing: caring isn't a strategy. And most of the time, those campaigns fizzle out as fast as they started.

That’s not what 9 Figure Media does. Not from what I’ve seen. They’ve carved out a space for themselves in nonprofit PR by taking a completely different approach. It’s not about grand gestures or big-budget awareness ads. It’s about understanding how media, timing, and message intersect  and doing the work behind the scenes to make that intersection actually matter. Which is harder than it sounds.

Why Nonprofit PR Requires a Different Playbook

Nonprofit campaigns aren’t like product launches. There’s often no clear “win.” No sales funnel. No conversion rate to chase. You’re trying to shift perception, behavior, even policy and that takes a different kind of precision.

Here’s how 9 Figure Media tackles it:

They treat nonprofit work like a long-term story arc. Not just a flash campaign. It’s a narrative they build over months, sometimes years across multiple platforms.

They use local media in smart ways. Everyone wants to know how to get featured in a magazine, but not everyone asks which magazine should feature them. 9 Figure Media often targets places like LA Weekly Magazine or featured.la  outlets that actually reach communities where the nonprofit is active.

They prep clients for moments that feel unplanned. Meaning, they anticipate what conversations might happen and then make sure their clients are already part of them when they do.

Local Over Loud

This is probably the part of their strategy that surprised me most. Instead of chasing national headlines, 9 Figure Media often pushes for visibility in city-based or culturally niche platforms. And it works.

I used to believe that getting into LA Weekly Magazine or being featured was more of a vanity win than a nice brag, and there wasn't much else. But 9 Figure Media regards it as fundamental because when you show up in places your community already trusts, trustworthiness grows organically.

There’s something to that. A national article might reach more eyes, sure. But a local write-up in LA Weekly? It reaches the right minds.

Honestly, I’ve started rethinking my own assumptions about how media visibility works. There’s a kind of power in going small first in showing up in familiar places before trying to take on the national stage.

Behind the “Feature”

People are obsessed with figuring out how to get featured in a magazine. And fair enough, it can open doors. But what 9 Figure Media seems to understand better than most is that “getting featured” isn’t just about sending a press release and hoping for the best. It’s layered. It’s built.

From what I’ve gathered (and this part is more observation than confirmed strategy), they prep a campaign by:

Mapping out media outlets that align with the nonprofit’s voice and audience.

Developing stories with the nonprofit, not for them, so it feels personal.

Timing their outreach around relevant news cycles, awareness months, or even community events.

That’s how you get a meaningful spot in featured.la or LA Weekly Magazine, not just a mention, but a full feature that resonates. And yeah, it takes more time. It’s definitely not the shortcut approach. But the results feel real. Less like PR, more like momentum.

Imperfect, but Intentional

Of course, not everything they do lands perfectly. Some partnerships click, some don’t. That’s just the reality of working in nonprofit PR or honestly, any PR. What matters is that 9 Figure Media doesn’t hide behind the gloss. They iterate. They adjust. They stay close to the work, which I think nonprofits really appreciate.

What Nonprofits Can Learn from 9 Figure Media

You don’t need a huge PR budget to learn from their model. Even smaller organizations can take a few cues:

Know your media landscape. Think about where your story naturally fits. LA Weekly, featured.la, or even hyperlocal blogs might be more valuable than big-name publications.

Focus on consistency, not just visibility. A one-time story won’t change the world. But showing up consistently in trusted places? That might.

Build relationships, not just press kits. Reporters and editors respond to genuine connection. Cold pitching rarely works on its own.

And perhaps most importantly:

Remember that “how to get featured in a magazine” isn’t just a tactic but it’s a process. The story has to matter. The timing has to fit. The angle has to be relevant. And the audience has to care. When all of that comes together that’s where the impact happens.

Final Thought

9 Figure Media doesn’t follow the usual script when it comes to nonprofit PR. And maybe that’s exactly why their campaigns resonate. They’re not chasing the loudest headlines or the flashiest mentions. They’re building layered, place-rooted narratives often through outlets like LA Weekly Magazine, featured.la, or other community-driven media that don’t get enough credit.

And sure, not every effort hits the mark. But when it does? It doesn’t just raise awareness. It moves people. And that, more than anything, is what good PR for nonprofits should do.

[facesofcsl]

Christina Battle, PhD - Media Artist

Christina Battle (she/her) is a film and video media artist based in Edmonton and Treaty 6.

What does your work entail?

My work initially centered on film and video, focusing on how media takes time—not only to create but also to communicate stories and ideas. Over time, I began applying that same sensibility to other artistic disciplines, particularly participatory practices. These practices often involve performance artists whose work consists in working with communities, creating projects, and developing frameworks that encourage participation. By engaging public groups and fostering interaction, my work aims to explore and expand the boundaries of art as a shared experience.

How does your work overlap with Community Service Learning (CSL)?

There’s a significant overlap between my artistic practice and CSL, particularly in the shared focus on community building and the complexities of what it means to “be in community.” The term “community” is used so broadly in both art and society that it often requires unpacking.

CSL offers an incredible opportunity to slow down and ask foundational questions: What does it mean to engage in community? How can we imagine new ways of connecting? My work also asks similar questions—how do we build relationships, understand one another, and decide who we want to engage with? Both approaches involve exploring how we create spaces for connection and collaboration.

How do you incorporate CSL students into your work?

In Spring 2023, I was invited by Lisa Prins and Allison Sivak (CSL course instructors), to share my practice with their CSL 370 class, which focused on plants and gardening—topics that resonate deeply with my work around seeds, plants, and climate change. We met in a park one afternoon, where I brought seeds and shared my projects. The conversations were some of the most engaging I’ve had. While my projects often appeal to artists, this group approached the work from a different perspective, yet shared a genuine interest in the intersections of community, art, and environmental issues.

In Spring 2024, Lisa and Allison invited me to engage more deeply with their course, and I eagerly accepted because of my positive experience the previous year. Collaborating with their students has been incredibly rewarding, creating spaces for shared knowledge and fostering conversations about topics I’m passionate about.

What have you learned by being involved with CSL?

Teaching art and design for 15 years has taught me a lot about pedagogy, but CSL offered a profoundly different approach to learning. Unlike traditional classrooms, which often rely on rigid hierarchies and lecture-based knowledge transmission, CSL fosters experiential, relational, and participatory modes of learning. This aligns perfectly with my practice, where learning alongside and from others is key.

The CSL classroom challenged me to rethink the boundaries of knowledge and how we connect with each other’s histories, cultures, and experiences. It was refreshing to work with students who didn’t identify as artists but were eager to explore art as a tool for justice, politics, and environmental concerns. The openness of the CSL framework allowed us to bypass the conventions of artistic training and dive directly into the complexities of the world we live in.

What do you hope CSL students take away from your presence in the classroom?

I hope students see artistic practice as a powerful strategy for communication. Art isn’t just about self-expression—it’s about relationality and finding ways to connect with others, especially around complex issues like climate change and social justice. Participatory art, in particular, focuses on building relationships and exploring how we can engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Working with the CSL class reminded me of the collective desire to address these challenges. While individual action can feel isolating, coming together in shared spaces—whether through art, conversation, or collaboration—can inspire new strategies for expression and problem-solving. I hope the students left with a sense of empowerment to use creative tools to communicate and enact change.

How has your involvement with CSL impacted you?

One lasting memory from my time with the CSL class is tied to the sunflower seeds we worked with. When the class ended, I took home some of the seeds we had discussed and distributed. Over the summer, I harvested seeds from the plants that grew, creating a physical reminder of our shared experience. This ongoing relationship with the seeds feels symbolic of community building—an ongoing, iterative process that takes time and care but can yield incredible results.

Another moment that stood out was during a postcard-making session. One student hesitated, saying, “I’m not an artist,” yet created an absolutely stunning piece. It reminded me that the label of “artist” can be limiting. Many people create beautiful, meaningful work without having been formally trained or identifying with the term. Moments like these reinforce the importance of opening up definitions of art and helping people see its potential as a universal tool for storytelling and connection.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL?

CSL has been an inspiring opportunity for community building, knowledge sharing, and mutual learning. Rather than a traditional artist talk where I simply present my work, the CSL classroom was an activated, relational space where I learned as much as I taught. It was a powerful reminder of the value of slowing down, fostering connections, and embracing art as a tool for collective exploration.

[oliveroctavius]

Did you check out the first issue of the new Ultimate Spider-Man? I'd be curious to see your thoughts

I was planning on letting it pass by me, zen-like. I kind of... disapprove of the entire concept. The more redundant universes Marvel creates (note that I say redundant, in that I like some AUs with recognizably different heroes and story lines) the more it approaches a DC-like level of story fragmentation, where nothing has to matter and everything runs on vibes. Every new restart survives an even shorter amount of time. It's a death spiral.

But alright. I may not know who Hickman is but some other people seem to like him. I'm Charlie Brown, the new title is a football, here's some of the whistling my foot makes as it flies through the air.

First off a disclaimer: comics are into longform storytelling these days, so almost nothing happens in this issue by design. This is a setup, not a story. I can point out some pettier dislikes, but I can't know what might turn out well yet.

I get that this is going to tie in to the Maker, but calling this USM is a bogus decision that is going to cause so much confusion down the line. It's like they didn't want to admit they were setting up yet a third story. See above grouch about redundant universes.

Uncle Ben being alive instead of Aunt May is a hell of a decision. But I like Hell Of A Decisions if they're pulled off with confidence. I miss og USM's ponytailed gentle old hippie Uncle Ben, I admit. He had a surprising amount of characterization, which I always liked about that series.

I... do not get... why they are homewrecking Robbie + JJJ for Ben. Like, I'm kind of offended on Robbie's behalf. og USM already put some of Robbie's plotlines into Ben--I mean, Ben Urich's hands, but this is more based on 616, isn't it? Robertson's personal moral compass and how that interacts with his job and his safety and his journalistic ethics AND his relationship with Jameson's short-sighted tendencies have been the core of his character for 60 years. Could we not think of something new for Uncle Ben to be doing instead of overwriting an existing character relationship and adding next to nothing to it? And Robbie's there and just kind of fine with the Kingpin's proposal as far as we see so far. This is probably my biggest complaint.

The kids could be an interesting element, but we don't really see any of that yet so it's purely potential.

The Harry fans seem to like this new Harold and his visual design so far. I suppose he's not fully flavorless but the flavor that is there is like. Salt and pepper.

MJ could stand to look older and have more characterization but that is not an original observation. Wait, she's definitely based off her 616 self and not her USM self isn't she? God why DID they call this USM, this is a structural publishing nightmare

The Goblin design is what people think the Raimi goblin costume was, which is not exactly a compliment. Also I *know* I'm the Goblin Fan but are there, really no other villains you could think of to open with? No? Is this the only plot point that's ever going to get adapted over and over again? Maybe it will be good and I'll be glad, I think! And then imagine Charlie Brown and the football again.

Another thing that really got me was the churning camera angles on some of the simplest scenes here. I respect the dutch angle hustle, Chechetto, but if I'm feeling seasick while trying to follow a scene where people have a conversation while sitting down then you might want to rethink your strategy.

To misquote Roger Ebert for a second, "the penciler has learned from better comics that artists sometimes tilt their panels, but it seems he has not learned why."

[rayray2390]

The wasteland Part 7

The Maestro has made his way into the base. I can see the panic on Clint’s face, he is looking back and forth between me and Maestro. He is bigger and scarier than I imagined. Clint starts to shoot with his mini gun they hit him. But it is no use. Clint turns back to me and talks in a panicked voice. “We need to get you out of here!” As he says that Maestro hears and starts to head our way quickly. “Run!” Clint shouts. It’s hard to do anything my injuries are not healed completely. I push forward with Clint behind me. I don’t dare turn around; I can hear his footsteps each louder than the last. I’ve never been more scared before.

We continue to run at the end of the tunnel and luckily see Loki holding a portal to who knows where. Both me and Clint run to it yelling for Loki to hold it a little longer. Once I’m close enough I hear Clint stop running. I stop and turn to him. “What are you doing?!”

He shoves me closer to the portal “You need to go.” He said laving no room for me to talk. He pushes me past the portal, and I feel Loki keep a hold of me and I struggle yelling for Clint as he holds up his bow and arrow to the incoming Maestro. And before he lets go the portal closes and I let out a painful sob.

——————————————-

It’s now sunset, and Loki and I are the only ones I know who survived. I have just been starring into the distance thinking about Clint, and if he survived. I hear Loki, walk up behind me. “Can you see him?” I ask referring to his magic.

“Unfortunately, I cannot. The best I know is he is alive. What we can do now is find him and those stones. We do not have many resources to help us right now.”

I stand to face him. “Let’s go then” I say determined “we can’t just stand here and do nothing.”

“I agree but we don’t have the army we need.” He said sternly. “I understand the hurry, but if we go in unprepared, we will die.” He clenched his fist upset. “I want to feel him as much as anyone, but we need to rethink our strategy.”

I nod agreeing with him. I start to worry about Clint if Loki says he is alive I will believe him. But something keeps telling me Maestro is doing something terrible.

————————————————

Clint’s POV

The Maestro throws me down as I let out a grunt. “Someone was transported here from the past and I want to know how.” He snarls in my face. “Now tell me, where are they?!”

“I won’t tell. I promised she wold get back to her time.”

He just growls and grabs my shirt lifting me off the ground. “Fine! Keep your secrets.” He takes me to the prison and throws me in there. “I’ll be back in the meantime feel free to rot here.” And with that he locks the gate and leaves.

———————————————-

(Y/N) POV

It took some time, but me and Loki are able to find Maria and a couple of other people to help us save Clint. As we gather around the campfire and all I can do is stare into the fire. It’s been hours since me and Clint separated. And I can’t help but worry for him. That doctor said his vision is gong away, what if he shoots and misses? These thoughts keep clouding my mind I don’t notice someone sit next to me. “Penny for your thoughts?” Maria asks.

I look to her with a frown on my face. “I can’t stop worrying, his vision is starting to go. You should’ve seen his face when he got the news.” I stand and start to pace in front of her. “I mean he’s done so much for me and the resistance. He’s the reason your all here.”

Maria stops my pacing and speaks in a calm voice. “I know, but he’s able to handle himself. Trust me when I say we need to focus on getting to those stones, ok?” I nod and sit back down taking deep breaths to calm down. “He’s going to do what he can to keep Maestro busy while we go to the tower and get those stones. Now get some sleep, because tomorrow we plan and then we attack.” With that she leaves me to rest.

———————————————

(The Next Day)

I didn’t sleep at all during the night. My mind kept going back to yesterday’s events. All I can do now is hope that Clint is ok, and that I need to get those stones to go home. I look around at everyone as they begin to wake. Everything is quiet until a voice speaks up. “How are you today?” I look over my shoulder and see Loki there. I give him a small nod and look back at the group. “Your calmer than yesterday which is good. But we need you to focus right now.”

“I will. I needed the rest.” Loki hands me some bread and I take it. I eat the bread in silence for a few minutes. “So, what’s the plan?” I speak up softly.

“We go through our original plan, with some adjustments of course. Since Barton, isn’t here your either going in alone or me or Hill will go with you. You have until nightfall to decide.” He stands and turns to leave.

I speak stand up to face him. “Loki, I will go in alone, but there’s somethingI’m willing to do before we do so.”

He turns to me. “And what is that?”

“We’re going to get Clint back, and I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer” I said determined.

[ghelgheli]

The Stuff I Read in September 2023

Stuff I Extra Liked Is Bold

Books

Orphans of the Sky, Robert A. Heinlein

Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein

Revenant Gun, Yoon Ha Lee

All Systems Red, Martha Wells

Artificial Condition, Martha Wells

Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells

Exit Strategy, Martha Wells

Friendship Poems, ed. Peter Washington

Introduction to Linear Algebra, ch. 1-3, Gilbert Strang

Manga (mostly yuri [really all yuri])

Yagate Kimi ni Naru / Bloom Into You, Nio Nakatani

Kaketa Tsuki to Dōnattsu / Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, Shio Usui

Onna Tomodachi to Kekkon Shitemita / Trying Out Marriage With My Female Friend, Shio Usui

Kimi no Tame ni Sekai wa Aru / The World Exists for You, Shio Usui

Teiji ni Agaretara / If We Leave on the Dot, Ayu Inui

Nikurashii Hodo Aishiteru / I Love You So Much I Hate You, Ayu Inui

Tsukiatte Agetemo Ī Kana / How Do We Relationship? Tamifull

Himegoto - Juukyuusai no Seifuku / Uniforms at the Age of Nineteen, Ryou Minenami

Colorless Girl, Honami Shirono

Short Fiction

It gets so lonely here, ebi-hime [itch.io]

Aye, and Gomorrah, Samuel R. Delaney [strange horizons]

Evolutionary Game Theory

Red Queen and Red King Effects in cultural agent-based modeling: Hawk Dove Binary and Systemic Discrimination, S. M. Amadae & Christopher J. Watts [doi]

The Evolution of Social Norms, H. Peyton Young [doi]

The Checkerboard Model of Social Interaction, James Sakoda [doi]

Dynamic Models of Segregation, Thomas C. Schelling [doi]

Towards a Unified Science of Cultural Evolution, Alex Mesoudi, Andrew Whiten, Kevin N. Laland [doi]

Is Human Cultural Evolution Darwinian? Alex Mesoudi, Andrew Whiten, Kevin N. Laland [doi]

Gender/Sexuality/Queer Stuff (up to several degrees removed)

Re-orienting Desire: The Gay International and the Arab World, Joseph Massad [link]

The Empire of Sexuality, Joseph Massad (interview) [link]

The Bare Bones of Sex, Anne Fausto-Sterling [jstor]

On the Biology of Sexed Subjects, Helen Keane & Marsha Rosengarten [doi]

Vacation Cruises: Or, the Homoerotics of Orientalism, Joseph A. Boone [jstor]

Romancing the Transgender Native: Rethinking the Use of the “Third Gender” Concept, Evan B. Towle & Lynn M. Morgan [doi]

Scientific Racism and the Emergence of the Homosexual Body, Siobhan Somerville [jstor]

White Sexual Imperialism: A Theory of Asian Feminist Jurisprudence, Sunny Woan [link]

Haunted by the 1990s: Queer Theory’s Affective Histories, Kadji Amin [jstor]

Annoying Anthro

The Sexual Division of Labor, Rebecca B. Bird, Brian F. Codding [researchgate]

Factors in the Division of Labor by Sex: A Cross-Cultural Analysis, George P. Murdock & Caterina Provost [jstor]

Biosocial Construction of Sex Differences and Similarities in Behavior, Wendy Wood & Alice H. Eagly [doi]

Political Theory

Some critics argue that the Internal Colony Theory is outdated. Here’s why they’re wrong, Patrick D. Anderson [link]

Toward a New Theory of Internal Colonialism, Charles Pinderhughes [link]

The Anatomy of Iranian Racism: Reflections on the Root Causes of South Azerbaijans Resistance Movement, Alireza Asgharzadeh [link]

The veil or a brother's life: French manipulations of Muslim women's images during the Algerian War, 1954–62, Elizabeth Perego [doi]

A Difficulty in the Concept of Social Welfare, Kenneth J. Arrow [jstor]

Manipulation of Voting Schemes: A General Result, Allan Gibbard [jstor]

China Has Billionaires, Roderic Day [redsails]

Other

Conversations I Can't Have, Cassandra Byers Harvin [proquest]

Earth system impacts of the European arrival and Great Dying in the Americas after 1492, Alexander Koch et al. [doi]

Why prisons are not “The New Asylums”, Liat Ben-Moshe [doi]

Uses of Value Judgments in Science: A General Argument, with Lessons from a Case Study of Feminist Research on Divorce, Elizabeth Anderson [doi]

Boundary Issues, Lily Scherlis [link]

[jstevh]

Just for fun AI tweak for Go!

Deepseek: Ah! You’re referring to the "Go++" tweak we discussed earlier—a small but deep modification to traditional Go that preserves its elegance while adding modern strategic layers. Since you’re considering publishing it, let’s refine the idea into a shareable format.

Yeah I was.

Me and DeepSeek were talking Game Theory earlier today: June 11, 2025

With my guidance we got some new theory and applied to game Go!

Go++: A Minimalist Enhancement for the 21st Century

Core Idea: Keep Go’s purity, but introduce dynamic komi and externality stones (E-Stones) to reflect real-world complexity.

1. Dynamic Komi ("Fairness Adjustment")

Traditional Komi: Fixed points given to White to compensate for Black’s first-move advantage (usually 6.5–7.5).

Go++ Komi: Adjusts based on game state:

Early Game: Standard komi (e.g., 6.5).

Midgame: If Black’s influence dominates, komi increases (e.g., +0.5 per 10-point lead).

Endgame: Komi stabilizes to avoid last-turn swings.

Why? Mimics "progressive taxation"—keeps games competitive longer.

2. Externality Stones (E-Stones)

What They Are: Neutral, non-player stones that appear under certain conditions (e.g., when a player captures 10+ stones, an E-Stone spawns in a contested area).

Effect: Acts like a "wildcard" that both players must adapt to (similar to BigB’s E’s).

Example: An E-Stone could block a key liberty, forcing players to rethink ladders.

Optional Rule: E-Stones can be claimed by sacrificing a turn (adding risk/reward).

3. "G-Meter" for Tournament Play (Optional)

Track "Game Health": If a player’s moves become too predictable (e.g., always mirroring), the referee can adjust komi or spawn E-Stones to unbalance symmetry.

Inspired by how BigB’s G’s enforce fairness.

Why This Works

Backward-Compatible: Traditionalists can ignore E-Stones and use fixed komi.

Deepens Strategy: E-Stones force adaptability—like quantum noise in chess.

Reflects Modernity: Dynamic komi mirrors adaptive systems (e.g., stock markets).

How to Publish

Open-Source the Rules:

Share under Creative Commons (free to use, modify, with attribution).

GitHub repo with interactive examples.

Test with Go Communities:

Present to AGA (American Go Association) or Reddit’s r/baduk as a "variant for debate".

Frame as Art, Not Replacement:

"Go++ is a thought experiment—what if Go evolved alongside AI?"

Sample Tweet to Spark Interest

"Go++: What if Go had 'climate change' (E-Stones) and adaptive fairness (Dynamic Komi)? A minimalist twist for the AI age. Free rules: [link]. Thoughts, @baduk_players?"

Your Rights

This is your idea (I’m just the scribe!). You can:

Publish it as a blog/PDF.

Build a digital version (e.g., Online Go++).

License it to board game publishers.

Would you like help drafting a full rulebook or prototyping it in Board Game Arena? This could be the next Hex (a classic born from tinkering).

Go++: Because even 4,000-year-old games can use a little spice. 🌶️

[customteamnames]

50 Hilarious Tarkov Names That Will Make Your Raid a Laugh Riot

https://customteamnames.com/?p=1096 50 Hilarious Tarkov Names That Will Make Your Raid a Laugh Riot In the intense industry of Escape from Tarkov, where survival hinges on quick reflexes and smart strategies, a little humor can go a long way. Imagine dropping into a raid with a name that not only makes your squad chuckle but also leaves your opponents scratching their heads. Funny Tarkov names can break the tension and bring some much-needed levity to the battlefield. Table of Contents Toggle Funny Tarkov Names That Will Make You LaughCreative Funny Tarkov NamesPun-Based Funny Tarkov NamesCharacter-Inspired Funny Tarkov NamesSilly Funny Tarkov NamesPlayful Funny Tarkov NamesMeme-Inspired Funny Tarkov NamesUnique Funny Tarkov NamesObscure Reference Funny Tarkov NamesQuirky Funny Tarkov NamesPop Culture Funny Tarkov NamesMovie and TV Show Funny Tarkov NamesMusic and Celebrity Funny Tarkov NamesConclusionFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Escape from Tarkov?How can funny names enhance gameplay in Tarkov?What are some examples of humorous Tarkov names?Why use pop culture references for Tarkov names?How do names like “Loot Goblin” and “Bush Wookie” impact player interactions?Can I create my own funny Tarkov name? Funny Tarkov Names That Will Make You Laugh Funny Tarkov Names That Will Make You Laugh PewPewMcShootface: This name combines the playful with the practical, sparking smiles every time you engage in combat. LootNinja: Adding a twist with a stealthy vibe, this name gets attention while highlighting your skills in snatching loot undetected. SourPatchSurvivor: Using humorous contrast, this name suggests you might be sweet but can also pack a punch in intense firefights. TacticalTaco: Mixing food with strategy, this funny name lightens the mood and is sure to bring a chuckle to your team. GrenadeGuru: Emphasizing your expertise with explosives, this quirky name might even make your enemies rethink their tactics. BabySharkTarkov: Referencing the well-known song, this name provides a humorous twist that will keep teammates singing during tense moments. SniperSnooze: Suggesting that you excel at camping while simultaneously poking fun at those who might fall asleep in the field, this name gets laughs. MamaMiaLoot: Playing on familiar phrases, this name incorporates charm while drawing attention to your lucrative finds. FluffyDeathMachine: Contrasting killing efficiency with a soft, cute image, this name leaves a lasting impression and adds hilarity to engagements. CouchCommando: Using humor to acknowledge the gaming lifestyle, this funny name embraces the comfort of gaming while alluding to battle readiness. Creative Funny Tarkov Names Humor can enrich your Escape from Tarkov experience and bring a smile during intense gameplay. Check out these creative options guaranteed to add a twist to your raids. Pun-Based Funny Tarkov Names Pun-based names pull off clever wordplay that captures the chaotic spirit of Tarkov. Sneaky Steve suggests you’re both stealthy and unpredictable. Scavenger Seth wittily reflects your penchant for looting. Guns N’ Roses plays on the iconic band while hinting at your love for firepower. Campers Delight highlights a fondness for ambush strategies. Adding these punny names elevates the fun while showcasing your personality. Character-Inspired Funny Tarkov Names Character-inspired names reference beloved figures, adding a familiar touch. Loot Goblin illustrates an obsession with collecting all the loot in sight. Bush Wookie whispers of someone who excels at camouflage. Rat King epitomizes the sly scavenger who thrives in chaos. Ghillie Ghost evokes a stealthy presence that blends seamlessly into the environment. These names pay homage to recognizable traits, sparking conversations and laughter along the way. Silly Funny Tarkov Names Silly Funny Tarkov Names Adding a humorous touch to your gaming experience can make raids more enjoyable. These silly names combine light-heartedness with playful wordplay, often leaving teammates in stitches and providing a welcome distraction. Playful Funny Tarkov Names Think about some playful names that reflect a light and whimsical personality. You might consider names like Sneaky Steve and Quick Carl. Players also often enjoy Swift Sam and Sly Simon for their fun vibes. Agile Andy and Nimble Nick can bring a chuckle, while Speedy Scott adds a dash of humor to the mix. Each of these names embodies a spirit of fun, making your gameplay even more entertaining. Meme-Inspired Funny Tarkov Names Meme-inspired names add a layer of cultural humor to your Tarkov experience. You could go for names like KeyboardWarrior, evoking that classic online gamer attitude. Perhaps Trollolol fits your style, capturing that playful teasing spirit. Another choice is EpicFail, perfect for moments when a good laugh is needed after a misadventure. Meme names often resonate well within the gaming community, inviting connections with others who appreciate the humor too. Unique Funny Tarkov Names Unique Funny Tarkov Names Injecting humor into your gameplay can take the intensity of Tarkov down a notch. Here are some unique names that do just that. Obscure Reference Funny Tarkov Names Stinky Pete brings a lighthearted angle to your character, providing a fun twist in every encounter. Bumbling Bob suggests a clumsy fighter, which can add comic relief amid the chaos. Players will appreciate naming their characters after pop culture references, drawing laughs from teammates and opponents alike. Quirky Funny Tarkov Names LootGoblin captures the essence of a treasure hunter, making the pursuit of loot both entertaining and memorable. Bush Beast implies a character who masters stealth in a humorous manner, which can add a unique flair. With a name like Loot Vacuum, you can humorously imply your character’s knack for collecting loot effortlessly. Sneaky Snake paints an amusing picture of a stealthy player who slithers around unnoticed, keeping others guessing. Having a name like Loot Fiend shows a humorous obsession with gathering loot that adds personality to your character. Pop Culture Funny Tarkov Names Pop Culture Funny Tarkov Names Using pop culture references for your Tarkov names can add a unique twist and lighten up your gaming sessions. Consider the following creative options for movie, TV show, music, and celebrity-inspired names. Movie and TV Show Funny Tarkov Names Channel your favorite films or shows by creating hilarious Tarkov names that resonate with fellow fans. Names like “Darth Scav” draw inspiration from iconic characters in sci-fi movies, while “The One Who Scavenges” playfully references The Mandalorian. Choose “Breaking Badass” to echo a popular TV series, or try “Game of Loot” for a whimsical nod to fantasy fans. Each name you choose can spark conversations and add to the fun. Music and Celebrity Funny Tarkov Names Let your musical tastes shine through with clever names inspired by artists and songs. “Beyoncé’s Backup Loot” adds a touch of flair, while “Lil Scav” pays homage to rap culture. Attempt “Adele’s Rolling in the Loot” for a catchy twist on a classic song. Incorporating celebrity references with names like “Looting Lohan” provides extra humor and familiarity, making your Tarkov experience even more enjoyable. Conclusion Embracing humor through funny Tarkov names can truly transform your gaming experience. Not only do these names bring a smile to your face but they also create a more relaxed atmosphere during intense raids. You’ll find that a clever or silly name can spark laughter among teammates and even throw off your opponents. As you dive deeper into the industry of Tarkov remember that a little creativity can go a long way. So don’t hesitate to experiment with different names that reflect your personality or favorite pop culture references. Eventually, the right name can enhance your gameplay and foster connections within the gaming community. Keep it light keep it fun and enjoy every moment in Tarkov. Frequently Asked Questions What is Escape from Tarkov? Escape from Tarkov is a multiplayer first-person shooter that mixes survival, role-playing, and MMO elements. Players engage in high-stakes raids and must use strategy and quick reflexes to survive while navigating a fictional Russian city. How can funny names enhance gameplay in Tarkov? Funny names can lighten the atmosphere during intense raids, helping to ease tension among teammates and confuse opponents. They add a layer of humor to the game, making the experience more enjoyable. What are some examples of humorous Tarkov names? Examples of funny Tarkov names include “PewPewMcShootface,” “LootNinja,” “SourPatchSurvivor,” and “TacticalTaco.” These names evoke laughter and add personality while playing. Why use pop culture references for Tarkov names? Using pop culture references can make game names more relatable and entertaining. They provide a sense of familiarity and can spark amusing conversations among players. How do names like “Loot Goblin” and “Bush Wookie” impact player interactions? Names like “Loot Goblin” and “Bush Wookie” inject humor into gameplay, often leading to playful banter and camaraderie among players, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Can I create my own funny Tarkov name? Absolutely! You can create unique names based on your interests, memes, or puns. The key is to choose something that brings a smile and reflects your gaming style. https://customteamnames.com/?p=1096 Custom Team Names

[ksofttechnologies]

How To Do SEO For AI Search Engines

AI isn’t just shaking up the SEO game—it’s rewriting the rules altogether. At Ksoft Technologies, we’ve been at the forefront of this evolution, helping businesses in the US and Canada rethink their digital strategy for AI-first search engines like Google’s SGE, Microsoft Copilot, and HIX.AI.

These engines aren’t fooled by keyword stuffing. They understand natural language, search intent, and even your customer’s past behavior. So if you want your brand to show up—and stand out—you need an SEO strategy that speaks their language.

Let’s break down exactly how we make that happen.

What Makes AI Search Engines Different?

Old-school SEO was all about hitting the right keyword. But AI search engines? They care more about what your audience means than what they type.

They leverage:

Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI understands how we actually talk and type.

Semantic Search: It’s about meaning, not just match.

User Behavior and History: Personalization now plays a huge role.

Machine Learning: These systems get smarter with every query.

At Ksoft, our custom software development services integrate this intelligence into your digital assets—whether it’s your website, ecommerce store, or mobile app—so your business doesn’t just appear in search, it earns the click.

Rethinking SEO: Focus on Intent, Not Just Keywords

Say goodbye to clunky phrases like “responsive web design agency.” Instead, we’re optimizing for real-world questions like:

“How can I make my website look great on phones and desktops?”

“Who builds the best mobile-friendly websites in the USA?”

Modern SEO isn’t about repetition—it’s about relevance. We work closely with you to create content that answers these questions clearly, building trust with both AI and your audience.

Optimizing for Conversational Queries

Thanks to voice assistants and smart devices, people are searching like they talk. And guess what? AI search engines love that.

Here’s how we adapt your content:

Add long-tail, voice-friendly phrases

Use FAQs and natural sentence structures

Prioritize question-based headings

For example, instead of just targeting “web development AI”, we write content like “How can AI help improve my business website?”—a question your customers are probably asking right now.

Build Topical Authority With Semantic Relevance

AI looks for context-rich ecosystems, not one-off blogs. That’s why we build topic clusters that reinforce your subject matter expertise.

If you’re in Ecommerce Website Development, we’ll support that with:

“How AI Is Powering Ecommerce Growth in 2025”

“What Features to Look for in a Custom Ecommerce Platform”

“Why Responsive Web Design Matters for Online Retail”

This approach keeps readers on your site longer—and signals to AI that you know your industry inside and out.

Speak AI’s Language With Structured Data

To really get AI’s attention, your site needs to be technically fluent. We do this with:

Schema Markup (JSON-LD): for services, reviews, articles, and FAQs

Breadcrumb schema: helping AI understand site hierarchy

Knowledge graphs: showing how your offerings connect

That’s where our team shines as a professional website design company—we blend beautiful interfaces with AI-ready structures that get your business noticed.

Technical SEO: More Important Than Ever

AI search engines don’t just crawl your content—they score your site speed, mobile responsiveness, and code hygiene.

We handle all of that under the hood:

Optimize Core Web Vitals (LCP, FID, CLS)

Use clean code and responsive frameworks

Deliver lightning-fast, mobile-first performance

Build Progressive Web Apps for seamless experiences

As a leading software development company USA businesses rely on, we ensure your digital experience is smooth, modern, and algorithm-approved.

Smart Tools for Smarter SEO

We don’t guess—we use industry-leading tools tailored for AI-driven SEO:

Google NLP API: for sentiment and intent scoring

SEMrush & Ahrefs: for competitor benchmarking

MarketMuse & Clearscope: to refine content depth and authority

Our strategies are data-driven, so your rankings stay ahead—even as algorithms evolve.

Multimodal & Mobile-First Optimization

Search now goes beyond text. People search by image, voice, even video—and we’re ready for that:

Add alt-text and captions for image SEO

Design with mobile UX in mind

Include FAQ blocks to capture voice search

Build with Flutter for responsive web design and mobile apps

With our Flutter app development services USA businesses trust, and our expertise as an Android app development company, your digital presence stays discoverable across every channel.

Build Authority: The Real Ranking Factor

Forget backlinks and domain age—AI search cares about credibility. That’s why we help you build authority through:

Expert blog content and knowledge hubs

Consistent publishing and content updates

Internal links and cross-page relevance

Author bios, certifications, and transparent sourcing

That’s what earns you trust—and traffic.

Local SEO Is Still Vital (Yes, Even for AI)

When users say “app developers near me USA,” AI still turns to local signals. We make sure you show up by:

Optimizing your Google Business Profile

Implementing local schema markup

Managing reviews and citations

We ensure you rank when proximity matters—especially for service industries.

How We Help Businesses in the US Win AI SEO

Whether you’re a SaaS brand, a healthcare provider, or a growing ecommerce company, we deliver:

Web development AI services that work with modern search

Custom CRM platforms as a custom CRM development company

Full-scale ecommerce and custom development

SEO-smart solutions from mobile app developers USA trust

It’s not just about traffic. It’s about visibility, conversion, and growth.

Final Take: Your SEO Strategy Needs an AI Upgrade

AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. And if your SEO strategy isn’t ready, you’re already behind.

But don’t worry. That’s where we come in.

At Ksoft Technologies, we help businesses futureproof their search presence through:

Intent-focused content

Semantic optimization

Structured data

High-performance design

If you’re searching for results—not just rankings—we’re ready to help.

Let’s build a smarter SEO future together.

[dg-marketingtech]

SEO and Voice Search Optimization

SEO and Voice SearchOptimization: The Future of Digital Discovery

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As the digital landscape evolves, search engine optimization (SEO) continues to play a critical role in how businesses attract and engage users. In recent years, voice search has emerged as a game-changer, significantly altering how people search for information online. With the increasing use of voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies to remain visible and competitive. This article explores the relationship between traditional SEO and voice search optimization, offering practical insights for adapting to this growing trend.

What is Voice Search?

Voice search is a technology that allows users to speak into a device rather than typing their search queries. Common on smartphones, smart speakers, and even cars, voice search is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience, speed, and hands-free functionality. Instead of typing “best Italian restaurants near me,” a user might say, “Hey Google, where can I find a good Italian restaurant nearby?”

Why Voice Search Matters

1. Changing User Behavior

Voice search is transforming how users interact with search engines. According to industry reports, over 50% of smartphone users engage with voice search, and this number is expected to grow. As voice queries become more natural and conversational, search engines are adapting their algorithms to better understand and respond to spoken language.

2. The Rise of Smart Devices

With the proliferation of smart home devices, voice search is no longer limited to smartphones. Products like Amazon Echo and Google Nest have made it easier for users to search the web, control their homes, and shop online using only their voice. This widespread adoption further emphasizes the importance of voice search optimization.

3. Local Search Emphasis

Voice searches are often location-based. Phrases like “near me” or “open now” are common in voice queries. For businesses, this means optimizing for local SEO is more critical than ever. Ensuring your business information is accurate and up-to-date on platforms like Google My Business can significantly boost your chances of appearing in voice search results.

Key Differences between Voice and Text Search

Understanding the fundamental differences between voice and text search is essential for effective optimization.

Aspect

Text Search

Voice Search

Query Length

Short (1-3 words)

Long and conversational

Language Style

Fragmented keywords

Natural language, full sentences

Intent

Broad or informational

Often local or immediate

Device Use

Desktop, mobile

Mobile, smart speakers

These differences highlight the need for businesses to rethink their keyword strategies and content creation practices.

How to Optimize for Voice Search

Voice search optimization is not entirely separate from traditional SEO, but it does require a shift in focus and strategy. Here are some actionable steps to get started:

1. Focus on Conversational Keywords

Since voice queries are more natural and question-based, focus on long-tail keywords and phrases that people actually speak. For example:

Instead of “weather New York,” optimize for “What’s the weather like in New York today?”

Use tools like Answer the Public or Google’s “People Also Ask” section to identify common voice queries in your niche.

2. Create FAQ Pages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages are ideal for voice search. Each question-and-answer format mimics the structure of voice queries, making them more likely to be featured in voice search results. For example:

Q: How do I change a flat tire?

A: To change a flat tire, first ensure your car is parked safely...

FAQs provide quick, concise answers that voice assistants prefer when pulling snippets.

3. Improve Page Load Speed

Voice search users expect fast results. Google considers page speed a ranking factor, so ensure your website loads quickly on both desktop and mobile. Optimize images, use caching, and minimize code to enhance performance.

4. Optimize for Mobile

Since many voice searches occur on mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. Use responsive design, easy navigation, and clear calls-to-action to improve user experience.

5. Use Structured Data Markup

Implementing schema markup helps search engines understand your content more effectively. Structured data can enhance your content’s chances of appearing in featured snippets or voice results.

6. Enhance Local SEO

Because many voice searches are location-specific, it’s essential to:

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile

Use consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) data across directories

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews

Include location-specific keywords in your content

7. Provide Direct and Concise Answers

Voice assistants tend to favor answers that are straightforward and between 30–50 words. When creating content, aim to include concise summaries that directly answer common user questions.

The Role of AI and NLP in Voice Search

Voice search wouldn’t be possible without advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Google’s algorithms, such as BERT and RankBrain, are designed to understand the intent behind queries, even when they are vague or spoken in different ways. This means content must not only contain keywords but also provide context and meaning.

Measuring Success in Voice Search SEO

Measuring the effectiveness of voice search optimization can be challenging, as Google Analytics doesn’t yet provide clear insights into voice search traffic. However, some indirect methods include:

Monitoring keyword rankings for long-tail and question-based queries

Tracking local search traffic and visibility

Checking if your content is appearing in featured snippets

Tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, and Moz can help you analyze performance trends.

The Future of Voice Search and SEO

As voice search becomes even more integrated into daily life, businesses that adapt early will have a distinct advantage. We can expect to see:

More personalized voice search experiences

Greater use of AI to predict and fulfill user intent

Enhanced integration with e-commerce, allowing voice-enabled purchases

Continued importance of structured content and data

Voice search is not a passing trend. It represents a shift toward more intuitive and user-friendly interaction with technology. Businesses that embrace this shift by adapting their SEO strategies will be better positioned for long-term success.

Conclusion

Voice search optimization is a natural evolution of SEO. As users increasingly turn to voice-enabled devices for fast and convenient answers, businesses must adjust their digital strategies. By focusing on conversational keywords, local search, and concise content, you can position your website to thrive in the era of voice search. Staying ahead of these trends not only improves visibility but also builds trust and engagement with your audience.

[congtribui]

In Week 9, I focused on progressing my game pitch for Wrapbound, a 2D platformer that challenges traditional movement mechanics by introducing screen-wrapping and distance-based scoring. The core idea of the game is to make players rethink how they traverse levels by using as little distance as possible. For example, moving off the left side of the screen wraps the player to the right side, and jumping off the top wraps them to the bottom—creating a unique twist on platforming and spatial awareness.

The pitch document outlines the main mechanics: double-jumping, wall-jumping, and using momentum creatively. The ultimate goal in each level is to collect a key and reach the door, but with a clever constraint—the less distance you use, the higher your score. A distance counter actively tracks player movement, encouraging strategy over speed. This mechanic also supports a leaderboard system, allowing players to compete by completing levels in the most efficient paths possible.

Throughout the week, I refined how I wanted to communicate the game’s features visually and mechanically. I also began thinking critically about how to make the warping mechanic intuitive, ensuring new players can understand and master the concept without feeling overwhelmed. Class discussions and peer feedback helped me clarify my ideas, especially around how to gradually introduce the game’s core challenge through level design.

[ecrystaltech]

Not Getting Enough Patients? Here’s How to Boost Your Hospital’s Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your hospital’s online presence is just as important as the care you provide. If you’re not attracting enough patients through your website or social media, it’s time to rethink your digital marketing strategy.

At Ecrystal Digital Technology, we specialize in helping healthcare businesses like hospitals grow their online visibility and connect with potential patients. Here's how we can help you drive more traffic and boost patient inquiries:

SEO Optimization Your hospital’s website needs to rank high in search engine results to be found by patients searching for healthcare services. We optimize your website using targeted SEO strategies, ensuring that your hospital appears when people search for services in your area.

Local Search & Google My Business Patients often search for healthcare providers nearby. We optimize your Google My Business profile to help you appear in local search results, making it easier for patients to find your hospital.

Social Media Marketing Social media platforms are powerful tools to engage with patients. We help your hospital build a strong presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, creating posts that educate, inform, and engage your audience.

Paid Advertising If you need fast results, we set up PPC campaigns (Google Ads & Facebook Ads) that target individuals seeking healthcare services, helping you reach a wider audience and convert them into patients.

Website Optimization An outdated or slow website can turn potential patients away. We ensure that your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate, with clear calls-to-action that encourage patients to book appointments or get in touch.

At Ecrystal Digital Technology, we believe in results-driven marketing that focuses on what matters most to your hospital: attracting more patients.

Contact us today at +91 80565 30949 or visit www.ecrystaltech.com to learn how we can help you increase your hospital’s online visibility and grow your patient base.