#the base image of that manip is AI-generated

[lostinfic]

Temptation and Resolutions

They both knew what was going to happen in his office tonight, but the Borgias had a competitive streak, and even in this moment they competed to see who would yield first.

[gelphiebigbang2025]

🌟 Gelphie Big Bang 2025 FAQ 🌟

Welcome to the Gelphie Big Bang 2025! This event is all about bringing together writers and artists to create collaborative, high-quality fanworks centered on the relationship between Elphaba and G(a)linda (Gelphie/Gelphaba) from Wicked—whether you’re inspired by the musical, the movie, the book, or your head canons come from a mix of all three. Welcome and thanks for joining!

❓ Gelphie Big Bang FAQs:❓

🧹 What’s a Big Bang?

A Big Bang is a fandom event/challenge where writers craft a long-form fanfic (minimum 10k words), and artists are matched to them to create visual art of all different kinds, inspired by their story. At the end of the challenge, both the story and the art are revealed together—(with a BANG! <- pun intended)

This is a classic Big Bang.

📚 Writers: What You Need to Know

Minimum word count: 10,000 words.

Your fic must focus on Gelphie as the primary ship. Other characters and relationships are welcome, but Elphaba/G(a)linda must be the emotional heart of the story.

Genres, Crossovers, and AUs are absolutely welcome—bring on the gothic dramas, soulmate AUs, non-magical AUs, There's nothing wrong in Oz, Elphaba had caring parents, Gangster 1920s AUs, and more.

No previously published work. You must write a brand new fic specifically for this event. Though, if you have a fic that you have not updated in at least 6 months that you'd like to use this as a means of inspiration to get you to finish it, those will be considered on a case by case basis.

First drafts must be actual drafts, not just outlines. They must be at least 6,000 words and include the full arc (beginning, middle, and end). You can polish after matching, but give your artist something real to work with!

Final fics go live during the reveal period only. No sharing snippets or edits early unless scheduled as part of the Big Bang and requested by this blog/Mod. In short, no early posting. You’ll get instructions closer to the deadline for how to post to AO3.

🎨 Artists: What You Need to Know

You’ll be matched with a story that inspires you—based on a blind summary selection process (you won’t know the author’s name when choosing). This will need to be a first come first serve basis, as all fics need to be paired.

Art requirements:

Images must be at least 400x600px.

Videos must be at least 1 minute long.

Fanmixes must include cover + back art (400x400px min) and at least 6 songs with accessible links.

Any type of visual or audio fanart is welcome: digital art, traditional art, manips, vids, music, fanmixes, etc.

Your work must be original and unpublished before the reveal date. No reposting old works.

Some flexibility with edits is okay after matching, but talk with your writer before making big changes.

Art will go live during the reveal period. Please wait to crosspost off AO3 until reveals are complete so both fic and art can shine (in a galindified approved) way!

🛠️ How to Post on AO3

There will be an AO3 collection to publish both fic and art. If you don’t have an AO3 account, I can help you get one!

Once you submit, your work will be unrevealed (hidden from the public) until the official reveal date.

You’ll be able to edit your submission until reveals begin.

You can crosspost your work anywhere (Tumblr, Instagram, FFN, etc.) after reveals are done.

💔 What if I Need to Drop Out?

Life happens! If you need to drop out, please do so before you are matched with a partner. That way, no one is left hanging mid-process. I’ll communicate drop-out deadlines clearly via email and this Tumblr. If you drop out respectfully and in time, you’re absolutely welcome to join us for future Gelphie events! In the event that you need to drop out after you've been paired with someone, that is where a Pinch-Hitter will come in.

🚨 Important Rules

No plagiarism. That includes fic, art, AND AI-generated content that replicates others’ work. If your submission is found to use AI it will be removed.

If you suspect plagiarism, please do not report it unless you have clear evidence, such as a side-by-side comparison.

👥 Roles You Can Sign Up For

📝 Writers

You’ll write a 10k+ Gelphie fic, submit a draft for artist matching, and collaborate with your artist until final posting.

🎨 Artists

You’ll review fic summaries, claim one that inspires you, and create a beautiful piece of fanart to match.

✏️ Beta Readers

Betas help writers edit and polish their drafts! You can sometimes serve as a source of help or inspiration when the creative juices stop flowing. You’ll check for grammar, plot holes, character voice, pacing, and overall coherence. You can sign up as a beta reader even if you’re not a writer or artist!

📣 Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders are the supportive backbone of the Bang! You’ll encourage writers and artists, help brainstorm through blocks, and be a friendly hype machine for the writers/artists.

🦸 Pinch-Hitters

The heroes who step in if a writer or artist drops out after the match. You’ll be contacted only if needed and asked if you’re available. Flexible, low-pressure, but extremely appreciated!

🔁 Can I Sign Up for More Than One Role?

Absolutely! You can write AND beta, or make art AND cheerlead—just make sure you have time to commit to each role responsibly.

🎭 Anonymity and Reveals

All fics and art will be posted anonymously until the end of the event. There will be 2–3 creation reveals per day during the reveal period so that everyone gets a spotlight moment. You’re welcome to crosspost your work afterward wherever you like!

📅 Key Dates (Draft below!)

DRAFT TIMELINE: (which will be updated as needed)

📝 May 11 – Writer & Artist Sign-Ups Close ✅ End of May – Check-In #1 + Writing Sprint Weekend 🖋️ Early June – Writer Rough Drafts & Final Summaries Due 📅 Mid June – Writers & Artists need to submit Match Forms 🧹 End of June - Last opportunity for drop outs  🫧 Early July - Sneak Peak #1 🎨 Early July – Artist Claims Open 💌 Mid July – Matches Announced! 🧹 Early August – Check-In #2 + Sprint Weekend 🫧 Mid August - Sneak Peak #2 ✅ Mid September – Final Fic Drafts Due 🖼️ Mid October – Final Art Due 🫧 Mid October - Sneak Peak #3 📅 October 23 – Posting Schedule Announced 🎉 October 30 – Posting Begins!

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Check out this AMAZING Comic by one of our talented Artists/Creators, troy_and_h_art (IG):

❓Still Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out to to us here at anytime! I'm happy to help—whether you're wondering how to write your first draft or how to link a fanmix on AO3.

[thisweekingundamwing]

This Week in Gundam Wing 7-19 October 2024

Here’s the roundup for October 7th - October 19th, 2024!

Remember to give your content creators some love! Be sure to join in on the events at the bottom! And remember to send in any new works you see or make this next week!

~Mod Hel

Fanfiction/Ideas/Snippets:

@bryony-rebb

https://www.tumblr.com/bryony-rebb/764587335635599360/dragging-myself-kicking-and-screaming-back-to-my

*dragging myself kicking and screaming back to my word document after one million years*

"Maybe we should try to delay our departure by a few days? With the right shuttle we could still catch up with the main fleet."

@duointherain

Apex Predators https://www.tumblr.com/duointherain/763789949468278784/fic-apex-predators-11

Note: Smelting temp for aluminum is 800 degrees. My roommates will not let me do this in the kitchen.

Quatre arched an eyebrow, looked down at the little individual hand blender next to his plate, then back up at Duo. “You made these mixers from aluminum you found on the beach, the streets?”

@miyurinq

3 x 4 Drabbles https://archiveofourown.org/works/59356291/chapters/151381402?hide_banner=true

M/M, Trowa Barton/Quatre Raberba Winner

Not Rated, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Torokatober2024, Trowa x Quatre - Freeform, Melancholy, Fluff, cute stuff, little drama here and there, English

a collection of drabbles for the Torokatober 2024 (Tumblr)

@ms-miserable-misery

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/763607680110706689/day-6-im-not-giving-up

Day 6 - “I’m not giving up”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/763714563950690304/day-7-follow-me-if-you-want-to-live

Day 7 - “follow me if you want to live”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/763796881996398592/day-8-are-we-happy

Day 8 - “are we happy?”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764091894482468864/day-11-well-that-worked-out-great

Day 11 - “well, that worked out great”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764155181613170688/day-12-did-you-hear-that

Day 12 - “did you hear that?”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764316843572969472/day-14-did-you-stick-to-the-plan

Day 14 - “did you stick to the plan?”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764404078871773184/day-15-lets-try-this

Day 15 - “let’s try this”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764497112231788544/day-16-no-im-not-okay

Day 16 - “no, I’m not okay”

https://www.tumblr.com/ms-miserable-misery/764589228684460032/day-17-strangest-thing-i-ever-heard

Day 17 - “strangest thing I ever heard”

Arts/Crafts/Photo Manips:

@alphamecha-mkii

https://www.tumblr.com/alphamecha-mkii/763722028479119360/deathscythe-hell-custom-by-amasaki-yusuke

Deathscythe Hell Custom by Amasaki Yusuke, fanart

@hyper-girlcrush

https://www.tumblr.com/hyper-girlcrush/764107565058719744/trowa-based-on-endless-waltz

Trowa Barton, fanart

@siodam

https://www.tumblr.com/siodam/764586285623066624

Heero/Relena, fanart

Photosets/Gifsets/Screenshots/Manga Pages:

@janaverse

https://www.tumblr.com/janaverse/763820192832815104/more-sheepish-duo-i-have-never-seen-heero-do

Duo/Heero, Sims, screenshot

https://www.tumblr.com/janaverse/764185464732303360/duo-in-spandex

Duo Maxwell, Sims, screenshot

https://www.tumblr.com/janaverse/764688856747524096/there-is-no-universe-where-wolf-nap-will-not-be

Heero, Duo, Sims, screenshot

https://www.tumblr.com/janaverse/764742385918001152/sneaky-i-am-sure-duo-would-let-him-play-with

Heero/Duo, Sims, screenshot

@therosecrest

https://www.tumblr.com/therosecrest/763872322771894272

Iria Winner, gif

Head Canons/Meta:

@a-river-of-stars

https://a-river-of-stars.tumblr.com/post/763718344427847680/

Gundam Wing supports your right to leave behind your deadname

https://a-river-of-stars.tumblr.com/post/763721062511984640/

Live-action Gundam Wing characters as headcanoned by a-river-of-stars (AI images generated through text prompts and edited in GIMP)

Fandom Discourse:

@emiliabeville

https://www.tumblr.com/emiliabeville/764006239523028993/seriously-struggling-to-get-through-gundam

Relena, official art

I hope you can get through it! It’s a wild ride. ^_^

Calendar Events:

@gwcocktailfriday

Cocktail Fridays!

Post responses on Friday, during Happy Hour between 3 & 5 pm in your own timezone.

Here’s the prompts for Friday, October 25th: https://gwcocktailfriday.tumblr.com/post/764767710938808320/cocktail-friday-post-responses-on-friday-october

In need of prompts!

@gwoc-october

Prompt List 2024: https://www.tumblr.com/gwoc-october/763150907755134976/gw-oc-october-is-back-going-a-bit-more-generic

@thisweekingundamevents

Events Calendar https://thisweekingundamevents.tumblr.com/post/730188053636841472/updated-events-calendar

If you are hosting an event currently, or are planning on one, hit us up with links and dates! We’ll add them to the Calendar and reblog your notices to get the word out!

GW Holiday Gift Exchange 2024

Assignments Sent out! Check your emails: https://thisweekingundamevents.tumblr.com/post/763976851818512384/all-gw-holiday-gift-exchange-assignments-have-been

GW Hallows 2024

https://thisweekingundamevents.tumblr.com/post/763151583438618625/gw-hallows-2024

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, September 29th

SPIKE: Care? Joyce was the only one of the lot of you that I could stand. XANDER: And she's the only one with a daughter you wanted to shag. I'm touched. SPIKE: I liked the lady. Understand monkey boy? She was decent. Didn't put on airs. Always had a nice cuppa for me. And she never treated me like a freak. XANDER: Her mistake. SPIKE: Think what you want.

~~Forever~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Inside Jokes by veronyxk84 (Buffy/Spike, Dawn, PG-13)

The Beauty of Amber by SlopeSlippers (Willow/Tara, G)

Riley and Ripper Have a Chat by reader304 (Riley, Giles, G)

A Successful Experiment by MadeInGold (Spike/Harmony, Explicit)

Something’s Cooking by MamaBewear (Angel/Spike, M)

Inside Jokes by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy, Spike, Dawn, anthology rated PG-13)

Are you gonna let it all hang out? by CrazyDan (Behind Your Touch crossover, Xander, Jesse, Scoobies, FR18)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Unholy Matrimony, Ch. 8 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Ties to the World, Ch. 37 by The Danish Bird (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Incarnate, Ch. 17 by Sigyn (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Saving You, Ch. 12 by Spikelover4ever (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

In The Dark With You, Ch. 36 by Geliot99 (Buffy/Spike, R)

Perception, Ch. 6 by flootzavut (Buffy/Spike, G)

Getaway Gang, Ch. 4 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

A Whisper from Eden, part 1 by BlueStories (Buffy, FR15)

Transformed By Love, Ch. 8 by Buffyworldbuilder (The Originals crossover, Fred/Klaus, FR15)

Viral, Ch. 5 by Harlow Turner (Buffy/Spike, R featuring illness)

The Reaping, Ch. 3 by ClowniestLivEver (Buffy/Spike, R)

The legend of the Water spirit, Ch. 1 by JSBirsa (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Enchant All Who Come Near, Ch. 1 by Gabby (Buffy/Spike, R)

Soul Mate Magic - Chapter Eight by emma-m-black (Giles/OC, 18+)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Zine: Die Young, Stay Pretty by artsying-ifer (Buffy, Angel, Angelus, Drusilla, Spike, not rated)

Meme: The Myth of "Consensual" Sex by miraclerizuin (Cordelia/Connor, worksafe)

Digital drawing: They’ve been missed by pzyii (Buffy/Willow, worksafe)

Manips: She's Wicked by spyder-baby (Drusilla, probably worksafe)

Manip: I Have Lived; I Died for You by zleskaia (Buffy/Angel, Buffy/Spike, Buffy/Faith, worksafe)

Manips: High Beams by Harmony99 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Manips: A Tale of Two Ladies by Harmony99 (Buffy/Spike, R)

🎁 BTVS 522. The Gift 🎁 by tmcarlee (Buffy, worksafe, death)

[Reviews & Recaps]

Re: favorite s5 episode, Also rank the first 5 seasons by lesbianmarrow

Are there any episodes you skip for ANY reason? by Icy_Curve_3542

Never Kill A Boy On The First Date by Up the Buff (bigbadllama)

REVIEW: Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer #4 (of 4) by MabsArts

Where the Wild Things Are by Buffy the Vampire Straya

[Recs & In Search Of]

does anyone know of any buffy-based old interactive fiction games? - question by achilles-alexander

[Community Announcements]

💡 Promo — Fall & Halloween Events (multifandom and Buffyverse) via veronyxk84

Deadline for Fanged Four Family Bingo extended until Thursday the 3rd of October

[Fandom Discussions]

All of Spike and Angel’s issues explained in one sentence by aphony-cree

Poll: What should we do with Der Kindestod? by hug-kiss-marry-kill

Buffy s2 finale... has some funny similarities to the s6 finale by mybloodyvampire

Name meaning: Rupert Giles by o-whats-in-a-name

God Cordelia really latched onto Buffy right away didn’t she? by claudiashealthyappatite, itwasanangryinch

Re: Buffy/Angel shipping questions by shewholovesall

Angel's and Wes' daddy issues by Stoney

Willow: a character personality summary by Klaus Kartoffel (for use with generative AI)

Gunn getting implanted with knowledge is a little dumb, right? by yeahitsme9

One of the most pivotal moments in television history [Wesley in "Loyalty"] by DevilManRay

Scariest Moments by lmeyer64

Does anyone feel like Rack was an interesting villain? by Novaresio

What's your favorite head canon? by clarkrd

Anyone else think that "Lessons" would have had more emotional impact if they used people Buffy couldn't save like Teresa or Jesse? by jdpm1991

Spike and Joyce Are Overrated by Moon_Logic

What was the point of Stephen Platt, the guidance counselor? by Icy_Curve_3542

Riley Is My Favorite Boyfriend by SickBag

I think the gang was less sad about this death for a big reason (spoilers) by Tsole96

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

Opinion on the Buffy experience in Chicago, with photos, by EuphoricSundae2869

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[campdigimonth]

Camp Digimonth Discord About and Rules

What is the Camp Digimonth Discord about?

The Discord is a Digimon content creation community :D  Here are some details:

-The Discord is English speaking, although we have fans from a few countries :D

-The Discord is open to fans of all Digimon content (all seasons/games/movies/etc)

-We welcome all kinds of creators!  (Writers, artists, gif makers, image manipulators, etc).

-We are not a ship-based or ship-limited/specific Discord.  We discuss community events and ships in the context of our creations (art/fics/gifs/manips/etc), so please be aware that any ship could come up.  Character and ship bashing are not allowed. Additionally, for the comfort of those who do not enjoy shipping, discussion of shipping is limited to the shipping text channel.

-The main purpose of our Discord is to share our Digimon fan works and to create together

-That said, while we are a digimon content creating community, and while we discuss our works and request feedback on occasion, are NOT a feedback swapping discord.

-Non-creators are welcome, as we do chat about digimon frequently. You're doubly welcome if you're willing to provide occasional feedback to creators!

-We hold create-ins, which are amazing opportunities to ask fellow creators and fans for advice/opinions and share our progress!  We also share monthly goals.  All of this is voluntary, and you can skip whenever you would like!  We encourage gentle, fun goals.

-We are a family friendly discord, no NSFW content or graphic violence, etc

Discord Rules:

1.)  All general event rules apply, including content rules

2.)  Be kind and respectful, no hateful language, trolling, or bashing. It is expected that members be kind and respectful of everyone of all backgrounds (race, creed, gender, sexuality, etc). We are a queer friendly space.

3.) No bashing of meta commentary/head canons/other subjective topics. Sometimes people share an opinion, and others are so hyped that they accidentally critique and/or debate that opinion. If members feel that their subjective opinion is being treated as a debatable objective topic, they are encouraged to respond /opinion. All members are expected to respect this request and drop any critique/debate.

4.)  Please post content in the appropriate channel. Feel free to ask in the questions text channel if you are unsure where something goes. The questions text channel is the place to ask any qs about the tumblr event/discord/discord sub events. 

5.)  We are a Digimon content creation community, not a feedback swap Discord.  We discuss our projects and ask for help, but our primary purpose is not to swap feedback.  It's to provide a supportive community for digimon content creators and fans! If Discord users choose to request feedback, it is expected that they give roughly the same amount of feedback in return.

6.) We are a community that supports creators. If you share content that you have commissioned in the discord, always include a link to the creator. Sharing of art/media/content generated by AI is not permitted.

7.) Any discussion of spoilers must take place in the spoilers text channel. Currently, all discussions of Digimon Survive and Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning must take place there.

8.) For the comfort of those who do not enjoy shipping, lengthy shipping discussions are confined to the shipping text channel.

9.)  Self-harm, suicide, and mental health issues are serious and heavy topics.  Due to the mixed-age audience of this server, these topics are not appropriate for discussion here, even if intended as humor.  Here are some resources for anyone struggling with self harm/suicide and/or mental health issues.  Please seek qualified help if needed and take care of yourself. 

10.)  Protect your identity in the Discord.  Be discrete about your name, where you live, and any identifying particulars of your life.

11.)  Participation in the Discord indicates that you have read, understood, and agreed to all event/Discord/Create-in rules.

[manipaldigital]

Artificial Intelligence, The next big thing

Introduction Artificial Intelligence is the 21st century’s equivalent of Electricity. Some have even called it "more significant than electricity and fire". Elaborate concepts have been written about the potential of AI in various industries and the transformative potential of this technology in virtually every aspect of modern life, from smarter appliances to AI becoming so smart it can pose philosophical, even existential questions.

The Nature of AI

At its core, AI refers to a software system or software-driven robotic system that does tasks normally associated with human intelligence, like reasoning, decision making, and learning. This approach makes it quite distinct from traditional computer programming, which is essentially a series of sequential steps which a computer system executes without concern for the input.

AI systems have three potential advantages over traditional systems:

1. An AI algorithm can be trained by humans, other AI systems, and even itself without updating the code itself, to solve progressively more complex problems; 2. AI systems can utilize the vast reams of data produced by sensors and digital devices to produce more accurate results faster, where traditional systems and people would simply be overwhelmed; and 3. AI systems can take on tasks of ambiguity that are simply outside the capability of traditional computer systems.

Domains of AI and their use in Image processing Modern digital image and video processing are based on identifying and manipulating characteristics of screen pixels that form edges, shapes, and shades in a single or multiple frames. AI’s various methodologies can be used to automate these tasks for further processing.

AI systems can take on tasks of ambiguity that are simply outside the capability of traditional computer systems.

Consider the first use case- changing the color of a shirt in a digital image. Currently, this can be achieved either by a person manually using a photo-editing software package like Photoshop or via an automation script. However, the automation script is "dumb"- it can change the color of any object in the image but cannot identify the shirt from a chair, meaning significant human involvement is still necessary. Enter Machine Learning.

Machine Learning- Let us continue with the above example of identifying a shirt in an image using machine learning . In a "standard" or "supervised" Machine ML algorithm, several images of shirts are "tagged" with the desired characteristics such as edges, and the resulting dataset is given as input to the ML algorithm as "training".

This can work well for relatively simple images, but more complex work is too difficult for standard ML systems to handle. When faced with such difficulties, methodologies other than standard ML are needed.

Fuzzy Logic Systems- "Fuzzy" logic is the concept of accounting for ambiguity by assigning it a mathematical value. In the context of image processing, this can be assigned values between 0 and 1 to pixels that are neither totally dark or black nor totally lit up or white . For example, an off-white might be assigned the value 0.1, pale yellow 0.2, dark gray 0.8, and so on. Creating a quasi-continuous logical framework like this allows AI systems to is incredibly useful when we consider the real world as an analog world consisting of continuous processes. In the world of image processing, Fuzzy logic systems can simplify edge detection of objects, among other applications.

Sometimes, the ambiguity in an image may have nothing to do with an "in-between", but instead with a gap in the "knowledge" of the system. In other words, the object in the picture may mean nothing to the average person but holds immense meaning to a domain expert, like a doctor looking at an ultrasound or an x-ray. These are called "Expert Systems". Expert Systems- Expert Systems are more than just AI algorithms. This "human in the loop" model allows AI to access uniquely human knowledge and is therefore extremely useful as an "intelligent assistant" to solve complex problems within a specific domain.

Neural Networks- Biological neural networks refer to the complex matrix of interconnected neurons that make up brains- especially human brains. The curious thing about NNs is the way they solve problems. As a result, NNs can achieve incredible tasks like creating new music, composing poetry, and blending the painting styles of several artists to create original artwork. The results tend to be unpredictable, with most results often being nonsensical, but even the few acceptable results point to a truly astonishing practical possibility for the future! In the context of commercial visual art, NNs can be used to create animations, generate 3D characters for various applications, and perform tasks like image composition.

Natural Language Processing- NLP is a branch of AI that seeks to simplify the way humans interact with AI systems by using human language patterns for ease of use for people, converting them on the backend to machine-understandable instructions and feedback. The process is two-way. Some NLP systems are utilized in speech-to-text conversions, others in IVR systems, and still others in voice search.

Image processing vendors in the future will need to be more than users of image and video manipulation software. They will increasingly create value for their customers by also enabling smart utilization of assets by being experts in AI applications for image and video for digital media. Manipal Digital Systems creates unique business value for its clients in eCommerce, Fashion, Packaging, eLearning, and Media through end-to-end software + visual graphics services. Contact us and let us help you in unleashing the power of AI for your business.