#web collaboration tools

[laxmankodadala]

The Role of Online Collaboration Tools in Remote Work Growth

Troop messenger

Troop Messenger is a frontrunner when it comes to more dynamic team collboration. Because of how easy it is to use in an entrepreneurial setting, it is one of the few online collaboration tools that can meet the needs of any team.

Troop Messenger acts as a complete online collaboration tool and provides you with immediate access to a wide range of features, including:

Instant messaging

Making video calls

Conducting video conferences

Sharing files

Desktop sharing

Creating complex schedules

Efficient Project Management with Troop Messenger Troop Messenger empowers teams to organize and secure project data by offering structured work scheduling. This powerful business collaboration tool enhances communication and streamlines workflows, making it an excellent choice for startups, large corporations, and remote teams alike. Its innovative features and intuitive design establish it as one of the top online collaboration platforms available today.

Key Features of Troop Messenger

Instant Messaging for Real-Time Collaboration Troop Messenger supports seamless communication with real-time messaging, ensuring enhanced efficiency in remote collaboration and online team engagement.

Comprehensive File Sharing Share and manage documents, multimedia, and other files effortlessly to facilitate smooth business collaboration within your team.

High-Quality Audio and Video Calls Conduct virtual meetings with superior audio and video capabilities, bridging communication gaps in remote work environments.

Centralized Collaborative Workspace Serving as a central hub for projects, Troop Messenger stands out as one of the best apps for teamwork and collaboration, helping teams stay organized and aligned.

Advanced Security Features With robust encryption and secure data storage, this collaboration software safeguards your sensitive business information against threats.

Why Troop Messenger is Perfect for Businesses Troop Messenger’s adaptability makes it suitable for teams of all sizes. Its intuitive interface and versatile features set it apart from other collaboration platforms, offering unmatched flexibility for both remote and in-office teams.

Advantages of Troop Messenger

Unified Communication: Minimize email overload by bringing your team onto a single collaboration platform.

Boosted Productivity: Make faster decisions with real-time updates, eliminating delays in project execution.

Enhanced Teamwork: Strengthen team connections through tools like group chats, file sharing, and project tracking.

Budget-Friendly Solution: Access enterprise-grade features without overspending.

Optimized for Remote Collaboration As remote work continues to rise, tools like Troop Messenger have become essential. With advanced features like screen sharing and remote access, it serves as the ultimate online collaboration tool for dispersed teams, ensuring smooth communication and productivity.

Why Troop Messenger Outshines Other Platforms Troop Messenger’s rich feature set and user-friendly design make it an exceptional choice for businesses. Unlike many other tools, it caters specifically to the needs of dynamic and entrepreneurial teams. This makes it one of the most versatile online collaboration tools, suitable for a wide range of industries and work environments.

[firstoccupier]

The Weekend Launch: How an AI Code Assistant Helped a Startup Beat the Clock

(A dramatized account based on common use cases seen in modern startups) When Priya Mehta quit her job at a fintech giant to co-found a startup, she knew what she was getting into—long hours, tight deadlines, and relentless pressure. What she didn’t expect was that her first major product launch would be saved by something that didn’t even exist during her college years: an AI code…

[joneswebgoods]

Virtual Whiteboard - TLDraw

TLDraw is an online virtual whiteboard where you can share note, use as a teaching/training resource, a team collobrative platform, and could be something for personal notes.

I like the feature that allows users to save their board to share the link for viewing, editing, or a snapshop.

Your whiteboard can also be exported as a PNG or SVG format and they support key shortcuts like copy & paste (CTRL & V), and duplicate (click element & CTRL+D).

Hit the jump to check it out!

[98edits]

The Secrets of a Skilled WordPress Designer

A WordPress designer is a skilled professional adept at crafting dynamic and visually compelling websites using the WordPress platform. With expertise in both front-end and back-end development, a WordPress design, such as Jane Web Solutions, possesses a deep understanding of the platform's functionalities and customization options. They specialise in creating responsive, user-friendly designs that align with clients' brand identities and objectives. Jane Web Solutions stands out for their proficiency in leveraging WordPress's vast plugin ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration of features for enhanced website functionality. Whether designing corporate websites, blogs, or e-commerce platforms, a WordPress design plays a crucial role in delivering tailored, aesthetically pleasing, and functional websites that cater to the unique needs of clients and provide an engaging online experience for their audiences.

Role and Responsibilities of a WordPress Designer

A WordPress designer is a crucial professional responsible for creating visually appealing and functional websites using the WordPress platform. Their primary role involves translating client requirements into engaging website designs, ensuring a seamless user experience. They collaborate with clients to understand their brand identity and objectives, integrating these elements into the overall design.

Technical Proficiency and Skills

A skilled WordPress possesses a comprehensive understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, alongside in-depth knowledge of WordPress themes, plugins, and customization options. Proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is often essential. This technical expertise enables them to transform creative concepts into fully functional and responsive WordPress websites.

Customization and Theme Development

A designer excels in customization, tailoring websites to meet unique client needs. They adeptly navigate theme development, ensuring that the design aligns with the client's branding while maintaining optimal performance and responsiveness across various devices. The ability to create custom themes or modify existing ones showcases their versatility in adapting to diverse project requirements.

User-Centric Design and Accessibility

An effective WordPress designes prioritises user-centric design, creating interfaces that enhance user experience and accessibility. They consider factors such as intuitive navigation, readability, and mobile responsiveness to ensure that the website engages visitors effectively. Implementing accessibility features is crucial to make the website inclusive and compliant with industry standards.

SEO Integration and Optimization

A proficient designer understands the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) for a website's visibility. They integrate SEO best practices during the design phase, optimising elements like meta tags, headers, and image alt text. This proactive approach contributes to better search engine rankings and increased online visibility for the client's website.

Client Collaboration and Communication

Successful WordPress designer prioritise effective communication and collaboration with clients. They engage in thorough consultations to grasp the client's vision, providing regular updates and seeking feedback throughout the design process. Clear communication ensures that the final product aligns with the client's expectations and goals.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The dynamic nature of web design and technology requires designers to stay abreast of the latest trends, updates, and tools. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to evolving industry standards sets apart an excellent designer. This ensures that they can leverage new features and technologies to deliver innovative and up-to-date website solutions for their clients.

Conclusion

Engaging a skilled WordPress designer is paramount for a successful online presence. A proficient designer, like XYZ WordPress Designs, brings expertise in leveraging the versatile capabilities of the WordPress platform. With a proven track record of creating visually stunning and functionally robust websites, XYZ WordPress Designs stands out for its commitment to customization, ensuring each website reflects the unique identity and goals of the client. Their proficiency in optimising for responsiveness and user experience underscores their dedication to delivering websites that not only captivate audiences but also function seamlessly across devices. By choosing XYZ WordPress Designs, clients can expect a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and technical excellence, resulting in a dynamic and impactful online representation tailored to their specific needs.

[k9advertisement]

The Essential Tools for Web Developers

Discover the tools you need to succeed in your web development journey. Find the tools that will help you transform your ideas into digital masterpieces, from code editors to debugging aids. Maintain a high level of efficiency and innovation.

[ranajaydeo]

Transforming Creativity with BeGenieUs – AI Integration for 2024 Success

As technology undergoes constant evolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of creative processes and digital collaboration in unprecedented ways.

As 2023 fades into the rear view mirror, BeGenieUs is revving up for 2024!

Approaching the year 2024, one of the most thrilling advancements in the creative domain is the emergence of Generative AI. Now step into the forefront of the AI revolution with BeGenieUs leading the way.

Introducing BeGenieUs — Powered by Open AI chatGPT, Google Bard, h2oGPT. Your all-in-one AI playground where ideas become reality in a snap. To read more…

To explore more Agami blogs

To know more about Agami Technologies

[maduraimart]

Top 10 Website Design Tools

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital design, staying ahead of the curve is essential for creating stunning websites. As we step into 2024, the world of website design has seen a surge in innovative tools that streamline the creation process and elevate the overall user experience. Here, we present the top 10 website design tools that are revolutionizing the industry in 2024. Top 10…

[laxmankodadala]

Troop Messenger: Collaboration Simplified for Businesses of All Sizes

Troop Messenger is at the vanguard of more dynamic team collaboration. Because of its simplicity of use in an entrepreneurial situation, it is one of the few online collaboration tools that can meet the needs of any team.

Troop Messenger acts as a complete online collaboration tool and provides you with immediate access to a wide range of features, including:

Instant messaging

Making video calls

Conducting video conferences

Sharing files

Desktop sharing

Creating complex schedules

Efficient Project Management with Troop Messenger Teams may better arrange and safeguard project data with Troop Messenger's planned work scheduling. Because it enhances communication and speeds up procedures, this powerful business collaboration tool is a great choice for startups, large corporations, and remote teams alike. It is among the greatest online collaboration tools available right now because of its innovative features and intuitive design.

Key Features of Troop Messenger

Instant Messaging for Real-Time Collaboration Troop Messenger supports seamless communication with real-time messaging, ensuring enhanced efficiency in remote collaboration and online team engagement.

Comprehensive File Sharing Share and manage documents, multimedia, and other files effortlessly to facilitate smooth business collaboration within your team.

High-Quality Audio and Video Calls Conduct virtual meetings with superior audio and video capabilities, bridging communication gaps in remote work environments.

Centralized Collaborative Workspace Serving as a central hub for projects, Troop Messenger stands out as one of the best apps for teamwork and collaboration, helping teams stay organized and aligned.

Advanced Security Features With robust encryption and secure data storage, this collaboration software safeguards your sensitive business information against threats.

Why Troop Messenger is Perfect for Businesses Teams of any size can use Troop Messenger because to its adaptability. Its broad feature set and user-friendly interface which offer unmatched flexibility for both in-person and remote teams—put it apart from competing collaboration platforms.

Advantages of Troop Messenger

Unified Communication: Minimize email overload by bringing your team onto a single collaboration platform.

Boosted Productivity: Make faster decisions with real-time updates, eliminating delays in project execution.

Enhanced Teamwork: Strengthen team connections through tools like group chats, file sharing, and project tracking.

Budget-Friendly Solution: Access enterprise-grade features without overspending.

Optimized for Remote Collaboration: Troop Messenger

Strong communication tools are now a crucial component of everyday operations due to the change in corporate operations brought about by the emergence of remote workers. Because of its cutting-edge features, Troop Messenger is a great choice for meeting the demands of remote teams. Regardless of team members' locations, it helps firms maintain efficiency and clear communication through seamless screen sharing and remote access.

Key Features for Remote Collaboration

Troop Messenger is more than just a communication platform; it is a comprehensive online collaboration tool built to address the unique challenges of remote work. Here’s what sets it apart:

Screen Sharing and Remote Access Effortlessly conduct virtual meetings, training sessions, and collaborative problem-solving with Troop Messenger’s screen-sharing feature. Remote access allows team members to support one another or troubleshoot issues from afar, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.

Real-Time Messaging and File Sharing Keep the conversation flowing with instant messaging, and enhance productivity by sharing files, documents, and multimedia with ease. This real-time interaction bridges the gap between remote workers and ensures projects stay on track.

Video Conferencing High-quality video calls enable remote teams to maintain face-to-face connections, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. Whether brainstorming sessions or team catch-ups, Troop Messenger provides the tools to make virtual meetings feel personal and engaging.

Integrated Collaboration Tools With features like task management and shared workspaces, Troop Messenger centralizes your team’s activities, making it easy to coordinate, collaborate, and monitor progress from anywhere.

Why Troop Messenger Stands Out

Troop Messenger goes beyond the basic functionality of traditional communication platforms. Its rich feature set and intuitive design cater specifically to the dynamic needs of entrepreneurial and fast-paced teams. Here’s why it outshines the competition:

Versatility Across Industries From startups to large enterprises, Troop Messenger adapts seamlessly to diverse industries and work environments. Its flexible features make it suitable for tech firms, creative agencies, and everything in between.

User-Friendly Interface The platform’s simple, intuitive design ensures that team members of all technical levels can use it effectively. This ease of use minimizes onboarding time and maximizes efficiency.

Enhanced Security In a remote work setting, safeguarding sensitive data is crucial. Troop Messenger employs end-to-end encryption and strict privacy protocols, giving businesses peace of mind that their information is secure.

Cost-Effectiveness Troop Messenger provides enterprise-grade features at an affordable price, making it an excellent investment for businesses looking to optimize their remote collaboration without overspending.

A Solution for the Future of Work

Businesses demand technology that can adapt to the growing trend of remote and hybrid work arrangements. Troop Messenger is designed to do just that, with features that facilitate seamless communication, efficient procedures, and strong team bonds in spite of geographical constraints.

Troop Messenger can help businesses manage the difficulties of working remotely with a partner. It is a terrific choice for companies striving for success in the modern world because of its remarkable combination of cutting-edge functionality, security, and affordability.

[ancientcharm]

Digital model of Ancient Rome released

Image Credit: FLYOVERZONE

Rome Reborn 4.0, a digital model of Ancient Rome has just been released by archaeologist, Dr Bernard Frischer. Published by Flyover Zone, the model is a reconstruction of the entire city of Ancient Rome for academic study and virtual tourism. Rome Reborn provides a birds-eye perspective of the complete digital model, enabling users to glide above the historic landmarks while listening to expert narrations about 43 monuments, temples, structures, and locations.

Dr Frischer said, “Rome Reborn 4.0 is the culmination of more than twenty-seven years of collaborative international work in using digital tools to research cultural history and bring it to life.” According to the project leaders, the virtual tour can be used by teachers on Yorescape, a mobile and web app that takes their students on virtual field trips, or by armchair travellers to explore the heritage sites of the ancient capital of the Roman Empire.

Rome Reborn 4.0 represents the most recent iteration of an urban model that Dr Frischer has led since 1996. Rome Reborn has been a globally collaborative project from its inception, uniting specialists in Roman archaeology, computer graphics, and Virtual Reality design. The project’s earlier versions include 1.0 (2007), 2.0 (2008), and 3.0 (2018). Video fly-throughs of these previous versions have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. Similar to its earlier versions, Rome Reborn 4.0 portrays the city as it might have appeared at its zenith in the year AD 320, just before the capital’s relocation to Constantinople. According to Flyover Zone, “This reconstruction of ancient Rome’s urban landscape adheres to scientific accuracy based on the available but fragmentary historical evidence. As new findings and interpretations of this evidence emerge, the Flyover Zone team continuously updates Rome Reborn to ensure it remains a dependable and comprehensive visualization of the city.”

BY :Mark Milligan

[reality-detective]

Obama’s Global Spy Network Targeted Trump: Explosive New Evidence Revealed!

Barack Obama’s shadowy betrayal has surfaced, shaking the very core of America. He orchestrated a treasonous conspiracy, weaponizing global intelligence networks to attack Donald Trump—a man who dared to challenge the globalist cabal.

Project Fulsome: A Web of Treason

Obama, in collaboration with Britain’s GCHQ, bypassed U.S. laws to spy on Trump, his family, and his campaign. Trump Tower wasn’t just wiretapped—it was a surveillance fortress. Tools designed for counter-terrorism were turned against an American citizen. Financial records, emails, and private conversations were infiltrated, with the Deep State feeding this intel to fabricate scandals.

This was no ordinary operation; it was a globalist vendetta to preserve their crumbling grip on power. Secret satellites even tracked Trump’s movements during the 2016 campaign. Every action, every word—monitored.

The Russia Hoax: Manufactured Lies

The infamous Russia hoax wasn’t an accident. Phony dossiers, funded by Clinton’s allies and legitimized by Obama’s corrupted agencies, were part of this operation. The Steele dossier? Pure disinformation. Whistleblowers reveal it was a long-planned strategy to discredit any outsider who challenged their rule. Trump just happened to win, making him target #1.

Black Sites and Secret Courts: Deep State Tools

Beyond spying, Obama’s network used secret courts and black sites to crush Trump’s allies. FISA warrants based on lies enabled illegal surveillance. Black sites deployed rogue operatives to infiltrate Trump’s inner circle, feeding intel back to the cabal.

Why They Had to Stop Trump

Trump’s presidency represented a direct threat to their empire. He promised to end endless wars, dismantle corrupt trade deals, and expose their hidden agendas. The globalist pipeline funding their machine was at risk. Trump wasn’t a puppet—he was their worst nightmare.

The Awakening: Deep State on the Brink

The Deep State is collapsing. Whistleblowers are stepping forward. Leaks are surfacing. Patriots within the intelligence community are exposing the truth. Platforms like X and Telegram bypass Big Tech’s censorship, spreading revelations far and wide.

The Fight Isn’t Over

Obama’s betrayal exposed the elites’ desperation. Now is the time to act. Share the truth. Demand accountability. Stand with Trump. The Deep State is crumbling, but the battle for freedom continues.

You would think ALL that 👆 would be something you'd see in a spy/espionage movie like "Enemy of the State" with Gene Hackman and Will Smith.

Stay vigilant. History will remember those who fought for truth. 🤔

[codingquill]

Essentials You Need to Become a Web Developer

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Mastery

Text Editor/Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Popular choices include Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text.

Version Control/Git: Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket allow you to track changes, collaborate with others, and contribute to open-source projects.

Responsive Web Design Skills: Learn CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Flexbox and master media queries

Understanding of Web Browsers: Familiarize yourself with browser developer tools for debugging and testing your code.

Front-End Frameworks: for example : React, Angular, or Vue.js are powerful tools for building dynamic and interactive web applications.

Back-End Development Skills: Understanding server-side programming languages (e.g., Node.js, Python, Ruby , php) and databases (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB)

Web Hosting and Deployment Knowledge: Platforms like Heroku, Vercel , Netlify, or AWS can help simplify this process.

Basic DevOps and CI/CD Understanding

Soft Skills and Problem-Solving: Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

Confidence in Yourself: Confidence is a powerful asset. Believe in your abilities, and don't be afraid to take on challenging projects. The more you trust yourself, the more you'll be able to tackle complex coding tasks and overcome obstacles with determination.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Book Cover

“Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!” We’ve all heard the phrase and we all know that’s impossible. Because the cover of a book is the first thing a potential reader sees—it should stop them in their tracks. It’s a very powerful marketing tool; having a well-designed book cover is crucial.

Tips for Making a Great Book Cover Design

Using more than two to three typefaces on a cover is discouraged, as it can look really messy.

Keep things simple. Your cover will be in a sea of other covers so try to keep your design from getting muddy and make sure it stands out.

Show your designs to people who have a design eye and/or you trust. It’s great to get feedback.

If you hire a professional designer, write a brief and send them info. Be really clear on what you want. Designers usually do a certain number of design rounds included in the agreed upon fee and any extra rounds of design will be extra.

If you hire a professional designer, they will likely have ideas about printing and may have connections to printers. They are a resource so don’t forget to ask questions.

Don’t forget: a book cover is an important part of selling any book. Whether you decide to do it yourself or collaborate with a professional, pay special attention to this part of the process, as a great cover goes a long way.

6-Step Guide: Professional Book Cover

STEP ONE Generate Ideas. Look around at book covers you like. Go to a bookshop and peruse what’s currently happening in book cover design. Take notes of what elements you like on the cover image. A certain typeface? Color? Do you prefer an image or an illustration or something purely typographic on the cover? Another option is to create a mood board. You can use a platform like Pinterest or Evernote, or create a folder on your desktop, and pull book cover inspiration from the web. While you’re gathering inspiration, keep in mind what genre your book is and what kind of book design feels appropriate.

STEP TWO Find a Designer (Who Could Be You!). Do you have design skills? If so, your next step is to begin layouts and mock-ups of the covers. You should use whatever software program you are comfortable with. Most professional book cover designers use a program from the Adobe Creative Suite:

InDesign. InDesign is a multi-page design platform but can also be used for single page design.

Photoshop. Used to manipulate and experiment with photography.

Illustrator. Illustrator is a vector-based program, which means you can create graphic art that can be scaled up or down without loss of quality.

Photoshop and Illustrator. These can also be used together as you can bring your Photoshop file into Illustrator to set the type after you have worked with your cover image.

If you don’t have design skills, now is a great time to hire a book cover designer. The first step is to figure out what kind of budget you have for this. A designer’s fee will range depending on their expertise. Get a figure in mind and then write a design brief which should include the book specs:

Size

Print-run

Intended audience

Where and how the book will be published

Anticipated publish date

You should also include a summary of what the book is about and what you are looking for in a cover. Also share the inspiration you’ve gathered with the designer.

If you don’t have design skills but want to create the cover without the help of a professional, there are a few software programs you can use, such as Canva or 100 Covers, design tools that allow you to DIY the cover (for free or a fee).

STEP THREE Decide on the Dimensions. If you’re self-publishing and printing with a local printer you can work with them to make sure your book dimensions will fit on their printer (remember a book prints front, back, and spine in one sheet of paper). It’s also a good idea to find examples of books whose size you like and feels good to hold. Use that as a jumping off point for your book.

Book Cover Dimensions List. If you are printing for a specific market, from print to ebook, here is a handy list:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing File Format: JPEG or TIFF Cover Size (Recommended): 2560x1600 pixels Cover Size Requirements: between 1000x625 pixels and 10,000x10,000 pixels (one side must be at least 1000)

Apple iBooks File Format: JPEG or PNG Cover Size (Recommended): 1400x1873 or 1600x2400 pixels Cover Size Requirements: at least 1400 pixels wide

Barnes & Noble File Format: JPEG or PNG Cover Size (Recommended): Rectangle height and width, at least 1400 pixels Cover Size Requirements: Min. 750 pixels height and width

Kobo Books File Format: JPEG or PNG Cover Size (Recommended): 1600x2400 pixels Cover Size Requirements: Min. 1400 pixels width

Smashwords File Format: JPEG or PNG Cover Size (Recommended): 1600x2400 pixels Cover Size Requirements: Min. 1400 pixels width Draft2Digital

File Format: JPEG Cover Size (Recommended): 1600x2400 pixels Cover Size Requirements: Tall rectangle

STEP FOUR Choose Your Style

Photo-based cover. If you’re creating an photo-based book cover, you’ll need to source stock imagery. There are lots of great resources online to find stock imagery including ShutterStock, Getty Images, and Adobe Stock. (Keep in mind: most photography archives require payment to use their images. Always investigate the copyright of images you’re interested in using.) Look for images that convey or allude to your book’s genre. You can use programs like Photoshop to manipulate your image, making it black and white instead of color or cropping it in a certain way.

Illustration-based cover. If you’re considering a more graphic approach to your cover, Illustrator is the tool to use. You can bring hand-drawn drawings into it and outline them to create scale-able, high-res illustrations which you can manipulate within the program. You can also create shapes, patterns, experiment with typography within illustrator and play with color, transparency, size and much more.

Typography-based cover. Finally, many successful book covers use typography as the main graphic device. This takes some skill and knowledge of typefaces, the historical context of a typeface, and how to manipulate it thoughtfully. That said, using type as a graphic can be very impactful.

STEP FIVE Pick a Typeface (Font). No matter what kind of cover you are designing, you are going to need the title of the book and the author’s name on the cover. As mentioned above, picking an appropriate typeface is very important. You want to pick something that feels right for your book—is it a sans serif or serif? A heavy weight or lighter weight? You want to make sure it’s not something with a lot of baggage, like Comic Sans or Papyrus. It is a good idea to actually do a little research on when, where, and who your typeface was designed by to give you context and feel out if it will be right for your book. You might also consider using up to two different typefaces, one for the title and one for your name. A serif and sans-serif mix can give a bit of contrast and visual interest. There are some typefaces that pair really well together. Check out the website TypeWolf to get ideas of what fonts pair well together.

STEP SIX Test, Tweak, and Repeat. Once you have a few versions of your cover, print them out on your home printer and take a look with a critical eye. Does the type size feel chunky? Too bold? Too small? How does your image look? Is it cropped right? Are the lines of your illustrations too thin and not showing up? Go back and refine your design and then repeat! Don’t forget to look at your book cover as a small thumbnail as well. People are on their mobile phones and you want to make sure your cover still stands out and is impactful.

Book Cover - serves as your first impression with potential readers—and though book covers don’t always look the same, they do tend to contain the same essential elements.

Design standards may be different in the world of traditional publishing than they are in self publishing, and book cover templates for physical paper books may differ from those of ebooks—but they all serve the same purpose.

Some Functions of a Book Cover

A book’s cover provides essential information. At its most elemental, a good cover includes a book’s title, the author’s name, the publisher, and the price.

A good cover offers clues about your book’s content and tone. Your cover design indicates whether your book is a work of high-minded literary fiction, a pulpy page turner, or a compelling work of non-fiction.

A front cover reveals a book’s genre. You can usually tell if you’re holding a thriller, a memoir, a sci-fi epic, or a nineteenth century classic just by looking at a book’s cover art and typography.

A back cover offers broader context. It may feature quotes from reviewers and fellow authors. Softcover books may contain a plot summary or author biography on the back; those summaries and bios are typically moved to the inner flaps of a hardcover book.

How to Hire a Professional Book Cover Designer

Book covers are marketing materials, and a well-designed professional cover can make your book stand out among the competition. If you want someone with expertise in the realm of cover design to work on your book, you may want to hire a professional book cover designer. Here are some steps to consider when hiring creatives to design your book cover:

Hire a cover artist. A cover artist produces the cover art and imagery that will appear on your book cover, either on their own or with heavy input from an author or publisher.

Hire a graphic designer. Certain graphic designers specialize in layout; they incorporate cover art that you provide them—whether that’s an original illustration, photograph, or even a stock image—into the overall design of the cover.

Find a cover designer online. Reedsy is one of a number of online resources for independent authors, self-publishers, and anyone connected to the world of books. Many professional book designers list their services on Reedsy.

Use your personal network. Seek out writers’ groups, either locally or on Facebook. In these groups, people share professional referrals and help support one another when a member has a new book in the works. A group of like-minded individuals can be an invaluable resource when creating your own book cover for the first time.

When to Call a Pro:

You have a budget (a designer’s fee will vary depending on experience and location).

You have enough time to work with the designer.

You have a clear idea of what you want or at least what you don’t want.

You don’t have any design skills.

You don’t want to invest in the design software.

Your book isn’t selling.

How to Design a Book Cover Yourself

If you don’t have the budget for a pro designer or just have a DIY itch you want to scratch, it is easier than ever to design your own book cover. While it may not be quite as rudimentary as when you covered your textbooks in a brown paper bag back in fifth grade, modern technology has made cover image design accessible to anyone with a computer. Here are some tips:

Use a template. There are numerous websites that offer book cover templates and step-by-step tutorials covering basic cover design skills. Some even have a free book cover creator tool, along with cover ideas, design tips, pre-made design templates, and digital cover image tools.

Use standard design software. Book covers can also be made using standard home computing software including Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and even (with a little sweat equity) Google Docs. This is particularly easy if you are importing a pre-made cover image from another source.

Make a prototype. The process for assembling a book is straightforward and satisfying. If you want to test out how your book will appear in print, you can learn to bind a copy yourself.

When to DIY:

You don’t have any budget for design.

You have design skills to do it yourself.

You have the design software.

You have a template and know exactly what you want.

You have people with an eye for design that can guide you.

How to Make a Hardcover Book

So you’re ready to bind your own book. Here’s what you’ll need:

Content, of course.

Uncoated printer paper for book pages

Decorative paper for endpapers, such as wrapping paper or cardstock

Davey board (aka bookbinder’s board), thin chipboard, or cardboard for the book covers

Craft knife

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue such as Elmer’s glue

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Ruler or straight edge

A long stapler

Thin fabric or book cloth for cover

Binder clips

Thick decorative paper (optional, for dust jacket)

Paper trimmer (optional, for trimming book pages)

Paintbrush (optional, for spreading glue)

There’s more than one way to bind a book, and you’ll find tons of great tutorials online for making homemade books, including Japanese bookbinding and perfect bound softcover books. The most popular style of hardcover book binding is called case binding, which is traditionally done by stitching pages together with thread. Here is how to make a hardcover book step-by-step—no sewing or special materials required:

Assemble the content. The number of pages and the type of paper you work with depends on whether you’re binding a novel, a full-color photo book, or a sketchbook. Familiarize yourself with the format by taking some hardcover books down from your bookshelf and observing how they were made.

Format your pages. If you’re creating a blank book, you can skip this step. If you’re printing a book with text, you'll need to format the text so that you can print it into a book. You can get help with this at a copy shop, or you can download book design software and print at home. Eventually, you’ll end up with a PDF with a page count. This page count has to be divisible by four so that your book can be bound as folios made up of eight sheets of paper (32 pages) each. You may need to add some blank pages at the end of the book to keep your page count correct for the folios.

Print and fold. Once all of your pages are printed, fold pages in half and stack eight within each other, making sure the pages are in the correct order. Staple the folios together in the folds, alternating the location of the staples so that you don’t end up with a bulge in the spine.

Bind your folios together. Arrange all of the folios in the correct order and flatten them between heavy books. Once your folios are flat, it’s time to glue them together. Hold the folios together with binder clips and use a glue gun to glue the folios together along the stapled edge. This will become your book’s spine. Be careful not to overdo it on the glue: Use just enough to keep the folios together. Before the glue cools, use a thin piece of fabric to cover the spine only.

Even out the pages. Carefully trim the edges of the pages with a paper trimmer or craft knife, if needed.

Make the hardcovers. Cut two pieces of cardboard for the front and back covers of your book. For the spine, cut a piece of cardboard that is the same height as the front and back covers, with a width equal to the thickness of the spine plus the front and back covers.

Attach the hardcovers. Paint the cardboard (both covers and the spine piece) with a thin layer of PVA glue and attach to the cloth you’ll use to cover your book, leaving a space between the covers and the spine equal to one and a half times the thickness of the cardboard. Let dry.

Assemble the book. Use PVA glue to attach the fabric-lined spine of your bound folios to the cardboard spine. Keep the book propped up between other books while you wait for it to dry.

Attach the endpapers. Trim the paper lining so that it’s twice the size of the first page and fold it in half. Paint glue onto the inside of the front cover and the front page, and attach paper lining. Repeat with the back cover.

Make the dust jacket. If you’d like to cover your book with a dust jacket, measure a piece of thick decorative paper as tall as your book and as wide as the entire book, plus a few extra inches to fold over the edge of the cover. Fold the dust jacket over the bound book. Lay another heavy book on top of it to help the dust jacket keep its shape. This is the place to add a cover design, if you’d like.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[astra-ravana]

Technomancy: The Fusion Of Magick And Technology

Technomancy is a modern magickal practice that blends traditional occultism with technology, treating digital and electronic tools as conduits for energy, intent, and manifestation. It views computers, networks, and even AI as extensions of magickal workings, enabling practitioners to weave spells, conduct divination, and manipulate digital reality through intention and programming.

Core Principles of Technomancy

• Energy in Technology – Just as crystals and herbs carry energy, so do electronic devices, circuits, and digital spaces.

• Code as Sigils – Programming languages can function as modern sigils, embedding intent into digital systems.

• Information as Magick – Data, algorithms, and network manipulation serve as powerful tools for shaping reality.

• Cyber-Spiritual Connection – The internet can act as an astral realm, a collective unconscious where digital entities, egregores, and thought-forms exist.

Technomantic Tools & Practices

Here are some methods commonly utilized in technomancy. Keep in mind, however, that like the internet itself, technomancy is full of untapped potential and mystery. Take the time to really explore the possibilities.

Digital Sigil Crafting

• Instead of drawing sigils on paper, create them using design software or ASCII art.

• Hide them in code, encrypt them in images, or upload them onto decentralized networks for long-term energy storage.

• Activate them by sharing online, embedding them in file metadata, or charging them with intention.

Algorithmic Spellcasting

• Use hashtags and search engine manipulation to spread energy and intent.

• Program bots or scripts that perform repetitive, symbolic tasks in alignment with your goals.

• Employ AI as a magickal assistant to generate sigils, divine meaning, or create thought-forms.

Digital Divination

• Utilize random number generators, AI chatbots, or procedural algorithms for prophecy and guidance.

• Perform digital bibliomancy by using search engines, shuffle functions, or Wikipedia’s “random article” feature.

• Use tarot or rune apps, but enhance them with personal energy by consecrating your device.

Technomantic Servitors & Egregores

• Create digital spirits, also called cyber servitors, to automate tasks, offer guidance, or serve as protectors.

• House them in AI chatbots, coded programs, or persistent internet entities like Twitter bots.

• Feed them with interactions, data input, or periodic updates to keep them strong.

The Internet as an Astral Plane

• Consider forums, wikis, and hidden parts of the web as realms where thought-forms and entities reside.

• Use VR and AR to create sacred spaces, temples, or digital altars.

• Engage in online rituals with other practitioners, synchronizing intent across the world.

Video-game Mechanics & Design

• Use in-game spells, rituals, and sigils that reflect real-world magickal practices.

• Implement a lunar cycle or planetary influences that affect gameplay (e.g., stronger spells during a Full Moon).

• Include divination tools like tarot cards, runes, or pendulums that give randomized yet meaningful responses.

Narrative & World-Building

• Create lore based on historical and modern magickal traditions, including witches, covens, and spirits.

• Include moral and ethical decisions related to magic use, reinforcing themes of balance and intent.

• Introduce NPCs or AI-guided entities that act as guides, mentors, or deities.

Virtual Rituals & Online Covens

• Design multiplayer or single-player rituals where players can collaborate in spellcasting.

• Implement altars or digital sacred spaces where users can meditate, leave offerings, or interact with spirits.

• Create augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experiences that mimic real-world magickal practices.

Advanced Technomancy

The fusion of technology and magick is inevitable because both are fundamentally about shaping reality through will and intent. As humanity advances, our tools evolve alongside our spiritual practices, creating new ways to harness energy, manifest desires, and interact with unseen forces. Technology expands the reach and power of magick, while magick brings intention and meaning to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As virtual reality, AI, and quantum computing continue to develop, the boundaries between the mystical and the technological will blur even further, proving that magick is not antiquated—it is adaptive, limitless, and inherently woven into human progress.

Cybersecurity & Warding

• Protect your digital presence as you would your home: use firewalls, encryption, and protective sigils in file metadata.

• Employ mirror spells in code to reflect negative energy or hacking attempts.

• Set up automated alerts as magickal wards, detecting and warning against digital threats.

Quantum & Chaos Magic in Technomancy

• Use quantum randomness (like random.org) in divination for pure chance-based outcomes.

• Implement chaos magick principles by using memes, viral content, or trend manipulation to manifest desired changes.

AI & Machine Learning as Oracles

• Use AI chatbots (eg GPT-based tools) as divination tools, asking for symbolic or metaphorical insights.

• Train AI models on occult texts to create personalized grimoires or channeled knowledge.

• Invoke "digital deities" formed from collective online energies, memes, or data streams.

Ethical Considerations in Technomancy

• Be mindful of digital karma—what you send out into the internet has a way of coming back.

• Respect privacy and ethical hacking principles; manipulation should align with your moral code.

• Use technomancy responsibly, balancing technological integration with real-world spiritual grounding.

As technology evolves, so will technomancy. With AI, VR, and blockchain shaping new realities, magick continues to find expression in digital spaces. Whether you are coding spells, summoning cyber servitors, or using algorithms to divine the future, technomancy offers limitless possibilities for modern witches, occultists, and digital mystics alike.

"Magick is technology we have yet to fully understand—why not merge the two?"

[fujocoded]

It’s April 1st! You know what that means: time to do things that are both real AND ridiculous, just to keep your followers on their toes.

Introducing.... a company. A whole new company.

✨🍋FujoCoded, LLC✨

Last year, we took a bold step by fundraising for a fan-friendly guide to modern web development. Today, it’s time for our next step: establishing a sustainable way forward by formalizing our ongoing work under a real company with an official mission!

FujoCoded LLC's mission is to build a kinder, more diverse, more collaborative–and unapologetically weirder–internet.

Our main focuses:

Education, which gives people the skills to be the change they want to see on the web.

Software, which gives people the tools to make such changes.

Community, which gives people the strength, structure, and support to see those changes through.

...but just like last year, to get this new company started right we need your help. You could even say we NEED YOUR SEED….

💦💦💦🌱💦💦💦🌱💦💦💦🌱

…money 😉

Check out and donate to our campaign on BackerKit and learn even more about us here on our website.

[deramin2]

Working on getting a local queer magazine up and running and feel like I sound a bit paranoid for repeatedly saying "I do not trust any corporation to control this web page in the current political climate and would very much prefer using an open source web platform on our own host where we can leave if we have to. Tying ourself to a corporate master that can destroy everything on a whim is extremely dangerous right now."

Except it's not paranoia if they are out to get you. We lost a bunch of queer history primary sources to Tumblr's adult content ban and too many corporations are gleefully complying in advance with the Trump administration's fascism. The history of queer spaces is that we have to control them ourselves to stay safe and we have to be able to pack up and leave to preserve our community.

I'm holding my tongue with a lot of things like Canva for graphics or Google Docs for coordination because 1. I get that those are the tools most people know how to use for collaboration. 2. I can quietly back it all up on my end so that if the shit hits the fan we aren't screwed. But under no circumstances do I want to use Canva or Squarespace or any other walled garden for web hosting. Especially when I already have hosting space and a good domain registrar I trust. I do not want to do web design stuff but I can and will if that's what it takes to avoid this needless risk.

Don't trust the corporations with our culture. Please don't trust the corporations. DON'T TRUST THE CORPORATIONS!