#Benefits of Performance Management System

[mygrowth465]

Transforming Workforce Excellence: The Role of HR Performance Management Systems

In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, the strategic management of human resources has become pivotal for organizational success. One of the cornerstones of this strategy is the implementation of robust HR Performance Management Systems. These systems go beyond traditional performance reviews, offering a comprehensive approach to optimizing employee performance, fostering professional growth, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives.

Understanding HR Performance Management Systems

An HR Performance Management System is a set of integrated processes and tools designed to streamline the management of employee performance, development, and overall productivity within an organization. Unlike the traditional annual performance review model, modern systems emphasize continuous feedback, goal alignment, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Components of HR Performance Management Systems

Goal Setting and Alignment:

HR performance management systems facilitate the setting of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals for employees. These goals are aligned with the broader organizational objectives, ensuring that every individual's efforts contribute to the overall success of the company.

Continuous Feedback Mechanisms:

Emphasizing ongoing feedback, these systems enable regular communication between managers and employees. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, allowing for real-time adjustments, acknowledgement of achievements, and addressing performance issues promptly.

Employee Development Planning:

HR performance management systems go beyond evaluation to focus on employee development. They provide a platform for creating personalized development plans, identifying skill gaps, and offering opportunities for training and growth.

360-Degree Feedback:

Modern systems often incorporate 360-degree feedback, gathering insights from peers, subordinates, and managers. This holistic feedback approach provides a well-rounded view of an employee's performance, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of strengths and areas for improvement.

Data Analytics and Reporting:

Leveraging data analytics, HR performance management systems offer valuable insights into performance trends, skill gaps, and the impact of development initiatives. Data-driven reporting supports informed decision-making and strategic workforce planning.

Recognition and Rewards:

Recognition is a crucial aspect of employee motivation. HR performance management systems include mechanisms for acknowledging and rewarding high performers. This recognition can take various forms, including monetary rewards, promotions, or public acknowledgment of achievements.

Integration with Learning and Development Initiatives:

These systems are often integrated with learning and development platforms. This integration allows employees to seamlessly access training materials, courses, and resources that align with their development goals identified through the performance management process.

Benefits of HR Performance Management Systems

Enhanced Employee Engagement:

By providing a continuous feedback loop and involving employees in goal-setting and development planning, HR performance management systems contribute to increased engagement. Engaged employees are more likely to be motivated and committed to organizational goals.

Improved Productivity and Performance:

Goal alignment, regular feedback, and development opportunities lead to improved employee performance and increased productivity. When employees understand their role in achieving organizational objectives, they are more likely to strive for excellence in their work.

Talent Retention and Recruitment:

Recognizing and rewarding high performers enhances talent retention. A positive performance management experience becomes a powerful tool for attracting top talent, as prospective employees seek organizations that invest in their professional growth and well-being.

Strategic Decision-Making:

The data generated by HR performance management systems provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making. HR leaders can identify trends, assess skill gaps, and make informed decisions about workforce planning and development initiatives.

Cultural Reinforcement:

These systems play a crucial role in reinforcing organizational culture. By aligning performance expectations with cultural values, organizations can create a workplace where employees embody the desired behaviors and attitudes.

Adaptability to Change:

HR performance management systems support adaptability by identifying skill sets needed for evolving roles. This adaptability ensures that employees are equipped with the skills required to navigate changes in the business environment.

Fair and Transparent Evaluation:

Modern systems promote fairness and transparency in performance evaluations. Clear criteria, consistent application, and the use of data-driven metrics reduce the likelihood of bias and subjective judgments.

Challenges and Considerations

While HR performance management systems offer numerous benefits, their successful implementation requires careful consideration of potential challenges. Some common challenges include:

Resistance to Change:

Employees and managers may resist the shift from traditional performance reviews to a more continuous and feedback-oriented approach. Effective communication and change management strategies are essential to address resistance.

Technology Integration Issues:

Integrating the system with existing HR technology infrastructure can pose challenges. Ensuring seamless integration and providing adequate training for users are critical to overcoming technology-related issues.

Subjectivity in Evaluation:

Despite efforts to make evaluations objective, there is still a risk of subjectivity. Training managers on fair and unbiased assessment practices can help mitigate this challenge.

Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics:

Striking the right balance between quantitative and qualitative metrics is crucial. Overemphasis on one at the expense of the other may lead to an incomplete view of employee performance.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of human resource management, HR performance management systems have emerged as indispensable tools for fostering employee excellence, aligning organizational goals, and driving strategic decision-making. By embracing these systems, organizations can create a culture of continuous improvement, engagement, and innovation, ultimately propelling them toward sustained success in today's competitive business environment.

[sentrient]

Benefits of Performance Management Software in Australia

Learn how Australian companies are using performance management software to streamline evaluations, improve feedback, and support employee development.

[innosoft-uae]

As your sportsbook grows, so does the demand on your platform. A scalable wagering system ensures you can handle spikes in traffic during major events, integrate new features quickly, and expand into new markets without performance issues. It’s not just about keeping the site running—it’s about delivering a smooth, reliable experience to every bettor. Scalable platforms support real-time odds, fast payouts, and seamless updates, which are essential for user satisfaction and long-term success. If your current setup is struggling under pressure, it’s time to invest in scalability and future-proof your sportsbook operations.

[cloud9technologies2]

Benefits of Implementing ERP Software for Engineering Firms

The engineering industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, and it plays an important role in growing the economy as well. The engineering sector is growing day by day and is highly competitive. Hence, efficiency, accuracy, and streamlined operations are crucial for success in this sector. Businesses face several challenges in this sector, like the complexities of a project, resource management, and deadline restrictions. ERP software for engineering firms is the best way to overcome all of these challenges as it integrates and automates business processes.

Here is the list of top benefits of utilizing ERP systems for the engineering industry:

1. Project Management:

The projects in engineering sectors have a detailed documentation process, different teams, and complicated workflows. ERP system for engineering firms help in various ways, like centralizing project data, enabling limitless collaboration, and getting real-time updates. Because of this software, every team member has all the updates, which in turn reduces miscommunication and delays in the project.

2. Resource Management:

For all engineering projects, it is essential to allocate all resources carefully, like equipment, materials, and labor. With the utilization of ERP software, the monitoring of resources can be performed easily. It helps in checking resource availability, optimizing usage, and forecasting requirements. This ultimately results in improving cost efficiency.

3. Quality Management:

Ensures engineering projects meet industry standards and regulations.

Quality Control: Offers tools for monitoring and managing the quality of materials, processes, and completed projects.

4. Data Management:

Using ERP software, engineering firms can make sure that they can get a unified database to eliminate data silos and ensure consistency through all departments. A centralized data management system is beneficial for decision-making as well it provides critical information when required.

5. Time and Budget Management:

When the whole system gets automated with ERP software, it reduces time and cost on repetitive tasks like data entry, procurement, and inventory management. The utilization of ERP systems in engineering firms helps in reducing manual errors and improving productivity. Hence, the firms can focus on other important things like innovation and project execution.

6. Client Relationship Management:

Most ERP systems include customer relationship management tools that are very helpful in managing client interactions. This tool allows the firm to track communication history, project milestones, and client preferences. Because of this feature, firms can improve customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships.

7. Scalability and Flexibility

ERP solutions may scale with the company as it grows, allowing for more projects, clients, and resources. Customization: ERP solutions can typically be tailored to an engineering firm’s specific demands and operations.

8. Financial Management

Accounting combines financial accounting with project management to provide a complete picture of the company’s financial health. Reporting: Creates detailed financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

How PMTRACK ERP Helps:

Managing development processes, monitoring complex projects, and ensuring seamless collaboration across divisions are becoming increasingly important for company success. Engineering organizations in Pune, India, and around the world have distinct issues in successfully managing their operations.

Implementing a bespoke Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution provides transformative benefits by streamlining processes, improving project management, and ultimately generating profitability.

For businesses considering ERP adoption, selecting the correct ERP software vendor is critical. PMTRACK ERP, a reputable ERP solution provider in Pune, India, specializes in engineering ERP systems tailored to the demands of engineering and manufacturing companies.

ERP software is used to connect project management with financial accounting, inventory control, and procurement procedures. This integration gives project managers real-time information about project costs, resource availability, and schedules, resulting in better-informed decisions and more effective project execution.

Engineering firms that use an ERP system can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve project delivery, and ultimately boost client satisfaction and profitability.

Summary:

ERP software provides several advantages to engineering firms in Pune, India, ranging from better project management and financial control to higher client satisfaction and scalability. Engineering organizations can employ a comprehensive ERP solution to improve operations, decrease inefficiencies, and drive long-term growth.

PMTRACK ERP, one of the leading ERP solution providers in Pune, India, provides comprehensive, industry-specific ERP solutions that are suitable for engineering organizations’ unique requirements. Firms that collaborate with an experienced engineering ERP software company in India receive a trusted partner in negotiating the complexity of their business, setting them up for success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

[that-hazbin]

Media Demon AU - excuse me you've inspired me to write in your AU, have a gift.

Lucifer and Lilith being dragged out to Pride by Teenage Charlie, they aren't expecting anything but blood, brimstone and depravity and are pleasantly surprised to find everything drastically changed.

The streets are well lit, banners of alternating colours crisscross the streets below, colourful storefronts and music on every corner, it's easier to say what street doesn't have a sinner or group of sinners with musical instruments singing their hearts out as practice or hoping to be recruited. Walls usually vandalised with nasty graffiti feature massive spray painted murals and while some are admittedly indecent they are of high quality.

Posters on every storefronts advertising performance arts of any kind imaginable, with temporary soul contract offers for skilled musicians and other artists to either teach or perform.

Lucifer looked at some of the advertisements somewhat curiously.

Carmine Industries who in addition to Angelic Weaponry also did research and sold parts for sound systems, stages and repaired instruments in partnership with the Media Demon.

Zizzi the Party Overlord who seemed to have a mild friendly rivalry with the Media Demon in terms of recruiting talented bands with many non-violent battle of the bands in their history.

Then there was Alastor the Media Overlord himself, there was no picture, but a mention of sponsorships and sign up sheets guaranting safefy in return for the low low price of your soul. The caveat of 'for however long you were employed' was interesting but seeing the list of guaranteed benefits supplied, and the sheer lack of better options, it would be extremely difficult to refuse. Food, Housing, lessons, free dental and there was even a section for imps and hellhounds who wanted to work in the porn industry.

Lucifer paused his reading and sharpened his hearing to listen to the sinner talking to his wife and daughter.

"I'm practicing for The Media Demon... no I'm not into the lust sector... or television sector, don't worry... Overlord Alastor suggested I publicly perform to get over my stage fright. I never gotta perform up top back when I was alive cause I wasn't of the right folk. Overlord Alastor don't care about that nonsense though, so I can now!... What do you mean redemption?... Why would I want that when I got everything I want down here?... Those bigots are either up there or down here in the service industry, watching the same folks that they denied a job cause they was coloured be the next Michael Jackson is like Karmic Retribution... You wanna meed the Media Demon? Good luck with that, man's got a schedule so packed it's gotta be a war crime, managing the radio, Television, Internet and the entire Porn industry, powerful overlord but yeesh the paperwork... I don't think he actually sleeps... He's sponsoring a theater performance on Laufrey Theater, that's on Allegra Avenue... Look when the Media Demon rebuilds a entire city district after a Extermination on his own dime the demon can name a street whatever he wants... Royal permission? Pfft! Those bluebloods are never here, never help either... It's a far better name that 'Wreck that Booty Lane' that's for sure, look ladies get a new map from one of the shops, I gotta practise!"

Charlie was gone on the musical performances of the sinners on the streets, she'd thought earth was interesting from the extensive smuggled books and media she got from various Goetia and Hellborn after her interest in humans had became common knowledge but this was like everything all at once, she really didn't understand her parents extreme views on sinners. Look at what they were capable of, clear and present evidence that they just needed a chance!

Charlie was mentally adjusting her redemption plans and jerked in surprise when her father spoke up, waving a leaflet with Laufey Theater on the title. "How would you like to see a play?", her dad was showing interest in sinners? Actual interest?! Don't jinx it Charlie! "Can we really?" Charlie couldn't hold back the excitement, like a confetti cannon about to go off and it probably showed. Lucifer smiled "Anything for you Char-char"

"I'm sorry, sir, our tickets have sold out."

Alastor couldn't help but stop, ears perking up, as he passed by the Laufey Theater. It's unsurprising that the tickets have sold out, it's the premier of a creative adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and Alastor can personally attest to the uniqueness of the play. It doesn't follow the popular inspirations from James Whale's film adaptations, such as electricity bringing the monster to life, and the background music consists of newly commissioned works played live for the audience. Alastor had seen a couple of the rehearsals, and was invited to watch the premier by the theater director herself.

He was busy, though, terribly busy, and he told young miss Melody that himself. Still, she insisted on reserving seating for him in the VIP section, despite his protests. A whole box, four seats, left empty for a man who doesn't even have the time to attend? It was preposterous, really. He tried several times to convince her to sell the seats, or at least give it to some of the family of the actors, but she remained firm. No one else were to sit in that box unless he were right there along with them.

"I'm truly sorry, sir, but there really is no room left tonight. We've even had to use our expansion runes to create more space in the theater, but even those extra seats have filled out."

He should walk away. Really, he's on a tight schedule, a meeting with Carmilla Carmine and several others regarding the adaptability of angelic steel in the medical field. He has no time for a singular man missing his chance—

"Sorry, girls. I know you were excited, but maybe next time?"

Fuck.

Alastor pivots, catching sight of an imp, a succubus, and presumably their teenaged daughter, who shares features of both. Something about them is familiar, but he waves the thought away; he's used to seeing "familiar" things, given that he's back in time. He's stopped trying to place the memories.

"Pardon me," he calls, instantly getting the attention of both the family and the ticket seller. "Apologies for eavesdropping, but I seem to have a solution for your problem."

He flashes a nonthreatening smile, dripping southern charm and hospitality.

"I just so happen to have a box set aside for me, and no one else to fit the remaining seats."

He turns to the seller and winks.

"Could you tell our darling miss Melody that her so-called muse is here for the premier?"

The seller gapes, immediately connecting the dots, face growing red with realization.

"Right— Yes! Right away, sir!"

The seller practically vanishes from sight, rushing to fulfill the request. Rather than waiting outside, Alastor moves towards the doors, opening them wide. He turns his head towards the family, noting their expressions. The father looks confused, almost suspicious— which, fair enough, this is Hell after all, and although the Pride Ring has gone through many changes over the years, you can never be too careful.

The mother's face is mostly unreadable, although she seems to be evaluating him the same way he's doing it to her and her family. Taking in his demeanor, his clothing, the way he positions himself. Her daughter has, in contrast, the exact opposite disposition. She's excitable, eyes sparkling and smile wide enough to rival his own, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her behavior reminds him of a certain optimistic young lady, which only furthers to solidify his decision.

"Well?" Alastor says, cocking an eyebrow and waving a hand towards the doors. "Shall we?"

"YES!" The teenager squeals, eyes somehow growing even sparklier. She practically floats through the doors, pausing briefly to turn towards her parents to show off her excitement with a near-silent "eee!"

Her father's expression melts into something hopelessly fond, while the mother's turns amused, shaking her head exasperatedly.

"Apologies," the mother says. "Our daughter's never been to a play in the Pride Ring. She loves new experiences."

"Well, she's in for quite the event! You all made an excellent decision, tonight's show is certainly one for the ages!"

The succubus chuckles, moving to step through the doors.

"I'll take your word for it."

The father, left alone outside, seems to hesitate for a moment. Then, he gives a tight smile, moving through the doors with a polite, if awkward, nod. Alastor follows him in, and internally sighs. The familiarity he feels with these people only seems to grow, and he wonders, briefly, if it was worth ditching his meeting to sit for the next few hours trying not to wonder how on earth he knew this family.

"You know," the imp says, dragging Alastor out of his thoughts. "I don't believe I caught your name, mister...?"

"Oh my!" Alastor exclaims, perhaps a touch too loudly in the near empty foyer, turning the heads of the man's family and the few stragglers who've yet to take their seats.

"Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Alastor, the Media Demon!"

He takes the imp's hand, giving it an enthusiastic shake. He notes the man's expression is shocked, almost disbelieving. It brings a mischievous glint to Alastor's smile.

"Pleasure to be meeting you sir, quite the pleasure!"

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

A wearable electrical nerve stimulation device can provide relief to people experiencing the persistent pain and fatigue linked to long COVID, a study co-led by UCLA and Baylor College of Medicine researchers suggests.

Long-COVID, a complex and lingering condition following COVID-19 recovery, affects approximately 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. Symptoms such as widespread pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness often continue to disrupt daily activities, including walking and basic tasks.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed Scientific Reports, focused on a wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device, which uses low-voltage electrical currents to reduce pain, fatigue, and mobility issues associated with long-COVID.

The project was co-led by Dr. Bijan Najafi, research director of the Center for Advanced Surgical & Interventional Technology at UCLA Health and co-director of NSF IUCRC Center to Stream HealthCare in Place (C2SHIP), who said the device could have wider applications.

"While this study focused on managing pain and fatigue caused by long COVID, it may also have potential applications for addressing similar symptoms in individuals with other respiratory diseases, those who have experienced extended ICU stays and developed post-hospitalization weaknesses, and conditions involving chronic fatigue and pain, such as fibromyalgia or chemotherapy-related side effects," Najafi said. "But further studies are needed to confirm these potential uses."

In the study, 25 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and gait difficulties were assigned either a high-dose (active) TENS device or a low-dose (placebo) device. Both groups used the TENS device for three to five hours daily over a four-week period.

Researchers measured participants' pain levels, fatigue, and walking performance before and after the therapy period. Findings indicated that the high-dose TENS group experienced notable improvements in pain relief (26.1% more relief compared to placebo) and walking ability (8% during fast walking), suggesting that wearable TENS therapy may help reduce long-COVID's impact on daily life.

The high-dose TENS group also reported a slightly higher perceived benefit (71.2%) compared to the low-dose group (61.4%), underscoring the potential of wearable TENS technology to support long-COVID recovery.

One factor in the study's success was likely the high rate of daily device usage, Najafi said. The wearable nature of the TENS device allowed participants to use it seamlessly throughout the day, without disrupting their routines.

"This wearable TENS system offered immediate, on-demand relief from pain and fatigue, making it easy to integrate into daily activities," Najafi said.

He also cautioned that more research is needed. "This study provides some hope for finding an effective, non-invasive solution for managing lingering COVID-19 symptoms that continue to affect millions," he said. "But our sample size was limited, so further research is needed to confirm these findings."

Study co-authors are Alejandro Zulbaran-Rojas, Rasha Bara, Myeounggon Lee, Miguel Bargas-Ochoa, Tina Phan, Manuel Pacheco, Areli Flores Camargo, Syed Murtaza Kazmi, Mohammad Dehghan Rouzi, Dipaben Modi, and Fidaa Shaib of Baylor College of Medicine.

More information: Alejandro Zulbaran-Rojas et al, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for fibromyalgia-like syndrome in patients with Long-COVID: a pilot randomized clinical trial, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78651-5 www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78651-5

[probablyasocialecologist]

Although the benefits of diverse forest systems are well known, many countries' restoration commitments are focused on establishing monoculture plantations. Given this practice, an international team of scientists has compared carbon stocks in mixed planted forests to carbon stocks in commercial and best-performing monocultures, as well as the average of monocultures.

Their work is published in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change.

"Diverse planted forests store more carbon than monocultures—upwards of 70%," said Dr. Emily Warner, a postdoctoral researcher in ecology and biodiversity science at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford, and first author of the study. "We also found the greatest increase in carbon storage relative to monocultures in four-species mixtures."

[...]

Accordingly, the researchers were able to show that diversification of forests enhances carbon storage. Altogether, above-ground carbon stocks in mixed forests were 70% higher than in the average monoculture. The researchers also found that mixed forests had 77% higher carbon stocks than commercial monocultures, made up of species bred to be particularly high yielding.

"As momentum for tree planting grows, our study highlights that mixed species plantations would increase carbon storage alongside other benefits of diversifying planted forests," said Dr. Susan Cook-Patton, a senior forest restoration scientist at The Nature Conservancy and collaborator on the study. The results are particularly relevant to forest managers, showing that there is a productivity incentive for diversifying new planted forests, the researchers pointed out.

[axolterp]

Axolt: Modern ERP and Inventory Software Built on Salesforce

Today’s businesses operate in a fast-paced, data-driven environment where efficiency, accuracy, and agility are key to staying competitive. Legacy systems and disconnected software tools can no longer meet the evolving demands of modern enterprises. That’s why companies across industries are turning to Axolt, a next-generation solution offering intelligent inventory software and a full-fledged ERP on Salesforce.

Axolt is a unified, cloud-based ERP system built natively on the Salesforce platform. It provides a modular, scalable framework that allows organizations to manage operations from inventory and logistics to finance, manufacturing, and compliance—all in one place.

Where most ERPs are either too rigid or require costly integrations, Axolt is designed for flexibility. It empowers teams with real-time data, reduces manual work, and improves cross-functional collaboration. With Salesforce as the foundation, users benefit from enterprise-grade security, automation, and mobile access without needing separate platforms for CRM and ERP.

Smarter Inventory Software Inventory is at the heart of operational performance. Poor inventory control can result in stockouts, over-purchasing, and missed opportunities. Axolt’s built-in inventory software addresses these issues by providing real-time visibility into stock levels, warehouse locations, and product movement.

Whether managing serialized products, batches, or kits, the system tracks every item with precision. It supports barcode scanning, lot and serial traceability, expiry tracking, and multi-warehouse inventory—all from a central dashboard.

Unlike traditional inventory tools, Axolt integrates directly with Salesforce CRM. This means your sales and service teams always have accurate availability information, enabling faster order processing and better customer communication.

A Complete Salesforce ERP Axolt isn’t just inventory software—it’s a full Salesforce ERP suite tailored for businesses that want more from their operations. Finance teams can automate billing cycles, reconcile payments, and manage cash flows with built-in modules for accounts receivable and payable. Manufacturing teams can plan production, allocate work orders, and track costs across every stage.

[bylerlipglances]

Is Mike Already Marked?

The argument that Mike may have been infected/marked by Vecna is valid for several reasons.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Both Max and Mike were severely beaten by Billy and sustained injuries.

Additionally, they share many parallels. 1 2 3 4

I remember an excellent old video about Max-Mike parallels, but unfortunately, I can’t find it anymore :( whats wrong with tumblr tags!

👉 MIKE-MAX PARALLEL

edit: found it! A million thanks to brilliant @fuckmeupjackson

Fast forward to s4, Max is marked by Vecna. How is it that Mike is not experiencing any symptoms, considering he went through similar thing as Max? Was he somehow spared, or did Mike manage to evade Vecna's curse while Max did not?

Perhaps he didn't....

Max loses Billy, someone she wasn't particularly close to but still mourns due to their sibling connection, while Mike experiences the loss of Will, who, although technically alive, has left Hawkins, and his absence is having a negative impact on him.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Their Association with Needles (HIV/AIDS @greenfiend thoery)

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Mike is showing early signs of Vecna's curse or infection (thus escaping everyone's radar) manifested in the form of:

Vomit Green:

Mike wheeler: "I asked for vomit green and I got vomit green"

....and will didn't find this joke funny!!!

some Byler theorists read this as a jealous reaction , but it could also be interpreted as him joking about not feeling well, referencing the early signs of an 'infection' (alluding to initial symptoms of HIV) the disco ball & elongated lights, implicitly suggesting vecna's mark on both will and mike. (s4e2 is titled 'Vecna's Curse')

colored vomit can mean symptoms that accompanies various conditions, ranging from infection to chronic illness. Green vomit means you are bringing up bile. This can result from an infection, such as stomach flu, or from causes like morning sickness. In some cases, it can occur with more serious conditions, such as liver failure or bile reflux. The spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV ranges from odynophagia and dysphagia, to nausea and vomiting, to abdominal pain and finally diarrhea and tenesmus. As with normal hosts, gastrointestinal disorders are very common in HIV patients, Almost all HIV and AIDS patients have some gastrointestinal complaints throughout the course of their illness.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Loss of Appetite:

Twig: someone who is bone-thin

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Declining Academic Performance:

Similar to Max, Mike's performance at school had been declining, although he got relatively better grades. (It's possible that his immune system wasn’t as dramatically compromised as Max's)

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Adverse Effects on Personality: Rage

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Lesbian Mindflayer's

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

think he might have a slight awareness of his own condition and knows about Will’s situation as well.

Doesn’t that look like a more empathetic gaze?

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Mike is the HEART?

1 @threemanoperation 2 @greenfiend

HAART ? is he associated with haart?

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a combination of drugs that treats HIV infection. It's also known as combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

How HAART works: it stops HIV from replicating, Reduces damage to the immune system, Slows the development of AIDS, and Prevents HIV transmission.

Benefits of HAART Reduces mortality and morbidity rates, Improves quality of life, and has saved millions of lives worldwide.

Will is the CURE. @erikiara80 post

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯╳⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[meizze-art]

Hello Meizze,

I´ve watched your blog here for maybe a year but finally I get courage to write you this appreciation message. I only would like to tell you that your art is simply amazing and my most favourite on the whole tumblr.

The essence of your Omi and Seb is just... breathtaking, magical, absolute perfection! For me there is no better artist than you in this fandom. No matter of this deboost bullshit - I´ve always find my way to your blog.

Please keep sharing your beautiful art with us, have plenty of wonderful (and hot) ideas and have a nice day.

Your fan Allilie

Oh Allilie, this truly made my day!

Thank you so, so much for your kind words. I’m still in awe, procesing the dopamine wave I can’t tell you how much it means to hear that! 💖 Knowing that my art still found its way to you despite the deboosting nonsense makes me feel incredibly grateful! ✨

I’ve never really shared this publicly, but maybe IT'S TIME! (especially for anyone who’s been feeling discouraged by poor reach, or frustrated watching lower-quality content blow up or perform better while your work gets buried):

Not many people know this, sadly, but it's not that you're doing it wrong or your art sucks: there’s NO such thing as one GLOBAL, FAIR algorithm for ALL users on most platforms. EVERY COUNTRY HAS A DIFFERENT ALGLORITHM (apparently, the moment you create your account, it gets permanently tied to the regulations and filtering systems of that country).

This means that visibility, censorship, and engagement can VARY DRASTICALLY between users depending on which region/country the account was created in.

Unfortunately, the algorithm tied to MY COUNTRY is one of the MOST CONTENT-CENSORING and VISIBILITY-LIMITING in all of Europe!

I used to believe EU-wide regulations were applied fairly across the entire European region, but nope, actually I’ve observed how easily artists from some Nordic countries (like Finland, Sweden, Norway, etc...) gain crazy engagementand and higher recommendation on people's feeds, even with quickly-done art pieces over the past few years, WHILE creators from France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, etc, struggle to be seen, no matter how much effort and details they put on their art. While SOME artists from those 'VIP' countries still love to think so big about themselves or believe that their reach is 100% talent, I’ve always suspected that it’s often just a lucky combo of their algorithmically privileged region/country + their opportunistic algorithm gaming account activity/management.

I sometimes wonder how certain artists' hyperboosted pieces would perform if I posted them from my own account... and vice versa! I bet the results would be kind of interesting and funny to see.

For example, right now, Japan currently enjoys the most favourable algorithm on X worldwide (and probably on some other platforms too). When an account is randomly blessed and benefits from their algorithm, it's posible for them to farm thousands of likes/followers easily within a short timeframe, even with simpler and minimal artistic effort (and for free! no premium account is needed for that extra boost). Also some people can post more 'questionable' content from their account while others get their posts automatically censored and deboosted by their country algorithm when posting a picture about a male chest!

While this is not anyone’s fault, it definitely makes the whole system feel pretty discriminatory and unfair! All because of bloody political decisions against self-employment and content creators! I really hope we’ll finally put a stop to this nonsense soon! (not to mention the content creators struggling financially because of this, without even knowing what’s causing it…)

Since January 2025, the changes have hit me harder than in previous years: my reach has gone down drastically, censorship has increased, and it’s really affected my commissions. I’ve had fewer clients than last year just for this reason!

I wouldn’t say I trust ChatGPT 100%, of course it has mistakes!, but just in case anyone is interested, this helped me piece everything together and the data about several countries aligns pretty well with my own research and what I’ve experienced myself (these screenshots talk about X):

_________

Thank you so much again, Allilie, for your kind words! I’ll definitely keep sharing as long as there are people like you who genuinely connect with what I do. Sending you all the love back 💫🖤

[circeyoru]

Collection of Overlords _ Part 8 = Requested

[Alastor x Soul Owner of All Overlords!Reader]

Part 1 — Part 1.5 — Part 2 — Part 3 — Part 4 — Part 5 — Part 6 — Part 7 — Part 8 (here) — Part 9  — Part 10 — Part 11 — Part 12 — Part 13 — Part 14 — Part 15 — Part 16 — Epilogue

Husk awkwardly followed behind Alastor as he walked down the streets

After that night you approached him, he wanted to talked to you again, but you were away for some important matter. Frankly, he didn’t know what he was to do. Just run wild and claim territories? No, he can’t do that, it was disorderly and you wouldn’t like that. Maybe build his group of underlings again? But his reputation was gone, no one would follow him when his soul was the Radio Demon’s property. Nothing’s coming to mind…

That’s when Alastor gave him a judgmental look and had him follow. Niffty was quick to cover for Husk’s post and Lucifer offered his watchful eye. It was so smoothed that he felt planned, but he won’t question it

Husk wondered how you had Alastor to agree with the chance of letting him back into the collection. That day when he was gambling his soul away, Alastor offered everything but his soul because he knew it wasn’t his to get or bet on, it didn’t matter to Husk since he was desperate and you had never spoken to him anyways. So he assumed it was all fine

He should have known when Alastor appeared and offered him so much luxury even when being under the same owner was a big warning sign to leave and repent. The fact that he didn’t shows his ignorance and disrespect to you, the owner of his soul. So you casted him aside and let Alastor take him for torture

For years, he acted as a mere bartender, serving demons drinks and listening to them talk about their sorrows while he had no one to talk to about his. If he did, he would be dead. How he managed to not notice the Overlords’ obsessive trait towards you was beyond him. They were loyal and devoted to you and he was the opposite

This all felt like the carrot and stick. The carrot was all the benefits and support you provide for them, giving him a system to rely on. The stick was all the punishments and torment you give with just a few words and maybe just the thought of it with that closed eye expressionless face

Alastor came to a stop as through there was a wall in front of him, he turned to Husk and told him while he doesn’t believe Husk to be worthy to be in the collection again, he respects your decision and will carry them or at least help in whatever way possible

Overlords were given the task to take back some lands and Alastor himself had a few to claim, but now it was Husk’s duty to do it. A test, if you will, to see if he can complete tasks that the current Overlords are required to perform and worth their capabilities. Alastor was to judgment without personal feelings, favour and hatred

As much as Husk prides himself in his ability to read demons, he can’t ever dream of understand you or your plans. Like a fog surrounded you, he could see an outline, but when he thinks he has it, you were somewhere else in another form. An unsolvable mystery

“It’s never my intention to put you on a pedestal to have a chance at being redeemed.” Alastor scowled without looking at Husk, turning to the domain that was Husk’s test. “But, when My Liege wants to know, I will oblige in telling.” Husk got a shiver down his spine when he barely saw the smile on Alastor’s face, “Keep up with My Liege’s expectations, Husk.”

Husk straightened himself, getting out his fan of cards, “Yeah, yeah, no way am I passing up this chance.”

Alastor’s head tilted while his smile grew wider and wider by the second, voodoo symbols appearing one by one, “To escape my leash?”

Husk wonder if he should say this, but when you already knew, maybe Alastor does too or at least he would have suspected it. It wasn’t good to lie or hide. There was nothing to hide when Alastor was helping him, “Not my main plan, but why not. Sounds like a good bonus to be toe-to-toe with you.”

Alastor chuckled, “When you’re back among the collection, there’s much to learn.”

Husk doubled back, Alastor said ‘when’ not ‘if’, it felt like a premonition to show him hope for the future he wants. You hinted him at a chance of redemption and Alastor believes he can do it, he doesn’t care for Charlie’s redemption, if yours can do what you promised then it’s worth selling his soul to you again and swear his loyalty to. “Yeah, it won’t be like last time.”

You hummed as you stroll around town, waving and nodding to the Cannibals and Cannibettes that eagerly greeted you when you were nearby. Some children ran circles around you before continuing with wherever they were heading to. You enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere Cannibal Town has to offer all thanks to Rosie’s leadership

After you returned to Hell from your little meet-up with Trick, you found Alastor diligently giving Husk tasks to do. You do believe that their relationship wasn’t as hostile as before and that was good, hostility between your collections aren’t a good sight because one could end up dead

Though that didn’t mean you worry about the hostility the Vees spread around. Because, honestly speaking, they hardly pose a threat when the others were quite tight with each other. So you didn’t care about their little banners

Speaking of the Vees, interestingly, they have been dividing work when it came to taking back the lands and they were each struggling like the pathetic fools they were. That’s what it meant to rely on someone else and never develop your own power, a deadly mistake to commit, especially in Hell and particularly true to individuals that claim the name of ‘Overlord’

You shook your head, this was meant as a visit to Rosie and her darling subjects, you should be enjoying your time. It hasn’t been long but you have been staying in town for 3 days to allow the nighty feast continue for a while. They deserve it for all that they have done for Charlie and not to mention the rest of Hell

Exterminators were souls of Heaven and Heaven already has a lacking number of souls when compared to Hell. Yet why does Trick allow these souls to be devoured in your domain? Easy. Because they weren’t ever meant for Heaven. Why would such violent and dangerous souls be allowed through the gates of Heaven? Particularly someone like Lute

Both you and Trick started picking out souls that would be perfect for the extermination team after Adam suggested that and Sera approved it. It was an extremely fun progress, picking vengeful individuals and one with a hidden bloodlust, then mark them for Heaven. All it took was Trick’s ‘divine message or intervention’ and there you have an army of amateur exterminators

You think Vaggie got it easy with that ‘betrayal’, it got her to find true love with Charlie so it was a good end. If she had stayed, you think she’d be dying the second time for no reason but the amusement of the two bored entities. Well, one bored entity. You’re quite busy and content with your days in Hell

There were some cute teenagers that showed you feathers of exterminators that they have killed and feast upon, you gave them all a wicked grin and words of praise. Some older folks showed you battle moves that were taught to them to better prepare themselves for the war. Your smile just continue to widen the more they showed off what they have learned and accomplished

If you wanted, you just know Rosie will give you this unique army to go to any war. Even if it wasn’t for you, should they come under attack, who could stand against them when they defended exterminations and ate them? Who dares try?

You’ve give them all the gift of unbreakable rows of teeth, granting them the ability to even saw through bones. They expressed countlessly that they would have given you their souls if they didn’t to Rosie. Once, Rosie even offered their souls to you as a form of loyalty and devotion, but you declined and granted them the ability of ‘collected minds’

When moving as a town or at least a group, they will have each other’s back and never fall. It really does reimburse your image of this town being an ant colony. Truly fascinating that Rosie managed that well before you recruited her into your collection

You hummed, her move from the Gluttony Ring to Pride was a good idea. Else, you wouldn’t be able to have Rosie to yourself. Not that there would be an issue if you wanted Rosie into your collection and having to ‘fight’ for Rosie. But you didn’t want undue turmoil between you and the Sins

“Rosie, I have re—” You paused as you eyed the familiar and unexpected face sitting across from Rosie. “Well now, this is a surprise. What ever could be the reason you’re here, Velvette?”

The Social Media Demon immediately got up and bowed deeply, trying to reassure you that this was no planned meeting or anything of the like. She was just here to talk to Rosie and not make a scene. All the while, Rosie got up and offered you her seat while she sat in the middle one

You calmed the panicked demon down and said you knew and that it was fine. Though, you were curious as to why she wasn’t doing her work and here to just chat. When Velvette was hesitant to tell, Rosie suggested for Velvette to speak her mind because the final judgment wasn’t either of them to decide

So Velvette told you. The current situation of the Vees

It would appear, since the Overlords meeting was held, some disharmory have been going around between the Vees. Vox and Velvette wants Valentino to change his production focus since it wasn’t to your standards or liking. In turn, Valentino demands Vox stop with all the cameras. The three demons were picking each other eyes without caring for their own flaws and faults

Typical was what you would have thought. Yet…

The fact that Velvette is present right before your eyes proves something. So your patience and wait was well worth it

You listened with Rosie as Velvette spill all the drama between their group, not even hiding her own thoughts on the matter. Rosie was more expressive and attentive since it was gossip that she lives for, while you merely listened with your eyes closed and a small smile on your face knowingly, causally sipping from your cup

It’s to your satisfaction that Velvette doesn’t leave out her own concerns and worries. Not only on your colleagues, but on herself. As prideful and bratty as she put herself to be, she was surprisingly self-conscious too. A flaw demons wouldn’t like it revealed to others, especially to those more powerful since it is a weakness

But. To you, it was a worthy trait to have. The saying ‘Ignorance is bliss’, a lot of demons and sinners carry it around. They have no knowledge of a higher being in Hell, they think they know what’s at the top and stop there. There’s no improvement. There’s no change. There’s nothing to be done

Now when one knows, when one is aware of what’s around them. There are multiple opportunities and chances to advance in this little eternity of a realm. And Velvette is closer to it, just like how you pushed your other souls to that territory of recognition and growth

“I’m sorry. I… I don’t know what to do in this situation.” Velvette covered her face in her hands, slamming her elbows onto the table that made the cups cling from the impact. “I don’t want to be kicked out of the group. I don’t want to be out of the Collection.”

Rosie got up and comforted the distressed girl, “Now, now. You’re not in danger of leaving.” But she had to add, “Yet.” She stilled tried to cheer up Velvette as she tried listing, “It’s too early to tell.” She nudged the doll demon, “That’s why you came here for. Ain’t that right? Guidance and a pointer in the right direction.”

You hummed, setting down your cup and saucer on the table gently. “Hm, well. I can’t say I can give all that.” A smirk grew while your form changed as though there was a glitch in the system, you appeared as the young Overlord herself. “Everyone’s all a joke. I have better sh*t to do than to listen to an old windbag who is all so-called tough sh*t.”

Velvette’s hands fell from her face as she flinched back, looking into the mirror copy of herself. Even knowing that you were behind it, that smirk and the moment you opened your eyes to reflect her own, it all sent a chill down her spine. 

Rosie watched with amusement and a poorly covered o-shaped mouth, unable to stop the comment, “When some says their own words will come back to bite ya. I think this is the worse case imaginable.”

“I will do nothing less than what I please.” You continued to push as you got up from your seat. The scene changed to a familiar one. One of the same meeting room as the Overlords’ meeting. Only, Velvette’s position changed to be standing in Carmilla’s place. You in Velvette’s appearance smirked down at her from on top of the table, a cruelly taunting smirk on your face as you sang, “I’m the backbone of the Vees.”

“I was wrong…” Velvette muttered as she shrank down onto her knees.

The scene faded back to Rosie’s tea room, your appearance as Velvette dropped back to your usual one, eyes closed and all the neutral expression. You made your way to the exit of the room, Rosie quickly following behind while you spoke, “If you’re asking for confirmation that the Vees will stay in the collection, then here’s your answer; you three are still in for now. So you can go back to your two partners and bring the joyous news.”

Velvette clutched her hands into fist as grinded her teeth together.

“While I want nothing more than to support and advance my souls. Velvette, you remind me of those fading trends in the social media. Relevant for a moment, then the next, poof. Do anything to get back that shine, but it won’t work.” You spoke mercilessly, “Know your limit. Just because you broke down in front of me doesn’t mean I’ll fix you up. This is Hell and I am no saint. Show me weakness, little rag doll, and I’ll show you the fastest way to fall even lower than where you are right now.”

Rosie looked over at Velvette as she still kept up with a smile, but more apologetic and sympathetic.

“The alliance and help you want from Rosie is denied.” You cut to the chase, “Neither Cannibal Town or Rosie will be lending the Vees their support and aid in whatever endeavors you and your boys have planned.” You paused in your steps, “Because I will not allow it.”

Rosie bowed her head and curtsied, acknowledging the indirect command from you.

“I quit.” Velvette muttered.

Your head tilted at her words.

“I want to be independent from Vox and Valentino. I don’t want to share the Overlord title. I want one of my own.” Velvette got up as she spoke firmly and louder. “Master! Let me start anew! I’ll prove that I can carry the title on my own.”

“What brought the change of heart?”

“I ain’t sharing no rewards or punishments on behalf of them.” Velvette’s hand gripped onto her coat, remembering when her body was contorted into a bloody piece of meat ball. “I’m staying in this collection with my own Overlord title. I’ll do anything, even if I have to leave the Vees and start all over!”

A wide smile broke out on your face at her words. “Now that changes things~”

Note: Yay! This series is back~!! Big changes here. Oh, and for a few parts, there's not much Alastor moments. Just a little heads-up so people don't ask where's Alastor or when's Alastor's gonna appear.

Plus this series has it's own Masterlist like {Unwanted Soul}. So you can check it out and access parts easier.

Anyways, how's this one?

Circe Y. 

My Works: MASTERLIST

Taglist: (those that don't specify to being in all the works' taglist will automatically be assumed to be in whichever series they comment on)

@aconfusedwonderland @crowleysthings @donustellaron @mistpurpl3 @lucifers-silhouette @fluffy-koalala @snowy-violet @plutobots @ray-rook @thealienartist @serenity-songbird @galaxydreamer468 @raynerrold @wen01203 @hikari-michiko @colecreo @myromanempiree @xsamkuro @yourdoorisunlocked @clavelina @jono723 @cursedcattalastor @an-idyllic-novelist @flamiohotman2024 @rea-grace @myromanempiree @veroneverleft @lousypotatoes @crazysuityouth @jellyedkazoo @wat4r @kiraisastay @thealienartist @chefysawesomeideas @wtvbabes @patronizingbitch @koshi-kazu @craftyperfectiontragedy @scr4luv @chrollobb @mysterypotatoink @callmefe @dokukg69 @ratchetprime211 @freejayde @prettyprincess-ily @cgmajor

[wolfbirdguy]

What if Hawks lowkey completely rebranded the HPSC and tried to make it better

I had a silly idea awhile ago that I thought I'd share my notes on... Hawks rebrands the HPSC...

HCOUP

“Heroes commission of united protections“

The HCOUP is the reformed version of the previous HPSC (Heroes public safety commission), who’s mission statement is as written: “At HCOUP, we strive to create a world where heroes have too much time on their hands. We accomplish this through our big three: collective safety, independence, and acceptance. Our current project is the Community Hero Project, in which dedicated groups are employed to both assist and perform hero work to the benefit of society, and allow our current heroes to handle difficult scenarios."

The HCOUP has subsections, all of which are named by Keigo. Despite being the technical president, Keigo established a council to allow for easier distribution of work. Lady Nagant has a spot saved for her on this council. So far she gives him advice but does not work for him. 

Phoenix- These are the highest in responsibilities and lead the various projects at HCOUP. Phoenix members can borrow from various sections for missions and may propose new ideas, however the system is democratic in design, valuing the opinions of the whole flock. (Hawks, Mirko, Tensei Iida, Endeavour, etc) (really well meaning)

Doves-  They ensure HCOUP messages are being upheld and prevent misinformation. The doves are a heard, not seen group. They’re privately protected and not acknowledged as a formal group to other employees. (Super corrupt)

Robins- This flock works on the ground, in the thick of the conflict. Robins represent themselves in various aspects of the community though primarily work as on call security/help. Their work is very similar to the heroes themselves!

Cranes- The Cranes work internationally, often sent to different places to establish alliances or collaborations. When not travelling, Cranes work to guarantee that progress is being made. They’re the responsible ones. (Also corrupt)

Swallows- The Swallows carry out many social/business projects proposed by the Phoenix. They’re quite flexible and can work in incident management, office work, and training, all the way to security or bodyguard work.

Mallards- Finally, Mallard’s are peace protectors. They work socially, regarding ethical concerns, personal complaints or cases, hearing from the population, and allowing citizens to be heard in the HCOUP.

Additionally, each subsection has an elected council of 5 which represent their branch. Though Doves never actually show up to important meetings. 

[inixplicable]

The white supremacy/slavery themes of Severance.

Lumon's founding occurring shortly after the end of the Civil War.

Lumon being so anxious to complete Cold Harbor (a battle that was a devastating blow to the Union)

The constant parade of micro & macroagressions against Milchick, who is being worked to death in ways that the white woman who previously occupied his position never was. His attempts to square his genuine compassion for the innies with the way the system requires him to exploit and abuse them. His performance review dinging him for being Articulate (derogatory). What's another way to phrase that? oh yeah, uppity.

The way that innies are literally slaves. Everything they do is tightly controlled, and their labor is exploited while they never see the benefits or know a moment of peace and rest.

The management constantly reiterating that innies aren't people, despite the fact that they clearly are. "We're people, not parts of people." gee I wonder where else I've heard about people being reduced to fractions of a person by the people who control them.

[davekat-sucks]

everyone knows there are plenty of toxic straight ships in this (johnrezi, gamrezi, everything in hs2, take your pick), but honestly, meuloz will always stand out to me as the worst straight ship Hussie pulled out of his ass in canon. maybe even one of the worst overall, with rufioh/damara, vrisrezi, meenvris or davekat close by.

because at least with tavris or gamrezi, for example, there’s some ounce of acknowledgment that Vriska and Gamzee did a lot of wrong. Tavros, despite everything, somewhat managed to stand up for himself occasionally. Aradia and Terezi made efforts to help him (while Karkat and Kanaya, as usual, sat on their hands and did jackshit, even though it was their duty as leader and vriska's moirail respectively). and gamzee also liked tavros in his own fucked up way and had somewhat of a good rapport with him.

but with meuloz, people still act and insist that Kurloz cared about Meulin, despite the fact that he called her and their entire group “mirthless heretics”, celebrated their upcoming double deaths, and literally mind-controlled/gaslight her into helping him serve Lord English achieve that, without her even realizing it.

kurloz mutilating himself cutting his tongue out into a "vow of silence" as some kind of penance for what he did to her isn’t romantic or noble, it’s unhealthy and manipulative as fuck. his vow of silence is entirely performative, not redemptive, because he *can still speak* and chooses to when it suits him: he only talks in front of meulin when she's possessed by him, forces her to repeat some clown dogma shit, and goes back to playing mute when she regain consciousness. he even lied to her when she asked what happened, and gaslight her that she "shouldn't worry about it".

Kurloz doesn't feel regret for what he did, he's weaponizing his martyrdom as convenient, he is fucking manipulative, so i'm led to believe him cutting his tongue out and pretending to feel guilty was the same emotional sleight-of-hand gamzee pulled on terezi to guilt-trip her, moments before he started bashing her head onto the floor:

GAMZEE: TeReZi... GAMZEE: wHoA. GAMZEE: PlEaSe StOp. GAMZEE: YoU'rE mOtHeRfUcKiN... GAMZEE: hUrTiNg Me. :o( TEREZI: OH… TEREZI: OH GOD TEREZI: WH4T H4V3 1 DON3 TEREZI: 1... TEREZI: 1M SORRY!

meulin is alone, just like terezi was isolated by gamzee, thanks to davekat being too busy watching shitty romcoms to defend a girl they supposedly loved and considered a friend. dave even broke up with her because of it, and karkat despite knowing she and Gamzee were in a kismesissitude, didn’t lift a finger to de-escalate things. Why? Because he was still bitter that she picked Dave over him and made her abuse all about himself and his pity parties. he even shamed her for being drunk on Faygo, healing her eyes and emotionally wrecked, as if he hadn’t done absolutely nothing himself for three years.

Terezi’s entire “support system” was made up of two selfish cowards and the manipulative bitch who blinded her in the first place and stockholmed her into becoming moirails through emotional dependency because terezi was so alone and the meteor crew were *that* fucking horrible.

and even sadder despite being in a similar situation, meulin had even less support, both in comic and outside it. her fate was even worse than nepeta's, because even though she was used as a joke too, she still had equius. horuss fucking sucks as a moirail, he doesn't give a shit about her. and neither does the fandom that claims to care so much about women and abuse.

they only care about the female characters when they are cool girlboss abusers like meenah, vriska or hic. and only care about victims if they can use that label for their faves.

meulin was used as a puppet by her abusive ex, and still is, and the fandom barely seems to register it or seem so intent of giving him the benefit of the doubt in his intentions for some incomprehensible reason despite not doing the same for other characters that they hate like jane, jade, eridan, bro, tavros, rufioh, etc.

and because of that, meuloz is worse than davekat, because these horribly written plot beats of terezi and meulin being abused went absolutely fucking nowhere except circled back into humiliating them and pushing the fandom to ship them with kurloz and vriska.

Kurloz x Meulin aka Meuloz aka Rydas and Ninjettes is worse than Davekat. Kurloz and Meulin getting together is a jab at Nepeta's death. People had assumed that Gamzee and Nepeta would get along due to Gamzee's chill stoner nature and Nepeta's playfulness. But once Murderstuck came, that ship sunk. Kurloz and Meulin together makes it darker because of Kurloz's abuse. That could imply that it could have happened to Nepeta too. And it was shown that via Gamzee and Terezi together. If Nepeta heard the things her Dancestor was going through, she would be upset about it. Sickening too if Meulin says she should get together with the guy that basically murdered her and Equius. Considering how delusional Meulin is for shipping sake, she probably wants Nepeta to FORGIVE Gamzee and be matesprites with him to show he can be redeemed. Maybe darker if we go for the Ancestors since that could mean the Grand Highblood could have done something worse to The Disciple if he didn't order the Executioner to kill her. If Mindfang was the first adult female troll to get away with rape before The Condesce would in Skaianet Systems, it would not have been long until a male one would do the same. I don't mind the whole "I Can Fix Him" thing the two could have together. But since the Dancestors are played up as failures and doomed relationships, at best/worst, they are toxic in the sense of ignorant bliss kind of tragedy. Not fluffy uwu kawaii kind of thing unless people play up the delusions the two engage together. That the punchline and point is that the two are fucked up together and that's why they are still together. They can't help the other but still indulge in the pain and suffering if it meant they can still have this intimacy they desire and crave. That's what loving true dark relationships in fiction is all about. Happy endings and resolutions have no place in this. And the only thing one can feel towards couples like those is just pity as they destroy themselves. Meulin and BG from @befriendus

Kurloz makara sprite by @magua-vida

[multiplicity-positivity]

Here’s some positivity for headmates who are trying their best to fulfill their roles!

Roles are a very common occurrence in many systems. Roles and jobs allow different headmates to serve a purpose and help their collective function overall! But having a role is definitely not always easy. So if you’re a headmate who’s been struggling to fulfill your role, this post is for you!

🏵 Shoutout to headmates who are new to their roles or new to life in general and are still figuring things out!

🌷 Shoutout to headmates who feel that their role doesn’t suit them so they cannot perform it as well as they’d like!

✨ Shoutout to headmates who struggle to fulfill their roles due to disability or neurodiversity!

☁️ Shoutout to headmates who dedicate themselves to performing their roles to the best of their abilities, even when it’s hard!

🏵 Shoutout to headmates who love and embrace their roles, even if they don’t come easily!

🌷 Shoutout to headmates who have lived with their role for most of their lives but still have difficulties fulfilling them!

✨ Shoutout to headmates who have opted to cast aside role labels and frameworks for their own benefit and the benefit of their whole system!

☁️ Shoutout to headmates who struggle with consistently fulfilling their roles, or find the duties that come with their role easier some days than others!

🏵 Shoutout to headmates whose roles are just hard - the conflict managers, symptom, pain, or trauma holders, gatekeepers, or any other headmate with a role that is difficult no matter how you slice it!

🌷 Shoutout to headmates who are struggling to fill in a certain role in order to help out another system member!

✨ Shoutout to the disorganized managers, forgetful memory holders, exhausted hosts, clumsy caretakers, and other headmates with traits that make their roles more challenging!

If you’re a headmate who often struggles to complete duties that come with your role, please know that you’re not alone! It’s okay to struggle and to find things challenging, and that doesn’t reflect poorly on you at all as a member of your system or as a headmate with that particular role! It’s okay if you sometimes need help with your role from someone inside or outside your system! You still deserve to be uplifted and cherished as you are, even if you don’t meet others’ expectations regarding your job within your own system.

With practice and time, your role may come easier to you… but even if it doesn’t, remember that you should be loved and accepted just the way you are! Your efforts are seen and so appreciated, and your life has value and inherent worth even outside of your role, job, or tasks you perform. Please try to take it easy today, treat yourself with a bit of gentleness and compassion, and have a wonderful day!

[orbmanson7]

Superfluous

Word Count: 2120

Warnings: Typical Angst, Mild Language

--

If he didn’t know any better, Logan would say he’s unneeded.

He did know better, but that didn’t seem to matter to anyone else.

First, it was the ignoring of his advice and suggestions, then the clear indication that he wasn’t welcome unless he provided something of value to the others on the spot, and now… well, now there was nothing. His function had started to fall apart, each day passing by without Thomas’ needs being fully met, all because his Logic wasn’t at the table to contribute.

He wanted to blame Thomas, he wanted to blame the other sides, but he knew he couldn’t.

It wasn’t their fault, and he knew it. 

He was the one failing them, not the other way around.

They were all here for a reason - to do a job, to benefit Thomas - and, save for Logan, they all managed to get by just fine. 

So what was Logan’s excuse? There wasn’t one.

It took some time to realize what had happened, but he’d become useless. 

He was there to serve a purpose, to guide Thomas, to educate and remind, to instill confidence in his own knowledge - but it’d been years since he’d managed to do just that.

It was an odd sensation, realizing he hadn’t had an intellectually stimulating conversation in far too long. Something flared up when he couldn’t convince Thomas to stop with the “doom-scrolling,” or so it was called. The more he seemed to be pushed away, the less he seemed to be able to contribute, until he wasn’t able to get most of his usual daily tasks done.

And Thomas was clearly worse off for it.

Meanwhile, Logan could tell that the others weren’t having such problems. They were able to keep going, like the path ahead was almost entirely clear of obstacles.

But, Logan, for whatever reason, couldn’t find the way through like they had. 

No matter what he tried, he couldn’t make any crucial change happen. Sure, he’d had a lot of push-back before, and he’d had to puzzle out some rough spots through the years, but now it was if he was expected to do the impossible every day.

And he knew he couldn’t just keep pushing at this impenetrable wall, expecting it to move or break. It was futile, hopeless. 

He wasn’t meant to feel disappointed or run-down over this, either, as feelings had no place in this mess. Really, it was just another fault of his own, being bothered by the way the world worked.

He needed to be grateful for the role he’d been given, satisfied with the chances that he had…but he wasn’t. And that was absolutely his own fault, no one else’s. He knew that.

And that was okay.

These ridiculous desires to have discussions, to participate in their gatherings, to feel included among the others... He needed to be rid of these unnecessary feelings. He wasn't supposed to have these, he wasn't meant to perform this function while also being so... so biased.

Then again, he hadn’t been able to perform his function much at all as it were.

All he’d managed to do lately was cause issues for everyone, especially Thomas.

He had tried so hard to get a better handle on things, especially once it was clear how badly everything had started to degrade.

It was all about control, keeping things in line. So why were there always mistakes, so many slip-ups, every single time? Why did he keep failing, no matter what he tried?

After enough time, it seemed as though he hadn’t even been trying, considering how little progress he’d made, but he had! He'd been trying as hard as he knew to, in fact! Was he doing something wrong this whole time? Was there something he was missing?

Whatever it was, it was keeping him from doing his job properly for Thomas, causing suffering for no reason, difficulty for everyone around him. They didn’t deserve that from him.

He’d tried thinking about it differently, to see the problem from a new angle.

The mind was a complex system, meant to work smoothly - each piece whirling on like a well-oiled machine, every cog snug in its proper place, every wheel turning at its proper pace, every movement precise and planned.

It was all meant to mesh together, to flow in harmony...

But Logan’s damn rusty spindle kept stalling, fucking up the whole operation! He was ruining everything for them, especially for Thomas.

Most likely, the piece didn't actually belong there, if it ever did. He guessed it was stalling everything because it wasn't designed to fit in its spot correctly, not necessarily that it was faulty or broken.

He'd checked. He’d checked repeatedly.

It really was functioning just fine, but... it was clearly designed for an older system, one that catered to straight lines and narrowed edges, not all these wide flowing movements and creative turns and curves. It stood out, as if it truly didn’t belong at all.

The other pieces had all adapted to their new environment perfectly, they worked exactly as intended. But Logan's? It just kept getting caught on every unfamiliar turn and crevice.

His piece probably worked just fine in the past, but it clearly didn't anymore. 

It wasn't needed in the current system, that was for sure.

Superfluous. Just an extra piece getting caught in the gears of an otherwise perfect operation. 

It really just needed to be removed. It was the only solution that made sense.

--

"What's that scary look on your face for?"

Logan snapped his eyes up from the coffee in his hands to see Remus had appeared in the kitchen, his smirk ever-present as always.

He sighed,

"Apologies, I was merely thinking through a concept of sorts."

"Sounds interesting,” Remus leaned over the chair across from him. “Care to share?"

"Not particularly,” Logan responded.

Remus only continued to smirk at him. 

"I like you, Lolo,” he told him. “You always tell it like it is."

Logan regretted his own honesty at times, but at least someone didn’t seem to mind. Perhaps he should have been more grateful for that.

He took another sip of his coffee, thinking on how to respond.

"As do you,” he finally settled on. “So I suppose I appreciate you, as well, in that regard."

Remus smiled wide, pulling the chair out from the table, only to take a seat on the table itself instead.

Logan’s expression remained unchanged, but he did pull his mug closer.

Remus glanced down at him, 

"Well look at us being so chummy... Mmm. You know what else is chummy?"

Logan tried not to grimace.

"I don't,” he replied flatly, looking forward instead of at his unwelcome guest. “Is this conversation over now? I have other matters to which I need to attend--"

Remus leaned down closer to Logan, getting right into his face.

"All I was going to say was... There's a solution you're not considering. A fun one, at that."

Logan blinked, unsure if he should move back or if Remus would do so on his own. He also wasn’t sure how he could possibly know what he’d been considering just moments ago, though maybe that wasn’t as surprising as it should be.

"I'm not sure what it is you're referring to, but--"

"Leaving isn't gonna fix this mess. It'll only get worse with you gone. You know that."

Remus leaned away, his expression completely different than before. Logan couldn’t discern what that could possibly mean, but he wasn’t sure if it held any decipherable meaning in the first place.

He just looked down at his coffee again, now feeling almost dizzy.

"...yes, I do know that,” he said quietly.

Remus began tapping at his chin in thought. 

"So…” he continued, “there are other, better options! Why not do one of those? I'm quite partial to the idea of just going ballistic, but hey, it's your choice, really!"

Logan rolled his eyes with minimal effort.

"It is indeed my choice, Remus,” he told him. “So I will not take anyone's suggestions on the matter."

"Aw, come on!” Remus pouted, because of course he did. “You can tell your ol’ pal what you've got loaded in the chamber, can't ya?"

"No,” Logan replied firmly, “because there's nothing to tell. There is no plan. My choice is to not make one."

Remus huffed and jumped back down from the table.

"...well, where's the fun in that?" He asked, arms out.

Logan glared.

"It's not meant to be fun."

"Then what the goddamn point?!” Remus argued. “You just sit here being miserable forever??"

Logan glanced away. 

"Most likely."

He knew he was right, though. There was little else that could be done, especially at this point. If that meant he alone suffered while the rest carried on, then so be it.

Remus just sighed, sounding aggravated.

"Well, that's stupid,” he said. “If you have to be miserable anyway, why not at least say what's on your mind? Give Thomas what for!"

He held up a triumphant fist, smirking over at Logan, like he expected him to agree.

Logan would do no such thing.

"That...would only make things worse for everyone."

Remus let his arms fall to his sides.

"Well, what do you care? If you're gonna leave anyway, it's not like it'll matter, right? Why not fuck ‘em up on your way out?"

Logan sighed. 

"...I mean, I don't want to hurt anyone."

How could he ever want that? He supposed it figured Remus of all the sides wouldn’t understand that…

"Sticks and stones, man,” Remus remarked dismissively, just as Logan predicted. “They'll survive you throwing out some sharp words. But if you're interested, I could gladly get you some sharp implements instead--"

"Why would I want to hurt them?!" Logan shouted. Sure, Remus didn’t understand, but why would he ever think Logan would even consider it?

Remus just shrugged, as if the answer was easy.

"...I mean, it only seems fair,” he said.

Logan sighed, leaning forward to put his head in his hands.

"Nothing about this is fair."

"Exactly!” Remus piped up, “So give it all you got in one last massive punch--"

Logan grumbled to himself,

"I'm not going to--"

"So they know precisely how much you've been hurt first! It's not like there will be consequences if you're gonna leave right after... Right?"

Logan looked up again.

"Well... There could be--"

"Not for you,” Remus smiled.

Logan hated when Remus used bare minimum logic in an argument. 

"Well, no,” he tried, “but for them--"

"What's a butt for?” Remus smiled even wider, if possible.

Logan closed his eyes, nearly defeated. He also hated when Remus pulled childish nonsense for no reason in an argument, too.

"Remus--"

The other side twirled around, laughing.

"Close, but it's actually for pooping!"

Logan sighed. 

"Great. Lovely conversation today,” he remarked as he stood up from the table. “I think I'll be going now."

Remus rushed over to lean on the table, blocking Logan’s exit.

"I just say...consider it,” he said in a serious tone despite his usual smirk. “You've got options."

Logan said nothing. He pushed past him and made his way back upstairs.

--

Removal was a tricky thing.

The exit wasn’t exactly accessible, after all.

It felt akin to being a desperate prisoner, digging at the floor of their cell with nothing but a plastic spoon. They could work at it for months, even years, but still, they’d have absolutely nothing to show for it, save for a worn-down and broken spoon.

But every piece of viable advice out there simply stated to keep digging, don't ever stop. If he second-guessed and tried to start again in a new spot, all the progress (of which there was none) would have been lost. He had no choice but to keep going, to simply watch as no progress was ever made.

Stopping wouldn't do anything but make him feel lazy. He’d only be more useless than he already managed to be, trying such a method of escape.

But what else could be done? To not try would be awful, but trying would yield the same lack of results.

Was he simply destined to always be a complete failure? Was there really nothing he could contribute - anything that could help others…?

If he couldn’t get out, couldn’t remove himself, then he’d only continue to make things worse for everyone.

But…did he have to stop confining himself to that which only allowed himself to suffer?

If it meant a better environment for everyone, could he be selfish, just one time, to finally accomplish what needed to be done?

Did he really have more options, as someone so kindly suggested?

Maybe he had more to consider, after all.