#Cost-effective Web Development

[jfvworks]

Custom Websites Without the Custom Price

Pre-made themes offer a smart, cost-effective way to get a custom look for your website. Save time & money without sacrificing quality. We can help...learn more about it! #WebDesign #BusinessGrowth #SmartChoices #julesfamilyvision

[brandngraves]

Should You Hire an Offshore WordPress Development Company?

https://elovebook.com/read-blog/16596_should-you-hire-a-offshore-wordpress-development-company.html

An offshore WordPress development company can provide your business with expert web solutions at a fraction of the cost. By leveraging a global talent pool, these companies offer high-quality services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring efficient project delivery. With the ability to scale resources and access specialized skills, you can enhance your website's performance while focusing on your core business activities. Consider partnering with an offshore development team to maximize your online presence and drive growth.

[seoexpertprof]

Affordable Website Design for Small Business Affordable Website Design for Small Business. Professional, mobile-friendly, SEO-ready site at the best price. Start growing your business!

[reversedout-blog]

Why should you invest in digital marketing to grow your business?

It is impossible for your website to gain exposure on its own. In the same way that you would care for a kid digitally, it needs your regular attention in order to grow and, consequently, build your business.

If you want your website and other digital assets to be a source of new leads, sales, and brand recognition, you have to work on them on a regular basis. Each item in your plan should be considered an investment in your company, rather than a burdensome task.

Your bottom line is directly impacted by every dollar and minute you invest in digital marketing strategy to reap the benefits of digital marketing. And the best part is that everything comes together to make a bigger impact. Look at that.

SEO is a proven tactic

In the digital marketing sector, search engine optimization (SEO) is still king (SEO). Google’s search algorithms are updated on a near-monthly basis. Since so many people rely on search engines to find information, search engine optimization (SEO) is here to stay for companies.

Make sure that your SEO strategy is tailored to the needs of your target audience when you spend money on it. When you simplify the navigation and optimize the content for search engines, your users will have an easier time finding what they need. It will assist you to rise in the search engine ranks in the long run.

Increased revenues and visibility.

With the best digital marketing company in Cincinnati, everyone has the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Just strong content and effective distribution and advertising plan are all you need to succeed. The more valuable material you produce, the more engaged your audience will become.

As a result of the increased engagement rates, potential customers are more likely to become clients. There’s way too much rivalry in the digital world. As a result, your content marketing activities must be tailored to the specific needs of your customers.

Cost-effective than traditional marketing methods.

Advertisements in newspapers or on television might cost a lot of money. It’s only a viable option for large corporations that can afford to invest millions of dollars. In this kind of situation, digital marketing can save small enterprises.

Surveys show that firms can save a lot of money by using digital marketing for their products and services. Additionally, Hubspot has demonstrated how digital marketers may reduce their lead acquisition expenditures.

Specifically aims toward mobile users

There are many ways that smartphones and the internet have changed our lives. Brands and customers will continue to communicate and share information via mobile devices. As long as you have a mobile phone and an internet connection, you’re good to go.

For companies aiming to expand their online presence, a mobile-focused digital marketing campaign is an obvious choice. In order to increase conversions and revenues, simplify the purchasing process for users.

Measurable return on investment

Traditional marketing strategies can be tough to measure because it’s impossible to know exactly what you’re getting for your money. However, there are differences between SEO, content marketing, and social media marketing. They offer a variety of interactive reports that allow you to monitor the ROI (return on investment).

Traffic sources can be identified, whether they came from a blog article on your site or a social media post. It helps you see what’s working for you and how you may use that in the future for better outcomes. It’s a great tool.

SMBs and Covid-19

It has been catastrophic for businesses of all kinds because of the coronavirus outbreak. It has once again demonstrated the necessity for companies to have long-term digital commerce capability to withstand market fluctuations. It is possible that the recovery of the economy may be lengthy.

Digital transactions with clients are becoming increasingly important for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Those who use technology wisely will be able to get through this difficult time. Their relevance will be maintained in the long run as a result of this move.

Customers should be able to find you

You might think of digital marketing as a technique to connect with your target audience. Scalability becomes a reality when your company’s reach extends well beyond your immediate neighborhood. Even if you’re not in the office, your company can still do business thanks to a web presence. You can make it possible for your consumers to reach you at any time of the day or night.

Customers and potential customers may now send you emails, make purchases, and look over your inventory with just a few simple clicks. Potential consumers who are unable to visit you in person can nevertheless transact business with you via an e-commerce function or simply by utilizing the power of social media.

Determine Your Audience’s Needs and Desires

Digital marketing is a great way to connect with potential customers. You can get to know them and their problems in order to come up with a solution. Conversations and surveys can be started on social media and blogs to gather information. Pay close attention to any feedback you receive, whether it’s from a survey or a comment.

You can get a sense of what individuals are looking for by connecting with them online. What are their main concerns and pain points? During the night, what frightens them? Using the facts you’ve just gathered, create a product or service that solves a problem. With digital marketing and SEO services in Cincinnati, you don’t have to guess who your customers are so you can tailor your messaging and fine-tune your targeting.

Investing in a digital marketing plan to gain the benefits of digital marketing should be obvious to you. Once you’ve seen the benefits for your own firm, you may extend into areas such as email marketing, ad campaigns, and influencer marketing — all of which have their own fantastic ROI.

It is impossible for your website to gain exposure on its own. In the same way that you would care for a kid digitally, it needs your regular attention in order to grow and, consequently, build your business. If you want your website and other digital assets to be a source of new leads, sales, and brand recognition, you have to work on them on a regular basis. Each item in your plan should be considered an investment in your company, rather than a burdensome task.

Your bottom line is directly impacted by every dollar and minute you invest in digital marketing strategy. And the best part is that everything comes together to make a bigger impact. Look at that.

Contact Us

At Reversed Out Creative, we understand the challenges and opportunities presented by AI disruption. Our team of experts specializes in web design, SEO, graphic design, and digital marketing services. Reach out to us through our contact form to learn more about navigating the evolving job market and embracing the potential of AI. Together, let’s shape a future that combines human ingenuity with the power of AI.

Content source: https://reversedout.com/benefits-of-digital-marketing/

[withuitservice]

Why Dubai Businesses Need To Partner With a Professional Website Development Company

In the digitally-first world of today, a good website is something that a business can't afford not to have any more. The city of Dubai is known as one of the global innovation hubs and is the home of thousands of businesses competing to receive attention in such a busy market. So, to stand out from the crowd and maintain an effective online presence, there is a need to collaborate with a professional Website Development Company in Dubai. Here are several reasons why the businesses of Dubai should do this.

1. Expertise and Innovation at one's Fingertips

The skilled teams of designers, developers, and digital strategists man the professional website development companies in Dubai. Keeping themselves updated with the latest technologies and best practices prevalent within the industry are all their pursuits. The accessibility of such expertise means having a website which is visually attractive yet functionally adequate, user-friendly as well as technologically state-of-the-art. While digitalizing your presence, one would find all that brought into play by deploying AI-driven chatbots and responsive designs.

2. Custom Websites for Local and International Readers

Dubai companies service diverse audiences, both locally and in other parts of the globe. A professional website development service will therefore understand the characteristics of the Dubai market-place, including cultural sensitiveness, consumer preferences, among others. They can always come up with customized websites responding to your target audience effectively, ensuring a seamless flow of user experience that causes engagement and conversion.

3. UX or better User Experience

User experience determines the success of a website. A website which is not designed well will lead to frustration from visitors, who then leave, causing a higher bounce rate and missed opportunities for sales. Professional developers emphasize intuitive navigation, fast loading pages, and mobile-friendliness of the designs. These together make for a great user journey which keeps visitors engaging and likely to take the desired action such as purchasing or contacting your business.

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

However beautiful your website might look, it is worthless if nobody can find it. Web Development Company in Dubai  always factor in SEO best practice when developing, such as optimization of page speeds and meta tags, ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly and also clean coding. They are constantly improving your search engine ranking. More visibility brings more organic traffic or leads and sales.

5. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

A well-developed website minimizes the risk of technical issues, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures scalability as your business grows. Additionally, a professional website helps generate higher returns by attracting and retaining customers more effectively.

6. Focus on Core Business Activities

When outsourcing Web Development Company in UAE needs, you have more time to focus on core business activities. Professional companies handle everything from the initial design and development stages of a website through maintenance and updates, thus providing one with more time and resources to devote to important matters like customer service, marketing, and business expansion.

7. Support and Maintenance

Websites need to update and maintain themselves regularly. Otherwise, they get outdated and insecure. A professional website development company keeps providing support to solve problems, implement updates, and keep your website running perfectly. This proactive approach may avoid downtime and keep running your website smoothly, with a seamless experience for the users.

8. Competitive Advantage

Competition in the market is at its peak here in Dubai, and therefore, designing a professional website for yourself will keep you miles ahead of the competition. Well-performance of the website lends an impression of your business and brand with respectability and professionalism to your customer who tends to associate them. With this, your position further gets stabilized by strengthening their trust on your self.

Conclusion

In terms of succeeding in the currently trending digital world, a company of Dubai would need to enter partnership with a professional website development agency. Starting from providing solutions tailor-suited according to the client's business needs to improving the customer's experience and providing post-launch support so that you lead the market, these professional website development agencies are quite the backbone of your thriving business. This investment in professional website development will help you have a good standing online but also in generating long-term growth and profits.

[oliyaseo]

Why Kochi is Emerging as a Hub for Full-Stack Web Development

Kochi, often referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala, has rapidly evolved into a prominent player in the IT and tech space Kochi is now making a name for itself in web development, particularly full-stack development. This transformation is driven by several key factors that make Kochi a preferred destination for businesses seeking high-quality web development solutions.

1. Thriving IT Ecosystem

Kochi has developed a robust IT infrastructure. A thriving IT ecosystem refers to a dynamic and supportive environment where technology companies, startups, educational institutions, and government entities collaborate to drive innovation and growth in the information technology sector.

2. Abundance of Skilled Talent

One of the main reasons Kochi is becoming a hub for full-stack web development is its pool of highly skilled professionals. With numerous engineering colleges and universities, the city produces thousands of tech graduates every year. Full-stack developers from Kochi are well-versed in the latest front-end and back-end technologies, including JavaScript, Python,  Angular, and more. This makes it easier for businesses to find the expertise they need to build complex, dynamic web applications.

3. Cost-Effective Solutions

Kochi offers a unique combination of world-class talent at competitive rates, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to outsource their web development needs. Compared to larger tech cities like Bangalore or Mumbai, the cost of hiring full-stack developers in Kochi is significantly lower, without compromising on quality. This cost-effectiveness has caught the attention of both Indian and international companies, driving further demand for Kochi-based web development services.

4. Growing Startup Culture

Kochi’s burgeoning startup ecosystem is another reason the city is emerging as a hub for full-stack development. The city has a vibrant startup culture, with a focus on innovation and technology-driven solutions. Many of these startups specialize in web and app development, with full-stack developers playing a pivotal role in building versatile digital platforms. 

5. Government Initiatives and Support

The Kerala state government has been instrumental in fostering Kochi’s growth as an IT and tech hub. Through various initiatives like “Startup Kerala” and investments in technology parks, the government has created an environment conducive to the growth of web development companies. Additionally, government-backed programs that promote tech innovation and digital literacy ensure that Kochi continues to produce skilled full-stack developers who are ready to meet industry demands.

6. Adoption of Emerging Technologies

Kochi’s full-stack developers are not just proficient in standard web technologies they are also early adopters of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud computing. Businesses looking for cutting-edge solutions often turn to Kochi-based developers for their ability to integrate these technologies into web applications, providing forward-thinking, scalable solutions.

7. Strategic Location and Connectivity

Kochi’s strategic location as a major port city with excellent global connectivity also plays a role in its emergence as a tech hub. The city’s easy access to international markets, combined with fast internet infrastructure, makes it an attractive location for offshore web development projects. Companies in Europe, the Middle East, and North America are increasingly partnering with Kochi-based full-stack developers for seamless collaboration across time zones.

8. Collaborative Tech Community

Kochi’s tech scene is known for its collaborative spirit. Developers, designers, and entrepreneurs in the city frequently participate in hackathons, tech meetups, and workshops, creating a vibrant community that encourages knowledge-sharing and innovation. This collaborative environment helps full-stack developers stay on top of the latest trends and technologies, continually honing their skills to meet the ever-evolving demands of web development.

9. Focus on Quality and Innovation

Kochi-based full-stack developers are known for their attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Whether building from scratch or optimizing existing platforms, developers in Kochi bring a sense of innovation and creativity to their work. Their focus on delivering custom, scalable, and user-friendly web applications is a major draw for businesses looking for a reliable tech partner.

Conclusion

Kochi’s emergence as a hub for full-stack web development is no accident. The city’s combination of skilled talent, cost-effective solutions, and a thriving IT ecosystem makes it an ideal destination for businesses looking to develop innovative, scalable web applications. With its strategic location, government support, and vibrant tech community, Kochi is poised to continue its rise as one of India’s leading centers for full-stack web development. As more companies recognize the advantages of partnering with Kochi-based developers, the city’s reputation as a tech hub will only grow stronger.

[art-crumbs-main]

There's something I need this fandom to understand about Martin Kartin Blackwood.

IS he an expert manipulator? Yes. Does he have some serious skills in using people pleasing and framing and psychology to his advantage? ABSOLUTELY. He is gaslight, gatekeep, girlbossing his way through the first 3 seasons and we LOVE him for it.

On the other hand, though, I feel like we don't acknowledge enough as a fandom how isolating people pleasing can be in itself. I ranted about this in the tags of another Martin post, but basically, the person you create to be palatable to as many people as possible becomes a wall. A barrier between you and the outside world. Yes, everyone likes you, but that comes at the cost of no one knowing you in your entirety because you don't let them see the parts of you that are harder to swallow.

Martin effectively trapped himself in his own web of lies, suspended 30 feet away from his own life. He's dissociated from it all from the beginning, which is what made him the candidate Peter chose in the first place. He was always slated for The Lonely as much as he was The Web.

That leads me into my next point, which is that MARTIN PRE-LONELY WAS NOT ENTIRELY DISINGENUOUS. I see so many people implying that Martin straight-up wasn't anything like he said he was in the beginning. Common fandom reading comprehension L. He really does like people, and he really does want to be nice. It just also happens that you don't end up people pleasing to those lengths without it having developed as a defense mechanism!

Take the wall I introduced earlier. You surround yourself in this persona and swallow your teeth to protect yourself from other people. Realistically, it probably started with his mother, who is implied in Canon to not have been kind to him. There's a 3rd partner to Fight or Flight that doesn't get discussed very often, and it is "Fawn." This is the people-pleasing response that we see him exhibit. Ultimately, what he fears is rejection, and therefore, he fears being alone. He's nice and kind and polite and swallows his teeth in order to keep people around.

Post-Lonely Martin is the other extreme. He has no energy to please anyone anymore, and it doesn't serve him. He is tired and angry and constantly stressed. He doesn't bother hiding his teeth anymore, and he's prone to lashing out. Post-Lonely Martin is when he's surpassed his limit. Post-Lonely Martin is burnout.

As someone who relates to Martin Blackwood very much, I can tell you that the quiet moments where he's not deeply distressed either way is where we see the real Martin. He still loves and cares in private, and we see that over and over. The love is real. He just doesn't believe he deserves it in return, so he tries very hard to be someone who does. To "make up" for it.

Thank you and goodnight.

[payblogs]

STARKSTRESSER -PLATİN

In a digital landscape where stability and performance are paramount, StarkStresser offers cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate your online presence. Whether you are a gamer seeking a competitive edge or a developer ensuring robust application performance, our comprehensive suite of tools—including advanced IP stressers and free IP booters—caters to a multitude of needs. With a focus on delivering seamless connectivity and unparalleled reliability, StarkStresser empowers users to effectively test their networks under simulated conditions. 

Stresser

A stresser is an online tool designed primarily for testing the resilience of networks and servers against various types of attacks. It simulates Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm a server by flooding it with traffic, and it is crucial for organizations to understand how resilient their infrastructure is to such threats. Using a stresser can help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their systems and improve security measures.

However, it's essential to note that the ethical use of stress testing tools is paramount. Users should only test devices and networks they own or have explicit permission to test. Misuse of a stresser can lead to legal consequences, including potential fines and imprisonment.

When searching for a reliable ip stresser, it’s vital to look for one that provides clear usage guidelines and supports ethical considerations. Many reputable services also offer features that allow users to simulate attacks within controlled environments, enabling businesses to prepare better for real-world cyber threats.

In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding the capabilities of a stresser can empower organizations to actively defend against potential attacks. Be sure to research any selected tool thoroughly, ensuring it aligns with your security testing needs and ethical standards.

Ip Stresser

An IP stresser is a tool or service designed to test the resilience of a network or website against various types of stress attacks. Often utilized by web administrators and security professionals, an IP stresser can simulate considerable traffic to help evaluate the potential vulnerabilities of a specific IP address or server. This testing can help organizations strengthen their defenses against actual malicious attacks.

However, it is crucial to note that the use of an ip stresser should always be conducted ethically and legally. Using it to attack or disrupt services without authorization is illegal and can lead to severe consequences. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions to conduct such tests on a network or system.

In the context of stress testing, there are various types of IP stressers available, which can differ in their methods and intensity. Some users prefer IP stressers that offer adjustable parameters to customize the attack, while others might seek those with user-friendly interfaces that can deliver quick results.

Another vital aspect to consider is the choice between premium and free IP stressers. While free versions can be tempting due to their no-cost nature, they often come with limitations in terms of performance and reliability. Paid options typically provide more robust features, better support, and a more reliable service, making them suitable for serious testing purposes.

As you explore various IP stressers, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your specific needs, whether you're looking for free solutions or comprehensive paid services. Always prioritize using reputable services to ensure that your testing complies with legal requirements and ethical standards.

Ip Stresser Free

When it comes to stress testing your server or network, finding an ip stresser free option can be appealing for many users. Free IP stress testing services, commonly known as stresser tools, offer a way for individuals to test the resilience of their networks without incurring any costs. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and limitations associated with these free options.

These services typically have a limited capacity compared to their paid counterparts, which may restrict the intensity of the tests you can perform. Users should also consider the legality and ethical implications of using such tools, as testing without permission can result in significant legal troubles.

Moreover, relying on an ip booter or free stresser might expose your network to potential vulnerabilities, including the risk of data breaches or exposure to malicious attacks. Therefore, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and choose reputable providers when selecting an ip stresser free option.

In conclusion, while free stresser tools might seem like an appealing solution, always prioritize security and legality by using these tools responsibly and considering paid services for more comprehensive testing solutions.

Ip Booter

An IP booter is a specialized tool designed to perform Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks by overwhelming a specific target IP address with excessive traffic. The idea is to disrupt the target's online services, making them unavailable for legitimate users. Booters have gained popularity in certain circles, particularly within gaming communities, where individuals seek to retaliate against others by interrupting their connection.

It's important to distinguish between legitimate use and malicious intent. There are instances where individuals may seek to test the robustness of their own networks or those for whom they have explicit permission. However, the use of IP booters against unsuspecting targets is generally illegal and unethical. Many countries have strict laws against unauthorized DDoS attacks, which can lead to severe penalties.

In addition to the ethical concerns, users should be wary of utilizing free ip booter, as they often compromise security. Free services may expose users to malware, phishing attempts, and data breaches. For those considering a stresser or IP stresser, prioritizing reputable and secure services is crucial, ensuring that they comply with legal standards and best practices in cybersecurity.

In conclusion, while the allure of using an IP booter may be tempting, it is essential to recognize the potential consequences—both legally and ethically. Responsible internet usage and adherence to laws protect not only individuals but the entire online community.

[z3st0fl3m0n]

Unseen Grave (Yandere!Venture x Reader)

My first post and it's about Venture LOLZ- I've never used tumblr before, I kinda just skim through here on occasion for cool art, writing for some of my favorite characters, and headcanons- Sorry if this is bad- This is also on AO3! I don't mind any requests either, can't promise to get to them quickly though-

CW: Minor Character death, implied/referenced past non/con, dead dove kinda, stalking, non graphic violence, skippable NSFW (This isn't non-con), a kinda abrupt ending, OOC Mauga, No use of Y/N, Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 5.3k

Your POV

Where did all of this go wrong? You only ever wanted to live a normal and happy life. Forced into a world of crime, you made it your mission to get yourself and your comrades out of this hell hole. This slimy, sludgy pit you all had seemed perpetually stuck in, but you knew there was better out there. You could all live that lavish and carefree life you always dreamed of, you just had to claw your way to it. So when Mauga approached you, you saw it as an opportunity. Talon spotted your talent, your knack for creating poisons and toxins capable of killing or simple paralysis. Why they sent this big brute you’d never understand.

He held his hand out to you, that devious smirk on his dashing features captivating you like no other, drawing you in like a fly to a honeypot. You couldn’t see the web just inches from it though, nor could you see the spider eyeing you and waiting patiently for you to get stuck in its home. He gave you an offer you simply couldn’t ignore. A whole new identity and payment beyond what you could fathom, more than petty pocket change for simple side hustles, no you’d be playing in the big leagues. If you impressed Doomfist himself enough that is. All you had to do was complete a rather simple task and the position was all yours.

Despite what you’d heard about Mauga, he was quite tricky and conniving with his words. The smartest? Not by a long shot. He couldn’t quite comprehend the big words you used, but he could read you like an open book, and that was enough for him. The smallest twitch or glance was all he needed to know almost exactly what you were thinking and just how much more persuasion you were going to need. A true predator cornering its prey.

If you knew then what you know now, you never would’ve agreed. Then again, Talon may not have let you off the hook so easily. It may have cost you your life. You agreed to the simple mission, poisoning an important political figure and rendering him desperate enough to turn to Talon for a cure. Your unique little toxins could only be cured by you, considering they were abominations to medical science and were something entirely new and original all together. The mere fact that you only had to change one component to make it cause different effects was something you were proud of.

You didn’t doubt yourself in the slightest, so when word of your success was all over the news you felt your pride and ego swell. Doomfist had introduced you into a new world, one where the pay was greater and the tasks were challenging enough for a brilliant mind like yours. Working alongside Dr. O’deorain was fascinating, considering it was she who had inspired you to push the boundaries of the medical world. At the time, Talon seemed like it would give you everything you needed, but blinded by that desire for more and where it could take you you didn’t see it for what it truly was. Just as much of a hell hole as the rest of the world had been.

They squashed your hopes of getting somewhere, of having peace and calm rather than the hustle and bustle of the streets. No, working for them you never knew any kind of peace. A sense of hate began to form inside of you, alongside resentment. Watching them turn your brilliance into mush and treat it as if it was the common whore was devastating. They had the audacity to demand better from you. Working with Talon, you began to develop the belief that a life of crime and hate was your only option, that staying in this pit was the only option for you. The heinous acts you committed just to gain a lick of fortune was the only thing you’d ever be good for. Of course, you blamed Mauga for all of it. He had gotten you into Talon after all with his stupid face and smug words. 

 You had found yourself in some kind of relationship with him. He never said you two were together but he surely acted like it, getting irritable when others flirted with you or tried to ask you out. The relationship hadn't been the best nor the healthiest, but at the time you were just happy someone wanted you and didn't view you as a monster because of things you couldn't control. He called you so many sweet names, complimented you when Doomfist tried to put you down and offered you a place to run to in any time of need. It was all for his own advantage of course, but you didn’t know that. You just knew you could be vulnerable with him. You were unaware that you’d finally crept too close to the spider's web. No, he wasn’t a spider, he was a wolf. And you were a lamb, strayed too far from the safety of the herd and right into the wolf’s den.

Needless to say, he took advantage of you and your trust in him. The whole time you two were entangled in your complex relationship, he was almost always borderline violent with you and was very hot and cold with you, treating you as if you were some kind of dog that needed to be trained. You complied with almost everything he asked of you, and even when you didn't he forced you to anyway. Countless nights you lay next to him feeling used like some cheap toy for a rabid animal, and yet you stayed. Because Talon was all you had. Because he was all you had. No one was coming to save a monster, especially not one as sneaky and atrocious as you.

In the end, when you finally had enough, Mauga broke you down and ripped your heart to shreds. He called you so many awful names, told you how much he despised you and watched you crumble with disgusting glee. It hurt. Even though  he had treated you so poorly, you were still so distraught by his words and callous behavior. The fact that you were readily available for him was the only reason he kept you around, to be a punching bag and plaything when he felt like it. His betrayal fueled a kind of rage you didn’t know you were capable of feeling, and made you realize for the first time that this world was cruel no matter where you looked at it from and you were stuck in an echo chamber of miserable people. Maybe that's why they let you spiral. Used that rage and hurt against you, and made you numb to everything because it was just easier that way. It kept them from picking at your vulnerability any longer, from seeing you as weak..

You weren’t cared for in the slightest at Talon and you were just fine with that. You didn’t need to be babied or coddled anymore than you had when you were first introduced to this raunchy life, especially not by people who were as disingenuous and callous as your “co-workers”. The only one who showed a hint of sympathy or empathy was Dr. Kuiper and Sombra, probably some of the only people in that place capable of expressing such a thing.You couldn’t complain. You  still made money so long as you did what was asked of you and didn’t retaliate when you were degraded for your progress or your work. You were pretty sure things took a turn when you met Sloane, who at the time was “Venture” to you.

Pesky, annoying, and constantly getting in the way of your mission to find some artifact for Doomfist from some kind of ancient gravesite. The two of you were naturally enemies, being on opposite sides and all. And yet they intrigued you. Their happy-go-lucky manner and their quippy remarks as they effortlessly kicked the asses of your useless “assistants” you didn’t understand why Doomfist bothered sending. Truthfully, you could’ve accomplished the mission just as well on your own. You probably would’ve killed them too if Overwatch hadn’t shown up. Just as annoying as ever, they helped finish off the rest of your shitty squad, leaving you running off to hide like a dog with its tail between its legs. That mission you had been left behind, abandoned like an injured pup and left to fend for yourself. Badly injured, you would have cared less if you died. Sitting and stewing in your own misery had made you indifferent to life or death.

Doomfist didn’t want to lose you as an asset, but your location didn’t provide him any opportunity to send you an escape route, so you were stuck slinking about the Petra ruins, avoiding the ever-watchful eyes of Overwatch and the Wayfinders as you waited for your wounds to take you out. You’d only been caught because that insufferable archaeologist found you. You were dehydrated with infected wounds, and even then you still bared your teeth at their approach. They had been on guard at first, but seeing you in such a pathetic state had made them take pity on you, something you hadn’t been gracious enough to receive since you were a child.

Taken to the on-site medical facility, you were put under watch but nonetheless you were cared for. You were unfit to go to jail and serve for your crimes right away, so you were stuck there with the Wayfinders, under their care until you could be sent off. For whatever reason, Venture had stuck with you whenever they could, offering short conversation that was mostly one-sided. You didn’t talk much and only glared, uncomfortable with the hospitality. You would’ve preferred if they were rude to you. It was what you were used to. Three days was all it took for you to finally crack. Three days of consistent visits and kind words. Naturally, you were hesitant. Last time you had opened yourself up you were burnt terribly, and had been several times before. Kindness was a poison to you, and yet they made it so desirable. Their genuinity with it and the way they handed it out so easily had you craving it.

After about a month you had completely recovered, well enough to finally go serve for your crimes. The last day you and Venture spent together, you had taken their hand, feeling its warmth as you pressed a small kiss to the back of it. Their flustered reaction made you laugh for the first time since becoming what you were, and it was warm and joyous.

“Thank you, Sloane.” You whispered, refusing to look at them. You didn’t want them to see you cry. “You’ve been so kind to me, even though I’m so undeserving of it. I wish things were different. I wish we’d met before . . . everything.”

“Not everyone deserves a second chance.” Their words stung, making you shrink in on yourself slightly. “But, you’re . . . different. I don’t think you ever really wanted to do the things you did.”

You looked up at them. They saw you, truly saw you, what you were beneath the muck that had clung to you and thickly coated your skin. Something about the way they looked at you gently made you want to melt and embrace them, but you didn’t, still too timid to trust completely.

“You’re not a bad guy, you were just forced into a shitty situation. Try not to be so hard on yourself.” Their smile wasn’t as wide as it usually was, but it was still filled with just as much charisma and warmth.

Looking back on it, you believe it was this small interaction that led to the actions after. That simple and innocent act of gratitude. If not that, then you weren’t sure what, but you could recall that new glint in their eyes when they watched you get taken away. The way their gaze lingered far longer than it ever had. The way they subtly caressed the hand you kissed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Your time in jail wasn’t bad, made better by the fact that you received letters and small gifts and pictures from Sloane. The letters were innocent to you at the time, but thinking back on it the signs were there. You wrote back, sent small handmade gifts of your own, and kept every picture and ecstatic letter they sent you from each of their journeys that they shared with you. Unfamiliar with the whole concept of having someone truly care about you, you didn’t notice anything weird. You fought a bit with the other inmates who tried their hand at intimidating the newbie, especially with how widespread your reputation had become working with Talon. You had believed yourself doomed to rot there, considering you had attacked several political figures, harmed many innocents, and stolen that much more. You’d also broken Hippocratic Oath and used your research for worse.

 But like some unwanted blessing, you found yourself hightailing it out of there early. Talon had come back for you, after abandoning you for months, and before you would’ve run back to them with open arms. Things were different now though, you had changed for the better and knew going back promised nothing but misery. You ran the second you could, barely escaping but escaping nonetheless. Hiding in a sewer wasn’t ideal but it helped you get away from that prison and away from Talon. The one good thing they could’ve done for you, and probably the last. You knew now though that they would be looking for you. Doomfist would be pissed, knowing he wasted valuable time and resources trying to get you out of prison just for you to run off, but that was his own problem. You never asked for his help, perfectly content with rotting in a cell but now gifted a chance of freedom. With nowhere to go though, you turned to the only person you felt you could trust. The one person who made you feel some sense of normalcy.

Going to Sloane was a huge gamble, considering that you were still a wanted criminal and they were pretty much some kind of vigilante hero type. It took you forever to get to Petra, but you managed, lying in wait until you could talk to Sloane again. In the dead of night, you startled them awake, covering their mouth to prevent them from shouting.

“Shhhh. It’s just me.” You whispered, letting their sleepy eyes adjust to the dark, watching them widen at the sight of you. “Follow.”

The simple command was all they needed as they trailed after you, the two of you finding a quiet little spot away from the dig site to speak freely. Sloane was dressed in a form fitting tank top, allowing you to see the various tattoos that decorated their muscular arms, but you tried not to oogle too much.

“W-What are you doing here? I thought you were in prison? . . .” Sloane spoke slowly, voice still laced with the smallest inklings of sleep as they yawned, pushing stray strands of hair from their face.

“Talon came for me.” You saw them tense, scrambling to finish explaining. “I ran though. They don’t know I’m here, but they are searching for me, and I-” your voice caught in your throat as you swallowed thickly. “I can’t go back.”

You never told Venture the full story of your time at Talon, just that it was awful. They didn’t know about Mauga, didn’t know what was said to you, or any of what you had experienced. It was difficult to bring up. What they did know was that you weren’t treated kindly, and that was enough for them.

“I just need somewhere to hide so I can create a new identity for myself. I just want to live a normal life. That’s all I want.” You stumbled forward, taking a hold of their hands, steady in your trembling ones. “I can’t trust anyone else to keep me hidden. Please, I promise you’ll never have to hear from me, I won’t cause anyone any harm, I just-”

Your desperate ranting was cut off as they pulled you into a tight hug. Their scent was calming, earthy and refreshing. They held you gently, a solid rock amidst the swirling storm of emotion you felt. You weren’t sure how to react, arms shaking as you cautiously hugged them back. You felt safe. Accepted. Warm. You began to hitch as your legs buckled and gave out, taking both of you to the ground as you buried your face into their shoulder. How long has it been since you allowed yourself to cry like this? Ugly sobs wrench their way free from your body as they hold you, rubbing slow and calming circles between your shoulder blades.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to be afraid anymore. You’re safe with me, I promise.” They spoke in a hushed tone, accepting you as you were. “You don’t gotta explain anything to me right now, all that can come later.”

They shifted so that they could hold you more comfortably, letting you cry into them without complaint. When you calmed down, you leaned back, their arms slowly falling from you as you stared down at your lap, furiously wiping away tears. You sniffled slightly, before their hands came into view, holding yours.

“You’ll rub your face raw if you keep doing that, it’s okay to be not okay, camarada.” They were gentle with you, scooting closer to you. “I’d be happy to help you out, especially if it’ll bring you some peace. You deserve at least that much, and you’ve more than proven that you deserve it. Apologies won’t make up for much though, there’s only so far words will take you. You gotta make an effort to do better.”

You looked up to meet their gaze, warm brown eyes scanning your face. You didn’t feel judged, and instead could feel that love and care you always so desperately searched for. You did have a long way to go if you even wanted to atone for a fraction of what you had done, but you were aware no amount of repenting would fix anything. You still did what you did, and there was nothing you could do to fix it. And yet, here in Venture’s arms, you felt so sure that things would get better, especially with them at your side. So distracted by your thoughts and their comfort, you barely registered the way they looked at you with a burning possession and the way their smile slightly faltered when you removed yourself from their hold.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Venture POV

Six months. For six, sweet months Venture had you all to themself. It was a miracle of some kind, it had to be. When the two of you had been separated they could hardly stand it, they wanted to go to you and take you from that prison themself. Hide you away from the world where only they could find you. But they had a reputation to uphold, and they wouldn’t be doing anyone much good if they were in prison with you. When you had first arrived all that time ago, Sloane had thought of you as a bad guy working for talon and nothing more, but when they talked to you in the infirmary, they could tell you were different. When you kissed their hand so sweetly, holding back tears, they felt their heart nearly explode.

At first they were scared and confused. These feelings were new and foreign, they’d never felt this way about anyone else before. But you . . . you lit a new fire in them they didn’t know existed, and they wanted more. They wanted you, but you were gone, so they made do with letters and sending you gifts. They remembered when you finally started writing back they could hardly contain themself, not to mention when you sent the little gifts you made by hand. Countless nights Sloane had spent thinking about you, depressed by the thought that they’d never get to touch or hold you. They tossed and turned dreaming about what it would be like to have you next to them instead, but it did nothing to soothe the growing flames of their obsession with you.

And then right out of thin air you appeared, needing them. It had to be fate, the way you came back to them like a lost dog, dependent upon them and their helping hand. Talon had finally done a good thing for them, and that was bringing you two together again. They had been more than willing to do anything for you, but you were so shy and timid. They had to be careful, or else you’d run off and never come back. They had to put on a facade, but was it really a facade when it felt so genuine with you? Because they did care about you, they’d go so far as to say that they loved you. However, they knew you were fragile, knew that this pillar of trust they had built up could be snapped in an instant if you caught a whiff of how they truly felt, because no matter how right this felt to Venture, they knew it was wrong . They had to do this the right way, and that meant keeping their feelings for you a secret.

At first, there wasn’t much to worry about. They had you all to themself by default, considering if anyone saw you they’d send you right back to prison. As they had promised, they kept you hidden away from the prying eyes of everyone at the dig site, whisked away where they wouldn’t find you while they helped you rebuild. They helped you change your appearance, making you look different than what you were before but still vaguely the same. They gave you a place to rest your head, and provided you with food and water. They took care of you, like any good partner would. You probably didn’t see it that way, but Sloane had convinced themself you would with due time. You’d recognize their effort and fall into their arms. You’d let them touch you more, and you’d open up to them and share all your secrets like good partners did. But you didn’t.

No matter what they did, you always seemed to be so far from their reach, withdrawing from their attempts to touch or soothe you when you clearly needed it, and each time they respected that boundary, though patience was wearing thin. You were so close, how could they not want to touch you? They always made due with taking things of yours. Articles of clothing in particular that smelled strongly of you. They loved your smell. It was a unique scent, and they always felt so perverted sniffing your shirts in private. The shame fueled their hunger though, and occasionally they’d get bold enough to take your underwear. Not often, but when they really wanted to.

When you finally cultivated a new identity, they helped you get a job at the Petra site, if only to keep you closer to them. You may have been part of the bio-archaeology team, but you were still theirs. They had been concerned at first, afraid that someone there might catch your eye and take you away from them, but you did wonders in keeping people away. The others might have called you ‘rude’ and ‘scary’, but Venture knew the true you, them and them alone. You kept the rest of the world at bay, and kept them close.

If it wasn’t obvious before, it was now. The two of you were clearly meant for each other, and everyday that passed that you still treated them as a simple friend pained them more and more. Why couldn’t you see what the two of you had? You still tortured them, tempting them to get closer, close enough to touch. Sloane was content playing a well-behaved best friend, but they couldn’t explain that aching desire for more that coiled in their gut as time ticked by.

Despite their own turmoil, you were happy and that was all that mattered. As upsetting as it was seeing you start to open up with others, they couldn’t deny that the look on your face was worth it. Nothing compared to what they could make you feel, but it satisfied them knowing that you were getting what you wanted and what they had promised you’d have. Peace. And they planned on keeping it that way. You believed that Talon couldn’t find you. But the truth was they had, and tried several times to take you away and back into their nasty clutches. But every time, Sloane was there to stop them, dispatching them all with ease. Every time they rammed their drill into a talon goons body, piercing and mangling their flesh, they always thought of you. How this was all for you and only you.

Every bone broken, scream muffled, and skull cracked beneath a boot was all done in your name. These guys wanted to take you back to a place that hurt you, wipe that sweet precious smile off your face forever and undo all of Sloane’s progress. Sloane didn’t feel bad watching their blood stain their clothes because they deserved it, and if they could they would’ve killed every single person working for Talon, but they needed to stay here with you to keep a watchful eye and keep you blissfully unaware. These disgusting bastards wouldn’t ruin you again, not if Venture had anything to say about it.

Tonight was no different as they carelessly tossed more mangled bodies into a ravine, a small smirk of satisfaction evident on their features. How many more would they send before they stopped trying? Then again, it always gave them a rush when they took out these idiots, thinking about how grateful you’d be to them if you knew. Sometimes, when you pulled away they wanted to drag you closer, shake you and confess everything. Confess their love, the things they’d done to those Talon goons who were trying to snag you, maybe then you’d appreciate them. Perhaps you’d even reciprocate their love.

It was becoming too much for them to bear, and as ashamed as they were of the action, they had tried to get closer to you while you were sleeping. They always wanted to consider that it would be the perfect moment to get close to you. They underestimated how light of a sleeper you were though, panicking when you opened your eyes and caught them right in the act. They had to come up with an excuse, one that you surprisingly believed before they excused themself. It wasn’t their proudest moment, but at least they knew not to try it again. You were sleeping now, tired from the day's events, but Sloane lay wide awake in their bed, twitching with anticipation. They hadn’t seen you most of the day, with both of you being busy. As much as they loved what they did, Sloane loved you more.

They wanted to visit you now more than ever, feeling hot and bothered after dispatching those goons, but knowing damn well you wouldn’t allow it. They thought about it several times, coming to you after finishing them off, covered in their blood and giving you a kiss. Your hands roaming them as you praised them for their work. They huffed softly, hands grabbing at their shirt as they flipped over.

~NSFW START~

They were feeling particularly needy tonight, pulling out a shirt of yours they had recently taken. They pressed it to their nose, inhaling deeply and taking in your delectable scent. It still smelled so strongly of you, and it brought them inexplicable joy. They practically salivated over it, breath coming out in whiny gasps. They sat up slightly, taking their pillow and pushing it beneath their body. They let out a soft growl as their hips grinded against the pillow, imagining it to be you instead as they closed their eyes and sniffed again. They shuddered as they let out a breath, whimpering as they continued to grind some more against the pillow.

They thought about how vocal you could be, imaging your hands roaming over their muscles, massaging them as you went. Your legs wrapping around them as they provided you with pleasure, your face contorting in ways they could only cause. The praise you’d give as they followed your every command. Sloane moaned softly as they humped the pillow faster, rougher, free hand curling into the sheets as they pressed their face further into your shirt.

“Joder querido por favor~ I need you~” They whispered the words in a hushed tone, slowing their pace for a moment. “ He sido tan bueno, lo prometo~”

Gods, they could imagine how you would feel, body pressed against theirs, flesh touching flesh as the sound of your love would reverberate through the room. The two of you could care less who would hear, it would just be the both of you in the moment. The marks they would leave on you, nipping at as much exposed flesh as they could, marking you up and claiming you as theirs. You’d beg them for more and they’d happily oblige, giving you what you wanted. They could be gentle, or they could be rough. They could pin your hands and make you squirm and beg for their touch, or perhaps you’d like to be on top, having them worship every inch of you and beg to touch you. Beg you for relief.

“Dios ya no puedo más, te necesito mucho mi amor por favor~” Their voice was high pitched and whiny, desperation laced in their tone. “Tell me how good I’ve been for you~ Fuck ~ You feel so good mi amor~ Tell me how good I make you feel~”

Their moans gradually got louder the deeper into the fantasies they sank, desperately wishing for the real thing. They could only think about how soon enough it could be you, you just needed a little more coaxing and to realize your feelings that you undoubtedly had for them. They could see it in the way you looked at them, feel it when you touched them. Your words were so gentle with them, and you were so sweet. God they couldn’t wait to have you. They’d take it as slow as you needed if only it meant you’d be closer to them. How would your lips finally feel once you let them get close enough? How would you taste?

“Mine, mine, mine. All mine. Only mine.” Their words were muffled, coming out in short growls, matching the pace they had set for themself. “Eres toda mía, mi amor, toda mía~” The words came out in a chant, laying some unknown claim on you for their own sake and sanity.

Sloane slowed their movement against the pillow, thinking about how whiny you’d get when they went slower than you liked, and then picked up again in the same beat to keep you on your toes. Their thrusts got rougher as they groaned, panting desperately as they approached their climax, their last few thrusts desperate as they let out one last cry, sweat dripping from their body as they relaxed, nuzzling their face into your shirt.

~NSFW END~

Sloane instantly felt much more relaxed, feeling the tension leave their body. Such a mess they’d made. They thought about laying next to you, giving you soft kisses and praise as they cleaned you up and snuggled close to go to bed. Unfortunately, they weren’t with you and couldn’t sleep while being such a mess. They lifted themself from their bed, tucking your shirt away again for a later date. For now, they needed to clean themself up, grabbing a towel as they headed for the showers. In due time the two of you would be together. You’d recognize your love for them, and they’d be waiting for you with open arms, no matter how long it took. Until then, they were content just being near you, protecting you from afar.

[acafe-official]

A-Café (Update #25) - Community Discussion

Good morning everyone! I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I'm finally back with another community update. In the first part, I'll be giving a brief overview of where we're at in terms of project progress. Then, in the second half, we'll discuss a new development in app accessibility.

Without further ado, let's begin!

1) Where are we at in the project currently?

A similar question was asked in the A-Café discord recently, so I figured I'd include my response here as well:

Right now we’re reworking the design of A-Café, both visually and architecturally. The initial planning and design phase of the project wasn’t done very thoroughly due to my inexperience, so now that I’m jumping back into things I want to ensure we have a solid prototype for usability testing. For us that means we’ve recently done/are doing a few things:

analyzing results from the old 2022 user survey (done)

discussing new ideas for features A-Café users might want, based on the 2022 user survey

reevaluating old ideas from the previous app design

making a new mock-up for usability testing

Once the mock-up is finished, I plan on doing internal testing first before asking for volunteer testers publicly (the process for which will be detailed in an upcoming community update).

2) Will A-Café be available for iOS and Android devices?

Yes! In fact, the first downloadable version of A-Café may no longer be so device-specific.

What do I mean by that? Well, in the beginning, the plan for A-Café was to make two different versions of the same app (iOS and Android). I initially chose to do this because device-specific apps are made with that device's unique hardware/software in mind--thus, they have the potential to provide a fully optimized user experience.

However, I've since realized that focusing on device-specific development too soon may not be the right choice for our project.

Yes, top-notch app performance would be a big bonus. But by purely focusing on iOS and Android devices for the initial launch, we'd be limiting our audience testing to specific mobile-users only. Laptop and desktop users for example, would have to wait until a different version of the app was released (which is not ideal in terms of accessibility).

Therefore, I've recently decided to explore Progressive Web App development instead.

[What is a Progressive Web App?]

A Progressive Web App (or PWA) is "a type of web app that can operate both as a web page and mobile app on any device" (alokai.com)

Much like a regular mobile app, a PWA can be found through the internet and added to your phone's home screen as a clickable icon. They can also have the ability to work offline and use device-specific features such as push-notifications.

Additionally, due to being web-based applications, PWAs can be accessed by nearly any device with a web browser. That means regardless of whether you have an iOS or Android device, you'd be able to access the same app from the same codebase.

In the end, a PWA version of A-Café should look and act similarly to an iOS/Android app, while also being accessible to various devices. And, due to having only one codebase, development of PWAs tends to be faster and be more cost-effective than making different versions of the same app.

To be clear, I haven't abandoned the idea of device-specific development entirely. We could launch iOS/Android versions of A-Café in the future if demand or revenue end up being high enough. But as of right now, I don't believe doing so is wise.

[What Does this Mean for me as a User?]

In terms of app installation and user experience, not much should hopefully change. I'd like to have A-Café available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

There will also be the option of searching for A-Café via your device's web browser, and then installing it on your home screen (iOS devices can only do so using Safari). We will likely rely on this method until we can comfortably ensure user access to A-Café on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

-------------

And that's it for now! Thank you for reading this latest community update. For more insight into the development process, consider joining the A-Café discord. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, we would love to hear your input in the comments below. See you later!

[brandngraves]

WordPress Development Outsourcing: The Key to Faster Growth

WordPress development outsourcing enables businesses to leverage external expertise, reduce costs, and accelerate project delivery. By partnering with skilled professionals, companies can focus on growth while ensuring high-quality website performance and functionality. HireWPGeeks offers tailored solutions for your WordPress development needs.

[delulupunk]

DUNE AU DAMIAN WAYNE X READER PART FIVE

Mild brutalia

Fem reader

Notes: Under no circumstances should opinions expressed by characters be linked to this author in anyway. This is written in the style of Frank Hebert’s book, this means spoilers for Dune. While inspired by Frank Herbert’s novel the plotline may be similar, however it will not be the same.

Buckle up my friends this is where the Dune AU partially ends and I start getting more creative with the World building. If you have read any books after the Dune, I’m afraid I haven’t read them, so what I’m saying may be incorrect in canon. For that I am sorry.

Imperial terminology

Bene Gesserit: The ancient school of mental and physical training established primarily for female students after the Butlerian Jihad destroyed the so-called ‘thinking machines’ and robots.

Caladan: Third planet of Delta Pavonis.

Filmclip: An apparatus used mainly for training consisting of a shigawire imprint carrying a mnemonic pulse.

Faufreluches: The rigid imperial system of class stratification.

Shield, defensive: The protective field produced by a Holtzman generator. A shield will permit entry only to objects moving at slow speeds.

Spacing (Guild): Powerful organization which ad a monopoly on space travel and transport due to their Navigators.

Spice: (Known as Melange) Spice of all spices, the crop of which Arrakis is the unique source. When taken in small quantities it is mildly addictive, severely addictive when taken in large quantities daily.

Mating index: The Bene Gesserit master record of its human breeding program aimed at producing the Kwisatz Haderach.

Mentat: The class of imperial citizens trained for supreme accomplishments of logic. ‘Human computers’.

Sapho: High-energy liquid extracted from barrier roots of Ecaz. Used by Mentats who claim it amplifies mental powers. Users develop deep ruby stains on mouth and lips.

Arrakis is the home of spice. Power over spice, is power over all. Spice is used primarily for space travel by the spacing guild and is ranged as high as 640,000 Solaris per decagram. Put simply, without spice, space travel would cease to exist. History of the Empire- Empress Y/N

“House Napier have good connections with the Emperor, rumour is that they have been scheming for many years. Arrakis is the vessel for their ploy.” Grayson relayed his coffee steaming beside him on the War room table, of course he needed stimulants he was telling his entire family everything that had occurred to him for the last nine years.

Damian was still tossing and turning the details over how Grayson came by this information. It was supposedly a simple reconnaissance mission, yet Grayson somehow found himself trapped in a web of lies and deceit. He’d changed his identity and posed as a servant to one of the lower nobles in House Napier, that way he had found out enough information without arousing much suspicion from the Duke of House Napier himself.

It was surprisingly effective for such a half baked plan.

“The emperor has grown distant to our House as of late.” Lady Talia replied which Grayson returned with a slightly soured look. Damian had almost forgotten how Grayson wasn’t too fond of Lady Talia.

“How do they plan on using Arrakis? A trade war?” Duke Wayne spoke with a tone tinged with anger, his fists clenched underneath the table, causing Damian to share a quick glance with his mother.

Dick replied hurriedly, spilling the information out. “Yes, they are planning a political War. The emperor will set a decree demanding House Wayne to be responsible for a small quantity of spice production on Arrakis. They believe that by the end of the ‘trade war’ House Wayne will be partially crippled by the costs, leaving us vulnerable.”

The silence that filled the room felt almost suffocating. It was slowly making its way around the war table and strangling each member of the meeting, till they were just about to pass out, then it moved onto the next victim.

Partially crippled is a nice way of putting it, it won’t take long for House Napier to kill us off if we lose. Damian bitterly thinks his lips curling into a familiar scowl.

The Duke took charge strongly, striking down the silence with his sharp tone, “Lucius produce a report on our finances and assets everywhere, we need to start saving and shave expenses off. Tell all the soldiers which commute here that they are expected to live here permanently, in order to reduce travel costs. I want fewer staff employed, increase the work loads and hours of others. We will not be rationing necessities under any circumstances. No information shared by Grayson here today will be discussed with anyone, other than the strategic commanders. We must start funnelling money into our trading industry which is in a poor state. I expect we have a mole or someone which has been captured by House Napier feeding them information, since the likelihood of them knowing this weakness is low. As of now we are in a political war with House Napier.”

Damian’s first thought was Jason Todd, not much was known about the man since the records of him had been wiped. He was an overzealous spy working for House Wayne, he had been caught and killed. House Napier had made it clear that they had killed Jason years ago however.

Who’s the mole?

Surely it couldn’t be Duke Thomas, the man was devoted to House Wayne and its core values- although he had recently gone on a business trip.

Damian’s 18th birthday has been a couple of weeks ago and his mother was already hounding him about a future wife. Perhaps this trade war would snap her out of it, considering how even during this emergency he was still thinking of his girl.

The Faufreluches are barriers which divide us instead of joining us together.

Lessons From The New Emperor- Empress Y/N

Damian’s head was pounding, after the meeting he’d bolted before anyone could bother him. He couldn’t bring himself to talk to Dick, he didn’t want to hear his mother lectures and he certainly wasn’t a fan of seeing his father stressed.

As Damian hammered punch after punch into the training dummy the thought of being Duke of House Wayne banged around in his head. Panting he felt his hands slick with sweat. His headache focused its sharp attack to the front of his head and he couldn’t help but vomit a little in his mouth.

Damian stumbled backwards into the wall, hanging his head down with shame. How dare he hope to succeed as Duke, if he could barely contain his emotions? There was no point in reciting the litany against fear, because he wasn’t afraid, he was just...

“Are you ok my Grace?” A soft voice intoned.

Oh god it was her.

Damian pushed himself up against the wall hastily and tipped his head in attempt to move his hair out of his face.

“Yes.” He panted out while strongly nodding, which caused his headache to scream in his head.

“Are you sure?” The girl frowned and stepped closer to where he was leaning up against the wall.

He cleared his throat, “Quite fine, yes.” His cheeks roared red which had nothing to do with his exercise.

“It’s just that-,” the girl hesitated, yet she continued walking towards him slowly, like he was a stray cat that would spook easily. “You don’t look nor sound very well.”

The girl had quite a posh accent Damian realised, despite the beauty of his dreams they did tend to blur certain details.

Damian’s face softened, “I appreciate your concern.” The girl barely knew him and yet she treated him with such kindness, he felt his muscles relax as he slumped slightly against the wall. A nervous silence filled the room, but Damian was determined to impress the girl of his dreams.

“I see you looking at me sometimes.” Damian mutters bashfully.

The girl blushed and tilted her head down, but then she lifted it back up, “And I see you looking right back at me.” She was challenging him, daring him to admit that they’d been dancing around each other for weeks upon weeks.

Damian straightened, finally regaining enough of his strength to level a stare at her. “Who are you devoted to?”

“My lady Cassandra of course.” She replied instantaneously, like she’d been repeating the phrase all her life. So then why the posh intonation? Maids and servants didn’t have them.

Damian took a step towards her, his face like stone while his heart thumped. He dropped his head down close to hers, not missing the way her breath caught, “And what of your allegiance to my house?”

The girl gulped and replied quietly, “I am loyal to you.”

“Why’s that?” Damian responded quickly.

“Lady Cassandra trusts you and… I see a great deal of strength in you.” She admitted.

“Well your analysis is all I require.” He sarcastically retorted.

She narrowed her eyes at him in response, but Damian knew he was scarier- no one was as cold as him.

“I’d like to talk to you-“

“We’re talking right now.” She interrupted, causing him to shoot her a warning glare.

“In private.” He finished with gritted teeth, resisting the urge to smirk when she froze in shock. “Think you can handle that?”

The girl nodded slightly awestruck as if she just saw him slay the moon.

“Good- the cliffs midnight. I’m sure you’re smart enough not to be late.”

Tag list: @maria-trisha @n0voselics

[ezonebusinesssetupdubai]

Top Online Business Ideas to Consider in 2025

Dubai's dynamic business environment offers numerous online opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some of the top online business ideas to consider in 2025:

E-commerce Store: Launch an online platform to sell products directly to consumers. With the UAE's e-commerce market projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2026, there's significant potential here. Focus on a specific niche, obtain the necessary e-commerce license, and develop a user-friendly website. Partnering with reliable delivery services and implementing effective marketing strategies will be crucial.

Dropshipping Business: Manage an online store without holding inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the order is forwarded to a supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. This model reduces upfront costs and is gaining popularity globally.

Digital Marketing Agency: Offer services like social media management, SEO, and content creation to help businesses enhance their online presence. As companies increasingly recognize the importance of digital marketing, there's a growing demand for such expertise.

Online Education and Tutoring: Provide virtual classes or tutoring sessions in subjects you're knowledgeable about. The rise of online learning platforms has made education more accessible, and there's a consistent demand for quality instructors.

Content Creation and Blogging: Create engaging content through blogs, videos, or podcasts. Monetize your content via advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Building a loyal audience can lead to significant revenue opportunities.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral. This model is cost-effective and can be lucrative with the right strategy.

App Development: Develop mobile or web applications to meet specific user needs. With the increasing reliance on digital solutions, innovative apps can gain rapid popularity.

Virtual Assistant Services: Offer administrative support to businesses or individuals remotely. Tasks can range from managing emails to scheduling appointments, providing flexibility for both parties.

Online Consulting: Leverage your expertise in a particular field to offer consulting services online. Whether it's business strategy, health, or finance, many are willing to pay for professional advice.

Graphic Design Services: Provide design solutions for logos, marketing materials, or websites. As businesses aim to stand out visually, skilled graphic designers are in high demand.

Social Media Influencer: Build a strong presence on platforms like Instagram or YouTube. With a substantial following, you can collaborate with brands for promotions and sponsorships.

Online Fitness Coaching: Offer virtual fitness classes or personalized training plans. The health and wellness industry continues to thrive, and many prefer the convenience of online sessions.

Stock Photography: Capture high-quality images and sell them on stock photography websites. Businesses and creators constantly seek quality visuals for their projects.

Handmade Crafts Online Store: Sell handmade items like jewelry, art, or home decor through an online platform. There's a market for unique, handcrafted products that can't be found in mass production.

Subscription Box Service: Curate and deliver boxes of niche products to subscribers regularly. This model has gained traction in various industries, from beauty products to gourmet foods.

Language Translation Services: Provide translation services for documents, websites, or media content. In a globalized world, effective communication across languages is essential.

Online Travel Agency: Assist clients in planning and booking their travel experiences. With the resurgence of travel, personalized planning services are valuable.

Virtual Event Planning: Organize and manage online events, from webinars to virtual conferences. As virtual events become more common, skilled planners are needed to ensure their success.

Print on Demand: Design custom apparel or merchandise and partner with suppliers who print and ship items as orders come in. This reduces the need for inventory and allows for creative flexibility.

Online Real Estate Brokerage: Facilitate property transactions through a digital platform. With the real estate market's evolution, online brokerages offer convenience to buyers and sellers.

Embarking on an online business in Dubai offers numerous advantages, including a strategic location, supportive government policies, and a tech-savvy population.

By selecting the right niche and implementing effective strategies, you can build a successful venture in this thriving market.

[mariacallous]

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, had always worried that his company’s victory last year in a multimillion-dollar legal battle against Google’s app store monopoly wouldn’t be enough to open up competition. Even if Google could no longer keep alternative marketplaces out of Android, phone manufacturers could make them harder to access. In a US lawsuit filed in San Francisco today, that’s exactly what Epic alleges Google has conspired with Samsung to do.

Some newer Samsung phones have required settings changes to install apps from the web such as Epic’s app marketplace, according to Epic, which also develops Fortnite and Rocket Racing. The requirement became effective by default in July, and Epic launched its app store in August. Samsung claims the feature it calls Auto Blocker protects against “applications from unauthorized sources” and “malicious activity.” But it extends the installation process from 15 steps to 21, Epic alleges. The company says that it has found in the past that the greater the number of hurdles, the fewer people complete the process.

“It is not about reasonable measures to protect users against malware,” Sweeney told reporters in a briefing ahead of the lawsuit filing. “It's about obstruction of competition.”

“Contrary to Epic Game's assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly,” said a Samsung spokesperson in a statement. “The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users' personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time. We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game's baseless claims.”

Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The litigation builds on an effort Epic launched in 2020 to deliver more choice to mobile users and boost its own bottom line. While downloading apps any which way from just about any source is generally easy on desktops and laptops, Apple and Google have used warnings and varying policy and technical curbs to keep users downloading from the iOS App Store and Google Play, which deliver enormous profits to the tech giants by virtue of sales commissions they collect.

Epic, through a lawsuit, won a minor concession from Apple that is still being fought over; penalties against Google are expected from a judge soon.

In the press conference, Sweeney acknowledged that Epic doesn’t have clear evidence that Google and Samsung collaborated to roll out Auto Blocker. But emails and notes presented by Epic during its jury trial against Google last year showed how the search company regularly engaged in discussions with Samsung aimed at limiting competition. Google denied those accusations.

Early this month, Sweeney reached out to two senior Samsung executives to ask them to rethink the approach with Auto Blocker and allow for a smoother process to download legitimate software. Sweeney said a resolution couldn’t be reached that benefitted all developers, prompting the lawsuit. “We are going to continue to fight until there is a level playing field,” he says. He added that it “sucks” to sue Samsung, which has promoted Epic’s offerings in the past.

Epic has notched over 10 million installations of its mobile app store, short of a goal to reach 100 million by the end of the year, Sweeney says. He believes Auto Blocker and other new impediments, as he views them, have hurt Epic’s ability to gain traction. And his focus on fighting Apple and Google is costing Epic significant sums, with no end in sight to the litigation. “The benefits only come in the future, when the obstructions have truly been eliminated,” he says.

[itfruits]

Embracing Digital Transformation in 2025: How IT Fruits Technologies Helps Your Business Stay Ahead

Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead means embracing the latest technologies and adapting to new trends. At IT Fruits Technologies, we believe digital transformation is not just a buzzword — it’s the key to unlocking growth, efficiency, and innovation for businesses of all sizes.

Why Digital Transformation Matters in 2025

The year 2025 has brought unprecedented advancements in technology. From smarter mobile applications to immersive AR/VR experiences and interconnected IoT systems, businesses now have more tools than ever to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. Companies that invest in digital transformation are seeing increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger competitive edge.

Our Core Services: Empowering Your Business

1. Mobile App Development We build custom iOS, Android, and cross-platform apps that deliver seamless user experiences and drive business results.

2. Web Development Our team creates responsive, secure, and scalable websites and web applications tailored to your unique needs.

3. E-commerce Solutions We design robust online stores with smooth checkout experiences, helping you expand your reach and boost sales.

4. IoT (Internet of Things) Development Connect your devices and automate processes with our smart IoT solutions, enabling real-time data and smarter decisions.

5. AR/VR Development Engage your customers and train your teams with cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality applications.

6. Unity Game Development From casual games to complex simulations, our Unity experts bring your gaming ideas to life.

7. Startup & MVP Development Have a new idea? We help startups validate, build, and launch minimum viable products quickly and cost-effectively.

Why Choose IT Fruits Technologies?

Expert Team: Experienced professionals passionate about technology and innovation.

Client-Centric Approach: We listen, understand, and deliver solutions that fit your business goals.

End-to-End Support: From ideation to launch and beyond, we’re with you at every step.

Proven Results: Our clients see measurable improvements in efficiency, engagement, and ROI.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Digital transformation is a journey, and IT Fruits Technologies is your trusted partner. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, we have the expertise to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Contact us today to discuss your project or schedule a free consultation!

**#DigitalTransformation #ITFruits #AppDevelopment #WebDevelopment #IoT #ARVR #GameDevelopmentStartupSuccess