#Facebook Customer Support Number

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Your car spies on you and rats you out to insurance companies

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me TOMORROW (Mar 13) in SAN FRANCISCO with ROBIN SLOAN, then Toronto, NYC, Anaheim, and more!

Another characteristically brilliant Kashmir Hill story for The New York Times reveals another characteristically terrible fact about modern life: your car secretly records fine-grained telemetry about your driving and sells it to data-brokers, who sell it to insurers, who use it as a pretext to gouge you on premiums:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html

Almost every car manufacturer does this: Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, etc etc:

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2020/09/09/ford-state-farm-ford-metromile-honda-verisk-among-insurer-oem-telematics-connections/

This is true whether you own or lease the car, and it's separate from the "black box" your insurer might have offered to you in exchange for a discount on your premiums. In other words, even if you say no to the insurer's carrot – a surveillance-based discount – they've got a stick in reserve: buying your nonconsensually harvested data on the open market.

I've always hated that saying, "If you're not paying for the product, you're the product," the reason being that it posits decent treatment as a customer reward program, like the little ramekin warm nuts first class passengers get before takeoff. Companies don't treat you well when you pay them. Companies treat you well when they fear the consequences of treating you badly.

Take Apple. The company offers Ios users a one-tap opt-out from commercial surveillance, and more than 96% of users opted out. Presumably, the other 4% were either confused or on Facebook's payroll. Apple – and its army of cultists – insist that this proves that our world's woes can be traced to cheapskate "consumers" who expected to get something for nothing by using advertising-supported products.

But here's the kicker: right after Apple blocked all its rivals from spying on its customers, it began secretly spying on those customers! Apple has a rival surveillance ad network, and even if you opt out of commercial surveillance on your Iphone, Apple still secretly spies on you and uses the data to target you for ads:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Even if you're paying for the product, you're still the product – provided the company can get away with treating you as the product. Apple can absolutely get away with treating you as the product, because it lacks the historical constraints that prevented Apple – and other companies – from treating you as the product.

As I described in my McLuhan lecture on enshittification, tech firms can be constrained by four forces:

I. Competition

II. Regulation

III. Self-help

IV. Labor

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/30/go-nuts-meine-kerle/#ich-bin-ein-bratapfel

When companies have real competitors – when a sector is composed of dozens or hundreds of roughly evenly matched firms – they have to worry that a maltreated customer might move to a rival. 40 years of antitrust neglect means that corporations were able to buy their way to dominance with predatory mergers and pricing, producing today's inbred, Habsburg capitalism. Apple and Google are a mobile duopoly, Google is a search monopoly, etc. It's not just tech! Every sector looks like this:

https://www.openmarketsinstitute.org/learn/monopoly-by-the-numbers

Eliminating competition doesn't just deprive customers of alternatives, it also empowers corporations. Liberated from "wasteful competition," companies in concentrated industries can extract massive profits. Think of how both Apple and Google have "competitively" arrived at the same 30% app tax on app sales and transactions, a rate that's more than 1,000% higher than the transaction fees extracted by the (bloated, price-gouging) credit-card sector:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/07/curatorial-vig/#app-tax

But cartels' power goes beyond the size of their warchest. The real source of a cartel's power is the ease with which a small number of companies can arrive at – and stick to – a common lobbying position. That's where "regulatory capture" comes in: the mobile duopoly has an easier time of capturing its regulators because two companies have an easy time agreeing on how to spend their app-tax billions:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/05/regulatory-capture/

Apple – and Google, and Facebook, and your car company – can violate your privacy because they aren't constrained regulation, just as Uber can violate its drivers' labor rights and Amazon can violate your consumer rights. The tech cartels have captured their regulators and convinced them that the law doesn't apply if it's being broken via an app:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/18/cursed-are-the-sausagemakers/#how-the-parties-get-to-yes

In other words, Apple can spy on you because it's allowed to spy on you. America's last consumer privacy law was passed in 1988, and it bans video-store clerks from leaking your VHS rental history. Congress has taken no action on consumer privacy since the Reagan years:

https://www.eff.org/tags/video-privacy-protection-act

But tech has some special enshittification-resistant characteristics. The most important of these is interoperability: the fact that computers are universal digital machines that can run any program. HP can design a printer that rejects third-party ink and charge $10,000/gallon for its own colored water, but someone else can write a program that lets you jailbreak your printer so that it accepts any ink cartridge:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Tech companies that contemplated enshittifying their products always had to watch over their shoulders for a rival that might offer a disenshittification tool and use that as a wedge between the company and its customers. If you make your website's ads 20% more obnoxious in anticipation of a 2% increase in gross margins, you have to consider the possibility that 40% of your users will google "how do I block ads?" Because the revenue from a user who blocks ads doesn't stay at 100% of the current levels – it drops to zero, forever (no user ever googles "how do I stop blocking ads?").

The majority of web users are running an ad-blocker:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

Web operators made them an offer ("free website in exchange for unlimited surveillance and unfettered intrusions") and they made a counteroffer ("how about 'nah'?"):

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/07/adblocking-how-about-nah

Here's the thing: reverse-engineering an app – or any other IP-encumbered technology – is a legal minefield. Just decompiling an app exposes you to felony prosecution: a five year sentence and a $500k fine for violating Section 1201 of the DMCA. But it's not just the DMCA – modern products are surrounded with high-tech tripwires that allow companies to invoke IP law to prevent competitors from augmenting, recongifuring or adapting their products. When a business says it has "IP," it means that it has arranged its legal affairs to allow it to invoke the power of the state to control its customers, critics and competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

An "app" is just a web-page skinned in enough IP to make it a crime to add an ad-blocker to it. This is what Jay Freeman calls "felony contempt of business model" and it's everywhere. When companies don't have to worry about users deploying self-help measures to disenshittify their products, they are freed from the constraint that prevents them indulging the impulse to shift value from their customers to themselves.

Apple owes its existence to interoperability – its ability to clone Microsoft Office's file formats for Pages, Numbers and Keynote, which saved the company in the early 2000s – and ever since, it has devoted its existence to making sure no one ever does to Apple what Apple did to Microsoft:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/06/adversarial-interoperability-reviving-elegant-weapon-more-civilized-age-slay

Regulatory capture cuts both ways: it's not just about powerful corporations being free to flout the law, it's also about their ability to enlist the law to punish competitors that might constrain their plans for exploiting their workers, customers, suppliers or other stakeholders.

The final historical constraint on tech companies was their own workers. Tech has very low union-density, but that's in part because individual tech workers enjoyed so much bargaining power due to their scarcity. This is why their bosses pampered them with whimsical campuses filled with gourmet cafeterias, fancy gyms and free massages: it allowed tech companies to convince tech workers to work like government mules by flattering them that they were partners on a mission to bring the world to its digital future:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/10/the-proletarianization-of-tech-workers/

For tech bosses, this gambit worked well, but failed badly. On the one hand, they were able to get otherwise powerful workers to consent to being "extremely hardcore" by invoking Fobazi Ettarh's spirit of "vocational awe":

https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/

On the other hand, when you motivate your workers by appealing to their sense of mission, the downside is that they feel a sense of mission. That means that when you demand that a tech worker enshittifies something they missed their mother's funeral to deliver, they will experience a profound sense of moral injury and refuse, and that worker's bargaining power means that they can make it stick.

Or at least, it did. In this era of mass tech layoffs, when Google can fire 12,000 workers after a $80b stock buyback that would have paid their wages for the next 27 years, tech workers are learning that the answer to "I won't do this and you can't make me" is "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" (AKA "sharpen your blades boys"):

https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/29/elon-musk-texts-discovery-twitter/

With competition, regulation, self-help and labor cleared away, tech firms – and firms that have wrapped their products around the pluripotently malleable core of digital tech, including automotive makers – are no longer constrained from enshittifying their products.

And that's why your car manufacturer has chosen to spy on you and sell your private information to data-brokers and anyone else who wants it. Not because you didn't pay for the product, so you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

Cars are enshittified. The dozens of chips that auto makers have shoveled into their car design are only incidentally related to delivering a better product. The primary use for those chips is autoenshittification – access to legal strictures ("IP") that allows them to block modifications and repairs that would interfere with the unfettered abuse of their own customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

The fact that it's a felony to reverse-engineer and modify a car's software opens the floodgates to all kinds of shitty scams. Remember when Bay Staters were voting on a ballot measure to impose right-to-repair obligations on automakers in Massachusetts? The only reason they needed to have the law intervene to make right-to-repair viable is that Big Car has figured out that if it encrypts its diagnostic messages, it can felonize third-party diagnosis of a car, because decrypting the messages violates the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/drm-cars-will-drive-consumers-crazy

Big Car figured out that VIN locking – DRM for engine components and subassemblies – can felonize the production and the installation of third-party spare parts:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

The fact that you can't legally modify your car means that automakers can go back to their pre-2008 ways, when they transformed themselves into unregulated banks that incidentally manufactured the cars they sold subprime loans for. Subprime auto loans – over $1t worth! – absolutely relies on the fact that borrowers' cars can be remotely controlled by lenders. Miss a payment and your car's stereo turns itself on and blares threatening messages at top volume, which you can't turn off. Break the lease agreement that says you won't drive your car over the county line and it will immobilize itself. Try to change any of this software and you'll commit a felony under Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/02/innovation-unlocks-markets/#digital-arm-breakers

Tesla, naturally, has the most advanced anti-features. Long before BMW tried to rent you your seat-heater and Mercedes tried to sell you a monthly subscription to your accelerator pedal, Teslas were demon-haunted nightmare cars. Miss a Tesla payment and the car will immobilize itself and lock you out until the repo man arrives, then it will blare its horn and back itself out of its parking spot. If you "buy" the right to fully charge your car's battery or use the features it came with, you don't own them – they're repossessed when your car changes hands, meaning you get less money on the used market because your car's next owner has to buy these features all over again:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world

And all this DRM allows your car maker to install spyware that you're not allowed to remove. They really tipped their hand on this when the R2R ballot measure was steaming towards an 80% victory, with wall-to-wall scare ads that revealed that your car collects so much information about you that allowing third parties to access it could lead to your murder (no, really!):

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/03/rip-david-graeber/#rolling-surveillance-platforms

That's why your car spies on you. Because it can. Because the company that made it lacks constraint, be it market-based, legal, technological or its own workforce's ethics.

One common critique of my enshittification hypothesis is that this is "kind of sensible and normal" because "there’s something off in the consumer mindset that we’ve come to believe that the internet should provide us with amazing products, which bring us joy and happiness and we spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return":

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-have-great-conversations/

What this criticism misses is that this isn't the companies bargaining to shift some value from us to them. Enshittification happens when a company can seize all that value, without having to bargain, exploiting law and technology and market power over buyers and sellers to unilaterally alter the way the products and services we rely on work.

A company that doesn't have to fear competitors, regulators, jailbreaking or workers' refusal to enshittify its products doesn't have to bargain, it can take. It's the first lesson they teach you in the Darth Vader MBA: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/26/hit-with-a-brick/#graceful-failure

Your car spying on you isn't down to your belief that your carmaker "should provide you with amazing products, which brings your joy and happiness you spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return." It's not because you didn't pay for the product, so now you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

The consequences of this spying go much further than mere insurance premium hikes, too. Car telemetry sits at the top of the funnel that the unbelievably sleazy data broker industry uses to collect and sell our data. These are the same companies that sell the fact that you visited an abortion clinic to marketers, bounty hunters, advertisers, or vengeful family members pretending to be one of those:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/07/safegraph-spies-and-lies/#theres-no-i-in-uterus

Decades of pro-monopoly policy led to widespread regulatory capture. Corporate cartels use the monopoly profits they extract from us to pay for regulatory inaction, allowing them to extract more profits.

But when it comes to privacy, that period of unchecked corporate power might be coming to an end. The lack of privacy regulation is at the root of so many problems that a pro-privacy movement has an unstoppable constituency working in its favor.

At EFF, we call this "privacy first." Whether you're worried about grifters targeting vulnerable people with conspiracy theories, or teens being targeted with media that harms their mental health, or Americans being spied on by foreign governments, or cops using commercial surveillance data to round up protesters, or your car selling your data to insurance companies, passing that long-overdue privacy legislation would turn off the taps for the data powering all these harms:

https://www.eff.org/wp/privacy-first-better-way-address-online-harms

Traditional economics fails because it thinks about markets without thinking about power. Monopolies lead to more than market power: they produce regulatory capture, power over workers, and state capture, which felonizes competition through IP law. The story that our problems stem from the fact that we just don't spend enough money, or buy the wrong products, only makes sense if you willfully ignore the power that corporations exert over our lives. It's nice to think that you can shop your way out of a monopoly, because that's a lot easier than voting your way out of a monopoly, but no matter how many times you vote with your wallet, the cartels that control the market will always win:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/05/the-map-is-not-the-territory/#apor-locksmith

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/12/market-failure/#car-wars

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[echoasdfghultrakill]

Alright kids, I've worked all evening on compiling this info, so to anyone who needs it:

PROTESTING SAFETY

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

1. Preparation:

- Do not wear any accessories or anything identifiable. If you have tattoos or piercings, cover them up and hide them. Do NOT use makeup to cover them up either. In fact, don't wear makeup at all in ANY capacity, especially on the face, because it makes gases and sprays WORSE. Avoid jewerly entirely as it can be grabbed onto or traced back to you.

- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants and running shoes, CLOSED TOES, preferably all gray or black or all one singular (nonbright) color, neutrals. Avoid loose clothing and drawstrings. Wear head coverings, even more so if you have dyed hair. Nothing eye-catching, no slogans or logos, no customized or political clothing, nothing identifiable or unique that can be traced back to you. Wear head coverings that cover the entire head, including your ears, nose, and mouth.

- Make sure you can run in your outfit, just in case

- ***DO NOT WEAR CONTACTS, WEAR GLASSES INSTEAD***

I CANNOT stress that enough. If you wear glasses, make sure they're secure and cannot fall off easy.

- Helmets or elbow and knee patches are good for general safety but wear nothing that limits movement. Also, WEAR GOGGLES, but in a pinch firearm safety glasses of some kind can work. some sort of mask covering for your nose and mouth for, again, gases and sprays. A regular covid mask underneath a balaclava or bandana is better than nothing

- An extra note to medics: DO NOT wear anything that designates you publicly as a medic. A known medic is a targeted one. Only make it known you're a medic through word of mouth, **please**

- Write energency phone numbers on your body somewhere hidden, keep your ID and cash on you in a shoe or something but don't bring a wallet. If you have to bring a phone keep it shut down the entire time until you are far from the location the protest is happening, keep your biometrics and face ID off, turn off location services and if you take photo or video erase the metadata even if you don't plan on posting it.

- There are typically jail support and legal aid for protesters, find whats specific to your area and write their number. If you can get a lawyer, write their number down, too.

- PREFERABLY* go with a friend. Keep a designated meet up spot away from the protest to run to if things go south. If you are alone? get a buddy or make a friend at the protest so you both have someone to fall back on, and make it known to others that you are alone so they can watch out for you. If anything else, make sure at least 1 other person not at the protest knows where you are.

- Have backup meet-up spots in case of them being compromised, set up check-ins, too.

- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BEFOREHAND, be prepared to exercise them

AGAIN on phones:

- have location data and airdrop turned off, AND in airplane mode because it can still ping towers with it off. Consider a faraday bag, if you can.

- turn off biometrics or face ID, cops can force you to open your phone. Again, preferably, keep it turned off

- burner phones are often registered with identifiable information so I don't recommend it, but if you can get it under someone else's information especially if they aren't going to be with yoy at the protest *with their consent

- if you are going to take video or photos for any reason, get CONSENT FIRST. Do NOT post anything in the moment. Only after the protest has concluded and once you've wiped the metadata. (And no, that screenshotting trick doesn't always work).

- use encrypted messaging, no socials, no texting, no phone calls. Verbal communication face to face is best

- while im on that topic: dont post anything beforehand either. Dont sign up to things on facebook, don't RSVP, and definitely don't post anywhere on social media that you're attending.

- Beforehand, look at maps of the area. Know your routes and exits.

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1.5. supplies:

- WATER WATER WATER, enough to stay hydrated AND to flush your eyes

- backpack or something secure AND crossbody to carry supplies in, one that doesnt limit movement and can't be pulled off easy

- umbrellas block projectiles, use them

- earplugs or eardefenders, *(do not get completely noise cancling because you still need to be aware of your surroundings)*

- some sort of snacks (not sugary, preferably): peanut butter crackers, slim jim, crackers, granola, trail mix, etc

- sunscreen, if not for you then someone else

- basic prepacked medkit supplies, bandages and gauze, if nothing else

- gloves (heat safe, oven mitts work too. They're for handling canisters thrown your way safely)

- BAIL MONEY, stored somewhere safe, probably in your shoes. Even if you intend on being peaceful, even if you don't do anything illegal or plan on it. They *will* still try to arrest you anyways.

- a change of clothes for afterward, both so you have clean, uncontaminated clothes, and so you're less likely to be identified after

- Whistle (noisemaker and you won't lose your voice as easily. Also, it's good for if you've been injured or need to call out for help)

- Sharpie to write on yourself if needed, notepad can be used to record badge numbers in future court cases

- card with crucial medical information such as blood type, disabilities, allergies, or other needs stashed somewhere on the chance of a medical emergency or being hospitalized.

Medic specific supplies:

- everything above^

- Water

- saline solution (found at wallgreens or walmart in eye sections, didinfectant and can be used to clear tear gas)

*note: I wouldn't recommend baby shampoo because it often had fragrances which can hurt more or damage your eyes, and sometimes oils too which can make it worse)

- safety scissors

- butterfly bandages and bandaids

- alcohol wipes and q-tips

- neosporin

- *latex free* gloves

- guaze

- tampons and pads to pack wounds

- duct tape

- emergency blanket

- did I mention WATER

- Extras of anything you can spare for those who are less prepared

IF YOU ARE BRINGING ANY FLAGS

- i urge you to bring American flags. Anything else and the media coverage can be twisted as an 'Us vs. Mexico" or "Us vs. Trans people". American flags let them know undeniably that no matter how they try to twist the narrative: *this is happening to U.S. citizens*

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

2: While you're there

- Keep an EYE ON YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Exercise spatial awareness, keep an eye on the crowd and out of the crowd. This is easier said than done if you dont have a buddy, so I really recommend finding someone to group with.

- I recommend staying on the outskirts if you can. Avoid dark and enclosed areas in exchange for open and well lit ones. Watch out for infiltrators there to insight violence and agitate crowds, or undercover cops.

- DO NOT PANIC OR RUN, DO NOT SCREAM. It takes one person to make an entire group panic, and that can lead to violence, stampedes, crowd crushes... stay calm and react accordingly.

- Panicking can be read as aggression too, so all the more reason to stay calm. Alongside with that: do NOT be innebriated. Do not do drugs, do not drink alcohol. Stay sober, stay aware.

- If you are recording: narrate loud and clealy, narrate the time and date, the location, the events before and during recording. Footage is evidence that can be used in court. Blur and obscure faces with multiple methods

- If things get violent or go south, distance yourself and find somewhere to regroup. Be prepared to protect yourself, have umbrellas ready in defense of being shot at. I cannot stress this enough but 'rubber' bullets (metal encased in rubber btw) can still maim and kill. The police often shoot directly at people without regard for safety. Be careful.

- If police begin to surround and barricade your group, you are being locked in a *kettle*. (Yes, even if it's illegal in your state) They may keep you there for an extended period of time or attempt to arrest everyone. The safest way out if you see it coming back the way you came. Do NOT talk to the cops under any circumstances.

- If nobody talks, everybody walks

- if you are arrested, be prepared to exercise your rights and speak clearly. Not speaking clearly gives them cause to ignore you or take your words differently than what they mean because they have to obey the word and not the spirit of the law.

- if you are detained: "I am exercising my right to remain silent, I will not speak without an attorney present."

- They can't make you say shit without one, so do not say shit without one, no matter what they say. (Eventually) they will be forced to comply.

if tear gas cannisters are thrown:

- please note that throwing them back is a felony, do so only at your own risk

- USE HEAT SAFE GLOVES TO HANDLE, or else you WILL get burned

- COVER AND SMOTHER is the way to go. Pot lids or garbage can lids are great. Pouring water on them helps a lot

- SALINE IS BETTER THAN MILK BUT MILK IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. Saline is much more sterile and effective. Antacid mixtures are a safe backup, water is fine and milk is a last resort option.

- do not rub your eyes, blink and let your tear ducts do the work to flush them out or you will spread it further and deeper

- do not use oils or lotions to decontaminate your skin, breathe slowly, do not scream

- when/if you can, rinse yourself down with water

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

3: afterwards...

- decontaminate yourself. Take your clothes off, especially if you've been gassed, and leave them at the door of your home and head to the shower in a palstic bag or trash bag.

- Shower with COLD water. Hot water opens pores and worsens chemical absorption. Rinse eyes and face first, wash your hair THOROUGHLY

- unscented soaps, fragrance oils can worsen contamination

- wash your clothes entirely seperated from your laundry and don't forget to include the afformentioned gloves/oven mitts if also contaminated. Wash on cold water

- DOCUMENT YOUR INJURIES including date, time, severity, and other details. Pictures too. Do a full body survery to make sure nothing is missed.

- Back up all footage and data to somewhere encrypted, preserve the original metadata for court and legal use only, and wipe everything completly of metadata and CENSOR FACES to anything shared publicly. If you're device was handled by the police change your passcode

- while the memories are fresh document everything, a timeline of events, crowd control tactics used, badge numbers of the officers, anything and everything and share only with a legal observer.

- Make sure to calm down and decompress. Check in with others, and yourself too. Hydrate, eat a full meal, get some rest

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

3.5: If you are..

Arrested:

- to reitterate: do NOT speak to cops. Do NOT speak without a lawyer. KNOW AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

- If you are under 18 do not speak without a legal guardian, even with a lawyer present, if you can

- if you are injured during your arrest, report it upon arrival to jail. If they refuse care, insist that they document the refusal and note name, date, and time

- if you are assaulted or mistreated in your time there you can report it to legal aid organizations

- REMEMBER: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney." Repeat as many times as needed

- if you get a phone call, either your emergency contact written on yourself or a jail support hotline is your first priority

- Do not unlock any devices if you can help it

- Upon release, get copies of everything and DOCUMENT. I can't stress that enough

Hospitalized/EMS:

- be honest with them. They don't have to tell the cops shit, they just want to know everything they need to treat you accordingly. Don't lie to them and it'll make their jobs easier.

- Again: THEY ARE NOT THE COPS. BE HONEST WITH THEM.

- ask for your treatment and injuries to be documented, this will help on future court cases as evidence.

- designate a release contact and make sure to follow up on care for anything serious.

I think that officially covers everything I can think of but if anyone has something to add dm me and let me know. I will update this as I find more information, and will get to work on making a better formatted version to print out when I can. Spread this as much as possible and repost wherever.

Stay safe everyone.

[unhinged-diaries]

Business Guide:

How to get started

When you have a business name in mind look up the domain name to see if it’s taken. You don’t want to spend money on an LLC just to find out that your name is taken. Thats a waste of money because you also have to pay to dissolve it.

If the name is not taken, great, don’t file an LLC yet. Go online and get a virtual business address. Why? If you’re running your business out of your home like I am, just know that it’s public information if you use your address to file your LLC. A virtual address should cost like $10-$20 a month. Use that to file your LLC.

Once you’ve filed that LLC get your Ein. That’s your Employee Identification Number. It’s your businesses tax id. It’s free to file on the IRS website. Don’t fall for the scam websites you guys.

Once you’ve gotten your EIN go to Google domains and get your website name aswell as 3-4 emails. An email for your social media accounts, an executive email for yourself, an ecomm@businessname.com for things like your business bank account, Shopify account, etc; and maybe a customer support email. I use the social email as a customer support email. All of this should be like $50/month.

Once you’ve don’t that get on Canva and make that logo bookie. Personally I paid someone on Fiverr to make mine because I’m a “soft business life” kind of girl and I’d rather pay the professionals. Thats just me though.

Once you’ve got your logo go ahead and get them social media accounts going. Instagram, tiktok, Facebook.

Alright now this is where it gets specific to clothing brands because that’s what I own.

Time to find a manufacturer. Head over to alibaba and search what kind of product you want to sell. Be sure to add “oem” if you want a manufacturer that customizes. Look for the amount of orders they’ve gotten on that product. If it says zero orders that’s ok. Some styles are new and thus haven’t been ordered yet. Check any reviews they have for other products. Also check the total revenue they’ve done. It’s on the store profile. I can’t tell you what the sweet spot is yet bc I’ve only used one manufacturer so far but I’d look for mid six figures and up if you wanna be real safe.

Chat with them and order a sample. Even if you buy from a vendor list you’ll need your own sample to make content with. I suggest buying one and first. It’s worth the wait because if you buy multiple and end up not liking them you’d have wasted money that could’ve gone into testing a different manufacturer.

Do not launch with more than 2 products. Even 2 is a stretch, wallai start with one.

This is because if you’re doing the preorder, which I suggest, you’ll be depending on customer orders to pay for the bulk order. Manufacturers do their moq by color or style. If you have too many options in your website and customers order a mix of things, you better pray you have enough money to cover the bulk for all those different styles. Stay safe and give them 1-2 options to choose from.

Pre order method is great if you don’t have a lot of cash to start with because the orders pay for themselves. Bulk orders start to wrack up. Especially if it’s a custom style or material. You don’t want to break the bank for something that might not sell.

Once you’ve gotten and approved your samples choose a launch date. 2-3 weeks before that launch dates post consistently. At least once a day but remember quality over quantity. Now don’t be tricked. Quality doesn’t mean a full cinematography. It means connecting with your audience and relating with them to a point where they’re like “this business gets it”. Either that or attaching yourself to an identity they want to have. “It girl ig influencer”, “feminine soft life babe” “clean girl Pilates princess” whatever the fuck it is embody ur as best as you can. When customers attach your product with an identity that is aspirational to them they will buy it without rationalizing. It’s why the luxury market makes so much off of ppl who can’t afford to buy it twice.

Focus on the backend

If you have a goal of getting an influx of orders and making a lot of sales, be sure that your business is structured in a way that can handle it happening at any given time. You know those tiktok businesses that get one viral video and sell out over night? That could be you but if you’re not prepared ppl are going to be upset. I suggest working backwards:

A customer service platform/inbox so that you can answer them right away with frequently asked questions.

Have stock so that you have something for customers to buy once they finally land on your website.

Have a well presenting website so that ppl don’t think you’re a scam. I’m going to do a post on this bc some of these business websites drive me fuckin nuts. Color theory ppl, color theory.

A social media page with some kind of social proof ie reviews from customers in some way shape or form. Ppl are going to be looking for what others have to say about your brand. Hire UGC creators to make videos that you can post on your page. They’re cheaper than influencers but still know how to convey the message well. You’ll have to have extra samples and items on hand to send them. Also check out their usage rights. Some will allow you to use their videos in ads but you have to pay extra and it’s only for a certain amount of time. But if they do it right, you’ll get a great return. Scared money don’t make no money.

A social media page that shows the products in movement and different lighting. I need to be able to imagine myself in the item before I buy it. Where would I wear it, how will it fit on me. Even when I’ve already ordered something I stay going back to the businesses social media page just to see the clothes again. I might even search it up to see other ppl wearing it.

Packaging

No need to go crazy with the packaging in the beginning. Don’t get me wrong, branding is important but as a beginner you may not have the money for that yet. You need to focus on spending money on what will give you the best return. Just get regular poly mailers from Amazon in your brand colors. You’ll also need:

A stack of 6x4 shipping labels

A thermal printer

A scale

When your manufacturer sends you the clothes they will most likely be in their own little bags. If not you can get those from Amazon too.

Later on you can go to alibaba and find a manufacturer to print you custom poly mailers for that extra edge. Put your logo, a cute message, and your social media handles on the bag and that’s it. Good to go.

You can also design your own thank you cards as well. I won’t be doing that.

Little things to remember

Don’t feel like you have to keep up with big brands. You don’t need to launch something every two weeks. As a matter of fact I advise against emulating super fast fashion brands. I only launch a new item once the pre ordered items have been shipped out to customers.

Be nice to your customers. You’d think this was obvious but it’s not. Some ppl are rude, ghetto, and uncouth. If you hate authority and have a smart mouth I think you should either take a customer service course or hire a virtual assistant from the Philippines to do your customer service for you because no customers = no money.

I’ll update this as I learn and grow:

12/18/2023

Influencers

Not every influencer with a mass follower base is going to be your influencer. It’s possible that you pay $5000 for an influencer with 75k followers to post your product on her page but that post makes you less than $3k. That means you’ve net negative $2k. What a fuckin waste of money.

This is why it’s important to develop a persona for your brand. What is your brand identity? Who is your target audience? What are their psychographics?

Where do currently shop? What are there favorite social media apps?What is their race? Their age? Their ethnicity? Are they in college or highschool? Do they have parents that support their lifestyle or are they hustlers? Are they concerned about price or quality more? Are they married? Do they have children? Are they environmentally conscious?

You need to embody Joe Goldberg and peer at them through their window. Acquaint yourself with every part of their life.

Also, you might not be your target demographic yet and that’s ok. The girls that shop with my brand have social lives. They go out with their friends and need outfits to wear. I don’t have a social life. The only clothes I wear are my work clothes to go to work and my robe when I’m at home.Or a sweat set and a bonnet to run errands.

Don’t think to yourself “ I would never wear that.” “I would never buy something at that price point”. That’s fine cuz someone else will. A lot of people will.

Another thing is your demographic could change once you start your business. It might be that you create content that attracts a different type of person than what you originally planned and that’s cool too. We don’t live in a perfect world. As long as they’re close enough to what you had predetermined it’s ok. Sometimes our business comes out different than we hoped but it’s just as good if not better. It’s like child. Don’t destroy its greatness trying to turn it into something it doesn’t want to be.

User generated content

Love, love, love her down. She’s that sweet spot between making content yourself and having an influencer with a large following make the content for you. UGC is a form of social proof which is something you need for an e-commerce brand especially. Ppl can’t just pop into your store and try on your stuff so they need the opinions of “regular” people to sell them on it. They want to see that person try it on, do a close up of the fabric, wear it to a social setting, etc;

What I like about UGC is that I can pick someone who fits into my brand persona to represent my brand even if I don’t. Someone that appears aspirational but still relatable. Like I said previously, you yourself might not embody your brands persona but you can pay someone who does.

A little translate for yall: I do not live in a nice apartment. My room is small, and dark, and filled with boxes. My living room has mix matched decor and I myself am not the body type I’d like to be (pls don’t hit me with body positivity babe). What I can do is pay a girl with the opposite of all those things and knows how to sell a product.

I have a girl right now that I’ve inquired to make posts for me and she’s got it all. Her rate for one video is $100 with an extra $30 for 90 days of usage in ads. $100 is the new 50 and for the return I’ll get on her, THATS A STEAL.

If you need to find a UGC creator search it up on tiktok and Twitter. Most of them have a portfolio of past work they’ve done. If you feel like they match your brands vibes, keep their info for when you’re ready.

I suggest to have a roster of them because if ppl keep seeing the same person over and over, the thought that that person is just a regular degular customer leaves their mind and you lose the magic of UGC.

Update 12/21/2023

I’ve been sick but yall ain’t paying me so it’s ok. Here’s the update.

Website

Your website is your home babe and when you’re preparing for guest you can’t have your home looking any type of way. Not only does it need to be clean but it needs to be cohesive and inviting.

You know how many times I’ve opened someone’s booking page on Instagram and I click off. Not only am I not reading through all of that small ass text but my head hurts cuz you’ve got a black font on a hot pink background.

Some of yalls websites to not comply with accessibility guidelines so pay attention to that bc you can be sued. Ppl should be able to read what you have on there without getting a headache.

Good rule of thumb is to have one primary color, and then black and white. Don’t over complicate it. Your primary color will be your logo, think twitters blue, then your secondary colors should be black and white, for your text. You might have an accent color like gold or silver, this should be used sparingly for a little dazzle.

If you’re a clothing brand like me, keep the text short and sweet. Think about it, when you go shopping on your favorite website are you bombarded with a soliloquy on how the collection came to be? And even if you are do you stop and read the whole thing? I don’t bc I don’t care. That’s what your Instagram story is for.

All I want to see is the attention grabber and a short,but convincing, tagline.

Example: Ski Resort 2023-“Stun the slopes and stand out on the ski lift with best sellers spotted at St. Moritz”

Let you images tell the rest of the story.

Don’t overwhelm them with options

Guys this is so important. The more options ppl see the less they buy or the less likely they are to buy. Why? This is the thought process.

“Omg the stuff on this website is so cute! Let me go through their catalog and add to my cart as I go”

5 minutes of scrolling

“Ok I have too many things in my cart let me just save to a wishlist instead”

Another 5 minutes of scrolling

“Ok I’ll just stop here and go back to my cart and decide what I’m going to get rn”

Goes to cart

Spends 10 minutes deciding what she’s gonna get bc there’s so many good options

Takes 10 items out of her cart and only buys two basics bc she knows those are less likely to disappoint.

And scene

That is if she didn’t leave after the second five minutes of scrolling. Nowadays five minutes on a non stimulating website is a lot, don’t let it take that long.

Obviously this also depends on the customers budget. Some people have the money to just buy everything in their cart (I wish- one day), but most are just window shopper you hope to convert with your nice styles, images, and prices. Don’t make it harder for people to give you their money.

I have more but I’m tired of writing so I’ll update yall tmrw.

[mariacallous]

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (Chirla) estimates that in recent days, around 300 migrants have been detained in California as part of raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in compliance with an order issued by the Trump administration.

This figure is based on collaborative reports compiled by the Rapid Response Network, an alliance comprised of dozens of organizations that provide support to migrants and disseminate information about immigration detentions and operations.

Angelica Salas, director of Chirla, described the raids as a phenomenon “never seen before” in the three decades she has been defending migrant communities, according to statements reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Jorge Mario Cabrera, spokesman for the same organization, told the EFE news agency that most of the detainees are not criminals, “as the US government has tried to portray them.” He indicated that most of those arrested are workers from Los Angeles, although arrests have also been documented in other parts of the state.

In the midst of intense protests against Trump's immigration policies, these operations are expected to continue in Los Angeles for at least 30 days, according to US representative Nanette Barragan, citing data provided by the White House. Likewise, an escalation of these actions is anticipated nationwide, after the administration announced its goal of making up to 3,000 arrests per day.

Several migrant-rights organizations have warned about possible violations of due process of people targeted by ICE. They have denounced ICE for restricting access to detainees on multiple occasions, which could limit their right to adequate legal representation.

Watching ICE

This situation has generated concern among the undocumented population, most of whom are of Hispanic origin, which has intensified the use of social networks to alert people about the presence of immigration agents in different regions of the US.

In a search conducted by the WIRED en Español team, several groups and pages were identified on digital platforms dedicated to receiving, verifying, and disseminating reports about ICE checkpoints, patrols, and raids. The origin of these profiles is diverse: Some are managed by well-known nongovernmental organizations and activist collectives, while others were created by private members of the migrant community.

The family of a man apprehended by ICE agents demands that the victim be returned. Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Alerts about operations are disseminated through direct messages, WhatsApp, or posts on each page's feed. In turn, it is possible to anonymously report the presence of immigration agents through private text messages or calls to specific phone numbers.

In general, users are asked for basic data such as time, date, city, state, and exact location of the operation, as well as photographs or videos when it is possible to document them. In addition to issuing real-time alerts, many of these pages offer free legal guidance, not only on migration issues, but also on labor rights, access to health, education, and other key services.

Some of the networks active in this work include:

Union del Barrio California

This grassroots pro-immigrant organization maintains an active presence on Facebook. It conducts community patrols to detect ICE movement, shares urgent alerts, and organizes workshops on legal rights.

Chirla

With constant activity on Facebook and other platforms, Chirla publishes notifications about raids, provides legal advice, and calls for citizen mobilizations in the face of new raids.

Stop ICE Raids Alert Network

This network distributes emergency alerts and offers assistance to people affected by ICE raids. In addition to its social network accounts, it has a web page that allows people to receive geolocalized notifications in real time.

Siembra NC

This organization operates primarily in North Carolina. Through its Facebook page, it promotes a whistleblower hotline (336-543-0353). Although its focus is on Alamance, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Wake, Randolph, and Rockingham counties, it has a statewide presence across North Carolina.

RadarSafe

This project uses the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a system for sending out digital emergency alerts, to provide secure information on immigration stops and operations. It also publishes community-submitted reports and verifies information with support from local residents.

Inmigración y Visas

Focused on immigration issues, this portal offers a WhatsApp channel where users can report raids, exchange experiences, and receive advice. It also shares informative content on its Facebook page and website.

SignalSafe

Adding to this assistance network is SignalSafe, an application created by a team of anonymous developers that provides real-time alerts on ICE activity. Through collaborative reporting, the app maps sightings of federal agents and unidentified vehicles, allowing migrants to avoid potential checkpoints.

Since Trump's return to the presidency, SignalSafe has gained widespread popularity. The tool allows the integration of various filters based on the user's location, type of activity by immigration authorities, and time range.

This platform is fed by citizen reports, which are verified by a group of specialized moderators. The system is bilingual, with support for Spanish and English, and has advanced security protocols to help protect user privacy.

Key Access

Given the growing number of raids in the United States and the lack of certainty about the safety of those detained in these operations, examples such as the above show that some sectors of the citizenry seem to have taken an active role in digital spaces against the implementation of immigration policies.

In this context, the widespread use of social networks among the migrant community has turned these platforms into key tools within the resistance movement. According to data from the International Organization for Migration, by 2023, 64 percent of migrants in transit through Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic—mostly bound for the United States—had access to a smartphone and internet connection during their journey. Of these, 47 percent of men and 35 percent of women used these devices to access social networks.

This story was originally published on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

[apeekintothepantry]

Meet Violet Fielding, my original historical character from 1918 Boston!

I've been doing some workshopping with my custom historical characters because I've been a little bored with AG's historical offerings of late, and because it's a fun excuse to dig into moments in time that interest me personally, but AG probably wouldn't produce a similar character themselves. (I say that, but my 1940's Hawaii character predates Nanea, so who knows! Maybe I'm manifesting some future stuff I can borrow for my gals.)

Violet is the youngest of three siblings. Her older sister Alice is in her early 20's and either a nurse or a Hello Girl, leaning towards nursing because I'm not sure I want her to go overseas and she could work at a hospital in Boston during the war. Her older brother James is 19 and enlists in the Marines once the US enters World War I. I think by Violet Saves the Day, he's returned home dealing with quite a bit of "shellshock" and that becomes a somewhat major theme.

Her parents are pretty wealthy, and the family lives in a brownstone on Beacon Hill in Boston. Her dad is a doctor and mom is a suffragist who also gets involved in causes supporting the war effort. Both parents are very supportive of their kids following their passions and getting themselves out there in this still relatively new century, which is why Alice has been allowed to go to school instead of immediately marrying some wealthy guy.

Vi herself is a precocious and creative kid. I think she likes to draw and paint and generally be crafty and creative, which comes in handy when brainstorming ways she can support her brother overseas and the war effort more broadly. While she's not afraid to get her hands dirty, she does like typically girly things like having teatime and looking at catalogs filled with new dresses. Her book series would theoretically cover 1917 through 1919 or so, and touch on the war, Women's Suffrage, the Spanish Flu, shellshock, and possibly the Boston Molasses Disaster.

Currently I'm trying to come up with a best friend character for her, as she really needs a Nellie or Ruthie in her life with the age difference and both siblings being off doing exciting and scary things without her. There are a lot of different directions I could go in with said friend - fellow wealthy-ish kid feels boring, Boston had a lot of new immigrant communities in the 1910's, some of whom did live in a specific part of Beacon Hill, Boston historically struggles with insidious covert racism but was still a city with a number of prominent Black and Jewish communities - and nothing's quite clicked as perfect just yet.

Violet is a Marie-Grace doll with a Nanea wig. Someone was selling her on a Facebook group a few years ago and I immediately felt like she was a Violet and needed to join my crew. Her last name was inspired by Lady Dorothie Fielding, a British woman who drove an ambulance during WWI and received several awards for bravery and service. Fielding's letters home were published after her death and are a really fascinating look at what it was like on the front lines doing this incredibly dangerous and important work. I used it as a major primary source for an educational interactive I helped develop in one of my previous jobs.

[lobautumny]

So, Alex Avila uploaded a very good 3-hour-long video yesterday about AI. This toy can't meaningfully summarize it because it's very long and dense, but it's absolutely worth the watch for anyone who cares at all about the argument surrounding AI. The video is largely about the most common narratives you see people use against AI, dissecting the core reasons people believe them, the rhetorical devices behind them, the problems/limitations of these arguments, who is propagating them, and who stands to benefit from them. The video is not demonizing AI detractors, but rather pointing out that there is a kind of carelessness with how people tend to talk about the subject, and this carelessness can be/is being abused by bad actors. A particularly noteworthy example is how ultramassive media conglomerates like Disney and Warner are using the fact that "AI art is theft" is a very common talking point as a wedge to try to massively strengthen copyright law, which could lead to such outcomes as entire art styles being copyrightable if they get their way, and this plan relies on the masses uncritically believing the narrative that all use of stable diffusion constitutes copyright infringement, or that if it doesn't already, it should.

Once again, the video is very good and absolutely worth the watch, and this toy came out of it with two major thoughts:

Damn, it really wants to make some art now.

It really wants to make a post detailing its own thoughts on AI because the video has given it a lot of food for thought.

This toy fucking hates the current landscape of discussion surrounding AI. You're not allowed to hold a nuanced opinion. If you express any skepticism towards the capabilities of AI or criticism towards the ways in which the technology is being marketed to and utilized by consumers, the AI bros will ostracize you for not being a true believer. If you express any sentiment that AI may have legitimate use-cases, you get ostracized by the anti-AI crowd because everyone assumes you're a corporate bootlicker who fully supports every aspect of the industry. And so, no intelligent discussion can occur, and everything is bound to just continue to slowly get worse until we all die.

Here's a concept: You can simultaneously believe that the technology that allows people to communicate with each other over the internet and share files and stream videos and host livestreams and whatnot is useful and valuable while also believing that there are massive problems with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, Snapchat, Discord, Twitch, Reddit, Tumblr, and many more, and that a lot of the time, these platforms and the corporations that run them serve as a force of evil within our society. The fact that these platforms are designed to foster extremely unhealthy relationships between the users and the technology, radicalize people into dangerous ideologies (which has directly caused a very large number of real deaths), and contribute to the dystopian mass surveillance state we now live in, does not mean we need to throw out the baby with the bathwater and claim that there is no possible legitimate value to be found in the concept of online platforms that let you communicate and share files/videos/whatever with other people.

One would think this is obvious, yet to many people, this exact logic simply does not apply when the subject is AI.

Yes, AI products have an overwhelming tendency to be predatory and falsely marketed. Yes, AI is being used by businesses to cut costs (especially in customer service) by performing mass layoffs without an equivalent number of new jobs opening up, and this practice is also typically making the services these companies offer substantially worse as a direct result of this. Yes, AI is being used to cynically commodify art. Yes, the industry behind LLMs is pushing non-solutions to problems we've already solved while also creating a highly-predatory industry marketing AI companions to the lonely and desperate. Yes, AI is being used for social media scams and the propagation of misinformation. Yes, AI does use energy (though as Alex's video covers, we don't actually have any concrete idea how much energy it uses and most of the statistics that have been circulating are either pointless conjecture or sourced from the energy industry, which has a direct financial incentive to exaggerate projected energy demands). Yes, ChatGPT being made 4% less racist came at a massive cost of real people in underpriveleged countries performing menial labor sifting through industrial quantities of horrible and abusive content for slave wages. Yes, there are many more problems this toy could point out, but this paragraph is getting pretty long at this point.

But does all of this mean that the technology is inherently worthless and should not exist under any circumstances? No. In fact, aside from a few hyper-specific issues (such as google image search results getting clogged with AI slop), the vast majority of these issues aren't actually new, once again, as Alex's video points out. They're exacerbations of pre-existing problems within our society, much like the problems that have arisen with social media.

If this toy wants to be morally/principally consistent and commit itself to arguing rationally in good faith, then:

It cannot, as a copyright abolitionist and collage artist who is a fan of Youtube Poop, argue that the use of stable diffusion is akin to theft.

It cannot, as someone who understands how the technology works, argue that the use of stable diffusion is akin to plagiarism.

It cannot be a proponent of features in art programs like Photoshop's content-aware fill tool (which has existed since long before the AI craze, for the record) and say that it sees no potential for technology like stable diffusion to be useful as a tool within the creation of art.

It cannot be a fan of Marcel Duchamp and claim that stable diffusion inherently cannot be a valid artistic medium.

It cannot look at the myriad of ways in which neural networks are being used by scientists and mathematicians right now to solve problems that were previously impossible (or at least practically infeasible) without this technology and say that neural networks are pointless.

It cannot look at the genuine use-cases for LLMs (primarily extremely deep processing of mass quantities of highly-varied data) and say that LLMs are worthless.

So, it is forced to believe that yes, there is, in fact, value to be had in this technology. But make no mistake, it is not a corporate bootlicker, nor is it trying to enlightened-centrist "there's good points on both sides" the argument. As this toy hopes it has made abundantly clear by now, it is highly critical of the ways in which large corporations are pushing this technology on people and the ways in which the average end user is using it. It is possible to simultaneously believe that there is genuine artistic value to be had in stable diffusion and that people trying to cynically use it to replace artists and automate creativity, envisioning a future in which there are no artists at all, is profoundly shitty and tangibly hurting artists. It is possible to see value in the potential of LLMs as a scientific tool while also pointing out how stupid and predatory LLM chatbots are, and how they are currently aiding in the spread of mass misinformation, and how people using them to cheat on their college homework is bad.

And no, the fact that AI is used in so many harmful ways does not, in fact, make absolutely everyone who uses this technology to any extent for any reason bad. Going back to the social media comparison, this toy believes it is extremely irrational and hypocritical to believe that everyone who uses AI at all is ontologically evil if you do not also believe that everyone who uses Twitter at all is ontologically evil.

In conclusion, sometimes subjects are nuanced and require you to form complicated and inconvenient opinions, lest we all become a bunch of reactionary shitheads who argue in bad faith trying to hastily justify our initial knee-jerk reactions to things without ever forming a deeper understanding of what we are reacting to.

[worpleroad]

Custom Christmas Candle Trending Now Personalized Keepsake Holiday Gift For Her Scented Candle Christmas Decor Best Friend Gift Candle by WorpleRoad

31.24 USD 🎄 Custom Christmas Candle – A Personalized Christmas Keepsake They’ll Treasure 🎁 Celebrate the season with a cozy glow and a personalized message that makes spirits bright. Whether you’re drawn to vintage Christmas art, cheeky sayings, or elegant typography, our fully custom candle collection has something for everyone. Each design is made to warm the heart and elevate your Christmas decor with style and scent. Perfect as a gift for her, holiday gift, or best friend gift, these candles also make thoughtful candle favors, teacher presents, hostess gifts, and stocking stuffers. They’re a holiday essential for anyone who loves meaningful, custom keepsakes. #WorpleRoad #customcandle #christmasinjuly #christmaskeepsake #trendingnow 🖌️ PERSONALIZE TO PERFECTION: 🎨 Customize your candle with a name, holiday message, photo, or special date. ✨ Each design is professionally printed on a glossy label and made to order—just for you! 🎁 A beautiful and unique personalized candle for Christmas gifting, decor, or memory-making. 🛍️ YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check out our full Christmas Collection at https://ift.tt/oNpsSv8 for more personalized candles, mugs, and seasonal gifts. 💬 HAVE QUESTIONS? Send us a message, and we’ll gladly help! 🌟 🎉 Join our VIP list for exclusive offers! Get 35% OFF your purchase today. Sign up here: https://ift.tt/TtyLVp0 🌟 🕯️ PRODUCT DETAILS: Scented Soy Candle, 9oz 📏 Size: 2.8″ × 3.5” (7.1cm × 8.9cm) 🕰️ Burn Time: 50–60 hours 🌿 Materials: 100% natural soy wax blend, 100% cotton wick, and glass jar 🎨 Label: Glossy permanent adhesive label for long-lasting custom designs 🇺🇸 Assembled in the USA from globally sourced parts ⚠️ All scents use the same wax color 🌸 AVAILABLE SCENTS: 🍎 Apple Harvest – A ripe apple fragrance with spice and fruit notes 🧺 Clean Cotton – Fresh cotton blossom with lemon, linen, and sandalwood 🔥 Christmas Warmth – Orange spice, fir, pine, and a cozy fireplace scent 🌊 Atlantis Whisper – Ocean air with musk and sandalwood 🍦 Coconut Cream + Cardamom – Creamy coconut, cardamom, and lemon zest 🌸 Peppered Passionfruit – Mango, jasmine, passionfruit, and amber 💜 White Sage + Lavender – Lavender, sage, chamomile, and cedarwood 🌊 Sea Salt + Orchid – Jasmine, ozone, green leaves, and tonka bean 🕯️ Unscented – For a soft, scent-free glow 🍥 Cinnamon Vanilla – Spicy cinnamon blended with creamy vanilla and essential oils 🌿 ECO-FRIENDLY & NON-TOXIC: ✅ Vegan, natural soy wax ✅ No lead, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic dyes ✅ Reusable glass jar—clean and repurpose for decor 🚀 FAST SHIPPING & PRODUCTION: 🏭 Orders ship quickly within 3 business days after a 1–2 day processing period 🚚 Standard shipping delivers in just a few days 📦 Tracking number provided 🚀 Need it faster? Ask about express shipping! 📦 GREAT FOR GROUPS: 🎁 These make incredible candle favors for events, clients, or holiday tables. Contact us for special pricing on bulk orders. 🔁 OUR GUARANTEE: 😊 We take pride in creating your custom candle just for you. If we make a mistake, we’ll make it right. Because every item is made to order, we can’t accept returns or exchanges unless it’s our error. 💬 CUSTOMER REVIEWS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was the highlight of our Christmas Eve table—looked great and smelled amazing!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfectly personalized and festive. Loved the cinnamon scent and beautiful label.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I gave these as stocking stuffers and every single one was a hit!” 🔗 EXPLORE MORE: Visit our full shop for more cozy, custom gifts: https://ift.tt/oNpsSv8 📱 STAY CONNECTED: 📍 Follow us on Social Media for the Latest Updates, New Arrivals, and Special Offers! 📌 Pinterest: @worpleroad 📸 Instagram: @worple_road 📘 Facebook: @worpleroad 🎵 TikTok: @worple_road ❤️ Thank you for choosing us! Your support allows us to keep creating beautiful, personalized products that celebrate the warmth of the holidays and the joy of giving. via https://ift.tt/Jby4NZC https://ift.tt/jVSqxCg

[blueeyeads]

Top Social Media Marketing Trends in 2025 Every Business Should Know

In 2025, social media continues to evolve at lightning speed. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and even newer entrants are transforming how businesses connect with audiences. Whether you're a startup or an established brand, staying on top of social media marketing trends is crucial to staying competitive—and relevant.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top social media marketing trends in 2025 and how your business can use them to grow faster, smarter, and more effectively.

 1. Short-Form Video Still Reigns Supreme

Short-form videos (under 60 seconds) are dominating platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Consumers prefer bite-sized content that is quick, entertaining, and informative.

Why it matters:

Videos generate 2x more engagement than static posts.

Brands using Reels or TikToks report higher organic reach compared to images or text-based content.

Tip for 2025: Create educational, behind-the-scenes, or user-generated content in short video format to engage younger audiences

 2. AI-Driven Content Creation & Automation

Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Canva Magic Studio, and Meta AI are revolutionizing content creation. In 2025, businesses are leveraging AI t

Why it matters: It reduces manual work, speeds up workflows, and allows marketers to focus more on strategy and storytelling.

Tip: Use AI for drafting, but always add a human touch. Authenticity still wins in social media.

 4. Social Commerce Is Becoming the Norm

Social media platforms are now shopping platforms. Instagram Shops, Facebook Marketplace, and TikTok Shop let users buy without leaving the app.

Why it matters: Consumers prefer convenience. If they see your product in a Reel, they want to buy it in 1–2 taps.

Tip: Optimize your product catalog for mobile and integrate your store with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce for seamless sel

 5. Community Over Followers

In 2025, the quality of your audience matters more than the number. Brands that foster two-way conversations and build online communities see better long-term growth.

What’s working:

Facebook/LinkedIn Groups

Instagram Broadcast Channels

Discord or WhatsApp brand groups

Tip: Start building a loyal group where you can share exclusive content, offers, and engage directly with your customers.

6. Authenticity > Perfection

Highly edited, overly polished content is on the decline. Audiences prefer raw, honest, and real-time content—even if it's not perfect.

Why it matters: Trust and relatability drive conversions.

Tip: Share real stories: behind-the-scenes of your team, customer testimonials, or honest challenges your business faced.

 7. Social Media SEO Is a Must

Social platforms are becoming search engines. People now type "best cafes near me" on Instagram or TikTok, not just Google.

What to do:

Tip: Think of your Instagram page or TikTok profile as a mini-website. Optimize it with keywords, categories, and highlights.

📌 Final Thoughts

Social media in 2025 is no longer just about posting pretty images. It’s a powerful tool for branding, customer engagement, sales, and even customer support. By embracing these trends, your business can stay ahead of the competition and connect with your audience more meaningfully.

Whether you're running ads, posting daily content, or collaborating with influencers—make sure your strategy is relevant, responsive, and real.

🔍 Suggested Next Steps

Need help creating short-form video content? Contact our team at Blue Eye Ads & Digital Marketing.

Want a custom content calendar for your business? Let us build it based on the latest trends.

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT SEO & MARKETING NEWS FOR ECOMMERCE, JULY 2024

If you are new to my Tumblr, I usually do these summaries of SEO and marketing news once a month, picking out the pieces that are most likely to be useful to small and micro-businesses.

You can get notified of these updates plus my website blog posts via email: http://bit.ly/CindyLouWho2Blog or get all of the most timely updates plus exclusive content by supporting my Patreon: patreon.com/CindyLouWho2

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES 

There is a relatively new way to file copyright claims against US residents, called The Copyright Claims Board (CCB). I wrote more here [post by me on Patreon]

After a few years of handwringing and false starts, Google is abandoning plans to block third-party cookies in Chrome. Both Safari and Firefox already block them. 

When composing titles and text where other keywords are found, it can be useful to have a short checklist of the types of keywords you need, as this screenshot demonstrates. While that title is too long for most platforms and search engines, it covers really critical points that should get mentioned in the product description and keyword fields/tags as well:

The core keywords that describe the item

What the customer is looking to do - solve a problem? Find a gift? Feel better? 

What makes the product stand out in its field - why buy this instead of something else? Differentiating your items is something that should come before you get to the listing stage, so the keywords should already be in your head. 

Relevant keywords that will be used in long tail searches are always great add-ons.

What if anything about your item is trendy now? E.g., sustainability? Particular colours, styles or materials/ingredients are always important.  

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES 

Google’s June spam update has finished rolling out. And here is the full list of Google news from June. 

Expect a new Google core update “in the coming weeks” (as if we needed more Google excitement).

Google’s AI overviews continue to dwindle at the top of search results, now only appearing in 7% of searches.

Despite Google trying to target AI spam, many poorly-copied articles still outrank the originals in Google search results. 

Internal links are important for Google SEO. While this article covers blogging in particular, most of the tips apply to any standalone website. Google also recently did a video [YouTube] on the same topic. 

Google had a really excellent second quarter, mostly due to the cloud and AI. 

Not Google

OpenAI is testing SearchGPT with a small number of subscribers. Alphabet shares dropped 3% after the announcement. 

SOCIAL MEDIA - All Aspects, By Site

General

New social media alert: noplace is a new app billed as MySpace for Gen Z that also has some similarities with Twitter (e.g., text-based chats, with no photos or videos at this time). iOS only at the moment; no Android app or web page. 

Thinking of trying out Bluesky? Here are some tips to get the most out of it. 

Facebook (includes relevant general news from Meta)

Meta’s attempt at circumventing EU privacy regulations through paid subscriptions is illegal under the Digital Markets Act, according to the European Commission. “if the company cannot reach an agreement with regulators before March 2025, the Commission has the power to levy fines of up to 10 percent of the company’s global turnover.”

If you post Reels from a business page, you may be able to let Meta use AI to do A/B testing on the captions and other portions shown. I personally would not do this unless I could see what options they were choosing, since AI is often not as good as it thinks it is. 

Apple’s 30% fee on in-app ad purchases for Facebook and Instagram has kicked in worldwide as of July 1. 

Facebook is testing ads in the Notifications list on the app. 

Meta is encouraging advertisers to connect their Google Analytics accounts to Meta Ads, claiming “integration could improve campaign performance, citing a 22% conversion increase.”

Instagram

The head of Instagram is still emphasizing that the number of DM shares per post is a huge ranking factor. 

LinkedIn

Another article on the basics of setting up LinkedIn and getting found through it. 

You can now advertise your LinkedIn newsletters on the platform. 

Pinterest

Pinterest is slowly testing an AI program that edits the background of product photography without changing the product. 

Is Pinterest dying? An investment research firm thinks so. 

Reddit

If you want to see results from Reddit in your search engine results, Google is the only place that can happen now. 

More than ever, Reddit is being touted as a way to be found (especially in Google search), but you do have to understand how the site works to be successful at it. 

Snapchat

Snapchat+ now has 9 million paying users, and they are getting quite a few new personalization updates, and Snaps that last 50 seconds or less. 

Threads

Threads has hit 175 million active users each month, up from 130 million in February. 

TikTok

TikTok has made it easier to reuse your videos outside of the site without a watermark. 

TikTok users can now select a custom thumbnail image for videos, either a frame from the clip itself, or a still image from elsewhere.  

Twitter

You can opt out of Twitter using your posts as data for its AI, Grok. 

YouTube

YouTube has new tools for Shorts, including one that makes your longer videos into Shorts. 

Community Spaces are the latest YouTube test to try to get more fan involvement, while moving users away from video comments.

(CONTENT) MARKETING (includes blogging, emails, and strategies) 

Start your content marketing plans for August now, including back-to-school themes and Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday on August 13. 

ONLINE ADVERTISING (EXCEPT INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL MEDIA AND ECOMMERCE SITES) 

Google Ads now have several new updates, including blocking misspellings. 

Google’s new Merchant Center Next will soon be available for all users, if they haven’t already been invited. Supplemental feeds are now (or soon will be) allowed there. 

STATS, DATA, TRACKING 

Google Search Console users can now add their shipping and return info to Google search through the Console itself. This is useful for sites that do not pay for Google Ads or use Google’s free shopping ads. 

BUSINESS & CONSUMER TRENDS, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE 

The second part of this Whiteboard Friday [video with transcript] discusses how consumer behaviour is changing during tight economic times. “People are still spending. They just want the most for their money. Also, the consideration phase is much more complex and longer.” The remainder of the piece discusses how to approach your target market during these times. 

Prime Day was supposedly the best ever for Amazon, but they didn’t release any numbers. Adobe Analytics tracked US ecommerce sales on those days and provides some insight. “Buy-now, pay-later accounted for 7.6% of all orders, a 16.4% year-over-year increase.”

MISCELLANEOUS

You know how I always tell small business owners to have multiple revenue streams? Tech needs to have multiple providers and backups as well, as the recent CrowdStrike and Microsoft issues demonstrate. 

If you used Google’s old URL shortener anywhere, those links will no longer redirect as of August 25 2024. 

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

On July 14, I'm giving the closing keynote for the fifteenth HACKERS ON PLANET EARTH, in QUEENS, NY. Happy Bastille Day! On July 20, I'm appearing in CHICAGO at Exile in Bookville.

#15yrsago Myths about Canadian healthcare https://www.denverpost.com/2009/06/04/debunking-canadian-health-care-myths/

#15yrsago Abstinence doesn’t work for IT or for teens https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/jun/16/computer-security-abstinence

#15yrsago Scam artists con Apple into killing app that tells you when the bus is due in San Francisco https://web.archive.org/web/20090627161346/http://sfappeal.com/news/2009/06/who-owns-sfmta-arrival-data.php

#10yrsago US inches towards decriminalizing phone unlocking https://www.techdirt.com/2014/06/25/year-half-later-unlocking-your-phone-one-step-closer-to-being-legal/

#10yrsago North Korea threatens “merciless” war against the US over Seth Rogen movie https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28014069

#10yrsago Copyfraud, uncertainty and doubt: the vanishing online public domain https://medium.com/@xor/houston-we-have-a-public-domain-problem-bd971c57dfdc

#10yrsago Charlie Stross on the stop/go nature of technological change https://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2014/06/yapcna-2014-keynote-programmin.html

#10yrsago Lurking inside Obama’s secret drone law: another secret drone law https://www.techdirt.com/2014/06/25/enough-secret-law-newly-released-doj-drone-killing-justification-memo-points-to-another-secret-drone-memo/

#10yrsago Kleargear must pay $306,750 for trashing a complaining customer’s credit https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/06/kleargear-must-pay-306750-to-couple-that-left-negative-review/

#5yrsago Podcast number 300: “Adversarial Interoperability: Reviving an Elegant Weapon From a More Civilized Age to Slay Today’s Monopolies” https://ia903004.us.archive.org/11/items/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_300/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_300_-_Adversarial_Interoperability.mp3

#5yrsago How China ingests and adapts western culture https://aeon.co/essays/how-china-remakes-its-cultural-imports-from-the-west

#5yrsago Prosecutors and federal judges collaborate with corporations to seal evidence of public safety risks, sentencing hundreds of thousands of Americans to death https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-courts-secrecy-judges/

#5yrsago EU expert panel calls for a ban on AI-based risk-scoring and limits on mass surveillance https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/26/18759447/eu-ai-ethical-policy-recommendations-ban-mass-scoring-surveillance

#5yrsago You treasure what you measure: how KPIs make software dystopias https://web.archive.org/web/20190622092434/https://datascience.columbia.edu/ethical-principles-okrs-and-kpis-what-youtube-and-facebook-could-learn-tukey#.XRMxf5DB5eg.twitter

#5yrsato Dieselgate 2.0: 42,000 Mercedes diesels recalled for “illegal software” https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/06/german-regulator-says-it-discovered-new-illegal-software-on-daimler-diesels/

#5yrsago Insulin: why the price of a 100-year-old drug has tripled in a decade https://prospect.org/health/insulin-racket/

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

[smm90909]

Best and Cheapest SMM Panel : YoYo Media

As we know social media is very important component of modern marketing communication. So, no matter you is an influence, a business owner or a digital marketer, it is vital to expand your visibility. This can be done through engaging a SMM Panel Since it is easier to know the area that a particular target market well serves through research, it becomes easier to know the best social media platform to use based on the kind of clients that a business deals with. However, there are so many choices around and getting the best one can be quite a challenge. As a professional firm in social media marketing, YoYo Media offers a variety of low cost, high quality and effective services designed to meet all your advertising needs. Let’s start exploring why we are the Best SMM Panel and how you can increase the number of your followers, likes, share, comments and more at the most reasonable prices.

Why Choose YoYoMedia?

·        At here, you can find the Cheapest SMM Panel online because we are passionate about delivering extraordinary services at an affordable budget. Whether you desire more followers, more views or the engagement, all of our cheap services operate on, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and many other platforms so that you could get only the most for your money.

·        It makes it easy for their clients to address many social media sites in one platform. With the help of the Instagram SMM Panel you can promote followers, likes and any interaction you need. Thus, the YouTube SMM Panel assists in raising the watch time and the number of views that they need for a higher ranking. About Facebook SMM Panel, we offer a service which raises likes, shares and comments for targeting audience.

·        YoYoMedia is also the Fastest SMM Panel to bring quick growth. Our team guarantees fast performance, which means that the reader can observe evident progress on Instagram in India and elsewhere.

·        Our Best SMM Panel offers a possibility to have an easy access to real-time order tracking, funds adding and tracking the progress. Also, we provide the guaranteed payment methods like PayPal SMM Panel and Paytm SMM Panel so; you can complete paying us simply and safely.

How YoYo Media Helps You Achieve Social Media Success

We are not just an SMM panel provider – instead, we are your key to social media success here at YoYoMedia. Here’s how we stand out

1.      Increase Followers and Engagement

The primary purpose of an SMM Reseller Panel is to gain followers and engagement for businesses and influencers. We invite you to see that with us you can easily increase your engagement levels and get real, actual organic followers. Whether you are on Instagram, You-tube or Facebook, we are able to help you gain visibility and find your loyal audience.

2.      Boost Views and Watch Time

For any content provider, YouTube SMM Panel services are all you need if you are to enhance your growth. YoYoMedia’s services help to improve watch time and general video views on YouTube this is important when it comes to ranking a video and therefore attaining great numbers of subscribers.

3.      Services Peculiar to Special Platforms

At here, we know that customers differ and that is why we pride ourselves in having special services in Netflix and Shopify. Netflix SMM & Shopify SMM Panel lets you expanding a new audience and promotes your accounts on both platforms at reasonable prices.

4.      Customer Support 24/7

Social media marketing is fun at times but it gets complicated and you may have questions or need help. As for any YoYoMedia client, we guarantee round-the-clock customer support services. We have a professional and highly knowledgeable team that is always on hand to address any questions you may have 24/7 and can be reached to ensure that our clients are fully optimizing our Cheapest SMM Panel services.

You’re One-Stop Solution for Social Media Growth

When it comes to reliable and effective social media marketing, YoYoMedia stands out as the Best SMM Panel provider. From the Cheapest SMM Panel services to solutions that fit every platform, SMMVP guarantees your social media the exposure it requires. The Instagram SMM Panel is focused on increasing the number of followers and engagement for organic growth, whereas the YouTube SMM Panel increases watch time and views needed for better ranks. Want to make your posts appear more often on the news feeds of followers? Fortunately for you, our Facebook SMM Panel is here to help. We make it easy to order SMM services with Secure PayPal SMM Panel and Paytm SMM Panel along with the unmatchable speed that makes us the best SMM Reseller Panel for your success.

[yoyomedia124]

Best and Cheapest SMM Panel in the World : YoYo Media

As we know social media is very important component of modern marketing communication. So, no matter you is an influence, a business owner or a digital marketer, it is vital to expand your visibility. This can be done through engaging a SMM Panel Since it is easier to know the area that a particular target market well serves through research, it becomes easier to know the best social media platform to use based on the kind of clients that a business deals with. However, there are so many choices around and getting the best one can be quite a challenge. As a professional firm in social media marketing, YoYo Media offers a variety of low cost, high quality and effective services designed to meet all your advertising needs. Let’s start exploring why we are the Best SMM Panel and how you can increase the number of your followers, likes, share, comments and more at the most reasonable prices.

Why Choose YoYoMedia?

·        At here, you can find the Cheapest SMM Panel online because we are passionate about delivering extraordinary services at an affordable budget. Whether you desire more followers, more views or the engagement, all of our cheap services operate on, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and many other platforms so that you could get only the most for your money.

·        It makes it easy for their clients to address many social media sites in one platform. With the help of the Instagram SMM Panel you can promote followers, likes and any interaction you need. Thus, the YouTube SMM Panel assists in raising the watch time and the number of views that they need for a higher ranking. About Facebook SMM Panel, we offer a service which raises likes, shares and comments for targeting audience.

·        YoYoMedia is also the Fastest SMM Panel to bring quick growth. Our team guarantees fast performance, which means that the reader can observe evident progress on Instagram in India and elsewhere.

·        Our Best SMM Panel offers a possibility to have an easy access to real-time order tracking, funds adding and tracking the progress. Also, we provide the guaranteed payment methods like PayPal SMM Panel and Paytm SMM Panel so; you can complete paying us simply and safely.

How YoYo Media Helps You Achieve Social Media Success

We are not just an SMM panel provider – instead, we are your key to social media success here at YoYoMedia. Here’s how we stand out

1.      Increase Followers and Engagement

The primary purpose of an SMM Reseller Panel is to gain followers and engagement for businesses and influencers. We invite you to see that with us you can easily increase your engagement levels and get real, actual organic followers. Whether you are on Instagram, You-tube or Facebook, we are able to help you gain visibility and find your loyal audience.

2.      Boost Views and Watch Time

For any content provider, YouTube SMM Panel services are all you need if you are to enhance your growth. YoYoMedia’s services help to improve watch time and general video views on YouTube this is important when it comes to ranking a video and therefore attaining great numbers of subscribers.

3.      Services Peculiar to Special Platforms

At here, we know that customers differ and that is why we pride ourselves in having special services in Netflix and Shopify. Netflix SMM & Shopify SMM Panel lets you expanding a new audience and promotes your accounts on both platforms at reasonable prices.

4.      Customer Support 24/7

Social media marketing is fun at times but it gets complicated and you may have questions or need help. As for any YoYoMedia client, we guarantee round-the-clock customer support services. We have a professional and highly knowledgeable team that is always on hand to address any questions you may have 24/7 and can be reached to ensure that our clients are fully optimizing our Cheapest SMM Panel services.

You’re One-Stop Solution for Social Media Growth

When it comes to reliable and effective social media marketing, YoYoMedia stands out as the Best SMM Panel provider. From the Cheapest SMM Panel services to solutions that fit every platform, SMMVP guarantees your social media the exposure it requires. The Instagram SMM Panel is focused on increasing the number of followers and engagement for organic growth, whereas the YouTube SMM Panel increases watch time and views needed for better ranks. Want to make your posts appear more often on the news feeds of followers? Fortunately for you, our Facebook SMM Panel is here to help. We make it easy to order SMM services with Secure PayPal SMM Panel and Paytm SMM Panel along with the unmatchable speed that makes us the best SMM Reseller Panel for your success.

[worpleroad]

Custom Christmas Candle Trending Now Personalized Keepsake Holiday Gift For Her Scented Candle Christmas Decor Best Friend Gift Candle by WorpleRoad

31.24 USD 🎄 Custom Christmas Candle – A Personalized Christmas Keepsake They’ll Treasure 🎁 Celebrate the season with a cozy glow and a personalized message that makes spirits bright. Whether you’re drawn to vintage Christmas art, cheeky sayings, or elegant typography, our fully custom candle collection has something for everyone. Each design is made to warm the heart and elevate your Christmas decor with style and scent. Perfect as a gift for her, holiday gift, or best friend gift, these candles also make thoughtful candle favors, teacher presents, hostess gifts, and stocking stuffers. They’re a holiday essential for anyone who loves meaningful, custom keepsakes. #WorpleRoad #customcandle #christmasinjuly #christmaskeepsake #trendingnow 🖌️ PERSONALIZE TO PERFECTION: 🎨 Customize your candle with a name, holiday message, photo, or special date. ✨ Each design is professionally printed on a glossy label and made to order—just for you! 🎁 A beautiful and unique personalized candle for Christmas gifting, decor, or memory-making. 🛍️ YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check out our full Christmas Collection at https://ift.tt/oNpsSv8 for more personalized candles, mugs, and seasonal gifts. 💬 HAVE QUESTIONS? Send us a message, and we’ll gladly help! 🌟 🎉 Join our VIP list for exclusive offers! Get 35% OFF your purchase today. Sign up here: https://ift.tt/TtyLVp0 🌟 🕯️ PRODUCT DETAILS: Scented Soy Candle, 9oz 📏 Size: 2.8″ × 3.5” (7.1cm × 8.9cm) 🕰️ Burn Time: 50–60 hours 🌿 Materials: 100% natural soy wax blend, 100% cotton wick, and glass jar 🎨 Label: Glossy permanent adhesive label for long-lasting custom designs 🇺🇸 Assembled in the USA from globally sourced parts ⚠️ All scents use the same wax color 🌸 AVAILABLE SCENTS: 🍎 Apple Harvest – A ripe apple fragrance with spice and fruit notes 🧺 Clean Cotton – Fresh cotton blossom with lemon, linen, and sandalwood 🔥 Christmas Warmth – Orange spice, fir, pine, and a cozy fireplace scent 🌊 Atlantis Whisper – Ocean air with musk and sandalwood 🍦 Coconut Cream + Cardamom – Creamy coconut, cardamom, and lemon zest 🌸 Peppered Passionfruit – Mango, jasmine, passionfruit, and amber 💜 White Sage + Lavender – Lavender, sage, chamomile, and cedarwood 🌊 Sea Salt + Orchid – Jasmine, ozone, green leaves, and tonka bean 🕯️ Unscented – For a soft, scent-free glow 🍥 Cinnamon Vanilla – Spicy cinnamon blended with creamy vanilla and essential oils 🌿 ECO-FRIENDLY & NON-TOXIC: ✅ Vegan, natural soy wax ✅ No lead, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic dyes ✅ Reusable glass jar—clean and repurpose for decor 🚀 FAST SHIPPING & PRODUCTION: 🏭 Orders ship quickly within 3 business days after a 1–2 day processing period 🚚 Standard shipping delivers in just a few days 📦 Tracking number provided 🚀 Need it faster? Ask about express shipping! 📦 GREAT FOR GROUPS: 🎁 These make incredible candle favors for events, clients, or holiday tables. Contact us for special pricing on bulk orders. 🔁 OUR GUARANTEE: 😊 We take pride in creating your custom candle just for you. If we make a mistake, we’ll make it right. Because every item is made to order, we can’t accept returns or exchanges unless it’s our error. 💬 CUSTOMER REVIEWS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was the highlight of our Christmas Eve table—looked great and smelled amazing!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfectly personalized and festive. Loved the cinnamon scent and beautiful label.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I gave these as stocking stuffers and every single one was a hit!” 🔗 EXPLORE MORE: Visit our full shop for more cozy, custom gifts: https://ift.tt/oNpsSv8 📱 STAY CONNECTED: 📍 Follow us on Social Media for the Latest Updates, New Arrivals, and Special Offers! 📌 Pinterest: @worpleroad 📸 Instagram: @worple_road 📘 Facebook: @worpleroad 🎵 TikTok: @worple_road ❤️ Thank you for choosing us! Your support allows us to keep creating beautiful, personalized products that celebrate the warmth of the holidays and the joy of giving. via https://ift.tt/xzefhMy https://ift.tt/1jsxTAq

[gsksmmpanel]

Are Cheap SMM Panels Safe? Understanding the Risks

In the quest to grow social media presence quickly, many individuals and businesses turn to Social Media Marketing (SMM) panels. These services promise to deliver followers, likes, and engagement at an affordable cost. While cheap SMM panels might sound like an attractive solution, they come with significant risks that could harm your online presence in the long term. In this blog, we will examine the potential dangers of using such services and provide tips for safer alternatives.

What Are Cheap SMM Panels?

SMM panels are platforms where users can purchase social media engagement services. These panels cater to various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, offering packages that include likes, followers, views, and comments. Cheap SMM panels, such as cheap SMM panels or the cheapest SMM panels, stand out due to their low prices. However, these attractive price points often come at a hidden cost.

Why Are Cheap SMM Panels Risky?

1. Fake Engagement

Cheap SMM panels often provide engagement from fake or inactive accounts. While the numbers on your profile might increase, they fail to translate into real interaction or value. Social media algorithms can detect this inauthentic activity, which may result in penalties or reduced reach.

2. Violation of Platform Policies

Using fake engagement services violates the terms of service of most social media platforms. Violations can lead to penalties such as shadowbans, reduced visibility, or even permanent account suspension. These consequences can severely impact your online reputation.

3. Security Risks

Many cheap SMM panels require sensitive information, such as social media login credentials, to provide their services. This creates vulnerabilities, including data theft, unauthorized access, and hacking. Once compromised, recovering your account can be a lengthy and stressful process.

4. Unreliable Services

The quality of services offered by cheap SMM panels is often inconsistent. Followers or likes might drop within days, and refunds or customer support are rarely offered. This lack of reliability can waste both time and money.

5. Damage to Credibility

A sudden spike in followers or likes from suspicious accounts can damage your credibility. Genuine followers or potential clients may notice the artificial nature of your engagement, eroding trust in your brand.

How to Spot a Reliable SMM Panel

If you’re considering using an SMM panel, keep these tips in mind to minimize risks:

Check Reviews and Reputation: Look for reviews from genuine users to verify the reliability of the platform.

Avoid Panels Requiring Login Credentials: Choose panels that operate without asking for sensitive account information.

Look for Real Engagement: Opt for panels that provide interaction from real, active accounts.

Assess Customer Support: Reliable platforms offer accessible and responsive customer service.

Prioritize Security: Ensure the platform uses secure payment gateways and data encryption.

Safer Alternatives to Cheap SMM Panels

Content Strategy: Create high-quality, engaging, and shareable content tailored to your audience’s interests.

Organic Growth: Build relationships with your audience by actively engaging through comments, direct messages, and collaborations.

Paid Advertising: Use targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach a relevant audience authentically.

Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your brand or content.

Final Thoughts

While cheap SMM panels may seem like an easy shortcut to social media success, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Fake engagement, security vulnerabilities, and potential penalties can undermine your efforts to build a credible online presence. Instead, invest in authentic and sustainable growth strategies to achieve long-term success. If you decide to use SMM panels, consider reputable providers like cheap SMM panels or cheapest SMM panel that prioritize quality and security. Remember, real growth takes time, but the results are worth the effort.

[marketinggodfather]

The Power of a CPM Calculator in Media Planning and Advertising

In the competitive world of advertising, efficiency and clarity are key. Businesses often spend thousands—sometimes millions—on campaigns designed to raise brand awareness, attract customers, or grow market share. But without a clear understanding of how much exposure their budget buys, even well-crafted ads can fall short. That’s where a CPM calculator becomes an essential tool.

Whether you’re running a local billboard, a national TV spot, or a global online campaign, CPM—Cost Per Mille (or cost per 1,000 impressions)—is a standard metric used to measure advertising costs. And a CPM calculator makes managing this metric quick, accurate, and actionable.

Understanding the Basics: What Does CPM Mean?

CPM refers to the cost of delivering 1,000 ad impressions. It doesn’t focus on whether the ad was clicked or interacted with—it simply measures how many people saw it. This makes it particularly valuable for brand awareness campaigns, where visibility is the primary goal.

For example, if a campaign has a CPM of ₹200, it means the advertiser pays ₹200 for every 1,000 views the ad receives. Knowing this helps marketers evaluate reach against budget, making it easier to allocate spending where it matters most.

Why Use a CPM Calculator?

A CPM calculator removes guesswork. It helps you answer two key questions instantly:

How much will it cost to reach a specific audience size?

How many impressions can I get within my set budget?

Instead of running the numbers manually, a CPM calculator does the math for you—saving time, reducing errors, and allowing faster decision-making.

Where CPM Calculators Are Used

While commonly associated with digital advertising, CPM calculators are useful across many advertising platforms:

1. Digital Ads

Display ads, YouTube pre-rolls, Facebook promotions, and banner ads typically operate on a CPM basis. A calculator can help marketers determine how many views they’ll get from their budget and assess which platform offers the best visibility for the price.

2. Traditional Media

TV, radio, magazines, and billboards often use CPM to price ad slots. For example, a newspaper may offer a rate based on how many readers see a page. A CPM calculator helps media planners compare traditional and digital formats on equal footing.

3. Podcast and Influencer Marketing

Podcasters and influencers often price ads based on audience size. CPM allows brands to estimate how much they’re paying for every 1,000 views or listens—making negotiations more data-driven and fair.

Benefits of Using a CPM Calculator

Saves Time and Effort

No more manual equations or spreadsheets—just enter your CPM rate and audience size or budget, and get instant results.

Enhances Campaign Planning

You can plan ahead more accurately by understanding how much exposure your budget buys. This helps when setting goals or reporting performance.

Improves Cost Management

With better visibility into campaign costs, you can avoid overspending and prioritize platforms that give you more reach for less.

Supports Data-Driven Decisions

When you compare CPMs across different platforms, you can clearly see which one offers the best value for your objective.

CPM Calculator in Action: A Practical Example

Let’s say a brand wants to advertise a product launch and has a budget of ₹50,000. They’re comparing two platforms:

Platform A has a CPM of ₹250

Platform B has a CPM of ₹500

Using a CPM calculator, they find that Platform A would deliver 200,000 impressions, while Platform B would only deliver 100,000. While other factors like audience targeting and engagement matter too, the calculator gives them a clear cost-based starting point for comparison.

CPM: Not Everything, But Still Important

It’s important to remember that CPM is just one piece of the puzzle. While it helps you understand how much exposure you're buying, it doesn’t measure how people react to the ad. You still need to track engagement, clicks, conversions, and ROI.

However, for top-of-funnel marketing—where the goal is to get your brand in front of as many people as possible—CPM is a critical metric. And a CPM calculator ensures you manage it wisely.

Conclusion

Advertising isn’t just about creating great content—it’s also about ensuring that content reaches the right number of people, at the right cost. A CPM calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that brings clarity to your media planning and helps you make more informed decisions.

Whether you're in digital marketing, broadcasting, print, or influencer partnerships, using a CPM calculator puts you in control of your visibility and budget. It's an essential step in building smarter, more strategic campaigns.

[digital-guide01]

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