#Openview

[mayonezli]

[youraverageaemondsimp]

Metanoia ;

Aemond targaryen x Transmigrated!Strong!Reader

>> Chapter V : The Epiphany.

Summary: Aemond's been taking care of you since you fainted, at last you finally wake up.

WARNINGS: mdni, smut, unprotected p in v sex, canon typical incest, nothing too crazy, mentions of purity culture and customs, hymen breaking (reader's transmigrated body, this isn't specified for the body outside of the world), blood mentions, Aemond becomes a softie ig (cherish him y'all), + not proofread, please let me know if I forget anything else!

A/N: it's back!!! divider credits @cafekitsune

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You blink open your eyes staring at the openview outside of the window, the sky beginning to darken.

It seems you've passed out once again. It's probably been a few hours. This body is extremely weak, you needed to do something about it.

Lost in your thoughts, you didn't hear the door open so you jump slightly when it slammed shut. Looking up, you see Aemond whose eye widened as he rushed over to you, dropping a rag of cloth and the bucket in his hand, causing the water in it to pour out. “How are you feeling?” He questions, grabbing your hand, checking your temperature and pulse.

“I am alright, how long have I been asleep?” You ask him.

“A week.”

That reply made your heart stop.

A week?

That long?

“Are you serious?” You ask and he nods, “Yes, we were all concerned and I thought—” He cups your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “I thought you went into a long slumber again, but I thank the heavens you did not.”

Perhaps the last encounter with Aemond really pushed the limits.

“Did.. anything happen while I was asleep?” You ask once again, wanting to know what happened during your absence of consciousness. Aemond sighs. “Your mother and siblings have all returned to Dragonstone as there was an urgent matter at hand, they were unable to take you with them.”

“I see.” You furrow your brows, wondering why Viserys hasn't died yet. It has been a week, was his death gonna occur at any moment now? There was a deep feeling in your gut that something would happen soon.

Aemond sits on the bed, before pulling you into his embrace. “I apologise.” He mutters into your ear. “What for?” You ask confused, hugging him back. “It was because of me that you had fainted.” You could feel his breath hitting against the back of your neck as he spoke.

You pull away from the embrace, giving him a smile. “I am just weak.” You reply, in an attempt to tell him that it was not his fault. He smiles at you. Your eyes fall to the bucket on the ground before you look at him. “Have you been taking care of me?” You question and he nods, which makes you feel embarrassed.

“Why bother? The maids could've done it.” You shrug but he shakes his head. “I do not want anyone I do not trust near you when you are vulnerable.” He replies.

You just simply nod at his reply, feeling the silence fall between you two. The air turns cold causing shivers to travel up your spine. Aemond continues to stare at you, taking in your features.

Since your apology, it seems the environment and the atmosphere around you and Aemond has changed, you could feel it. The way his face blanketed on a worried expression, the longing in his eyes, you could see it. Something has definitely changed in him. And you did not know if it was for the better or worse.

He leans closer and you look into his eye, your heart accelerating as you anticipate him to lean. He does exactly that, he leans in, capturing your lips with his moving them in a slow manner, contrary to the first time you both shared a kiss.

Aemond seemed to have significantly warmed up to you now, it was one thing that you had fixed after coming into this world.

His hand travels to the back of your head as he pushes you further into the kiss, wanting to get closer to you; to seek your warmth. You couldn't help but melt into his hold, reciprocating the kiss as your hand reaches up to rest on the bend of his elbow.

He pulls away, panting heavily as he takes you in, the sight of his saliva glistening on your lips, the light of the candles around you bouncing off of the shine. He couldn't help but crave you more.

But he knew, he had to stop himself before he lost control, he shouldn't be taking your maidenhead without getting married, cause it is a part of your dignity. He respected you enough to consider this fact.

Yet, you were so irresistible, he felt like a feral animal, trying to lock his own desires in a cage. You do not know the effect you have on him. You couldn't help but notice that the environment had indeed turned a little tense and you knew exactly what he was thinking, his eye failing to hide his desire and craving for you.

And so, you took the initiative, not liking the way he was restraining himself from you. Had this been the Aemond from a week ago, he would've taken your maidenhood without mercy as a way to teach you a lesson, because he was a cruel man. But now that man is no more, replaced or rather, reformed into his younger self who loved you a lot.

You pushed him onto the bed, straddling him. His hair was sprawled out behind him like a halo, making him look like an angel that has descended from the heavens above.

He was taken aback by your bold move. His hands grabbed onto your hips for leverage as he felt you straddle him, your thighs on both sides of his legs as you sat on top of his crotch.

He felt embarrassed, feeling you shift on top of his crotch, his breeches meekly trying to conceal his hardening shaft like a lone leaf holding onto its branch against the strong wind.

It was futile, because you feel the outline of his cock quite clearly.

Your hands moved on their own accord, your body taking the lead like it always did. Perhaps the owner of this body is still inside somewhere, yet you could feel no one else's consciousness in your brain except yours. Maybe you are the—

The sound of clothes ripping cut you off from your thoughts and you realised that Aemond has ripped your nightgown by pulling it off your shoulder before he grabbed it with both his hands and tore it down the middle, exposing your breasts.

He grabbed onto them, his movements becoming bolder each second, as if he's slowly releasing the beast yet still trying to keep it tamed. His thumbs caressed your nipples, pressing against the hard nubs before he sat up, taking one of your breasts into his mouth.

He breathed out in satisfaction, suckling onto your areolas, his tongue swirling around the nub and flicking against it continuously before he'd suck on it, repeating this in a loop.

You felt yourself getting wet down there, so you rub yourself against him, trying to ease the ache in between your legs, but he holds you down, grunting before he lets go of your breasts with a pop.

He shakes his head lightly, “Are you sure about this?” He asks, and you nod desperately, your mind filled with the thoughts of just wanting his cock inside you, pushing out any rationality left in you.

“Please— Aemond.. I want you..” Those words leave your mouth voluntarily as you grab his shoulders tightly, indicating that you really mean it. You cup his cheek before catching his lips in a searing hot kiss.

Those words that left your mouth set the forest inside his heart ablaze, the fire of desire engulfing him in its warmth. The feral beast broke free and took control immediately.

He flipped you over, pushing you onto the bed, getting on top of you. He begins kissing your neck, sucking your sweet spot, leaving his marks, his teeth biting on your flesh as a way to claim you as his own.

He pulls away, panting heavily, immediately scrambling to undo his breeches, freeing his cock from the confines of the material. He pulled off his leather suit as well, the tunic following along with his tunic, hating the way the sweat was sticking to him.

You wouldn't help but admire the view in front of you. You spread your legs before he could say anything, hiking up your nightgown to reveal your cunt. Aemond's eye widened in surprise at your bold move, driving him crazy even more.

Aemond grabbed you by your thighs, pulling you forward as he lined himself against your entrance as he slowly pushed in. You winced when you felt a sudden heat of pain down there. His length penetrates you slowly.

He wanted to pull out the minute he saw blood, yet the darker side of him only felt motivated, knowing that he's taking your maidenhead. It drove him further off the edge.

You on the other hand only felt slight discomfort but your eyes widened when you saw blood.

Ah right, the hymen of women in this era is still intact as they're not that active for it to break off due to physical movement. So even the slightest penetration would lead you to bleed.

Basic biology, you shrugged it off, if only they knew. You felt annoyed, not agreeing with the custom this era practices.

Aemond settled fully inside you, his cock throbbing inside, the way your walls felt warm around him. Without a warning he began moving, which cut you off your thoughts when you felt yourself being jolted up and down, his thrusts starting off rough from the beginning.

‘That's right, focus on him for now.’ You tell yourself internally, gripping onto his shoulders, staring into his eye. Your hand reached upwards towards his eyepatch and he flinched away a little before he realised what you were doing.

You took the eyepatch off, revealing the sapphire that rested in his eye. You sat on your elbows, cupping his cheek as he leans in. You kiss him on the eye before kissing his cheek and finally kissing him on the lips.

He pushes you back onto the bed, not breaking the kiss and neither stopping his thrusts as he supports himself on his elbows kissing you with thirst desperately wanting to be quenched while simultaneously ramming into you.

You gasped when you felt him hit your sweet spot, making way for his tongue to slip past your lips, his tongue challenging yours in a battle of dominance.

You were losing it, of course, because his tip kept ramming and grazing against your gspot, pushing you to the edge. You gripped his back in desperation, your fingers leaving bites on his flesh.

And then, you felt it, the sudden shot of immense pleasure up your spine to the point it made you push your head back into the mattress as you gasped loudly into the kiss, whining directly into it. The pleasure blinded you temporarily as you convulsed around him.

He felt you clench and grip him tightly, which pushed him off the edge as well, he grunted, finishing inside you with a soft call of your name, it felt erotic, it felt comforting all at once.

Aemond wouldn't stop with just this one time, after all, he finally got the taste of what he craved the most. He continued all night, taking you all positions known to mankind, leaving you a moaning mess beneath him.

The night was wonderful, it was only when the sky began to turn into a lighter shade than darkness that he'd stop, collapsing next you and allowing you to rest in his arms.

You fell asleep soundly in his embrace. It was peaceful.

But, the peace wouldn't last for long.

The knocks on your chamber door were hurried and loud. Aemond grunted in his sleep, annoyed at the disturbance before waking up, you had woken up as well. He wrapped a cloth around his lower body before he went and opened the door, to find a panicked Alicent.

“Y/N— Aemond?” She's surprised to see Aemond, so many questions arise in her mind as she's processing the sight before her. She wanted to reprimand, but she could not because a lot was on her mind already.

“What is it, mother?” Aemond asks cooly, not bothered by her reaction. You hold the blanket to your chest, leaning sideways to try and catch a glimpse of Alicent, yet you only catch a sight of her dress and her dishevelled hair.

“Aemond your father— is dead.”

The words that left her mouth made your blood run cold. Aemond seemed just as shocked, remaining silent as he processed the information before he blinked. “And Aegon, he's gone.” She finishes.

Aemond immediately returns back into the room, putting on his breeches with haste before throwing on the tunic and rushing out of the room. Leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Viserys is dead.

Aegon is gone.

Fuck.

TAGLIST !!

@gabriella-aesthetic @delaynew @idonotknowenglish @dixie-elocin @intheheartoftheking @dracaryxzs @ladyoffandoms @zoleea-exultant @saturnssrings @uniquecutie-puffs @aleemendoza2425-blog @marvelita85 @feelingfaye @sylvievil @cypherpt5fttaehyung @ttysmfwna @void21 @technicallystrangereview @feyresqueen @evergreen9083 @mirandasidefics @org12 @blorbo-brainrot @thisishwrworld @shadowqueen09 @watermel0nsugarhigh @cottoncandyclouds-stuff @madislayyy @the-hufflebird-girl @hiatuswhore

[laninaconansiedad]

Blog Post VIII | Research Part II

Confidence, Social Connection, and Elevating Anxiety

Working on this project proved to have more outcomes than I predicted. Therefore, my research slightly changed to fit what I will write in my essay. Most of the research I was doing before only dealt with baking techniques or baking inspiration (basically spending hours on Pinterest and watching baking shows). It was helpful when it came to the baking aspect, but I felt like I did not have enough research on how baking can calm anxiety.

Finding this information was fairly easy. I know that many psychologists say that focusing on a creative task can help an individual release stress, calm anxiety, and even help with depression. Baking sparks your creativity, whether you're doing it professionally or just having fun with friends. It allows you to challenge yourself to recreate recipes and see if your baked goods will turn out correctly. And when the recipe actually turns out amazing (like my croissants) it helps build your confidence.

Another outcome that most of my research backs up is the social aspect that comes with baking. Baking has allowed me to connect with many people. Since starting this project, I have connected with lots of people because of my baked goods. Usually, after I give someone a baked good we always enter into a conversation and I learn something new about them. Hence, baking allows connections to be formed and deepens relationships with friends and family.

I will be listing the articles that I have been reading below! It covers these topics I wrote about and others I plan to expand on in my essay.

Works Cited:

Ang, Cherilynn. “Edible Art: Baking as a Modality in Art Therapy and Its Therapeutic Benefits .”ProQuest, Pratt Institute, 2022 www.proquest.com/openview/d2b365566c79a97cbd2cdbcd32b5936a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y.

Fairbank, Mason. “The Benefits of Baking: Experts Say Baking Reduces Stress and Anxiety.” Teeo Creations USA, Mason Fairbank, 31 May 2024, teeocreations.com/blog/the-benefits-of-baking-experts-say-baking-reduces-stress-and-anxiety/.

Pecorari, Elisa. “Baking and Mental Health: How Baking with Friends and Family Can Impro.” Baker’s Secret, Baker’s Secret, 29 May 2023, www.bakerssecret.com/blogs/news/baking-and-mental-health-how-baking-with-friends-and-family-can-improve-your-well-being?srsltid=AfmBOooCeO1gMz1ohYgYQRL9ltxwPkcKnMy5nfkb54G5_3LaW49bc25N.

[enchi-elm]

If anyone can get me a copy of "A Proper Sense of Honor: Service and Sacrifice in George Washington's Army" by Caroline Cox (https://academic.oup.com/jah/article-abstract/92/2/590/842386?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false) I will love you forever.

Edit: My bad. The above link is a review, not the article itself. I'm looking for the rest of this one (https://www.proquest.com/openview/d1316a0356ee6f0bb0b4ed97877e9c51/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y) and sci-hub isn't working...

[junyen6]

How Does Politics Blend with Digital Citizenship???

Politics are no longer limited to assemblies and protesting gatherings. Today, it exists on hashtags, memes and TikTok. But this comes with a question of whether whatever we do on the internet will somehow represents involvement in politics. But who makes the decision???

As of the internet advancement of the current digital era, according to Choi and Cristol (2021) they define the digital citizenship as we log into the internet, the effect impact on the democracy rather than just being respectful or well-informed. This means that whatever we do on the internet including sharing, publishing, and even harassing will all be considered action of engaging in the movement if they try to offer justice or judgement. However, Digital politics is not neutral. It is influenced through the platforms we use and the message from the political party they aim to deliver.

Platform advantages, or the elements that the platform providing, has alter the participation of digital citizens (Theocharis et al.,2023) example like hashtag as #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter. However, these digital communities has been controlled by algorithms rather than the officials of the politic party, as in comparison to the digital communities, things that we post related could be deleted by them. Furthermore, who is already get trending with the algorithm actually get heard by others easily.

According to Sandu, M. A. (2020), in the worlds of digital citizenship should not just include sharing political thoughts on internet but also exploring how online political parties work, particularly publics voice may be suppressed or seized by others. So how the politics interconnected with digital citizens? They present important engagement chances, like even small interactions like posting or giving a like to the post, will eventually turn in a form of political participation, if people remain informed about how the way platforms works and take the actions carefully.

Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital Citizenship with Intersectionality Lens: Towards Participatory Democracy Driven Digital Citizenship Education. Theory into Practice, 60(4), 361–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094 Sandu, & Anca, M. (2020). Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement. The Challenge from Online Campaigning and Advocacy Organizations - ProQuest. Proquest.com. https://www.proquest.com/openview/78803eeb8c68f063e7bc53918a3a6843/1?cbl=2032049&pq-origsite=gscholar Theocharis, Y., Boulianne, S., Koc-Michalska, K., & Bimber, B. (2022). Platform affordances and political participation: how social media reshape political engagement. West European Politics, 46(4), 788–811. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2022.2087410

[aitoolswhitehattoolbox]

Senior Network Administrator

, and support of: Cisco IOS, CatOS, NxOS, filter and access control, Ciscoworks, TACACS+, ASA, FWSM, HP Openview, Cisco routers… Apply Now

[nursingwriter]

  Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Versus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Nurses The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) defines the competencies for the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates. The qualification of ADN and BSN nurses has generated heated debates and movements for higher standards in the nursing field. This essay compares the qualifications of ADN and BSN nurses and reflects on the movement toward making the BSN the minimum entry-level requirement for nurses, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Comparison of Qualifications between ADN and BSN Nurses About which degree better qualifies the ADN versus the BSN, there are opposing opinions regarding what each has to offer: the ADN usually takes two years and merely covers the technical aspect of patient care, while the BSN programs are designed for four years of extended education beyond the clinical skills. Aside from patient care, BSN-prepared nurses are educated in leadership, management, public health, and research (Siwula, 2020). They become prepared to undertake more holistic roles: working in community health settings, advanced leadership positions, or even later studying advanced practice degrees. From a personal perspective, ADN and BSN play critical roles in healthcare. Typically, ADN nurses are the first to enter the workforce, providing hands-on care, which is crucial, particularly in hospitals. On the other hand, the BSN nurse contributes to higher abilities for leadership positions, evidence-based practice, and understanding the dimensions outside the direct provision of care. Each degree has its merits and a place in the health system. Making the BSN the Minimum Entry-Level Requirement for Nurses There are benefits and drawbacks to the idea that the Institute of Medicine's suggested minimum degree of admission into the nursing profession is a BSN. These recommendations assume that a more educated workforce improves patient outcomes. Studies have proved that hospitals with more significant numbers of BSN-prepared nurses tend to have lower rates of mortality and complications. They are also more prepared for this escalating health complexity since they undergo additional years of critical thinking, leadership, and more health policy learning (Schmitz, 2022). They need a BSN, as the minimum entry level poses some challenges for those who need assistance to finance four years of education or those who need to start working immediately. The ADN pathway offers an even cheaper and faster way of getting a nurse to the facility, which is a big deal to the communities that are already struggling to get enough nurses. Likewise, the AND-trained nurses can further their education through the bridge programs to earn their BSN when they join the workforce as registered nurses. An attempt to advance to the BSN as a minimum education standard is a positive move toward the future of nursing (Schmitz, 2022). The healthcare environment is becoming more challenging; it is also essential to equip nurses for direct patient care and concerns related to healthcare policy. At the same time, a BSN provides the occasion to receive broader education and skills that allow nurses to take on more responsibilities in nursing practice, including leadership and improving health systems. Conclusion While the movement to require a BSN for entry into nursing is well-intentioned and may improve patient outcomes, caution should be exercised that doing so does not hinder those wishing to enter the profession quickly. It is essential to support all nurses in furthering their education and provide flexible advancement pathways, which will be vital to ensuring a solid and diverse nursing workforce.   References Schmitz, K. A. (2022). Associate Degree Nurse Attitudes Toward Degree Advancement When Considering the “BSN in 10” in New York State. D'Youville College. https://www.proquest.com/openview/943debbbfe3bc785323251f20dded624/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y Siwula, C. M. (2020). The Impact of the Perceptions of the Bsn Role on the Pursuit of an Rn-to-bsn Program. Immaculata University. https://library.immaculata.edu/Dissertation/digitalB/Doc842SiwulaC2020.pdf Read the full article

[nepaltravelblog]

The Symbol of the Prayer Flag

(Please Mark)

Prayer flags have become an almost quintessential icon of Nepal. These flags can be found hanging from buildings in the city centre, adorning the trails surrounding and up the Himalayas, decorating markets, and printed on souvenirs. The origins of the prayer flag can be traced back to ancient Tibet and were first adopted by Buddhist traditions in the seventh century. The five colours represent the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. It is a sacred tradition amongst Buddhist monks and followers to inscribe mantras, prayers and symbols onto the flags. These are then hung so that when the wind blows, the blessings will be carried out with the wind on to all beings. It is important to note that prayer fags are not strictly a buddhist tradition and have different meanings and practices ass associated cross culturally. 

When researching these flags I came across numerous websites (which I have linked below) selling prayer flag merchandise, printed on t shirts, coasters, masks and pillows.

Whilst as I have mentioned above, the prayer flag has a rich and sacred history, the rise of fast fashion and the need for souvenirs to remember one’s travels, has seen this symbol reproduced for tourism means. I encourage travellers to Nepal to purchase their prayer flags with intention and sensitivity. Talk to the vendor about their meanings, how they may use the flags themselves, and use this symbol as a vessel for education and meaningful engagement. 

References

Katherine Anne Paul. 'Works on the Wind: A Study of Himalayan Prayer Flags'. University of Wisconsin. 2003

https://www.proquest.com/openview/f5da62fbeee3c42659f23233968c139c/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

[123gracker]

Evolution of SaaS Pricing Models

Hey there! Let’s kick things off by diving into the fascinating world of SaaS pricing models, specifically for B2B companies.

Pricing is the lifeblood of B2B SaaS.

Why is pricing so critical? Imagine this: You’ve created this amazing SaaS product that’s set to revolutionize how businesses handle their operations. Your customers can't wait to get their hands on it, and you’re itching to start raking in subscriptions. But here’s the catch—how do you price it? Set it too high, and you might scare off potential customers. Go too low, and you’re not just underselling yourself but also leaving money on the table. For a B2B SaaS company, the pricing strategy is no small thing; it can literally make or break your business.

A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

Let’s rewind a bit. In the early days of SaaS, companies like Salesforce, which launched in 1999, spearheaded the subscription model. Back then, things were pretty straightforward. You’d have a flat monthly or annual fee, and customers got access to the entire platform. It was manageable and easy to understand. Fast forward to the 2010s, and we saw the rise of more customizable plans, usage-based pricing, and then more sophisticated iterations like freemium models and tiered pricing structures.

Over these years, the evolution of pricing strategies in B2B SaaS wasn’t just about innovating for innovation's sake. It was about responding to customer needs, competitive pressures, and advances in technology. For instance, Intercom famously shifted its pricing model multiple times, ranging from per-seat pricing to modules-based pricing, reflecting its evolving product suite and the feedback from its users.

Why Evolving Pricing Strategies Matters

Change is the only constant, right? Especially in the SaaS world. The way customers perceive value today is so much different from even a couple of years ago. While a one-size-fits-all pricing might have worked a decade ago, today's customers want pricing that aligns closely with their usage and value derived from the product.

For instance, Snowflake, a cloud-data warehousing company, adopted a consumption-based pricing model where customers pay based on the storage and compute resources they use. This made a lot of sense as businesses vary dramatically in data needs, making a flat rate impractical and potentially off-putting for both smaller companies and massive enterprises.

Here's a snapshot of some SaaS pricing models and when they typically came into play:DecadePopular Pricing ModelExample CompanyEarly 2000sSubscription (Flat rate)Salesforce2010sTiered PricingHubSpotLate 2010sFreemiumDropbox2020sUsage-Based/Consumption-BasedSnowflake

Think about it like this: evolving pricing strategies is just like upgrading your product. You constantly iterate, tweak, and pivot based on customer feedback and market dynamics. If product features evolve to meet customer needs, shouldn’t pricing strategies too?

As you grapple with your own pricing strategy, whether you're a startup or an established player rethinking your model, know that you’re part of a broader narrative in the SaaS world. Embracing an evolving strategy isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Feel free to check resources like OpenView's SaaS pricing guide to get more granular details. Trust me, it’s worth diving into those details as you carve out your pricing strategy in this ever-evolving landscape.

Traditional SaaS Pricing Models

Per-User Pricing

Imagine you’ve got a small digital marketing team, and each member needs to access the same software. With per-user pricing, you’d just pay for each team member. This model is super straightforward and ideal for businesses that want a predictable monthly bill. Instead of worrying about sudden costs or overwhelming options, you know you’re paying something like $20 per user per month. Companies like Slack and Zoom have relied on this model.

Per-user pricing is a no-fuss way to handle billing, especially when you have a specific number of users in mind. This works great for companies growing in a controlled manner, as the costs scale linearly with the headcount.

Tiered Pricing

Next up is tiered pricing. In this setup, you’ve got different tiers or packages, like the classic Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each tier bundles a set of features and maybe varies by the number of users it supports. It’s like when you’re signing up for a gym membership that offers Standard, Plus, and Premium packages.

Take a look at Dropbox for instance. They have Basic, Plus, and Family tiers, which cater to different levels of needs and budgets. If you’re a freelancer just sharing a few files, the Basic plan might be enough. But, if you’ve got a small business team that needs lots of storage and advanced collaboration tools, you’d probably upgrade to Plus or Family.

Here’s a quick example of how tiered pricing usually stacks up:TierFeaturesPriceBasic2GB storage, basic sharingFreePlus2TB storage, file recovery, large file transfers$9.99/monthFamily2TB shared storage, priority support, customizable sharing permissions$16.99/month

Per-Feature Pricing

Then there’s the per-feature pricing model. With this approach, you pay based on the features you use. Think of it like building your own sundae at an ice cream shop��pick the base, add the toppings you love, and skip the ones you don’t. Zendesk uses this model effectively.

If you just need basic customer support tools, you might start with a foundational package. But if you need advanced analytics, automation, and multiple integrations, you pick those features and only pay for them. This modular approach can be great for businesses that need specific functionalities without wanting to carry the financial burden of unwanted extras.

Differences and Benefits in Traditional Models

So, what's the deal with these traditional SaaS pricing models? Each has its own charm and works best for different situations.

Per-user pricing is all about predictability and simplicity, favored by companies that want to control costs while scaling their workforce. It's easy to understand and manage but can get pricey if many users need access.

Tiered pricing gives a flexible middle ground, where you choose a plan that fits your business size and needs without micromanaging feature use. It's excellent for growing companies that want to adjust their tools and budgets as they expand.

Per-feature pricing offers customized solutions and can be the most cost-effective for businesses with specific needs. Rather than paying for an all-inclusive plan with features you might never touch, you pick exactly what helps boost your business's productivity. However, it can get complex and might require more oversight to ensure you’re not adding unnecessary costs.

Every approach has its perks, so it really boils down to what fits your company’s culture, growth stage, and how you manage resources. By understanding these traditional models, you'll be in a better position to choose one that matches your unique business needs.

Transitioning to Modern Pricing Models

Usage-Based Pricing

Think of it like a utility bill, where you pay only for what you use. Usage-based pricing in SaaS is gaining traction because it aligns directly with product consumption. Instead of a flat fee, customers get billed based on how much they actually utilize the software's capabilities.

For instance, AWS offers "pay-as-you-go" pricing, which lets businesses scale their needs and budgets hand-in-hand. If you’re running a small startup, you won't end up paying the same amount as a big enterprise because, let’s be honest, your usage levels aren’t anywhere near those giants. It’s kind of like how you wouldn’t pay for 500 channels if you only watch Netflix and sports, right?

Data shows that nearly 41% of SaaS companies have adopted a usage-based pricing model as of 2023, according to OpenView's 2023 SaaS Pricing Survey.

Value-Based Pricing

Now, value-based pricing is all about what the service is worth to the customer. It's like buying a high-end laptop because you know it will help you do your job faster and more efficiently—it’s worth the investment.

Companies that provide specialized solutions often use this pricing model. For instance, HubSpot charges based on the value they bring to your sales and marketing efforts. The idea is that you'll pay more if their software helps you close more sales or generate more leads. This approach is super customer-centric because it’s all about perceived value.

Freemium Models

Who doesn't love free stuff? Enter the freemium model. Think Spotify or Zoom. This model lets users access a basic version of the software at no cost. It's like getting a sample at a grocery store—you try it, like it, and then maybe you splurge on the full meal.

The freemium model is great for customer acquisition because it lowers the barriers to entry. Users get to experience the product and can upgrade if they need more advanced features.

According to a 2023 report by Datanyze, about 10% of freemium users convert to paid plans. Not a bad strategy if you think about it: you’re getting people hooked with a freebie before they commit to spending money.

Subscription and Annual Licensing

Subscriptions are pretty straightforward—you pay a recurring fee to use the service. Music streaming, gym memberships, meal kits—they all work on a subscription basis. SaaS companies have latched onto this model too.

Take Microsoft Office 365 and Netflix as examples. With monthly or yearly subscription plans, you get continued access as long as you keep up the payments. It's predictable and easy on the budget.

Annual licensing is a twist on the subscription model. Instead of monthly payments, you pay for a year upfront. This often comes with a discount, so it’s appealing if you’re in it for the long haul. Think of it like paying for a full year's subscription to your favorite magazine at once—you usually get a better deal.

And here's the kicker. Subscription models are a win-win. Customers like them for the low up-front costs and consistent expenses. From the company’s perspective, they offer steady, predictable revenue streams. Win, win, win!

Wrapping It Up

So, which model is the best? It kind of depends on your needs. Usage-based pricing is fantastic if you want to scale with your budget. Value-based pricing is the ticket if you’re after specialized, high-impact features. The freemium model is great to dip your toes in the water with zero initial cost. Subscriptions or annual licensing? They're perfect for long-term planners who appreciate discounts.

The evolution of SaaS pricing models truly mirrors our evolving consumer habits and expectations. Whether you’re a SaaS provider or a user, these flexible pricing options aim to make software accessible, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

You might find these sources useful if you're curious about the nitty-gritty details, trends, and stats around SaaS pricing models these days!

Case Studies of SaaS Companies

Slack's Transition to Tiered Pricing

Alright, let's kick things off with Slack, the messaging app that most teams can't live without these days. Initially, when Slack started, they offered a simple freemium model. You could use a pretty robust version of the app without paying a dime, which drew a lot of users in and helped the app spread like wildfire through office spaces. But, as time went on, Slack realized that one size doesn't fit all, especially when you're dealing with everything from small startups to giant corporations.

So, Slack transitioned to a tiered pricing model. It basically went like this: the more you pay, the more features and support you get. The free version got people hooked, but then you had different paid tiers—like “Standard” and “Plus”—offering perks like unlimited message history and better customer support. It was a smart move because businesses of different sizes have different needs. Slack's tiered pricing allowed smaller teams to stick with a lower-cost plan while giving larger businesses the option to pay for additional features that made Slack an even more powerful tool for communication and collaboration.

Just to give you an idea, let's look at some numbers. As of 2024, Slack's revenue is projected to be over $1 billion, thanks in large part to this tiered pricing approach. It's also reported they have over 12 million daily active users, many of whom are on one of their paid plans.

Dropbox's Use of Freemium and Its Impact

Next up, Dropbox. Who hasn't used Dropbox to share files or back up photos, right? When Dropbox first came out, they used the freemium model. This means they offered a basic version of their service for free but charged for additional storage and features.

The freemium model worked wonders for Dropbox. People got started with the free service, realized how convenient it was, and then upgraded to a paid plan when they needed more space. It's kinda like giving someone a free sample at a grocery store and then watching them buy the full-size product because they loved the taste.

What's interesting is that by 2023, Dropbox reported over 700 million registered users. Now, not all of those users are paying, but a significant chunk, somewhere around 15 million according to their financials, opted for paid plans. Considering their average revenue per user (ARPU) is north of $120 annually, that's a substantial impact on their bottom line.

Zoom's Success with Usage-Based Billing

And finally, let's talk about Zoom, the go-to video conferencing tool that probably saved your bacon during the pandemic. When it comes to their pricing strategy, Zoom hit the nail on the head with their usage-based billing model.

Here's how it worked: Zoom offered a free plan that everyone could use to host meetings, but there were limits—like a 40-minute cap on group meetings. If you needed longer meetings or more participants, you had to upgrade to one of their paid plans. This approach was brilliant because it aligned price with usage, making it super affordable for smaller teams while scaling up for larger businesses.

As far as numbers go, during the peak of the pandemic, Zoom's revenue sky-rocketed. In their fiscal 2023, Zoom reported revenues of over $4.1 billion, a far cry from the $623 million they made just three years earlier. Their smart pricing strategy played a big part in that explosive growth.

So, whether it's Slack's switch to tiered pricing, Dropbox's stellar use of the freemium model, or Zoom's clever usage-based billing, these case studies show just how diverse SaaS pricing models can get—and why it's important to pick the right one for your business. And hey, if you're contemplating what might work best for your own SaaS product, these companies have laid out some pretty cool paths to follow.

Isn't it fascinating to see how these big names tweak their strategies to not just survive but thrive? It goes to show that understanding your users' needs and adapting your pricing accordingly can make all the difference.

Challenges with Evolving Pricing Models

Balancing Value and Cost

Navigating the pricing waters is like walking a tightrope—one wrong move and you could be plummeting into a sea of lost customers. Imagine you're running a software company that offers a cloud-based project management tool. You know you've got an excellent product, but how do you price it so it's seen as valuable without scaring potential clients away?

It's a tough balance. If you set the price too high, people might think it's not worth the cost. Too low, and you're potentially undervaluing all the hard work and innovation behind your software. The sweet spot is where customers feel they're getting more out of it than they're paying. It often involves a mix of market research, customer feedback, and a sprinkle of instinct.

One interesting stat to chew on: According to a 2023 report by ProfitWell, companies that use value-based pricing see up to a 24% increase in their annual recurring revenue compared to those that don't. That's a pretty compelling reason to get that balance just right!

Handling Customer Backlash

Change is tricky, especially when it messes with people's wallets. When Adobe switched to its subscription model for Creative Cloud back in 2013, the backlash was intense. Designers and artists flooded forums and social media with complaints, feeling they were being cornered into paying indefinitely for tools they used to own. Adobe had to navigate that storm carefully, offering explanations, support, and eventually, even discounts to ease the transition.

Fast forward to today—if you ever try to change your pricing, prepare for some unhappy campers. Maybe your product has new features that you think justify a price hike, but your customers might not see it that way. Clear communication is essential; if you explain the "why" behind the new pricing, people are more likely to understand. It also pays to listen to their concerns and feedback. A little empathy can go a long way in retaining loyalty even when changes are tough to swallow.

Adapting to Market Demands and Competition

Keeping up with market demands and competition is like playing an ongoing game of chess—always strategizing two moves ahead. Just look at Slack and Microsoft Teams. When Teams entered the market, Slack had to rethink its pricing strategy and features to stay competitive. This kind of agility is crucial in the fast-paced SaaS world.

According to a 2023 survey by Gartner, 63% of companies list competitive pressure as the top reason they adjust their pricing models. It makes sense—if your competitors change their game, you can't just sit around.

Say you're running a SaaS platform that helps businesses manage their social media. A new player enters the market with similar capabilities but at a lower cost, or offering something unique at the same price point. You're faced with two choices: either you add something extra to your platform to justify sticking to your current prices, or you adjust your prices to stay competitive.

Real-life data can help support your decisions. Companies that closely monitor and react to their competition often see better growth rates and customer satisfaction levels. It's a tricky dance, but those who adapt, survive—and often, thrive.

Relating to Real-Life Scenarios

Let's put this into perspective with a fictional but relatable scenario:

You're Emma, the founder of a SaaS company that makes an innovative graphic design tool. You've built a community of loyal customers, but your competitors are catching up—some offering freemium models and others with rock-bottom prices. You've been providing top-tier quality, so dropping prices feels like a betrayal to your company's value. What do you do?

Balancing Value and Cost: Emma conducts a detailed value analysis and surveys her customers. She discovers that while the tool's advanced features are loved, beginners feel overwhelmed. So, she segments her pricing into basic, premium, and enterprise tiers. This way, all user levels feel they're paying for exactly what they need.

Handling Customer Backlash: When she adjusts the pricing, complaints flow in. Emma holds a webinar explaining the reasons behind the new tiers, answers questions, and even offers existing customers a grandfathered rate for a year. This transparency peaks client understanding and appreciation, even if some skepticism remains.

Adapting to Market Demands and Competition: Emma realizes the new competition is fierce. She decides to include one-on-one training sessions in the premium and enterprise tiers, giving her customers an edge they can't get anywhere else. She continually updates her offering based on direct feedback and market trends, staying one step ahead of the competition.

In the end, finding the right pricing model might feel like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded, but with a thoughtful approach to value, empathy towards your customers, and a keen eye on the market, it becomes manageable. We're all in this journey together, figuring out the best ways to offer value.

Strategies for Product Managers and Startup Founders

Conducting Thorough Market Research

So, picture this: You're a startup founder with the next big SaaS product. It's amazing, but nailing the perfect pricing model feels like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Trust me, thorough market research is your friend here.

When you're diving into market research, you're trying to get a sense of the landscape. Who are your competitors? What are they charging? And more importantly, what pricing models are working for them? Companies like HubSpot and Salesforce have found their sweet spot through extensive market research. For instance, Salesforce initially struggled with pricing, but after analyzing market trends, they pivoted to a subscription-based model, which now brings in billions in revenue!

According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 67% of SaaS companies adjust their pricing based on competitor analysis. Here's a handy table of popular SaaS pricing models:Pricing ModelDescriptionExamplesSubscription-basedMonthly or yearly charged feeAdobe Creative CloudUsage-basedPay-per-use or pay-as-you-goAmazon Web ServicesTiered pricingDifferent price points for different features or usageMailChimpFreemiumBasic features free, premium features behind paywallSpotify

Customer Feedback and Its Role in Pricing Strategy

Imagine you're having coffee with a few of your earliest customers. You'd get some real insights, right? That’s exactly what customer feedback does for your pricing strategy. Listen to your customers—they're goldmines of information. After all, they're the ones reaching for their wallets.

Customer feedback helps you understand their perceived value of your product. It's like turning on a light in a dark room. Let's say users find certain features invaluable but think others are just fluff. This can steer you towards a more effective pricing strategy. For example, Dropbox used customer feedback heavily to refine their pricing by understanding which features were most crucial to their users.

In 2023, a report showed that 55% of SaaS companies use customer surveys to refine their pricing models. Listening to your users can lead to pricing that they feel is fair, which increases satisfaction and reduces churn.

Tools and Metrics for Analyzing Pricing Effectiveness

So, you’ve done your research and listened to your customers. Now comes the puzzle-solving part: analyzing your data to see if your pricing is hitting the mark.

Using analytics tools can make this process a breeze. Tools like ProfitWell and Baremetrics help you track key metrics such as Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV), and churn rates. For example, ProfitWell offers revenue recognition and the ability to track pricing experiments so you can see how changes impact your bottom line in real-time.

Here's a quick rundown of some must-have metrics:MetricWhy It's ImportantMonthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)Measures predictable revenue on a monthly basisCustomer Lifetime Value (CLTV)Gauges the total revenue a single customer generatesChurn RateMeasures customer attrition and helps identify retention issues

A real-world example: Intercom used these metrics to shift from a user-based pricing model to a product-based pricing model, helping them grow their MRR significantly. According to SaaS Capital’s 2023 report, companies that frequently monitor and tweak their pricing models based on these metrics grow 30% faster than those that don't.

Tuning your pricing strategy might feel like a game of cat and mouse, but with the right research, customer feedback, and analytics tools, you’ll be able to find that sweet spot—making your product attractive and your business sustainable.

And yeah, while you’re doing all this, keep the old adage in mind: "Price is what you pay, value is what you get." Keep focusing on delivering value, and the right pricing will follow.

Tips for Implementing New Pricing Models

Understanding Customer Segments

Alright, picture this: you've just made an amazing new SaaS product. So, where do you begin with pricing? The answer starts with understanding customer segments. Think of your customers as unique groups, each with its own needs and ability to pay. This isn't just a 'nice-to-do'—it's essential.

Say you’re developing a project management tool. You could have small startups, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises all interested in your product. But they’re not all willing to pay the same price, right? Startups might adore your tool but have a tighter budget, while large enterprises might need more advanced features and are willing to pay for them.

Here's an easy, relatable scenario: imagine selling lemonade at a neighborhood fair. Kids will probably go for a 50-cent cup, but parents might shell out $2 if it means you throw in a special ingredient like mint or a splash of organic juice. Identifying these segments early on helps you tailor your pricing so everyone feels they’re getting a good deal.

Creating a Pricing Test Plan

Next up, let's talk tests—specifically, creating a pricing test plan. Think of this as your experiment playground. Before you roll out new prices to all your customers, you'll want to try them out with a smaller group first. This way, you can see how people react without risking your entire customer base.

Take Netflix for example. Back in 2022, they tested different pricing structures in various countries to see how users would react to changes in their subscription plans. Some users saw an ad-supported tier, while others got different package combinations. These tests helped Netflix figure out which pricing models resonated the most and where.

A neat way to keep track? Use tools like Google Optimize or Optimizely to run A/B tests on your pricing pages. You can see which prices attract more clicks or sign-ups and tweak accordingly. It’s like trying different spices in your recipe to figure out the perfect flavor.

Monitoring and Iterating Pricing Models

Okay, so you’ve done your research and ran some tests. Now comes the sometimes overlooked but crucial part: iterative pricing. Basically, this means continuously monitoring how your pricing is performing and being ready to adjust as you go.

Here’s a little story to help this sink in: Imagine you’re a baker who’s just launched a new line of gluten-free pastries. You start with a price of $5 each, but then you notice they’re flying off the shelves—you’re even running out of stock! So, you tweak the price to $6 and observe the sales again. If they keep selling, you might want to stick with it or experiment a bit more.

This isn’t a one-time thing. Honestly, pricing needs regular check-ins, just like you’d monitor your health. B2B SaaS giant HubSpot, for instance, regularly reviews and updates its pricing structures based on customer feedback and market trends. This iterative approach ensures they stay competitive and aligned with customer expectations.

To keep tabs on how your pricing’s doing, set up some KPIs like Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). According to a 2023 Forrester report, companies that routinely revisit their pricing strategies see revenue growth potential of 4-8%. Keeping these figures front and center will help you make data-driven decisions.

Navigating SaaS pricing is a bit like cooking—you need to know your audience, test your flavors, and tweak based on what works. By understanding customer segments, creating a well-thought-out pricing test plan, and having a solid system for iterative pricing, you’ll be well on your way to finding that perfect price point.

So, roll up your sleeves and start experimenting. Your customers (and your bottom line) will thank you!

Conclusion

Hey there, we've taken quite the journey through the evolution of SaaS pricing models, haven't we? From perpetual licenses to subscription plans, freemium models, and more recent pay-as-you-go structures, it's been a wild ride. Let's recap the highlights and consider how you can harness these strategies to grow your own business.

Recap of SaaS Pricing Evolution

So, here's the gist. Back in the day, software was sold like a one-time purchase, much like you'd buy a car. You'd get a license, and bam, the software was yours forever. This worked for a bit, but then came the rise of the subscription model—think Netflix or Spotify for software. You'd pay a recurring fee, usually monthly or annually, which made it easier for users and lucrative for providers because of the steady stream of revenue.

Then things got spicy with the introduction of freemium models. Companies like Dropbox and Slack started offering core services for free while charging for premium features. This way, users could actually try out the product and get hooked before they had to shell out any money.

More recently, we’ve seen usage-based or pay-as-you-go models. AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a prime example of this. You only pay for what you use, making it super flexible and scalable, which is a big win for startups and growing companies.

Here's a quick table to summarize:Pricing ModelDescriptionExample CompaniesPerpetual LicenseOne-time purchase, own it foreverMicrosoft (older versions of Office)SubscriptionRecurring payments, usually monthly/annuallyNetflix, Adobe Creative CloudFreemiumBasic features free, premium features paidDropbox, SlackPay-as-you-goCharges based on usageAWS, Twilio

Final Insights on Leveraging Pricing for Growth

Here's the thing—your pricing model can make or break your SaaS business. Striking the right balance between value and cost is crucial for keeping customers happy and driving growth. For instance, if you're just starting out, a freemium model can help you build a user base quickly. As you scale, transitioning to a subscription or usage-based model might provide the steady income or flexible revenue that's aligned with your growth objectives.

Remember when Salesforce adopted a subscription model way back in the early 2000s? At the time, it was revolutionary and contributed massively to their growth. Fast forward to today, they're dominating the CRM space. So, think about what your customers value most and tailor your pricing accordingly.

Encouraging Discussion and Further Exploration

Alright, now it's your turn. What do you think about the pricing evolution? Have you tried multiple models, or are you sticking with one? Maybe you're seeing success with a hybrid approach? We're all ears and would love to hear your experiences and insights. Leave a comment or shoot us a message—let's get a lively discussion going.

Also, never underestimate the power of continued learning and tweaking. The market evolves, customer preferences change, and staying adaptable is the name of the game. If you want to dig deeper, there are some excellent resources out there—books, webinars, and courses that can give you a more granular understanding of effective pricing strategies.

So, there we have it. We've covered a lot of ground, and hopefully, you're feeling a bit more equipped to tackle your SaaS pricing strategies. Until next time, let's keep learning and growing together!

Visit for more info : gracker.ai

[marketingreportz]

Network Management Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

What is a Network Management?

Network Management is a broad range of functions including activities, methods, procedures and the use of tools to administrate, operate and reliable maintain computer network management systems. Network Management does not include terminal equipment, rather it concerns the reliability, efficiency and capabilities of data transfer channels. There exist a wide range of software and hardware for a network administrators to manage a network. What is the applications of Network Management?

Network Management is significant for the management and proper support of network infrastructure. Network Management solutions will meet the business needs when it comes to highly complex or large scale network. A powerful and complex network monitoring system will act as a heart of any network management solutions. A good Network management solution will allow even a C-level employees to give direct access to their IT Providers to access any data they need to do their job effectively.

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Market Research and Market Trends of Network Management? 

The Networking specialist has recently launched an innovative solutions, Netgear Insight, a solution that offer plug-and-play set-up and the management of a network using a mobile app. It’s mainly targeted on small-to-medium size business (SMB’s). Netgear is capable to offer users with a secure way to identify, troubleshoot and resolve issues that might arise at any time. It is expected that this innovative solution will appeal to business owners constrained by limited budgets. 

Auvik Networks, a provider of network monitoring and management software for managed service providers, has recently announced that it has raised CAD$15 million in a series B round of financing led by OpenView, with participation from existing investors Celtic House Venture partners and Rho Canada Ventures. It is expected that this fund will fuel for product development, partner’s success initiatives, and expansion into new markets.

Security Giant McAfee has acquired Canadian VPN provider TunnelBear. The terms of acquisition is not disclosed yet. The security giant stated that this is strategic move to integrate Tunnelbear’s Technologies into companies own VPN product, Safe Connect. Since after McAfee owns Tunnelbear, the VPN Services will have to comply with U.S. laws 

Inquiry Before Buying

Who are the Major Players in market?

The Key Players operating in the Network Management are Cisco., IBM., McAfee., Vmware., HP Inc., BMC., and other 10 more companies. What is our report scope?

The report incorporates in-depth assessment of the competitive landscape, product market sizing, product benchmarking, market trends, product developments, financial analysis, strategic analysis and so on to gauge the impact forces and potential opportunities of the market. Apart from this the report also includes a study of major developments in the market such as product launches, agreements, acquisitions, collaborations, mergers and so on to comprehend the prevailing market dynamics at present and its impact during the forecast period 2018-2023.

All our reports are customizable to your company needs to a certain extent, we do provide 20 free consulting hours along with purchase of each report, and this will allow you to request any additional data to customize the report to your needs.

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Key Takeaways from this Report

Evaluate market potential through analyzing growth rates (CAGR %), Volume (Units) and Value ($M) data given at country level – for product types, end use applications and by different industry verticals.

Understand the different dynamics influencing the market – key driving factors, challenges and hidden opportunities.

Get in-depth insights on your competitor performance – market shares, strategies, financial benchmarking, product benchmarking, SWOT and more.

Analyze the sales and distribution channels across key geographies to improve top-line revenues.

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Understand the industry supply chain with a deep-dive on the value augmentation at each step, in order to optimize value and bring efficiencies in your processes. 

Get a quick outlook on the market entropy – M&A’s, deals, partnerships, product launches of all key players for the past 4 years. 

Evaluate the supply-demand gaps, import-export statistics and regulatory landscape for more than top 20 countries globally for the market.

[lboogie1906]

Kobie Fuller (August 15, 1980) was born in Boston. He grew up in Milton, Massachusetts, and spent most of his early life there. He got interested in sports early on due to his competitive nature and participated in various sports. When he was rejected from the basketball team in high school, he started participating in track and field. He continued to pursue sprinting at Harvard University. He had a successful sprinting career at Harvard, doing well in races as well as setting a new indoor school record for 400. He achieved a time of 48.38, which is still standing today. He was the co-captain of the team as well.

After graduating from Harvard with a BA in economics, he started working at various jobs at various private equity and digital marketing firms. At one of these, Revolve, one of the largest fashion internet commerce firms, he became the Chief Marketing Officer. He founded OpenView Venture Partners and was an early investor in Insight Venture Partners. Fuller invested early in Oculus and Exact Target.

He worked at Accel in 2013, a venture capitalist firm where he was an early investor. He left in 2016 to join Upfront Ventures; a venture capitalist firm located in Santa Monica, moving his family from Boston to Los Angeles so he could work on-site as a general partner. There, he was able to bring his expertise in enterprise SAAS and technologies such as VR and AR to good use.

In 2019 he helped launch Valance, a network created to help companies connect with Black talent in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley. He is both the co-founder and Chairman of Valence even as he remains a general partner at Upfront Ventures. He helped create Valence due to the low numbers of Black workers in Silicon Valley, only three percent of the overall workforce in 2020 was Black. At the time he created Valance, there were only three Black chief executives at Fortune 500 companies. He created the network to help combat this issue and to celebrate the success of Black women and men in business ventures. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[renee00124]

What is happening today is no joke!

Link:

https://www.proquest.com/openview/57ffe5b9c69b3c7e4fe4191f0ba51a3e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=756356

Unspeakable evil is happening across the United States, and globally, focused on the civilian population, men, women and children included, used as human guinea pigs for the advancement of PATENTED psychophysical, psychotronic, and subjugation torturous Directed Energy Weapons...

[ailurinae]

Thagomizer seems fairly official to me. AFAIK there is no central governing body for anatomical terms (unlike say animal taxonomic names with the ICZN), but it gets used even in peer reviewed papers.

https://iris.unito.it/bitstream/2318/2034711/1/Lategano_et_al2024.pdf

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12542-022-00605-x

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224263

https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jzo.13224

This one isn't a journal paper, but a Masters Thesis: https://www.proquest.com/openview/f832d87181d817fb5d432417c4ab70ee/

Not a paper, but a "quick guide" from Current Biology that says: "The tail spikes are now officially known as ‘thagomizers’, after a Gary Larson cartoon." https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(09)01820-X

This one does put thagomizer in quotes: https://www.uv.es/pe/2011_2/255/255.pdf

I don't know how you'd get "more official" other than just to have it in even more papers/text books/etc. (Hm, don't have my copy of The Dinosauria 2nd ed. easily accessible right now to check if it uses the term.)

Did you know? Humans are closer to T. rex in the geological timeline than T. rex was to Stegosaurus.

What kind of dinosaur is Stegosaurus? And what were its plates used for? Learn more about Stegosaurus and its fellow stegosaurs with Museum paleontologist Roger Benson! Explore what we’ve learned from fossils like the recently discovered Apex—the most complete Stegosaurus ever found. These specimens can give us clues into the dinosaurs’ diet, lifespan, size, and natural history.

[akshayamohanakrishna]

ENTRY 3

eSports Spectacle - The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Championship

The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Championship evokes the unique and large-scale dimension of eSports tournaments when they involve the battle-royale genre, and this fascinates both scholars and journalists. The Championship of ALGS eSports serves as a case study formulating the genesis and how the rise and story of eSports originated from popular electronic gaming titles. The lightning-fast rise of Apex Legends within the gaming world reflects what people love about the games and also presents the game as a competitive eSports platform of the future (EW Rowe, 2022). A majority of eSports studies have concentrated on the intersection of gaming culture, technology, and spectating with events such as the ALGS Championships acting as data sources for analyzing strategies used by players, engagement of the audience and the role played by eSports in the economy.

According to media outlets, the game is hugely popular with viewers, which shows tremendous interest all over the world in e-sports with the battle royale genre spot among their favourites. Media entities exploit the drama of the competition by delivering live coverage, expert opinion, and online interviews in a quest to satisfy eSports fans with their voracious appetite (Y Wang, 2021). The increasing viewership of the ALGS Championship by millions of viewers on numerous streaming platforms demonstrates the cultural power of eSports and its effectiveness in reaching diverse audiences across the world.

Furthermore, the ALGS Championship transcends the tournament days, modifying the competitive essence of Apex Legends to project up the professional gamers' careers. Media narratives all the time give publicity to the personal travel of individual players and teams, disclosing their ability, commitment, and successes on the world platform (EW Rowe, 2022). In addition to providing one more dimension to the viewing experience, the storytelling feature of eSports also brings players closer to the audience and makes researchers feel like they are in good company.

According to the final observations, the Apex Legends Global Series Championship is an engaging blending of e-sport, technological advancement, and global networking (Y Wang, 2021). The role of eSports in our hectic everyday life contains both fundamental research into eSports dynamics and central media stories which draw attention to the excitement and drama of eSports for the audience. With the growth and diversification of eSports, events such as the ALGS Championship will be at the center of it all, transforming the competitive gaming.

REFERNCES :

Y Wang. (2021). The Evolving Game Mechanics in Esports First-Person Shooter Games - ProQuest. Www.proquest.com. https://search.proquest.com/openview/06aab524d17d72e0b16b74373c019c61/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

EW Rowe. (2022). Spectatorship in the Age of Streaming: the Organization, Economics, and Technology of eSports - ProQuest. Www.proquest.com. https://search.proquest.com/openview/27b067e07d833455b03942dc923d86ef/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

[jadeddiamonds]

The Pandora Ring Proposal

Hey girls and guys! Today is my first video on a trending topic from tiktok. The original video that inspired my chat, is embedded in my commentary. I just wanted to give my perspective and start dialogue. Links to the article and academic paper referenced will be below. Don't forget to subscribe!

Article used History of the Engagement Ring 

https://www.brides.com/story/history-...

Academic Research Paper Referecned The Diamond Elephant in theRoom https://www.proquest.com/openview/c61...

  Contact info

diamondcaldwell@rocketmail.com

youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWnV-eZkS0I&t=186s

  Check out this episode!

[gozel]

2/5bz @ marmara üniversitesi güzel sanatlar enstitüsü heykel anasanat dalı - kadıköy özelinde çağdaş sokak sanatı (2019)

http://tinyurl.com/marmarakadikoytezenglish.

2/5bz @ marmara university fine arts institute department of sculpture - contemporary street art in kadıköy ".. one of the shows is the video-music performance called "non-traditional social war day" at moda mehmet ayvalıtaş square on april 12, 2015 "anarchist queer - vegan day ...creating time jumps in their work and leaves it to audio and visual collages that fill some empty spaces in social memory..." -------------------------

http://tinyurl.com/marmarakadikoytez

2/5bz @ marmara üniversitesi güzel sanatlar enstitüsü heykel anasanat dalı - kadıköy özelinde çağdaş sokak sanatı (2019). ".. şovlardan biri de 12 Nisan 2015 “anarşist queer – vegan günü”nde, moda mehmet ayvalıtaş meydanı’ndaki “geleneksel olmayan sosyal savaş günü” isimli video-müzik performansıdır. ... çalışmalarında yerini zamanda atlamalar yaratan ve toplumsal bellekte boşalmış bir takım alanları dolduran işitsel ve görsel kolajlara bırakır. .." ***

* https://gozel.tumblr.com/post/738597738836590592

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https://avesis.marmara.edu.tr/yonetilen-tez/08be16a9-4237-4880-ae55-730456154391/kadikoy-ozelinde-cagdas-sokak-sanati?f&fbclid=IwAR01dvg9Y_cUMDRXqW8WPKLTff3XQdsAHvzQfHPkh6IEutRfdBuyGs5CXaY

https://www.proquest.com/openview/d4528d067e0e4c24ec0b59d773ff2aa3/1?p&fbclid=IwAR1MM9MjMPIoi6VMOZKPqzbMp-_5m46Ydbhotq8J2Ct_NofgTL4XrL2FvmY