#Social media impact on consumer research

[marketxcel]

What Is Consumer Research: Methods, Types, Scope & Examples

Explore the world of consumer research with our comprehensive blog. Learn about various research methods, types, and the broad scope of consumer studies. Dive into real-world examples to understand how consumer research impacts businesses and shapes the market landscape. Elevate your knowledge and stay ahead in the dynamic field of consumer insights.

[prettieinpink]

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that one's skills, qualities, and abilities can be nurtured and enhanced through hard work and learning. Adopting this mindset makes you more open to challenges, embracing the unfamiliar or uncomfortable and willing to experience failure.

However, adopting this growth mindset means we must challenge our limiting self-beliefs that reinforce our fixed mindset. Limiting beliefs is the negative thoughts that hold us back, hindering our journey of self-improvement. 

RECOGNISE YOUR FIXED MINDSET. Start to be aware of how your fixed mindset, became your everyday internal dialogue. Fear of failure, procrastination, always being in your comfort zone or being a constant quitter could be why this mindset has been reinforced in your mind.

That being said, you need to start being conscious of what you’re saying to yourself daily. If you struggle with that, try speaking to yourself out loud, as it helps to be more aware of what you’re saying. 

REMOVE ANYTHING THAT DOESN’T ALIGN, i’m specifally talking about social media. There are so many self degarding or depreciating content(which are always disgusied as a ‘joke’) and the more you consume it, the more you believe it. 

However this can apply to your physical environment as well, such as people, sentimental objects or your actual space. 

START TO REDEFINE FAILURE. There are so many ways you can define failure, but my favourite has to be failure is the sacrifice for success. Of course, you can research other ways to redefine it that resonates with you.

However, allow yourself to grieve failures, especially if they had a huge impact on your life. The only way you can apply the lessons from failure in life is to process them. 

DO SOMETHING CHALLENGING EACH DAY. Whether it is giving yourself an extra 20 minutes at the gym, or trying to advance yourself in your studies, just do something that pushes you and hopefully, makes you struggle. 

Once we allow ourselves to struggle and be challenged, we start to develop the belief that being challenged is okay, not doing it perfect on the first try  is okay we can still do tasks without them being perfect + you’re also embracing failure. 

APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORT. Something is always better than nothing, not everything that we do has to be perfect to consider ourselves accomplished. Once we acknowledge the value of hard work and see how it impacts our day-to-day life, it enforces the belief that we can expand our skills even just by a little.

The perfect way to appreciate your effort is by celebrating or rewarding yourself. Allow yourself extra screen time, to sleep in, or do any of your favourite ‘unproductive’ activities. 

SEEK OUT NEW KNOWLEDGE. Not just reading an article and calling it a day, but actively researching something memorable. This doesn’t have to be a scholarly topic, it could be anything. When we start to desire to learn, which is practically the main thing about a growth mindset, it enforces those beliefs. 

BUILD RESILENCE. You’re going to fail, struggle, lose and maybe suffer. While it is important to grieve what happens, you should be able to bounce back after some time. Building this skill is so important in the growth mindset, as it helps you to take control of your emotions and not the other way around. 

This applies to constructive criticism as well. People will not always give you praise, but that doesn’t matter, what matters is your ability to act on that criticism. An outside perspective always helps to improve yourself and your abilities. 

[srbachchan]

DAY 6057

Jalsa, Mumbai Sept 17, 2024 Tue 11:26 pm

The impotency of content :

"The term "impotency of content" suggests a situation where content—whether in the form of text, media, or other forms of communication—fails to achieve its intended purpose or lacks meaningful impact. This concept can be explored from multiple angles, including the relevance of the content, its delivery, and the broader context in which it exists.

Content becomes impotent when it fails to resonate with its intended audience. Relevance is key; if content does not address the needs, interests, or concerns of its audience, it is likely to be ignored or dismissed. For instance, a marketing campaign that does not align with the target demographic's values or preferences is unlikely to generate engagement or drive sales. Similarly, academic content that lacks practical application or fails to address current research gaps can be deemed impotent in the context of advancing knowledge or solving real-world problems.

Even if content is relevant, its effectiveness can be diminished by poor delivery. This includes factors like the format, accessibility, and clarity. Content that is poorly organized, difficult to navigate, or presented in an unappealing format may fail to capture and maintain the audience’s attention. For example, a well-researched academic paper presented in dense, jargon-laden prose might be ignored by those who could benefit from its findings. Effective delivery involves not just the substance but also the style and method of presentation, ensuring that the content is engaging and accessible.

In today’s information-rich environment, content is often lost in a sea of competing messages. The sheer volume of content available can lead to saturation, where individual pieces struggle to stand out or make an impact. This is particularly relevant in digital media, where algorithms and social media platforms amplify popular or sensational content while less eye-catching material may be overlooked. In this context, even valuable content can become impotent if it cannot rise above the noise. Content must be timely and contextually appropriate to be impactful. Content that is outdated or irrelevant to current events or trends can quickly lose its significance. For instance, historical analysis or commentary that does not consider contemporary developments might appear disconnected or obsolete. Understanding the broader context in which content is produced and consumed is crucial for ensuring its relevance and impact.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of content is measured by its ability to engage and elicit a response from its audience. Content that does not prompt interaction, reflection, or action is often considered impotent. This engagement is not just about attracting attention but also about fostering meaningful connections and responses. Content that encourages dialogue, provides value, or inspires action is more likely to be perceived as potent and impactful.

In conclusion, the "impotency of content" underscores the abd not a word about the mediaimportance of relevance, delivery, and context in determining the effectiveness of communication. To avoid impotency, content creators must carefully consider their audience’s needs, ensure their delivery methods are effective, and remain mindful of the broader information landscape. By addressing these factors, content can transcend its potential impotence and fulfill its purpose, whether that be to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire."

and hahaha .. 🤣 and not a word about media for which it was intended .. the most protected, educated, ultimate genre in this Universe ..

Love and in the more of reality ..

Amitabh Bachchan

[valtsv]

is all true crime bad? genuine question. not referring to the very obvious disrespectful ones that are usually brought up when discussing the topic but rather documentaries and things of the sort. I feel like a lot of the documentaries around real crimes I watched bring up issues that aren't really talked about and a lot of the times are covered by institutions/media and also inform people on various things that they probably wouldn't have been aware otherwise so to me they can be very informational. there's also cases where victims of abduction for example have been recognised years later because of media like this which is objectively a good thing so I would like to know a little more about other negative impacts that might not be so obvious. if you have any source I can research on that's also great. sorry to bother!

i think that "true crime" in itself is a nuanced and varied topic and have no intention of tarring everyone who has an interest in it with the same brush, because there are definitely respectful ways of engaging with it that do their best to avoid and minimize harm. however i think that the popular culture depictions of true crime and capitalization on it as a form of entertainment tend to do more harm than good to both victims, who are frequently exploited for "content" and/or have their trauma dredged up for consumption, and consumers/producers, since a lot of mainstream true crime media reinforces harmful stereotypes, paranoia, surveillance tactics, and social divisions, and sensationalizes human cruelty and suffering. not to mention that this kind of approach to and fascination with horrific crimes and unusually cruel and violent criminals may encourage more people to inflict violence on others in order to gain notoriety and fame.

i don't think it's wrong to be interested in these things and to want to understand what makes people do horrific things to other people. one of my hyperfixations is the history of decapitation/capital punishment and its legacy, which is a topic that is fraught with issues surrounding the abuse of some of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. i myself am fascinated by it partly because of my own past experiences with abuse and marginalization. being interested in unpleasant things doesn't make you inherently a bad person, and thought crimes don't exist. however it's really important, especially when it comes to topics like this, to be self aware and critical of the information you're given, and to be careful not to be taken in by popular opinion and stereotypes without questioning them, or to get so immersed in your pursuit of knowledge and understanding that you lose your grip on reality and fall victim to misinformation and bias. believing too strongly in your personal ability to recognize and identify criminals and "criminal traits" and "solve" crimes, especially when the justice system is as flawed as it is, is more likely to lead to incorrect assumptions, the persecution of the marginalized and vulnerable, invasions of privacy and miscarriages of justice than it is to help.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Elsie Carson-Holt at LGBTQ Nation:

Though conservatives often accuse companies of losing out when a brand touts progressive values, the right-wing adage “go woke, and go broke,” has been disproven by a recent study. Brands that are supportive of LGBTQ+ rights or social justice movements see greater consumer engagement and loyalty from customers.  Unstereotype Alliance, a business initiative convened by UN Women, more inclusive advertising campaigns positively impact profits, sales and brand worth. Researchers at Saïd Business School at Oxford University analyzed data from Diageo, Kantar and Unilever, in collaboration with the Geena Davis Institute. The research, based on an analysis of 392 brands across 58 countries, reveals that inclusive advertising can boost short-term sales by nearly 3.5% and drive long-term sales by over 16%. The study spanned various product categories, including confectionery, snacks, personal care, beauty, pet food, pet care, alcohol, consumer healthcare, and household products across diverse regions. Inclusive advertising also persuades 62% of consumers to choose a product and enhances brand loyalty for 15% of shoppers. The study highlights that ads that authentically portray people, without using stereotypes, have a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace, influencing consumer preferences and long-term success.

[...]

On the other side, the beer brand Bud Light also faced right-wing rage after partnering with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. After the incident,  Jason Warner, CEO of the European branch of Bud Light’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, said that the company would no longer attempt inclusivity and “stay in our lane.”

The study comes after right-wing influencer Robby Starbuck has forced multiple companies to cave by accusing them of having “woke agendas” and sending a social media mob after them. Starbuck succeeded in getting companies such as Lowe’s, John Deere, Harley Davidson, and more to drop their DEI initiatives, stop partnering with the Human Rights Campaign, and end sponsorship of Pride festivals. When fear of Starbuck caused Ford Motors to follow behind the other brands, President of the Human Rights Campaign, Kelley Robinson, called Starbuck a “MAGA bully and Republican-reject.” It later released a study that details how rollbacks on DEI from large corporations in recent years are wildly unpopular with LGBTQ+ individuals and alienating many consumers. The latest research adds even more weight to that argument.

A new study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and Geena Davis Institute reveals that pro-inclusive advertising and support for social justice (esp. LGBTQ+) causes see increased consumer engagement and loyalty from customers, much to the chagrin of anti-inclusion activists like Robby Starbuck.

[twofeetonthedashboard]

Truth stands on its own, independent of belief or validation. It is a constant, unchanging reality that remains steadfast regardless of human opinion or acknowledgment. On the other hand, falsehoods, lies, and deceit need constant effort and reinforcement to persist. They thrive on the manipulation of perceptions and the active participation of those who propagate them.

Understanding this distinction can profoundly impact how we navigate the world. When faced with information, recognizing that truth does not need our endorsement can help us sift through the noise and focus on what is genuinely important. Truth is not swayed by our biases or emotions; it exists as an objective reality. This realization frees us from the burden of having to defend or prove what is inherently true. Instead, we can focus our energy on seeking and understanding this truth.

Consider how this principle applies in various aspects of life. In science, for example, the laws of nature and the facts discovered through empirical research do not change based on whether people believe in them. Gravity will continue to function, and the Earth will keep revolving around the sun regardless of public opinion. This unwavering nature of truth in science serves as a foundation for progress and innovation. It allows scientists to build on a stable base of knowledge, confident that their discoveries are grounded in reality.

In contrast, misinformation and falsehoods require active participation to gain traction. They rely on people's willingness to spread them, often appealing to emotions, biases, and fears. Think about conspiracy theories or false rumors. They need to be constantly reiterated and reinforced through social media, word of mouth, or sensationalist news to maintain their presence. They thrive in environments where critical thinking is absent, and skepticism is low. Without active participation, these falsehoods would wither and die.

This principle is equally relevant in our personal lives. Consider relationships built on honesty versus those built on deceit. A relationship grounded in truth stands firm, weathering challenges and misunderstandings because its foundation is solid. Trust and respect are naturally cultivated when both parties are committed to truthfulness. In contrast, relationships marred by lies require continuous deception and manipulation to sustain the facade. The effort needed to maintain these falsehoods eventually leads to their collapse, as the truth inevitably emerges.

In the realm of personal integrity, understanding that truth exists independently can be liberating. It encourages us to live authentically, knowing that we do not need to conform to false standards or pretend to be something we are not. Embracing truth allows us to align our actions with our values and beliefs, fostering a sense of inner peace and confidence. We become less concerned with others' opinions and more focused on living genuinely and purposefully.

Recognizing the distinction between truth and falsehood also empowers us to be better communicators and consumers of information. In an age where misinformation is rampant, discerning truth from lies becomes crucial. By valuing truth for its own sake, we can cultivate a habit of critical thinking, questioning sources, and seeking evidence. We learn to trust our judgment and intuition while remaining open to new information that aligns with reality. This vigilance helps us navigate a world filled with noise, allowing us to make informed decisions and form accurate perceptions.

Furthermore, understanding this principle can enhance our resilience. In moments of crisis or uncertainty, knowing that truth stands firm can provide a sense of stability and assurance. We can anchor ourselves in the certainty of what is real, using it as a guide to navigate through chaos. This grounding in truth helps us remain calm and focused, enabling us to respond to challenges effectively.

[jascamille]

Blog Post #2 - due 9/6/24

Why is it important for us to know what goes into making our technology? 

By now everyone around the world has access to the internet and by everyone I mean every age group. From delivering messages on a desktop to sending emails from your fingertips on a train ride to work. I feel as a society we’re too focused on which phone to get, rather than focusing on the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to make our devices. It’s also important to recognize and question the ethics of these big companies that we always look at.

Should social media apps remain to be posting “lifestyle” or remain for professional use? 

I don’t think social media should remain one way or the other, it can be both personal and professional. As we mentioned in class ads on apps like Instagram haven’t shown up until about two years ago or so. It’s great for companies to interact with their consumers. Companies are using social media to be, well, social. When social media is used for personal use it’s more selective, especially when it comes to only having your close friends and family on that account. As mentioned by Marx, social interactions are part of being human. 

How were historical events driven by information of others?

Fuchs mentions Karl Marx and how his works have impacted the world. As Marx mentions in his works there is a clear gap between humans and where they stand financially. Where they stand financially can definitely impact their lives especially during the capitalist crisis of 2008 as mentioned by Fuchs. 

Why do Americans believe in misinformation, yet they do not do their own research? 

Americans believe in misinformation because we have the mindset of thinking we’re right all the time. Thinking with that mindset is harmful because you’re closing yourself off to feeling emotions, when we’re not showing or feeling emotions it looks like we’re ignorant. When it comes to news stations and news anchors it’s hard to decipher what’s true or not? As a viewer we have to question the biases of others. 

How do our systems in place protect the freedoms of non-White news anchors?

As Gonzalez and Torres mention, no matter if a news station is more conservative or liberal it still caters to the white audience. Both women and people of color are still not represented as much as the media likes to paint it to be. News outlets have a history of only broadcasting people of color and making them the villain in other people’s stories. Not enough diversity in news and media causes people to be blind to what’s going on in the world.

Sources:

Gonzalez, A., & Torres, B. (2024). News for all people: An inclusive approach to journalism. Academic Press.

Fuchs, C. (2017). Critical introduction to social media. Sage Publications.

[the-paganwitch]

My Addition to the OcculTea Hashtag.

I've seen many creators post into this discussion, and as someone who isn't really and "influencer" parsay, but I have been online with my craft for many years now, so I have definitely seen a thing or to! I got inspired to add my own thoughts into this topic. This will easily be my longest post I've created. The picture above is from @prettyqueerwitch. I love how it looked and I wanted to use it. I hope this is okay! If it isn't, please let me know and I'll change it!

Introduction: Introduce yourself. How long have you been participating in the witchcraft online space? What practices and topics do you discuss primarily?

Hi! My name is Jess, also known as the-paganwitch or Redmonarch on other platforms. I am a 23-year-old and first discovered witchcraft when I wanted to curse someone. I know, a great start. That was back in about 2013/2014. I didn't really start getting into actively practicing until around 2017. My first time participating in an online space was through the Spells of Magic forum. I still have an account on there I check from time to time, but I'm not on it very often anymore. After that, I branched onto watching youtube creators. I now run a witchy email-based newsletter I love! I am an eclectic pagan witch with a primary focus on green and kitchen witchcraft, and crystal magic.

Topic 1: Impact On Community.

What is my personal reading/inspiration behind sharing my practice online? What am I looking to achieve by participating? Do I seek to educate, learn, or connect?

I feel inspired to share mostly to help others who may be just starting out and don't really know where to start. Which is the main reason behind my newsletter. I also like the feeling of community online. With my chronic illnesses and nasty social anxiety, it is really hard for me to be a part of an in-person community. So I do tend to rely on the online aspect. Though, I don't really have any online witchy friends.

How do I believe that social media, as a whole, has impacted the community?

I feel that it has both helped and hindered the community. It's kind of a grey zone to me. While social media has made it easier for others to connect and for more information to be shared on a global scale, it has also created a platform for less favourable people to gain a voice. Those who seek to spread hate and unnecessary harm to others in the community.

How do I think social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have each impacted education/sharing information?

I would say that I could answer it similarly to the question above. It's kind of a grey zone. On one side, it has made gathering information easier and more accessible. On the other, it has lead to a lot of misinformation and has lead many to a ""my way or the highway" type of thinking. I have seen this type of thinking primarily on TikTok, which is why I had to deleted it personally. The community grew way too toxic.

Is consuming witchcraft content becoming a substitute for practice?

Yes and no. I know many hate on people who primarily consume content as a part of their practice, but something many always seem to forget about is us spoonie witches who many not always have the energy or spoons to practice all the time. Yes,I don't agree with the people who claim to be witches, but all the do is watch TikTok videos and never actually attempt to branch out to other areas or do more research into topics. These types of people, in my opinion, aren't actually witches. For some of us, we just can't always spare the extra energy to so spells or most types of magic. So consuming witchcraft media is the closest thing we have to practicing some days.

Topic 2 : Influencer Authority.

Out of what I share on social media, how much of it is staged vs. reality?

I am pretty open to sharing the reality of my practice. I don't really feel the need to stage anything. If I were to ever make videos, I guess then technically parts would be staged. But when I make posts or add personal notes in my newsletter, those are authentic and real.

Do I think there is an element of censorship in online spaces? How do I decipher what is "appropriate" to share online vs. what to keep privately? Is this based on "social media etiquette" or a personal preference.

As I stated above, I am pretty comfortable openly sharing my practice. I don't really censor much as of right now, unless it has nothing to really do with my practice. Even then, I don't mind sharing information if I am asked something. I would say it's all up to your comfort level on what you choose to share and what you don't. I also don't really know what social media etiquette is to be honest.

Have I ever encountered or heard of grifters in our community? Do I recognize them? What are significant signs of grifters in the community?

I have had people on mostly Instagram partake in grifting. Usually as fake tarot readers or offering to do break curses/hexes or "bring back a lost love". These people are pretty easy to tell. They almost always message you first, saying "I was drawn to your profile" or "I wanted to offer you a free reading". They do not want to give you any help, they are trying to scam you. Other forms I see are people who are not a part of the community trying to market or sell items overpriced. Or those who sell things at a way too low of a price. If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam.

What tools are helpful to decipher misinformation, and how can we as a community prevent widespread misinformation?

Research research research! Always research, fact check, and be suspicious if something doesn't sound right or feel right. I don't really think we can do a whole lot about the spread of misinformation, but we can always fact check what we hear, see, or learn. We can also help lift the voices of those we do trust and those who share correct information.

How does a large following impact the perception of the creator? Does this immediately make them an "expert"? Or are there other assumptions as to why they may have a large following?

Being a popular creator doesn't make you an "expert". It can mean you may know more about somethings or that you share good information, but it doesn't make you an expert. Neither does practicing for a long time. No one can truly be an "expert" in witchcraft as a whole, in my opinion. You can be very well informed and know a lot, but you aren't an "expert".

How does one maintain the balance of authenticity and content creation?

It can be difficult maintaining authenticity when trying to make content if you are trying to keep relevancy or trying to become super popular. This is because you have to follow what topics are trending and you have to constantly be fighting with algorithms. This can make you lose authenticity and turn more into content farming. I think you can balance both as long as you are content creating without the sole desire of having relevancy or popularity.

Topic 3 : Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Missing Out

When I follow other creators in the community space, does it make me feel genuinely inspired and empowered or does it create feelings of fear of missing out and being less than?

I guess that would depend on the community space. In most places, I generally get a feeling of inspiration, especially when I get into a rut or burn out. The only community I felt negative more time than not in was on TikTok. There was always fighting, drama, and a push for you to buy certain things in order to be called a witch. If you didn't like this certain creator or you didn't agree with this exact way of thinking, you can't be a witch or you aren't a "real" witch.

If I experience fear of missing out, has it ever left me feeling vulnerable to be taken advantage of financially, or otherwise? An example would be - the "need" to purchase the latest popular product or book to "fit in"?

I can see where others, especially beginners, may fall into this way of thinking. You want to be liked in a certain community, but you feel you have to follow the trends or keep up with what everyone is buying. I myself don't really fall into this peer pressure anymore, but I definitely did when I first started. It's best to move away from communities and spaces that make you feel forced to buy products or follow one certain thing.

When practicing my craft, do I find myself comparing what I do to what I've been seeing people do online?

Absolutely. This has been a bit of a problem for me within the last 2-3 years. It really started when I developed my chronic illness and couldn't do everything I used to be able to do. I felt less than or that I wasn't really a witch anymore. I have been working really hard on allowing myself more leniency when it comes to my practice and my chronic illness. It's really easy to fall into the habit of comparing yourself and your practice to others you see on social media, but you have to remember that not everyone shows everything they do. They may only share 5-10% of their craft.

In what ways do I combat imposter syndrome?

I try to be gentle and kind with myself when I notice it coming up. I remind myself that everyone's craft is different and my won't look like someone elses, and that okay. The whole point of witchcraft is to make it suited to you and what you can do, and where you can grow and learn.

What would my practice look like without the social media influence of other creators?

Honestly, I don't think I would have really gotten into it as much as I have or I may not have actually discovered it. I was raised in an strong atheist household and was taught that that was the only right answer. But when I discovered witchcraft online, it was an eye opener. When I rediscovered it a few years later, it changed my entire life for the better. I am forever in love with witchcraft and I don't think I will ever give it up at this point.

Topic 4 : Capitalizing Off Community.

Do I consider online communities as equally valid to in-person communities?

I do. I may not alway partake in many online discussions or join community chats, but I do believe they can do some good to those that enjoy them or who what to make friends. There is a plethora of different groups and discussion forums out there for just about everyone.

How have online occult/witchcraft communities impacted me as a person and practitioner?

They have both helped and hindered me and my practice. Like I said above, some online practitioners are the reason I discovered witchcraft in the first place. Which lead me to falling in love with it and devoting my life to witchcraft. On the other hand, It has sometimes lead me to dislike the communities and witchcraft because of how toxic some of it had become, and how often I found myself hitting burn out after burn out because of it. I lost myself for a while with my craft. I had even questioned whether I wanted to be a witch anymore. I rediscovered my love for it all after I stepped back from a lot of communities I noticed were promotion toxicity and fueling separation.

What are some of the dangers of the current phenomenon of capitalizing off witchcraft community? Have I been personally affected by this, or have I witnessed someone else be affected?

I think a problem with capitalizing off of witchcraft communities is how easy it can be to scam or swindle new practitioners out of money. Another problem is fake products being marketed as the real deal. This is a HUGE problem with crystals honestly. There are many online shops claiming a crystal is real, but when you get it, it's a dyed glass or plastic. Moldavite, agates, opals, and quartzes are some of the worst for this happening. It drives me nuts!

Should there be paywalled communities and online courses?

I don't believe anything about basic witchcraft should be paywalled. I believe basics should be free to access for everyone and anyone. But I don't see an issue in asking for payment when you are teaching things beyond the basics. Especially for those who put lots of time and effort into learning and creating said courses. I can also understand why some communities are paywalled. I remember when witches were trying to make non-paywalled discord communities to anyone who wanted to join and what a dumpster fire they usually turned into. You can't always control who gets in and what they say or do. There isn't really an efficient method to keeping out hate and harmful people from communities without paywalling. Which is kind of sad.

How does one ensure the authenticity of courses/workshops/memberships/etc. as a financial investment?

You should always, always, ALWAYS look into the person offering said things before you partake. How long have they been practicing? What beliefs do they hold? Do they align with yours? Are what they saying seem fishy, suspicious, or too good to be true? These are things you should always think about before paying to be a part of something or paying someone for courses.

Conclusions:

What are some topics of conversations I'd like to see more of in our community?

I would love to see more discussion on witches with disabilities or chronic illnesses as I feel it's not talked about or discussed enough.

What are my community needs?

For me to want to be in a part of a community, I would need to feel supported and that there is open discussions without judgement because someone's craft is a different then others. I like being in communities with a similar beliefs, or with witches who are into the same things as me, but that is purely personal.

Where would I like to be held and supported? Where do I feel like I'm not truly being seen by my community?

I pushed these two together because they have the same answer. I am personally not too worried about being held or seen in any community. Mainly because I am not really making content to become something or a popular creator. If I gained a large following, that's cool, but I am not actively trying to do that. If people like what I post or share and want to follow, that's awesome! You are more than welcome here. But if others don't care for what I do, then that's okay too. Whatever one you vibe with, it's good with me.

How can we help each other in removing the external peer pressure and grow in the community?

By reminding each other that you're craft is your own and does not have to follow anyone else's. There are no set rules to witchcraft, and if someone tells you there is, they are not being truthful. Witchcraft is what you make of it. We can flourish when we support each other practitioners differences.

How can we, as a community, come together more with constructive criticism without it seeming shady or passive aggressive? How can we, as a community, do better when we do receive criticism/feedback?

I would say we should watch how things get worded, firstly. Secondly, instead of writing something when in a high state of emotion, think about what you want to said first. Really think about it. Is it coming from a place of genuine help, or a place of attack or offence? Same can go for when we receive criticism. Think about what someone said before responding, especially if you don't fully understand what is being said. If you're confused about it, ask the person to elaborate. There is nothing wrong with asking to gain more insight into what the person is thinking and where they're coming from.

Who are some community members that I look up to that are reliable resources and aspirations?

Ariel Gatoga, Chaotic Witch Aunt, Hearth Witch, Witchy Tips, The Green Witch, Harmony Nice (no longer uploads), Ginny Metheral, Alwyn Oak, The Lunar Witch, The Witch of the Forest, The Wholesome Witch, Anastasia Moon, and Molly Roberts are the creators I look to the most for information and learning. I've watched many of these creators for a while now. I would say Ariel Gatoga was my biggest reason I got really into witchcraft and I would see him as my mentor. I learned the most of what I know from him and his podclasses.

Further thoughts?

I can't really think of much else to add. I do implore you to step back from social media from time to time to find yourself and discover what you truly love and discover where your strengths are. If you're in a burn out, or don't have much energy recently, that is okay. Allow yourself to rest and recover. Step back from witchcraft for a little and discover something new outside of your practice. Stepping back from witchcraft doesn't make you any less of a witch. We all need to take a step back to look at the bigger picture. You might find out something about yourself you may have never known.

[repguardians]

Unlocking Marketing Success: The Importance of Online Reputation Management

In today's digital era, where consumers have instant access to information and can voice their opinions widely, online reputation management (ORM) has become a critical aspect of any marketing strategy. ORM involves monitoring, influencing, and controlling your business's reputation on the internet. It’s about making sure that people see your brand in the best possible light, which can directly impact your marketing success. Here’s why ORM is essential and how it can unlock marketing success for your business.

The Digital Landscape and Consumer Behavior

With the advent of the internet, the power dynamics between businesses and consumers have shifted. Consumers now have the ability to research products, compare services, and read reviews before making purchasing decisions. According to a study by BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with 72% saying that positive reviews make them trust a business more. This shift in consumer behavior underscores the importance of managing your online reputation.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful business relationship. A positive online reputation helps build this trust. When potential customers see positive reviews, testimonials, and high ratings, they are more likely to trust your brand. On the other hand, negative reviews and unresolved complaints can erode trust and drive potential customers away.

By actively managing your online reputation, you can ensure that positive feedback is highlighted and negative feedback is addressed promptly and professionally. This not only builds credibility but also shows that you care about your customers' experiences and are committed to continuous improvement.

Enhancing Brand Image

Your brand image is how your business is perceived by the public. A strong, positive brand image can set you apart from competitors and attract more customers. ORM plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining this image. By consistently promoting positive content about your business and engaging with your audience, you can create a favorable perception that aligns with your brand values and mission.

Effective ORM involves monitoring what is being said about your brand online and responding appropriately. This includes managing social media profiles, engaging with customer reviews, and publishing high-quality content that reflects your brand's strengths and values.

Crisis Management

No business is immune to crises, whether it's a product recall, negative press, or a social media mishap. How you handle these crises can significantly impact your reputation. Effective ORM prepares you to respond quickly and effectively to any negative situation, minimizing potential damage to your brand.

Having a crisis management plan in place as part of your ORM strategy can help you navigate through challenging times. This plan should include clear protocols for addressing negative feedback, communicating with stakeholders, and rectifying the situation. Transparency and swift action are key to maintaining trust during a crisis.

Increasing Customer Engagement

Engaging with your customers online is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering loyalty. ORM encourages proactive engagement, where you actively participate in conversations about your brand, respond to reviews, and address customer concerns. This engagement not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides valuable insights into your customers' needs and preferences.

By showing that you listen and respond to your customers, you can build a community of loyal supporters who are more likely to advocate for your brand. Positive interactions can lead to word-of-mouth marketing, which is one of the most effective forms of promotion.

Improving SEO and Visibility

A positive online reputation can also boost your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Search engines like Google take into account the quality and quantity of online reviews, ratings, and other user-generated content when ranking websites. By maintaining a positive online reputation, you can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

Moreover, positive reviews and high ratings can increase your visibility on review platforms and social media, driving more traffic to your website. This increased visibility can translate into higher conversion rates and, ultimately, greater revenue.

In conclusion, online reputation management is not just an optional component of your marketing strategy—it is essential. By actively managing your online reputation, you can build trust and credibility, enhance your brand image, effectively handle crises, increase customer engagement, and improve your SEO and visibility. All these factors contribute to unlocking marketing success and ensuring long-term growth for your business.

Investing time and resources into ORM can yield significant returns, helping you attract and retain customers, build a strong brand, and stay ahead of the competition. In the digital age, where your reputation can make or break your business, effective ORM is the key to unlocking marketing success.

[michaelespositostatenisland]

Michael Esposito Staten Island: Innovative AI Solutions for Influencer Marketing in the Digital Age

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful strategy for brands to connect with their target audience and drive engagement. With the rise of social media platforms, influencers have become key players in shaping consumer preferences and purchasing decisions. Michael Esposito Staten Island — Influence in the Digital Age exemplifies this trend, highlighting how digital influencers can significantly impact marketing strategies and outcomes. However, as the digital space becomes increasingly saturated with content, brands are turning to innovative AI solutions to enhance their influencer marketing efforts and stay ahead of the curve.

AI-Powered Influencer Discovery

One of the biggest challenges brands face in influencer marketing is finding the right influencers to collaborate with. Traditional methods of influencer discovery often involve manual research and outreach, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. However, AI-powered influencer discovery platforms leverage advanced algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data and identify influencers who are the best fit for a brand's target audience and campaign objectives. Michael Esposito Staten Island: An Influencer Marketer Extraordinaire, exemplifies how effective influencer collaboration can transform marketing strategies. By harnessing the power of AI, brands can streamline the influencer discovery process and identify high-potential collaborators with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Predictive Analytics for Campaign Optimization

Once influencers have been identified and partnerships established, brands can leverage AI-powered predictive analytics to optimize their influencer marketing campaigns. Predictive analytics algorithms analyze historical campaign data, audience demographics, and engagement metrics to forecast the performance of future campaigns. By leveraging these insights, brands can make data-driven decisions about content strategy, audience targeting, and campaign optimization, maximizing the impact of their influencer collaborations and driving measurable results.

AI-Driven Content Creation

Content creation is a critical component of influencer marketing campaigns, and AI is revolutionizing the way brands create and optimize content for maximum impact. AI-powered content creation tools can generate personalized, high-quality content at scale, helping brands maintain a consistent brand voice and aesthetic across their influencer collaborations. From automated image and video editing to natural language processing for caption generation, AI-driven content creation tools empower brands to create compelling, on-brand content that resonates with their target audience and drives engagement.

Sentiment Analysis for Brand Monitoring

Influencer marketing campaigns can have a significant impact on brand perception, and it's essential for brands to monitor and manage their online reputation effectively. AI-powered sentiment analysis tools analyze social media conversations and user-generated content to gauge public sentiment towards a brand or campaign. By tracking mentions, sentiment trends, and key themes, brands can quickly identify and address any potential issues or negative feedback, allowing them to proactively manage their brand reputation and maintain a positive online presence.

Automated Performance Reporting

Measuring the success of influencer marketing campaigns is crucial for determining ROI and informing future strategies. However, manual performance reporting can be time-consuming and prone to human error. AI-powered analytics platforms automate the process of performance reporting by aggregating data from multiple sources, analyzing key metrics, and generating comprehensive reports in real-time. By providing brands with actionable insights into campaign performance, audience engagement, and ROI, AI-driven analytics platforms enable brands to optimize their influencer marketing efforts and drive continuous improvement.

In conclusion, as influencer marketing continues to evolve in the digital age, brands must leverage innovative AI solutions to stay competitive and maximize the impact of their campaigns. From AI-powered influencer discovery and predictive analytics to automated content creation and sentiment analysis, AI is revolutionizing every aspect of influencer marketing, enabling brands to connect with their target audience more effectively and drive measurable results. By embracing these innovative AI solutions, brands can unlock the full potential of influencer marketing and achieve success in the digital era.

[happigreens]

Fair Trade

By going beyond accreditation practices, consumers and companies can reach those at the bottom of the global social production ladder. Nonetheless, these efforts require purchasers to take personal responsibility for their impact, rather than relying solely on certifications. Simply by being more thoughtful and ethical in our sourcing practices, we have a huge opportunity to create brighter futures for all people and their families throughout the supply chain.

https://borgenproject.org/fair-trade-product-markets/

Despite many well-intentioned consumer attitudes, fair trade product markets frequently feature marketing strategies that conjure up imperialistic images [...]

[...] In products marked as fair trade, the certification might only apply to the product’s raw materials, rather than the full process of production. [...] A 2014 study theorizes that these practices are somewhat effective, “although on a comparatively modest scale relative to the size of national economies"

Social Media conversations about Fair Trade Practices:

[From user seriousxdelirium] - Like almost all other labels for coffee, it's absolutely useless. It only applies to growers large enough to afford the fees, and is not regulated well enough to make meaningful impact on the industry. If you really care about this sort of thing, do some research and develop an understanding of what you think a fair price is for farmers, and ask roasters what they paid for that coffee. Most good roasters are willing to be transparent about that sort of thing, and even publish transparency reports where you get a breakdown of the entire transaction.

From user Ramakrishna Surathu:

[...] Here are some reasons why fair trade may not always be as fair as it seems [...]

1. Market Access and Power Imbalances: Fair trade initiatives often focus on small-scale producers in developing countries, who may face challenges in accessing global markets and negotiating fair prices. Power imbalances within supply chains, influenced by factors such as geography, politics, and market dynamics, can limit the ability of producers to fully benefit from fair trade practices.

2. Certification Costs and Barriers: Obtaining fair trade certification can be costly and time-consuming for producers, particularly small-scale farmers and artisans with limited resources. Certification fees, auditing expenses, and compliance with standards may pose financial barriers and administrative burdens, leading some producers to forego certification altogether.

3. Limited Impact on Poverty Alleviation: While fair trade aims to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, its impact may be limited by systemic barriers and structural inequalities. Addressing poverty requires broader social, economic, and political interventions beyond the scope of fair trade alone, such as access to education, healthcare, land rights, and infrastructure.

4. Market Volatility and Price Instability: Fair trade prices are often based on predetermined minimums, which may not fully reflect fluctuations in global market prices. Producers may be exposed to market volatility and fluctuations in demand, which can impact their income and livelihoods, particularly in commodity markets subject to price instability.

5. Complexity of Supply Chains: Fair trade supply chains can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially in regions with limited infrastructure and logistical challenges. Ensuring compliance with fair trade standards, maintaining transparency, and traceability throughout the supply chain can require significant investment in monitoring and management systems.

[...] Some manufacturers also use tricks. For example, some products do not explain exactly which part of a product was produced fairly. Another trick is to increase the percentage of "fair" ingredients by subtracting out the water content. The credibility is of course "fair watered".

[...] The statement here should not be that fair trade is useless, but one should always question things or understand them better and not just be blindly guided by seals in the purchase decision. Since this works so well, manufacturers like to use such seals or make one up themselves.

[...] rather than cutting out the middle man, and offering farmers a more direct compensation for their work, Fair Trade still facilitates a level of bureaucracy that supports an uneven distribution of revenue.

[...] The price point that separates Fair Trade produce from the rest of the market is often significant enough that lower-income households cannot afford to budget for it. This means that Fair Trade cannot reach mass markets in a way that would really effect wide-scale change, and instead serves as a token gesture to alleviate the guilt of middle-class consumers.

[...] [premium pricing coffee] is a worthy move if the coffee is of a high quality, but if it is not of sufficient quality to merit this price tag, then it risks turning consumers away from Fair Trade produce, and further impeding its reach to mass markets [...]

Fair Trade is a concept worth embracing, but first it must prioritize effective and transparent processes of production and distribution. What Fair Trade aims to achieve is admirable, but what it could potentially achieve is far greater [...]

[marketxcel]

Unveiling the Impact of social media on Modern Market Research

Explore the profound impact of social media on contemporary market research, unraveling the dynamic ways it shapes consumer behavior insights, trends, and the strategies businesses employ to stay ahead in the digital age.

[gonzalez756]

Starting an e-commerce business can be an exciting venture with immense potential. However, with the opportunities come challenges and uncertainties. Before diving into the world of online retail, it’s crucial to plan carefully and set a solid foundation. Here are some essential tips to consider before launching your e-commerce business:

1. Conduct Market Research

Understanding the market is fundamental to any successful business. Start by identifying your target audience and analyzing competitors. Research trends, customer preferences, and potential gaps in the market. Tools like Google Trends, social media analytics, and industry reports can provide valuable insights. This research will help you tailor your products or services to meet market demands and differentiate yourself from competitors.

2. Define Your Business Model

E-commerce offers various business models, such as B2C (Business to Consumer), B2B (Business to Business), C2C (Consumer to Consumer), and subscription-based models. Determine which model aligns with your goals and resources. Each model has its own set of challenges and requirements, so choose one that best fits your product or service and target market.

3. Create a Solid Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan serves as a roadmap for your e-commerce venture. Outline your business goals, strategies, target audience, marketing plan, financial projections, and operational plan. This document will not only guide your efforts but also help secure funding if needed. A clear plan can keep you focused and organized as you navigate the complexities of launching and running an e-commerce business.

4. Choose the Right E-Commerce Platform

Selecting the right e-commerce platform is crucial for the success of your online store. Popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce each offer unique features and capabilities. Consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, customization options, payment gateways, and integration with other tools. The platform should align with your business needs and provide a user-friendly experience for both you and your customers.

5. Develop a User-Friendly Website

Your website is the face of your e-commerce business. Ensure it’s designed to be user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for mobile devices. A clean, intuitive layout with easy navigation will enhance the shopping experience and reduce cart abandonment rates. Focus on high-quality images, detailed product descriptions, and a seamless checkout process. Additionally, implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your site’s visibility in search engines.

6. Implement Secure Payment Processing

Security is a top priority in e-commerce. Customers need to trust that their payment information is safe. Choose a reputable payment gateway and ensure your website uses SSL certificates to encrypt data. Additionally, offer multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods that are popular with your target audience.

7. Plan Your Logistics and Supply Chain

Efficient logistics and supply chain management are vital for e-commerce success. Develop a strategy for inventory management, warehousing, and shipping. Decide whether you’ll handle fulfillment in-house or partner with third-party logistics providers. Consider shipping options, delivery times, and costs. A smooth and reliable fulfillment process can significantly impact customer satisfaction and repeat business.

8. Craft a Marketing Strategy

Effective marketing is essential to drive traffic and sales to your e-commerce store. Develop a multi-channel marketing strategy that includes social media, email marketing, content marketing, and paid advertising. Create engaging content, run promotions, and leverage social media platforms to build brand awareness and attract customers. Monitor and analyze the performance of your marketing efforts to refine your strategies over time.

9. Focus on Customer Service

Exceptional customer service can set your e-commerce business apart from competitors. Provide multiple channels for customer support, such as live chat, email, and phone. Ensure timely responses to inquiries and resolve issues promptly. Building strong customer relationships and encouraging feedback can enhance customer loyalty and drive positive reviews.

10. Monitor and Adapt

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving. Regularly review your business performance, track key metrics, and gather customer feedback. Stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements. Be prepared to adapt your strategies and operations based on insights and changes in the market.

[srbachchan]

DAY 5973

Jalsa, Mumbai June 25/26, 2024 Tue/Wed 2:07 AM

Birthday - EF - Anamika Gupta .. 🙏🌹

Ef Özen Eren Wednesday, 26 June .. and all ur prayers and wishes for this special day for the Ef ..

the Agenda .. an act of predetermined thought and conveyance .. what shall bring attention recognition be the intent .. any express that can remotely be given the spin, and mastered is the guile and expertise of such ..

it is lamentable , ignominious to witness the impotency of content .. to somehow in any which manner , to be able to draw attention in storied form, just so it can be put up and seen or read , in favourable condition to them that devise it ..

devise .. for the right is not needed to be devised ..

pity ..

never ever underestimate the generation that follows , or is about to follow .. they are aware and alive to every situation and knowledged to hold their own in debate or discussion ..

we are enriched by the circumstance that often fall upon us .. and then we find a way .. even when there be none ..

"In today's digital age, the ubiquitous nature of content has paradoxically led to a dilution of its potency. With the democratization of content creation, anyone with an internet connection can produce and distribute information, leading to an oversaturation of the digital landscape. This phenomenon has profound implications, rendering content less impactful and more ephemeral.

First, the sheer volume of content available online has created a paradox of choice. Every minute, hundreds of hours of video are uploaded to platforms like YouTube, thousands of blog posts are published, and millions of social media updates are posted. This relentless flow of information makes it difficult for any single piece of content to stand out. The audience, overwhelmed by options, often resorts to skimming or entirely ignoring vast amounts of content, diminishing its overall impact.

Moreover, the quality of content has become highly variable. While the ease of content creation has empowered many voices, it has also led to an influx of low-quality, poorly researched, and sometimes misleading or false information. This glut of mediocre content competes with high-quality, well-researched pieces, making it challenging for audiences to discern value and trustworthiness. As a result, even content of genuine worth can struggle to achieve the recognition and engagement it deserves.

Another critical factor contributing to the impotency of content is the algorithm-driven nature of content distribution. Social media platforms and search engines prioritize content based on engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments rather than the inherent quality or informational value. This prioritization often leads to the virality of sensational, clickbait content at the expense of substantive, insightful work. Consequently, the attention economy favors superficial engagement over deep, meaningful interactions with content.

Additionally, the fast-paced consumption habits of modern audiences further erode the potency of content. The average attention span has dwindled in the face of constant digital distractions. People increasingly consume content in bite-sized formats, such as tweets or short videos, which limits their exposure to in-depth analysis or comprehensive narratives. This shift towards brevity undermines the ability of content to foster nuanced understanding or sustained engagement.

The commercialization of content also plays a significant role in its diminishing impact. Content marketing has become a dominant strategy for businesses, leading to a proliferation of branded content. While this can provide value, it also contributes to the noise and can sometimes prioritize promotional messages over genuine, informative content. The blending of editorial and advertising content can lead to skepticism and diminished trust among audiences, further reducing the impact of the content they encounter.

Lastly, the fleeting nature of digital content means that it often has a very short lifespan. Unlike traditional media, which could have a lasting presence, digital content is quickly buried under the avalanche of new information. This ephemeral existence means that even impactful content can be forgotten rapidly as attention shifts to the next trending topic.

In conclusion, the impotency of content in today's times is a multifaceted issue stemming from the overwhelming volume of information, variable quality, algorithm-driven distribution, changing consumption habits, commercialization, and the ephemeral nature of digital content. To reclaim the potency of content, creators and platforms must prioritize quality, foster trust, and find ways to engage audiences meaningfully and sustainably amidst the cacophony of the digital age."

Love and more ..

Amitabh Bachchan

[prettyqueerwitch]

#OcculTea - A Tag

A tag created by @/ella.harrison @/the.redheadedwitch @/polish.folk.witch

(alt text: #OcculTea. Social Media Witchcraft: Grifters, Aesthetics, Imposter Syndrome, Consumerism, And Gatekeeping. A community conversation about the things that divide us. @/ella.harrison @/the.redheadedwitch @/polish.folk.witch)

Hello beautiful people! Today I am doing a tag called #OcculTea. I plan on creating a video on my YouTube so if you'd rather watch me discuss this in a podcast form. I hope you enjoy this "mini-essay". YouTube Linked Here

Introduction : Introduce yourself. How long have you been participating in the witchcraft online space? What practices and topics do you discuss primarily?

My name is Ares, my social media is PrettyQueerWitch, I've been practicing for about 7 years now, however my practice changed recently to folk magic (I am most interested in German folk magic and Braucherei but I'm also researching English and Scandinavian folk magic). I've been a part of the witchcraft online community for about 4 years as a consumer but in September 2023 I started my tumblr and started to do book reviews and occasional grimoire pages. Topic 1 : Impact on Community

~What is my personal reasoning/inspiration behind sharing my practice online? What am I looking to achieve by participating? Do I seek to educate, learn, or connect?

I want to do book reviews that I can make as honest as possible. Along with wanting to build a community that supports, respects one another, and understands the differences in people's practices/opinions. I seek to learn and connect with my audience rather than just educate my audience. I don't share the personal parts of my practice online but I am willing to share my thoughts as well as small parts of my practice and knowledge I have accumulated over the years.

~How do I believe that social media, as a whole, has impacted the community?

I believe that social media has both positively and negatively impacted the witchcraft and occult community. I believe that while it has brought people into the community and connected people there are also rifts in the community between groups. I believe social media also censors the community and some practices.

~How do I think social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have each impacted education/sharing information?

I am not really on Instagram for witchcraft/occult content but I am on TikTok and YouTube, as well as Tumblr. For TikTok we see the issue of dopamine seeking in the form of short-form content, here's a video on short-form video content, attention spans, and dopamine seeking. There is quite a bit of misinformation on TikTok, as there is on any social media platform, and I believe it is the most rampant there. I don't believe you can thoroughly educate people on TikTok and with so much content going around sometimes you never know what to believe. On YouTube, I see less misinformation but that may be because I'm very selective about who I watch but I am sure there is still misinformation on there. I believe that TikTok and Instagram are great for posting pictures and short videos but not educational videos.

~Is consuming witchcraft content becoming a substitute for practice?

I believe there is a group of people who consume witchcraft content, read books, and put their all into researching but never apply it whether that's out of fear or imposter syndrome. There is another group, that I don't see as often, who consume witchcraft content and say they practice but their practice is just consuming the witchcraft content. I believe some people consider it a substitute but in my opinion, practicing witchcraft is something done with intent and energy. A video I love is this video by Ivy The Occultist which gives advice on how to go from just consuming content and understanding things theoretically to practicing witchcraft and magick.

Topic 2 : Influencer Authority

~Out of what I share on social media, how much of it is staged vs. reality?

For me, I don't share my practice online. If I do it will be very small bits. Maybe I'll share my regular altar space, but I wouldn't share my ancestor altar. Maybe I'll show the informational parts of my grimoire but I wouldn't share my birth chart or personal workings I do. When I do book reviews I try to be as honest as possible. I want to start posting videos on YouTube and those will be videos like "Research with me" or "Fill out my grimoire with me". I want to be as authentic as possible while not diving into the really personal parts of my practices.

~Do I think there is an element of censorship in online spaces? How do I decipher what is "appropriate" to share online vs. what to keep privately? Is this based on "social media etiquette" or a personal preference.

Once again I don't share much of my practice online but I have seen creators who have to censor what they post because they're working with animal parts, animal bones, nude figures, blood, etc. I have seen these creators express that they may want to show these parts of their practices but are unable to due to censorship and community guidelines. Some people do in fact keep it private due to personal preference, however.

~Have I ever encountered or heard of grifters in our community? Do I recognize them? What are significant signs of grifters in the community? I have definitely seen and heard of grifters in the community. (Grifter - someone who swindles people out of money through fraud). I have seen people who consistently switch what they sell or what content they make depending on what revenue it brings in, I've seen books that aren't totally well made but are popular because they were made popular through social media. I have seen people sell $60 candles and $100+ herb bundles (I don't totally understand buying small amounts of 50 different herbs, I don't think you can totally connect to the herb that way and I also think it's a waste of money). I think significant signs of grifters are those who don't seem to be well-educated on what they're selling, and those who constantly switch what they're selling depending on what is popular.

~What tools are helpful to decipher misinformation, and how can we as a community prevent widespread misinformation?

I believe that you typically have all the resources at your fingers to decipher misinformation. If you are new to a topic and you learn something new, it is best to research it and cross-reference it. Never rely on just one singular resource. I would say that some ways to prevent widespread misinformation are being honest, not being afraid to constructively criticize, and trying not to glamourize it.

~How does a large following impact the perception of the creator? Does this immediately make them an "expert"? Or are there other assumptions as to why they may have a large following?

A large following often leads people to believe that the creator know what they're talking about. It's believed that because they have a big following and make educational witchcraft content, the creator's always right and I don't believe a big following makes someone an expert. I think research, time, energy, practice, etc. makes someone knowledgeable about a topic. Something I see often is people asking creators to basically create their practice for them but no creator is an expert on how someone's practice should be. Ella Harrison mentions that if you have a good camera, good lighting, a nice background, and upload consistently you are more than likely going to gain a following.

~How does one maintain the balance of authenticity and content creation?

I believe that for all content creators, it is difficult to maintain authenticity and content creation in a balance. I'm personally not sure how one would be able to maintain that balance. I think in the witchcraft and occult community, not glamourizing your practice helps with maintaining authenticity while still creating content. I will talk more about the glamourizing towards the end.

Topic 3 : Imposter Syndrome and FOMO

~When I follow other creators in the community space, does it make me feel genuinely inspired and empowered or does it create feelings of FOMO and being less than?

I am very particular about who I follow but the ones that I do follow, interact with, and put my money into, I find myself feeling inspired in my practice by them. I don't often feel FOMO (fear of missing out) from the creators that I follow and interact with regularly.

~If I experience FOMO, has it ever left me feeling vulnerable to be taken advantage of financially, or otherwise? An example would be - the "need" to purchase the latest popular product or book to "fit in"?

I don't experience FOMO a lot but when I do it definitely has made me feel like I absolutely "need" something. However, as of late, I have been feeling more connected to just using what I have.

~When practicing my craft, do I find myself comparing what I do to what I've been seeing people do online?

When indulging in content relating to similar practices that I'm looking into and implementing into my practice, it's very easy to compare. In the next question, I'll talk about how I personally avoid this comparison and imposter syndrome.

~In what ways do I combat imposter syndrome?

I personally have begun to try to stop caring and to acknowledge that my practice, my circumstances, etc. are going to be different than others. However, I also deal with imposter syndrome in the thought that "I don't know enough". Sometimes I feel like because I don't have everything written down or I don't know every little thing I don't know enough to be on social media talking about witchcraft and the occult. Recently I've been trying to get out of that mindset and just let myself learn and write down my knowledge and acknowledge I haven't been doing this as long as others so of course I don't know as much.

~What would my practice look like without the social media influence of other creators?

As someone who has spent most of my time in the online witchcraft community being a consumer, I don't know if my practice would've evolved and progressed the way it did without the influence of other creators. I think I would definitely still be struggling to find my path and practice without the influence of social media.

Topic 4 : Capitalizing Off Community

~Do I consider online communities as equally valid to in-person communities?

I absolutely do. Not everyone has access to an in-person community and I believe that both are valid. It's great if you have one and not the other or if you have both! I find that both sides of it have their benefits and as someone who is a part of multiple communities, I find that online communities can be beautiful and uplifting.

~How have online occult/witchcraft communities impacted me as a person and practitioner?

I believe that online occult/witchcraft communities have given me so many resources for being a better practitioner and have inspired me and my practice. I have met so many wonderful people that I am incredibly grateful for.

~What are some of the dangers of the current phenomenon of capitalizing off the witchcraft community? Have I been personally affected by this, or have I witnessed someone else be affected?

I personally believe the biggest danger is scammers, people who aren't qualified to be doing divination readings, reading birth charts, etc. Scammers are a big thing in any community and what we see a lot of in the witchcraft/occult community is people pretending to be popular content creators and offering tarot readings for money. I also think influencers making their audience think they may need to buy certain things is also a problem in any community.

~Should there be paywalled communities and online courses?

I think if a creator puts time, effort, energy, and knowledge into creating a community and online courses they should get paid for that. That's why Patreon is such a big platform. Creators put time and effort into these communities and courses.

~How does one ensure the authenticity of courses/workshops/memberships/etc. as a financial investment?

Once again research and cross-referencing are big and important things. Look into who you want to financially invest before you do so and make sure that it's worth what you're getting out of it.

Conclusions :

~What are some topics of conversation I'd like to see more of in our community?

I believe more conversations in general about witchcraft and social media, the glamourization of witchcraft, critical thinking, constructive criticism, and more conversations like this tag would be great.

~What are my community needs?

I feel in terms of community needs, a community where everyone is heard, respected, and seen is the kind of community that we need. I also liked The Norse Witches' answer that giving more of a platform to those outside the US, Canada, and Britain is important especially as folk magic becomes more and more prevalent in the community.

~Where would I like to be held and supported? ~Where do I feel like I'm not truly being seen by my community?

I personally don't really have any complaints as I am happy with my community right now!

~How can we help each other in removing the external peer pressure and grow in the community?

Not glamourizing witchcraft/the occult would probably be a good start. Not making it seem like it's so special and so aesthetic and more beautiful. Witchcraft is not all glitz and glam and it doesn't need to be, not everyone needs to have a super aesthetic and 'special' practice because in the end everyone's practice is valid, special to themselves, and beautiful and there shouldn't be this idea that you need certain things or need to do things certain ways to be valid.

~How can we, as a community, come together more with constructive criticism without it seeming shady/passive aggressive? ~How can we, as a community, do better when we do receive criticism/feedback?

As a community, I think listening to each other critically thinking over our responses and looking at their response as a whole is best to not make everything seem like it's shady, passive-aggressive, or an attack on someone. I feel like people often get talked over or talk over each other and go in circles because they don't listen to one another critically or genuinely.

~Who are some community members that I look up to that are reliable resources and aspirations?

Ella Harrison, Ivy The Occultist, The Norse Witch, De Spökenkyker, Chaotic Witch Aunt, The Witch of Wonderlust, Hex Marie, and Hearth Witch. That's just to name a few

~Further thoughts? I think I covered most of what I wanted to talk about!

Thank you so much, feel free to join this tag at any time on whatever platform, once again I will eventually also have a video version of this!

[amberlihc]

Intro

Hello everyone, this is Hanchi Li and you can go by Amber. I’m now a master student at the Newhouse School, taking the MMI 634 course by professor Sean Branagan. As an interdisciplinary student, I hope to be exposed to more forward-looking and socially reflective discussions in this class, as well as master the ability to predict the social changes in the industry and globalization.

Having a pair of open-minded parents who resisted traditional exam-oriented education for their daughter, I have experienced a very different route. In addition to the scenic spots in my homeland, China, they also took me on trips to different countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and so on. My rich travel memories since childhood have made me refuse to establish an unshakable development path for life too early. I am very interested in traditional culture, but I also aspire to a future world influenced by technology.

Since 2020, I have witnessed how social change can be adjusted efficiently through cross-communication both offline and online under the impact of the pandemic. As a student from a developing country studying in a developed country, the impact of culture collisions and the rise and fall of domestic brands made me aware of how communal needs, economic crises, and human emotions have come together to shape a diverse digital social landscape. I was lucky enough to encounter a commercial film from China UnionPay on Bilibili, which combined China’s ancient culture and current social challenges, attracting and inspiring me to create more similar meaningful stories. Therefore, I’ve independently made a digital map about the residential stratification in the United States and an e-Zine about the development of musical forms from southern countries, and I hoped to promote different cultures to all those who may come into contact with my work while completing academic research. Such special media forms made me realize that creative ideas could be conveyed to non-professional audiences through visualized and vivid data, which undoubtedly opened a brand-new world for me. 

These skills also gave me a solid foundation for my internship at BlueFocus and made me stand out in the brand campaign related to consumer insights and other practices of communication works. As I constantly attempt to use my knowledge from undergraduate studies to solve workplace difficulties, I am even more eager to enhance my abilities through more systematic and diverse communication studies. In addition, through other projects I realized that communication study is able to affect people from different social aspects. It can not only spread information widely and quickly, allowing specific enthusiasts to find and expand their social scope, but also allowing me to personally interact with many talented people in different fields, thereby improving my aesthetics, cultivating a logical and forward-looking awareness, and practicing all third-party tools for team work, continuously accumulating and exercising my creativity. For example, I have understood what the metaverse is through online interactive mini program and got to know Chinese young designers like LOXEL who created many valuable Non-Fungible Tokens; By participating in the Lay’s brand PR activities, I have the opportunity to indirectly collaborate with the famous photographer Xiao Quan whom I admired; Through “Pepsi Sugar-Free National Tour EPR Communication” project, I have written press releases and flash event scripts for my favorite celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Compared with others, my unique sense of identity and inclusive interdisciplinary research make me more inclined to respect and appreciate differences, while using an open mind to accept and understand different voices to explore the communication fields that combine innovation and pragmatism, such as cultural and NGO communications. This ability is also valued by an inclusive advertising industry that embraces diversity and open-minds. Therefore, I take this path as my ideal career choice.