#Web Browsing Strategies

[cubicalone]

X-Ray Search Like a Pro: 5 Tips to Navigate the Web with Precision

In the vast expanse of the internet, finding specific information quickly and efficiently can be a daunting task. Regular Google searches often inundate us with a flood of results, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact data we need. However, fear not! There’s a powerful tool at your disposal – Google X-ray Search. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of…

[redvexillum]

A/N: Yep. Another Mandatory Overtime AU because my brain is incapable of coming up with a one shot, and again, the need to write this as a long fic is strong. Also, Kit, you better not be spreading weird untrue factoids about me >:U (I'm still away, this is past Vexi talking)

SUMMARY: You never imagined Vox would choose you, so when he surprised you by saying he’d spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with you, it left you speechless. Determined to make this a day to remember, you set aside any lingering doubts and focused on what truly mattered—the chance to share special moments with him. This Christmas would be different, a fresh start filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

TAGS/WARNINGS: f!reader, mandatory overtime au, soft!vox, p in v, fluffy wuffy, jealous!vox, established relationship, sort of expanding on the lore of my series but do not need to read to enjoy this as a standalone piece

To Vox, power, fame, and wealth were mere trifles, luxuries that had long since lost their lustre. In Hell’s cutthroat world, he had scaled the heights, achieving a level of dominance where nothing material could elude him. Gifts were meaningless; a snap of his fingers could conjure any treasure, and the thrill of receiving had withered decades ago. 

But you were different. 

When he spotted you at the mall, his first instinct was to saunter over, his grin cocky and electric, ready to bask in your reaction. Yet, he stopped himself, his sharp eyes darting around the bustling public space. He couldn’t risk it. 

To the world, Vox was still bound to Val—an image of a perfect, high-powered couple, their union as much about strategy as it was status. To be seen with you would fracture that carefully curated façade. 

And so, he lingered in the shadows, torn between reason and an irrational surge of jealousy as he watched you browse a store. His gaze narrowed when he realized what you were inspecting: men’s watches. 

A crackling spark escaped the side of his head, his irritation manifesting in a literal flash. It was small, but he felt it—a glitch in his carefully composed exterior. You were shopping for him, weren’t you? Not him, Vox, but for someone else. Someone who could be there when he couldn’t, who didn’t have to navigate the web of lies and appearances that tethered him to Val. 

He clenched his fists, his sleek fingers curling against his palms. He hated how selfish he was, hated how much he demanded from you. You gave him so much—your time, your affection, your understanding—despite the precarious position he left you in. 

And he? 

He played his part with Val, smiling and posturing for cameras, aware that every stolen moment with you was another step closer to losing you. 

He tried to rationalize it, repeating the words like a mantra in his head. You deserve more. You deserve someone who can give you what I can't. If you’ve found that, I should be happy for you. 

But he wasn’t. 

His vision blurred for a moment as he pulled up the mall’s pathetic excuse for security systems. Hacking into the camera feed was laughably easy; the hardest part was tamping down the frantic pace of his thoughts as he accessed the live footage of the store. Sitting on a bench, feigning indifference, he tapped into the audio feed, the tinny sound filtering into his ears. 

“Oh, a special gift for someone perhaps?” the shopkeeper asked cheerfully, her hands deftly choosing a ribbon to wrap the watch in pristine packaging. 

Vox’s pulse thrummed in his ears, the faint hum of static buzzing around him as he leaned forward. Who was it for? A friend? A lover? The thought churned uneasily in his gut, his calm exterior threatening to shatter as he waited for your reply. 

Vox’s breath hitched, a rare falter in his perfectly curated demeanour. His crimson eyes widened as he recognized the watch on the counter—a limited edition masterpiece he’d admired for months. Though he typically donned his own brand, the Vwatch, this particular piece had captivated him: a sleek chrome finish encircling the face, golden hands tipped with tiny sapphire jewels, and a deep, almost-black leather strap that exuded sophistication. 

You had once remarked how well it would complement his suits, your words lingering in his mind like a whisper of validation. 

He had planned to buy it himself—eventually—but always pushed it aside, his focus consumed by grander schemes. Yet now, the sight of you purchasing it sent a nauseating churn through his stomach. 

Could it be for someone else? 

The thought clawed at him. Memories of Christmas spent where he would choose every other year to be with you and the next with Val. One particular moment surfaced unbidden, sharp as the static hum in his circuits. She had left him alone in her office on Christmas Eve. After that, he’d noticed the change between you two afterwards—your smiles a little softer, a little sadder, and your touch hesitant, as though holding back from a line you feared crossing. 

“Something like that,” your voice floated through the audio feed, soft and melodic, setting his circuits alight. “I hope he likes it.” 

Your cheeks flushed faintly as you smiled, radiant and genuine, and the sight pierced him in a way no weapon ever could. 

Vox’s fingers curled into tight fists, pressing against his thighs, tension rippling through his frame. The unspoken truth of his situation—his entanglement with Valentino—hung between you like a spectre neither of you dared confront. It was the cruel cost of power, a strategic alliance that kept him tethered to a man he no longer needed but couldn’t yet discard. 

Still, he clung to the hope that you would wait. That you would see through his machinations to the truth beneath: that he wanted you, only you. But hope was a fragile thing.

No woman could be expected to wait for scraps of affection, not when someone else—a simpler, hapless man—could offer you what he couldn’t: endless time, holidays spent together, and love unburdened by lies. 

“Do you want to write a message to go with your gift, sweetie?” the shopkeeper asked, her tone saccharine. 

You nodded eagerly, your bright smile lighting up the screen. Vox felt the breath he’d been holding escape in a shudder. Even now, even like this, you were utterly stunning. 

He should cut the feed. He knew it was invasive, a violation of trust that he could never justify. But his hand trembled as he zoomed the camera, needing—aching—to see what you wrote. 

His heart seized when your delicate, looping handwriting came into focus: 

For a moment, his world stopped. The static hum in his circuits faded to nothing, replaced by the warmth blooming in his chest. It was for him. You had thought of him, even after everything. 

And for the first time in longer than he could remember, Vox felt human. 

Vox’s heart stuttered, then raced, the static hum in his circuits drowned out by the pounding in his chest. His crimson eyes devoured the words on the card, reading them over and over as if they might change, as if he might wake from some impossible dream. 

Merry Christmas, Vox. Love, Your Sunshine. 

He barely registered the way your delicate fingers folded the card and nestled it into the white tissue paper sprouting elegantly from the gift bag. You hugged it close to your chest, cradling it like something precious, before stepping out of the store. 

From his bench, he watched, transfixed. Your face glowed with a joy that seemed to light up the dreary mall. Each step you took was a little lighter, as if the act of gifting brought you as much happiness as it would bring him. 

And that realization hit him like a jolt of electricity. 

Suddenly, every extravagant gift he’d ever planned to lavish upon you felt hollow, insufficient. The jewels, the designer clothes, the world-class experiences—none of it could compare to the simple, heartfelt gesture you’d made. You knew he didn’t need anything, least of all a watch he could have purchased without a second thought. Yet, you’d chosen to give him something anyway, something meaningful. 

It wasn’t the object itself that overwhelmed him; it was you. Your thoughtfulness, your care, the time and energy you’d poured into something just for him. 

His head bowed, hands clenched tightly against his knees as he tried to steady the storm of emotions within him. When had he last felt like this? Anticipation, excitement—a childlike giddiness that left him breathless. The last time he had looked forward to receiving a gift seemed like lifetimes ago, buried beneath decades of power plays and hollow exchanges. 

But this was different. 

He didn’t know how long he sat there, lost in his thoughts. He couldn’t tear his mind away from the memory of your smile, the way your fingers had traced the edges of the bag as if sealing your affection within it. 

Then, the soft beep of his penthouse’s security system jolted him upright. His eyes snapped open, and his chest tightened with anticipation. That sound could only mean one thing: you’d arrived.

Vox stood abruptly, smoothing the lines of his suit as he began to walk quickly until it became a light jog, unable to contain the electric energy buzzing beneath his skin. For once, it wasn’t nerves from a deal or tension from a scheme. It was something far more vulnerable, far more precious. 

You were here, and in your hands was the gift that had left him, an Overlord, feeling utterly, beautifully human. 

When you stepped into Vox’s penthouse, the warmth and sparkle of the space immediately enveloped you. Your gaze wandered over the extravagant decorations, and a soft giggle escaped your lips as you realized he’d transformed his usually sleek, modern lair into a festive wonderland—for you. 

Your eyes were drawn to the centrepiece of his effort: a towering white Christmas tree, its branches adorned with glittering ornaments crafted from rare Hellgems. Their multifaceted surfaces refracted the golden glow of the room, casting shimmering patterns onto the walls. Typical Vox—nothing but the most extravagant display would suffice. 

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes, a fond smile playing on your lips. The tinsel glinted like flakes of molten gold, and the lights wrapped around the living room bathed everything in a soft, romantic hue. It was breathtaking, almost dreamlike. 

As you wandered closer to the tree, your gaze fell to the pile of gifts nestled beneath it. Each box was immaculately wrapped, ribbons curling like tendrils of flame, and every single one bore your name. 

Your heart fluttered, but you also couldn’t suppress a quiet laugh. This man and his over-the-top antics… 

Shaking your head, you crouched down to slide your own modest gift under the tree. It wasn’t much compared to his lavish displays, and you couldn’t help the flicker of doubt that crept into your mind. Would he even like it? Would he wear it, or would it sit in some forgotten drawer while he promoted his Vwatch brand instead? 

Still, you had chosen this gift carefully. The watch was sleek, understated—a perfect contrast to his usual bold style. You’d even had it engraved on the back, a tiny, intimate detail just for him: the date you first met. In Hell, where time stretched endlessly and moments blurred into the infinite, you wanted to immortalize a memory that mattered. 

The soft click of the door pulled you from your thoughts. You turned, the warm golden light catching Vox’s figure as he entered the room. He looked striking as ever, his sharp silhouette somehow both commanding and inviting. 

“Vox!” you greeted warmly, but your words caught in your throat as his expression stopped you short. His crimson eyes were locked on you, burning with an intensity that made your pulse quicken. 

Before you could say another word, he crossed the room with purpose, his movements fluid yet charged with urgency. His hands cupped your face, and then his lips crashed against yours. 

A surprised gasp escaped you, muffled by his fervent kiss. His tongue teased at your lips, seeking entrance, before slipping inside, slow and deliberate, tasting, claiming. 

“Mmph—!” you started to protest, but his claws were already working with deft precision, undoing the buttons of your pants. His touch was frantic yet careful, as though he couldn’t bear the barrier between you a second longer. 

“Vox, wait—” you managed to whisper between kisses, but his shirt was already sliding off his shoulders, revealing the sharp planes of his chest. His hands moved to yours, tugging at your clothes with equal urgency, his lips returning to yours with a hunger that stole your breath. 

You couldn’t help the wry smile that curled your lips as you surrendered to the moment, equal parts amused and overwhelmed by his sudden intensity. Whatever had sparked this frenzy in him, it was clear—he wasn’t letting you go anytime soon. 

“Well, what a welcoming surprise,” you giggled breathlessly as Vox unhooked your bra with practised ease, letting it slip from your shoulders and fall forgotten to the floor. 

“Sunshine,” he murmured, his voice low and reverent. Before you could tease him further, he pulled you into an embrace, his warmth enveloping you entirely. There was a tenderness in his touch, a vulnerability rarely seen in the man who always seemed so untouchable. 

You froze for a moment, caught off guard by his sudden affection, but then you melted into him. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you rested your cheek against his chest, humming softly in comfort as his steady heartbeat thrummed against your skin. 

Without a word, he lowered you gently to the plush carpet, the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree casting a golden glow over both of you. You glanced up at the glittering ornaments above, their reflections sparkling like tiny stars. “How festive,” you quipped with a bright smile, though the moment felt far more intimate than playful. 

Vox’s lips curled into a soft smirk as he leaned down, his crimson eyes locking with yours. “I’m just starting our time a bit earlier,” he murmured, his claws tracing a slow, tantalizing path down your side. His touch left a trail of fire on your skin, every stroke deliberate, lingering. 

“You’ll have me for the rest of today and tomorrow,” he promised, his voice dipping into a husky tone that sent shivers coursing through you. He pressed a tender kiss to your forehead, his breath warm against your skin. “No one else, just you and me, babydoll.” 

Heat coiled low in your belly as you wrapped your legs around his hips, pulling him flush against you. The hard length of him pressed insistently against your core, a potent reminder of the passion simmering between you. “Yeah?” you whispered, your fingers trailing up and down his spine in delicate, featherlight touches. 

He closed his eyes, his expression softening as if savouring every brush of your fingers, every shift of your body against his. Slowly, he rolled his hips forward, the pressure igniting sparks of pleasure that made you gasp. 

“My lovely sunshine,” he murmured, his lips finding yours in a kiss that was achingly slow and reverent. It wasn’t just passion—it was something deeper, as if he were trying to etch this moment into the fabric of time, a memory neither of you could ever forget. 

You basked in his warmth, in the tenderness of his touches, the way he made you feel cherished. Whatever this was—love, devotion, something close to it—it made your chest tighten with emotion. 

He opened his eyes, crimson pools filled with desire and something unspoken. With deliberate care, he adjusted his hips, the head of his cock brushing against your entrance. Slowly—achingly slowly—he began to press forward, stretching you inch by inch, filling you completely. 

Your back arched, a sharp gasp escaping your lips as the sensation overwhelmed you. “B-been a while,” you murmured shakily, your hands gripping his shoulders as your hips instinctively pushed against his, urging him deeper. 

Vox groaned low in his throat, the sound sending vibrations through your body. His voice was thick with praise as he moved, his hips rocking in a maddeningly slow rhythm. “You feel so good,” he whispered against your ear, his lips brushing your skin. “So perfect… so mine.” 

When his hips finally pressed flush against yours, his cock buried deep within you, he began to grind in slow, deliberate motions, the friction against your clit ripping moan after moan from your lips. Bracing one arm beside your head, his other hand trailed to your chest, his claws teasing your nipples with gentle pinches and twists. Each motion sent jolts of pleasure straight to your core, making you squirm beneath him. 

“Ah, d-don’t tease me, V-Vox,” you whined, your hips bucking against him. The need in your voice was unmistakable, and you wrapped your legs tighter around him, pulling him closer. “Please… just fuck me already.” 

A smirk spread across his lips, but the look in his eyes was molten. “Patience, sunshine,” he purred, though the tension in his body betrayed how much he wanted to lose himself in you. Slowly, he began to move, each thrust deep and purposeful, as if determined to make this moment last forever. 

“Oh, babydoll,” Vox growled, his voice low and gravelly, sending shivers down your spine. “This is just the appetizer. You and I? We’re not getting a wink of sleep tonight.” His hips snapped forward with a force that left you gasping, a sharp exhale tearing from your lips as he filled you completely. 

“Yeah?” you moaned, arching into him, your hips grinding against his in a rhythm that sent waves of heat crashing through you. “You’re really gonna fuck me all night?” 

His grin widened, that dangerous, predatory look lighting up his glowing crimson eyes. “That’s right,” he purred, driving his cock deeper, stretching you until every nerve felt alight with pleasure. “You’re gonna be working overtime for me, doll.” His laughter, low and wicked, earned an eye roll from you even as your body quaked under his ministrations. 

“God, you’re so lame,” you managed to tease, though the giggle that bubbled up from your throat was quickly swallowed by a moan. Summoning all your strength, you pushed him onto his back, his cock still buried deep inside you, and straddled him. 

The moment you settled over him, his hands flew to your hips, gripping you with a possessive force that only made the fire in your belly burn hotter. Slowly, you began to roll your hips, savouring the way his cock stretched and filled you perfectly. 

Vox’s crimson gaze locked onto where your bodies met, watching intently as your slick heat swallowed him over and over. The sight clearly unravelled him, his grip tightening as he let out a deep groan. “Like what you see?” you panted, leaning forward just enough to let your chest graze his. 

He didn’t answer with words, just another deep groan, his hips bucking upward to meet yours. The small thrusts sent shockwaves of pleasure through your body, your rhythm faltering as you clung to him. “Fuck,” he moaned, his voice raw, the sound of your slick skin meeting echoing in the room. 

Your head fell back, a cascade of pleasure crashing through you as he angled his hips to hit that sensitive spot deep inside. You cried out, your moans echoing against the warm glow of the Christmas lights. Your breasts bounced with each motion, the sensation adding another layer to your pleasure. 

Vox’s claws skimmed up your thighs before finding their way to your clit, drawing agonizingly slow circles that sent you spiralling. “Fuck, babydoll,” he groaned, his voice thick with need. “When we’re done here, I’m going to eat you out so thoroughly you won’t even remember your name. Gonna make you come so hard you’ll pass out.” 

His filthy promises sent a delicious shiver down your spine, your head lolling forward to meet his lust-filled gaze. “Oh? Is that why—ah—” your words cut off as his thrusts grew faster, rougher, driving the air from your lungs, “I saw you buying all those holiday-themed sex toys?” 

His grin was wicked, full of mischief and desire. “’Tis the season, babydoll,” he quipped, his voice strained with pleasure as he pounded into you harder and harder, each thrust coaxing you closer to the edge. 

Your body trembled, the coil in your gut winding tighter and tighter. “Fuck, Vox,” you whimpered, your hands clutching his chest for stability as your hips stuttered. “I’m so close—so fucking close!” 

He snarled low in his throat, gripping your hips and driving into you with unrelenting force, his body colliding with yours in a sinful, intoxicating rhythm. Your moans mingled with his, the room filled with the sound of your shared ecstasy as you teetered on the brink of oblivion. 

Vox’s hand moved with precision, his fingers teasing and circling your clit in rhythm with the relentless thrust of his cock. His voice, rough and gravelly, rumbled in your ear, “Yeah? You gonna cum for me, doll? Gonna cum all over my cock?” Each word was a deliberate strike to your senses, his pace punishing, his strength overwhelming as he drove you higher. 

“Fuck—ah—yes, yes, yes!” you screamed, your voice breaking into a cacophony of desperate moans and gasps as the pleasure built into an unbearable crescendo. Every stroke, every flick, every pulse of his cock sent you closer to your peak. 

And then, with one final push, he shattered you. Your orgasm hit like a tidal wave, crashing through you with devastating force. Your body convulsed as you babbled incoherent praise, gasping out how good he felt, how perfect he was, how hard he was as you come for him. 

Your pleasure was his undoing. His hips bucked erratically as he followed you over the edge, spilling into you with a guttural moan. His cock throbbed, filling you to the brim with his release as his movements slowed, his breaths ragged and heavy. 

For a moment, the world stilled. The warmth of him inside you, the sticky evidence of your love-making spilling onto his thighs and the plush carpet below, tethered you both to the present. You rested against him, your breath mingling with his as you came down from the high together, basking in the intimacy of the moment. 

Then, a shrill ring pierced the quiet, coming from Vox’s screen-like face. Your contented haze faltered as the unmistakable image of Valentino lit up his display. 

Your expression soured immediately. 

Of course. Valentino. The moth pimp always had impeccable timing. 

You began to move, reluctantly preparing to dismount Vox’s lap, but his firm hands stopped you. He held you there, his cock still nestled inside you, softening but refusing to let go. 

When the third ring echoed, Vox’s display glitched for a moment, and then the image of Valentino disappeared.

 Vox had hung up.

Your eyes snapped to his face, wide with surprise, just as his features reappeared. His signature smirk was back, but this time, there was something softer, something resolute in the way he looked at you. “Where do you think you’re going?” he murmured, his voice a low, velvety purr. 

You froze as his hand reached up, his clawed finger curling a stray strand of your hair. His eyes were half-lidded, his grin dripping with affection and something deeper—something just for you. “Didn’t I say,” he drawled, his tone almost teasing, “today and tomorrow, sunshine. You have me, and I’ll have you.” 

Your breath hitched as his words sank in, warmth blooming in your chest. Slowly, a grin broke across your face, small but filled with understanding. “Damn right,” you murmured, your voice carrying a mix of affection and playful defiance. “I’m working overtime for my boss, after all.” 

He chuckled, the sound low and full of satisfaction, before pulling you against him, his arms encircling you tightly. Your head rested against his chest, his heartbeat steady and rhythmic beneath your ear, grounding you in his presence. 

“That’s right, sunshine,” he whispered, his voice soft and laced with an uncharacteristic tenderness. “You are always my first choice.” 

His arms tightened around you, as if he could etch the moment into eternity, as if he could brand his words onto your soul. And as the glow of the Christmas lights bathed you both in a warm, golden haze, you believed him. For tonight and tomorrow, and maybe, just maybe, forever. 

Please follow #DRP Smutmas 2024 to get all the latest updates of our stories!

Wanna hang out with me? Come talk to me at Voxtek Server!

[czteryd]

My guide to Internet warfare and taking back control

By which I mean minimizing screen time and wasting your life on making Zuckerber rich. Scrolling Instagram doesn't seem to be dangerous, but there is probably nothing less hurtful than wasting time of milliards of people on things they don't care about. Using willpower to work on this is a lie — you will need real weapons, technologies and strategy.

^this is the lost future you are fighting for. Technology can be good.

Remember, that wars are rarely won in a week, I am in trenches since last summer when i ditched my phone, when i say "It takes time" i mean 5–10 months. It is still hard, but the improvement is amazing.

This is a list of things I have been doing for more than a year that improved my life. Ranked with ease (EAS) + effectiveness (EFF) from 1 to 10.

It is still not perfect, but this is a warzone and you will adapt and not be allowed to surrender, soldier!

Remove the smartphone – 5 eas + 15 eff

Sorry. This is a military grade weapon that milliards of dollars are put into to make you waste your time as easily as you can. You can move forward with your phone, but nothing is as effective in taking control back during your commutes, breaks, walks and free time etc. and it is a very important part of learning to deal with stress without mindless scrolling and games. There is no real phone hacks to help you. We and the enemy know that timers don't work. If you can enable all enemy weapons with one switch it is not enough.

You will need a dumbphone or a custom rom to use this technique and stay in society.

It is not as hard as it sounds, actually you don't need it that much. Check out #dumbphone or r/dumbphones for inspiration and support. Me and many of my friends who done it as well don't look back.

Buuut i can't – 9 eas + 5 eff

Yes you can. But if you insist, still, buy a dumbphone or find one in the drawers and put your sim card there; carry them both. Now you can use the Internet only when you have wifi, but you can use offline maps, listen to downloaded music and watch downloaded movies, read pdfs etc. Check your email, bank, messages, memes at work or at home. You will regain control over walks, commutes and socialising. But if you still have any social apps, at home or during breaks, you are still cooked. It is still a very good first step to moving away from phone dependence.

Smartphone substitutes

Email, socials, work, school – all will now be done on a pc or a laptop. This is good. It allows you to distance yourself from stress, tiring family members, school, work and problems of others and engage with them only when you want to. It allows you to take a break. It is not your duty, to engage all the time and the ability to do so at your own pace is the biggest advantage you can get on the battlefield. If something important is going on — someone will call you, don't worry. Just inform others that WhatsApp is not a place to discuss emergencies.

Fun, music, reading – you will need to get a dumbphone that supports some music, pdf viewing, photos and maybe light web browsing, they do exist. Or just buy an mp3 player, some books and a notepad. An e-reader and a camera for the high tech soldiers. Y2K is back in fashion anyway, and you will be much cooler and people will start conversations. Having everything in one place was convenient, but, if it means having time–wasting hazards in your pocket, it is not worth it.

Libraries are here to support you on your journey.

Block the feed — 10 eas + 4 eff

Hopefully you got rid of your phone, the biggest danger now is your web browser.

Use LeechBlock to block or regulate access to the biggest dangers – youtube, instagram, fb, reddit. On the weak side it is no better than the timer in your phone, supportive, but not really effective and fills you with guilt. Guilt is bad.

On the strong side you will block all access, allow very rare and short usage, put as many defenses as you can, put blockades on your blockades. Your brain is very effective at overcoming barriers, but they need to be put in place.

It is the first step, but it is not enough to win the war. Real psychological effects will show only after months of usage and well adjusted settings that acknowledge how your brain works and as you adapt your barriers will need to adapt as well. On the flip-side it requires no real conscious work or wasting your willpower if your filters are good.

You will sometimes need to bend the rules, to fix something or watch a lecture or a tutorial or just for some well deserved Forgotten Vines Compilation. Remember to put them back in place later and spot the times where you never did — and do it then.

Warning: nerd shit! (3-6) eas + (7-10) eff

If your friends sent you a funny video — don't unlock the site to watch it. Use external software like MPV or VLC to watch this video using only the link, without getting rid of your defense line. This is easiest on a linux machine.

You also have the nuke – block websites on your router and gate settings. You will need the support of the rest of the war room members in your house to use it and it will cut access to actually useful things. But this is a war for your life and every sacrifice is worth it.

Block the biggest hazards — 6 eas + 9 eff

Sorry, but you will need to use some nerd tactics.

Shorts, reels, tik toks, explore, for you pages. They need to be blocked immediately and for good. No access, no overrides, no fiddling in options. LeechBlock browser addon will allow you to block specific pages with harder barriers. Do it and never change them.

They are the biggest danger and you know it. Your brain will not be mad if it won't get dopamine this way, it knows you would never find the perfect 1 minute video that would make you happy. The urge to scroll some shorts will go away real fast.

This will allow you to fight only the easier fights — against the normal infinite feeds.

UblockOrigin

Is a double edged sword. Removing ads makes your life on the internet easy and fun. It is only a good thing to a certain extent – our fight is to make some parts of the internet as hard and painful to use – but it will help you keep your sanity.

Use it to block the feed! Click on Ublock icon and use the little pipette to add a rule that blocks the infinite feed on webpages of your choice.

Select the area and click the blue button to create a rule on the main page. Now you will not be distracted with algorithmic content, but you are free to not block groups important for you or your work or still see notifications, messages and other functions.

Cons: sometimes your rules will break with time, you will need to make many of them. Removing ads from youtube is dangerous as the reward is easier to obtain, thus making the boobytrap more effective.

Don't use apps and don't use the browser. 10 eas + 6 eff

Minimize a chance of getting distracted while doing something else.

For messages, school and work remove the browser from the equation. Use desktop clients for messaging, microsoft office, Teams, email etc. They have exactly what you need and are often more convenient to use. No chance of opening Instagram in excel.

For social media and online entertainment use the browser, don't use the apps! You are going into the warzone, you will need the armor – Leechblock and other addons are here to help you. Time wasting apps are engineered to remove your personal defense – never use them.

No Screentime before coffee – 1 eas + 10 eff

This one is behavioral and requires actual brain work, but give yourself some time and it will give you great effects.

Do not check memes, messages, mail etc. before waking up. Easier said than done.

Going to school or work will be easier, waking up will be easier, you will start to eat and have more energy during the day.

It will require you to plan your day in advance, check the calendar and your plan for the day the night before. I never learned it as a child and it is very hard to work on it, but the effects on my psyche are immense.

If you got rid of your phone, you are halfway there. If you can remove your laptop from proximity of your bed — do it. If you have an ability to put your pc in a seperate room — it would be perfect, but not many are able to, including me.

Separate your working, from sleeping, from entertainment spaces, we worked on it during COVID soldier, don't forget your training.

Remove the noise — 1 eas + 4 eff

somewhat. You probably don't actually need podcasts and music to work, walk or sleep and regaining your ability to focus there is also important. Maybe substitute them with white/pink/brown noise at least sometimes, especially for brain heavy tasks this is very helpful to get work done in a reasonable amount of time. Blanket app is a good desktop noise generator that won't require the browser.

But I will not blame you if you won't, this is the least problematic part and humans have always met to do menial tasks while hearing others talk and many conditions are easier to live with some background noise.

Pick your allies

Internet is a meadow and a minefield. Place for art and support and knowledge filled with weapons designed to use you as an revenue generator. Watch content only from curated, quality places and people you follow. Never look at the algorithmic feed. Tumblr is a prime example of a site that can be your ally, but don't trust it – block the For You page.

don't lose your steam

Do not engage emotionally with things beyond your control. This was the twitter's weapon of choice. If you do not have the money or time to support a cause, you know about it and you know all your mutuals already support it – don't let the algorithm put it down your throat against your will.

Do not follow war hashtags, do not look at pages when you can see hate and violence against your will. Educate yourself, do as much as you can, follow people who inspire you and do real work, but allow yourself to move on if it is beyond your abilities or strength. Your local anarchist group will do more good in a month, than you reading political posts for years. If you honestly care – join them and focus on real work. If you can't contribute, just learn about it and move on. There will be more opportunities in the future and then we will need all your strength. This is the sad part of winning the war. Some sacrifices have to be made.

^you soon

Wish you luck soldiers. This is a fight worth fighting.

share your weapons of choice if you can and tell me about your experiences.

[irlnorthshaw]

I miss maya! how well does she get along with the other invincible guys

AAAA I MISS HER TOO!!! but its nice to see that you guys like her bc im always scared talking abt ocs… sweats. ANYWAYS great question. id say she is okay with everyone but the IU guys are difficult to get along with so… if anything its their fault!!!

another thing for context: maya is a player but not in the starting lineup or anything. i think the super league operates differently from FIFA and this IS part of my women’s category AU so, it’s not like she CAN’T play either. she’s just there under apprenticeship for the time being but does play friendlies and sometimes even subs!

this is gonna be a long one so!! BUCKLE UP

skarra ::

oh my lord she does not fw this guy AT ALL. think he’s a massive prick and every conversation will 100% end up in an argument.

BUUUUT they play well together, she sets him up clean, he takes the shot, no problem. she hates to be that person but she is SO sure he’s gay and keeps dropping subtle questions about it

“are you gay?” “HOW DID YOU GET MY PHONE NUMBER???”

dingaan ::

she can’t lie, he annoys her at times but she does feel really bad for him bc the other guys treat him like shit. they don’t talk often but she’d rather practice with him than the others

sometimes she offers to hang out with him and they do!! they’d browse trinket stores together and probably sit down for a nice and chill lunch

dooma ::

pain in her ass. when she first joined the team, he ignored her and she had to REALLY fight for her place as a player with the rest of the guys.

i’ve said this before but dooma is like her vaguely evil and suspicious uncle figure

she helps him out with tactics and stuff bc she does spend her time observing games from the outside, so yes they are on semi good terms

automatic ::

had a crush on him but now that she has spent a good chunk of time at the team… yeah no

idk they probably did it once and decided they’d rather die than do it again LOL

she’s definitely the closest w him, they share the same humor and both try to spend the least amount of overtime after training

24/7 bonding (and by bonding i mean shittalking) over their connection w supa strikas. him being an ex player and her having a brother that plays for them

the web ::

she is a bit scared of him bc the guy barely talks. but they’ve never had a sour interaction or anything

vince ::

he respects her, she respects him even though she thinks he’s like a bit too much at times

he often asks for her input on certain things abt strategies and schemes (but she flat out refuses if it’s against supa strikas… other teams tho? she’s down)

he does piss her off sometimes bc even tho she isn’t a main player, he still treats and scolds her like one

“I HIRED YOU TO PLAY NOT TO CHAT AROUND!!!” “YOU DIDN’T EVEN PUT ME ON WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!”

[femmefatalevibe]

any tips for getting into copywriting?

Learn the basics of copywriting & writing fundamentals/ marketing skills

Study the different types of copywriting (web/banners, email, social, ads, direct mail, sales letters, etc.)

Decide on your niche(s). Study everything you can about the industry, trends, latest news, customer demographics/psychographics, customer behavior, types of lifestyles/preferences they have, how they speak, where they spend the most time (IRL or digitally)

Craft an inspiration folder full of compelling copywriting examples you find when browsing on the web, going through your email, scrolling on social media, billboards, magazines, direct mail, etc.

Practice rewriting these examples with your own flair. Evaluate it, and keep practicing until you're proud of your copy.

Be as concise, clever, and convincing as possible. Keep your tone conversational (write like how you would speak), catchy, simple, and witty. Take out any extraneous or fluff words. Pepper in cultural references, puns, and relatable anecdotes understood by your target audience when relevant to your messaging/CTA

Create a portfolio with these mock-ups or projects done for family/friends (state they're spec work, not client-commissioned samples) or clips from an internship, school work, etc.

Craft a USP for yourself (including your niche, copywriting specialties, and the specific expertise you offer within your broader niche/service offerings that makes you unique)

Create an Upwork profile and share your services on LinkedIn (optimize both of these profiles)

Research local clients and small businesses within your niche. Also, take time to create a list of dream clients. Study their copy, brand voice, and keep tabs on updates regarding these companies' happenings

Learn the art of a cold email/LinkedIn pitch/Upwork proposal. Introduce yourself and your services to your prospect and share with them how you can fulfill a specific need they're seeking out (For local and smaller companies, feel free to offer suggestions. With more established companies, connect the dots as to why your experience/expertise is a great fit for their brand/target audience), and attach your work/link to your LinkedIn profile, website, and any other relevant hub for your professional services & content

Ask for referrals from friends/family to get started. If they're not a relative, get a testimonial to include in your portfolio

Follow up once if you haven't heard back from a prospective client after an initial pitch after a few days

Search for potential gigs on sites like Upwork/ProBlogger/People Per Hour

Once you land a gig, execute to the best of your ability and hand in your work by the deadline (strategies surrounding best business practices is a whole other post, lol)

Gather testimonials from all clients of successful projects. Confirm with clients whether you can use their work in your portfolio if you're unsure

Continue studying copywriting from books, courses, and everyday reading & living

Stay knowledgeable about advancements/updates in your field, keep updated on current events, and culture/social trends, and read a lot in general. Have interesting, multi-faceted conversations with others. Observe what makes people tick & remain engaged in a verbal dialogue or content

[pickmyurl-ai-marketer]

Job Title: Remote Digital Marketing Interns (10 Positions) – Ahmedabad Based Candidates Preferred Company: Pickmyurl AI Marketer India (A Digital Marketing Innovation Leader Powered by AI Tools)

About the Role: We are inviting applications for 10 Digital Marketing Internship positions for freshers who are passionate about starting a career in digital marketing. The internship is completely remote, allowing you to work from your own premises if you have Wi-Fi and a laptop/desktop. This is a learning-oriented internship that includes free training, real-world project experience, and an opportunity to get hired based on your performance during the internship.

What You Will Learn:

Website Designing Basics

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Techniques

Social Media Marketing & Management

Link Building and Off-Page SEO

Keyword Research & Content Strategy

Working on Live Projects under guidance

Tools like Canva, WordPress, Google Tools, and more

Internship Structure:

100% Remote Work – Flexible hours from your home/office

Step-by-step assignments with complete mentorship

Phase-wise training to ensure gradual learning

Don’t worry if you fall behind – our team supports continuous learning

After 3 months, top performers may be considered for a permanent Job Role with Pickmyurl, based on their skills and consistency

Benefits:

Free Expert Training & Mentoring

Certification on Successful Completion

Opportunity to Work on Live Client Projects

Hands-on Experience with New AI-based Digital Tools

Chance to Earn a Job Offer after Internship

Exposure to International Standards in Digital Marketing

Eligibility Criteria: Location Preference: Ahmedabad (or Gujarat candidates preferred)

Languages: Must be fluent in English, Hindi, or regional languages like Gujarati or Marathi

Device Requirement: Laptop/Desktop with stable Wi-Fi connection

Basic Skills Required:

Internet browsing & research

Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Familiarity with Social Media Platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Bonus Skills (Not Mandatory):

Blogging or Content Writing

Canva Designing

Video Editing

Web Design knowledge (HTML, WordPress or any CMS)

How to Apply: 📧 Send your updated CV along with a recent photograph to our official HR team. (hr.ahmedabad@pickmyurl.com) 🔔 Hurry! Limited positions available for this batch.

Apply Today – Build Your Career in Digital Marketing with Pickmyurl AI Marketer India!

[mariacallous]

For years, a mysterious figure who goes by the handle Stern led the Trickbot ransomware gang and evaded identification—even as other members of the group were outed in leaks and unmasked. This week German authorities revealed, without much fanfare, who they believe that enigmatic hacker kingpin to be: Vi­ta­ly Ni­ko­lae­vich Kovalev, a 36-year-old Russian man who remains at large in his home country.

Closer to home, WIRED revealed that Customs and Border Protection has mouth-swabbed 133,000 migrant children and teenagers to collect their DNA and uploaded their genetic data into a national criminal database used by local, state, and federal law enforcement. As the Trump administration’s migrant crackdown continues, often justified through invocations of crime and terrorism, WIRED also uncovered evidence that ties a Swedish far-right mixed-martial-arts tournament to an American neo-Nazi “fight club” based in California.

For those seeking to evade the US government surveillance, we offered tips about more private alternatives to US-based web browsing, email, and search tools. And we assembled a more general guide to protecting yourself from surveillance and hacking, based on questions our senior writer Matt Burgess received in a Reddit Ask Me Anything.

But that's not all. Each week, we round up the security and privacy news we didn't cover in depth ourselves. Click the headlines to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.

A Hacker May Have Deepfaked Trump’s Chief of Staff in a Phishing Campaign

The FBI is investigating who impersonated Susie Wiles, the Trump White House’s chief of staff and one of the president’s closest advisers, in a series of fraudulent messages and calls to high-profile Republican political figures and business executives, The Wall Street Journal reported. Government officials and authorities involved in the probe say the spear-phishing messages and calls appear to have targeted individuals on Wiles’ contact list, and Wiles has reportedly told colleagues that her personal phone was hacked to gain access to those contacts.

Despite Wiles’ reported claim of having her device hacked, it remains unconfirmed whether this was actually how attackers identified Wiles’ associates. It would also be possible to assemble such a target list from a combination of publicly available information and data sold by gray-market brokers.

“It's an embarrassing level of security awareness. You cannot convince me they actually did their security trainings,” says Jake Williams, a former NSA hacker and vice president of research and development at Hunter Strategy. “This is the type of garden-variety social engineering that everyone can end up dealing with these days, and certainly top government officials should be expecting it.”

In some cases, the targets received not just text messages but phone calls that impersonated Wiles’ voice, and some government officials believe the calls may have used artificial intelligence tools to fake Wiles’ voice. If so, that would make the incident one of the most significant cases yet of so-called deepfake software being used in a phishing attempt.

It’s not yet clear how Wiles’ phone might have been hacked, but the FBI has ruled out involvement by a foreign nation in the impersonation campaign, the bureau reportedly told White House officials. In fact, while some of the impersonation attempts appeared to have political goals—a member of Congress, for instance, was asked to assemble a list of people Trump might pardon—in at least one other case the impersonator tried to trick a target into setting up a cash transfer. That attempt at a money grab suggests that the spoofing campaign may be less of an espionage operation than a run-of-the-mill cybercriminal fraud scheme, albeit one with a very high-level target.

“There’s an argument here for using something like Signal—yes, the irony—or another messaging platform that offers an independent form of authentication if users want to validate who they’re talking to,” Hunter Strategy's Williams says. “The key thing as always is for government officials to be using vetted tools and following all federally mandated protocols rather than just winging it on their own devices.”

Iranian Man Behind Baltimore Ransomware Attack Pleads Guilty

The 2019 ransomware attack against the city government of Baltimore represents one of the worst municipal cybersecurity disasters on record, paralyzing city services for months and costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. Now the Department of Justice has unexpectedly revealed that it arrested one of the hackers behind that attack, 37-year-old Sina Gholinejad, in North Carolina last January, and that he has pleaded guilty in court. Gholinejad has admitted to being involved in the larger Robbinhood ransomware campaign that hit other targets, including the cities of Greenville, North Carolina, and Yonkers, New York. It’s still far from clear how Gholinejad was identified or why he traveled from Iran to the US, given that most ransomware criminals are careful to remain in countries that don’t have extradition agreements with the US government and are thus beyond US law enforcement’s reach. Indeed, the indictment against him names several unnamed co-conspirators who may be still at large in Iran.

Russia’s Nuclear Blueprints Exposed in Huge Document Leak

More than 2 million documents left exposed in a public database have revealed Russia’s nuclear weapons facilities in unprecedented levels of detail, according to reporting this week by Danish media outlet Danwatch and Germany’s Der Spiegel. Reporters examined the huge trove of documents relating to Russian military procurement—as Russian authorities slowly restricted access—and found blueprints for nuclear facilities across the country. Experts called the leak an unparalleled breach of Russia’s nuclear security, with the data potentially being incredibly useful for foreign governments and intelligence services.

The documents show how Russia’s nuclear facilities have been rebuilt in recent years, where new facilities have been created, detailed site plans including the locations of barracks and watchtowers, and the locations of underground tunnels connecting buildings. There are descriptions of IT systems and security systems, including information on surveillance cameras, electric fences being used, and the alarm systems in place. “It’s written explicitly where the control rooms are located, and which buildings are connected to each other via underground tunnels,” Danwatch reports.

Cops Used License Plate Recognition Cameras in Search for Woman Who Got an Abortion

License-plate-recognition cameras are creating huge databases of people’s movements across America—capturing where and when cars are traveling. For years there have been concerns that the cameras could be weaponized by law enforcement officials or private investigators and turned against those seeking abortions or providing abortion-related care. Officials from Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas—where nearly all abortions are illegal—searched 83,000 Flock license-plate reader cameras at the start of this month while looking for a woman they claim had a self-administered abortion, 404 Media reported this week.

Sheriff Adam King said that the officials weren’t trying to “block her from leaving the state” and were searching for the woman as her family was concerned about her safety. However, experts say that conducting a search across the entire United States shows the sprawling dragnet of license-plate-reader cameras and highlights how those seeking abortions can be tracked. “The idea that the police are actively tracking the location of women they believe have had self-administered abortions under the guise of ‘safety’ does not make me feel any better about this kind of surveillance,” Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation told 404 Media.

Investment Scam Company Linked to $200 Million in Losses Sanctioned by US Government

Philippines-based company Funnull Technology and its boss, Liu Lizhi, have been sanctioned by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their links to investment and romance scams, which are often referred to as “pig-butchering” scams. “Funnull has directly facilitated several of these schemes, resulting in over $200 million in US victim-reported losses,” OFAC said in a statement announcing the sanctions. The company purchases IP addresses from major cloud service providers and then sells them to cybercriminals who could use them to host scam websites—OFAC says Funnull is “linked to the majority” of investment scam websites reported to the FBI. In January independent cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs detailed how Funnull was abusing Amazon’s and Microsoft’s cloud services.

[wizhope]

Website Development Trends to Watch in 2025 🌐🚀

As technology evolves, so do website development trends. In 2025, businesses must adapt to faster, smarter, and more user-friendly web experiences.

Here are the top trends shaping web development in 2025—and how they impact businesses and developers.

🚀 Top Web Development Trends in 2025

1️⃣ AI-Powered Web Development 🤖

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing how websites are built. Expect: ✔ AI-driven design tools for faster site creation ✔ Automated customer support with chatbots ✔ Personalized user experiences powered by AI

💡 Example: AI tools like Wix ADI can now design entire websites based on user preferences!

2️⃣ Web 3.0 & Decentralized Websites 🌐

The rise of blockchain and decentralized networks is changing web infrastructure. Key developments include: ✔ Decentralized hosting for greater security ✔ Blockchain integration for identity verification ✔ Smart contracts for seamless transactions

3️⃣ Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) 📱

PWAs are bridging the gap between websites and mobile apps, offering: ✔ Fast loading speeds & offline capabilities ✔ App-like experience on browsers ✔ Lower development costs compared to native apps

💡 Big brands like Twitter and Starbucks use PWAs for improved user engagement!

4️⃣ Voice Search & Conversational UI 🎙️

As voice assistants grow, websites must optimize for voice search SEO. Expect: ✔ Conversational keywords & structured data ✔ Voice-enabled navigation for hands-free browsing ✔ AI-powered chatbots for instant responses

5️⃣ Dark Mode & Adaptive UI 🎨

More websites will offer dark mode options to: ✔ Reduce eye strain & improve accessibility ✔ Save battery life on mobile devices ✔ Offer a sleek, modern design

6️⃣ No-Code & Low-Code Development ⚡

More businesses are embracing drag-and-drop builders for faster development. Key platforms: ✔ Webflow, Bubble, and Wix for no-code ✔ Low-code solutions for faster backend integrations ✔ Faster website launches without deep coding skills

📉 What’s Fading in 2025?

🚫 Overcomplicated UI/UX – Simplicity and clarity are winning. 🚫 Static Websites – Interactive and AI-driven content dominates. 🚫 Traditional SEO Strategies – Voice and AI-powered search optimization take over.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead in 2025

The future of website development revolves around AI, speed, security, and user experience. Businesses that embrace these trends will stay competitive and enhance customer engagement.

🌟 Which trend are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

[foursguru]

The Digital Edge: Why Every Business Needs a Dynamic Website Design and Affordable Hosting Solution

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. From a sleek website design to cost-effective web hosting, every element of your online platform plays a critical role in capturing, engaging, and converting visitors. At Foursguru, we understand that each of these components needs to work in harmony to set your business apart. Here’s a breakdown of why a Digital Marketing Company, Website Design Company, and Cheap Website Hosting are essential for businesses striving to succeed online.

1. The Foundation: Innovative Website Design

A great website is more than just a pretty layout; it’s the digital storefront of your business. At Foursguru, as a leading Website Design Company, we craft websites that don’t just look good—they perform exceptionally well. Here’s what our design process focuses on:

User-Centric Design: Every element is crafted to meet the user’s needs, guiding them seamlessly through your services and encouraging meaningful interactions.

Mobile-Responsiveness: With mobile browsing on the rise, we ensure that your site looks and functions flawlessly on every device.

SEO-Optimized: Our designs aren’t just visually appealing; they’re built with search engine algorithms in mind, so you get noticed faster by potential clients.

2. Visibility and Growth: Why You Need a Digital Marketing Company

Even the best-designed website won’t reach its potential if it’s hidden from view. That’s where our role as a Digital Marketing Company comes in. With strategies tailored to maximize your online presence, we bring your business directly to those who matter. Here’s how:

SEO & Content Marketing: From strategic keyword placement to high-quality content, we get your brand noticed by search engines, driving organic traffic to your site.

Social Media Engagement: Building an online community requires a strong social media presence. Our team manages and grows your social platforms to connect with your audience.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: For instant visibility, we create targeted ads that put your brand in front of interested customers.

With a structured digital marketing strategy, Foursguru ensures that your business doesn’t just survive in the digital landscape—it thrives.

3. Budget-Friendly Solutions: Cheap Website Hosting

Every website, regardless of its size, needs a reliable hosting provider to ensure smooth, uninterrupted access. At Foursguru, we believe that high-quality hosting doesn’t have to break the bank. Our Cheap Website Hosting options are ideal for businesses of all sizes, offering:

Reliability and Speed: Downtime costs money. Our hosting ensures your site stays up and runs efficiently so that customers never face any interruptions.

Security Features: From SSL certificates to regular security updates, our hosting solutions keep your site and its data secure.

Scalability: As your business grows, our hosting solutions can grow with you, adapting to increased traffic and resource needs.

Why Choose Fours Guru?

From design and digital marketing to hosting, we’re committed to delivering a seamless experience. Our goal is simple: provide businesses with the tools and services they need to build, grow, and maintain a strong online presence without the hassle. Our team of experts offers custom solutions, making Foursguru the one-stop shop for all your digital needs.

In a world where every business needs a voice, make sure yours stands out with Foursguru. Get in touch to explore our tailored digital services and let’s start building a strong, future-proof online presence together.

For more information, please visit our website here: https://foursguru.com/

[nividawebdevelopment]

Key eCommerce Website Design Trends to Watch in 2024

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and eCommerce is at the forefront of these changes  In 2024, the demand for user-friendly and visually appealing eCommerce websites is higher than ever  Whether you are a business owner or a budding entrepreneur, staying ahead of the trends is essential to remain competitive  With the rise of new technologies, changing consumer preferences, and evolving web development practices, eCommerce website design has transformed significantly  In this blog, we will explore the key eCommerce website design trends to watch in 2024.

If you are looking to enhance your online store, working with an eCommerce website developer in Gujarat or an eCommerce website developer in India is essential to incorporate the latest design trends effectively.

1          Minimalistic Design with Enhanced User Experience

Minimalism continues to dominate eCommerce web design, but in 2024, it is not just about aesthetics—it is about enhancing the user experience  Clean, clutter-free layouts help in reducing distractions, allowing customers to focus on product details and streamline their shopping journey  A simple design helps users navigate easily, boosting engagement and conversion rates.

This trend is particularly vital for mobile-first design, as mobile commerce continues to grow exponentially  Partnering with an experienced eCommerce web design in Vadodara or eCommerce web design in India ensures that your website offers a seamless experience across all devices.

Key Features of Minimalist Design:

Use of whitespace to emphasize key elements

Clean and simple navigation menus

Limited use of bold colors, sticking to neutral and pastel shades

High-quality product images in the spotlight

By keeping the design minimalistic, users can effortlessly browse your site, resulting in fewer drop-offs and more successful conversions.

2          AI-Powered Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the eCommerce industry, and in 2024, it will continue to reshape how online stores engage with customers.  AI-powered personalization allows businesses to provide tailored shopping experiences based on user behavior, preferences, and browsing history  From personalized product recommendations to customized search results, AI helps deliver a unique, customer-centric experience.

An eCommerce website developer in Gujarat can help you integrate AI-driven tools into your website to offer personalized experiences that improve customer satisfaction and retention.

AI-Powered Personalization Features:

Customized product recommendations based on past purchases

Personalized homepage content based on user preferences

Dynamic pricing strategies for different customer segments

AI-powered chatbots for real-time assistance

Incorporating AI-powered personalization into your eCommerce web design in Gujarat can help you increase sales and improve customer loyalty by providing a more personalized and engaging experience.

3          Mobile-First Design and Optimization

Mobile commerce (mCommerce) is expected to grow significantly in 2024, making mobile-first design essential for any eCommerce business  As smartphones become the primary device for shopping online, ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly is no longer optional—it is a necessity.

If you are looking to create a mobile-optimized online store, working with an eCommerce web design in India is crucial to make sure your website offers a smooth mobile experience  Mobile-first design ensures that your site looks and functions flawlessly on smartphones and tablets, enhancing user experience and reducing bounce rates.

Mobile-First Design Best Practices:

Use responsive design to ensure compatibility across devices

Prioritize fast load times for mobile pages

Simplify navigation for easier use on smaller screens

Incorporate mobile-friendly payment options like Google Pay or Apple Pay

By optimizing for mobile, you can capture a larger share of mobile shoppers and increase overall conversions.

4          Voice Search Optimization

Voice search is becoming more popular with the rise of smart speakers and virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.  In 2024, more consumers are expected to use voice search to shop online, which means businesses must optimize their eCommerce websites for voice search queries.

By partnering with an eCommerce website developer in India, you can ensure your website is voice search-optimized, making it easier for users to find your products using voice commands.

Key Considerations for Voice Search Optimization:

Use natural language in product descriptions and FAQs

Optimize for long-tail keywords that match how people speak

Ensure your website is fast and mobile-friendly

Leverage structured data to help search engines understand your content better

Voice search optimization enhances accessibility and ensures that your eCommerce store is ready for future shopping trends.

5          Immersive Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) is a game-changer in eCommerce, allowing customers to virtually try out products before making a purchase.  In 2024, AR is expected to become more widespread as consumers demand more immersive shopping experiences.

For instance, AR can allow customers to visualize how a piece of furniture looks in their home or how an outfit would look on them  Incorporating AR into your eCommerce web design in Vadodara can set you apart from competitors by offering a cutting-edge shopping experience.

AR in eCommerce Features:

Virtual try-on tools for clothing, makeup, or accessories

3D product visualizations for a more detailed view

“See it in your space” options for home decor and furniture

Interactive product demos to showcase features

Investing in AR technology enhances the customer experience and can significantly boost engagement and sales for your online store.

6          Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design

Sustainability is more than a trend; it is a movement that has impacted consumer behaviour.  More customers are becoming environmentally conscious and prefer brands that are committed to sustainability.  In 2024, eCommerce businesses that incorporate eco-friendly elements into their website design will resonate more with conscious consumers.

Partnering with an eCommerce website developer in Gujarat can help you create a website that highlights your sustainability efforts.  You can showcase eco-friendly packaging, sustainable supply chains, or carbon-neutral shipping options.

Eco-Friendly Design Elements:

Use green and earth tones to signify environmental consciousness

Highlight sustainability credentials in product descriptions

Use eco-friendly materials for physical marketing assets

Incorporate energy-efficient hosting solutions

By making your commitment to sustainability a core part of your brand, you can attract more eco-conscious customers and build long-term loyalty.

7          One-Page Checkout and Simplified Payment Processes

In 2024, businesses must focus on reducing cart abandonment rates by simplifying the checkout process  A one-page checkout is a great way to make it easier for customers to complete their purchases without being overwhelmed by a lengthy process.

A reliable eCommerce website developer in India can help you implement a streamlined checkout experience that includes multiple payment options and eliminates unnecessary steps  Simplified payment processes, such as digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later options, and express checkouts, can reduce friction and improve conversions.

One-Page Checkout Features:

Clear, concise forms with minimal input fields

Support for multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards and e-wallets

Visual progress indicators to show users how close they are to completing the purchase

Guest checkout options to remove registration barriers

By simplifying your checkout process, you can minimize abandoned carts and increase the likelihood of completing sales.

8          High-Quality Visual Content

In 2024, the visual content you display on your eCommerce website will play a key role in driving engagement and sales.  High-quality product images, videos, and 360-degree views help customers better understand your products and make informed purchasing decisions.

For businesses seeking eCommerce web design in Gujarat, it is essential to incorporate rich media content that showcases your products effectively.  Consumers want to see detailed images and videos that provide a comprehensive view of the items they are purchasing.

Visual Content Strategies:

Use high-resolution images with zoom functionality for product details

Incorporate product demo videos to show features in action

Provide 360-degree views for a more immersive product experience

Use lifestyle images that show the product in real-world use

By investing in high-quality visual content, you can enhance the customer experience and improve your chances of making a sale.

9          Social Commerce Integration

Social commerce is set to grow exponentially in 2024, as more consumers turn to social media platforms to discover and purchase products.  Integrating social commerce features into your eCommerce website allows users to shop directly from platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

An eCommerce website developer in India can help you integrate social commerce into your web design, enabling users to share products, access reviews, and make purchases seamlessly through their favorite social media platforms.

Social Commerce Features:

“Shop the look” galleries and direct purchase links

Integration with Instagram and Facebook shops

Social proof elements like user-generated content and reviews

Easy social sharing buttons for products

By tapping into social commerce, you can extend your reach, attract new customers, and drive more traffic to your online store.

10        Micro-Animations for Enhanced Interactivity

Micro-animations are subtle, small animations that enhance user interaction and create a more engaging experience.  Whether it is a button hover effect or a loading animation, these micro-interactions can make the shopping experience more dynamic and enjoyable.

Incorporating micro-animations into your eCommerce web design in Vadodara can guide users through their shopping journey, providing visual cues that improve navigation and highlight important elements.

Micro-Animation Examples:

Hover effects on product images and buttons

Animated feedback during form submissions

Loading animations that keep users engaged while pages load

Interactive animations that provide feedback when users complete an action

Micro-animations are a small but powerful way to enhance the overall user experience and create a more memorable shopping journey.

Conclusion

As we move into 2024, eCommerce website design will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors  From AI-powered personalization and AR to eco-friendly design and social commerce integration, the future of eCommerce is exciting and full of opportunities.

If you are looking for expert guidance on implementing these trends, working with an experienced eCommerce website developer in Gujarat or eCommerce website developer in India is essential.  A well-designed, user-friendly website is the key to staying ahead of the competition and providing a seamless shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.

At Nivida Web Solutions, a leading provider of eCommerce web design in Vadodara and eCommerce web design in Gujarat, we are dedicated to helping businesses grow by delivering cutting-edge eCommerce websites that reflect the latest trends  Let us help you elevate your eCommerce business in 2024!

[digitalmarketing-16]

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of digital marketing. It involves optimizing web pages to improve their visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. As businesses increasingly move online, understanding SEO becomes crucial for attracting organic traffic and staying competitive. In this blog, we'll explore what SEO is, its key components, strategies for implementation, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Understanding SEO

Definition of SEO

SEO is the practice of enhancing a website’s structure and content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). It focuses on increasing both the quantity and quality of organic traffic. By improving visibility, businesses can connect with potential customers actively searching for their products or services.

The Importance of SEO

With millions of websites on the internet, standing out is vital. Most users tend to click on the first few results on a search engine. If your site is not optimized, you risk losing potential customers to competitors who rank higher. Effective SEO can lead to increased visibility, more traffic, and higher conversion rates.

Key Components of SEO

SEO consists of several components, which can be broadly categorized into three main areas: on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO refers to the strategies applied directly to the website itself. Key elements include:

Content Quality: Quality content is essential for engaging users and satisfying search intent. Using keywords strategically helps search engines understand your content’s relevance.

Keyword Optimization: Identifying and using relevant keywords is crucial. Understanding what your audience searches for helps you create targeted content.

Meta Tags: Titles and meta descriptions provide a summary of your web pages. Optimizing these tags helps improve click-through rates from search results.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO involves activities conducted outside your website to improve its authority and reputation. Key strategies include:

Backlinks: Acquiring links from reputable sites boosts your website's credibility. Search engines view backlinks as endorsements, which can enhance your rankings.

Social Media Engagement: Sharing your content on social platforms increases visibility and drives traffic to your website. Active engagement can lead to more shares and backlinks.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on the backend of your website. Key elements include:

Site Speed: A fast-loading site enhances user experience and improves search rankings. Google prioritizes sites that load quickly.

Mobile Friendliness: With the rise of mobile browsing, having a responsive design is crucial. A mobile-friendly site ensures users can access content on any device.

Secure Website (HTTPS): Security is a top priority for search engines. Implementing HTTPS can improve your ranking and build trust with users.

SEO Strategies for Implementation

Implementing effective SEO strategies can significantly impact your online presence. Here are some actionable tips:

Conduct Keyword Research

Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to discover popular search terms. Focus on long-tail keywords, which often have less competition and higher conversion rates.

Create High-Quality Content

Content is king in the world of SEO. Regularly publish valuable, informative, and engaging content that answers your audience's questions. Incorporate the keyword “what is entertainment” naturally into your content, maintaining a keyword density of 1 to 3%. This helps attract users interested in various entertainment topics.

Optimize Your Website’s Structure

A well-structured website enhances user experience and makes it easier for search engines to crawl. Use clear headings, logical categories, and a user-friendly URL structure. Ensure that your site is easy to navigate, which keeps visitors engaged.

Build Backlinks

Invest time in building quality backlinks from reputable sources. Guest blogging, collaborations, and outreach can help you acquire valuable links. The more authoritative sites link to you, the more credible your site becomes in the eyes of search engines.

Monitor and Analyze Performance

Regularly analyze your website's performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Track metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rates, and keyword rankings. Adjust your strategies based on data insights to continually improve your SEO efforts.

Common SEO Myths

Despite its importance, many misconceptions about SEO persist. Here are a few common myths debunked:

SEO is a One-Time Task

Many believe that SEO is a one-time effort. In reality, SEO requires ongoing attention. Search engine algorithms change frequently, so continuous optimization is necessary to maintain and improve rankings.

H3: More Keywords Mean Better Rankings

While keywords are essential, stuffing your content with them can harm your rankings. Quality over quantity matters. Focus on creating valuable content that naturally incorporates keywords.

Social Media Doesn’t Affect SEO

While social media itself is not a direct ranking factor, it can significantly influence your SEO efforts. Increased visibility on social platforms can lead to more backlinks and traffic, indirectly improving your rankings.

FAQs About SEO

FAQ 1: How long does it take to see results from SEO?

SEO is a long-term strategy. It can take several months to see significant improvements in rankings and traffic. Patience and consistency are key.

FAQ 2: Can I do SEO on my own, or should I hire a professional?

While basic SEO practices can be implemented by anyone, hiring a professional can yield better results, especially for competitive industries. Professionals have the expertise and tools to optimize your site effectively.

FAQ 3: Is SEO the same as SEM?

No, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on organic traffic, while SEM (Search Engine Marketing) includes paid advertising. SEM encompasses strategies that involve paying for visibility, like Google Ads.

FAQ 4: What is the role of content in SEO?

Content plays a crucial role in SEO. High-quality, relevant content attracts visitors and encourages them to stay longer, signaling to search engines that your site is valuable. Incorporating keywords like “what is entertainment” into your content helps connect with your audience.

FAQ 5: Are backlinks still important for SEO?

Yes, backlinks remain a critical component of SEO. They signal to search engines that your content is credible and worth referencing, improving your site’s authority and rankings.

Conclusion

SEO is an ever-evolving field that plays a vital role in digital marketing. Understanding its components—on-page, off-page, and technical—is essential for creating effective strategies. By focusing on high-quality content, optimizing your site, and building backlinks, you can enhance your online visibility and attract more organic traffic.

As the digital landscape continues to grow, staying updated on SEO best practices will ensure your business remains competitive. By implementing these strategies and addressing common misconceptions, you can navigate the complexities of SEO and leverage its benefits. Remember, the journey may take time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Embrace the power of SEO to drive your business forward in the digital age.

[sunshinecoastwebdesign1]

Responsive Web Design & Custom Website Design Solutions | Sunshine Coast Web Design

In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a website that looks great on every device is essential. Whether your audience is browsing from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, ensuring your website offers a seamless experience is the key to retaining visitors and increasing engagement. That’s where responsive web design comes in—and at Sunshine Coast Web Design, we are specialists in delivering this crucial service.

▪▪▪▪▷What is Responsive Web Design?

Responsive web design ensures that your website automatically adapts to different screen sizes and devices. No more pinching and zooming on mobile devices or awkward layouts on large screens. With responsive design, your website will look and function beautifully, whether your visitors are using their phones during a coffee break or sitting at their desktops.

This design approach focuses on flexible layouts, images, and media queries, allowing the website to adjust based on the screen resolution. It not only improves user experience but also positively impacts SEO rankings. Google rewards mobile-friendly sites, making it essential for businesses looking to improve their search engine visibility.

▪▪▪▪▷Benefits of Responsive Web Design

Enhanced User Experience: Visitors can navigate easily without frustrating adjustments.

Increased Mobile Traffic: With more than 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, responsive design caters to a significant portion of your audience.

SEO Boost: Search engines favor websites that offer a smooth mobile experience, helping you climb the rankings.

Cost-Effective: A single responsive website eliminates the need for separate mobile and desktop versions, saving time and resources on maintenance.

▪▪▪▪▷Custom Website Design Solutions

While responsiveness is essential, a one-size-fits-all design approach doesn't work for every business. That’s why Sunshine Coast Web Design offers custom website design solutions tailored specifically to your brand's needs. Whether you’re a boutique shop, a growing business, or an established enterprise, we craft websites that reflect your brand’s identity while incorporating functionality and style.

Custom web design goes beyond templates. Our expert designers collaborate closely with you to understand your goals, target audience, and business needs. We blend creativity with strategy to build a unique, engaging, and effective online presence.

▪▪▪▪▷Why Choose Custom Design?

Tailored to Your Business: A custom website is designed to meet your unique goals, target audience, and branding needs.

Flexibility: Whether you need eCommerce functionalities, integrated booking systems, or advanced features, custom solutions offer unmatched flexibility.

Future-Proof: Custom websites are designed to grow with your business, allowing for future scalability and adaptability.

Brand Consistency: You get full control over how your brand is represented online, ensuring that your website reflects your identity accurately.

▪▪▪▪▷Our Process at Sunshine Coast Web Design

At Sunshine Coast Web Design, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch responsive and custom website design services. Our process includes:

Discovery: We take time to understand your business needs and goals.

Design & Development: We create a custom design while ensuring responsive features are built in.

Testing: Every website undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee a flawless experience across devices.

Launch & Support: Once launched, we continue to support and maintain your site, ensuring long-term success.

▪▪▪▪▷Ready to Upgrade Your Website?

If you're looking for a website that not only looks stunning but also adapts to any device and is custom-made for your business, Sunshine Coast Web Design is here to help! Our team of professionals is committed to creating an online presence that drives results.

▪▪▪▪▷📞Contact us today  🌐 : https://sunshinecoastwebdesign.com.au/

☎: +61 418501122

✉: sales@sunshinecoastwebdesign.com.au

🏡: 32 Warrego Drive Pelican Waters Sunshine Coast QLD, 4551 Australia

[wedesignblog]

5 Essential SEO Tips to Boost Your Website's Visibility!

Hey, digital marketers! Ready to enhance your website’s search engine ranking? Here are five powerful SEO tips to help you climb those search results in no time:

Keyword Research is Key: Start with thorough keyword research to identify what your audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your content.

Optimize Your Content: Make sure your content is high-quality and answers users' queries. Use headers, bullet points, and images to break up text and enhance readability. Don't forget to include your target keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags!

Mobile-Friendly Design: With more users browsing on mobile, ensure your website is responsive and easy to navigate on all devices. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search rankings, so don’t miss out!

Build Quality Backlinks: Focus on earning backlinks from reputable sites in your industry. Guest blogging, partnerships, and creating shareable content can help you gain those valuable links and improve your domain authority.

Monitor and Adjust: SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is an ongoing process! Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track your performance. Regularly analyze your data and adjust your strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

💬 What SEO strategies have you found most effective? Let’s share tips below! Or Visit Our Web Design Blog

[apptechbuilders]

Responsive Web Design and Development: Creating a Seamless User Experience

In today's digital age, where mobile devices dominate the online landscape, responsive web design and development have become paramount for businesses and organizations. With a plethora of different screen sizes and resolutions, it's crucial to ensure that your website provides a seamless user experience across all devices. In this article, we will explore the concept of responsive web design and development and its importance in creating a successful online presence.

Understanding Responsive Web Design

Responsive web design is an approach to web development that focuses on building websites that adapt and respond to various screen sizes, orientations, and platforms. The goal is to create a fluid and flexible layout that adjusts seamlessly to provide optimal user experience, regardless of whether the site is accessed on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Traditional web design techniques often involved creating separate versions of a website for different devices, leading to higher development and maintenance costs. Responsive design eliminates the need for multiple versions by utilizing a single codebase that intelligently rearranges and resizes content based on the user's device.

The Key Elements of Responsive Web Design

Responsive web design relies on a few key elements to ensure that websites look and function flawlessly across devices:

Flexible Grids and Layouts:

Responsive websites use flexible grids that adapt to different screen sizes. By employing relative units like percentages or ems instead of fixed pixels, elements on the page can resize and reposition fluidly. This allows content to adapt and fit into the available space, providing an optimal viewing experience.

Media Queries:

Media queries are CSS rules that apply different styles based on the characteristics of the user's device, such as screen size, resolution, and orientation. By using media queries, developers can create specific layouts and styles for each device type, ensuring that the website adapts accordingly.

Flexible Images and Media:

Images and media elements, such as videos and audio players, need to be flexible as well. Responsive web design utilizes techniques like CSS max-width property and fluid images to ensure that media content scales proportionally to fit the screen without distorting or overflowing.

Mobile-First Approach:

With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, adopting a mobile-first approach has become a best practice in responsive web design. Starting with the mobile layout and progressively enhancing it for larger screens ensures that the core content and functionality are prioritized for smaller devices, resulting in a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

The Benefits of Responsive Web Design

Implementing responsive web design and development strategies can offer numerous advantages:

Enhanced User Experience:

A responsive website adjusts seamlessly to different devices, providing an optimal browsing experience for users. Content is easy to read, navigation is intuitive, and interactions are smooth, regardless of the screen size or platform used.

Improved SEO Performance:

Search engines like Google highly value responsive design, as it eliminates the need for separate URLs or duplicate content. A single, responsive website consolidates all your site's traffic onto one URL, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages, leading to better search rankings.

Cost and Time Efficiency:

By adopting a responsive approach, you only need to develop and maintain a single website, reducing costs and saving time compared to creating multiple versions for different devices. Changes and updates can be applied universally, simplifying the maintenance process.

Future-Proofing Your Website:

Responsive design ensures that your website is ready for the future, as new devices with varying screen sizes and resolutions continue to emerge. By building a flexible and adaptable website, you can easily accommodate new technologies and ensure your online presence remains relevant and accessible.

Conclusion

Responsive web design and development is no longer optional but essential for creating a successful online presence. By adopting this approach, businesses and organizations can provide a seamless user experience across devices, enhance their SEO performance, and save time and resources. As technology continues to evolve, responsive design ensures that your website remains user-friendly and adaptable, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Source

[webpin0-27]

Design a User-Friendly Website:

Essential Principles You Need to Know

A user-friendly website is crucial for engaging visitors and retaining their interest. Prioritizing user experience (UX) in your website design not only improves navigation but also boosts conversion rates and enhances your brand’s credibility. This post will explore foundational principles for creating a user-centered design, including responsive website features and effective website layout strategies. Implementing these best practices will ensure that your website attracts visitors, encourages exploration, and drives action.

Creating a Seamless Online Experience: Key Principles for Designing UX design plays a pivotal role in effective web development. Whether you are building a new site or revamping an old one, a user-friendly interface is essential for retaining visitors, enhancing engagement, and increasing conversions. Below, we outline critical principles for creating a website that is intuitive, clean, and easy to navigate.

The Cornerstones of a User-Friendly Website

Prioritize Simplicity and Clarity Your website’s primary goal is to convey information quickly and effectively. A cluttered website layout can overwhelm visitors and detract from their experience. Focus on a minimalist approach with clear navigation menus and easily recognizable call-to-action (CTA) buttons.

Optimize for Mobile Responsiveness In an era where mobile browsing is prevalent, a responsive website design is essential. Ensure that your site functions seamlessly across all devices, with fast load times and a mobile-friendly layout. This optimization enhances both user experience and site speed.

Focus on Intuitive Navigation Visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for without confusion. Group similar content together, use logical categories, and incorporate a search bar. Avoid hidden menus or hard-to-find links that disrupt the user’s flow.

Maintain Consistent Design Elements Consistency in font styles, colors, and layout fosters familiarity and trust. Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand identity and apply it across all pages. Consistent design elements aid in easier site navigation and improve overall user experience.

Enhance Site Speed and Performance A fast-loading website is crucial for user satisfaction and search engine ranking. Optimize images, enable browser caching, and minimize JavaScript to improve site speed. A slow website frustrates visitors and leads to higher bounce rates.

Employ Visual Hierarchy Users scan web pages in a predictable manner. Use larger fonts for headings, bold colors for CTAs, and ample white space to highlight important elements. A well-structured website layout guides users to your content naturally.

Advanced Tips for Improving User Interaction

Include Engaging Visuals and Multimedia Balance text with images, infographics, or videos to create a visually appealing experience. High-quality visuals attract attention and can help clarify complex information. However, avoid overloading your pages with media that might slow down site speed.

Use Accessibility Best Practices A truly user-friendly website is inclusive of all users, including those with disabilities. Utilize alt text for images, ensure your site is navigable via keyboard, and choose contrasting color schemes to improve readability. Accessibility is key to a comprehensive UX design.

Implement Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs) Guide users towards the actions you want them to take by using effective CTAs. Whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or scheduling a consultation, place these prompts where they are visible and ensure they stand out.

[lunachats]

finally making real strides on Not being financially dependent on my parents by doing a little bit of work every day and. and geez! it really does feel like im having to employ every trick in the book here to maintain a steady work pace. like im using everything ive learned about my mind and body over the past most-of-a-decade. all in the service of getting an admittedly very small amount of work done on a daily basis.

like, i gotta make sure to do a lil exercise. to stave off the sadness. oh and of course i have to eat well. gotta get the right balance of carbs and protein to maintain my energy and avoid sugar crashes. and i gotta also eat an actual healthyish meal once a day or so, cause too much frozen or fast food has physical & mental health impacts i cant really afford. daily meditation is important. reduced anxiety and increased focus are indispensible for this project! it has to be the right type of meditation tho. if i focus too hard i start to get lil panic attacks, or whatever you wanna call it when anxiety prevents me from functioning. oh and there's also the Void. very different from sadness and anxiety. still kinda learning to manage that one. but i think i have to feed it enriching activities to keep the dread of meaninglessness away. origami, playing catch with myself, browsing the indie web. this one's more complicated than the others, but i think i'm getting a foothold on it at least. then there's the whole system of miscellaneous tricks and coping mechanisms that feels vaguely like an additional resource management mechanic of its own. got friends on discord that can cheer me up, if they're online and emotionally present at the right time. got tulpas i can talk to and imaginary places i can visit. i can make art, too, when i have time and motivation. in leiu of other grounding strategies i can always eat a carrot, or leave the house, or neutrally observe my surroundings. out of all of these, i dont always remember which tool to use, and they dont always work the way im hoping, but there's options. and if i get one or two things wrong and reach for the right tool at the wrong time, oopsie doopsie! that's a whole half-day of productivity down the drain... i guess this is just logically what unmedicated adhd and mental illness feels like from the inside. but meds aren't really an option right now, so i guess im just gonna keep doing all of this stuff and hope that maybe in 6-10 months, when all of these habits have started to crystallize, when im thusly more in shape and my house is cleaner and ive got savings in the bank and jhana at my fingertips and an arsenal of additional time-saving kitchen utilities... well, perhaps then managing my wellness so that i can work for a living won't feel like some kinda cross between a tightrope walk and a high-stakes rts game...