#crafting a compelling personal brand

[connorsui]

▪︎▪︎ 𝓐 𝓓𝓪𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓓𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓨𝓸𝓾 ▪︎▪︎

Nanami Kento, known for his structured life and efficient routines, finds himself drawn to a quaint bakery he never used to frequent.

Nanami x baker! Reader

Contains: Love at First Sight, Fluff, Shy Nanami (nanami cute tho) , Awkward Confessions (he tryin let him be) Slow Burn, a taste of readers cake (not literally tho.....he wishes)

Warnings: nah suffer the taste of coffee down ur throat

A/N: I'll admit I wrote this at 5 a.m......it's more of an imagine than anything..

Nanami Kento wasn’t accustomed to deviating from his meticulously structured life. Every day unfolded with the same precision: he awoke at the same time, enjoyed the same brand of coffee, and fastened his tie with practiced efficiency. This routine wasn’t born out of necessity but from a preference for order and predictability.

However, his carefully crafted schedule was upended when he started walking down a narrow side street he’d never noticed before. The street housed a quaint bakery that had caught his attention a week ago.

The first time he entered the bakery, it was pouring rain. Not the gentle kind, but a relentless downpour that drenched him in seconds. Seeking refuge, he was welcomed by the warmth of the bakery and the enticing aroma of fresh bread. But it wasn’t just the atmosphere or the bread that compelled him to return. It was you.

You, with flour dusting your apron and a smile that could brighten the dreariest of days. You greeted him as if he were a regular, despite it being his first visit. You handed him a croissant and coffee with a care that made his heart skip a beat.

Becoming a regular wasn’t part of his plan, and neither was experiencing love at first sight.

The routine quickly established itself. After that, first encounter together. Some quick name exchanges and smiles of each morning at 7:30 a.m., Nanami would enter the bakery, greeted by the comforting aroma of baking bread. You’d be there, ready with a warm smile.

“mornin'!” you’d say cheerfully.

“Good morning,” he’d reply, receiving his usual order: one croissant and one black coffee, just as he liked it.

It was a simple exchange, but the warmth of your greeting became a highlight of his day. The predictability was comforting, and he convinced himself that was enough.

On the fourth day, Nanami noticed something different. A bit of flour had settled on your nose. It was a small detail, but it stood out to him. He found himself wondering how it had ended up there and if you were even aware of it.

He wanted to tell you, but the words caught in his throat. He was merely a customer, a stranger who visited daily. He wasn’t sure if he had the right to comment, so he accepted his croissant and coffee silently and left. The image of you with flour on your nose lingered in his mind all day.

By the seventh day, Nanami realized he wanted more than just the brief pleasantries exchanged each morning. He wanted to engage with you beyond the usual routine.

When he walked in that morning, you were behind the counter, arranging pastries with careful precision. The bell above the door chimed as he entered, and you looked up with your usual bright smile.

“Good morning!” you greeted him.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice tinged with nervousness. “Do you have any recommendations today?”

You looked pleasantly surprised. “Actually, yes! I’ve been working on a new recipe—a strawberry danish. It’s not on the menu yet, but if you’d like, I can give you a sneak preview.”

The prospect of trying something you’d personally crafted was too tempting to resist. “I’d love that,” he replied, trying to maintain composure.

You handed him the danish with a look of anticipation. “I hope you like it. It’s a bit different, but I think it turned out well.”

As he took the pastry, your fingers brushed against his briefly. The touch was fleeting but electrifying, lingering long after he left the bakery.

The danish was excellent, but what stood out was the way your eyes lit up when he complimented it the following day.

Nanami found himself concocting reasons to visit the bakery more frequently. He convinced himself it was for the variety of pastries, but he knew better. The real attraction was the moments shared with you—the easy conversations, the warmth of your presence.

One morning, as he prepared to leave, you called out to him.

He turned to see you hurrying over with a small brown paper bag. “I’ve got a special treat for you today.”

“Oh?” Nanami said, a touch of curiosity in his voice. He accepted the bag from you, his fingers brushing against yours briefly. “What’s the occasion?”

“Just a little something to brighten your day,” you said with a playful grin. “I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will,” he replied, trying to steady his suddenly quickened heartbeat. “Thanks for thinking of me.”

“Anytime!” you said with a smile that made his day feel a little bit better. “Enjoy!”

The pastry, as always, was perfect. But it wasn’t just the food that captivated him; it was the connection he found in those brief moments with you.

On the tenth day, Nanami arrived early and saw the bakery’s closed sign. He felt an unexpected pang of disappointment. The thought of missing even one day felt unsettling.

As he was about to leave, he heard your voice.

“Oh! You’re here early!”

You approached, apron tied around your waist, a smile on your lips.

“I didn’t want to miss you,” he said, the words escaping before he could stop them.

You laughed, a sound that made his heart flutter. “You’d have to get up pretty early to miss me! I’ll be open soon. You can come in and wait if you’d like.”

He followed you inside, feeling unusually at ease in the quiet bakery. You hummed softly as you prepared for the day, and he watched, captivated by the grace of your movements.

“So,” you broke the silence, “how do you like the new pastries? Be honest!”

“They’re wonderful,” he replied. “You’re very talented.”

Your cheeks flushed at the compliment. “Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”

A moment of silence followed, one filled with unspoken thoughts. Nanami wanted to say more but found himself content just being in your presence.

By the twelfth day, Nanami knew he couldn’t continue his routine without expressing his feelings. His visits had become more than a habit; they were a necessity. He needed you to know how much you meant to him.

That morning, you greeted him as usual, handing over a new pastry you’d been experimenting with. “I hope you’re ready for something a little different today.”

“Thank you,” he said, taking the pastry. Instead of leaving, he lingered by the counter, his heart racing. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

“Oh?” You looked up, curiosity evident in your eyes.

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. “Would you like to have coffee with me sometime? Outside of here.”

Your eyes widened, and for a moment, he feared he’d made a mistake. But then your expression softened, and you smiled. “I’d love to. How about tomorrow? After your usual visit?”

A wave of relief washed over him, and he couldn’t help but smile back. “Tomorrow sounds perfect.”

I consider this an imagine now

[felassan]

"Electronic Arts Inc. and BioWare have provided a first-look at gameplay from the opening moments of the highly anticipated all-new single-player fantasy RPG experience, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions and fellowship, and a world where you matter. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll embark on a quest to face powerful Elven gods and stop the destruction they’re unleashing on the world. You are known as Rook, battling on the front lines alongside a compelling cast of companions with individual storylines and motivations. In true Dragon Age fashion, companions are central to the experience and as Rook, you must rise up, rally your crew and forge relationships to become the unexpected leader others believe in. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is launching worldwide to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in Fall 2024. “We want every single moment in the expansive, story-driven experience of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to feel impactful,” said Corinne Busche, Game Director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. “Players will journey to more regions than any other Dragon Age game, where they’ll need to level up and customize deep skill trees to take on increasingly challenging enemies. Additionally, our combat blends fluid moment-to-moment action with the deep RPG strategy the franchise is known for. We’re incredibly excited to offer players around the world a first-look at this experience that embraces BioWare’s storytelling roots of carefully crafted and immersive single-player RPGs.” In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Elven Trickster god of legend Solas wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people’s immortality and glory – even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world. Rook’s journey to stop these two powerful deities will span across all of Thedas to bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and the deepest depths, but be wary of the evil forces along the way like the Dark Spawn, Venatori Cultists and Demons of the Fade."

---

"Key Features of Dragon Age: The Veilguard Fellowship: Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s brand new companions come alive with some of the most compelling individual storylines in Dragon Age history. Expansive and dynamic stories navigate love, loss and complex choices that will affect your relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. New companions like the Veil Jumper Bellara, the necromancer Emmrich, and the private detective Neve, come from iconic factions in Dragon Age lore, possessing individual skill trees and specialized gear for advanced team progression. You’ll see familiar faces, too, such as the archer Lace Harding who returns to the series as a full time companion. Choice and Consequences: Dragon Age: The Veilguard builds on the series’ deep role-playing roots, providing extraordinary storytelling and worldbuilding, deep personalities for each companion, meaningful choices and impactful cinematic moments. The bonds you create and the relationships you forge will be affected by your choices made throughout your journey.  A Crafted Experience: As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers a crafted experience that pays homage to BioWare’s history of storytelling. The Lighthouse provides a central place where you can rest, learn more about the world through conversations, while the Crossroads allows you to traverse to separate explorable regions of the world with your companions. You’ll experience more of Thedas than ever before as your story unfolds across meticulously crafted biomes and beautiful regions including Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more, each inviting you to delve deeper into the narrative and uncover the mysteries of the land. Fluid, Customizable Combat: Immersive combat blends fluid moment-to-moment controls with tactical decision-making. Players can fully customize their experience to fit their playstyle with diverse skill trees among three different classes - Warrior, Mage and Rogue - each with unique abilities and specializations. Choose two companions to join you on your quests and unleash powerful team combos that can change the tide of any battle. Make strategic choices and direct your allies to fight, heal or stay out of the fray with the newly-added ability wheel. Be the Leader You Want To Be: Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a robust character creation system that allows you to be the leader you want to be with a vast range of customization. BioWare has created the most comprehensive character creator in Dragon Age yet to make this story truly your own."

[source]

"his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world."

👁️

"All the world will soon share the peace and comfort of my reign" / "Glory to the Risen Gods. They've come to deliver this world." [x]

also:

lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps, the Deep Roads ("the deepest depths")

more regions than ever before

Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more

fight darkspawn, demons, Venatori cultists

the Lighthouse (our central hub) is a central place where we can rest and have conversations

We will travel around the world via The Crossroads and presumably the eluvians

companions have specialized gear (Fel note: more on companion skill stuff here)

and I love what they are saying here about storytelling and character-focus and everything of that kind here. :)

[queer-ragnelle]

Hi! I was wondering if you had any advice on how to craft a well-written, compelling Arthurian OC that isn't obnoxious or out of place but is still unique. I recognize the difficulty in doing so with so many different source texts (I'm most familiar with Le Morte, so that's usually my go-to) and the vast list of already existing characters. I'm just curious about your thoughts on the matter, since you're an author and also very knowledgeable about Arthuriana 💖

Hello there!

This is a tough question to answer! I think it's important to note that everyone will have a different opinion on this, but that shouldn't alter you writing your story how you want to. Some think adding any characters at all is too big of a change, while others write a full cast of original characters and then Merlin shows up randomly and makes the story "Arthurian."

I'm going to say something controversial.

Every Arthurian character is an OC.

Even King Arthur himself is an OC.

I'm going to elaborate on this quite a bit, as it's very important to me. But the TL;DR is that reading more will definitely help you conceptualize the boundaries of what's possible. Le Morte d'Arthur is a great start, but there's so much out there, both medieval and modern, that'll undoubtedly aid in your Arthuriana writing journey! :^)

While I do say things like "I love Arthurian OCs" as a means to convey that I view everyone's new creations as valid and interesting, I actually don't believe in a strong differentiation between Chretien de Troyes' Sir Lancelot or Marie of France's Sir Lanval and what you or I are writing today. We're participating in a tradition which can, at times, necessitate the creation of a new character or repurposing of an existing one. I think as soon as you create a character for your Arthurian story, they're an Arthurian character. Some refer to Lancelot or Galahad as "French OCs" or call Knight of the Cart or the Vulgate "fanfiction" as a means to degrade it's validity. Some seem to have an arbitrary timeline on which the full body of Arthurian works is measured, and the more recently something was written, the less authentic it becomes. I think they're wrong. I believe that whether or not we enjoy an installment in the ever expanding Arthurian tradition is irrelevant; it's all equally entitled to a measure of respect, even the new characters. No character or story is lesser than another by virtue of its age or language of origin or target audience or medium. I disdain the excess of scrutiny put upon certain arbitrary groupings of Arthurian tradition. Each story is full of original characters and building on the foundations of what came before. That's the nature of creative influence. Whether or not Arthur was a real person at some point in history is moot. The guy in the Mabinogion or the Vulgate or Le Morte d'Arthur or BBC Merlin is a character. He's a tool to tell a story. Such as your creation will be! Your brand new Arthurian character stands equally with all the rest who preceded them. :^)

Now, it can be helpful to distinguish between a medieval character and a modern one, sure, as they may represent different things depending on what point in history (or part of the world) they were created in. But Arthuriana isn't a franchise one must obtain express permission to contribute to, and it doesn't have a "canon," so therefore differentiating a character as "other" can be counter productive when developing a story. I don't believe Sir Robin from Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975) or Brian from The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956-1957) are any less valuable as characters, even if they do draw on traits of existing Arthurian motifs in order to commentate on them or otherwise expand. In fact I think they're great characters and serve their narrative roles beautifully. One simple and one complex. I recommend watching those to see how it's done well and that may help you develop your own characters. But I'll delve into it a bit here to illustrate what I mean.

Sir Robin carries the coat of arms of a chicken, he's a cowardly knight followed around by a troupe of musicians that sing songs about all of his exploits. That is, the things he's run away from. Rather than use an existing Arthurian character and degrading them, Monty Python developed Sir Robin in order to tell their joke.

The flipside is Brian, a bona fide kitchen boy, who attaches himself to Sir Lancelot and desires to squire for him. Brian's narrative purpose is to deconstruct the nobility in a way that Gareth Beaumains, whom Brian is plainly inspired by, could not. Brian begins as a true serf forced to endear himself to Sir Lancelot to elevate his station. Merlin forges papers of nobility to convince King Arthur that Brian is worthy of this privilege. Even after that, Brian must face the brutality of his fellows while living in the barracks with them, as they don't take kindly to a "smelly kitchen boy" in their midst, plotting to get Brian to incriminate himself as a thief and get evicted from Camelot by Sir Kay. This role is incongruous with Gareth as Sir Gawain's brother, who was always noble, always a prince, and merely cloaked himself in the guise of poverty to prove a point. Gareth could return to the comforts of wealth whenever it suited him and his reason for going stealth was to intentionally distance himself from that privilege. The character Brian exists in order to commentate on the injustice of the upper class's oppression and dehumanization of the lower class in a way Gareth, or even Tor, could not, as they are of noble blood, even if it came by way of reveal. That's why Brian is a great addition to the Arthurian tradition.

Really, it comes down to treating the creation of your new Arthurian character like you would developing one for any other work, one entirely separate from the tradition. If they're a good character, they're a good character! Try not to get hung up too much on whether or not they're going to mesh well with the rest of the cast. For centuries, writers have transformed historical figures into Arthurian characters. (See: King Mark of Kernow better known as the Cuckhold King from the Prose Tristan, Owain mab Urien better known as Sir Yvain from Knight of the Lion by Chretien de Troyes, Saint Derfel better known as Derfel Gadarn from The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, etc.)

Speaking of Prose Tristan, would anyone consider Sir Dinadan an OC? Or Sir Palomides? They're characters added to a story drawing from a much, much older tradition, and I think they enrich the story. I feel likewise about the many Perceval Continuations, including the German Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach, which adds a half brother named Sir Feirefiz, or names Chretien's anonymous haughty maiden Orgeluse. What about Sir Aglovale's son Moriaen in the Dutch tradition? Amurfina in German Diu Krone by Heinrich von dem Türlin? Morgan le Fay's daughter Puzella Gaia in Italian La Tavola Ritonda? Not to mention the countless Middle English additions. The Green Knight and his wife? Dame Ragnelle and Sir Gromer? Or how about everyone's favorite Savage Damsel, Lynette of Castle Perilous? Is she not a late-era addition to the tradition courtesy of the man, the myth, the legend, Sir Thomas Malory himself? And then here comes Tennyson, who read Le Morte d'Arthur, and got to the end of dear Gareth Beaumains' story and had the same reaction we all did: "What the hell? He marries her sister?" And then he went about changing that in Idylls of the King. Speaking of Lynette, what's up with her niece Laurel? She's just a name on a page, the vast majority of retellings choose to ignore her, even if they do keep Lynette and Lyonesse. Laurel can scarcely be called a character, after all. She doesn't even have dialogue. So as I've gone out of my way to make her a prominent, fully developed character, with her own culture and back story and motivations, does that make her an OC of mine? And Henry Newbolt who included Laurel in his play Mordred: A Tragedy. And Sarah Zettel, who wrote from Laurel's point of view in Camelot's Blood. We did all the work, but we threw an Arthurian name on the character, so therefore, she isn't ours? But if we changed her name, she would be? Who gets to decide?

All of the Arthurian characters belong to all of us. That's the beauty of writing in a long-standing tradition, which exists apart from all other forms of writing. We have complete creative liberty to do what we want and refer to it how we want and no person or corporation or anyone can dictate otherwise. The intellectual property of Arthuriana belongs to the people. So invent a brand new wife for Gawain, and well, you're only the millionth author to do it! Just make sure she's an interesting character and that's literally the only requirement. Can't wait to meet her. (And all others you create!)

Have a great day!

[demifiendrsa]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Gameplay Reveal

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, formerly Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store in Fall 2024.

Title Logo

Key visual

Screenshots

Overview

About

From the storytellers at BioWare comes Dragon Age: The Veilguard, an all new single-player fantasy RPG experience. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll embark on a quest to face powerful Elven gods and stop the destruction they’re unleashing on the world. You are known as Rook, battling on the front lines alongside a compelling cast of companions with individual storylines and motivations. In true Dragon Age fashion, companions are central to the experience and as Rook, you must rise up, rally your crew and forge relationships to become the unexpected leader others believe in.

Story

Solas, the Dread Wolf and Elven Trickster god of legend, wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people’s immortality and glory—even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world. Rook’s journey to stop these two powerful deities will span across all of Thedas to bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and the deepest depths, but be wary of the evil forces along the way like the Dark Spawn, Venatori Cultists and Demons of the Fade.

Key Features

Fellowship – Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s brand new companions come alive with some of the most compelling individual storylines in Dragon Age history. Expansive and dynamic stories navigate love, loss and complex choices that will affect your relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. New companions like the Veil Jumper Bellara, the necromancer Emmrich, and the private detective Neve, come from iconic factions in Dragon Age lore, possessing individual skill trees and specialized gear for advanced team progression. You’ll see familiar faces, too, such as the archer Lace Harding who returns to the series as a full time companion.

Choice and Consequences – Dragon Age: The Veilguard builds on the series’ deep role-playing roots, providing extraordinary storytelling and worldbuilding, deep personalities for each companion, meaningful choices and impactful cinematic moments. The bonds you create and the relationships you forge will be affected by your choices made throughout your journey.

A Crafted Experience – As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers a crafted experience that pays homage to BioWare’s history of storytelling. The Lighthouse provides a central place where you can rest, learn more about the world through conversations, while the Crossroads allows you to traverse to separate explorable regions of the world with your companions. You’ll experience more of Thedas than ever before as your story unfolds across meticulously crafted biomes and beautiful regions including Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more, each inviting you to delve deeper into the narrative and uncover the mysteries of the land.

Fluid, Customizable Combat – Immersive combat blends fluid moment-to-moment controls with tactical decision-making. Players can fully customize their experience to fit their playstyle with diverse skill trees among three different classes—Warrior, Mage, and Rogue—each with unique abilities and specializations. Choose two companions to join you on your quests and unleash powerful team combos that can change the tide of any battle. Make strategic choices and direct your allies to fight, heal or stay out of the fray with the newly-added ability wheel.

Be the Leader You Want to Be – Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a robust character creation system that allows you to be the leader you want to be with a vast range of customization. BioWare has created the most comprehensive character creator in Dragon Age yet to make this story truly your own

[yvetteheiser]

Yvette Heiser - Elevate Your Photos: Capture Elegance and Viral Attention

In the age of social media and digital storytelling, the impact of captivating photography cannot be underestimated. Whether you are a professional photographer, an aspiring influencer, or a business owner aiming to boost your brand's online presence, the ability to capture elegance and attract viral attention through your photos is a valuable skill. Yvette Heiser discusses this in Yvette Heiser - How to Go Viral with Your Photography? approaches to enhance your photographs, simultaneously maximizing their capacity to attract widespread attention, thereby amplifying your online presence and influence.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

Photography serves as a powerful tool for visual storytelling, allowing you to convey emotions, messages, and narratives through captivating images. By mastering the art of visual storytelling, you can effectively elevate your photos and engage your audience on a deeper level.

Crafting Compelling Narratives

Emotional Impact: Infuse your photos with emotions that resonate with your audience. Whether it's joy, inspiration, or nostalgia, emotional resonance can make your images more memorable and shareable.

Consistent Brand Narrative: Ensure that your photos align with your brand's narrative and values. Each image should contribute to a cohesive story that reinforces your brand identity and messaging.

Authenticity and Relatability

Genuine Moments: Candid and spontaneous shots often capture authentic moments that resonate with viewers. Embrace authenticity in your photography to establish a genuine connection with your audience.

Personalized Visuals: Tailor your photography to reflect your unique personality or brand identity. Incorporate elements that convey your individuality and create a relatable experience for your audience.

Strategies for Viral Attention

In the digital realm, the viral potential of photography can significantly amplify your reach and influence. Yvette Heiser’s-Capturing Elegance: A Glimpse Through Heiser’s Lens emphasizes this, showcasing how strategic approaches can enhance the likelihood of your photos gaining viral attention and widespread sharing.

Engaging Visual Content

Interactive Elements: Incorporate visually engaging and interactive elements in your photos to captivate viewers' attention. Creative compositions and thought-provoking visuals can encourage sharing and engagement.

Story-Driven Imagery: Craft visuals that tell a compelling story or evoke curiosity. A narrative-driven approach can pique the interest of viewers and prompt them to share your content.

Social Media Optimization

Maximize Your Hashtag Potential: Harness relevant and popular hashtags to broaden the exposure of your photos across social media platforms. Thoughtful and strategic hashtag usage can enhance the visibility and accessibility of your content.

Craft engaging and shareable captions that perfectly complement your photos, prompting your audience to actively interact with your content and distribute it within their social circles.

Emotional Resonance

Evoke Emotions: Aim to create visually impactful images that evoke strong emotions in your audience. Emotionally resonant photos are more likely to be shared and leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Elevating your photos to capture elegance while also attracting viral attention is a multifaceted endeavor that blends the art of visual storytelling with strategic approaches to maximize reach and engagement. By mastering the art of crafting compelling narratives through photography and implementing tactics to enhance the potential for virality, you can significantly elevate your online presence and influence. Embrace the power of visual storytelling, infuse your photos with authenticity and relatability, and capitalize on the strategies to optimize your content for social sharing. Through these efforts, you can elevate your photos to new heights, captivating your audience and expanding your digital footprint.

[adancerdiestwice]

Thoughts on ARMY and Consumerism

*Disclaimer: ARMY is used to describe all fans of BTS, despite contention about who should be allowed to use the term. This is critical of ARMY and HYBE. If you are sensitive to that criticism, you are forewarned.*

K-pop itself perpetuates a high level of consumerism with non-stop releases, numerous merch drops, multiple album copies, brand deals, and ambassadorships. Where BTS has been able to break many boundaries traditional K-pop sets, ARMY’s levels of consumerism has gotten unbelievably outrageous.

Just today, Jin was named ambassador of a jewelry company, with photos debuting him wearing the jewelry. One bracelet he wore in one photo got the attention of ARMY and within a few hours it sold out. But, that bracelet was $27,000 USD. This month, teasers of Despicable ME x BTS hinted that there may possibly be a collaboration or maybe a song on the soundtrack – only for it to be a merch popup?? And two mentions of BTS in the whole movie? Yet ARMYs are selling out BTSxMinions collab merch, for what? It was all ugly anyway and the minionifed members looked ridiculous, bordering disrespectful.

There are countless other examples: meaningless FESTA and RPWP merch, fundraising money to buy more albums to boost numbers, changing Twitter layouts for the merch releases.

Like any celebrity, BTS (the logo, the slogans, the BT21, the TinyTan) has turned into a brand, and have been for many years. But, inherently, as fans, we are not a fan of a brand. There may be ideological differences here in the way people are fans, but personally, I am here because I absolutely adore BTS’ music. I find them to be compelling, talented, unique artists creating and conveying beautiful, thoughtful messages through their music.

Of course, how is a group supposed to make money? They sell merchandise, albums, tickets to events and concerts. At some point though, enough is enough. Their messaging, artistry and dedication to their craft gets so muddled when all anyone ever wants to talk about is the new shiny thing HYBE has plastered their logo and faces onto. And more than half of ARMY buys into it.

It has a unique overlap with the spread of unofficial information and photos of the members. Since HYBE has primed ARMY to always be looking forward to the next thing they can get their hands on, especially in a “drought” of a hiatus (its not at this point), ARMY turns to member’s family accounts, Dispatch, media, and military websites just to get their fix of BTS. Their marketable attachments to their brand have turned inward to the members themselves, to the highest degree it has ever been.

If you speak out against the spread of unofficial content, some ARMY will scream at you to say “You don’t know how things work here, educate yourself, grow up, go back to Twitter.” To that I say, maybe the fandom should be reevaluating itself, like many ARMY already have. If we claim to love and support the members, why are we engaging with posts that are an invasion of privacy? Why are we allowing this level of normalization? Why should we be talking about family members that in ARMY’s relationship with BTS, have absolutely no involvement? Seeing the treatment of military pictures, press releases from unofficial sources, and updates is so disheartening, knowing that multiple members wished to go quietly and return to us as soon as possible (which is showing in their actions post-enlistment). Again, whether or not this is normalized does not matter, this is their time to be civilians. They can’t even have their privacy when they are legally out of their jobs as idols.

The manifestation of a perceived love and commitment to BTS as a member of ARMY has lead fans to be disillusioned with the people behind the brand. This is amplified tenfold in solo and (some) shipper spaces. BTS have built a relationship with their fans under the pretense of trust and respect for ten years. Every fan will hold a different ‘relationship’ to BTS, but tying their success to merch sales, streaming numbers, and album sales only pushes ARMY further into the cogs of consumerism. Focusing on every little update you can scour the internet to find, which turns out to be unethically sourced, pushes a fanbase without the moral structures ARMY have prided themselves on for years.

All of this piles on top of each other to reveal a fandom willing to silence ARMY who are using their fan platforms built on the radicalization that BTS has provoked in people to speak up for justice and humanity. When this issue of monetary focus in ARMY is discussed in the name of boycotting HYBE, people cannot even fathom the idea of pausing their spending on their favorite group, possibly for fear of missing out, sacrificing their fan involvement, or simply refusing to see the mission behind a boycott.

This leaves a fandom divided, hurt, and devastated in the wake of destruction from those who cannot see the value in BTS as humans and individuals first and foremost. I hope individuals reconsider what brought them to the fandom, what makes them stay in the fandom, and why they love the members. ARMY is not and should not be characterized by aesthetics and money, despite the current state of this fandom telling us otherwise.

[femmefatalevibe]

Hello! Any tips for starting your own ig blog?

Hi love! Some tips are below:

Consider whether you're crafting a personal brand, professional image, aesthetic, or e-commerce/product-focused account

Choose your handle name wisely. Always do your first name/last name or name of your business when applicable

Add relevant search terms to your headline/bio to make your page more easily discoverable to your intended audience. Hashtags can also be added to this section for discoverability

Select a bio image that best speaks to your personal/brand personality. Keep it polished but approachable like a well-executed mirror selfie, professional editorial photo, or your brand's logo

Craft a clear, compelling, and comprehensive bio that makes it simple to understand who you are/the purpose of your page while still showcasing your personal/brand personality. Include a CTA link (to your website, TikTok, Pinterest, press mention, etc.) or use a LinkTree link for more comprehensive accessibility

Decide on your blog purpose/themes covered, USP, key messages, content pillars, and brand voice/image guidelines (content/colors) before posting

Use the same/coordinating filters on all your photos, and try your best to have an aesthetically pleasing feed, so it looks very editorial and professional when people are debating whether to follow

Ensure your captions are engaging, and conversational. Follow a uniform brand voice/personality. However, you don't want your content to look overly edited and distant. Try to find the right balance between polished and relatable. Use the carousel feature liberally and relevant hashtags to optimize SEO value and discoverability

Utilize Instagram stories to provide an insider look at day-to-day happenings, share inspiration, engage in friendly/conversational dialogue with your audience, and promote engagement through polls, Q&As, etc.

Curate some highlights that best speak to your brand pillars/USP with uniform icon covers. Design them with a tool like Canva for a personal touch

Hope this helps xx

[fuckyeahaudiodrama]

REC: Clockwork Bird

“A philosophical horror podcast about a missing cyborg and the people looking for him. Robin Jaeger is the most synthetic man in the world. And he’s possibly been legally dead for over a decade. Shelly Croft is putting the pieces together, hoping the trail to Robin Jaeger will also lead to her finding her ex-girlfriend, who was obsessed with the company who made Robin’s limbs, and has also disappeared.” (x)

30 episodes / av. 15/25 mins apiece

this is genuinely one of my favorite audiodramas of all time. it truly makes the most of the medium, and the narrative is perfectly paced to allow each character to shine without distracting from the horizontal movement of the plot.

the overall balance of the story is admirable. robin is the fascinating center of the mystery, thoroughly haunting the narrative, but protagonist shelly really holds her own. she is not merely present as a means of unveiling someone else’s story; in fact, her personal drama is inextricably tangled in robin’s obscurity in a way that feels very natural — rather than forced — and provides a reasonable explanation for the risks that she continues to take. at no point should you find yourself skeptically asking “why is she bothering?” it’s clear there’s a compelling interest, and you will be dying to find out what it is.

additionally: my personal favorite part of listening to first-timer indie AD is when you get the chance to hear the technical skills of the creator improving over the course of the show. i find it so inspirational. this was a great example of that, and in fact, those improvements follow through to the creator’s next (unrelated) show, Spirit Box Radio!

the premise of this story alone raises a number of hairy ethical questions, and none of them are hand-waved away. to really appreciate this story you have to be willing to approach medical ethics including euthanasia, themes of suicide and self harm, and corporate usurpation of human bodily autonomy.

this story originated as a concept for a novel and you can tell just how gorgeously crafted it is. i for one cannot wait for creator eira to get published someday.

__

similar to: this story is unique in a very good way. other fragmented sci-fi mysteries like Janus Descending might tickle your fancy, or the ethical quandaries of Red Valley and BBC’s Body Horror. but i can’t think of another audiodrama that handles this brand of grief quite so poetically. feel free to point me to some.

[sahl2024]

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[sheuli22]

Unleashing the Power of Facebook Marketing: Best Strategies for Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, Facebook continues to reign supreme as a powerhouse platform for businesses looking to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales.

Crafting an effective Facebook marketing strategy is essential for staying ahead in the competitive online market. Here, we explore the best strategies to make the most of your Facebook marketing efforts.

Create a Compelling Business Page: Facebook Business Page is the foundation of your online presence. Optimize it by providing complete and accurate information, using high-quality visuals, and incorporating your brand's unique personality.

Regularly update your profile and cover photos to keep your page fresh.

Content is King: Develop a content strategy that resonates with your audience. Use a mix of engaging text, eye-catching visuals, and videos. Experiment with different content types to see what works best for your target demographic. Consistency is key, so establish a posting schedule and stick to it.

Leverage Facebook Ads: Facebook's robust advertising platform allows you to reach highly targeted audiences. Utilize Facebook Ads to promote your products or services, boost posts, and drive website traffic.

Experiment with different ad formats, such as carousel ads, video ads, and slideshow ads, to see what generates the best results.

Harness the Power of Video: Video content has become increasingly popular on Facebook. Utilize live videos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and storytelling to engage your audience. Facebook's algorithm often favors video content, leading to higher reach and engagement.

Engage with Your Audience: Actively respond to comments, messages, and reviews on your page. Encourage discussions, ask questions, and run polls to foster a sense of community.

By engaging with your audience, you build trust and loyalty, which can translate into customer retention and advocacy.

Run Contests and Giveaways: Create excitement and boost engagement by running contests and giveaways. Encourage users to like, share, and comment for a chance to win. This not only increases your reach but also creates a buzz around your brand.

Utilize Facebook Analytics: Regularly analyze Facebook Insights to understand the performance of your content and ads. Identify trends, track key metrics, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

This data-driven approach ensures that you're making informed decisions to optimize your Facebook marketing efforts.

Implement Retargeting Strategies: Make use of Facebook Pixel to track website visitors and retarget them with relevant ads. This helps re-engage potential customers who have shown interest in your products or services, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers can significantly expand your reach.

Identify influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic and collaborate on sponsored content or promotions.

Stay Updated on Algorithm Changes: Facebook's algorithm evolves, impacting how content is displayed in users' feeds. Stay informed about algorithm changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. Currently, meaningful interactions and quality content are prioritized, so focus on creating content that sparks genuine engagement.

Conclusion:

Mastering Facebook marketing requires a combination of creativity, consistency, and adaptability. By implementing these strategies, you can unlock the full potential of Facebook as a marketing powerhouse, driving brand growth and achieving your business objectives. Keep refining your approach based on data and feedback, and watch as your brand flourishes in the dynamic world of social media marketing.

[felassan]

EA Press Release

"Dragon Age™: The Veilguard Launches October 31, 2024; Pre-Orders Available Now August 15, 2024 New Trailer Showcases Aftermath of Solas’ Interrupted Ritual as Members of the Veilguard Must Fight Back Against Ancient Elven Gods Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and BioWare announced today that Dragon Age: The Veilguard will launch globally on Thursday, October 31, 2024 for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam (Deck Verified), EA App and Epic Games Store. Additionally, fans can now pre-order * the Standard and Deluxe Editions to receive in-game cosmetics that can be used to further personalize their journey through the next chapter in the critically-acclaimed saga. View the brand-new Release Date Trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard HERE In Dragon Age: The Veilguard , players will step into the role of Rook, a fully-customizable protagonist who must rise up, unite their crew and become the hero Thedas needs in a time where legends are born or slain. Joining Rook in their fight against corrupt Elven gods is a cast of seven compelling companions, each of whom hails from an iconic faction from Dragon Age lore. In addition to their own personal storylines and motivations, companions Bellara, Davrin, Emmrich, Harding, Lucanis, Neve and Taash all bring unique combat abilities and equipment to the fray, which Rook must strategically implement in their fight for the future of Thedas."

“As someone who’s been working on Dragon Age for over 15 years, I know just how much our community has been looking forward to this day, and I’m equally excited to share and celebrate that the game will officially launch on October 31,” said John Epler, Creative Director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. “We wanted to give you the choice to really express yourself, and do that in a world full of adventure and danger. So whether you’re a Warrior, Rogue or a Mage, we can’t wait for you to gear up, gather your party, and set out for another thrilling adventure through Thedas this Halloween.” As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a crafted experience woven from the threads of rich storytelling and fantasy worldbuilding the franchise is known for. In this bold, heroic adventure, players will experience expansive and dynamic stories that navigate love, loss and complex choices that affect relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. In true Dragon Age fashion, these bonds of fellowship are the foundation upon which Rook’s journey is built, and it will be up to the player to determine how their personal story unfolds. Fans who pre-order * the Standard Edition of Dragon Age: The Veilguard for $69.99 USD ‡ on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, or $59.99 USD ‡ on PC will receive cosmetic Blood Dragon Armor sets for Warrior, Mage and Rogue classes. Those who pre-order* the Deluxe Edition for $89.99 USD ‡ on console or $79.99 USD ‡ on PC will further receive the following cosmetics: three Rook armor sets, six Rook weapons, seven companion armor sets and seven companion weapons. EA Play Pro † members on the EA App will enjoy unlimited access to the EA Play Pro Edition starting October 31st. In addition, the BioWare Gear Store has been outfitted with a variety of new merchandise, including Rook’s Coffer. Available for $150 USD ‡ , Rook’s Coffer features a variety of unique physical keepsakes including a light-up Lyrium Dagger, Rook’s deck of cards featuring in-game art, and more (game not included). For additional information and to stay up to date on Dragon Age: The Veilguard , visit the official website , like Dragon Age on Facebook , follow the franchise on Discord , TikTok , Tumblr , Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) , and subscribe to its YouTube channel. Legal Disclaimer: *Conditions & restrictions apply. See https://www.ea.com/games/dragon-age/dragon-age-the-veilguard/disclaimers for details. ‡ Offers may vary or change. see retailer site for details. † Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details. PRESS ASSETS ARE AVAILABLE AT EAPressPortal.com"

[source]

[acapelladitty]

Antenora (Sandman Fic)

Summary - Instead of unmaking the Corinthian, Dream sets out a punishment far more cruel and fitting for his betrayal.

Also posted to AO3

Tucked away on a jagged cliffside which overlooked the violently churning ink-black seas of Nightmare below, sat a tree. Its thick trunk anchored it to the shifting sands below, dry bark knotted and twisted as the harsh, winter-frozen winds slowly flayed away ragged strips to expose the bleeding wood below.

Its branches were gnarled and fierce, clawed into their form like a vicious beast desperately trying to escape its rooted position within the world. A brilliant, almost ethereal, shade of scarlet, it was a tree which radiated a terrible beauty that compelled the eye to behold it while also chastising the voyeur by inspiring a deep sense of dread as each stunning branch was surveyed in turn.

But the true allure of the tree was not its natural beauty, crafted personally by the merciless hand of the Nightmare King, but in the suffering nightmare which hung from its most central branch, his bare feet dangling several feet high from the safety of the cruel sand below.

Naked as a newborn babe, the only adornment which he was permitted to hold - aside from the pale noose which held him suspended like a marionette - was a simple wooden sign that hung around his neck to cover the upper part of his torso. The coarse, rusted metal chain looped around his nape delved into the chaffed skin there like a lovers caress, sparking a small yet never-ending thin rivulet of blood to run down his pale frame until it was swallowed by the sand below.

Upon there, inscribed on the sign by a sharp finger which scored across the wood like a glowing brand, lay a single scrawled word.

Traitor.

The latest in a long list of titles reserved for the once-feared arch nightmare of the Dream Lord, the Corinthian. A creature of narrative, he wore his assigned role like the finest of fabrics, even when said story condemned him and tore at his skin with all the regard of the coarsest sandpaper.

He cut a fine figure, even in such a sorry state. His naked frame hung gracelessly as his hands remained pinned to his side in a lifeless fashion. The Corinthain was a creature built for beauty, a natural magnetism which attracted prey as easily as it repulsed them on some primal level. Toned limbs paired with fine, strong features that refused to be anything but as pretty as a picture even as they strained against their fate.

For the Corinthian, time had long since lost all meaning as he served his sentence.

The first year of his punishment had sparked desperation, dull fingers clawing frantically at the soft noose as it held him suspended in the never-ending discomfort of near death. He panicked. He kicked. And still he swung, his movements almost a bastardised version of a game that children would play around such an old tree. In this state of desperation, the Corinthian’s nails had lacerated at his strained neck until his digits grew bloodied and painfully raw but it made no difference.

---

The Dream Lord had been clear in his punishment.

The Corinthian gazed at the long strips of cloth which lay in a messy spread across the obsidian table. Stripped of his finery and bolted in place by heavy chains which restricted his body and choked his bare flesh, the things he dared take pleasure in as he allowed Dream to be held captive had been torn from him in an instant and the shame of his forced nudity spread through his frame like a roiling sickness.

“He could unmake us.” His left eye whispered and the Corinthian snapped it shut with a rough blink. Fear, potent in its intensity, kept both his knees and his gaze rooted to the barbed floor regardless of how uncomfortable the position quickly grew. Dream wanted him punished and the very terrain would see to it that his will was met.

"Wants to hurt us instead." The right eye confirmed before quickly finding itself snapped shut with equal prejudice.

A sharp crack, almost like lightning, caused the Corinthian to flinch in place. His exposed spine shuddered against the sudden chill as Dream filled the space before him in an instant, blotting out everything but the dark table and shredded scraps of suit before him.

Weave them.

Falling into the subservience which threaded his very DNA, the Corinthian bowed his head once more and refused eye contact with his maker.

"I don't understand."

You were not created to understand. Your pride in assuming you are entitled to it is flawed.

Flawed.

A flash of rage curled low in the Corinthian's belly as his head snapped up. Subservient, yes, but he was not built to show belly.

"Fucking unmake me then. Do it. Just like Gault and the others. The void can't be any worse than this. These-" he paused to allow his thoughts to catch up with his rebellious tongue, "fucking guessing games."

The void would not suffice. An example must be made. By moving against me, you snared a noose around your own throat, and you will now see it to completion.

Glancing down at the cloth strips, the Corinthian's fate grew clearer before his eyes, the ending to his tale sinking its barbs deeper into his unwilling skin, and a fresh bubble of panic ignited deep within his core.

No.

The refusal came quickly, rising in his chest even as his lips refused to form around it. However, he could hide nothing of himself from Dream and the internal hesitation may as well have been a howled emotional display for all the good it would do him.

A sickening snap preceded the scream which tore free of the Corinthian's throat as his fingers moved of their own accord. The only exception being the pinkie which now bent at a right angle from the rest of the digits.

Weave.

Dream once again demanded without a voice.

And the Corinthian, red tracks of bloodied tears now flowing freely from his ocular teeth, obeyed.

The narrative demanded penance and the press of it against his being traitorously eroded away the blinding anger which sparked his betrayal. Unable to do much more, his fingers moved diligently of their own accord as they wove the strips of his former suit into a thick rope; every movement sparking fresh pain in the snapped pinkie.

Memories of Calliope, of all people, stirred within his frantic mind. She had taught him the intricacies of crafting, her fascination with his status as a nightmare of such power inspiring her to inspire him in turn, to see what a monster such as he could construct if so pressed. Her teachings were soft and under her command he had grown in both technique and innovation; his fingers defter and more artistic in his wicked trade as he passed his skills along to his day trade.

A howl brokered free of his throat as a deep gouge tore itself asunder from his thigh; the stench of blood arousing his hunger even as his body curled in on itself to avoid any further pains. To that end, the Corinthian, panting and writhing in discomfort, shook his head free of the memories as their presence was clearly not appreciated by his wrathful master.

Before too long, his clothing had been reluctantly reconstructed into a thick length of rope; each strand containing various shades of beige and white as they melted together to form something which filled the Corinthian with horror as he beheld it.

A noose.

Fit for an apostate.

---

After clawing at the noose provided no relief to his suffering frame, the Corinthian tried to plead.

He screamed for forgiveness, for a mercy which he knew was undeserved. The narrative painted him as a traitor and would see him punished as such. His betrayal had cost the Dream Lord a friend in the shape of his raven and that sting, no matter how slight it may grow over time, would be punished a millennia over. He howled through the noose, the sounds reduced to little more than choking coughs and unknown sibilance, until he thought his ears would burst from the noise which refused to leave his lips and his lungs burned red-hot from the effort.

Eventually, the screaming stopped, and the Corinthian found himself reduced to pitiful sobs. They often resembled the cries of a neglected child in pain, desperate for some attention, be it positive or negative from those who had abandoned it and the shame of each bloodied tear burned across his cheek. However, even these tears came to pass, and the Corinthian was left with nothing but the ache in his lungs from the limited oxygen he was permitted to receive.

The shores of Nightmare were not an area of pure isolation, rather, many nightmares and a few envoys of various realms found themselves caught in the thin, winding path which passed before the brilliant scarlet tree. The nightmares knew, because of course they did, of the fate of the Corinthian as he remained frozen in a living hell but to an unexpecting party it provided quite the harrowing sight.

Word of mouth proved itself a terrible thing and many within the Dreaming itself found themselves curious and, even in this innocent curiosity, the ingenuity of the Dream Lord would come into play.

Any who would dare to approach, who would dare to attempt to touch the guilty - regardless if it were to persecute or palliate - would find themselves gripped by a primal fear. It would pierce their heart in such a way that many fell to their knees, clutching at their chest like babes as ice ran through their veins and the whispers of a warning, carved into the very earth they stood, caressed their ears.

Leave him.

He is not to be disturbed.

Only observed.

The will of the Dream Lord. A brutal and relentless thing which defied mercy at every turn. To touch the Corinthian would provide him an anchor to latch onto other than the punishment he deserved and that could not be allowed. He was to suffer.

Alone.

Forgotten.

To suffer the fate he intended for his master.

Tucked away on a jagged cliffside which overlooked the violently churning ink-black seas of Nightmare below, hung a nightmare.

Perhaps one day his Lord would forgive him his slight and return him to his former glory as a member of the Major Arcana. Or, perhaps one day the Dream Lord would recall his favoured nightmare and the fate which befell him. He would recall the millennia of loyalty before the grapes turned sour, and finally grant him the mercy of the unfeeling void.

Until then, the Corinthian would remain; unintelligible, whispered pleas carrying on the frigid winds of Nightmare to strike unease in the heart of any unfortunate enough to hear them.

[demifiendrsa]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Release Date Trailer

Dragon Age: The Veilguard will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on October 31, 2024.

Overview

About

From the storytellers at BioWare comes Dragon Age: The Veilguard, an all new single-player fantasy RPG experience. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll embark on a quest to face powerful Elven gods and stop the destruction they’re unleashing on the world. You are known as Rook, battling on the front lines alongside a compelling cast of companions with individual storylines and motivations. In true Dragon Age fashion, companions are central to the experience and as Rook, you must rise up, rally your crew and forge relationships to become the unexpected leader others believe in.

Story

Solas, the Dread Wolf and Elven Trickster god of legend, wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people’s immortality and glory—even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world. Rook’s journey to stop these two powerful deities will span across all of Thedas to bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and the deepest depths, but be wary of the evil forces along the way like the Dark Spawn, Venatori Cultists and Demons of the Fade.

Key Features

Fellowship – Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s brand new companions come alive with some of the most compelling individual storylines in Dragon Age history. Expansive and dynamic stories navigate love, loss and complex choices that will affect your relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. New companions like the Veil Jumper Bellara, the necromancer Emmrich, and the private detective Neve, come from iconic factions in Dragon Age lore, possessing individual skill trees and specialized gear for advanced team progression. You’ll see familiar faces, too, such as the archer Lace Harding who returns to the series as a full time companion.

Choice and Consequences – Dragon Age: The Veilguard builds on the series’ deep role-playing roots, providing extraordinary storytelling and worldbuilding, deep personalities for each companion, meaningful choices and impactful cinematic moments. The bonds you create and the relationships you forge will be affected by your choices made throughout your journey.

A Crafted Experience – As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers a crafted experience that pays homage to BioWare’s history of storytelling. The Lighthouse provides a central place where you can rest, learn more about the world through conversations, while the Crossroads allows you to traverse to separate explorable regions of the world with your companions. You’ll experience more of Thedas than ever before as your story unfolds across meticulously crafted biomes and beautiful regions including Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more, each inviting you to delve deeper into the narrative and uncover the mysteries of the land.

Fluid, Customizable Combat – Immersive combat blends fluid moment-to-moment controls with tactical decision-making. Players can fully customize their experience to fit their playstyle with diverse skill trees among three different classes—Warrior, Mage, and Rogue—each with unique abilities and specializations. Choose two companions to join you on your quests and unleash powerful team combos that can change the tide of any battle. Make strategic choices and direct your allies to fight, heal or stay out of the fray with the newly-added ability wheel.

Be the Leader You Want to Be – Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a robust character creation system that allows you to be the leader you want to be with a vast range of customization. BioWare has created the most comprehensive character creator in Dragon Age yet to make this story truly your own

[akashgh522]

New Business Marketing Tips and Tricks for Success

Starting a new business can be an exhilarating adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially in the competitive landscape of today's marketplace. To stand out and thrive, effective marketing is crucial. Here are four essential marketing tips and tricks to help your new business succeed:

Define Your Target Audience and Create Customer Personas:

One of the first steps in crafting a successful marketing strategy for your new business is to identify and understand your target audience. Who are your ideal customers, and what are their needs, preferences, and pain points? Creating customer personas can help you visualize and humanize your audience, making it easier to tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Start by conducting market research to gather data about your potential customers. Analyze demographics, psychographics, and behavior patterns to create detailed customer personas. These personas should include information like age, gender, income, interests, and pain points.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, customize your marketing messages and strategies to resonate with them. Craft compelling content, advertisements, and promotions that address their specific needs and desires. By speaking directly to your ideal customers, you'll increase the chances of building meaningful connections and driving conversions.

Leverage the Power of Digital Marketing:

In the digital age, online presence and digital marketing are indispensable for any new business. Here are some essential digital marketing strategies to consider:

a. Build a User-Friendly Website: Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Ensure that it is well-designed, easy to navigate, and mobile-responsive. Optimize it for search engines (SEO) to improve your visibility in search results.

b. Content Marketing: Create valuable and relevant content that educates, entertains, or solves problems for your target audience. Blog posts, videos, infographics, and social media updates can all be part of your content marketing strategy.

c. Social Media Marketing: Identify the social media platforms where your audience is most active and engage with them there. Develop a content calendar and use a mix of organic and paid content to reach a wider audience.

d. Email Marketing: Build and nurture an email list to stay in touch with your customers. Send personalized and relevant content, offers, and updates to keep them engaged and informed.

e. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC): Consider running targeted PPC campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to reach potential customers actively searching for your products or services.

Emphasize Customer Relationships and Engagement:

In a competitive market, building and maintaining strong customer relationships is vital. Consider these strategies to enhance customer engagement:

a. Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Respond promptly to inquiries and address customer concerns with care. Happy customers are more likely to become loyal advocates for your brand.

b. Personalization: Use customer data and segmentation to personalize your marketing messages and offers. People appreciate tailored experiences that cater to their unique preferences.

c. Encourage User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their experiences with your products or services on social media or review platforms. User-generated content can build trust and credibility.

d. Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers with loyalty programs, discounts, or exclusive access to new products or services. Loyalty programs can foster long-term relationships and increase customer retention.

Monitor, Analyze, and Adapt:

Marketing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. To continually improve your strategies, track key performance indicators (KPIs) and adapt based on the data:

a. Use Analytics Tools: Employ tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing metrics to monitor the performance of your marketing efforts.

b. A/B Testing: Experiment with different marketing approaches and compare their results through A/B testing. This allows you to refine your strategies over time.

c. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends, competitors, and evolving customer preferences. Stay open to adjusting your marketing plan as needed.

In conclusion, successful marketing for a new business involves understanding your audience, utilizing digital strategies, fostering customer relationships, and staying adaptable. By implementing these tips and tricks, your new business can navigate the competitive landscape and carve out its own path to success.