#creating a successful startup

[justposting1]

Want to be rich? DON'T Start a Side Hustle.

If you want to be rich and not just earn a few extra dollars, then you are wasting your time trying side hustles. Anyone can start a successful business if they know what they’re looking for. I’ll show you how to find business ideas and then rank them so you can find an idea to start your business in 2023. I illustrate it with examples of real, ordinary people who have found amazing success…

[champstorymedia]

Social CRM: Engaging Customers Across Platforms for Better Relationships

In today’s digital landscape, where consumers engage with brands across various social channels, the importance of Social Customer Relationship Management (Social CRM) cannot be overstated. By effectively utilizing Social CRM strategies, businesses can foster deeper relationships with customers, enhance engagement, and drive loyalty, all while navigating the complexities of multiple platforms.…

[chhaploos]

Chhaploos: Revolutionizing Customized Printing in Chandigarh

[marketingzites]

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[reasonsforhope]

"A German bio-tech company has developed a naturally-occurring enzyme discovered in a cemetery into a near-market ready solution for recycling plastic without any loss of quality.

In 2022, GNN reported on a paper published by Leipzig-based scientists who first identified the enzyme. At the time, the enzyme was subject to a small side-by-side test, and caused the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic to decompose by a whopping 90%.

Pictured: Before and After: A container of PET after 24 hours of contact with the enzyme leaves only dye

Fast forward to the spring of 2025 and those same scientists have perfected the capabilities of that enzyme, called PHL7, and have founded ESTER Biotech to bring those capabilities to market.

Their initial plan to be finished next year is a bathtub-sized pilot project reactor. If successful, their 2030 plan will be four 350 cubic-meter reactors capable of processing 45,000 metric tons of PET plastic every year.

PHL7 and ESTER Biotech boast several advantages over chemical and thermal recycling methods. For starters, once the polymers of PET are broken by the enzyme into monomers, or single component parts, they have suffered no degradation of their material characteristics unlike some recycled plastic which is weaker or less stable.

Additionally, PHL7 is exceptionally stable from 32 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit (0-95°C), and per kilogram of plastic, a dose of only 0.02% to 0.06% of the enzyme is required—substantially less than existing alternatives. Their new version of the enzyme also recycles the plastic several hours faster.

“Our technology makes it possible to bring material flows that are currently burned back to the beginning of the cycle at the molecular level,” says Christian Sonnendecker, lead author on the paper of the enzyme’s discovery, and co-founder of ESTER Biotech at the University of Leipzig. “And with high energy efficiency and scalability.”

“We are only at the beginning. But we are convinced that when science, entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility come together, a cemetery enzyme can become a beacon of hope for a better future.”

RECYCLING BREAKTHROUGHS: 

Scientists in Japan Develop Non-Toxic Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater Within Hours

Cornell Researchers Create First-of-its-Kind Durable and Recyclable Plastic

New Process ‘Vaporizes’ Plastic Bags and Bottles to Help Make Recycled Materials

Revolutionary New ‘Living Plastic’ That Could Slash Damage to the Environment Developed by California Researchers

ESTER Biotech’s enzyme is able to separate certain multilayer composites which are normally thought of as unrecyclable. In addition to the infrastructure of the pilot project, ESTER is currently working with two medium-sized partners to build a cost-efficient supply chain with an aim to reduce the enzyme price to between 100 and 200 euros per kilogram.

Though no currently-commercialized recycling method can compete with the cost of virgin plastic, a price between 100 and 200 euros will put it in line with existing competitors.

Fortunately for anyone in the space, the EU is not afraid to use heavy-handed regulation to guarantee plastic recycling rates. By 2040, under existing EU legislation, 65% of plastic production will be mandated to come from recycled sources. ESTER believes that with its potential to offer a higher quality “recyclate,” the incentive to pursue and expand enzymatic methods will increase."

-via Good News Network, June 13, 2025

[deepika112]

An Overview for Purchasers of Homes and Investors

Chennai, the bustling capital city of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sought-after destinations for real estate investment and home buying in India. With a thriving economy and a growing population, this vibrant metropolitan city offers a lot of exciting opportunities in real estate.

From the rapidly developing IT corridors to the serene beachside neighborhoods, Chennai's real estate market has a lot of potential for both investors and first-time home buyers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the top real estate hotspots in Chennai.

Emerging real estate hotspots in Chennai

The top areas in Chennai to invest in real estate are:

Vandalur

OMR

Nanganallur

The first on our list is Vandalur, which is one of the most promising areas in terms of real estate. Already, it is industrially developed, and it is now developing its apartments for sale in Vandalur rapidly. You can find many budget-friendly projects that are very attractive and premium. This affordable location also houses all the basic amenities, and you don’t have to go for any other options. Since it is recently developing, the prices are very competitive for first-time buyers to invest right away.

Our second hotspot on the list is OMR. It is known as the IT corridor and stretches parallelly to the ECR. This area has seen significant growth in recent years, with several multinational IT companies thriving in the area. OMR houses several localities like Sholinganallur, Siruseri, etc., which are prominent real estate hotspots. OMR is home to some of the most luxurious flats for sale in OMR and commercial properties in the city. Although the prices are quite premium, it is not too late to make an investment in this part of the city.

Another area that is rapidly gaining popularity is Nanganallur. Being close to Anna Nagar, this area is among the elite residential localities in the city. From multi-story office buildings to world-class shopping malls, this area has all of it in close proximity. The prices in the area are always rising, and you can expect the investment to be a worthy one. Even if you buy houses in Nanganallur for the first time, you will be residing in an elite locality.

Factors driving growth in Vandalur, OMR, and Nanganallur

Several factors are driving the growth of these emerging real estate hotspots in Chennai. One of the primary factors is the city's booming economy, which is attracting a significant amount of investment from both domestic and international corporations.

This has led to a surge in demand for high-quality commercial and residential properties and has compelled the growth of these emerging hotspots.

Another factor driving growth in these areas is the city's infrastructure development. The government has undertaken several initiatives to improve the city's transportation, connectivity, and other essential amenities, which has made these areas more attractive to both investors and home buyers.

Finally, the city's growing population is also driving the growth of these emerging hotspots. As more and more people are moving to the capital for work and to settle down, the demand for real estate properties is increasing. This has led to a surge in prices and a significant increase in the number of new developments in these areas.

Key infrastructure developments that enhance property values in Chennai

The government has undertaken several infrastructure development projects in the city that have significantly enhanced the property values in these emerging hotspots. One of the most significant infrastructure projects is the Chennai Metro rail project, which has made commuting around the city faster, safer, and more convenient. This has led to an increase in demand for properties located near metro stations and pushed up property values in these areas.

Another key infrastructure development is the Chennai Outer Ring Road (ORR) project. This project will provide seamless connectivity around the city and will make it easier for people to access the city's major commercial and entertainment hubs. This will make properties located near the ORR more attractive to investors and home buyers, which will push up property values in these areas.

Finally, the government has also undertaken several initiatives to improve the city's water supply, sewage, and other essential amenities. This has made Chennai more livable and attractive to both investors and home buyers.

[venturevistas]

DIGITAL MARKETING INSTITUTE IN BTM

[artstennisracket]

Say Ah! ib: Say Ah by Trey Songz please listen while you read :) patrick zweig x art donaldson x fem!reader

cw: nsfw(18+), drunk sex, drug use, dirty talk, squirting, eiffel tower of sorts

girl it’s your birthday open wide i know you’re thirsty say ah

Patrick Zweig and Art Donaldson were two very notable names at your very prestigious boarding school. Art’s parents were rich but they were new money. Art’s dad had created a startup tech way before Art was born and it became super successful.

Patrick’s parents though? They were old money. Like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie type old money. No one even knows what his parents do but with amount of money they pay for boarding school tuition, no one really cared.

Art and Patrick were attached at the hip. It made sense though, they were roommates for years. Their families are friends now. They spend breaks and summers on trips to europe or the carribean. Between the Zweig’s chalet in Geneva, the Donaldson’s villa in the Bahamas, the Zweig’s chateau in Nice, and the Donaldson’s beachfront house in St.Kitts, they were spoiled for options.

There were rumors going around that they share girls. You weren’t 100% sure what that meant but you could use your imagination. There were other rumors that they were actually dating each other but you weren’t sure about that either.

Your paths hadn’t crossed much in the almost 6 years you guys have been here. But tonight your best friend insisted you guys go clubbing tonight for your birthday. You liked to party from time to time but you’d try not to go overboard. Emphasis on try. But you were a party girl at heart.

You put on the white shirt and a sequin mini skirt. You finish your makeup and throw on some heels.

“should we pregame?” You ask fiddling with your hair in the mirror.

“nah we won’t need to,” your friend, Liz, says as she finishes zipping up her thigh high boots.

You raise an eyebrow. You know it’s been a minute since you went out but you’re pretty sure pregaming is still the most cost effective way to get drunk.

She continues as she stand up, “we’re going to Patrick and Art’s section tonight at Ikon.”

Oh.

“oh um- i-i didn’t know, i’ve never partied with them before,” you’re unsure why you’re nervous. You’ve been clubbing a million times. And it’s just Patrick and Art, how intimidating could they be.

She shrugs, “i’ve been out with them a few times, they’re super nice. they just always order bottles so there’s no point in pregaming with cheap stuff.”

You nod and follow her out the door.

When you guys get inside the club is already pretty packed. Sweaty bodies and sticky floors. You hold onto you friend hand as she drags you through the club and upstairs. Weaving through the masses.

You’ve never been to Ikon before, you usually frequent Barcelo or Kapital more. But so far you were liking the vibes.

Once you guys get to their section, your friend steps over the velvet rope and you follow suit.

There’s a ridiculous amount of people from school here, mainly girls but a few guys as well. There were a few champagne buckets with ice on the table. In them, so many bottles. Clase Azul, Dom Perignon, Don Julio. Oh wow, Liz was not joking.

She greats them each with a side hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“lizzzzzz, lizzie, you made it i’m so happy you came,” Art says. He’s definitely a little tipsy.

“couldn’t let you host without inviting the life of the party and the birthday girl,” She says gesturing to herself and you.

Patrick smirks. He’s holding a bottle of 1942 in his hand. He takes a swig before he says, “and who is this birthday girl you’ve brought with you?”

You’re nervous again. Why are you nervous? Fuck. They’re just two rich white boys, you need to pull it together. You take a breath and say, “y/n”

Art smiles and claps his hand on Patrick’s shoulder, “have you taken a shot yet? c’mon pat give her a shot. it’s her birthday.”

Patrick is more than happy to oblige. He walks over to you, holding the neck of the bottle, “c’mon birthday girl, say ah.”

A shot is exactly what you need to loosen up. You tilt your head back, opening your mouth. You move your hand to cup right under your mouth as a safeguard for any spillage.

“there you go, uh uh no hands baby,” He says. The butterflies in your stomach going crazy after he says that. But you move your hands nonetheless. He pours some tequila into your mouth. His aim wasn’t perfect so a little does dribble down your neck. He leans down to whisper by your ear, “good girl.”

And just like that he’s gone.

The rest of the night is really fucking blurry. Art and Patrick were giving out shots like water. If you ever had an empty cup it was filled within minutes. If you were dancing so you hadn’t had a drink in a minute, Patrick of Art were there in seconds. They didn’t even have to tell you what to do anymore. You instinctively tilt your head back and open your mouth everytime they approach you with a bottle in their hand. Their excuse being “it’s your birthday, can’t let you go thirsty”

There’s a moment where you walk back to the table in the section that Patrick and Art are sitting at. They’ve got a few lines of coke on the table, Art going first. So Patrick is the first one that spots you and gestures for you to sit next to him.

“enjoying yourself birthday girl?” Patrick smirks. But before you have a chance to answer, Art is passing him the very tightly rolled $100 bill for Patrick to do his lines. So Art steps in to fill the conversation.

“hey having fun?” He smiles a big goofy smile. He’s actually kind of cute. And a decent contrast to more chill Patrick Zweig. But you haven’t really gotten to know them yet so you’ll hold back on the assumptions for now.

You nod slowly, fearful that too much head movement sitting down would make you dizzy, “so much fun, you guys are good hosts so that makes it better.”

Patrick sits back up and wipes his nose. He turns his head to look at you, “where are my manners? did you want?” He asks gesturing to the half empty tiny plastic baggy on the table.

You shake your head no laughing, “i tried it once and I just threw up all over the place so i’ll pass”

He nods in understanding. You notice he has his hand on Art’s thigh as he keeps talking to you, “good birthday so far?”

You nod smiling, “best birthday so far.”

“good i’m glad we could make that happen for you,” He says leaning into your personal space bubble. If you don’t know any better you’d think he’s trying to kiss you, there’s just one more question you want to ask first.

“you and Art seem pretty close,” You say, not creating any distance between the two of you. If anything you lean in closer. You keep eye contact with Patrick. You can see the gears turning in his head as he thinks of how he should answer that.

He smirks, he does that a lot you’ve noticed, “do you wanna see just how close we are?”

You nod biting your lip, but you’re not 100% sure if this is going where you think it’s going.

He sits back up turning his head to Art’s direction. He puts his hand on Art’s chin making Art face him, pulling Art away from whatever side conversation he was having. And he pulls him in for a kiss. It’s slow and sloppy, expected since they’re both kind of drunk at this point. Art kisses Patrick back with no hesitation, so they’ve done this before.

When Patrick pulls away from the kiss he turns back to you while Art goes back to his side conversation. A smirk plastered right back on his face, “does that answer your question?”

“so the rumors are true? you guys are together?”

Patrick laughs. He actually laughs so hard he throws his head back. When he finishes his laughing fit, he turns back to you to say, “fuck no I am not dating blondie, we just like to have fun.”

They just like to have fun. Have fun? So do they share girls? It’s another rumor you heard and it sounds like something someone who likes to have fun would do.

Before you can think on it anymore your body is spewing out the words, “so do you guys share girls?” No reference to the rumor at all, so it almost sounds like you’re asking for yourself.

Now that peaks Patrick’s interest. So maybe it is true? He leans down by your ear again to whisper, “do you want to find out?”

That’s how you end up in their dorm room at 3am.

Initially you didn’t want to leave your friend Liz behind but apparently she had already left with another which she sent you a text about an hour ago. Wow you really don’t check your phone when you’re drunk.

The three of you waste no time taking off your clothes. It’s been a minute since you’ve had sex with one person, let alone two.

You noticed they had pushed both their beds together, very interesting. Patrick and Art start making out on their bed, Patrick is lying down and Art is on top of him.

You’re not sure where you should jump in until Patrick grabs Art’s curls pushing his head down to come face to face with Patrick’s cock. Once Art starts sucking, Patrick gestures for you to straddle him.

You climb on top of him and he pulls you down for a kiss. It’s slow and sensual, like he’s trying to explore your mouth with his tongue.

Art pulls off Patrick’s dick and moves his focus to your pussy. Since it’s right in his face now, he can’t really resist. He lazily continues jerking Patrick off as he licks up the crease of your folds.

He licks up and down, making sure to go down far enough to lick at your clit too. The he comes back up to push his tongue inside of you.

“oh fuck,” You moan into Patrick’s mouth.

Patrick pulls away from the kiss biting your bottom lip, “make sure you’re getting her ready for us.” You assumed he was talking to Art and on cue Art stuck two fingers inside of you, making you gasp.

Patrick moves his hands so one is grabbing your ass while the other is cupping your breast, toying with your nipple.

You being moved into a different position but you can’t tell where Patrick body ends and Art’s body begins. You’re not sure whose hands are where but now you’re on your on your hands and knees with Art in front of your face and Patrick behind you.

You’re looking up at Art as he drags his tip against your lips, smearing his pre cum around.

“fuck, you’re really fucking pretty,” Art breathes out.

At the same time Patrick had already rolled on a condom and was teasing your entrance, “don’t get all sappy on me now donaldson. c’mon y/n say ah”

As soon as you hear the phrase you’ve gotten acquainted to over the course of the night, it’s like muscle memory and your mouth opens.

Art and Patrick pushing into you at the same time from opposite is a euphoric feeling you don’t think you’ll ever forget.

Patrick hands gripping your hips as he fucks into you. Art’s hands tangles in your hair as he thrusts into your mouth. Patrick bruising your cervix, while Art bruises the back of your throat.

There are some differences between the two of them. Art is very whiny. He whines alot as he thrusts in and out of your mouth, mumbling over and over about how good you’re making him feel. While Patrick is more of a groan-er. He groans and moans as he fucks himself in and out of you, saying how well you’re taking his cock and what a good girl you are.

They went back and forth saying stuff like:

“holy fuck, you’re so fucking tight.”

“fuck, shit, love seeing your lips wrapped around my cock”

“taking my cock so well,” They both said that in unison at the same time. Kinda freaky. But it added to that pit in your stomach that was building towards your orgasm.

All you could do was moan around Art’s cock that was shoved down your throat. Art’s shoved your face towards his pelvis almost suffocating you and you’re not sure why at first, until you hear kissing?

They’re making out above you. At least you can check eiffel tower of some sorts off of your bucket list.

You can feel both of their thrusts start to stutter, they’re close. They pull away from their kiss and you hear Art say, “fuck baby I’m gonna cum, i’m gonna—.” You feel his release shoot deep down your throat before he pulls out. And you swallow it all down.

When Art cums you feel your orgasm rip through your body but it feels different, “im cumming—“ You moan as your body contracts and there’s a rush of liquid. Patrick pulls out halfway as you squirt all over his dick. “jesus fuck,” He moans.

He was already on the edge but your tight hole squeezing around his cock mixed with the visuals of you squirting on his cock pushed him over the edge, “shit im gonna cum—“ He releases inside you before he pulls out and ties off the condom.

Art had already fallen asleep on his side of the bed but you couldn’t really blame him because he was drunk.

You’re not sure if you should leave and try to sneak back into the girls dorms or if you should stay. Patrick comes back and hands you a rag so you can clean up.

“thanks,” You say with shy smile, unsure why you’re feeling like you’re sobering up a little.

He offers a soft smile, “you know you can stay if you want, i wouldn’t kick you out.”

You gesture to the soiled bedsheets on what you assume is Patrick’s side of the bed, “sorry about the mess, i can help you clean up.”

He lets out a small laugh, “don’t apologize that was fucking hot, you do that often?”

You offer a smirk this time, “wanna find out?”

You both have to carry Art’s passed out body onto the sofa while you guys change the sheets. When Art wakes up the next morning to find new sheets on his bed, Patrick ignores all his questions about it, insisting that “it’s better if y/n just shows you what happened.”

a/n: bonus points if you recognize the club names :)

[luna-azzurra]

Give your protagonist flaws.

Some examples of character flaws that can add humanity to your protagonist

Stubbornness

Stubbornness can cause your protagonist to cling to their viewpoints, even when they know they are wrong, often leading to conflicts with others. This trait can create dramatic tension and drive the narrative forward as the protagonist struggles with the consequences of their inflexibility.

Michael, a seasoned detective, refuses to consider new evidence that contradicts his initial theory about a case. His stubbornness leads to conflicts with his team and delays in solving the case.

Impatience

Impatience can make your protagonist demand immediate results, struggling with long-term goals or slower processes. This flaw can add layers to their journey, showing the difficulties they face in learning the value of patience and strategic planning.

Celeste, an aspiring entrepreneur, rushes the development of her new app, pushing her team to the brink. Her impatience results in a product that is not ready for launch, jeopardizing her startup's future.

Self-Doubt

Self-doubt, despite evident skills and achievements, can impair the protagonist's decision-making and actions. This internal conflict adds a relatable dimension, making their journey toward self-acceptance and confidence compelling.

Jordan, a talented musician, constantly questions his abilities despite receiving praise from peers and critics. His self-doubt hinders him from seizing opportunities that could advance his career.

Short Temper

A short temper can cause your protagonist to react aggressively to provocations or challenges, creating interpersonal issues. This flaw can drive subplots involving reconciliation, personal growth, and the learning of emotional control.

Maria, a brilliant surgeon, often lashes out at her colleagues and patients under pressure. Her short temper strains her professional relationships and threatens her career.

Selfishness

Selfishness can lead the protagonist to place their own needs and desires above others, costing them sympathy and support. This flaw can create opportunities for the character to learn empathy and the importance of selflessness.

Chris, a charismatic lawyer, often prioritizes his career over his family, missing important events and neglecting relationships. His selfishness alienates those who care about him, forcing him to reevaluate his choices.

Arrogance

Arrogance can make your protagonist overestimate their abilities and underestimate challenges, leading to dangerous or embarrassing situations. This flaw provides a platform for the character to learn humility and the value of listening to others.

Mandy, a top student, dismisses her classmates' ideas during group projects, believing she knows best. Her arrogance leads to friction and eventually to a significant mistake that humbles her.

Trust Issues

Trust issues can make it difficult for your protagonist to trust others, hindering teamwork and relationships. This trait can create tension and development opportunities as the character learns to open up and rely on others.

Liam, a former spy, finds it hard to trust anyone due to past betrayals. His trust issues complicate his relationships and collaboration with a new team.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism can lead your protagonist to set unrealistically high standards, never being content with their or others' performance. This flaw can drive stories about the struggle for balance and acceptance of imperfection.

Olivia, an artist, is never satisfied with her work, constantly striving for an unattainable level of perfection. Her perfectionism causes stress and burnout, affecting her creativity and personal life.

Fear of Change

Fear of change can make your protagonist cling to the familiar and avoid necessary or beneficial changes. This resistance can create narrative tension as they are forced to confront and adapt to evolving circumstances.

Jamie, a successful business owner, resists adopting new technologies or methods in his company. His fear of change threatens his business's relevance and growth.

Haunted by the Past

Being haunted by past mistakes or traumas can influence your protagonist's present behavior and decisions. This flaw adds a rich backstory and provides a path for emotional development and overcoming personal demons.

Zack, a war veteran, is haunted by his experiences in combat. His traumatic past affects his current relationships and decisions, leading him on a journey of healing and redemption.

[cyberclouddream]

How We Gain Attention or Visibility

[ first house ] our type of charisma, what inherently or initially draws people’s attention to us

[ tenth house ] what we’re respected for by those with or in power; our achievements or reputation

[ eleventh house ] groups thats build relationships and visibility; our way of navigating networks and social contributions

Bonus: the 12th house away from the 10th house can indicate hidden challenges or sacrifices that impact the 10th house. As in, what we should avoid.

Note: for the networking part, it can represent what fields, causes, or industries can support your aspirations.

Aries Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their unapologetic boldness and willingness to take risks. They’re recognized by those in power because they embody discipline and grind harder than everyone else to reach the top, willing to make sacrifices. They’re respected by the public for their no-nonsense approach to success.

Their aspirations are supported by those who challenge the status quo and embrace innovation. Networking with innovative groups or individuals, like tech disruptors or social activists, boosts their influence and aspirations by pushing them to challenge norms and drive impactful change.

Avoid: disregarding cultural sensitivities; overconfidence with no backing; impulsive travel decisions; no follow ups on discussions or meetings; ignoring deadlines or commitments

Taurus Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because their calm presence and appreciation for beauty. They’re recognized by those in power because they come up revolutionary or humanitarian ideas that defy the norm and don’t care if anyone disagrees. They’re respected by the public for their refusal to conform.

Their aspirations are supported by those who provide emotional understanding and foster creativity. Networking with creative and empathetic individuals, like artists or holistic healers, boosts their influence and aspirations by deepening their emotional resonance and expanding their artistic vision.

Avoid: ignoring feedback; rigid attachment to ideas; working in isolation too much; neglecting networking; letting fear of failure hinder them

Gemini Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because they’re social chameleons and their ability to adapt to situations. They’re recognized by those in power because their ability to tap into what people truly feel and their creative vision that sets them apart. They’re respected by the public for their rich imagination and amount of compassion.

Their aspirations are supported by those who push them to take risks and embrace boldness. Networking with bold and driven groups or individuals, like startup founders or competitive athletes, boosts their influence and aspirations by igniting their ambition and pushing them to take risks in high-stakes environments.

Avoid: extreme ideas that alienate others; ignoring team input; avoiding leadership roles; ignoring learning or networking opportunities

Cancer Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their protective nature and ability to create a nurturing environment. They’re recognized by those in power because they dominate the room and get things done without hesitation. They’re respected by the public for their pioneering spirit.

Their aspirations are supported by those who offer security and share their values. Networking with reliable and grounded individuals, like financial advisors or sustainable business owners, boosts their influence and aspirations by providing the practical support and resources they need to achieve long-term success.

Avoid: taking criticism too personally; neglecting self-care; letting idealism cloud judgement; unclear or vague communication; escapism or distractions from responsibilities

Leo Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of they radiate confidence and charisma, and their flair for drama. They’re recognized by those in power because their ability to deliver consistent results and don’t crumble under pressure. They’re respected by the public for their ability to create stability.

Their aspirations are supported by those who stimulate their intellect and love lively discussions. Networking with intellectually stimulating groups or individuals, like journalists or tech innovators, boosts their influence and aspirations by keeping their ideas sharp and opening doors to fresh opportunities and collaborations.

Avoid: intimidating colleagues, opposed to diplomacy; impulsive decisions; ending relationships harshly; neglecting teamwork; skipping preparation for projects

Virgo Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their keen eye for details and their ability to solve problems. They’re recognized by those in power because they have exceptional communication skills and their ability to navigate and adapt to new situations easily. They’re respected by the public for their intellectual curiosity and ability to connect diverse ideas.

Their aspirations are supported by those who nurture their emotional needs and create a safe space. Networking with nurturing and community-focused individuals, like social workers or wellness advocates, boosts their influence and aspirations by creating a strong support system that empowers them to pursue their goals with confidence.

Avoid: inflexible views, neglecting new ideas; procrastination; prioritizing money over ethics; avoiding taking risks

Libra Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their ability to mediate and create harmony in interactions. They’re recognized by those in power because they know how to influence emotions and create supportive environments that foster loyalty. They’re respected by the public for their ability to inspire others to show up when it counts and make others feel truly cared for.

Their aspirations are supported by those who celebrate their talents and feed their desire for recognition. Networking with charismatic and influential groups or individuals, like entertainers or public figures, boosts their influence and aspirations by placing them in the spotlight and allowing them to showcase their talents and leadership.

Avoid: superficial communication; gossiping; inconsistent opinions, frequently changing stance on issues; leaving tasks incomplete; avoiding specialization or developing expertise

Scorpio Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their intense presence or gaze, and mysterious vibes. They’re recognized by those in power because they radiate confidence, command attention, and inspire others to follow them. They’re respected by the public for their ability to inspire others to follow their lead with charisma.

Their aspirations are supported by those who appreciate their attention to detail and strong work ethic. Networking with detail-oriented and analytical individuals, like researchers or health professionals, boosts their influence and aspirations by sharpening their skills and ensuring their work meets the highest standards.

Avoid: letting feelings dictate professional interactions; being too defensive over ideas; bringing personal issues to work; isolating from colleagues; avoiding tough conversations

Sagittarius Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their adventurous spirit and honest perspective. They’re recognized by those in power because they have exceptional organizational and analytical skills, and ensure things run smoothly and efficiently. They’re respected by the public for their commitment to excellence and ability to deliver high-quality results.

Their aspirations are supported by those who bring balance and harmony to their relationships. Networking with diplomatic and socially aware groups or individuals, like lawyers or designers, boosts their influence and aspirations by helping them navigate complex social dynamics and create meaningful partnerships.

Avoid: making every discussion about yourself; prioritizing personal success over collective achievements; taking on too many projects at once without completing; seeking constant external validation; refusing constructive criticism

Capricorn Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their serious demeanor and air of authority. They’re recognized by those in power because they know how to skillfully navigate conflicts and create a sense of fairness. They’re respected by the public for their diplomatic finesse and ability to make everyone feel heard, even when things are chaotic.

Their aspirations are supported by those who respect their intensity and offer loyalty. Networking with intense and transformative individuals, like psychologists or personal development coaches, boosts their influence and aspirations by allowing them to explore deep connections and drive significant change in themselves and others.

Avoid: setting unrealistically high standards; micromanaging, trying to control every aspect of projects; overanalyzing details or aspects; neglecting personal well-being; being overly critical

Aquarius Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their rebellious spirit and unique perspectives. They’re recognized by those in power because by their resourcefulness and exceptional ability to read people and situations given their keen insight in human nature. They’re respected by the public for their ability to demand accountability, uncover hidden truths, and foster transformation in both individuals and organizations.

Their aspirations are supported by those who embrace adventure and encourage exploration. Networking with adventurous and open-minded groups or individuals, like travelers or educators, boosts their influence and aspirations by expanding their worldview and fueling their quest for knowledge and new experiences.

Avoid: hesitation to make decisions; downplaying personal contributions; compromising values for external approval; avoiding conflict or discussing disagreements

Pisces Risings inherently or initially draw attention to them because of their dreamy and creative vibes, along with their empathetic nature. They’re recognized by those in power because of their ability to motivate and inspire others with their optimism and embrace change. They’re respected by the public for their refusal to accept anything less than the truth, along with their ability to push past boundaries.

Their aspirations are supported by those who share their ambition and respect their drive for success. Networking with ambitious and driven individuals, like corporate leaders or entrepreneurs, boosts their influence and aspirations by challenging them to elevate their standards and relentlessly pursue their goals.

Avoid: micromanaging; holding back important information, not having transparency; letting intense feelings dictate reactions; isolating from group efforts; using manipulation or underhanded tactics

[champstorymedia]

Scaling in the Digital Age: How Online Tools Can Help Your Business Grow

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, scaling your operations has become crucial for sustained success. Leveraging online tools can streamline processes, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth like never before. This article explores how various digital tools can facilitate effective scaling in the digital age and position your business for long-term success. Understanding…

[delaneydiaries]

10th House Careers

—Aries in the 10th House

Career Fields: Entrepreneur, athlete, firefighter, military, startup founder, stunt performer, motivational speaker

Vibe: Bold leader. Known for trailblazing, risk-taking, and charging ahead before the rest even have a plan

—Taurus in the 10th House

Career Fields: Finance, real estate, interior design, art dealing, luxury sales, farming, architecture

Vibe: Steady, success-built brick by brick. They create lasting legacies, often in beauty or security.

—Gemini in the 10th House

Career Fields: Writing, journalism, teaching, marketing, social media, podcasting, public relations

Vibe: Talks the talk and walks it too. A chameleon in the professional world.

—Cancer in the 10th House

Career Fields: Social work, therapy, childcare, nursing, hospitality, real estate, psychology, education

Vibe: The caretaker turned boss. Soft leadership with emotional intelligence.

—Leo in the 10th House

Career Fields: Entertainment, performing arts, politics, fashion, leadership, motivational speaking

Vibe: Center stage CEO. Craves recognition and knows how to shine in the public eye.

—Virgo in the 10th House

Career Fields: Healthcare, editing, data analysis, nutrition, teaching, research, administrative work

Vibe: The quiet expert. Precision and service-oriented excellence.

—Libra in the 10th House

Career Fields: Law, design, fashion, diplomacy, HR, beauty industry, art, public relations

Vibe: Polished professionalism. Brings harmony and aesthetics to high places.

—Scorpio in the 10th House

Career Fields: Psychology, investigation, forensics, finance, medicine, occult work, crisis intervention

Vibe: Power behind the curtain. Strategic, intense, and unafraid of the underworld.

—Sagittarius in the 10th House

Career Fields: Travel industry, higher education, publishing, philosophy, law, coaching, politics

Vibe: Globe-trotting guru. Wants to inspire through ideas, experience, and vision.

—Capricorn in the 10th House

Career Fields: Corporate leadership, finance, law, engineering, government, business ownership

Vibe: Born for the boardroom. Ambition + discipline = unstoppable climb.

—Aquarius in the 10th House

Career Fields: Tech, innovation, activism, science, astrology, nonprofit, entertainment, aviation

Vibe: Future-focused rebel. Breaks the mold to build a better one.

—Pisces in the 10th House

Career Fields: Art, film, music, healing arts, spiritual work, therapy, photography, ocean-related work

Vibe: The mystic in a suit. Creative, compassionate, and often guided by a dream or cause.

[flutteragency]

How to Build a Successful Fitness App Like Peloton?

COVID-19 upended our world in 2020, closing gyms and studios. Yet fitness refused to falter. It simply migrated online, adapting swiftly to the new reality. Our routines shifted, but we stayed committed to our health. We found new ways to express ourselves online.

Apps like Peloton are vital for millions. They provided workouts and a community to connect with. This change wasn’t just due to the pandemic. It marked the start of a big shift in fitness – moving online.

People found they could meet their fitness goals at home. Since then, the demand for fitness coaching apps has exploded!

Now that the pandemic is over, fitness apps are here to stay – they’re the new normal! Apps offer more flexible, varied workouts than most gyms. You can find classes for spinning, yoga, strength training, or coaching.

Fitness apps enable home workouts. You can track progress and get real-time advice from trainers. Peloton offers more than just workouts. It creates an engaging, interactive experience. You feel connected to instructors and other users, despite the distance.

Fitness App Market Size & Trends

In 2023, the global fitness app market was valued at USD 9.25 billion. It’s projected to grow at a 14.08% annual rate from 2024 to 2030. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused nationwide lockdowns and more social distancing. It significantly impacted the industry. 

A September 2020 World Economic Forum article said health and fitness apps had a 46% rise in global downloads.

The moment is ripe. Building a Peloton-like platform demands more than workout know-how. Master the tech: design an intuitive interface, integrate live sessions, and connect users. Success hinges on blending fitness expertise with cutting-edge digital innovation.

Key Features to Make Your Fitness Coaching App Like Peloton

Easy Sign-up & Profile Management

Let users register with an account with email or social login. Let them set fitness goals and customize their profiles. This will give them personalized workout recommendations.

Workout Library & Live Classes 

Provide various workouts, both live and recorded. Organize them by type, length, and intensity for easy access.

Search & Filter Options 

Include advanced search and filter options to help users find workouts easily. They should be able to sort by type, duration, intensity, or even their favorite trainers.

Progress Tracking & Analytics 

Show users their progress with visual data on workout history, calories burned, and fitness goal achievements. This keeps them engaged and motivated.

Subscription & Payment Integration 

It accepts credit cards, digital wallets, and in-app purchases. This simplifies subscribing to your services.

Push Notifications & Reminders 

Use reminders to alert users about new classes, upcoming workouts, and milestone achievements. But make sure notifications are balanced and helpful, not overwhelming. Collaborate with developers to implement effective push notifications with top mobile app development services.

Trainer Profiles & Reviews 

Let users view detailed profiles of trainers, including their specialties and previous class ratings. Allow users to leave reviews to add trust and help others choose the right class or coach.

Community Engagement & Social Sharing 

Create a sense of community by implementing features like leaderboards, challenges, and social sharing. This helps build a stronger, more engaged user base.

Loyalty Programs & Rewards 

Spark enthusiasm in fitness followers with outcome-oriented perks. Offer virtual badges, point systems, and exclusive discounts for hitting workout milestones and reaching personal goals. This creates an incentive to stay active within your app.

Multi-Device Syncing & Wearable 

Sync your app with popular wearables for seamless fitness tracking. Live monitoring of vital stats and exercise data enhances the user experience. Fitbit and Apple Watch integration lets users access real-time heart rate, calorie burn, and workout metrics through your platform.

Customer Support 

Enhance user experience with in-app support. Chatbots and live chat provide instant assistance, maintaining user engagement.

8 Steps to Develop a Fitness Coaching App Like Pelton

Step 1: Market Research & Competitor Analysis

Study successful fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Training Club, and Aaptiv. Study rivals’ assets and user tactics. Check customer reviews. Find market openings to make your app unique and tailored. Meet audience needs by filling gaps others miss. Stand out through strategic analysis and targeted development.

Step 2: Define App Requirements & Features

Outline the key features your app should have based on your audience’s needs. Must-have features typically include user registration, workout libraries, live sessions, progress tracking, and payment integration. This step is crucial for building a solid development plan.

Step 3: Choose the Right Technology Stack

Pick the right kind of technologies for both frontend and backend development. For a smooth cross-platform experience, use Flutter or React Native for the front end. For the backend, use Node.js or Ruby on Rails. They manage user profiles, workout data, and content well.

Step 4: UI/UX Design

Design wireframes and prototypes to map out the user journey. The design should focus on easy navigation through workout libraries, seamless class scheduling, and user engagement. Ensure the interface is intuitive and visually appealing to boost user retention.

Step 5: App Development

Develop the backend to manage class schedules, user profiles, workout data, and subscription services. The front end should focus on responsive designs, allowing users to access the app across various devices without performance issues. Consider hiring Mobile app developers for efficient cross-platform development.

Step 6: Integrating APIs

Integrate key APIs, like payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), for smooth subscriptions. Also, consider adding wearable integrations like Apple Health or Google Fit. They would let users sync workout data and track progress.

Step 7: Testing & Quality Assurance

Test the app for functionality, performance, and security on various devices. Ensure it works smoothly on iOS and Android, with no bugs, lag, or security issues. This step is vital for a polished app and a good user experience.

Step 8: App Launch & Deployment

After testing, launch the app on the App Store and Google Play. Then, create a marketing strategy to generate buzz. Target fitness enthusiasts through social media, email, and influencers. Finally, offer updates and support to keep users engaged.

Hire Mobile app developers. They will speed up your app’s development. Your app will run smoothly on all platforms. This will give you an edge in the growing fitness app market.

Cost Breakdown for a Fitness Coaching App like Peloton

Design Costs: From wireframes to prototypes, design shapes your app’s foundation. This critical phase merges UI and UX, crafting an intuitive blueprint for development. Good design creates a smooth user experience. This creates a smooth user experience. This phase’s cost depends on its complexity and customization. But, investing in a professional design is vital for user retention.

Development Costs: This is often the largest expense and covers backend, frontend, and database development. Backend development manages user data, workout schedules, and subscriptions, while the frontend focuses on ensuring responsiveness and a seamless user interface. Partnering with top mobile app development services can help optimize this process.

API Integration Costs: We must add APIs for payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) and fitness trackers (Apple Health, Google Fit). They are essential for functionality. The cost of API integration varies based on the number of systems and their complexity.

Testing & QA Costs: Testing ensures your app functions properly across devices. Both manual and automated testing are important to eliminate bugs and optimize performance. This step helps deliver a reliable, high-quality app to your users.

Maintenance & Updates: Post-launch support, feature upgrades, and regular bug fixes are ongoing expenses. These costs ensure your app remains up-to-date with technology and user expectations.

Approximate Cost: The cost of developing a fitness coaching app varies with its complexity. Basic apps begin at $30,000. Comprehensive versions may exceed $150,000. Costs vary widely between minimal and feature-rich mobile applications. Top mobile app development services can help you manage costs. They ensure the app meets high-quality standards.

Also Read: Fitness App Development in 2024: Market Size, Steps, Ideas and Features

Challenges in Developing a Fitness Coaching App like Peloton

Real-time Data Synchronization: A big challenge is managing real-time data. This includes class availability, live workout stats, and user progress. The app must sync data across devices and platforms. This will give users an accurate, up-to-date experience.

User Engagement & Retention: Keeping users engaged over the long term is essential for app success. Live classes, progress tracking, and community tools are vital. They motivate users. However, constantly creating engaging content and features can be a challenge that requires strategic planning.

Scalability: As your user base grows, the app must handle more traffic and usage. It must do this without losing performance. Making sure your app’s backend can grow is vital. Working with the best mobile app development agencies can help you create an app that expands your audience.

Data Security & Privacy: Fitness apps store sensitive data, like health metrics and payment info. So, security is a top priority. It’s critical to protect user data and build trust. So, we must comply with data privacy laws and use strong security measures.

Content Creation: To keep users returning, we must provide high-quality workout videos and instructions. It’s a challenge to maintain a steady stream of them. This requires working with fitness experts, videographers, and content creators. We must deliver fresh, engaging material.

Working with top mobile app developers can help you. They can overcome the challenges. They can create a successful, industry-standard fitness coaching app.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, making a fitness app like Peloton requires careful planning, smart development, and a deep knowledge of fitness. You can build a successful app for fitness fans worldwide. Do this by using key features, the right tech, and overcoming common challenges. With the right approach, your app can help users achieve their fitness goals. It can also make you a leader in the fitness app market.

Boost your fitness app’s impact with Flutter Agency. Our skilled team crafts compelling, goal-oriented apps that captivate users. We turn your vision into a powerful reality, elevating health and wellness experiences.

Build Your Fitness App Now!

Get started with our expert guide.

Let's Discuss

Our services include:

Customized fitness app development

Integration with wearable devices and social media platforms

Personalized coaching and training programs

Gamification and rewards systems

User-friendly interface design

Regular care and support

By partnering with us, you can:

Heighten user interaction and retention.

Elevate the user experience.

Differentiate yourself from your rivals.

Attain your company’s aims and targets.

Don’t settle for a mediocre fitness app. Flutter Agency crafts world-class solutions that stand out. Our expertise maximizes your app’s impact and revenue potential. Elevate your vision—reach out now and discover how we can propel your success together.

[blacktabbygames]

Hi, hello, big fan of your game, Slay The Princess.

I'm sorry to bother your amazing dev team, I don't mean to be rude, so feel free to ignore this message.

But I've played STP on Playstation 4, and I'm suffering massive lag problems that I think shouldn't exist.

I'm sure the problem has already been notified by other users, but I wanted to bring it up again on your blog if you are willing to listen.

The lag problems basically affect every single aspect of the game, from saving and loading to just navigating the main menu; scrolling through the dialogue options is a chore that requires weird back and forth gymnastics from my controller, in order to reach the bottom I have to calculate my inputs hoping that the game would register them.

The game is especially a nightmare in The Nightmare route, where I guess the Princess' animations creates so much lag that, at a certain point, the game stops responding (you can tell because you can't hear Heart Lungs Livers Nerves in the background anymore). In order to complete this path, I had to close and reopen the game multiple times (since apparently, the game runs better once you just start it), consume as soon as possible all the dialogue options first available until I reached the bottom options (I couldn't scroll down through them, because the game would freeze before it'd load my inputs), and once I reached the "Leave with her" opinion, I'd click it before it was too late (I didn't bother with the other option for fear that it lead to a third chapter that continued the lag).

The game froze some more times on our way out of the cabin, and I had to reload it over and over again and skip some dialogues, to maximise the game's ability to run. It even crashed once I went out of the cabin with the princess, though thankfully, it wasn't a repeated problem, and in the end, after 10 startups, I was able to complete the Nightmare route.

Despite, all the lag issues, I still really enjoyed your game!

I actually liked it even more than Hades, another famous Indie Game that I've been playing these last couple of weeks, which is a lot I can say about a game that I was basically forced to close due to freezing during it's final "Boss Fight" (yep, the game froze once again during the Shifting Mound section, during, you guessed it! The Nightmare part of the confrontation).

I hope these issues could be fixed, but I also hope you are enjoying your game's success regardless of everything I just said, you really deserve it.

Have a nice day!

Oh, also:

Hi! We've started receiving reports on this recently, so I'm guessing this might come from issues wrt the latest console update. I've passed this along to our console publisher and porting team, but in the meantime, you can probably address those issues in the short-term by turning off first flickering images and then, if the issues persist, the boil effect in your preferences.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

It’s been twenty years since my Microsoft DRM talk

On THURSDAY (June 20) I'm live onstage in LOS ANGELES for a recording of the GO FACT YOURSELF podcast. On FRIDAY (June 21) I'm doing an ONLINE READING for the LOCUS AWARDS at 16hPT. On SATURDAY (June 22) I'll be in OAKLAND, CA for a panel and a keynote at the LOCUS AWARDS.

This week on my podcast,This week on my podcast, I read my June 17, 2004 Microsoft Research speech about DRM, a talk that went viral two decades ago, and reassess its legacy:

https://craphound.com/msftdrm.txt

It's been 20 years (and one day) since I gave that talk. It wasn't my first talk like that, but at the time, it was the most successful talk I'd ever given. I was still learning how to deliver a talk at the time, tinkering with different prose and delivery styles (to my eye, there's a lot of Bruce Sterling in that one, something that's still true today).

I learned to give talks by attending sf conventions and watching keynotes and panel presentations and taking mental notes. I was especially impressed with the oratory style of Harlan Ellison, whom I heard speak on numerous occasions, and by Judith Merril, who was a wonderful mentor to me and many other writers:

https://locusmag.com/2021/09/cory-doctorow-breaking-in/

I was also influenced by the speakers I'd heard at the many political rallies I'd attended and helped organize; from the speakers at the annual Labour Day parade to the anti-nuclear proliferation and pro-abortion rights marches I was very involved with. I also have vivid memories of the speeches that Helen Caldicott gave in Toronto when I was growing up, where I volunteered as an usher:

https://www.helencaldicott.com/

When I helped found a dotcom startup in the late 1990s, my partners and I decided that I'd do the onstage talking; we paid for a couple hours of speaker training from an expensive consultant in San Francisco. The only thing I remember from that session was the advice to look into the audience as much as possible, rather than reading from notes with my head down. Good advice, but kinda obvious.

The impetus for that training was my onstage presentation at the first O'Reilly P2P conference in 2001. I don't quite remember what I said there, but I remember that it made an impression on Tim O'Reilly, which meant a lot to me then (and now):

https://www.oreilly.com/pub/pr/844

I don't remember who invited me to give the talk at Microsoft Research that day, but I think it was probably Marc Smith, who was researching social media at the time by data-mining Usenet archives to understand social graphs. I think I timed the gig so that I could kill three birds with one stone: in addition to that talk, I attended (and maybe spoke at?) that year's Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference, and attended an early preview of the soon-to-launch Sci Fi Museum (now the Museum of Pop Culture). I got to meet Nichelle Nichols (and promptly embarrassed myself by getting tongue-tied and telling her how much I loved the vocals she did on her recording of the Star Wars theme, something I'm still hot around the ears over, though she was a pro and gently corrected me, "I think you mean Star *Trek"):

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=4IiJUQSsxNw&list=OLAK5uy_lHUn58fbpceC3PrK2Xu9smBNBjR_-mAHQ

But the start of that trip was the talk at Microsoft Research; I'd been on the Microsoft campus before. That startup I did? Microsoft tried to buy us, which prompted our asshole VCs to cram the founders and steal our equity, which created so much acrimony that the Microsoft deal fell through. I was pretty bitter at the time, but in retrospect, I really dodged a bullet – for one thing, the deal involved my going to work for Microsoft as a DRM evangelist. I mean, talk about the road not taken!

This was my first time back at Microsoft as an EFF employee. There was some pre-show meet-and-greet-type stuff, and then I was shown into a packed conference room where I gave my talk and had a lively (and generally friendly) Q&A. MSR was – and is – the woolier side of Microsoft, where all kinds of interesting people did all kinds of great research.

Indeed, almost every Microsoft employee I've ever met was a good and talented person doing the best work they could. The fact that Microsoft produces such a consistent stream of garbage products and crooked business practices is an important testament to the way that a rotten organization can be so much less than the sum of its parts.

I'm a fully paid up subscriber to Ronald Coase's "Theory of the Firm" (not so much his other views):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_the_firm

Coase says the reason institutions exist is to enable people to work together with lowered "coordination costs." In other words, if you and I are going to knit a sweater together, we're going to need to figure out how to make sure that we're not both making the left sleeve. Creating an institution – the Mafia, the Catholic Church, Microsoft, a company, a co-op, a committee that puts on a regional science fiction con – is all about minimizing those costs.

As Yochai Benkler pointed out in 2002, the coolest and most transformative thing about the internet is that it let us do more complex collective work with smaller and less structured institutions:

https://www.benkler.org/CoasesPenguin.PDF

That was the initial prompt for my novel Walkaway, which asked, "What if we could build luxury hotels and even space programs with the kind of (relatively) lightweight institutional overheads associated with Wikipedia and the Linux kernel?"

https://crookedtimber.org/2017/05/10/coases-spectre/

So the structure of institutions is really important. At the same time, I'm skeptical of the idea that there are "good companies" and "bad companies." Small businesses, family businesses, and other firms that aren't exposed to the finance sector can reflect their leaders' personalities, but it's a huge mistake to ascribe personalities to the companies themselves.

That's how you get foolish ideas like "Apple is a good company because they embrace paid service and Google is a bad company because they make money from surveillance." Apple will spy on you, too, if they can:

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

Disney and Fox weren't Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers making goo-goo eyes at each other across the table at MPA meetings. They were two giant public companies, and any differences between them were irrelevancies and marketing myths:

https://locusmag.com/2021/07/cory-doctorow-tech-monopolies-and-the-insufficient-necessity-of-interoperability/

I think senior management's personalities do matter (see, for example, the destruction of Boeing after it was colonized by sociopaths from McDonnell Douglas), but the influence of those personalities is much less important than the constraints that competition and regulation impose on companies. In other words, an asshole can run a company that delivers good products at fair prices under ethical conditions – provided that failing to do so will cost more in lost business and fines than they stand to make by cheating:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/24/record-scratch/#autoenshittification

Microsoft is a company founded and run by colossal assholes. Bill Gates is a monster and he surrounded himself with monsters, and they hired monsters to fill out the courts of their corporate palaces:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/14/patch-tuesday/#fool-me-twice-we-dont-get-fooled-again

To the extent that good things come out of Microsoft – some of its games products, the odd piece of hardware, important papers from MSR – it's in spite of the leadership; it's the result of constraints imposed by competition and regulation – and that's why Microsoft pursued such an aggressive program of extinguishing its competitors and capturing its regulators.

In retrospect, I think one of my goals in that talk was to convince those people doing good work for a rotten institution to go elsewhere and do other things. Certainly, that's one of the goals I pursue in the talks I give today. At the time, some of Microsoft's highest-profile technologists were publicly resigning over the company's war on free/open source software, so it wasn't an unrealistic goal:

https://web.archive.org/web/20030214215639/http://synthesist.net/writing/onleavingms.html

What I did not expect what that publishing the talk on my site and blogging it on Boing Boing would spark a wave of public interest that would get its message in front of several orders of magnitude more people than I spoke to at Microsoft that day. Partly, that was because I released the talk into the public domain, using the brand-new Creative Commons Public Domain Declaration (which was later replaced with the CC0 mark, due to legal issues withBu its drafting):

https://web.archive.org/web/20100223035835/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/

Some mix of the content of the speech, the spirit of the moment, and the novelty of that wide open license sparked a ton of interest. Jason Kottke recorded an audio version that Andy Baio hosted:

https://kottke.org/04/06/cory-drm-talk

My brutalist ASCII transcript was quickly converted to beautiful HTML by Matt Haughey and Anil Dash:

https://web.archive.org/web/20040622235333/http://www.dashes.com/anil/stuff/doctorow-drm-ms.html

For people who needed a hardcopy, there was Patrick Berry's printer-friendly stylesheet:

https://patandkat.com/pat/weblog/mirror/cory-drm/doctorow-drm-ms.html

Multiple people recorded (and sold!) audio versions, and then there were all the fan translations, into Danish, French, Finnish, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (both EU and Brazilian), Spanish and Swedish. I stayed in touch with some of those translators, and they helped me translate the position papers I wrote for UN WIPO meetings. Those papers were so effective that ratfuckers from the copyright lobby started to steal them and hide them in the UN toilets (!):

https://web.archive.org/web/20041119132831/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/archives/002117.php

Re-reading the speech for my podcast on Sunday, I expected to be struck by the anachronisms in it, and there were a few of those to be sure. But far more clear was the common thread running from this talk to other talks I gave that took on a significant life of their own, like my 2011 "War On General Purpose Computing" talk for CCC:

https://memex.craphound.com/2012/01/10/lockdown-the-coming-war-on-general-purpose-computing/

And my work on Adversarial Interoperability:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/10/adversarial-interoperability

And my most recent work, on enshittification:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/27/an-audacious-plan-to-halt-the-internets-enshittification-and-throw-it-into-reverse/

In other words, I've been saying the same thing – in different ways – for more than 20 years. That could be depressing, but I actually found it uplifting. Two decades ago, I was radicalized by a fear that the internet would be seized by corporations and governments and transformed into a system of surveillance and control. I found my way into a job at EFF, where I worked with colleagues across multiple disciplines – coders, lawyers and activists – to fight this force.

At the time, this was a fringe cause. Most of the traditional activists I'd come up with in the feminist, antiwar, antiracist, environmental and labour movement viewed digital rights as a distraction and dismissed its partisans as sad, self-obsessed nerds who mistook fights over the management of Star Trek message boards for civil rights struggles:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/10/04/small-change-malcolm-gladwell

I thought I was right then, and I think history has borne me out. The point of waging these fights – both in the wide public sphere and within political movements – is to get people activated before it's too late. Every day that goes by is a day when the internet becomes more inhospitable to political organizing for a better world – more surveillant, more controlling. I believed then – and believe today – that the internet isn't more important that the other fights I waged as a young activist, but I think that the internet is fundamental to those fights.

Saving the planet, smashing patriarchy, overthrowing tyranny and freeing labor are all fights that will be coordinated – Coase style – on the internet. Without a free, fair and open internet, those fights are infinitely harder to win.

The project of getting people to understand, care about, and fight for digital rights is a marathon, not a sprint. When I joined EFF, it was already 12 years old. There were six people in the org then (I was the seventh). Today, there's more than a hundred of us, and we're stretched so thin! The 30+ year old idea that internet policy will intersect with every part of every fight has been utterly vindicated.

Back in 2004, I asked Microsoft why they were willing to fight the US government to the death over antitrust enforcement, but were such wimps when confronted with the entertainment industry's demands for DRM. 20 years later, I think I know the answer: Microsoft understood that DRM would let them usurp the relationship between creative workers, entertainment industry companies, and audiences. Their perfect instincts for seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities to seize monopoly power drove them to make deliberately defective products, in the belief that their market power would let them cram those products down our throats:

https://memex.craphound.com/2004/01/27/protect-your-investment-buy-open/

Here's a link to the podcast episode:

https://craphound.com/news/2024/06/16/my-2004-microsoft-drm-talk/

And here's direct link to the MP3 (hosting courtesy of the Internet Archive; they'll host your stuff for free forever):

https://archive.org/download/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_470/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_470_-_My_2004_Microsoft_DRM_Talk.mp3

And here's the RSS feed for my podcast:

https://feeds.feedburner.com/doctorow_podcast

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

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/18/greetings-fellow-pirates/#arrrrrrrrrr