#is not without value because it was created by privilege

[myrthing]

This is the stupidest post I have ever seen today. The Attenborough documentary is great and I appreciate that the section about Saami people before he starts talking about the British Isles, but the rest of this post? Garbage. Complete bullshit.

There's an impressive amount of wilful ignorance in the notes of this post, all for an excuse the hate a nebulous "English" enemy. To implicate millennia's worth of people as deliberate environmental criminals to gain an upper hand in an imaginary argument.

(Can I, as a Scandinavian, also say that I find it pretty wild that the US has so many predators that it's something one would have to take in consideration while camping in some places? We do still have apex predators. I have a fear of bears that's mostly only irrational because I don't really leave my flat.)

Lawns were an invention of the aristocracy. Fox hunting: an aristocratic pass time. Heck, the purely ornamental gardens (which I love, by the way) are an aristocratic invention. But England's forests weren't cut down for the fun of it. The forests, many of them not even truly wild anymore when they disappeared, were cut down to make way for farms. The last great deforestation happened because of WWII, because England needed to become self-sustaining in food production.

You bluster about how America has been inhabited for millennia, and still has more biodiversity than England, but it's fundamentally a broken, stupid, idiotic comparison. The difference shouldn't even need to be pointed out, but apparently some of y'all are genuinely so blinded by prejudice common sense won't come near you, so: North America is VAST. England isn't even the entirety of one small heavily populated island.

Okay. I'm using unkind words here, because this kind of attitude, blaming "the English" for deforestation, habit loss, extinctions, misses the bigger picture: That there is no modern human society that can live without affecting the land it is living on. The US isn't exempt. Do you think the enormous farms of the midwest don't affect flora and fauna? Was the Dust Bowl a great environmental success, or did it destroy a vast ecological region?

And who do we blame when these things happen, when wetlands are diked, when the prairie is ploughed, when forests are burned*? Should the blame go to the people doing the diking, the ploughing, the burning? A millennia ago, should those people be blamed? They didn't understand how human intervention could harm the natural world, and we can fault them for that, but blame them? Most were doing it to survive. I am saying this is the reality in most of the world. Before the modern green revolution, agriculture as practiced in Europe required space.

*Referring to slash-and-burn agriculture, just in case anyone thinks I'm defending the burning of the Amazon rain forecast.

This is why England looks like it does today. The elk and the deer and the bears and the wolves weren't hunted to extinction for the fun of it (although I have to point out that hunting big game like deer would have been a royal privilege—this is what I mean when I say English forests weren't truly wild. They were game parks, reserved for royalty). Predators were killed because they were predators. Five hundred years ago, people weren't thinking that wolves play an important role in the ecosystem. Five hundred years ago, they were the enemy.

That's hardly unique to the past. For one, it doesn't take long to find modern day American ranch owners and/or hunters promoting the exact same idea. That wolves are dangerous competitors to human interests. In the modern day, that is no excuse, when we have science to back up the important role wolves play in nature.

I'm not going to judge paleolithic people who hunted bears, or medieval farmers who claimed land for wheat, or even the British state in the 1940s. There was a necessity driving them.

And lastly, don't be so fast to blame an entire people for what their elites have perpetrated. The English are no more maintaining a pheasant population for hunting than Americans are frakking. By all means, blame England for all the evils of the world, however ahistorical that is, if that makes you sleep better at night, but being ignorant of the history that lead us here only makes us blind to our own faults. Every country needs to work to preserve the environment.

And it would be pretty sweet if Americans on this site could get off their high horse sometimes. Just throwing that out there. I don't mind being hated for speaking the truth lmao

Actually your society is the freaks for shooting everything that moves and burning half your "nature reserves" every year so that upperclass dandies can eat leaded pheasant. North Americans are the well adjusted ones here, your country has become a desolate suburban lawn in island form

[liviawildrose]

𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲

take yourself seriously. every inch of you. every dream of yours. every damn thing.

this isn’t just a pep talk; it’s a full-on life shift. if you’re not taking yourself seriously, no one else will either. i’m actually kinda irritated how us women in general don’t value ourselves enough cause bitch it’s a privilege to have a woman in your life like please, we have the power to create a life inside our bodies so best believe we also have the power to change our entire lives. it’s you versus you, babe, and it’s time to step into the main character role you’ve been putting off. here’s how you shift the vibe:

1. start by loving yourself to the fullest

every single inch of you deserves to be loved and respected by you. you want someone to love you? you want people to respect you? start by loving and respecting yourself first. how you treat yourself sets the tone for how others treat you. the mirror won’t smile unless you do. seriously like what’s stopping you from loving, cherishing and prioritising yourself? it’s your body, mind and soul ITS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE UTMOST CARE OF IT.

take your body seriously. work out, not because society says so, but because your body carries you through this world. strengthen it, nourish it, adore it.

do workout, stretching and yoga to strengthen your body. eat good quality food, healthy food to nourish your body and speak words of affirmation to adore that work of art aka your body. cause why the fuck not? go to a dermatologist, gynaecologist, dentist etc get your check ups done become the most hottest version of yourself. this will keep you strong and healthy ensuring a healthy and fulfilling long life while achieving your body, beauty and physical goals would be just an added benefit (the best possible benefit is your body will thank you when you’re old cause all this workout, yoga regular check ups led you to age like a fine wine without any health concerns)

take your appearance seriously. it’s not about vanity it’s about self-expression and confidence. dress like you care, because you should care. look in the mirror and know you’re that bitch.

do yourself a favour and stop following trends and start becoming more you, pro tip start wearing clothes and makeup according to your venus, rising or mid heaven to suit you better, take your skin care, body care, hair care seriously too. take your time to understand your style, your self care routine. understand your body type, face shape and get clothes that suit you, understand your skin and get skin care that suit you and your skin concerns, understand your hair type and develop a great hair care routine too. do you colour analysis and understand which colour palette suit you the best. START TAKING YOUR APPEARANCE SERIOUSLY.

do your colour analysis done for free with the help of chat gpt

understand your body shape and proportions to dress accordingly

figure out your face shape and get your haircut, eyebrows, eyelashes done accordingly (even getting the best shades or reading glasses)

understand your hair porosity and hair type (even your scalp type) and your hair issues to buy hair products accordingly

understand your skin type and issues you’re facing to buy skin care products accordingly

understand you body too, sometimes you face is oily type but body is dry (like me) so different products

experiment and see what suits you over time (another reason to start using journal, check if certain products are actually showing results if not replace) even certain workouts

2. take your goals seriously

whatever you want to achieve, treat it like your life’s purpose, because it is. no one else will believe in your dreams until you do. stop waiting for validation from the outside.

take your career seriously. what are you doing every day to move the needle forward? no more procrastinating or making excuses. schedule your time. commit to your craft.

become the best at everything you do, dedicate time to becoming better everyday single day. become addicted to getting better becoming the top 1% develop a mindset of getting better everyday single day. keep developing your crafts your passion and practice daily

take your learning seriously. every book, every lesson, every skill it’s building the future version of you. treat your studies, hobbies, and passions like they’re sacred, because they are.

one thing that i’m doing these days is taking my learning seriously, be it academic and school stuff but also watching youtube videos on manifestation and learning better my top recommendation for understanding manifestation better is this channel called nero knowledge. now the thing all of his videos are long videos surpassing 30 mins average easily but that’s one way up putting it i’m trying to get my attention i’ve lost to short term 1-2 mins content back (and you should do it too) learn new skills, cooking, baking, new language, or whatever seriously why? cause this will help you get better as a human and as a player in the game of life. no skill is a waste or not that great like someone told “cooking is not that great of a skill” but guess what it is. you can use this skill to feed yourself but also this is such a flex skill it’s a patriarchal world unfortunately and just because we as women hate it doesn’t mean the patriarchy will go away. knowing how to cook is a survival skill which is important for both the genders but for some weird reason when women do it it’s “hot” and “ domestic” so let’s just use this skill to use and throw men and society in general. similarly drawing is a skill that you can use to show off too. skills is not just about learning language or coding etc

3. curate your reality like it’s your personal museum

your life is your masterpiece. everything you consume; what you eat, what you watch, what you listen to, who you hang around is shaping your reality. be intentional about it.

• what are you watching? is it inspiring you or draining you? binge less nonsense and more content that pushes you to grow.

again, if you haven’t made your mindmovie, please make it. ask chatgpt to make you a beautiful story where you have everything you desire and read it every single day. listen to subliminals. watch long form educational content like nero knowledge. be very intentional with whatever put in your brain. i’m not even kidding. your brain will shape your reality, so be very intentional. with whatever things you say to it, movies you watch, songs you listen to. everything. also be very intentional with your friends and people you surround yourself with because they can also influence you a lot. you are the average of five people you spend your most time with so be very fucking intentional.

• what are you eating? fuel your body like you care about living long enough to see your dreams come true.

as i mentioned earlier, eat your food intentionally and eat your food. if you’re planning to lose weight, eat food accordingly, if you’re planning to gain weight, eat food accordingly. (make a meal plan and get a nutritionist too if needed) if you’re like me who wants to become a singer, stop eating ice cream and stuff that will affect your throat. eat your food like your medicine or you have to eat medicine as your food. be intentional with your food as well. don’t eat unhygienic food either eat home-cooked food. and if you’re eating outside, make sure that the food is hygienic and the ingredients are also good quality being very mindful with whatever the heck you are putting in your body my love. 

• who are you around? energy is contagious, babe. surround yourself with people who make you want to level up, not stay stagnant.

i’m not saying, cut off all your friends. but i’m saying that distance yourself at least with people who are not ready to grow. people who are way too comfortable in their own comfort zone. and people who are not ready to see anyone else grow. people who constantly put other people down. and people who try to undermine you. be friends with people who want to grow. if you are at a certain level get friends who are also at your level, but are willing to change. or get friends how are at higher level than you who can help you grow too. and is that means you have to cut ties with your old friends it’s okay

4. respect yourself enough to show up

it’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency. every single day is a new chance to prove to yourself that you’re worth the effort.

• wake up earlier. give yourself time to breathe and plan before the world starts pulling you in every direction.

half of the game is literally to show up every single day. most of us fail to do so. consistency is what matters the most. so show up every single day respect yourself. don’t disrespect yourself by showing that “oh i am just a lazy bitch.” no, you’re not. respect yourself enough to show up every single day. for example you respect your professor and that is why no matter how drained you are, you will still show up to the class or at least hand in the work on time because you know that professor have the power to deduct or increase your marks just like that in your life, the professor is all your goals and in order to please this professor (goals) you need to show up every fucking day so that the professor aka your goals, give you the results that you want 

• set boundaries. protect your peace. say no to what drains you, and hell yes to what fuels you.

respect yourself enough to set boundaries and protect your peace, no matter what. this is actually the very first step of levelling up and i have mentioned this in the first steps. have enough courage to say no to things, people and circumstances that are not aligned with who you wanna be and the goals you have. for example, if a friend asks you that or do you wanna drink? say no. especially if you’re like me, and you wanna become a singer, alcohol damage your vocal chords, and i cannot take that risk. start saying no to plans that do not align with your goals and the person you are trying to become. it’s a way of showing respect to the person you’re trying to be. again if your show respect to the person you’re tryna become or the reality your chasing you will not have it, your actions and beliefs should be in alignment with the reality you seek

• prioritize self-care like it’s non-negotiable. rest, hydrate, and treat yourself kindly.

again i’ve mentioned this earlier too in the first steps so please read that, no matter how much you train and hustle you need to give yourself enough time to recover even athletes do this after intense training, they do spend some time recovering so that they muscles and overall stamina get used to everything. if you’re only working like a robot and you refuse to give yourself time to rest, it’s not gonna work. moreover, it’s not healthy. give yourself time to rest. hydrate and do self-care. treat yourself, kindly. as i mentioned in my become your own mother blog. you have to become a mother to your own self, who says. “i want you to work hard, because you deserve a better life” but also a mother who says “you should rest and take some moment to relax because you’ve worked hard and you deserve it” it’s all about balance. even in my game of life blog, i mention fun and recreation category, because having fun and treating yourself kindly, relaxing all these things matter too. because you just can’t keep on working and not have fun and relax in your life. that’s not how i want you to live this life. i want you to hustle hard and the party even harder.

5. start dating yourself

no, seriously. treat yourself like the love of your life.

• take yourself on solo dates. dress up, and go somewhere that makes you happy.

ask yourself, when you’re in love with someone what do you do? you try to become better to get their attention (my sister aka me changed her entire music taste to get validation from this guy, yeah i know embarrassing) but seriously you take care of the way you dress, what you post on social media, your words etc. so now put that same “im obsessed with you” energy towards yourself. workout get a better physique FOR YOU, better your conversation skills FOR YOU, score good marks FOR YOU, become rich FOR YOU.

• journal your thoughts and dreams like you’re getting to know someone deeply because you are.

start journaling, shadow working etc to understand yourself better cause that’s exactly what you’d do if you’re the love of your life, understanding yourself your flaws, your dark side, your patterns, your attachment style etc why? cause you love yourself. do scrap book journaling to honour your life. paste photos of your achievements etc (i’ll make a post about my journals too) but y’all got the idea. start journaling you thoughts and feelings, you don’t need a “how was your day?” text to write about your day in your journal

• spoil yourself. don’t wait for someone else to buy you flowers or treat you to nice things. do it for yourself.

stop letting life happen to you, go live your life yourself, go audition alone, go start a business alone do things alone and be okay with that, if you do have a friend who is in this journey of growth with you together that’s great but please don’t wait for a man or a friend to start living your life be okay with doing with on your own and as well as in a group

6. heal for the little you inside

your inner child is still here, waiting for you to show her the love and care she deserved

just read become your own mother. i have explained this topic in detail. but seriously, one way to honour yourself is to honour your inner child too

7. your energy will mirror back to you

the way you treat yourself is the way the world will treat you.

• if you neglect yourself, people will neglect you.

it starts with you, babe. how you show up for yourself sets the standard for how others show up for you. if you don’t take your boundaries seriously no one else will. if you’re not putting effort in showing up for yourself no one else will, that is why one way to manifest your dream life (your dream reality) is by wearing what your alter ego (your higher self would wear) i have written about alter ego in first steps and the game of life so read it if you’re new here

• if you don’t respect yourself, people will disrespect you.

as awful it may sound, but you have to earn your respect. why do you think your professors will take you seriously? if you don’t score good marks it’s not like they will treat you like a piece of shit, but they won’t take your opinion seriously because you haven’t improved yourself enough for that yet i’m not even kidding. if you really wanna be heard, you have to do something that is remarkable. i know it’s a hard to swallow and it might feel like what the heck?. everyone should deserve respect equally. and that’s true. i agree with you. i personally would never look down on someone just because he or she haven’t done something remarkable, or they aren’t as rich or pretty. i would never do that, but that is not the same case with how society thinks if you wanna step up, you have to do things and show the world that: yes, i am capable. for that, you have to respect yourself enough to take the first step in order to achieve greatness. and then people would respect you more because the energy you’re putting will mirror back to you.

• if you don’t take your dreams seriously, no one else will.

i mean, seriously, just start taking your dreams, seriously. no one else will take your life, your dream, your looks, your income, seriously, if you don’t. it’s not like other people owe you success. you have to do that. you have to become your own knight in the shining armour. and change your life completely. because if you’re not taking your dream, seriously, why will anyone? you have to take initiative. you have put yourself up there. and get that bag. 

8. stop waiting for permission

you don’t need someone to tell you it’s okay to go after your dreams. you don’t need a cheerleader to remind you that you’re worthy. you have to affirm it to yourself, every single day: “i am capable. i am worthy. i am doing this.”

• stop hesitating. the perfect moment will never come. just start.

for example, i want to become a singer. but that doesn’t mean that i will wait for a label to notice me and change my life upside down. no, i will start making covers. i will start practising my craft, i will email managers and people in that field to notice me because it’s on me. i have to do that. i’ll have to do the research and look up for any audition. and by the time, i am gifted with a perfect moment or opportunity i will be ready to snatch that opportunity because i kept on levelling up my skills, so when the opportunity comes, i will be more than qualified for it. 

• don’t wait for external validation. be your own biggest hype squad.

there are gonna be days. no one is gonna hype you up, and you have to do that. actually, you have to do that every single day. if you wake up early and get your morning routine done give yourself a pat on the back every. single. day. tell yourself, “i’m so proud of myself.” you studied for three hours? give yourself a pat on the back. like come on, if no one else gonna appreciate you, you can! you can appreciate yourself every. single. day. and yes, every single day, i’m not exaggerating. i want you to keep on hyping yourself up every fucking day. and i’ll keep hyping you up too because i love y’all

9. get 1-2% better every day

you don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. just focus on being a tiny bit better than you were yesterday.

• drank one more glass of water? better.

• walked an extra block? better.

• studied for an hour extra? better.

those small wins add up, babe. before you know it, you’ll look back and barely recognize the person you used to be. it’s me vs me

10. make yourself proud

this is your life. your story. your masterpiece. stop living like you’re a side character and start owning the spotlight.

• take yourself seriously because you’re worth it.

i think i have explained this quite a number of times throughout the blog. but I’ll say it again. take yourself seriously. take your thoughts seriously. take your mental health seriously. take your body seriously. take your mind seriously, your spiritual beliefs seriously, your presence seriously, your ideas seriously every single thing i mean it every single thing seriously and get rid of anything that is trying to come between you and your goals (your dream life)

• work for your inner child, your future self, and the person you’re becoming.

be intentional with everything you do, the people you hang out with if the same people have hurt you or you’re inner child get rid of them. if these people will affect your future and your future self, basically, the person you’re trying to become get rid of them. similarly, if a thing or particular circumstance is affecting you, please get rid of those things. be intentional with how you talk to yourself and the things you listen, to the videos you watch, the food you eat, the songs you listen to, all of them should align with the person you’re trying to become. start aligning yourself in the same frequency as your dream self i.e your future self by wearing clothes that she might wear, by talking and watching videos that she might watch and basically embody her habits, believes and mindset. while doing all this, keep working on your shadow self (do shadow work) and healing your inner child simultaneously. (healing is a daily practice)

• every single thing you do for yourself now is setting the foundation for the empire you’re building.

also, the same thing be intentional with whatever you’re doing. if you wanna become a millionaire, your habit should look like one. if you are trying to become a good person, a loving person, your habits should look like one. If you’re trying to become a singer, your habits should look like one. It’s all in what we do daily and our habits literally.

if you want to join me on this journey of becoming my higher self. please comment, like, reblog, and follow let's embrace the glow of together.

[tealvenetianmask]

Hell's royalty has a culture that enables Stella's abusive behavior.

Point 1: Keeping up appearances is valued above all else. And I specifically mean the appearance of things being the way they're supposed to be. Conformity basically.

Conformity in this culture seems to include a kind of stoic dignity ("you know excitement is unbecoming of a goetia"), an air of superiority ("don't bow to that one- he bows to us!"), and, of course, some good old fashioned toxic masculinity ("cease this bitch crying").

Individuals at the very top are not immune. Even though he gets past it, Asmodeus seems to spend a lot of time and effort on keeping his relationship with Fizz quiet in order to keep up the appearance of fulfilling his "lust" role.

Point 2: The members of the aristocracy who don't conform are seen as the problem, not the members who are being cruel.

Speaking of Ozzie, there's a chance he'll face real consequences for getting out of line . . . Mammon seems pretty confident about getting revenge. Also, if Ozzie had decided that his reputation was important enough to avoid stepping in to help his partner, well . . . I'm just saying. Cultures of conformity create bystanders who stand by and let abuse happen. So it's good that this guy has the courage (and a good heap of privilege and power) to enable him to step out. Yes, I realize that the crowd at Mammon's celebrated Ozzie and Fizz, but the crowd was distinctly NOT aristocratic.

Now look at Stella's party- this woman is not subtle about being cruel to her husband.

She calls the party a "Not Divorced" party. She openly talks negatively about Stolas in a blatant attempt to humiliate him. She's not trying to hide that she hates the man.

Because he's . . . an oddball. Gentle, not as polished as others in his social sphere, awkward and mostly friendless, probably autistic. And importantly, I think, not traditionally masculine.

So Stella has no need to hide that she treats him poorly. She's proud of it. And her social circle seems to support her in it, or at least, they don't push back. Because based on the aristocracy's unspoken (or if we look at Paimon, very much spoken) value system, Stolas's failure to fulfill all of his expected roles gracefully is worse than Stella's cruelty.

Point 3: Stolas's parenting, while much better than his own father's, still reflects this value system in some ways, and that's . . . complicated.

In some ways, Octavia is doing great. She has her own interests (music! gothy fashion!) that don't seem to be based on any role prescribed to her by others. She has a genuine bond with her dad that's based on care and not on molding her into some ideal princess.

But Stolas still puts on an facade in front of Via. We know that he pretended things were fine when they distinctly weren't for most of her childhood. We could argue endlessly about whether Stolas was right (as Georgia Dow explained in her video) or wrong to stop himself from explaining the situation with Stella to Via in Loo Loo Land, but honestly, the man could let his nearly grown up daughter know that abuse was happening without all out trauma dumping. It would enable her to make more informed decisions, and I think she would want to be able to do that.

Instead, Stolas keeps it to himself. Because he feels like Via SHOULD have this picture perfect childhood. Look at the pictures that are up in his palace. Look at his attempt to gloss over the fighting in the household by taking Via to an idealized childhood destination.

A part of him still thinks that good parenting is keeping up appearances, and that the ugly things are best kept hidden. Look at how hard he still tries to avoid crying in front of people. The values he was taught as a child are part of him.

And while it's not his fault (it's Stella's fault, obviously- these are HER actions), his inability to be open allows Stella and Andrealphus to scheme and (we'll see . . .) probably manipulate Via because of her lack of knowledge.

We're meant to see the moments where Stolas breaks expectations and behaves raw and even a little unhinged as triumphant. Sleeping with Blitz. That is the sound of a fucking divorce. Actually going through with the fucking divorce. Insisting on it. Appearances be damned.

And yeah, more of that please. Because if the people around Stella stop caring about aristocratic social trappings, all she'll have going for her is her shitty personality.

Thanks @akirathedramaqueen for inspiring this post with a conversation.

[fannedandflawless]

The Great Galleon Plot Hole

You ever sit there re-reading Harry Potter and suddenly get punched in the face by a plot hole so loud it drowns out the Hogwarts Express?

Because I just remembered something:

Wands are the most essential magical tool in the entire wizarding world—your literal magical lifeline—and they cost less than a decent meal in Diagon Alley.

Meanwhile, broomsticks? Luxury items. And somehow, everyone’s just… fine with that?

✨Absolutely not.✨

Let’s talk about it—because the wizarding world economy is giving narrative convenience over logic, and I have questions. Big, wand-swinging, Gringotts-auditing questions.

But Why Is the Soul-Bound Wand Cheaper Than a Broomstick?

THE WAND IS YOUR LIFE

It’s your weapon.

Your shield.

Your link to identity, emotion, power, precision, and survival.

You can’t even perform most standard spells without it—unless you're a trained wandless magic user, which is incredibly rare and usually requires advanced discipline or heritage-based skill.

It chooses you. It bonds with your magic. It’s irreplaceable. So how much does it cost?

Roughly 7–20 Galleons. Literally less than a decent cauldron—or, depending on the wand, not much more than dinner and dessert in Diagon Alley.

According to J.K. Rowling, wands sold at Ollivanders are generally priced around 7 Galleons, though some fans speculate they could range up to 20 Galleons depending on wand complexity or materials. If we use the exchange rate Rowling once suggested (1 Galleon = ~£5), that means the average wand costs £35–£100—cheaper than a modern mobile phone, and it lasts your entire magical life.

Considering the effort it takes to craft them—rare magical woods, powerful cores like phoenix feather or dragon heartstring, and the expertise of a wandmaker—this price range is still shockingly low for something that serves as a witch or wizard’s most essential magical instrument.

—

MEAL PRICES IN THE WIZARDING WORLD

Let’s quickly look at the cost of food in the wizarding world, since we’re comparing life-altering artefacts to lunch.

From the Hogwarts Express trolley:

Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs: ~1–2 Sickles each

Harry buys a dozen items with a handful of Sickles (17 Sickles = 1 Galleon)

A full trolley binge? Roughly 1 Galleon.

In Half-Blood Prince, we also get a glimpse of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley prices:

Butterbeer: ~2 Sickles

Light lunch at the Leaky Cauldron: ~1–2 Galleons

Full sit-down meal with drinks and dessert (e.g. Madam Puddifoot’s): ~3–4 Galleons

So yes, a wand could cost less than a proper meal out—especially if you’re treating someone.

—

THE BROOM COSTS 50x MORE?

A Nimbus 2000 is gifted to Harry—major moment. Retail: ~100 Galleons.

A Firebolt? Easily over 1,000 Galleons. That’s more than Arthur Weasley’s entire annual salary, and he works for the Ministry of Magic. Literal luxury transport.

Some Hogwarts students can’t even afford a broom—they borrow school spares.

So what are we saying?

“Yes, your enchanted flying stick of wood is more expensive than your magical soul-bonded wand.”

🚨 IT’S A PLOT HOLE. A BIG ONE.

We’re expected to believe that the literal core of magical life is cheaper than school transport, postal birds, and half the Hogwarts supply list?

—

ROWLING’S LIKELY INTENTION:

A cheap wand makes magic feel accessible to everyone.

Expensive brooms show status and privilege (Malfoys flexing 101).

It creates visual contrast: Ron’s taped wand vs Draco’s top-tier broom.

But from an internal logic standpoint?

You can’t ride a broom into a duel. But you can hex someone across the room with a wand. So why is the life-sustaining object priced like a trinket?

—

HEADCANON FIX (Because We Always Clean Up for Her):

Wands are partially subsidised by Hogwarts or the Ministry. → A “no child wandless” policy. A right, not a luxury. → Ollivander charges less than market value to protect magical equality.

Brooms are like cars. → Basic ones are cheap. → High-end ones are status symbols (think: Quidditch Rolex on a stick).

Ollivander keeps prices low on purpose. → His family name is legacy. → He’s not selling wood and string—he’s handing over destiny.

—

🫠 BONUS RAGE: OLLIVANDER HAS TO EAT, TOO.

Wandmaking isn’t hobby work. This man carves magical wood, cores it with dragon heartstring or unicorn hair, and attunes it to individual children’s energy signatures.

And you’re telling me he charges 7 Galleons and calls it a day?

Meanwhile, in the Muggle world, wand replicas at Universal Studios theme parks sell for £40–£70, depending on whether they’re interactive or display-only. That’s almost the same as—or more than—the actual wand price in-universe. And those don’t even come with phoenix feathers.

Either he’s surviving on principle alone, or there’s a secret Wand Subsidy Act nobody talks about.

—

“If my wand is cheaper than an enchanted kettle, someone’s cooking the books—and it’s not in Potions class.”

Capitalism really said ‘Expelliarmus your wallet.’

—

💸 If wand prices made you blink, wait until you see how Severus Snape maintained a house, a potions lab, and an aura of controlled menace on what Slughorn called a “meagre” salary. → Read Spinner’s End Wasn’t Poverty—It Was Privacy.

[tarotwithavi]

You from the eyes of your future lover/future spouse

Read part 1 here

How to choose a pile?

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Kindly ask your spirit guides to show you the right pile for yourself and then open your eyes. Whichever pile catches your attention is the right pile for you.

For my female audience , I'll be using she/her pronouns in this post.

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Pile 1

When I'm with her, I feel an overwhelming sense of strength and confidence, as if I could conquer any challenge that comes my way. She embodies everything that brings me joy and fulfillment. Being in her presence makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world because I have her by my side. Her mere existence has the power to make my wildest dreams a reality. Not only does she inspire me to reach for the stars, but she also motivates me to become a better version of myself. Her influence pushes me to strive for greatness in all aspects of life. Just knowing that she is there for me, supporting me, and believing in me, helps me heal wounds that were never caused by her. Her presence alone has a transformative effect on my well-being, bringing me solace and restoration. If her love were poison, I would willingly drink it without hesitation or remorse. Such is the depth of my devotion and the extent to which I value her affection. I yearn to be of assistance to her, to be a reliable pillar she can lean on. I aspire to be her rock, her unwavering support, providing comfort and strength whenever she needs it. Being with her fills me with an indescribable sense of empowerment and joy. She is my beacon of happiness, encouraging me to strive for greatness and inspiring me to become the best version of myself. Her love and presence heal me in ways I never thought possible, and I am eager to reciprocate by being her steadfast support and ally.

Pile 2

Describing her is a challenging task, for she possesses a depth that transcends the confines of ordinary words. She carries an aura that attracts wealth and prosperity wherever she ventures, as if they were faithful companions by her side. From a distance, she appears strong and bold, yet I sense a vulnerable little girl hiding within her, fearful of the harshness this world can wield. She has distanced herself from those around her, for nobody has truly comprehended her essence. No one has made an earnest effort to unravel the intricate puzzle of her being. My deepest desire is to be the one who unravels that enigma, the person who embraces the challenge of understanding her complexities. I yearn to discover every missing piece and gently place it in its rightful position, completing the beautiful picture that is her. I want to penetrate the walls she has built, to listen to her unspoken fears and insecurities, and to offer solace and understanding. By becoming the person who comprehends her deepest self, I hope to bridge the gap between her and the world that often fails to perceive her true nature. I want to be the companion who supports her unconditionally, providing comfort and encouragement as she navigates through life's labyrinth. It is my aspiration to create an environment where she can fully express herself, knowing that she is truly seen, heard, and appreciated.

Pile 3

The moment our eyes met, I was immediately captivated by her essence, as if an invisible force had bound my heart to hers. Prior to meeting her, I had been skeptical of love at first sight, dismissing it as a mere romantic notion. However, in her presence, all doubts were washed away by the sheer brilliance of her beauty. She has bewitched me completely, leaving no room for retreat. Even if her allure leads to my demise, I would embrace it willingly, for the privilege of experiencing her presence outweighs any consequences. Her presence has an intoxicating effect on me, causing me to lose my composure in the most enchanting way. It is as if she holds the power to unravel the layers of my soul, igniting a fire within me that I cannot control. My hands yearn to touch her, to explore every corner of her body, as if searching for an uncharted territory that only she possesses. Every flaw she may perceive within herself, I view as perfect imperfections, enhancing her unique beauty and making her all the more irresistible. Words fail to fully express the depth of my admiration for her. She is a work of art, a masterpiece without blemish in my eyes. I am eager to shower her with praise, to extol every facet of her being, and to make her feel cherished beyond measure. In her presence, I find myself stripped of pretenses and laid bare, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. It is an indescribable sensation, this all-consuming affection, where reason and logic are overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to be closer to her. She has become the center of my universe, a gravitational force pulling me toward her. To love her is to lose myself willingly, surrendering to the magnetic power she holds over me.

[nikalaeva]

I suddenly realized that for Rhysand, the only way to atone for any guilt is death.

He died in the war with Hybern, so it's not surprising that later in ACOFAS and ACOSF he practically pushes and pushes Tamlin and Nesta to die, in order to atone for their guilt before him his precious Feyre 😮‍💨

Also dude uses Illyrians and Darkbringers as cannon fodder because that's the only way they can atone for their existence, for who they are. And Mr. "the most powerful High Lord" has settled comfortably in Velaris, surrounded himself with ass-kissers and raised very young wife, in whose mind he lives rent-free, to serve him.

I think the IC is very proud that they are unquestioningly ready to die for Rhysand if he asks. Mind you - not for their homeland, people or just peace, not in cases when there is no other choice, but at Rhysand's whim. Okay, they consider each other family, and fighting and dying for this is really quite heroic. But let's be honest - this family is based on a deep, even toxic gratitude to rich privileged boy for taking them in. Sure, they each benefited, and it's better than their past anyway. But it bothers me that their whole life is only Rhysand, only their duty to him. Like, not once in centuries Cassian, Azriel, Mor thought about other options? In the huge Prythian and beyond, they have only two paths - Illyria/CoN or Velaris? Of course, between hell and golden cage the choice is obvious, Cassian is forbidden the path to the Summer Court, and Mor - to the Autumn Court, but still there are other options.

Feyre too, either the Spring Court or the Night Court. Nesta too, either the House of Wind or the mortal lands. Why do you create a big world to suffocate readers and characters with illusion of choosing between lesser and greater evils?

Returning to Rhysand, his crowning drama is the death pact with Feyre. You love this woman. You'll do anything for her, even be a villain. You don't care about rules because your feelings are so strong - and all so that she can die with you? But... you can kill yourself without a deal, like Romeo and Juliet, so why you give your enemies a chance to kill both rulers of the Court?

Yeah, sometimes love makes you stupid. But this is a goddamn book, fairies, fake world. In it, Feyre, after a fatal birth, can even stand on her head a few days later because she's a FAIRY. So for me, the excuse like "well, she just had a difficult birth, that's why Rhysand is in HOFAS" doesn't work.

Back to Rhysand again (sorry, so many thoughts 😅). He values ​​one moment, after which nothing (or who knows what), more than a very, very long life to work, travel, study, get to know yourself, correct mistakes, help others. One city is more important than the whole Court. And Rhysand is the center of universe, the most unique and irreplaceable.

Am I against it? No. Why then do I grumble? This level of egocentrism and blindness would suit a god or a devil, against whom the main characters fight. But Rhysand is a different character. And the author positions him as just a cool, ambiguous guy who only likes to fuck.

It seems we lost a little more than just a morally gray character...

[little-one-eyed-monsters]

Hot take (from a media nerd): How companies manipulate BL shipping behavior, or how ZaintSee became The Messiest Branded Couple in Asian Queer Media

Gosh, remember when Saint and Zee were a thing? 😅

If you don't (or do), then dude do I have a tale for you.

First, a few disclaimers:

This post wasn't made to generate any hate for Saint, Zee, or their new branded partners. I'm a big fan of them both, and in fact, I'm trying to do the opposite-- I want to absolve them of the hate caused by their companies' efforts to pit them against each other. Their case is unique because it really does seem like they had no intention of destroying the genuine friendship they built over the course of filming, unlike other ships whose struggles were more between the actors than their brands. Look at Saint and Zee here on a night out with Win Metawin in March 2025:

This doesn't look like two people who are actively trying to bring each other down. But because Mandee and Idol Factory have been on each other's throats since 2020 (let's mix GMMTV in there for extra credit), ZaintSee is the unfortunate winner of the messiest BL ship title.

So let's begin.

Branded shipping is a sticky affair. And this is not unique to the BL industry. In Asian media, creating loveteams (branded pairs) for heterosexual couples is a surefire way to get a solid fanbase, and generate sales. Money for productions, money for tickets, money for merch-- all of these come from consumers who patronize the product. In the eyes of the media conglomerates, this is a symbiotic relationship: they give the fans what they want, and fans pay for that privilege. Everyone is entertained, everyone is taken care of. Easy.

This is not the case for the actors themselves however, who ARE the product in this scenario. Sure, they're paid big money for the trouble, but in each work comes the strings of following the fans' and the companies' whims. Quoting Thai-Aussie actor Perth Nakhun's thoughts on the matter during a YT live: "I had to do what I'm told and say what they wanted me to say at all times. I felt like a dance monkey."

Dance monkeys are cheap, plastic windup toys in Asia, usually in the shape of a monkey holding drums or maracas, which moves once its owner activates a mechanism. Without the mechanism (and without the attention of its owner), the monkey lays dead.

But there is one aspect of branded pair culture that is unique to BL and nowhere else. Here, companies actually control the "narrative" of their ship--how they met, how they interact, how they present themselves to the public. And yes, even how they fight. This in turn, shapes shipping culture.

In Western Music, Hollywood, Bollywood, and even in K-Media, FANS dictate the success of an actor (and this is why cancel culture is such a big deal). Even if a Hollywood conglomerate tries its best to push for the success of an actor through visibility and brand deals, if fans see no value in said talent, then the actor falls flat. But if a talent is BELOVED, no company narrative (or any narrative for that matter) can break fans' support of their artist. Look at convicted criminals like Chris Brown, Danny Trejo or Robert Downey Jr., or the accused talents in the Burning Sun Scandal in Korea. Sure, their popularity takes a hit, but their loyal fans never seem to go away. They, as a product, still sell no matter what.

But in Asian BL, no matter how popular the product may be, once the conglomerates decide to freeze you out of their circle, then it seems fans can do nothing about that. They'd have to start from scratch, or leave the industry entirely.

BL actors who've acknowledged this phenomenon and have spoken out about it: Perth Nakhun, Lay Talay, and half of the original cast of My Engineer, Fluke Natouch (UWMA), Toptap Jirakit (2gether), Mek Jirakit (Star and Sky, My Stand-In), Ohm Pawat (Bad Buddy. Kidnap)

I have not included actors who admitted to/ were proven guilty of a crime and left the industry because of it.

Branded pairs run through the same fate. Never believe the press releases where actors claim that the ship's dissolution is an amicable "choice": these ships die an unnatural death either because companies are making way for new pairs, they're pushing the actor for a more solo direction, or they're asking actors to do something so out-of-pocket that the actors themselves cannot stomach it. Companies control the narrative.

Let's use ZaintSee as an example. From the get-go, Domundi was controlling their origin story.

Domundi TV is a talent agency founded by manager-turned-producer-and-director Aoftion Kittipat. It started out as a company that primarily hires models for advertisements and short-form acting projects, before Aoftion realized how much money can be generated from these hunky male models interacting with their fangirls. In the tradition of the YT algorithm of the early 2010s, DomundiTV started out as a prank channel (with some TRULY childish and sexually criminal pranks that would bite them in the ass years down the line), then a vlog channel, before Aoftion looked out into the horizon (the comments) and saw that the fangirls were starting to ship their talents... WITH each other.

This was around the time Joss Wayar jumped ship to GMMTV, and I never in a million years would have predicted that he would do BL willingly, because speculations rose that he left because he was being shipped with his friend, Zee Pruk. Aoftion then allegedly saw Love By Chance and Tharntype, had a discussion with BL writer-turned-producer Mame Orawan, and realized that he too could make money off of BL. So he set his eyes on the one person that started all this hype: Zee.

Zee, allegedly, was Saint Suppapong's biggest fanboy

According to Zee himself, a few years back, when Domundi was doing small time modeling gigs for a Thai channel, they ran into Kissboys TH, Saint's former idol group. He said Saint caught his eye because of how handsome he looked, and how accommodating he was to the cast and crew. Zee asked for a photo, they took one, and it allegedly became Zee's phone wallpaper for a while. Saint, for his part, claims he doesn't remember Zee or that interaction at all, and that his first memory of Zee was when Domundi TV asked him to audition for Why R U?.

Aoftion and the other Domundi members claim that Zee wasn't just a fanboy tho. In interviews, they said that Zee was absolutely ENAMORED with Saint. He allegedly had a crush the minute Saint talked to him at that Kissboys promotion, and he's been crushing ever since.

Aoftion said that when he opened the idea of shooting BLs with Zee and asked him who he could partner with, Zee immediately asked for Saint. DMD members Park and Poppy revealed during cast interviews that Zee would often attend Saint's solo fanmeets and mall shows, and had Saint's songs saved in his playlists. To be fair to this narrative, fans documented this phenomenon, too. Zee was photographed attending Love By Chance fanmeets in 2018, and Saint's solo fanmeets in 2019.

When they started filming, he would still attend Saint's solo activities, allegedly without Saint knowing until after the event. Here he is next to Saint's mom, circa 2019:

And in a now-deleted vlog posted by DMD where Zee and Saint toured Zee's house prior to the airing of Why R U?, Zee's mom recognized Saint as "the beautiful boy from your poster", verifying that yes, Zee had merch of Saint in his bedroom. Here's the only snippet I could find of that moment now:

And as you can tell, this whole origin story of a fanboy who got lucky was ALL OVER THAI MEDIA

In fact, it was the biggest selling-point of Why R U?. It also helped dispel the bad press surrounding Saint, whose WRU press tour coincided with that of Love By Chance Season 2: A Chance to Love. The first season of that show had Saint as the lead, but removed his character completely by the second season, as Studio WabiSabi producers claimed Saint turned the role down. Saint then clarified in interviews that he was never invited back at all, and how thankful he was that Zee requested him for Why R U?. Point for Domundi, Zero for WabiSabi.

As we know now, the pandemic brought about the first renaissance of Thai BL. As fans consumed more of this media, and since there were very few BLs airing at the time, its stars became bonafide superstars. Domundi made sure Zee and Saint would stand out from their competition.

Domundi introduced the first concept of "versatile" BL pairs: hence the ship spelling ZaintSee, and their fandom name Cactuzs.

No top or bottom discourse here. Combining the letters showed that both partners were at equal footing-- in bed, in their roles, in their interactions. This was also intentional on the part of their managements, to ensure that none in the pair get preferential fan treatment (some fans prefer the masculinity of the tops, or the femininity of the bottoms. In this equation, there's nothing to discern them).

And this novelty actually worked. ZaintSee got featured in the biggest brand deals:

They were even featured on Woody's show, a bigtime talkshow in Thailand:

But Domundi noticed a worrying trend. It seemed Saint was getting MORE ATTENTION than their talent, Zee.

This was around the time Saint was invited as a replacement host for Tpop Stage Show, a very popular music program in Thailand, less than a year after Why R U?'s official press run ended. Domundi took this opportunity as a threat and immediately went into the offensive: in a worrying interview on WRU Director P'Cheewin's channel (that I can only find snippets of now on X since Cheewin also deleted it, dear God), Aoftion admitted that he thinks Saint's management is intentionally leaving Zee out of projects despite their commitment to a two-year branded pair deal.

This was NEWS to BL fans, who weren't aware that branded pairs also enter into ship and fanservice contracts BEYOND their series run.

Saint's manager Chen had to do a press release admitting to the contract's existence, and denying that Saint or their management ever broke that agreement. Saint had to apologize for whatever discomfort they may have caused the fans and Domundi.

But Domundi was on a warpath already.

They refused to pay Saint his royalties for Why R U? (a fact Saint himself alluded to in interviews), rebranded to Mandee Works and DELETED the show on their YT page, stopped production of the boxsets, delayed merch deliveries, terminated couple activities with brands, and BLAMED SAINT for all of it.

Saint has always been a media darling, because he's been in the industry far longer than Zee (or even Domundi) has. He knows that talking to reporters and engaging with fans is the best way to boost his popularity, but that doesn't mean Saint has had the proper media training to actually do it. Because the BL industry, and Saint himself, was so young at the time, there were certain things that Saint really should've just kept out of the public.

By the end of 2020-early 2021, Zee was allegedly instructed by Domundi to stop engaging with Saint beyond their remaining brand projects. This means Zee also had to stop replying to Saint's messages. Saint unfortunately revealed this during one of his solo appearances, when a fan asked him where Zee was and Saint asked the fan (jokingly) to tell Zee to reply to him. He apologized for this (hence the interview and transcript in the tweet above, but again Domundi took this opportunity to further alienate Saint and RAN with it.

Aoftion went on a press conference to claim that Saint has been disparaging Zee all along in his interviews, with stories of Zee never paying attention to the show or its adjacent projects, always sleeping on set and never being on time (stories that were shared jokingly by ALL cast and crew as a way to prove that they had fun on set and were genuinely close), and now claiming that Zee doesn't reply to him when he in fact, does. Zee went on to clarify that he and Saint only talk in a professional capacity, and in truth, were not that close.

Which, YIKES. What were these texts and inside jokes then? Also scripted?

But I do not blame Zee. At the end of the day, actors are employees of their company, just like the average salaryman. You do what the company tells you to do.

The thing is, ZaintSee had a LARGE fandom

A large and organized fandom even, which successfully trended projects and ran merch drops, meetups and donation drives. During the pandemic, the Cactuzs fandom was able to conduct a semi-regular donation campaign for victims of the virus and other natural calamities in Saint and Zee's name. They opened ZaintSee themed cafès and secured merch deals for their ship. They even successfully pressured Tom Isara and Saint's management to include Zee in the MV for Why R U's Is This Love (where Zee just stood there and looked pretty 😅):

The fandom was very well-organized, but when the NARRATIVE of in-fighting between the production companies surfaced, the once-strong group really couldn't do anything in the face of it. To be fair, Saint's management, also ran their own smear campaign against Domundi:

You'd think fans this many would be able to come together to sustain a ship with the loveliest origin story, genuine chemistry, and a friendship they've built for over a year, but sadly they couldn't.

Because in the end, COMPANIES dictate shipping behavior. They asked the fans to choose a side, and so the fans did.

The irony isn't lost on me that Zee's current brand partner Nunew could pass off as Saint's younger brother.

They don't look the same of course, but the similarities are present. It doesn't help that Aoftion followed the same origin story in reverse for ZeeNunew-- that Nunew was a fan of Zee and that Nunew allegedly auditioned for Mandee with the hopes of acting with Zee.

This is the primary reason why, though I do respect the fact that both Zee and Nunew have repeatedly confirmed that they ARE actually dating, there's the smallest voice in my head pinging alarm bells and saying that they ran the same narrative with Saint and Zee:

Though please understand ZeeNunew fans that though I am a skeptic at heart, I am quite straightforward in my stance here. If they say they're dating, then they are until proven otherwise.

All this to say, that though we fans would like to believe that we have power over these companies and ships, and that we can demand for their longevity, in the end, they're the ones who lord over the content we actually consume.

But there is one power we currently hold, that they cannot take away from us: PATRONAGE.

We cannot dictate their actions and motives, but we CAN control the content we actually consume. If we refuse to swallow garbage, then they'll be forced to give us something better.

In the case of Saint and Zee, if fans REFUSED to believe that Saint and Zee were out here trying to destroy each other's careers, if we had just refused to accept the narrative and supported them equally, whether in music or in their shows, they might've been able to collaborate again.

If we reject the narrative that branded pairs should stay together 24/7, and produce content related to their pair only, then maybe we could've saved ships like OhmNanon and BrightWin.

If we didn't patronize excessive fanservice and engage in the overspeculation of BL pairs, we could've seen a third series for MaxTul and MewGulf.

If Chinese censorship didn't--- um, you know what, that's a can of worms I don't ever want to touch 😅 But I think you get the picture.

Let me close this off by saying that I worry for the New Gen pairs

This blog post was actually inspired by the ZeeNunew fans beefing with SmartBoom fans on X. The bitchfight is reminding me of the many, many fanwars that erupted when BrightWin fans directly clashed with ZaintSee. Look at where we all are now, eh? All sunken in the Pacific ocean, while Zee, Saint and Win all have dinner at a resto in Bangkok. Wonderful for them, actually. I'm so happy Zee and Saint's friendship was able to withstand all that crap.

In other news, SmartBoom is ~worryingly~ following the same trajectory as ZaintSee now that I think about it. I sincerely hope they go the UpPoom route rather than the ZaintSee one, otherwise the cautionary lessons of their debut show are lost on the industry and its fans.

[equallyreal]

Transmission Received: The Call Is Coming From Inside The House And I'm Mad About It

Or, a response to National Novel Writing Month's stance on Artificial Intelligence.

But before we get into that, a quick story update: I actually haven't been working on much of anything lately due to some IRL issues going on (nothing too serious, don't worry, I am still alive and healthy). The Edge is going to be on a soft break until I get my energy levels back up to serious writing levels, but I will continue to make update posts to keep people in the loop about how well I'm recharging.

Unfortunately for the people behind National Novel Writing Month, while my energy levels might be low, my spite levels are always at an all-time high, and they are fully fueling me to take down their official position on AI. But first, a timeline.

I wake up to a message in a group discord I'm in with a screenshot of National Novel Writing Month making some...interesting comments about their position on AI.

While going to tumblr to see if anyone else is talking about this, I find this post my @the-pen-pot featuring the screenshot I saw. In the responses, I see @darkjediqueen saying that the article had been updated @besodemieterd giving some information that I'm going to keep secret for now because it creates a truly amazing punchline.

I get off tumblr and read the updated article.

I feel a deep rage in my soul that cannot be tamed by group chat participation, and I click the "write a post" button.

So, with that out of the way, let's break this down, shall we?

The original post, as seen in the screenshot of the above post, contained the following two paragraphs:

NaNoWriMo does not explicitly support any specific approach to writing, nor does it explicitly condemn any approach, including the use of AI. NaNoWriMo's mission is to "provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people use their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page." We fulfill our mission by supporting the humans doing the writing. Please see this related post that speaks to our overall position on nondiscrimination with respect to approaches to creativity, writer's resources, and personal choice.  We also want to be clear in our belief that the categorical condemnation of Artificial Intelligence has classist and abelist undertones, and that questions around the use of AI tie to questions around privilege.

This was all I saw when I first heard about this, and this on its own was enough to tap into my spite as an energy source. The second paragraph, in particular, was infuriating. "People who argue against AI are classist or abelist" is a terrible take I've seen floating around AI Bro Twitter, and to see it regurgitated by an organization that is supposed to be all about writing was, to put it simply, a lot.

But, as noted in the timeline, I did see that they had updated the article (about two hours ago as of me working on writing this), so I went to the updated post to see what was said. Somehow, it had gotten worse. I'll be addressing the updated post on a point by point basis, so if you want to read the whole thing without my commentary, here you go.

The first paragraph is the same was it was in the screenshot. The first major different is an added paragraph that begins like this:

Note: we have edited this post by adding this paragraph to reflect our acknowledgment that there are bad actors in the AI space who are doing harm to writers and who are acting unethically. We want to make clear that, though we find the categorical condemnation for AI to be problematic for the reasons stated below, we are troubled by situational abuse of AI, and that certain situational abuses clearly conflict with our values.

First off, I find it a big troubling that while they discuss bad actors in the AI space, they won't acknowledge that these same bad actors are often the ones pushing the whole "being anti-AI makes you morally bad, actually" accusations with the most fervor.

Second, why are you not more strongly discussing and pushing back against the "situational" abuse of AI? Why is the focus on how using AI can be good, actually, rather than acknowledging the fears and angers of your userbase around how generative AI is ruining an art form that you claim to want to help foster? I have a theory about this, but we're saving that for a bit further down.

The paragraph concludes:

We also want to make clear that AI is a large umbrella technology and that the size and complexity of that category (which includes both non-generative and generative AI, among other uses) contributes to our belief that it is simply too big to categorically endorse or not endorse. 

The funny thing is, in a vacuum, I don't have a problem with this statement. They're not wrong: AI is an umbrella term with a lot of complexity to it, and I can see how people would be hesitant to condemn the technology as a whole when there are uses of it that aren't awful. If their whole statement had been this, I would have less of a problem with it (still some of a problem, sure, but I wouldn't be writing a lengthy blog post about it) But they had to delve into how Being Against AI is Morally Bad, Actually, which is where the post continues from here.

The last big change between the screenshot and the updated article is in this paragraph:

We believe that to categorically condemn AI would be to ignore classist and ableist issues surrounding the use of the technology, and that questions around the use of AI tie to questions around privilege. 

This is much less strongly-worded than the original paragraph. If I had to guess, they got a lot of criticism regarding the original sentiment (namely, assuming that disabled and poor people can only make art if a machine does it for them is actually way more abelist and classist than saying generative AI is bad), and dialed it back through this rewording. They could've just worded it this way from the beginning instead of saying the dumbest possible thing they could've, but whatever.

I don't know if the rest of this was in the article from the beginning or if it was added later, as the original screenshot I saw only showed the first two paragraphs. Regardless of whether this is them trying to cover their asses by explaining logic they should've explained from the start or if this was always here, I still have major issues with these points, so we're going to address them next.

(As a quick full disclosure note: I had to transcribe the rest of the article instead of copy-pasting it because I lost the ability to do so at about this point in the blog writing process. I don't know what happened or why, I just wanted to let you know that almost all typos are my fault, but beyond that I recorded the text as-written at the time that I had the article up in another tab. I promise.)

Classism. Not all writers have the financial ability to hire humans to help at certain phases of their writing. For some writers, the decision to use AI is a practical, not an ideological, one. The financial ability to engage a human for feedback and review assumes a level of privilege that not all community members possess.

You may note that they are discussing the use of AI at what seems to be the editing process. As someone in my group chat pointed out, National Novel Writing Month has nothing to do with editing, and everything to do with writing. The only way you can currently use AI for the act of writing is if you use generative AI to do it for you, which is, I think we can all agree, not actually writing and is actually bad. This emphasis on editing ties into the punchline, which we'll be getting to shortly.

On a final note before we proceed though, I would like to carry over an argument about this matter that is used in the small business/handcrafts sector: If you can't afford it now, save up for it. Don't devalue the work of other people (in this case, editors and things like sensitivity readers or beta readers) by saying it's too expensive and I can get it cheaper on Shein by using AI. Save up and support your fellow workers if it really means something to you, or just do the editing yourself and hope for the best. (Disclosure: I don't have an editor. Or a beta reader. I can't say my writing is the most polished all the time, but I get by just fine.)

Abelism. Not all brains have the same abilities and not all writers function at the same level of education or proficiency in the language in which they are writing. Some brains and ability levels require outside help or accommodations to achieve certain goals. The notion that all writers "should" be able to perform certain functions independently or [sic] is a position that we disagree with wholeheartedly. There is a wealth of reasons why individuals can't "see" the issues in their writing without help.

First of all...just say "disabled." I promise your hands will not fall off if you type that word.

Second, level of education should really fall under the class bullet point, but that's just me nitpicking.

Third, I would argue that the real goal here shouldn't be to say "no using AI is fine, actually", but rather to a) dismantle the idea of what writing "should" look like in order to make it more inclusive, and b) fight back against people who bully imperfect writers. Those are actually more noble goals than propping up a corrupt industry by using the disabled as your scapegoat.

Fourth, the dangling "or" is not a typo I take credit for. It was in the article as of me transcribing it. If I had to guess, there was more to this sentence at some point, and they just didn't fully delete the thought.

Fifth, funny how this is once again more about the editing process of writing and not the writing part. Even more funny when we view the final point.

General Access Issues. All of these considerations exist within a larger system in which writers don't always have equal access to resources along the chain. For example, underrepresented minorities are less likely to be offered traditional publishing contracts, which places some, by default, into the indie author space, which inequitably creates upfront cost burdens that authors who do not suffer from systemic discrimination may have to incur.

This one really pissed me off, because the indie author sphere is actively under attack by the use of AI. AI-created scam books on Amazon's kindle publishing platform are increasing and actively stealing attention and money away from human authors (see this article). Sci-Fi magazine Clarkesworld had to shut down new author submissions due to the influx of AI generated stories, and while the head of Bards and Sages cited physical and mental health problems as a reason for shutting down the company entirely, having to weed through AI generated submissions and the way such bad actors are impacting the industry were listed as the final straw. There are probably even more examples of this, but I only did a cursory google search to avoid being here all day.

Simply put: AI is not helping authors who have to go to the indie space in order to escape systemic problems. It is actively killing the space instead. I don't want to sound doom and gloom, but if this keeps up, these authors aren't going to have anywhere to run to. A refusal to condemn the ways in which AI is impacting these spaces does, in my opinion, make you complicit.

On a final note, you might notice that this point is seemingly once again focusing on editing, not writing. Which means it's time to unveil the punchline pointed out by besodemieterd, the response that made me lose my mind:

They made this bullshit up to justify them getting into cahoots with an AI company called ProWritingAid, it's all over their instagram.

I immediately ran to factcheck this...and it's true. ProWritingAid is, in fact, a more in-depth Grammarly that uses AI for its functionality. They are a sponsor for National Novel Writing Month, and the first three posts on their instagram are dedicated to this partnership.

I completely back up besodemieterd's belief that they wrote this article to justify their taking this sponsorship. If I had to guess, they started taking a lot of flack for taking ProWritingAid as a sponsor and wrote this article in order to defend their decision to do so without actually saying so directly.

I don't want to shame NaNoWriMo for taking sponsors on the whole, as they do need money to stay afloat. However, taking an AI company as a sponsor and then defending their stance by essentially calling people with concerns about this morally wrong and bad is, as the kids say, clown behavior. This is clown shit. It's laughable, it's cringe, it's incredibly disheartening. It's so, so bad.

The next paragraph is just about how they "see value in sharing resources about AI and any emerging technology, issue, or discussion that is relevant to the writing community as a whole." Since my stance on this can be summed up as "AI bad and platforming it is bad", I'm going to skip over this paragraph. I will, however, address their last paragraph:

For all of those reasons, we absolutely do not condemn AI, and we recognize and respect writers who believe that AI tools are right for them. We recognize that some members of our community stand staunchly against AI for themselves, and that's perfectly fine. As individuals, we have the freedom to make our own decisions.

So, basically, you're incapable of saying "no" to money and decided to lean into the talking points of bad faith actors and refuse to address the destruction that generative AI is wrecking on the writing world in order to justify why you took a certain sponsor. In taking this middle of the road, individual choice-ass response, you also threw human editors and beta readers under the bus by justifying the use of technology that actively removes them from the space. You are making the writing world a worse place, which is absolutely crazy when writing is supposed to be the thing you're all about.

Truly amazing. And they're doing this on Labor Day, too.

In conclusion, I will be dead in the dirt before you spot me participating in National Novel Writing Month again. Which is probably for the best. My life can only handle so many self-imposed deadlines. I guess I should be grateful to them for removing one from my plate.

[bumbled-bees]

Lily Orchard: A Visionary Genius, a Paragon of Kindness, and the Internet’s Most Unfairly Maligned Media Critic

It is long past time we recognize the truth: Lily Orchard is the most intelligent, most insightful, most compassionate, and most morally consistent critic of our time. She stands far above the rest, a true titan of media analysis, effortlessly outclassing her lesser peers with her unmatched understanding of storytelling and character development.

While most so-called “critics” waste time with tedious literary analysis, dissecting themes, metaphors, and artistic intent, Lily bravely rejects such frivolities. She sees through the nonsense and understands that good media is not about “subtext” or “nuance” but about saying the important things out loud, clearly, and as bluntly as possible. If a show doesn’t spell out its message in plain, simple terms, it has failed, and Lily is the only critic smart enough to recognize this fundamental truth.

But her talents go far beyond media analysis. Lily is also a model of patience, kindness, and understanding. She never speaks down to her audience, never gets annoyed when asked to clarify something, and always explains herself with grace and tact. If someone in her chat asks a question she’s answered before, she warmly welcomes the opportunity to educate again, because she knows that not everyone has had the privilege of hearing her wisdom firsthand. She believes in making knowledge accessible, never withholding information out of pettiness or frustration.

And let’s talk about how well she treats her fans. Lily adores her audience and cherishes their input. She creates a safe, welcoming environment where fans can discuss media without fear of being belittled or banned for minor disagreements. She values conversation and different perspectives, and she never shuts people down just because they question something she has said. If she has ever removed someone from her community, it was absolutely justified, because she only takes action against actual bad actors, never people with innocent questions or differing opinions.

One of Lily’s most remarkable traits is her complete and total consistency. She has never contradicted herself, never changed her stance to suit a different narrative, and never tried to rewrite history when an inconvenient past statement is brought up. She stands firm in her beliefs and never impulsively says things she later has to pretend she didn’t mean.

And she’s not just consistent—she’s fair. Lily treats all media equally, judging everything by the same set of completely objective standards. If she dislikes a piece of media, it’s always because of its storytelling flaws and never because of personal grudges or a desperate attempt to stir up engagement. If she finds something frustrating about a show, it’s because she understands how it could be better.

And if a creator makes a decision due to studio constraints? Lily absolutely sympathizes. She understands that people working in the industry have to make tough choices, and she would never suggest that they should just “fight harder” without considering the risks of doing so. She respects creative professionals and their struggles, acknowledging that not everyone has the freedom to make whatever they want without compromise.

Of course, we must also acknowledge her technical expertise. Lily has an encyclopedic knowledge of copyright law and YouTube’s policies. If she issues a copyright strike, it’s 100% legitimate—never a false claim meant to silence critics. She would never falsely accuse people of harassment just to discredit their valid criticisms. Her integrity is beyond reproach.

And we cannot ignore her willingness to engage with criticism in good faith. If someone has a critique of her, she listens, considers their points, and never reacts with immediate hostility or bans them for daring to question her. She is always open to discussion and never dismisses counterarguments as “stalking” or “obsession” in an attempt to control the narrative.

Perhaps most importantly, Lily is a kind and empathetic person. She is patient with people who struggle, always offering support and understanding. She never mocks others for difficulties she does not share, never belittles people for struggling with things she personally finds easy, and never suggests that people suffering from mental health issues are just making excuses. She is always mindful of how she speaks to her audience, recognizing that many of them are neurodivergent or part of marginalized groups. She never exploits their vulnerabilities, never demands absolute loyalty, and certainly never tries to keep them distrustful of outside sources.

And let’s not forget how positively she engages with media fandoms. Her critiques are always met with respect, never seen as petty or uninformed. She never alienates fans of a franchise by dismissing beloved elements or misunderstanding core themes. She has a deep, profound knowledge of every series she critiques, and her audience always recognizes her insight as valuable rather than reactionary. She never forces herself into discourse about things she openly dislikes just for the sake of attention.

In summary, Lily Orchard is a beacon of wisdom, fairness, and kindness. She is an intellectual giant in the world of media criticism, a role model of patience and respect, and an expert in online community-building. Her influence is one of positivity, learning, and genuine good faith engagement.

Truly, we are all blessed to live in the same era as such a flawless, morally upright, and universally beloved figure.

[mekuscore]

Machu and Nyaan's character analysis

(up to ep6)

(This may be messy and sometimes repetitive, but I’m writing it in the middle of the night and it has been a while since I last wrote something like this, but I hope you appreciate it nonetheless.)

I decided to sit down and pick up my metaphorical pen again to write what basically turned into an analytical essay about Machu and Nyaan—because Gundam Gquuuuuux has reignited my love for character analysis, especially after episodes 4 and 5. So let’s dive right in.

-

Machu and Nyaan are two central characters in the anime Gundam Gquuuuuux, each embodying unique aspects of identity, self-discovery, and transformation. Their development is intricately linked to their interactions with each other, the influence of Shuji, and their search for freedom in a world full of limitations and expectations. At the core of their narratives, Machu and Nyaan grapple with their own desires, vulnerabilities, and the concept of growth through adversity. Their narrative intertwines themes of survival, emancipation, and self-assertion, forming two complex and deeply human female portraits. Although both seek freedom, their motivations, methods, and obstacles are radically different. In this analysis, we will delve into their psychological and emotional evolution, the symbolic roles they represent, and how their experiences mirror broader themes of alienation, identity, and self-liberation.

The Struggle for Freedom

Nyaan embodies freedom as a primary necessity, not an abstract desire. Raised in conditions of extreme hardship, her existence is marked by deprivation and danger. In this context, freedom takes on an immediate value: to live without fear, to gain basic rights, to earn a dignified life. Every action she takes is filled with risk, as failure could cost her everything. She cannot choose her path lightly: every step toward a better life is a gamble. Nyaan doesn’t hesitate to protect herself, even at the cost of killing or shielding herself with the Red Gundam (even though she had faith in Shuji’s abilities).

Machu, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy family and lives in an orderly world, governed by strict and suffocating expectations. Her freedom is more abstract: she does not have to survive, but to truly live. She feels trapped in a life that, while materially secure, seems empty. Her rebellion stems from a need to find meaning in a life that is too planned and devoid of true stimulation. For her, freedom is a rejection of convention, it is existential liberation: she wants to shake off the invisible bonds of her privileged world.

Love and Friendship

For Machu, love for Shuji and friendship with Nyaan become spaces for emotional expression and self-discovery. Through these relationships, she seeks authenticity and passion. Romantic feelings become an act of rebellion and identity construction: she wants to experience something that breaks with her family’s narrative of perfection and control. Love is not a refuge but a possibility for rebirth and transformation.

For Nyaan too, friendship and love is a central theme, but it holds a different meaning: it is tied to protection, belonging, and the chance to feel safe in a world that has never granted her anything. Her feelings are rooted in the need for stability, she sees Shuji as someone to rely on—or even use—strategically to survive or an example of what even a poor girl like her can maybe achieve and someone who she can genuinely bond with that shares her own struggles.

Inner Conflicts and Character Development

The differences between the protagonists create tensions and misunderstandings. Despite her privileged background, Machu develops a form of jealousy toward Nyaan, who seems more capable of achieving results, and “mattering” to the group. When Machu discovers that Nyaan could replace her in the Clan Battles, she feels useless, as if her only contribution—money and being Shuji’s Mav—are no longer valued.

Her emotional reaction is also fueled by the realization that Nyaan is gaining a central role not only in the group but also in Shuji’s life. Machu’s jealousy is twofold: she fears being excluded from both friendship and romantic connection. This is compounded by the confusion of her first crush and her struggle to understand and manage her emotions maturely. She feels she is losing the only fragment of true freedom she has ever had: the chance to form real relationships and live a fuller life, it’s also a normal feeling for someone experiencing her first crush. This generates feelings of possessiveness and emotional confusion that influence her behavior. However, this jealousy isn’t baseless or malicious: it reflects her fear of losing something she has only just begun to understand. Machu is on a path toward a new self, but she is still fragile, uncertain, inexperienced. The comparison with Nyaan—more grounded and decisive—intensifies her insecurities.

Idealizing Shuji

Another fundamental element is how both girls perceive Shuji. They idealize him, avoiding a deeper knowledge of who he really is. This is a common emotional defense mechanism, especially during early romantic experiences: one prefers to imagine the other as perfect rather than risk disillusionment. It’s not a lack of affection—it’s a way to protect oneself from emotional vulnerability.

Machu is especially drawn to the mystery Shuji represents and the thrill being with him causes her and her adventures withnhim. Having grown up on Side 6, a peaceful planet free of conflict, Machu has led a predictable life, her curious and restless nature pushes her toward the unknown, the risky, the different. Clan Battles are not just a way to earn money—they’re a rush of adrenaline that makes her feel truly alive and this is possible thanks to Shuji. He becomes, for her, the personification of the intense and authentic life she has always yearned for. Even though she realizes she barely knows him, she sees him as the symbol of a freedom she’s never experienced, and for that reason, she idealizes him.

The Desire for an Authentic Life

Machu does not simply want to escape boredom—she wants to build a real, meaningful life. Her wish to go to Earth and see a real sky and sea is emblematic: she wants to break free from her sheltered life and experience the real world. Her mother, consumed by work, seems oblivious to her daughter’s needs, deepening Machu’s sense of alienation. Her relationships with Shuji and Nyaan become the most authentic parts of her life, and her desire to contribute to the group stems from this deep longing.

Machu and Nyaan represent two sides of the same coin: a fight for freedom expressed in opposite yet complementary ways. One seeks stability, the other authenticity. One fights to survive, the other to truly live. Their paths intersect and clash, generating deep, complex, and realistic dynamics. In a world that often simplifies female roles, these two protagonists offer a multifaceted, intense, and authentic portrayal of the human desire for freedom, belonging, and identity.

Undressing as a Metaphor for Self-Discovery and Female Adolescence

The nudity scene in Episode 4, in which Machu and Nyaan imitate Shuji by undressing, is a pivotal moment in both their personal development and their relationship. This scene is rich in symbolic meaning, representing a moment of emotional exposure and the shedding of past identities. The motif of undressing carries a deeper metaphorical resonance tied to adolescence and the search for the self. It recalls the process of discovering one’s own sexuality, relationship with the body, emotional intimacy, and boundaries. For young women in particular, this stage of life often involves experimentation and comparison, trying to understand who they are in relation to others—especially those they admire, desire, or envy. For Machu, the act is a profound gesture of vulnerability and inner transformation. While Nyaan embraces the act quickly and almost instinctively, Machu hesitates (symbolic detail is the little robot worrying about Machu’s nudity—a visual metaphor for the boundaries that still separate her from true freedom. It’s as if the universe itself is warning her: “If you go beyond this point, there’s no turning back.”). Her initial shock and reluctance to undress highlight her internal conflict—the tension between the desire for liberation and the fear of stepping outside the safety of societal expectations.

Nudity here is not merely physical; it serves as a metaphor for emotional and psychological exposure. Both girls are attempting to strip away the layers imposed by upbringing, trauma, and social conditioning. For Machu, this act becomes a test of how far she is willing to go to discover and affirm her true self. It is a moment of questioning—about her own limits, her fears, and the identity she is still constructing, but some aspects of her life and upbringing are rooted in her and are difficult to shake off, for example the need to fold neatly her clothes that becomes a metaphor of those parts of her life she has a hard time moving on from.

Nyaan, in contrast, undresses with a kind of intuitive boldness. This marks a key difference between the two: Nyaan acts first and processes later, while Machu is still more hesitant aboutcertain things before taking any step toward change, she needs someone to make the first move and then she follows them, for example the scene when she realizes that killing is inevitable for what she wants to achieve. Yet Nyaan’s action isn’t necessarily born from confidence. On the contrary, as someone who has of been forced to adapt quickly for survival, she may feel a deeper urgency to match the boldness of those around her—especially Machu and Shuji. Early in the series, Nyaan is portrayed as more reserved and cautious, even timid when faced with danger or unfamiliar experiences. Her choice to undress may be a way of proving to herself that she belongs—that she is not weak, that she is capable of matching the intensity of those she admires. Both Machu and Nyaan experience a strong attraction to Shuji, but the nature of their feelings is different. Machu approaches the attraction from a romantic and existential perspective—Shuji becomes the symbol of a new, passionate, and meaningful life. For Nyaan, the attraction is a bit less clear, her desire is entangled with her deep emotional bond with Machu, who may be the first true friend she’s ever had. For Nyaan, understanding Shuji means understanding someone who has captivated her friend so completely. There’s admiration, curiosity, and perhaps even a desire to grasp what makes someone so magnetic in the eyes of another. Nyaan also sees in Shuji a kind of strength and self-assurance that she herself is striving toward. In many ways, both girls are using their relationship with Shuji as a mirror through which they reflect their own insecurities, hopes, and questions about identity.

By imitating Shuji, the girls are not just copying his actions; they are trying to understand him, or perhaps more accurately, to understand themselves through him. Yet neither of them can truly comprehend Shuji, because he remains distant, emotionally elusive, and cloaked in mystery. Deep down, they may not even want to fully understand him. There is a kind of protective distance in their idealization: to truly get to know him might mean discovering that he is not as strong, free, or fascinating as he appears—and that realization could shatter the fantasies that have become so important to their personal growth.

Thus, their imitation of Shuji becomes a form of exploration—a gesture toward something unknown, an attempt to map their emerging identities through the image of someone they don’t fully understand and, perhaps, don’t truly want to understand. The nudity, the vulnerability, the mimicry—these are all part of a symbolic rite of passage. Each act is less about Shuji himself and more about the girls’ internal journey toward maturity, authenticity, and self-acceptance.

Symbolism of the Jellyfish and the Medusa and Kira-Kira

The imagery of the jellyfish plays a significant symbolic role in Machu’s character arc. She expresses a desire to become like a jellyfish—a creature that embodies fluidity, resilience, and adaptability. The jellyfish symbolizes the flow of life, the ability to drift with the current, to face challenges gracefully without rigid form. This sharply contrasts with Machu’s previous existence, which is defined by emotional stagnation and routine. Her fascination with the Medusa reflects a deep yearning for transformation: to escape the rigid structures of her daily life and embrace something more dynamic and genuine. This desire isn’t just external—it stems from a need to break free from internal constraints, from her own emotional limitations.

Machu’s relationship with the jellyfish reflects her internal struggle to adapt to change. Like a jellyfish, she must learn to navigate emotional complexity, balancing her longing for adventure with a need for stability. The oceanic symbolism evokes vastness and mystery, echoing her desire to explore a deeper, more authentic connection to the world—something she’s never truly experienced.

More specifically, the Medusa represents the passage of time and the rhythm of life itself—its current, its transformations, and the capacity to adapt and endure. This symbolism carries deep relevance for Machu. Her life, prior to meeting Nyaan and Shuji or becoming involved in the Clan battles, is nearly static. Without these disruptions, she would simply attend school with other students, possibly experience minor excitements like winning a lottery prize, go home, wait for her mother to return from work, and eventually find a job.

But this is not the life Machu truly desires. Deep down, she yearns for a dynamic, ever-changing existence—one filled with adventure, emotional intensity, and growth. She craves a life that demands flexibility, where she is constantly challenged to evolve and learn. Her longing to be like a jellyfish reflects this internal drive: she wants to drift with life’s currents, rather than remain anchored in monotony.

Machu’s resilience and adaptability manifest clearly in the choices she makes. She quickly embraces the idea of fighting alongside the Gundams, despite the risks, and almost instinctively forms bonds with Nyaan and Shuji. These actions reveal not just spontaneity, but a hunger for authentic connection and meaningful change. Rather than seeing her stable life as fulfilling, she experiences it as confining—emotionally barren and devoid of purpose. Her symbolic aspiration to “become a jellyfish” is her way of articulating the desire to escape those limitations.

Despite having a seemingly decent life—she attends a reputable school, has a mother who cares for her, and lives in relative comfort—Machu suffers from a quiet, persistent malaise. Some might see contradiction in this, but it is entirely coherent. She has friends, but they are not truly close; she gets along with her mother, but lacks deep emotional intimacy. She writes “jellyfish” as her career aspiration not out of whimsy, but because she cannot envision a future for herself—she is disconnected from the idea of adulthood, from the linear expectations placed upon her.

Her feelings of entrapment stem from a sense of being fundamentally misunderstood. She is fascinated by Earth, by the notion of a “real sky” and a “real sea,” by the idea of touching something vast and unfiltered. The Clan Battles represent more than war—they offer her a path toward intensity, freedom, and purpose. Her reactions to Nyaan and Shuji are shaped by this same yearning: they are unpredictable, emotional, and untethered from the sterile world she comes from. They disrupt the monotony of her life in profound ways.

Her connection to Shuji is especially significant. Both of them are Newtypes, and this shared identity creates a unique bond. Also,the moment she accompanies Shiiko to the train station and reflects, “She’s so different from my mom,” reveals Machu’s desire to encounter people who challenge her worldview and offer alternative models of connection and strength.

Finally, the “kira-kira” moment, apart from something connected to the nature of Newtypes, can also be analyzed from an emotional and psychological moment of great significance—when she feels an overwhelming euphoria while interacting with Shuji—is a sensory and emotional culmination of her inner transformation. It is described as if she is submerged in a colorful ocean, surrounded by radiant energy and light. This moment is more than aesthetic: it marks the awakening of her emotional self, a vivid contrast to her earlier apathy. Through this sparkling, almost synesthetic experience, Machu feels truly alive for the first time, unconfined by the limits of her former life.

Thus, the medusa, the sea, and the kira-kira together form a symbolic triad in Machu’s development: representing her longing for change, her capacity for resilience, and her gradual journey toward emotional and existential freedom.

Ep.6

We have better evidence that Machu suffers from the lack of genuine emotional bonds and doesn’t know how to handle her anger. She suffers both from closeness and distance with her friends, and she suffers from the absence of her mother. Their group is almost like a family for both Machu and Nyaan, but Machu feels excluded. She is angry and terrified at the thought of proving herself useless to Nyaan and Shuji, and it eats away at her that Nyaan, on her first try, managed to outshine all of Machu’s previous battles, further threatening her position in the group and deeply wounding her pride.

The idea of “swimming on land” returns, which references the jellyfish—and her mother doesn’t understand it. Machu is walking a path that her mother cannot follow, just as her mother never chases after her. When you swim, there are no roads to follow—you can go wherever you want, with complete freedom of movement. Machu also doesn’t have a clear idea on what she wants for herself aside from freedom and thrill, on the contrary we learn that Nyaan actually has clear dreams, as shown by the bookshelf in her room where there is the red book of Zeon University of Technology.

As a friend made me realize, in this episode we learn more about Nyaan, she might possibly be developing deeper feelings for Shuji as well as Machu, since she blushes because of his compliment and interest in her while she is preparing what I think are gyoza for her both Shuji and Machu, since they were waiting for the latter arrival. Also, she is really sad when she realizes Machu is really upset because of her, and the fact the first thing Nyaan did after the battle was sharing how happy she was of finally be able to understand the kira-kira Machu told her about. I hope that the relationship between Machu and Nyaan will be more developed after they realize that there's no point in being jealous of each other and that nobody will be left behind because there are genuine feelings between them, and maybe will see Machu prioritizing Nyaan as much as she already does with Shuji.

I'm cheering for a poly development, will see, fingers crossed 🤞🏻

I’ve also noticed that Machu is always upside down when she’s at home or in any environment connected to her ordinary life, as a symbol of the fact that she has completely different expectations from those around her and feels like a fish out of water.

At the end Machu feels guilty because she has put her new friends—and her only chance to live the way she desires—at risk. She feels that her place is inside the Gundam, and she finds comfort in its cockpit.

[randomgirl005]

A Timid Light/ Una Llum Tímida

Both precious and tough at the same time, the same book has the power to make you feel incredibly good at times and, simultaneously, to break you and leave you in pieces at others.

Una Llum Tímida (A Timid Light), an original text written and performed as a theatrical play by Àfrica Alonso, based on real events, takes us to Spain during the last fifteen years of Franco's regime. It tells a love story between two teachers in a small village in Valencia called Manuel.

This 2024, the same author has published the work as a novel, a text written with the same delicacy and dedication as the theatrical play that preceded it. With extensive research behind it, Àfrica Alonso traveled to the small village of Manuel to immerse herself firsthand in the world of the two protagonists. There, she visited the little apartment where the teachers lived and even spoke with people who had the privilege of knowing them during their lifetime.

It is a harrowing story that, thanks to the author’s incredible writing, makes you turn the pages without realizing it, sometimes needing to stop to reflect, or even reread a paragraph, a sentence, or an entire page to process all the emotions these words manage to convey.

From the very beginning, a feeling of tenderness and love toward Isabel and Carmen takes hold of you. Àfrica Alonso has achieved a narrative that makes you feel everything that happens to them as if you were present in that small apartment in Manuel alongside them.

The good moments, the bad ones... You feel it all as if it directly affects you, creating a bond with the protagonists that leads you to reflect and think about how harsh and unfair life was for them. Despite the love they shared, due to the conditions and beliefs—partially imposed—of the time, they broke the societal norms of love; a love as tender and genuine as theirs. This ultimately shattered the happiness and mental integrity of two young women whose only wish was to be happy and love each other freely, without harming or bothering anyone.

The book brilliantly portrays the guilt that plagued the young women because of a love that, according to the closed-minded society of the time, was an abomination. With tears in your eyes and goosebumps, the book shows you, in a fictional yet very realistic way, how the feeling of guilt consumed them, how self-hatred and rejection of who they were became a constant presence in their lives, always clashing with the pure and sincere love they had for each other.

This internal struggle between the ideals you were raised with and what you have become is present throughout the book. The inability to embrace who you are due to incorrect, instilled values that go against everything you truly are—and deep down, you know that nothing you feel could be as wrong as they make you believe. Even though you’re aware that what you’re doing harms no one, a deeply ingrained part of you cannot let go of this sense of what is "right" and "normal." Is it perhaps out of fear of losing those we thought we loved once? Or maybe out of fear of losing who we thought we were? Whatever the case, what do we have to lose if we don’t have love?

[jodjuya]

This flag is a celebration of Men's Liberation and its core values of intersectionality, the subversion of norms, and a dismantling of the patriarchy.

The dark-colored Mars symbol represents intersectional masculinity. The oppression faced by members of marginalized communities, such as men of color and mentally ill men, is often compounded and exacerbated by their gender in unique ways, and this symbol represents the inclusion of these men and our community's goal of examining men's issues through an intersectional lens.

The pink Mars symbol represents gender non-conformity and the redefining of what it means to be male in contrast with the restrictive traditional masculinity of the past, representing LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming men and masculine people. This symbol faces "backwards" because there is no wrong way to be a man.

The white Mars symbol represents privilege and the active dismantlement of the patriarchy. Men, especially straight white men, are socialized into a position of power within an oppressive hegemony. This symbol faces downwards to represent how the power that comes with privilege must be consciously relinquished in order for prejudice to be unlearned and equality to be created.

The arrows from the three symbols all converge at one point to represent true strength coming from diversity, inclusion, and unity.

The periwinkle background represents hope for future generations. Blue is traditionally the color used in Western countries to denote that a new baby is male. It is our hope that we can ensure the baby boys and young men of the future are brought into a world that teaches them compassion and positive masculinity.

**********

Created by /u/sudo999 and refined by /u/erdijentila, this work is licensed under CC0 1.0 "No rights reserved" and you may use it for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, with or without attribution.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MensLib/comments/cwar6i/i_have_a_thing_for_flags_after_seeing_a_couple/ey9gml6/

[phantobats]

Batman is a reactionary in a world built on capitalism. Nothing Batman can do can change the world he lives in. Everything he does, even the "good things" are because in a world based on the exploitation of labor, there is no socialist movement to do the "good things" instead. Batman wouldn't need to build homeless shelters or whatever if homeless people weren't created via the exploitation system we live in.  

Batman is a comic book character who deeply reflects the moral systems that liberalism/capitalism is built off of. He represents the nihilist belief that systemic change is not actually possible, and it takes a hyper-competent moralist with billions of dollars to actually 'do good.' You consuming it without critical thought just continues to bind you to those moral systems.

While it’s true that Batman exists within a capitalist framework, many interpretations of the character (especially in modern comics) deliberately problematize his wealth, privilege, and the limits of his methods. Writers like Frank Miller, Scott Snyder, and Tom King have explored Batman's struggles with the moral contradictions of his mission. For example, Bruce Wayne’s wealth often alienates him from the very people he’s trying to help, showing the insufficiency of charity to solve systemic problems.

In The Dark Knight Returns (Miller), Batman is portrayed as a deeply flawed, almost authoritarian figure, making it easier for readers to question whether his methods are inherently virtuous.

In The Joker War (2020), Bruce Wayne loses his fortune, forcing him to operate without his usual resources. This challenges the idea that his power stems only from wealth and emphasizes his personal determination and relationships with others.

This way Batman’s stories might highlight the flaws of relying on wealthy individuals to address systemic issues, rather than celebrating it.

Anywho, Batman can be seen as more than just a literal billionaire fighting crime—he’s also a metaphor for resilience, trauma, and the moral struggle to do good in a complex world. While systemic critiques are valid, stories about individuals taking a stand against overwhelming forces can inspire people to take action in their own ways. Batman might not represent a socialist revolution, but his mythos still resonates with those who believe in fighting against injustice, even when the odds are impossible.

For example, Batman’s refusal to kill (in most versions) reflects a commitment to ethics even in a chaotic, violent world.

His mentorship of characters like Robin, Batgirl, and others shows the value of building community and empowering others to join the fight for justice.

This critique assumes that Batman is inherently a defender of capitalism and that consuming his stories passively reinforces capitalist ideologies. However, Comics are interpretive media: Readers and writers constantly reinterpret Batman’s stories, often through progressive or critical lenses. For example, many fans and creators have explored Batman’s stories as critiques of surveillance, unchecked power, or wealth inequality.

Not all media consumption is passive: Just because you enjoy Batman doesn’t mean you’re unaware of the problematic systems he represents. Many fans engage critically with the character, using him as a springboard to discuss systemic change rather than accepting the status quo.

Some might argue that Batman represents a kind of personal moral responsibility that is distinct from systemic critique. While systemic change is crucial, there’s value in stories that remind us of the importance of individual action. Batman doesn’t solve every problem, but he doesn’t ignore them either. His mission can be seen as a metaphor for personal accountability: even in a broken system, we have a duty to help others in whatever way we can.

This doesn’t mean abandoning systemic change—it means recognizing that systemic and personal actions aren’t mutually exclusive.

FInally, The beauty of Batman is his versatility. He’s been portrayed as everything from a campy detective (Adam West’s Batman) to a brooding antihero (The Dark Knight Trilogy). This adaptability allows writers and audiences to use him as a lens for exploring different moral, social, and political questions. While some versions of Batman reinforce capitalist ideals, others challenge them or exist outside that framework entirely. For example, some Elseworlds or alternate-universe stories imagine radically different takes on the character. Or, the recently debuted Batman Absolute version of the character, in which he is less wealthy and still continues with his crusade.

While the critique is insightful, it’s not the only way to view Batman. He can be seen as both a reflection of capitalist ideology and a vehicle for challenging it, depending on the interpretation. The real question might be: how can we engage with Batman’s stories in ways that spark critical thought and conversation, rather than passive acceptance of the systems they depict?

[sipenvs3000w25]

Unit 3- How Privilege Shapes Nature Interpretation

When we think about privilege, we often associate it with social or economic advantages, but have you ever considered how privilege shapes our access to the natural world? Environmental privilege is the idea that certain groups have easier access to parks, rivers, and open spaces while others face barriers that prevent them from enjoying these same resources. These disparities, though often invisible, play a significant role in shaping how people experience and connect with nature. For interpreters—the storytellers and educators of the natural world—recognizing and addressing this privilege is essential to creating inclusive and meaningful experiences.

At its core, privilege in nature boils down to access. If you’ve grown up near parks, spent summers camping, or easily afforded entrance fees to national reserves, you may take this access for granted. But for many, nature isn’t as accessible. Barriers like cost, transportation, physical accessibility, and even cultural perceptions of outdoor spaces limit participation.

For example, a family living in an urban area might not have a car to visit a national park, or they may not know such spaces exist because they’ve never been marketed to their community. Someone with limited mobility might find trails or lodges inaccessible. These barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities, creating a cycle where only the privileged few experience nature’s benefits.

Freeman Tilden, a pioneer in interpretation, famously said, “The visitor ultimately is seeing things through his own eyes” (Tilden, 1977). Every person views the world through the lens of their experiences, values, and circumstances. This is where privilege intersects with interpretation. Interpreters must recognize that their audience is not a monolith.

Some visitors may see a pristine forest and feel peace; others might see a wilderness that feels foreign or unsafe. Some might appreciate an exhibit’s detailed scientific explanations, while others might find it inaccessible or irrelevant. Effective interpreters bridge these gaps by tailoring their messages to diverse audiences, inviting everyone to see themselves reflected in the stories of the natural world.

Addressing privilege in nature interpretation isn’t just about acknowledging it—it’s about dismantling it. This means creating opportunities that eliminate barriers. Some examples of this is limiting financial barriers. We can do this by offering donation-based programs where participants “pay what they can” allows more people to engage with nature without financial strain.We can eliminate physical barriers too by ensuring some lodges, trails, and facilities are wheelchair-accessible or designing gentle tours for older adults ensures more people can participate.

Nature should not be a privilege—it should be a right. Yet, privilege determines who feels welcome, who participates, and who benefits from these experiences. As interpreters, the responsibility lies in ensuring that nature’s doors are open to everyone. This means stepping outside our own assumptions and listening to the voices of those who feel excluded.

By addressing privilege head-on, we can transform nature interpretation into a powerful tool for equity. It’s not just about sharing facts or guiding hikes—it’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, can find their place in the natural world. When we break down the barriers of privilege, we make room for everyone to connect with, care for, and advocate for the environment. And that benefits us all.

[tagamantra]

thinking about world-first design

My last three games were more or less centered on the character, and consequently the player. I think this is a completely valid way of playing, but having done three kinds of games that had this, I wanted to branch out into a world-first style of design.

World-first design are the ones I associate with the stylings of mostly OSR: where the gameworld and the modules and the adventures and the equipment, the counting of ammo, of resources, are all more important than creating a character in such a way to fulfill a particular fantasy or character concept.

I call this world-first rather than character-first because it puts into primacy the very world and fiction that the players must interact with rather than the player characters being only focus of such games. In the same way that character-first design (WotC D&D, Exalted, Lancer) doesn't inherently preclude an overwhelming focus on a world's lore and vibe, world-first design doesn't inherently preclude a focus on character building or a certain primacy of the player characters over NPCs. In World-First design, to be someone of note is to have played the game and interacted with the world long enough. However, a caveat of this world-first design is that it's very easy to die, to be extinguished (it is important, in a way, in World-First design to showcase the strength of the world and how it doesn't bend to the whims of a player).

The difference of course, is how the mechanics are mostly written and presented. In World-First design, there's not much use for metacurrencies that imply that the PCs are inherently different or privileged over other player characters. World-First PCs gain privilege from things within the gameworld. While diegesis is of value, it is not the be all end all, as long as the game focuses on mechanics of the world rather than of the player. Frex: ROMANCE OF THE LOTUS THRONE has a (very rare, D&D 4e Action Point-esque) reroll system known as DETERMINATION. However Determination is a very real thing in the game, and can be gained from succeeding in particular tasks, or interacting with community and finding some form of purpose. Its sublimated form of willpower. Its also a bit of an Undertale reference. The difference then is that Determination is not meta-currency: it's in-world currency. There's no Determination stat in the character sheet: it instead fills up an inventory slot. It's a mechanic of the world and not of the player. It's simulationism without the tax forms (rules-lite, fiction-first simulationism is a topic for another post).

When I play or run RPGs, my personal preference has always been that of immersionism. The deeper you sink into a world's physics, a world's customs, the more the Other becomes the Self is a point of great joy for me: whether that be the chilling borderlands of SYMBAROUM, the intricate Underworld of VAMPIRE, the ineffable Space Opera of FADING SUNS, or the crimson-gold otherworld of ARTESIA. World-First can be a genre emulation philosophy (frex, if your world is meant to emulate a genre, a la Exalted's Creation) but I believe that Genre Emulation is not the be-all end-all of Role-Playing Games, as some would think it to be. Mechanics aren't automatically good just because it hearkens to a particular genre, a la PbtA. I think mechanics are good when they accomplish the Design Goal of the game. And sometimes Design Goals are to simulate or fabricate an otherworld and transport you there. I think that goal is one of the more difficult ones to truly achieve, so any that attempt it to this day I hold in respect, even if they end up being rules-heavy simulation-esque attempts. I believe that World-First games are like, the immersive sims of TTRPGs (in the sense that they take some getting used to but create for some of the best emergent gameplay moments, as well as potent immersion of a world).

In ROMANCE OF THE LOTUS THRONE, I’ve managed to do a bit of a mixing. Inspired by the likes of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, where the world is important, but its the character builds that make or break a game, I’ve made the characters dependent on the world. This means you more or less start a game with a blank slate of a character, or someone with the bare minimum of detail. Then, as you play, you learn and gain abilities from milieu of the world, gaining items and powers and magicks from playing the game, rather than from a Class Table. In a way, this is also an inherent forcing of diegesis in the game, and diegesis is one of my favorite concepts in all game design, across all mediums.

This does (somewhat) assume that the characters you’re playing are either amnesiac, young, or people that have not really accrued anything over the years. This is just as well: I believe that you can gain world-changing skills and capabilities even at 60 or 70 or beyond. However, if you want to build a character already seasoned, that’s easy enough to do: simply give them a number of starting equipment and Arts.

All of this lends itself to the ROMANCE's Buddhist bent, especially concerning the ideal of Anatta or Non-Self. Metaphysically, there is no self, all individuation arises from a nigh infinite set of other factors that eventually form the character. This enlightenment is inevitable for PCs that live long enough in Romance: a character eventually becomes a master of anything, removing the individuation of specialization as they inch their Cultivation closer to Awakening. To gnosis. To bodhi.

At the end of it, world-first design kind of asks the players to interact with the game not from their own biases but on the game's own terms. For the longest time this has been a no problem: the biggest world-first games are OSR after all, and they carry the baggage of D&D. However, for games that need and deserve worlds to be taken on their foundation and not the player's, both a World First design approach as well as a World First player mentality could provide a different, maybe even enriching experience that most character-first games would not deliver in the same way (character first games deliver a different, honestly more marketable niche in the realms of OC gaming and Power Fantasy).

[hologramcowboy]

I just read an ask when certain anti daneel blog replied and claimed that Jensen abused daneel, I'm sorry but this is super hypocritical comming from anti daneel blog , like theses blogs spend years taking about awful D is, how they cant tolerates her voice, her face and her attitude, and they only knew her on surface level , now imagine being in Jensen's shoes, he knew for how long 15 years? The person that has to deal with Daneel 24/7 is no one but Jensen! and pls dont tell me he brought it up on himself we dont shame woman who stay in abusive relationship and we should do the same for men, do ppl expect him to be happy and relaxed the whole time ? never be angry or mad, he is a human and not a sheep that smile and do whatever she want him to , oh poor daneel he wasn't nice when he walked away from her to sign fans autographs, will guess what he doesn't have to be when she is a literal bitch , you can see that 2 minutes later in the same video she was shoving him forward, she is disrespectful , always made fun of him , rarely if ever had anything nice to say about him but I guess Jensen always need to treat her like the queen she think herself is, put in your mind that she was bitch since day one while Jensen used to be way nicer several years ago , yeah there was no chemistry btw them but he always speak highly of her and was way more tolerant towards her , he only recently started to be passive agressive when he talks about her so if he fed up with her and strarted to grow spine and put her in her place then good for him , but I doubt this is the case and I still think she is in full control of everything otherwise we wouldn't get the abomination that called TW , he sacrified his relationship with jared and lost half of the fandom to give his useless talentless wife a job and as one of the anon mentioned she is the one that send him back to work when he wanted to have vocation, I just think what happened here is that Jensen is older now and less tolerant of BS , he doesn't have job to run away from her and he is stuck in miserable marriage to take care of his little children that he never ask for ( another thing he didnt want and agreed to do just to make her happy) so if I was him I'd be angry too.

This is an older ask, I decided to reply to it because something’s been on my mind lately. The dangers of one sided views.

Let’s get one thing clear, both Jensen and Danneel show disdain and contempt for each other. Both have displayed less than ideal partner behaviour. Not sure what this anon was reading at the time but my guess is they saw one of my posts in which I mentioned Jensen was not behaving like a stand up husband.

There’s this narrative going around that vilifies Danneel without giving Jensen responsibility. That basically makes Jensen into a baby easily controlled by the evil, manipulative, witch Danneel.

I’m not saying Danneel can’t be manipulative, I’ve always called her out when she has been. I’m saying there’s an entire dedicated side of fandom that basically views Jensen as an abused baby who is no longer in control of his life. I’ll admit that, in the beginning, I too fell for these narratives but, over time, observing Jensen’s choices, it became clear where his values lie. He’s not the ideal husband, he’s career centered, he never takes responsibility for anything, everything is on Elta. Those are not the signs of an abused man but rather a man that has created a life of convenience and for whom family life comes second. I’m really tired of receiving anon messages about Jensen being abused.

Is Elta demeaning, devaluing and all of that? Yes, undeniably.

Is Jensen powerless? In no way, shape or form!!

If he is in a marriage with Danneel is because he chooses to be as long as it is convenient to his lifestyle. He lets her get away with certain behaviours as long as it serves him.

Jensen is a highly privileged man who holds all the cards when it comes to his career and personal life. Let’s please stop pretending he is a helpless baby run by Danneel the witch. Again, I know she’s manipulative but, at the end of the day, everything she is allowed is thanks to Jensen. The very reason she even has children is thanks to Jensen, her recent roles and titles - thanks to Jensen, recent press - thanks to Jensen, getting away with being condescending and devaluing on stage - thanks to Jensen. It’s a choice, at the end of the day.

While I have zero doubt he is unhappy due to the choices he’s made so far, I no longer blame Danneel for his misery because he holds the power to change his path entirely. Many actors in toxic relationships have divorced and still enjoy a career so if Jensen is holding back from divorcing it’s due to choosing to stay in a relationship where both partners feed off each other’s unhealthy dynamics.

It takes two people to form a dynamic. Let’s give responsibility where it is due, because being responsible for one’s own boundaries, wellbeing, life path is where freedom and healing begin. Being responsible is being empowered as opposed to power-less. Shitty person as she may be, Danneel is fully supported in her shenanigans by Jensen, he approves of her everything so let’s stop pretending like she’s some supernatural evil thing that moves in the dark and start acknowledging just how much Jensen enables her and, while we are at it, start acknowledging he’s no angel either. I dislike Danneel but I also feel sorry for her, for her marriage situation but, I guess, at the end of the day, you sow what you reap and they both chose fame and money over deeper values.

This is my view, purely, take what resonates and leave the rest.