#lead generation tutorial for beginners

[gptknowledgezone]

How To Use A.I. For Lead Generation: Boost Your Business Effortlessly

The lead generation of today is no more just about the product, it is about the connection of your company with the right people at the right time and establishing a relationship with them. Well, to be honest, using this method is like fetching water with a teaspoon. AI is The Future! Businesses are adopting this technology that is efficiently connecting businesses with their customers due to its…

[narayan-074246]

Tumble with social media

Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote products, services, or brands. It involves creating and sharing content to engage audiences, build brand awareness, drive website traffic, and generate sales. This can include posts, videos, ads, and influencer partnerships on platforms like Tumble, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and TikTok.

For more continue,,,,,,,

[cool-wilson-david]

LeadsMate AI by Firas and Rahul Review

LeadsMate AI by Firas and Rahul – Enhance Your Lead Generation Efforts with AI Insights and Automation for Higher Conversions Using LeadsMate AI LeadsMate AI by Firas and Rahul is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to modernize their lead generation process. Powered by state-of-the-art AI, it pulls data from a variety of sources, such as Google, LinkedIn, Facebook Meta,…

[nemisuki]

A Simple Click

Gamer AU | Finding an outlet to cure her boredom was desperately needed, so much so that she downloads a game full of magic and chibi characters. But what happens when she stumbles across a certain blonde spamming her to join his guild? She takes the offer of course! Gaining a new way to level up, make friends and perhaps even love. 

᧔o᧓ || katsuki bakugo x f!reader, no manga spoilers, no nsfw, online meeting, bakusquad involved, silly moments, slow-burn, 6.3k word count

The app ‘Wispy Guilds’ soon popped up on the computer's home screen with a ding! 

Y/N clicks on the icon and loads up the game, not aware of the future chaos she brought into her life. Perhaps it was fate that brought her and a certain blonde together. And it all started with a simple click. 

The program opens and Y/N is welcomed into the opening screen of the app. Faced with a pretty scenery of what looks to be a mythical oasis, different shades of greens and blue filling her screen. It looks to be a forest with a castle-like building in the middle of the area. Little chibi characters walk in and out of the place, majority dressed as wizards and others as knights. While others occasionally wear funny costumes or props. 

Y/N clicks on the bubble letters displayed in the bottom of the screen ‘Create Account’. She types in all her necessary information but pauses when she sees the username section. 

“Aw man you have to pay to get a custom username! This sucks..” she sighs with a hint of disappointment. Her eyes lock on the small dice icon and she mumbles a plea beneath her breath as she hovers the cursor over it. 

“Please nothing too bad” she says as she clicks the icon to generate a random username. Her eyes darted to look at the result…. ‘StarHae’. 

“Oh you've gotta be kidding me! But it could be worse I guess” she whines with a small pout on her face. With that now out of the way, she clicks continue and goes to the next page. The character customization page pops up and Y/N gets right on it. 

Unfortunately there's not much options since she's only level one but she tries picking the cutest options. With no access to the higher level equipment, she decides to put on a starter black cape accompanied with a common level sword. Due to the lack of unlocked accessories, she settles with that and then clicks ‘Finish & Join’. 

Her screen turns into a small loading scene that resembles a portal, almost like she's being transported into another world. Then a few seconds later she is in the game. Her small chibi character spawns in what seems to be in the center of a town. Other chibi players roaming around and visiting merchants or chatting with other people. 

Y/N clicks on the W key on her keyboard to move forward to explore. Her avatar shifts left and right as it explores the town square. This place seems to be the lobby where everyone is able to spawn in and purchase items or trade. She looks around at the other players and notices they're all higher levels from her, as to be expected of course. An occasional low level player here and there is seen roaming around as she walks around the shops, but few are seen.

A bright yellow arrow appears on top of her screen seemingly leading her to this npc character under ‘Quests’. She follows it, her small avatar running towards the yellow area that's lit up to grab her attention. A small tab appears in the middle of the screen once she steps close enough to the character. The npc is an older man with white hair and a beard, a small beginner cape on his avatar. Y/N clicks on the tab and a tutorial quest appears on her screen. 

“Lets see….. Kill five wolves in the hunting grounds” she mumbles out loud to herself. She doesn't have a choice to exit the tab, so this must be required. She accepts her first mission and a few seconds later, another yellow arrow appears to lead her to the different area. Her avatar runs to the yellow circle near the grand fountain in the middle of the town square. And soon a loading screen appears on her screen for a brief moment as her character gets teleported toward the hunting grounds, a forest more specifically. 

A health bar appears and a small tutorial plays to show her the mechanics of the game. She clicks to take out her sword and runs along the path of the forest. The game was surprisingly good quality, she was so engrossed in the beauty of the forest that she was caught off guard on the ambush. A gray wolf suddenly appears running towards her and the game pauses. Text boxes and pointers pop up to teach Y/N some attacks she can use against her first opponent. 

After a moment of reading, she follows the instructions and moves around to find a good angle, then charging at the wolf. It attempts to claw at her but she clicks the ‘block’ button as instructed and avoids taking damage. Then clicking ‘strike’ as the tutorial orders and continuing her attacks. 

Soon the wolf's health bar reaches zero and its injured body disappears with a poof! 

Y/N smiles and continues following the tutorial as follows, slowly learning and understanding how to attack these beasts. Eventually she strikes the last wolf in the area and confetti appears on her screen. She completed her first mission and she even leveled up! 

“Hm, this game isn't so bad! Maybe I should do a few more quests to level up” she says as she teleports herself back to the lobby and walks back to the quests section. Her eyes land on a castle button on the right side of her screen that's locked. Her cursor hovers over it and it states ‘Guild’. She's never heard of that term, but it unlocks at level 15 so she’ll see eventually. 

(੭˃ᴗ˂)੭ time skip a few hours⋆｡𖦹 °✩

“This game is addicting” she mumbles to herself as she stares at her new level above her avatar's head. 

Level 15!

She should be heading to bed right now… yeah she should call it a night. 

Just as she's about to click log out, she sees the server chat icon wiggle at each new message. Usually it does once in a while when some players request to trade but not this frequently. It's moving like crazy like it wants her to open it. The universe won so out of curiosity, she clicks to open it and sees some players spamming the chat.

A/N ||| I added the cuss words in between brackets so you all understand what Bakugo is originally typing. It's simply to help you know what the censored words are.  Ex : [curse words]  Anyways back to the story  ໒꒰ྀི ´๑  ̫๑`  ꒱ྀིა 

-Public Chat- 

Bakugo : someone join my guild.

Bakugo : cmon you extras I need one player.

Bakugo : oi you ##### [fucks]

Kirishima : bakugoooo don't be so rude and curse or you'll get banned again!

Bakugo : tch shush it, we just need one more extra to join so we can do the guild wars.

Kirishima : cmon man no one's gonna join if you ask like that! 

Bakugo : i shouldn't need 6 players max in my guild to do the war anyways

Bakugo : this is #### [shit]

Kirishima : hey bakubro come back! Don't be so mean!

-End of Public Chat- 

Y/N watches as the character with blonde hair and red eyes goes around to every high level person trying to force them to join his guild. He seems to be max level 100 and has the knight kit equipped, already giving her the impression that he is someone who prefers combat over healing or protecting. His chibi character runs around typing censored profanities to everyone who ignores or denies his request, it was a funny contrast.

A friend of his, a character with both red hair and eyes, follows him around apologizing to everyone for his friend's rudeness. He seems to be the nicer one of the two and clearly trying to calm the situation down. She could tell he equipped the animal shifter kit due to the red scales on his avatar, and like his friend he is a high level but of 95. Her curious mind wonders what animal he could turn into. Animal shifters are a rare kit and can transform into one animal with a lucky roll of the dice for it to be randomized. 

She doesn't have much more time to think as the blonde avatar starts moving over in the direction she is, near the quest station. His red haired friend trailing behind him like a puppy. Quickly she hides in the crowd of other players at the quests station, not wanting to be the blonde's next target. 

-Public Chat- 

Bakugo : one of you extras better join my guild

Kirishima : pretty please? We just need one member! 

Bakugo : all of these ####### [fuckers] are low level

Kirishima : Bakugo!

Kirishima : They are all new! Be nice! 

Bakugo : tch none can even join a clan anyways 

Bakugo : they are too low level

Kirishima : lets try a different server then?

Bakugo : tch we've been at this for a hour 

Bakugo : Oi someones high enough there

Bakugo : hey level 15 

Bakugo : join my guild. 

Kirishima : which one? 

Bakugo : that girl with the cape

Bakugo : hey you.

-End of Chat- 

Y/N reads the chat and whines under her breath, “I'm the highest level out of this small group of newbies… just my luck”. She tries to ignore them and moves her character to the side and walks to the fountain. Only to be followed by the chibi characters of the blonde and the red hair. 

“Damn they won't leave me alone…. But I don't even know what a guild is. I only just unlocked that feature” she mutters with a sigh as she runs around the map. The two characters follow her wherever she runs to. She could just leave but she IS curious about this whole guilds thing. So after much pestering by these two, specifically the blonde, she reluctantly types in chat. 

StarHae : no thank you..

Bakugo : so you do speak 

Bakugo : join my guild noob. 

Kirishima : Bakugo cmon! 

Kirishima : hi can i call u star :3

Y/N couldn't help but giggle at the dynamic between the two, finding it humorous that they're so different. They seem to be in the same guild, a symbol of an explosion above both of their heads confirms her thought. She reads the message from the red haired person and smiles, typing a response. 

StarHae : sure! hello kirishima :3

Kirishima : Just call me kiri! 

Bakugo : so you gonna join my guild or what 

StarHae : what is a guild? 

Bakugo : ugh just join and find out.

Kirishima : a guild is a team basically! 

Kirishima : we go on missions together and earn more prizes 

Kirishima : its better than playing solo and you level up faster!

Bakugo : just join my guild.

StarHae : um…

Kirishima : bakugo is the guild master and i'm his vice captain! 

Kirishima : please join us!

Kirishima : we need one more player so we can do the clan war 

StarHae : um…. whats a clan war? 

Bakugo : you have got to be kidding me.

Kirishima : ah basically all the guilds compete in challenges 

Kirishima : its sometimes quests but we fight with other guilds in matches sometimes

Kirishima : whoever wins gets 10k gold and rare items!!! 

Bakugo : tch this is taking forever 

Kirishima : bakugooo cmon have patience

Kirishima : if we get first then the guild gets popular and more people will join! 

Bakugo : tch we WILL win stupid. 

Kirishima : so will you join us star? 

Kirishima : you'll level up super quick with us! 

As Kirishima explains this all to her, Y/N thinks about this offer. It's not bad at all, and there seems to be advantages to being in a clan. Her level is so low compared to theirs, is it okay for her to just join them so easily? 

StarHae : are you sure you guys want me? 

StarHae : my level is only 15…

Bakugo : tch we know idiot just join or else

Kirishima : our clan has only 5 members 

Kirishima : and you need 6 minimum to participate! 

Kirishima : your level doesn't matter 

Kirishima : dont worry we will protect you!

Bakugo : speak for yourself shitty hair 

Bakugo : just click accept.

Kirishima : pretty please? 

Kirishima : we need a sixth member by today or registration closes!

Kirishima : star dont worry

Kirishima : we can teach you as we play :3 

Bakugo : -_-

After that explanation, a small tab opens on her screen, an invitation to join the guild ‘The Bakusquad’. Y/N looks as Kirishima runs around her avatar in circles trying to convince her, while Bakugo is busy spamming her mailbox with many invitations. She sighs in defeat, this was supposed to be just a calm game for her to play once a while but….. Click! 

Accepted Invitation : The Bakusquad

Y/N watches as the explosion guild emblem appears on her head, the three of them now having matching symbols. Kirishima's chibi avatar now jumping up and down in front of her, clearly happy. The guild button suddenly starts blinking in gold obviously wanting her to click on it. She does and sees she now has the option to teleport into the guilds HQ and have access to the guild chat room and quests. 

Bakugo : tch finally

Bakugo : ill sign us up for the guild war now

Kirishima : thank you star!

Kirishima : you totally saved us!!!!

Adam : can you guys leave now?!

Adam : your spamming the chat!!!! 

Elis : Yeah shush it!!!

Bakugo : HAHH 

Bakugo : FIGHT ME YOU EXTRAS

Kirishima : ah sorry guys ;( 

Y/N couldn't help but burst out laughing at the random messages and the way Kirishima's avatar was bowing in apologies to the random players. While Bakugo was spouting more profanities to the people who were typing in chat. At least this was entertaining, yet what has she gotten herself into….

✦ ⎯⎯ㅤִㅤ୭ ୨♡୧ ৎㅤִ  ⎯⎯ ✦

It's been around 2 weeks since Y/N has joined the guild and to her surprise she is having a blast. Unlike solo quests she can level up much quicker now, to prove it she’s currently level 40! Now she has the option to equip a kit which is very useful for the upcoming event, it unlocks new attacks and weapons available to use. 

“Hm… I think I want to be a mage. I'm not very good at close combat and no one in our guild is one yet. So I'll choose this! Plus I can help give my guild mates some boosts and protection spells!” she says happily with a smile as she makes her selection. She clicks on the mage option and squeals with excitement as she receives her new gear. An enchanted cloak with an adorable dress and boots. She even got a wizard hat and a wooden staff for her spells! 

Y/N didn't waste her money on outfits before, wanting to save it for the future. So this new look was certainly needed! Especially for this week.

It's gonna be the first time since the guild wars started that they'll be fighting another clan. Up til now they've just been completing clan quests like raiding dungeons. Soon it's gonna be her first fight against other players so she's more nervous than she expected. She doesn't want to let her new team down. 

Since she joined she has met all the other members of the guild. Kaminari, Sero and Mina! All of them are nice and often talk in the guild chat whenever they're online. Apparently they go to the same school and forced Bakugo to play with them. Hence why Bakugo is never online whenever clan stuff happens, only joining if 6 players are needed for a specific task. Then leaving right after whenever it finishes. He never turned on his mic either. He's a  complete mystery to her. 

The game offered voice chat for clan members so Y/N and the others often talk on there instead. At first she was hesitant, inserting herself into a new group that already knows each other. Yet she found herself enjoying her time in the presence of these people. She never thought this game would lead to new friends yet here they are. 

Soon the day of the first guild vs guild match came. 

Y/N starts up her computer and logs into the game, feeling a bit uneasy about the outcome of this match. If they lose then they won't be able to qualify for the next round. Thankfully she practiced with the rest of the guild beforehand to strengthen their teamwork skills. However not once has Bakugo joined them on their practice matches. She can only hope this won't cause a problem later on. 

She sees the other members already at HQ and chatting happily through the proximity voice chat they have activated. No nervousness at all detected in their tone. 

 “Ah Star you're here!” Kirishima says as his avatar runs over to her excitedly.

“Heyoooo, we're just waiting for Blasty to join in” Kaminari adds on with his usual hyper tone as he chases Sero around the table who shouts out a quick “Hey Star!” 

“There's my fellow gal! Was worried you wouldn't show up, girl! Thank you for not leaving me with these dummies” Mina says happily as she walks over to the group. 

“Sorry sorry but i'm here now” Y/N says softly with a smile to everyone as her eyes scan the guild room. And a few seconds later, Bakugos avatar teleports inside the room with fresh new battle gear. It looks both enchanted and incredibly rare. 

“Wow man! So this is what you've been doing while you were alone huh?” Sero says as everyone starts crowding around Bakugo to admire his armor. Bakugo says nothing back in voice chat as usual and simply types.

Bakugo : get away from me you damn extras

Bakugo : be ready

Bakugo : we start in 1 minute

Bakugo : don't die.

Everyone scrambles to equip their best armor and gear, it's complete chaos as everyone asks for extra supplies and potions. Y/N already was prepared beforehand so she calmly stands to the side and waits. She watches as Bakugos avatar approaches her and stands there almost observingly. Ah he hasn't joined in a while so he must've just now seen the new kit she equipped for the first time. 

Bakugo : You're a mage? 

Y/N reads the chat box and nervously types back, now seemingly too shy to speak through her mic. She hasn't spoken much to Bakugo in general but she wants to earn his approval. He's the guild master after all. But she can't help but to feel a bit intimidated by him.

StarHae : Yes I can offer support and do long distance attacks :3 

She watches as his avatar stares at her for a while, silently analyzing her new look and skills she presumes. It takes a while, so long that she wonders if he's gone AFK right in front of her after the message. Until she sees a short chat bubble appear in the corner. 

Bakugo : Good. 

A bright smile forms on her face at his message. Sure, it was short and blunt. But from Bakugo? She'll take this as a massive compliment. She watches as he quickly leaves her side to start the battle. From his message alone, she feels motivated to do her best. Hopefully they will. 

It was now time for the guild battle to start. Once Bakugo made sure everyone was prepared, all 6 of them got teleported in front of their castle HQ. The building seemingly teleported onto the battlefield in the middle of a forest. 

“Let's do this!” “Yeah, let's go!” “Just follow bakubro!” “On it!’ 

The group of 6 slowly walk through the woods, cautious of any potential traps or ambushes from the other guild. It's 3 rounds in total without a chance to respawn til a new round starts. 1 life each round. The other guild must be doing the same thing, sneaking around the forest trying to find us. 

“A forest huh” a deeper voice echoed through her headphones, so rough yet smooth that it made her jump a little. Huh? 

“Finally using voice chat huh Bakubro?” Kirishima responds eagerly as he chuckles at the end. You can basically hear the smile on his face from just his voice. 

“Tch shut it shitty hair. Can't type while we're fucking fighting against another guild” Bakugo responds with a small scoff. The others snicker through the mic making Bakugo grunt in response.

“Oi Star, get over here to the front” he says in a somewhat commanding tone. 

His voice…. It's the first time she's ever heard it. She didn't expect that at all. Its deep but nice to hear-

“Oi! Mage! You have ears don't you?” he huffs out seeming to already be annoyed. Ah so he DOES talk in the same way he types. Guess that answers the question she's had for weeks. 

“O-Oh! Yes yes! Sorry i'm going” she says quickly as her head shakes to stop her daydreaming. Her cheeks feel warm to the touch from embarrassment and she's forever thankful this game doesn't have a webcam feature. Or she might really die from shame. 

Her small character quickly runs to get behind Bakugo who's currently leading the group. His avatar looks back at her for a moment then forward again. Clearing leaves and making a path for the group. 

“So that's how you sound like huh” he mumbles almost incoherently through the mic. It makes her heart skip a beat oddly. God what's wrong with her. Getting flustered over a voice when she doesn't even know what he looks like. And what does he mean by that? 

“Oh yeah! You're rarely online so you've never properly had a conversation with Star huh?” Kaminari says as he skips along following the group. 

Bakugo simply grunts in acknowledgement, “Hey Mage. I don't know what training you've done with these extras but just stay out of my way okay? And get ready to use buff enhancement spells on me” he orders out to her.  

Sero sighs at his friend's snappy remark, “Don't mind him Star, he's always like that. Just do your best, we got your back”.  

“Mhm… I know… I'll try-” she says but quickly gets cut off when shots are fired towards the group from the other side of the forest. 

The rounds have begun. 

It didn't take a genius to predict the Bakusquad would easily take the first round. When Y/N watched Bakugo run into the open battlefield attacking with no mercy, she knew he was a force to be reckoned with. She was in a trance as he sent out orders to the rest of them, giving them better positioning to win this. He was amazing, too good. 

So much as when the second round approached, the other guild changed tactics and decided to focus solely on Bakugo. Sending all their attacks at him at once, to which Bakugo must've predicted as he yelled out to Y/N, “Defence spell!” 

“On it!” she says as the spell charges up and envelopes Bakugos character in a green force shield. Healing some minor damage taken as well, a nice bonus she learned a few days ago while training. 

With that everyone except Y/N runs out to take the enemies down at closer ranger. A full fledged group attack and an array of magic blending in the air, metal clashing against each other as well. She tries her best to heal her guildmates while hiding behind the rock, occasionally sending out spells to slow the other guilds movements down. 

Unfortunately she wasn't quick enough to cast a protective spell on Kirishima and Kaminari. Both of them disappearing with a poof as they were cut down by the enemies. Though they didn't die in vain as they took 2 down with them. Mina and Sero successfully took out their foes, winning their individual battles. 

2 PLAYERS REMAINING

Quickly her eyes roamed across the battlefield, the other enemy was currently fighting against Bakugo in a heated clash of swords. Sero and Mina were both low on HP but nonetheless started running towards him to help him out. The Bakusquad had the advantage of 2 extra players, this could be a clean sweep. However her confidence was short-lived as Y/N spotted someone in the air hovering above them. A wizard casting a spell as a large fireball started to form in the sky. This was no low level wizard, bad news. 

“Guys look out!” she says as she emerges from her spot and starts running towards them. Y/N is low on energy and she has no more berries to replenish her magic. Thinking about her options she makes a beeline to Bakugo, “Sorry you two just trust me on this!!!” 

She quickly clicks on her limited spell options, there's enough energy to cast one final spell. This might be a risky move but it's the best one in her opinion. Sero and Mina are both extremely low on HP while Bakugo has more. She quickly approaches Bakugo who got  knocked back by the other player. 

“Bakugo!” Y/N calls out as she runs behind him and holds onto his avatar with one arm while the other rests on his back.

“Oi! What are you doing?! I told you to not get in my way!” Bakugo yells out as the enemy he was fighting starts charging at the two. Y/N ignores him as she quickly puts a protective bubble around Bakugo, the attacker falling back as his sword hits the barrier. She focuses hard and gives any last bit of her energy to him knowing what's coming next, he'll need it. 

“You got this Bakugo! I believe in you!”

Before he could respond, the wizard from earlier shoots the fireball down onto the ground, with a large blast. As predicted Sero and Mina were eliminated by that large blast due to their previous low health. Y/N knew she didn't have enough magic left to protect more than one person, so she decided to put her trust in Bakugo. He was their guildmaster after all, and she knows that the others would have agreed with this decision instead. Her avatar in one swoop, dissolves into thin air from that explosion. 

The green shield she casted on him earlier dissolves immediately but leaves Bakugo unharmed from the attack. Without a second thought he rushed his previous opponent and cut him down. Easily making this a 1v1 with the wizard floating in the sky. 

He curses under his breath as he looks up at the wizard and then back at the spot where Y/N sacrificed herself. He ponders for a moment just frozen on the battlefield as the other guy starts zooming down on his broom.

“Now I'm pissed off” he mumbles to himself as he glares up at the last remaining enemy. 

It was an intense battle but he knew he needed to win. Bakugo doesn't take anything else but a perfect victory, and he refuses having to go to round 3. With this new motivation, he sends attack after attack towards the foe. Taking advantage of the energy Y/N gave to him before she was eliminated. Somehow, he managed to break the wizards broom with his moves, leaving the enemy completely defenseless. After losing his main way to escape, it was a solid victory for the blonde. 

Was anyone really shocked? 

After the victory was granted, the guild was teleported back into HQ. Everyone celebrated and cheered through their mics. But it seems like another person had a different thing in mind. Almost immediately, Bakugo walked straight to her once they respawned at base, not saying a single word to anyone else. 

“Don't pull that self sacrificing crap ever again ya got that?” he spats out as he approaches and stands in front of her. Kirishima quickly tries to deescalate the situation, “Hey man relax! Because of her we won-” 

“We would have won either way shitty hair so shut it” he huffs out pushing Kirishima's avatar out of the way. His avatar grabs her hand and pulls her to the side, away from everyone else. The others watch nervously and attempt to approach but Bakugos avatar turns back around causing them to stay. It was funny to see his chibi character look so scary, he might be the only person in the world that can do that. He looks back at her and sighs seemingly calmer than before. 

“Oi if you pull a stunt like that again i'll kill you myself. I don't enjoy watching my teammates die because of me ya hear me? I dont give a damn if it's just a game” he huffs out as he drops her arm. 

“Got it… sorry” she says shyly through the mic as she tries processing his words. A moment of silence passes between them until he speaks.

“....what's your name anyways?” he says with a softer tone almost as if he's aware of her nervousness. 

“Huh? It’s Star-” 

“Tch. No you idiot. I mean your real name.” 

“Oh…..” she can already feel her face grow hotter the more he speaks to her. Seriously, what's up with this? I guess she should tell him, she hasn't told the others yet either. She doesn't understand why she feels a bit self conscious now but she knows it's because of him, “...Y/N. It's Y/N.” 

“Y/N” he repeats back to her. Her name sounds oddly better whenever he says it. She likes it. She wants him to say it again. 

“Log onto the game at the same time tomorrow” he says as he takes off his expensive armor. 

“Huh? Why? Is there some sort of mission? 

“Because I said so. And don't tell the other extras. So you're gonna join or what?”

“Wait, why can't I tell anyone?” she says confused as she tilts her head. 

“Cause me and you are gonna train alone! You need to practice, don't need you to pull another stunt like you did today. So we're training tomorrow before the next battle” he groans at her slowness. 

“Just… me and you?” Y/N responds a little happier than normal, the idea makes her feel… special to just receive training from him. 

“Hah? Yeah didn't you just hear me! Now don't go blabbering to the other extras, it's a secret.” 

“Okay! I promise I'll join!” she quickly says with a smile. 

“Good. Now i'm logging off, wasted too much time today” he huffs and clicks some buttons about to disconnect. 

“Ah bye-” but before she could finish her sentence his character disappeared. 

Bakugo has disconnected. 

“That jerk! He totally left without saying bye!” Mina says as Y/N walks back over to the group. 

“Hey Star! What were you and Blasty talking about? We couldn't hear from all the way over here” Kaminari chimes in with a hint of curiosity. 

Y/N remembers her conversation with Bakugo and keeps her lips sealed, she was looking forward to tomorrow after all, “Um nothing! He was just telling me to not get in his way haha..” 

“Sheesh! Seriously, that guy is a hot head to the bone. Don't mind him Star, he was just embarrassed being saved by you of all people. Since you're new and all” Sero says while he snickers with Kirishima. 

“Well that should be it for today you guys! It's getting late, so we should log off. Good work today!” Kirishima says happily as they all say goodnight and eventually logging off. 

Y/N clicks the button on her computer, shutting it off as she stretches. She sighs and leans back in her chair. Smiling to herself about tonight. Maybe tomorrow she'll finally get to impress a certain blonde in the game.

(੭˃ᴗ˂)੭ time skip⋆｡𖦹 °✩

“That's 10 losses for you and none for me. You're worse at close combat then I thought” Bakugo huffs out as they have a break from training. Eating some berries to gain some of their energy back. Bakugo surprisingly has been using his mic lately which is something she's certainly not complaining about. They have been secretly training together for about a whole week now. Practicing together for hours each day. Yet she hasn't won to him once yet.

Way to go on impressing him y/n…. 

“I can't do it! I'm a mage, close attacks aren't my specialities” she says with a sigh at her failed attempts from earlier. 

“I've seen plenty of mages be good at close attacks. You just gotta try harder idiot” he says as he stands back up ready for another round of training. 

“I don’t know…” Y/N says not wanting to get up and add another inevitable loss to her name. She was embarrassed at him seeing her struggle so much, she just wants to crawl in a hole and never come out. 

“Y/N” he says through the mic in a rough yet soft tone. 

 ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Her heart quickens at the sound once again. It's been like this ever since that day he first said her name.

“Y-Yeah Bakugo?” 

“Stand up and fight. No one in my guild is weak, ya got that? Tch cmon dumbass” Bakugo scoffs out as he walks over and picks her character up like a sack of potatoes. He leads them both towards the training grounds again, “If you lose then you try again. If you win you keep training. There's always room for improvement, so get that into your skull. No one is perfect.” 

“Even you Bakugo?” she says with a smile at his kind words hidden under his blunt way of speaking. Over time she's gotten used to him by now and knows he means no harm.

“Eh i'm almost there though” he huffs as he speaks in a serious yet cocky tone.

Something about the way he said that compared to his earlier words was amusing to her. He was cocky of course, yet he knew that even he had limits. She couldn't help but to burst out in laughter through her mic. Her stomach felt heavy from the laughs escaping her mouth

“Hahhhhhh?! What's so funny?! You picking a fight?!” 

“Sorry sorry! It's just that you're cute” she says in between giggles while putting a hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. She didn't even realize what she said at the time, that her inner thoughts slipped out for a split moment. 

Silence was on his end of the mic while she was busy laughing. She calms down eventually when his character completely froze mid walk.

“Hm? Bakugo?”

“What did you…. Erm, actually I'm logging off for today!”

“Huh?! Why?” 

“Because I'm tired, you idiot! Now log off and get some rest!” 

A split of a second later his avatar disappeared, her character falling on the ground, no longer being held up by him. She blinks a few times at her screen confused then logs off as a result. Guess Bakugo got tired of training I suppose. 

After that incident, she noticed that Bakugo hadn't logged into the game for a whole week. Y/N asked around yet the Bakusquad didn't know why either. Apparently he was just busy and didn't have the time to join. She felt a bit disappointed whenever she joined and he wasn't around. Her eyes always scanned the room in hopes of seeing him. 

Until one day she logged in and there he was alone, fixing and adjusting his gear. Quickly she waddles her avatar over, “Bakugo there you are!” she says with a bright smile clearly happy. She sees the way he pauses then turns to look at her, just staring at her for a moment before…

Bakugo : Yeah im here. 

Huh? Why is he not talking… 

“Why… are you not talking with your mic?” she decides to ask hesitantly, the smile slowly dropping from her face. 

Bakugo : Cause

Bakugo : Don't wanna. 

Y/N nervously fidgets with her fingers as she reads the chat. He always used his mic now whenever they were alone. Did she perhaps do something wrong? So he's back to how he used to be? She doesn't like that…. 

“U-Um…..” she speaks before she can think. Her eyes shut as she says her next words, forever thankful no one is around. 

“....I wanna hear your voice… please” 

Silence. 

After no response she says it again in case he didn't hear her. 

“I missed your voice” 

It's quiet for a moment and she's too scared to open her eyes and see in case he responded in chat. That came out weird didn't it? God she's embarrassed. Maybe she should just log out-

“You're an odd one ya know that?” 

His voice echoes through her ears causing her eyes to snap open. Her whole body felt incredibly hot to the touch. He actually turned on his mic for her? He sounds…. less hostile than normal too. Softer. 

“I'm not the nicest guy. Why would you want me to talk in the first place” he scoffs out loud but she can hear the hesitance in his words. Like he wants her to answer him. 

“Because… I like the sound of your voice and talking to you makes me happy!” she says a bit too eager to please him. She mentally facepalms at her cheesy words. 

“Y-You….” he stumbles over his words like he's caught off guard at her boldness. He huffs and continues, “C'mon your level is still too low! Have you not been training while I was gone?! We have to train more!” 

His avatar starts walking to the training grounds with purpose expecting her to follow. 

“Oh okay!” she says as the smile returns to her face, excited to spend more time with him. As they exit HQ and walk together towards the forest, he speaks once more almost as soft as a whisper. 

“....I like it too” 

“Hm? Like what?” 

“Your voice.” 

He speeds up his walking pace so he's far ahead of her, leaving her behind in a complete daze. Was he embarrassed? 

Her hands rise up from the keyboard and cover her warm face as she processes what just happened. But her smile only grew wider. If she only knew how red faced the blonde was behind his monitor. Maybe joining this guild wasn't so bad after all.

✦ ⎯⎯⋆ ˚｡⋆ ୨ masterlist || taglist || intro || socials ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⎯⎯ ✦

[thegreatyin]

Thinking of finally starting Fallen London. What do?

sorry this took multiple days to answer. i started grabbing links and immediately got distracted.

Starting Fallen London is a very easy task. All you have to do is visit the official website and register an account! From there, simply follow the tutorial and set off on your neathly adventure.

That's it. That's all you need. Yes, really. With very few exceptions, Fallen London is free to play, and with over 4.5 million words and counting, you'll never be completely out of things to do in the Neath. And you can do so very many things indeed! Build a railway to hell! Learn the language of the gods! Fantasize about kissing bats! Take your batkissing to the next level and become one yourself!

If you ever feel lost, I highly recommend consulting the official fan wiki for tips, tricks, and a nearly-complete encyclopedia on all items and their sources. Their beginner's guide in particular is great. There's also my own list of newbie advice for more specific guidance, and if you still can't find what you're looking for I'm always happy to answer questions directly on Tumblr (eg; "how do I beat Mr Pages to death with a brick?")

Above all else? Make sure to take your time with it!! Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your Fallen London career. There are very few choices you can't take back, and even fewer that don't lead to something interesting or even infinitesimally profitable. Fallen London is a game that's meant to be digested and savored like a good meal. Don't stress about endgame achievements or missed collectables- just go at your own pace and see where the Neathly road takes you.

If you're ever in need of a tutor, you can find all four of my accounts here, here, here, and here. Of them, the Scoundrel is the one with the most to offer new players (particularly if you need coins for Heart's Desire) but they're all open to send menace reduction and/or general social actions if you need it!

Hopefully this ask was helpful. If not? Here's THE CHURCH CUBE to stare at as a consolation prize.

Look at it... so majestic... it brings a tear to the eye....

[html-tryhard]

HTML Fic Event Week

Prompt Sheet Generator | AO3 Collection | html tryhard on AO3

HTML is a markup language used to tell a web browser how to display content. You might be aware of simple uses of HTML, such as bold and italics but HTML can be used to do so much more! Do you like r/AITA stories? Have you ever been interested in including realistic text messages into your fics? Did you like choose-your-own-adventure books as a kid? HTML can be used for all of these things and more!

Join us for HTML Tryhards 2025, where we bully our friends (and you? 👀) into making fanfiction super extra shiny using the power of HTML.

AO3, a fanfiction hosting platform, supports the use of HTML, and that's where submissions for this event should be posted. We have a collection for you to post to, but please use the tag #HTML Tryhard on your work as well!

On Tumblr, @ this blog or use the tag #htmltryhard2025, and we'll reblog your posts.

Prompts

There are two (optional) prompts per day, one to influence the format and one to influence the story. You can generate your own custom prompt list here. Use as many or as few of the prompts as you like.

Rules

All fandoms welcome.

Submissions must include a significant portion of HTML. We'd prefer the entire work be HTML, but mixed prose and HTML is also acceptable.

Submissions MUST be HTML and not images or screenshots of text logs/tweets/etc.

There is no required minimum word count, but the suggested minimum word count is 500 words.

The prompts are OPTIONAL, use as many or as few as you'd like.

HTML/CSS guides are accepted (and encouraged!) as submissions.

Submissions should include the #HTML Tryhard tag on AO3.

Submissions should be added to the collection on AO3.

You can start posting submissions January 13th. The last date of the event is January 17th, though if you're running behind you can still post to the collection after that date.

Follow us!

If you don't know how to use HTML but it's something you're interested in, give us a follow! In the days leading up to the event, we'll be sharing works that have utilized HTML, as well as helpful tutorials. The difficulty of these tutorials will vary, and we'll post things we hope will be helpful for tryhard veterans and beginners alike.

You can also send us your HTML questions and we'll do our best to help you out!

[witchyintention]

Witchcraft in the Digital Age

The 21st century didn’t just bring us smartphones, social media, and memes—it also ushered witchcraft into the technological spotlight. With the power of Wi-Fi and a little keyboard magic, witches from all over the world can connect, learn, and cast spells in ways that our broomstick-riding ancestors couldn’t have dreamed of. Let’s explore how the digital age has revolutionized witchcraft, from online covens to the rise of TikTok witches, and everything in between.

From Grimoires to Google Docs: Sharing Knowledge in the Digital Realm

In the pre-internet days, learning witchcraft often required finding a mentor, stumbling upon the right dusty book in the back of a shop, or deciphering cryptic information passed down orally. Now, a quick Google search can teach you how to cleanse your crystals, create moon water, or banish negative energy—all without leaving your couch.

The internet has democratized access to witchcraft, tearing down barriers that once kept this knowledge elusive. Blogs, YouTube channels, and digital libraries offer endless resources on every kind of practice imaginable. Whether you’re into Wicca, Hoodoo, traditional witchcraft, or chaos magic, there’s a treasure trove of information waiting to be explored. This accessibility has also helped reclaim and preserve marginalized magical traditions, giving practitioners a platform to share their practices and connect with others.

Hashtag Hexes: Social Media and the Rise of the Digital Witch

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have given witchcraft a visually stunning makeover. Witchy influencers share photos of perfectly curated altars, short how-to videos, and aesthetic spell tutorials that look as good as they (hopefully) work. But it’s TikTok, affectionately nicknamed “WitchTok,” that has truly taken the digital cauldron by storm.

On WitchTok, creators share everything from beginner tips to elaborate rituals, often condensed into bite-sized videos with trending audio tracks. Want to learn about planetary correspondences or the best herbs for protection spells? There’s a TikTok for that. Need a quick guide to reading tarot? Someone’s already made a video with helpful graphics and snarky commentary.

While WitchTok has made witchcraft more accessible and engaging for younger generations, it’s not without its quirks (or curses, depending on who you ask). Viral trends like the infamous “hexing the moon” incident highlight the occasional clash between traditional practitioners and younger, less experienced witches. However, these moments also spark important discussions about respect, responsibility, and the need for deeper knowledge.

Digital Covens: Finding Your Community Online

Gone are the days when witches had to rely solely on local communities or secret gatherings to find their covens. Today, online forums, Discord servers, and Facebook groups have become virtual meeting spaces for witches of all paths. These digital covens offer a space to share spells, ask questions, and support one another, all while sipping tea in your pajamas.

The inclusivity of online spaces has been a game-changer for those who might not have access to in-person communities. Witches in conservative areas, individuals with disabilities, and those who prefer solitary practice can still feel connected to a broader magical network. Platforms like Reddit’s r/witchcraft or specialized apps like Amino provide spaces for open dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration.

Of course, online communities have their challenges. Differing opinions, misinformation, and the occasional “gatekeeper” can make these spaces tricky to navigate. But for many witches, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

The Curse of Misinformation

While the internet has made witchcraft more accessible, it’s also created a breeding ground for misinformation. Not every TikTok spell or Pinterest graphic is accurate—or safe. Some “quick fixes” can lead to unintended consequences (like burning cinnamon on charcoal and nearly setting off the fire alarm) or appropriating practices without understanding their cultural significance.

It’s become increasingly important for modern witches to verify their sources, cross-reference information, and approach their craft with respect and curiosity. The digital age might make learning easier, but it also requires a critical eye to separate authentic wisdom from clickbait magic.

The E-Commerce Boom: Spell Kits, Crystals, and Online Witch Shops

The rise of e-commerce has transformed how witches gather their tools. Need ethically sourced sage, a crescent moon-shaped candle, or a deck of oracle cards? Etsy, Amazon, and countless independent online shops have got you covered. You can even have spell kits delivered to your doorstep, complete with instructions and pre-measured ingredients.

While this convenience is undeniably appealing, it’s also sparked debates within the community. Concerns about over-harvesting herbs like white sage, the exploitation of crystal miners, and the commercialization of spiritual practices have led many witches to seek sustainable and ethical alternatives. Supporting small businesses and researching sourcing practices are key ways to ensure your magic aligns with your values.

The Rise of Witchcraft Apps and Digital Tools

In the digital age, there’s an app for everything—including witchcraft. Astrology apps like Co-Star and The Pattern provide daily horoscopes and personalized birth chart insights, while moon phase trackers help witches plan their rituals around lunar cycles. Tarot apps, spell planners, and even virtual altars make it easier than ever to integrate magic into everyday life.

These tools are especially useful for witches on the go or those looking to organize their practice in a more structured way. However, as with all technology, it’s important to balance convenience with mindfulness. After all, no app can replace the personal connection and intuition that lie at the heart of witchcraft.

Social Justice and Activism in the Digital Age

The internet has also amplified witchcraft’s role in social justice and activism. Modern witches often use their platforms to advocate for causes like climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, blending their magical practices with activism. Hexing political figures, creating protection spells for protestors, and fundraising for marginalized communities are just a few examples of how digital witches are making their voices heard.

This intersection of magic and activism has strengthened witchcraft’s position as a tool for empowerment and resistance. The digital age has given witches the power not just to connect with each other, but to amplify their collective voices and effect real-world change.

The Future of Witchcraft in the Digital Era

As technology continues to evolve, so too will witchcraft. Virtual reality rituals, AI-powered tarot readings, and blockchain-based spell trading might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but they’re closer than you think. The digital age has opened up endless possibilities for innovation, creativity, and connection in the magical community.

But even as witchcraft embraces the future, its essence remains timeless. At its core, magic is about intention, connection, and transformation—whether you’re casting a spell by candlelight or clicking “like” on a WitchTok video.

Witchcraft in the digital age is a vibrant, dynamic blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. It’s a world where hashtags meet history, and technology bridges the gap between solitary practitioners and global communities. While the digital realm presents its share of challenges, it’s ultimately given witches a platform to thrive, connect, and reimagine what it means to practice magic in the 21st century.

[poeticpains]

Poe's Giffing Tutorial (From One Beginner to Another)

Hey, everyone! So, I've been thinking about this for a while, and decided to finally make it happen. This post aims to be a giffing tutorial that isn't a bunch of technical jargon that nobody except experienced giffers understands. This is for the person that I was when I first started out: someone who wants to make gifs, for free, without having to learn the entirety of a new program. As such, if you're already familiar with the basics, this probably won't be super helpful to you.

In this, I'll cover the basics of actually capturing a gif, the how-to of color correction (though without getting into the nitty-gritty detail of it), some basic text effects, and some more decorative effects like overlays and ~fancy coloring. I'll also show you the program I use to resize gifs.

I don't have a fun quip to lead us into the next part, so, uh, let's just dive in.

Tools*:

A PC capable of handling heavy processor loads (I use a mid-range gaming laptop; it's a little slow sometimes, but it works)

Whatever you're giffing (obviously...)

ScreenToGif (a free, basic screencapture program)

Photopea (a free, in-browser Photoshop dupe)

RedKetchup (a free file resizer/converter)

*Note: These are not the end-all, be-all of gifmaking. They may not even be the best tools for the job! But they're free, they work well, and they're relatively intuitive.

Step 1: Capture your gif.

I'm going to use ScreenToGif for this. The first thing I do is open the program and click Recorder, which opens the recording interface.

I click and drag (or manually input dimensions in the boxes next to the recording button in the lower right corner) to set my dimensions, and then I press record. The red "Record" button will change to a blue square that says "Stop," and a timer will appear in the upper right corner, showing how many seconds your gif is.

Generally, I'll pause the video 5-10 seconds before my desired start time, to give myself a buffer (you'll be able to delete those frames later), start the recording, and then start the video. You'll probably find a system that works for you once you do it a few times.

Once the scene that I want to capture is done, I'll click the blue "Stop" button, and the overlay will close itself. A few seconds later, depending on how long/complex/large your gif is, the program will pop up with a new window where you can edit. Here's what it looks like:

You can do a lot with ScreenToGif, but we'll be using the dead simple stuff today. Click the "Edit" tab, fourth from the left, and this will show up.

"Delete All Previous" and "Delete All Next" are our friends here. Go to the FIRST frame that you want in your gif, using either your arrow keys or just dragging the slider, and select it. Then hit "Delete All Previous." This will make that frame the first frame of your gif. Then, go to the LAST frame of your gif, and hit "Delete All Next." This makes the last frame of the scene that you want the last frame of the gif. You can also use the "Delete" option to delete frames by selecting them with your cursor if you want a more manual option.

Now you have your raw gif! Go to the "File" tab, the first one on the left, and select "Save As" from the menu. You want to make sure that it's saving as a .gif file, not an .mp4 or .apng --- you can check this up at the top. Don't worry, though, as .gif is the default, so unless you change it, you should be golden. Select whatever folder you want to put it in, name it, and save it.

You could absolutely stop here. It is by no means required to color your gifs or slow them down or any other number of things associated with giffing. But if you want to, here's how I do it.

Step 2: Edit your gif.

Head on over to Photopea. You'll see this:

What we want is the "Open From Computer" option. Click it, and your File Explorer will show up. Navigate to whatever folder you saved your gif in and select it by double clicking or clicking once and hitting "Open."

It'll open in a new workspace that looks like this.

You may be saying, "Gee, Poe, that sure looks a lot like Photoshop!" Yes, it absolutely does. If you're familiar with Photoshop, you will most likely be able to find your way around Photopea just fine, and can probably go from here. But if you're not familiar with Photoshop, here's the basics.

First thing's first: gifs are frequently pretty fuzzy/blurry. Luckily, sharpening them is easy.

Select all your frames (the list on the right with all the numbered layers) by clicking one end, scrolling up/down, holding Shift, and clicking the other end. Then go up to the tabs and do Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. This will automatically sharpen each frame using a percentage; the default is, I believe, 150%, and this is usually what I use because I am fundamentally lazy.

If you don't select all your frames, only the one that you're currently on (the one highlighted in a lighter color) will get the effect applied to it. This goes for basically anything you do, so it's good to get in the habit of selecting all.

Now that it's sharpened, we can color it. Go up to the tabs again, and go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > [whatever you want to adjust]. Most commonly in Escape the Night, you'll have to adjust brightness, because there's a lot of dark, moody scenes; Season 3 is also especially yellow/orange tinted, so you'll probably want to color correct it, too, using the Color Balance adjustment layer. This is a total guessing game based on the exact scene you're doing and my method is just selecting random things and adjusting sliders until it looks good (remember: fundamentally lazy). Honestly, I'm not an expert in coloring gifs, so I won't pretend to be — especially since people can and do write entire posts just dedicated to it. For this gif, I'm just lightening it a little.

And if this is all you want to do — no text, no effects — you're done! Go to File > Export As > GIF. It will take a few moments to load, so don't panic when your page freezes. A new window will pop up that allows you to do things like set looping, time, etc. but you can also just "Save" and you're done!

But let's say you want something fun. Maybe you'd like to overlay a quote or make it a cool color. If that's the case, continue on...

Step 3: Make your gif shine.

Three parts in this: text, fun colors, and overlays. You can combine these three to do some awesome things, and they're all very simple to do, once you know what you're doing. Think of them less like steps and more like a mix-and-match deal. You can use one, two, or all three!

So, here we go.

Option 3a: Add some text.

The easiest option of the three, this one works exactly like you think it does. The uppercase T symbol on the sidebar will create a new text layer where you can type something and set a font, size, and color.

I'll spare you the lecture on typography that I could give you — you can find better ones than I could make. Generally, though, you have a decorative/display font for headings and emphasis, and then a different, more generalized font for subheadings and other things. In this, the display font is Heavy Heap, which was used on the Season 3 tarot cards, and the general font is a relatively generic serif font.

(Sidenote: you can load fonts into Photopea! Just go to a font website like Dafont, download the font you want, and then open it as you would any other file by going to File > Open and selecting it from your files. You should get a message that says "Font [Your Font Name Here] Loaded," and then you'll be able to use it in your design. That's how I got Heavy Heap in there.)

You can change size and color with these, which will show up at the top when you select the text tool. Keep in mind that if you're making changes after you type something out, you will need to select (highlight) the text you want to change — it won't do it automatically.

I will admit that Photopea's text editor is not the cleanest, simplest, or nicest to use, especially at first. I came from Canva where it was much faster and easier. The downside, of course, is that Canva is highly limited with what you can do.

There are also ways to warp the text, change the blending, and do outlines, but I'll leave that for another time as to avoid making this any longer than it already is.

Option 3b: Make it a cool color.

You have a couple different ways to do this. Probably the most intuitive is to go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Photo Filter. Select the color box, pick the color you want using the picker or a hex code, select your desired density, and click OK. Boom, color over your gif.

It defaults to this vintage-y orange, but you can pick whatever color your heart desires.

However, I usually use a different method using Gradient Maps. This is also pretty easy; Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map. If you leave it black and white, by the way, you get a B&W gif (you can also just select the Black and White option in the Adjustment Layer menu). Click on the gradient, select the white square on the right side of the gradient line, and then select the square down at the bottom of the window and change it to whatever color you want.

For this gif, I'm leaving it B&W.

(You can have a lot of fun with gradient maps. Play around with them!)

Option 3c: Overlay another gif on top.

Ooookay, so, this is the most advanced and tedious of effects to do (at least of the ones documented in this post), but it's worth it, I promise. For this, you'll need at least one other gif. I usually use a base gif that's relatively neutrally colored, oftentimes B&W but sometimes just faded or pastel, plus one (or more than one) colored, brighter gif. These are, of course, just guidelines — combine whatever gifs you want. The only real requirement, per se, is that they have the same amount of frames. If they don't, it'll look weird. (But if you do end up with two gifs that have different amounts of frames, you can delete the difference right in Photopea, so I don't stress about it too much.)

You also generally want to add text after this step, so if you're planning on doing this, save the text for last.

First things first: color your gifs the way you want and then save both of them. Then re-open them both in Photopea. Yes, this is annoying. I did say it was tedious.

So now I have both of them in my navbar, labeled as "tutorial base" and "tutorial overlay."

Go to your overlay gif and right-click on the gif folder. This is the top layer with a little arrow and folder icon next to the name of the gif.

Select "Duplicate Into" and then pick your base gif in the popup. In my case, it's named "tutorial base."

Now you'll click over to your base gif, and you'll see that your accent has been put on top of your base. Now you get to have fun with blending!

Right click on the overlay gif's folder again. Then, select Blending Options, which is the first menu item. It'll bring up a popup with all sorts of options for styling your layer.

The default setting is Pass Through, which is what we see here. If you want, you could just change the opacity to get your desired effect.

You could also play around with blending options such as Overlay, Color Burn, Lighten, and Screen. Every gif is different, and every gif will look different with different options, so experiment and see what looks best! You may have to go back and recolor it a few times, so I recommend just keeping the project open in your navbar for easy access.

For this gif, I think I'll go with Darker Color at 67%.

One last step, and then you're done with blending!

Go to Layer > Animation > Merge. This will merge each frame of your animation (the gifs) with each other, meaning that they'll play at the same time. If you forget this step, as I do frequently, you'll go to save your gif and find that it plays as a sequence.

Once you've merged your gifs, you can add texts, more effects, PNG overlays, whatever you want! Congrats! You did it!

Step 4: Resize your gif (if necessary).

Maybe you've made a gif, and it's beautiful, and it's amazing, and you wanna show everyone...but it's five million megabytes and you can't send or post it anywhere. Tumblr's max file size is 10 MB, while Discord's (standard) max file size is..7 MB, I think? Either way, if you try to upload something bigger than that, you'll get an error message and the familiar taste of disappointment.

Never fear, Redketchup is here!

This is Redketchup, and it's super simple.

Go to "GIF Resizer" under Animation Tools. Upload your gif, then scroll until you see the Resize GIF section. Input the percentage you'd like to reduce it by (presets are 25%, 50%, and 75% smaller, but you can set it manually, as well).

This is also the step where you can slow it down if you desire if you didn't do it in Photopea — it's in the next section down. Set the speed, if you'd like, and then go down to the bottom and hit Download.

It'll take you to a preview tab where you can check if your gif is small enough. If it is, hit Download again up in the top left, and that's that! Go share your gif with the world!

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading! I am by no means an expert gifmaker, but I want to spread the love and give other people the option to do it. I wouldn't know any of this stuff without the people who taught me, and I'll put a list of tutorials down at the bottom that I referenced when I was first learning to make gifs.

At any rate, if you use this post to make a gif, feel free tag me or send it to me so I can see! And for those of you who are on the fence about learning or starting to gif...

Do it. I double-dog dare you.

:)

References:

Blending Gifs by @the-mother-of-lions

Photopea Coloring Tutorial by @heroeddiemunson

Merging in Photopea by @bellamyblakru

And, though not a specific reference, I frequently browse @usergif for inspiration (they have tutorials there, as well, but I haven't checked them out yet).

[meichenxi]

in the spirit of interaction: what are your thoughts on chinese calligraphy? have you ever taken classes? (i ask because it's something of a closet hobby of mine and your header is calligraphy as well ^.^) also, what would you say the most challenging part of studying is for you?

in the spirit of interaction: thank you, and apologies it inevitably took me this long to answer!!

my actual experience with calligraphy goes hand-in-hand with my ability to handwrite: as in, not much! whenever I do end up restarting my handwriting journey (and I'm going to have another crack at it soon), however, I find the calligraphic component of it the most satisfying by far. I'm going to focus on the practical element of calligraphy as beautiful handwriting that you can actively study, rather than as an art form or studying its history.

one of the things I focused on right from the get-go with learning to handwrite chinese was to copy chinese handwriting and not typed fonts. the balance was always important: chinese is such an elegantly written language and my ugly beginner's handwriting physically hurt me. I also love handwriting in english and deliberately crafted my own cursive style when I was around 14, so I knew I wanted to pay similar attention to it in chinese. that meant I spent a lot of time 'handwriting' without knowing the characters I was writing in the beginning, purely to get a feel for the balance and shape of characters.

I think calligraphy is especially interesting to deliberately study from a practical perspective when learning to write because it provides an answer to the 'how to fit X character in a box' conundrum that always plagues me: fat characters, complex character, lopsided characters, thin and narrow characters. looking at calligraphic representations of whatever character you're trying to learn to write can show you that often this desire to fit into the box is a little misplaced: most natural chinese handwriting does have characters that are taller, broader, longer etc, and you can learn in what circumstances such a re-balance is considered beautiful and acceptable, and in what circumstances the size difference or relationship between different characters on the same line is too extreme and veers towards awkward or ugly.

I find making an effort to separate your handwriting practice (for learning the strokes) and handwriting practice (for practicing balance and style) can lead to really excellent results!! I would add a separate half an hour of practice at the end of my general handwriting daily ritual to specifically focus on one aspect of handwriting: a type of stroke, the way I held the pen or pencil (I don't regularly use brush and ink), the composition and balance of similarly composed characters.

for this, I would go to a chinese calligraphy app on my phone and search for, say, a common character like 也 that I already knew how to write. this would show me examples from different styles of calligraphy, and where the line might be between 'readable and beautiful' and 'artistic but illegible for daily life'. from there I would go on a little bit of a youtube rabbit hole watching other tutorials for that particular character - I found searching for the kanji in japanese if it's the same as the chinese character to be very helpful, as there are lots of videos for a japanese audience! - and pay attention to the key things that go wrong, its balance, where its 'centre' is and so on.

I would then go and practice writing the character, but not only that: I would try and deliberately make certain parts of it exaggerated, as much as I could, to see which parts of the writing process are 'loadbearing'. for example with 也 - the middle line often in calligraphic styles begins way above the left-most line and the hook. so from that it would become clear how the character might look sped up - I would also try and find cursive examples of each on youtube to understand which strokes are commonly joined.

all of the characters that I can write - still, after a long time away - in a way that I find pleasing or well-balanced for a non-native and unpracticed writer, are ones that I spent the time and effort into studying in this amount of detail, or ones that are analogous to other characters whose compositions I studied. the best thing about this sort of method is that, even though you might only be 'learning' one character a day, the rules and general guidelines for form, weight of the pencil, balance of composition etc are very similar across many different characters. and you learn to spend time before you write a new character examining it and figuring out where the weight of it is, what it would look like in a square, what it would look like calligraphically on its own, where it would sit on a line with other characters etc. so it all carries over to other characters you later learn, and your handwriting in general begins to improve.

in terms of calligraphy as an art form: I think part of what draws me to chinese and specifically traditional chinese culture is the emphasis on morality within craft - excellence in learning is a moral virtue. the harmony of technical excellence and virtue is something which makes me kind of go insane. and it makes sense: there is not the same separation of duty and social life and other confucian values to family, state etc with art as there is in western culture: who wrote the poems? even the poets with the most overtly daoist and/or rebellious themes had often been officials at court, even if they were hermit-ing out in the mountains or had fled their official positions. a gentleman of good standing was expected to master calligraphy, but also painting, poetry composition and so on.

with the same brush and the same paper, the three arts are inseperable: a painting is a poem and a poem is a painting, and both are enriched by the fervour or restraint or elegance or curtness or wildness of the writer or painter's brushstrokes. of course there are individual artists who are remembered more as calligraphers or painters or poets, but most 'gentlemen' and respected educated rich women (though about this I know less, being honest) would have been expected to excel at all three.

and the 'literati' was a social class, tied up of course with land and money and huge privilege, but in theory a class which anybody with the luck to receive a good education, pass the imperial exams and join the ranks of government, could enter. (of course you had to have money to be tutored in the first place since there were not schools and private tuition was the norm, but anyway...). even if you failed the exam, or failed at one of the increasingly challenging levels, your life could be transformed: you could find a job as a tutor or teacher and escape the crushing weight of a peasant's life, with room to pursue leisure.

so my appreciation for calligraphy I think ties in to my appreciation of this way of thinking and the emphasis on a well-rounded gentleman of letters, and the idea that learning and painting and writing are all forms of self-betterment and cultivation. that too ties in with the martial arts aspect of it - like you can see in films like zhang yimou's hero, where calligraphy is held up as proof of a swordsman's mastery of the sword - in a way which is kind of mocked in the west, or seen in anime with the old master at the top of the mountain, but something that does have its basis in reality. the idea that creativity itself must be based first on a solid mastery and understanding of the classics, of the works of antiquity; the idea that learning and exercising that - like you exercise your body - is a morally good thing to do. the idea that because it is moral, your own moral virtues or lack thereof, your own character, can be revealed in your calligraphy or your swordsmanship or your poetry or your art.

I don't have any especial knowledge of calligraphy itself, but the underpinning idea is very compelling to me. I suppose it's similar in some ways to the greek strenuous education of body and mind in antiquity, though I really don't know much about that. I know that the heavy and weighted respect for the classics can be stifling in a lot of education, and has worked to repress and suppress the rights of women and the lower classes. so of course there's nuance, and having taught in east asia three times I'm well aware of the frustrations and cruelties, sometimes, of a confucian-based classroom. but I still think it's something we can learn from in the west, with discernment and respect.

(I COMPLETELY FORGOT THE SECOND PART OF YOUR QUESTION!! will do another post on that, sorryyy)

[iztea]

Iztea I need your help💔💔 I'm genuinely trying to find my art style but I'm not very good at art in the first place, I'm a beginner and I just don't feel motivated to draw anymore because I'm not good at it,, can you pls link your tutorials so I can try to follow them the best I can..😓 I genuinely love your art and your a huge inspiration but I can't draw for shit. A lot of the tutorials on YouTube don't actually help me as much as they do for other people so I'm lowkey putting my faith in you to try and help me lmao, I just can't get the proportions of anything right, like I can't draw a body or head,, and when I trace things it just feels like cheating in art like ugghhjjnn,, can you help me😓☹️

If you struggle with proportions, then drawing over the reference photo (which you should totally have, btw) to get a feel for the distance between things is a great starting point. I also think you should have simplified anatomy references, as well as references from other artists. Basically, everything I mentioned here i don't want to repeat the same points

Tracing is not "cheating" if you're using it to learn. It can be very distasteful if it's used for finished art, where it is obviously meant to replace actual skill, or if it's traced from another artist. If you're using it to study and as a stepping stone to improve your skills, then it's totally fine and even encouraged (it's like doing assisted pull-ups at the gym). But you gotta to play it smart—tracing the actual outline without engaging in critical thought leads to ugly, mediocre, commercialized art that we don't want because we're cool based and always striving to improve ourselves

Okay anyways "But how exactly do I trace references in a smart way, iztea?" Well, like I said, you can lower the opacity of your reference photo and draw over it. Use the general shapes and volume of the body as your guide until you learn to draw without them. Don't follow the outline exactly—exaggerate or stylize the limbs to your liking. For example, I like drawing small wrists and long, slim necks because I think it looks more appealing. So whenever I'm using a reference, I (subconsciously most of the time) slim these body parts down, elongate the fingers, and so on. If you're still not sure what your style is, that's fine too. Use this exercise to find out what your hand naturally leans into

I'm not the cleanest sketcher, and it's been a while since I've done this sort of approach, so excuse the messiness but I wanted to show an example of how I'd tackle this technique. If you look closely, you'll see that I didn't exactly draw over the body parts, especially in the neck and arm area. I exaggerated the posture by adding more gestures—I made the shoulders rounder, the skull bigger, and the arms and neck longer and slimmer. I didn't focus on details like the face or fingers because that's not the point

The next important step after creating your guidelines is to redraw the lines from scratch on a separate layer, but this time without the reference. Set the reference aside and focus on copying your own guidelines. Afterward, compare the two drawings to check if your proportions are accurate. If they're off, take note of any recurring mistakes and correct them. For example, I have a tendency to draw the mouth too far down on the face, so it's something I am always aware of whenever I'm drawing. Other times, I draw the eyebrows too high from the eyes and so on. Another important thing to point out is that not all references are created equal—there are such things as bad or poor references. If the body’s silhouette looks like a blob or the limbs are heavily foreshortened, you'll find it much harder to draw so for practice, I recommend choosing poses that are fluid, clear, and expressive, with good lighting and features you can exaggerate. This will make it easier to understand the form and you'll have more fun in general I've provided a little comparison below. I'm not saying the 2nd pose is terrible and impossible to draw, it's obviously not, you can draw anything you want howeveerrr if you're just starting out, painting the 2nd one can be much more challenging due to it not being very clear in shape, value range, pose, gesture etc. So what I'm trying to say is to choose your poses wisely too

I don't remember doing any tutorials outside that hair one unless you consider my rambling sessions tutorials (i don't) but you can also scroll through the #ask iztea: art talk hashtag for whatever art-related question I might have answered I'm too lazy to link everything so YOU put the work and stalk my page

anyways yeah idk this is how i'd start.... so to summarize:

pull up references, from both real-life people, simplified anatomy sheets, and artists you like

draw over your reference photo and treat it as your training wheels

close the og reference, and use the newly traced, much more simplified outline as your new reference, and now draw the pose again, but "freehand" this time

compare the traced and the freehand version, take notice of your proportions and try to correct them

choose good, readable, easy to draw refs

never give up never what

[tellmealittlelie]

New Things to Learn in 2025

THE ARTS:

Try Writing, by Kieren Westwood on YouTube: How to Start Writing for Beginners - Start Your Story

Try Bookbinding, by Four Keys Book Arts on YouTube: Bookbinding Basics: Chapter 1 - Basic Tools - Easy Options to Get Started Bookbinding

Photography Basics, by David Manning on Youtube: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS in 10 MINUTES

Try Filmmaking, by Camp Films on YouTube: The Basics of Cinematography - Filmmaking for Beginners

Try Embroidery, by Jamie.Photo on YouTube: Hand Embroidery 101 | Beginners Guide to Embroidery, Stitch Tutorials, and Pattern!

Try Knitting, by RJ Knits on YouTube: How to Knit: Easy for Beginners

Try Crochet, by simplydaisy on YouTube: How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners: Part 1

Try Sewing (with a sewing machine), by coolirpa on YouTube: A Beginner's Guide To SEWING! How to use a sewing machine

Try Sewing (by hand), by Cutesy Crafts on YouTube: How to Sew by Hand for BEGINNERS!

FITNESS:

Try Yoga, by Yoga with Adriene on YouTube: 30-Minute Yoga For Beginners | Start Yoga Here…

Try Pilates, by Move with Nicole on YouTube: 30 MIN FULL BODY WORKOUT || At-Home Beginner Pilates (No Equipment)

Try a full body workout, by growingannanas on YouTube: 25 MIN FULL BODY HIIT for Beginners - No Equipment - No Repeat Home Workout

Try a Dance Workout, by The Fitness Marshall on YouTube: FREE 30 Minute Sweat Session | DAY 2 - January Challenge

DANCING:

Try the Waltz, by LearnToDance on YouTube: How To Waltz Dance For Beginners - Waltz Box Step - YouTube

Try the Swing, by Passion4dancing on YouTube: How To Swing Dance For Beginners (East Coast Swing)

Try “Club” Dance Moves, by Get Dance on YouTube: Club Dance Moves Tutorial For Beginners Part 1 (Basic CLUB DANCE Step For Guys) Heel in

Try Line Dancing, by West Coast Country on YouTube: Beginner Line Dance Lesson - Cowboy Hustle

SCIENCES:

An Introduction to Physics, by The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube: Physics - Basic Introduction

An Introduction to Biology, by Wacky Science on YouTube: BIOLOGY explained in 17 Minutes

An Introduction to Chemistry, by Wacky Science on YouTube: GENERAL CHEMISTRY explained in 19 Minutes

An Introduction to Psychology, by CrashCourse on YouTube: Intro to Psychology: Crash Course Psychology #1

An Introduction to Cooking, by Home Cook Basics on YouTube: How to Learn to Cook | Cooking for Beginners

An Introduction to Gardening, by Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat on YouTube: Gardening for Beginners Series: Gardening Basics for Beginners

An Introduction to Herbology/Herbalism, by Honeystead on YouTube: Herbalism- How to get Started?!?

LANGUAGES:

Try a language learning app, Duolingo: Duolingo - The world's best way to learn a language

Learn Beginner Italian, by Italy Made Easy on YouTube: Beginner Italian Course Lesson 1 - The basics of learning Italian the right way

Learn Beginner Spanish, by The Language Tutor on Youtube: How To Pronounce Letters In Spanish | Lesson 1

Learn Beginner French, by The Language Tutor on Youtube: Master the French Alphabet in Minutes

Learn Bird Sounds, by Lead with Nature on YouTube: How to Mimic Bird Sounds

Learn ASL, by Learn How to Sign on YouTube: Learning ASL? Learn This FIRST!!! (10 Things You Need to Know About ASL)

FREE ONLINE LIBRARIES & TEXTBOOKS:

Internet Archive: Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

Project Gutenberg: Free eBooks | Project Gutenberg

Connect with your local libraries: Libby - Welcome

Free Textbooks: OpenStax | Free Textbooks Online with No Catch

~~~~

Original Idea by @hamletthedane

Please add any other resources you may have!

[simnnah]

Hello! In this post I will share some tips I have to help you on your custom content making journey. These are more general rather than creating a specific item, but I may make another part in the future!

Things covered: learning curve of blender, free resources, learning your computer, using references

1️⃣ There’s no need to pay for anything

The only money I have spent on anything related to TS4/custom content is for some of the expansion packs. Every resource I have used I have only had to pay with time. Blender, Sims 4 Studio, and Sims 4 Tray Importer are all free! And for Photoshop, a good free alternative I use is Photopea, which is just a web version. Another good alternative is GIMP, which is an application. 

There are applications like Substance Painter and Marvelous Designer, but I would only recommend those if you have a genuine interest in 3D modeling outside of TS4.

And in terms of finding tutorials, scouring the internet will always lead to some result. A good tumblr page is @thefoxburyinstitute, which has many sections based on your level of experience. Adding “reddit” to the end of a search helps too!

2️⃣ You can export anything from Sims 4 Studio as a reference (mod or EA object)

For an EA item, In S4S, go to Tools -> Browse Game Content -> then select the category you need a ref. If it’s a mod, click on My Projects and find the package you want.

From here, you can export the mesh, images, or any textures you need without having to create a new package for it! Best used when you have already created your own package and just need one aspect of the object.

If you want to append in Blender, go to File -> Append (works with any .blend file exported from S4S), then find the location of whatever you exported. Go to the Object folder, find anything labeled s4studio_mesh_number, then append. I just append all of them, then delete ones I don’t need.

Also, in the Scene tab, make sure the cut box is blank for the reference you imported! S4S will confuse this with your mesh if not, as the cut number determines which mesh will replace the EA one.

3️⃣ File management is important!

The more you create, the more random things you’ll download on your computer. You need to be aware of where you’re downloading things from, duplicate files, how much storage it’s taking up, etc. I recommend the Sims 4 Mod Manager by GameTime. Back up your files often and learn how your computer works because every device is different! Below is how I organize my CC (could use some improvement), but use whatever keeps you organized.

4️⃣ Learn Blender outside of Sims 4 CC

There have been so many times when I’m so frustrated about Blender that I have to take a step back and focus on a different hobby. The first time that happened years ago, I decided to learn how to make simple models in Blender, and not only did I enjoy it, but I also learned so much that can be applied to CC! Below are some tutorials that I watched.

Blender 3D Beginner Tutorial by 3DGreenhorn

A simple room tutorial.

3D Isometric Bedroom by artbytran

Another simple room tutorial, but with more cute details.

Creating Stylized Low Poly Characters by lacruzo

How to make a low-poly character and texture paint on it (I used this tutorial to texture paint on a hair clip!)

Intro to Creative Web Development by Andrew Woan

Okay I know the 5 hours is daunting, but only (lol) the first 2 hours are Blender. This video goes more into the technological aspect and making models optimized for video games/web (ahem TS4). After the 2-hour mark, it's all coding, which is not needed for CC making.

5️⃣ It takes time/consistency

As a person who only makes CC once every other month or so, it’s mostly muscle memory and consistent practice that makes someone feel confident in their CC making abilities. Remember how as a kid typing was the slowest thing ever, and today you’re (hopefully) better? It’s cause you kept practicing over a long period of time. 

The first time I opened Blender to make poses was in 2021, and 4 years later, there’s so much that I have learned from others, and 10x more that I don’t know due to the endless possibilities of what can be created. But hey, I’m confident enough that I made this post of tips, right? Take small steps, the end goal is to make something you or others enjoy.

Thanks for reading this if you’ve come this far, and here are two pages I recommend reading to help you on your CC journey! :D

Internet safety regarding TS4 by crazy-hazy-sims (pls read this) Custom Content Creation by simlaughlove

[sohojware]

Comparing Laravel And WordPress: Which Platform Reigns Supreme For Your Projects? - Sohojware

Choosing the right platform for your web project can be a daunting task. Two popular options, Laravel and WordPress, cater to distinct needs and offer unique advantages. This in-depth comparison by Sohojware, a leading web development company, will help you decipher which platform reigns supreme for your specific project requirements.

Understanding Laravel

Laravel is a powerful, open-source PHP web framework designed for the rapid development of complex web applications. It enforces a clean and modular architecture, promoting code reusability and maintainability. Laravel offers a rich ecosystem of pre-built functionalities and tools, enabling developers to streamline the development process.

Here's what makes Laravel stand out:

MVC Architecture: Laravel adheres to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, fostering a well-organized and scalable project structure.

Object-Oriented Programming: By leveraging object-oriented programming (OOP) principles, Laravel promotes code clarity and maintainability.

Built-in Features: Laravel boasts a plethora of built-in features like authentication, authorization, caching, routing, and more, expediting the development process.

Artisan CLI: Artisan, Laravel's powerful command-line interface (CLI), streamlines repetitive tasks like code generation, database migrations, and unit testing.

Security: Laravel prioritizes security by incorporating features like CSRF protection and secure password hashing, safeguarding your web applications.

However, Laravel's complexity might pose a challenge for beginners due to its steeper learning curve compared to WordPress.

Understanding WordPress

WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) dominating the web. It empowers users with a user-friendly interface and a vast library of plugins and themes, making it ideal for creating websites and blogs without extensive coding knowledge.

Here's why WordPress is a popular choice:

Ease of Use: WordPress boasts an intuitive interface, allowing users to create and manage content effortlessly, even with minimal technical expertise.

Flexibility: A vast repository of themes and plugins extends WordPress's functionality, enabling customization to suit diverse website needs.

SEO Friendliness: WordPress is inherently SEO-friendly, incorporating features that enhance your website's ranking.

Large Community: WordPress enjoys a massive and active community, providing abundant resources, tutorials, and support.

While user-friendly, WordPress might struggle to handle complex functionalities or highly customized web applications.

Choosing Between Laravel and WordPress

The optimal platform hinges on your project's specific requirements. Here's a breakdown to guide your decision:

Laravel is Ideal For:

Complex web applications require a high degree of customization.

Projects demanding powerful security features.

Applications with a large user base or intricate data structures.

Websites require a high level of performance and scalability.

WordPress is Ideal For:

Simple websites and blogs.

Projects with a primary focus on content management.

E-commerce stores with basic product management needs (using WooCommerce plugin).

Websites requiring frequent content updates by non-technical users.

Sohojware, a well-versed web development company in the USA, can assist you in making an informed decision. Our team of Laravel and WordPress experts will assess your project's needs and recommend the most suitable platform to ensure your web project's success.

In conclusion, both Laravel and WordPress are powerful platforms, each catering to distinct project needs. By understanding their strengths and limitations, you can make an informed decision that empowers your web project's success. Sohojware, a leading web development company in the USA, possesses the expertise to guide you through the selection process and deliver exceptional results, regardless of the platform you choose. Let's leverage our experience to bring your web vision to life.

FAQs about Laravel and WordPress Development by Sohojware

1. Which platform is more cost-effective, Laravel or WordPress?

While WordPress itself is free, ongoing maintenance and customization might require development expertise. Laravel projects typically involve developer costs, but these can be offset by the long-term benefits of a custom-built, scalable application. Sohojware can provide cost-effective solutions for both Laravel and WordPress development.

2. Does Sohojware offer support after project completion?

Sohojware offers comprehensive post-development support for both Laravel and WordPress projects. Our maintenance and support plans ensure your website's continued functionality, security, and performance.

3. Can I migrate my existing website from one platform to another?

Website migration is feasible, but the complexity depends on the website's size and architecture. Sohojware's experienced developers can assess the migration feasibility and execute the process seamlessly.

4. How can Sohojware help me with Laravel or WordPress development?

Sohojware offers a comprehensive range of Laravel and WordPress development services, encompassing custom development, theme and plugin creation, integration with third-party applications, and ongoing maintenance.

5. Where can I find more information about Sohojware's Laravel and WordPress development services?

You can find more information about Sohojware's Laravel and WordPress development services by visiting our website at https://sohojware.com/ or contacting our sales team directly. We'd happily discuss your project requirements and recommend the most suitable platform to achieve your goals.

[spinningbuster98]

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles Part 1: Can't have anything on Angel Island!

I’ve had my ups and downs with Sonic as a series, in fact I’ll be brutally honest: for as important as this series was to my formative years I’ve had more downs than ups, to the point that I’ve even found myself disliking games I used to love over time. There has been very little that I’ve enjoyed from this franchise during the past 10 years, to the point that I struggle to define myself as a Sonic fan anymore

However!

If there’s one thing I can still put quite a lot of faith into, even after all these years, is Sonic 3′s quality

Sonic 3 is not just the best Sonic game ever, it is, in my eyes, one of the best videogames ever created, and this isn’t something that I’m saying just because I grew up with this game, as you’ll see in the future I’m no stranger to being extremely critical against games I grew up with that I used to enjoy (or even viceversa). The fact that this game is not usually included in top ten best games lists alongside other famous gems like Super Metroid, Ocarina of Time, Resident Evil 4 and the like is, I think, one of the greatest injustices ever done to this series, though I do have an idea as to why that is, but more on that at a later time

The level design in this game is so gargantuan yet intricate and thought out, which is actually something that I have to remind myself of, given that I’m so used to it now. Not only are these way bigger than levels from the previous games but I’m pretty sure that Sonic 3 features the largest levels of any platformer of its generation. Of course I might be wrong but I haven’t played any other game of that era with levels this huge, not Super Mario World, not Shinobi, not Mega Man and not Castlevania. When I was younger I actually used to see this as a flaw because, on average, these levels generally took me around 5-6 minutes to complete, which is longer than the average Sonic level length, but with hindsight these levels have so many secret shortcuts and pathways that you can cut down that time pretty substantially once you know what you’re doing. It certainly helps that these secret paths are not too hard to find for anyone who is at least halfway familiar with how level design in platformers works, it’s the usual stuff: some walls look a bit different than others or maybe you can see a trail of rings go through one. Many of these levels are actually quite fun to explore and the game knows how to reward that curiosity as you’ll see in the future. All of this basically makes Sonic 3 a much better exploration game than Sonic CD, which is pretty humiliating given that Sonic 3 isn’t even trying to make exploration its main focus

Despite this I actually think that Angel Island is the weakest of the classic starting levels. It’s a good level don’t get me wrong, but it’s smaller and overall more linear than Green Hill, Emerald Hill and Palmtree Panic. Though because of its more contained nature it does perhaps make for a better tutorial level for any beginner. I especially like how Act 2 starts with you always (well almost always, sometimes you stop rolling because of collision detection issues, more on those at a later time...) crashing through a wall leading to a Giant Ring, as a way to subtly communicate to the player about their existence and how to usually find them 

Hydro city is peak Sonic water level: the lesson introduced in Aquatic Ruin about trying to stick to the upper routes to avoid going into the water is mostly kept (though unless you can use Tails to fly Sonic up at the start you won’t be able to access the upper route right away with him and you’ll have to go underwater for a while, but not too long), the submerged temple-city aesthetic is pretty unique and act 2 is just a flat out fun old time like Chemical Plant Act 2

Marble Garden is, unfortunately, my least favorite level in the game. Partly because of its pretty drab looks but mostly due to its obstacle placement. I actually think that Sonic 3 can get worse than Sonic 2 at times with its tendency to have you crash headfirst against obstacles at mach speed. Some levels are fine with this, but others go overboard, Launch Base and Lava Reef are the other 2 major examples but I think that Marble Garden is worse because it’s just the third level and, unlike the other 2 examples, you can’t use the Fire Shield to somewhat mitigate the issue. Sure you can abuse Super forms but that’s not a proper solution you know?

The spinning tops are also pretty damn awkward to handle and, as a kid, I had no idea you could make them automatically reach their top speeds by just having them touch the ground, it’s not exactly communicated to you clearly.

[allaboutmarketing4you]

Marketing Strategies And Marketing Mix Of Adobe

Source: The Brand Hopper

"Adobe’s Marketing Mix (4Ps): A Deeper Dive

Adobe’s success can be attributed to its strategic implementation of the marketing mix, the 4Ps: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Let’s explore each element in detail:

1. Product:

Breadth: From Photoshop and Illustrator for design to Premiere Pro and After Effects for video editing, Adobe covers diverse creative needs. They even offer XD for web design and Spark for social media content creation.

Depth: Each software has various versions. Photoshop Elements caters to beginners, while Photoshop CC caters to professionals. This ensures accessibility and scalability for different user groups.

Innovation: Adobe Research invests heavily in AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies. This translates into features like Content-Aware Fill in Photoshop and Rotoscoping in After Effects.

Integration: Adobe products work seamlessly together. For example, you can edit a photo in Photoshop and directly export it to Premiere Pro for video editing.

Services: Adobe Creative Cloud offers 20GB of cloud storage, access to Adobe Fonts, and integration with stock photo libraries like Adobe Stock, enhancing the overall creative workflow.

2. Price

Subscription Model: Adobe transitioned from perpetual licenses to subscriptions in 2013. This makes their software more affordable for individuals and small businesses, especially with monthly payment options.

Tiered Pricing: Individual, team, and enterprise subscriptions offer different features and functionalities, catering to diverse needs and budgets.

Free Trials and Freemium Options: Adobe offers free trials for most products, allowing users to experience the software firsthand. Some products also have limited free versions with basic features.

Discounts: Educational institutions, students, and teachers receive significant discounts on Adobe Creative Cloud, expanding access to future generations of creative professionals.

Bundled Offerings: Adobe Creative Cloud offers various bundles combining multiple products at a discounted price. This incentivizes purchases and increases perceived value.

3. Place

Direct Sales: Adobe sells directly through its website and flagship stores, offering personalized recommendations, tutorials, and in-depth product demonstrations.

Partner Channels: Strategic partnerships with leading tech companies like Microsoft and Apple expand reach and distribution channels. This makes Adobe software easily accessible through familiar platforms.

Online Marketplaces: Adobe software is available on Amazon and the Microsoft Store, increasing visibility and accessibility for users who prefer these platforms.

Cloud Delivery: Adobe Creative Cloud is delivered through the cloud, eliminating installation hassles and allowing users to access their files and projects from any device with an internet connection.

Mobile Apps: Adobe offers mobile versions of popular products like Photoshop and Lightroom, catering to the on-the-go creative needs of users and expanding their creative potential beyond desktops.

4. Promotion

Content Marketing: Adobe offers high-quality content across various formats. The Adobe Blog features in-depth tutorials, industry insights, and creative inspiration. They also have dedicated YouTube channels for each product, offering tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Community Engagement: Adobe fosters a strong community through forums like the Adobe Help Center and user groups. They also host events like Adobe MAX, which connects users, showcases new features, and inspires creativity.

Social Media Marketing: Active engagement on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube builds brand awareness and connects with users directly.

Influencer Marketing: Collaborations with renowned creative professionals like photographers and designers amplify brand messaging and reach new audiences. Adobe also has an Adobe Creative Experts program, empowering passionate users to share their knowledge and expertise.

Events and Conferences: Adobe hosts and participates in industry events like Adobe MAX and Adobe Summit. These events showcase innovation, connect with potential customers, and build brand awareness.

Paid Advertising: Adobe uses targeted ads on platforms like Google and social media to reach specific audience segments and drive traffic to their website and free trial offers.

By strategically implementing these elements, Adobe has created a marketing mix that is comprehensive, effective, and adaptable. They have gone beyond simply selling software; they have built a community, fostered creativity, and established themselves as a leader in the industry. This approach not only drives sales but also builds brand loyalty and establishes a strong foundation for future growth. "

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