#solution provider demos

[procurement-insights]

Duncan Jones weighs in on solution provider demo reluctance

What do you look for in a ProcureTech solution demo?

The following is a comment shared by Duncan Jones about Wednesday’s post Why Is It So Hard To See An Actual Demo Of A ProcureTech Solution? DUNCAN JONES—I expect it’s as Pierre Laprée suggested—the most effective demo requires more discovery, and you haven’t convinced the vendor that you’re sufficiently important to merit the investment of scarce pre-sales resources. JWH – Duncan Jones: That…

[nasa]

What We Learned from Flying a Helicopter on Mars

The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter made history – not only as the first aircraft to perform powered, controlled flight on another world – but also for exceeding expectations, pushing the limits, and setting the stage for future NASA aerial exploration of other worlds.

Built as a technology demonstration designed to perform up to five experimental test flights over 30 days, Ingenuity performed flight operations from the Martian surface for almost three years. The helicopter ended its mission on Jan. 25, 2024, after sustaining damage to its rotor blades during its 72nd flight.

So, what did we learn from this small but mighty helicopter?

We can fly rotorcraft in the thin atmosphere of other planets.

Ingenuity proved that powered, controlled flight is possible on other worlds when it took to the Martian skies for the first time on April 19, 2021.

Flying on planets like Mars is no easy feat: The Red Planet has a significantly lower gravity – one-third that of Earth’s – and an extremely thin atmosphere, with only 1% the pressure at the surface compared to our planet. This means there are relatively few air molecules with which Ingenuity’s two 4-foot-wide (1.2-meter-wide) rotor blades can interact to achieve flight.

Ingenuity performed several flights dedicated to understanding key aerodynamic effects and how they interact with the structure and control system of the helicopter, providing us with a treasure-trove of data on how aircraft fly in the Martian atmosphere.

Now, we can use this knowledge to directly improve performance and reduce risk on future planetary aerial vehicles.

Creative solutions and “ingenuity” kept the helicopter flying longer than expected.

Over an extended mission that lasted for almost 1,000 Martian days (more than 33 times longer than originally planned), Ingenuity was upgraded with the ability to autonomously choose landing sites in treacherous terrain, dealt with a dead sensor, dusted itself off after dust storms, operated from 48 different airfields, performed three emergency landings, and survived a frigid Martian winter.

Fun fact: To keep costs low, the helicopter contained many off-the-shelf-commercial parts from the smartphone industry - parts that had never been tested in deep space. Those parts also surpassed expectations, proving durable throughout Ingenuity’s extended mission, and can inform future budget-conscious hardware solutions.

There is value in adding an aerial dimension to interplanetary surface missions.

Ingenuity traveled to Mars on the belly of the Perseverance rover, which served as the communications relay for Ingenuity and, therefore, was its constant companion. The helicopter also proved itself a helpful scout to the rover.

After its initial five flights in 2021, Ingenuity transitioned to an “operations demonstration,” serving as Perseverance’s eyes in the sky as it scouted science targets, potential rover routes, and inaccessible features, while also capturing stereo images for digital elevation maps.

Airborne assets like Ingenuity unlock a new dimension of exploration on Mars that we did not yet have – providing more pixels per meter of resolution for imaging than an orbiter and exploring locations a rover cannot reach.

Tech demos can pay off big time.

Ingenuity was flown as a technology demonstration payload on the Mars 2020 mission, and was a high risk, high reward, low-cost endeavor that paid off big. The data collected by the helicopter will be analyzed for years to come and will benefit future Mars and other planetary missions.

Just as the Sojourner rover led to the MER-class (Spirit and Opportunity) rovers, and the MSL-class (Curiosity and Perseverance) rovers, the team believes Ingenuity’s success will lead to future fleets of aircraft at Mars.

In general, NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions test and advance new technologies, and then transition those capabilities to NASA missions, industry, and other government agencies. Chosen technologies are thoroughly ground- and flight-tested in relevant operating environments — reducing risks to future flight missions, gaining operational heritage and continuing NASA’s long history as a technological leader.

You can fall in love with robots on another planet.

Following in the tracks of beloved Martian rovers, the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter built up a worldwide fanbase. The Ingenuity team and public awaited every single flight with anticipation, awe, humor, and hope.

Check out #ThanksIngenuity on social media to see what’s been said about the helicopter’s accomplishments.

Learn more about Ingenuity’s accomplishments here. And make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[newarcana]

dashingdon

Thank you to @whereisnanda, @mrsstavizzi, @featherdusterbelphie, and @andallgoodthings for the heads-up that Dashingdon's site, which currently hosts Guenevere, will be shutting down soon. Dashingdon has been a pillar of the CoG community for as long as I've been there, and he's been incredibly generous to provide free demo hosting for as long as he has.

I will do my best to get the Guenevere WIP moved elsewhere and will post a new link when that happens. And yes, I still have every intention of coming back to Guenevere, and I'm still counting down to the day when I can retire from my awful job and just write.

As always, thank you to everyone who still sends nice messages about the game after all this time. I do read them, and I wish I had enough spoons to reply to everyone, but every single one makes me happy!

EDIT: I've heard that some well-intentioned readers are archiving games from dashingdon. I appreciate the love for these games, but please let me take care of Guenevere. Please do not archive, publish, or otherwise share the Guenevere game file. I will keep the WIP available, and I don't want it to be online anywhere I didn't give permission for. Thank you!

ANOTHER EDIT: I managed to get the game to work, sort of, on the CoGDemos site. https://cogdemos.ink/play/jean-townsend/guenevere/mygame/scenes/Guenevere.txt Not sure yet if this is the long-term solution, but it's there for now. :)

[moonbiscuitsims]

SIMDEW VALLEY SET 🍄👩🏿‍🌾🐷🐴🐄🧙🏿‍♂️🌻🌽

Stardew Valley Pixel Art Floors/Walls/Deco (TS4) Download Below

Aside from a couple most of these pics are just the demo pics showing what's included, more CC in game pics can be seen here

🍄Misc Large Decals

In order: Junimo huts + large Junimos, Holdiay Decor and "sky decor", furniture items, rarecrows, plants.

🍄Wall Decals Paintings and Banners:

🍄Wall Decals Misc small:

Adventure stuff and boots, small junimos, random furniture items slime monsters different expressions

🍄Wall decals Gems and Minerals:

I didn't do them all, just some that I liked.

🍄Wall decals farm animals

🍄Wall decals Fishing

Again just the fish I wanted to do, not all:

🍄Wall decals Harvestables, Crops, Products:

Here's a random in game pic (see more in links provided at top or bottom of post), all decals show through glass too!

🍄Stardew Valley Villagers (yes the bear is a villager I refuse to accept otherwise) portraits

The portraits are the only item with actual dimension, I recoloured a base game framed painting, so these are not flat like the rest of decals. (they look a bit orange but that's just my mood lighting)

🍄Walls and Flooring (indoor and outdoor flooring)

I did all the ones you see here:

For the floors I made a large and small version of all:

🍄You can see more CC in game pics in my wip post here

Are you sick and tired of those smooth graphics from Sims 4? Do you wish you could replace those pesky curves and detailed HQ textures with nothing but square pixel heaven and flat colours? To be finally rid of all those 3D bump/light effects and replace them with volume-less cardboard cut-out illusion and imagination? Do you want your build/game to look just like Stardew Valley? Or do you simply think that if the sims team are gonna give us low poly and low quality meshes and textures might as well do it properly? Fear not! The solution is here! I made a new Stardew Valley save (why I need yet another save that I'll never have time to complete I don't know) and tried my first build, the recreation of my current (and only) farm. It was ok but I got frustrated at how "Sims 4" everything looked, and checked for stardew valley cc conversions, art, decor but only find people making it using sims 4 stuff, which is probably the most logical thing but not for me! So I made this as there are plenty of game assets from Stardew Valley available online and however tedious and time-consuming resizing the tiniest of pixel art images is to fit Sims 4, it is fairly easy and doable, so I did it. I did skip some items in each category as there are way too many and just did the ones I like, sorry if there was one I didn't include. Also there are some floors in the game or icons that I couldn't find. Some Junimos were taken from the internet but most are individually resized game assets. INFO: all decals in wall deco, all are zero simoleons, and the portraits are 10. You can find my stuff typing "moonbiscuitsims" or "stardew". All have correct colour filter tags and removed "talk to object (insane)" and "can be struck by lightning" (these things annoy me or could cause more distractions for my sims, sorry if you like this though I'm sure there are plenty of objects to talk to/ lightning strikable objects). I don't know if this has an effect. All the portraits are just tagged as brown. All are resizable to your liking. Forgot to mention the floors i think are in wood flooring and outdoor flooring; and I think the walls in panelling. REQUIREMENTS: Nada, nothing. Just base game. (though I did accidentally make one item from a get to work decal by mistake, I remade it to fix it and I've play tested everything, but let me know if something doesn't show up.

PLEASE READ AND RESPECT MY TOU AND DO NOT ❌❌❌: - ❌ Reupload - ❌ Include in sim downloads - ❌ Put behind paywall of any kind no matter what. - ❌ Claim as yours. If you wanna use the texture files to make other different original content that is fine as long as it is different from mine and NO PAYWALLS and no reuploading my stuff. The images are from Stardew Valley, but I spent ages editing every single one to fit the sims, and this took me days to do. All my stuff is free. I don't care about conversions to ts2 or ts3 but NO PAYWALLS and please tag and credit me. If used for screenshots please tag me too, I'd love to see <3 🍄DOWNLOAD (including a pick and choose or a merged file with everything, don't get both) 🍄ALT DOWNLOAD PATREON Enjoy! Happy Simming/Farming

🌵🥥🌴NEW!! Calico Desert Addon🌴🥥🌵

Stardew Valley fav music playlist 🎵🎵🎵

[robfinancialtip]

The Halo Collar 3 is poised to redefine the landscape of dog safety, and we're thrilled to reveal its latest Orchid (Magenta) edition in an unboxing video by Kaaren. Join us as we explore the exciting features packed into this innovative device.

In this unboxing video, the sleek matte finish of the Orchid (Magenta) Halo Collar 3 pro case takes center stage, providing a stylish look and a symbol of cutting-edge technology. Slide open the box to reveal the collar, showcasing its modern design. The collar effortlessly opens, revealing a carefully curated set of items.

The package includes a USB-C to USB-C adapter, ensuring efficient charging for your Halo Collar. This guarantees that your device is always ready for action, providing seamless connectivity for you and your canine companion. As we delve deeper, an indoor beacon emerges as a valuable accessory designed to assist in training and identifying specific indoor areas for your dog. The package also features prongs for static, ensuring a comprehensive setup tailored to your furry friend's safety and well-being.

But the innovation continues beyond there. Join Kaaren as she uncovers the versatility of the Halo Collar's accessories. The included indoor beacon aids in training and restricting specific indoor areas, while an optional outdoor beacon extends the safety boundaries for your dog during outdoor activities.

Stay tuned for more insights and in-depth explorations into the world of the Halo Collar 3, where pet safety meets modern technology. The Halo Collar 3 – is not just a device but a holistic solution for enhancing the well-being of your furry friend.

Also, check out Halo Collar 3’s new vibrant sunny SUNBURST color.

WATCH the related video for more detailed unboxing and demo of what the Halo Collar 3 offers.

[carriehobbs]

The Wayhaven Chronicles (Not-Quite-Official) Timeline [Part 1]

I often struggle to keep track of the timeline of the Wayhaven books. While it is known that the story is set in the “[m]odern, present day”[1] and that the series as a whole (Book 1 through to Book 7) will likely take place over a few years[2, 3, 4] (specifically, the series is projected to be set over approximately 2-3 years[5]), the books themselves do not always explicitly state when each book is set or each book’s duration. Supposedly, the series should have "[n]o set timings"[6]. Instead, the books tend to be set in general seasons[6], as this “frees things up for the narrative”[7]. This is not to say, however, that a more concrete timeline cannot be constructed. Several asks that have been published on the official Wayhaven blog, as well as the books themselves, seem to indicate an intended timeline (even if this timeline may never be formally canonized).

So, I set out with the intention of constructing Wayhaven’s intended timeline. However, I quickly found that Tumblr’s search function made it incredibly difficult to find the necessary information at will (that is to say, the search function does not always retrieve information thoroughly or reliably). As such, I decided that the only solution was to review every page on the official Wayhaven blog and identify any posts that relate to the books’ intended timeline. I followed this search by replaying the released Wayhaven books (as of the "last updated" date, these are Books 1, 2, and 3, as well as the demo for Book 4) to substantiate the findings from the asks with evidence attested in the books. I have compiled the results of my review here.

The goal of this post is not to insist that the timeline presented here is the only possible timeline for the Wayhaven books, nor is it to refute alternative interpretations of the timeline. My aim is merely to create a repository of information (from both official asks and from the books) about the timeline of the series so that anyone may access and refer to sourced reference material, should they wish to do so. While I do, at times, offer my own interpretation of the timeline, I do not mean to imply that my view is the only (or necessarily the correct) way to interpret the information that has been collected here.

This post is organized by book. Each section first addresses the overall season or time period in which a book is set, referring to evidence from both the published asks and books. Next, the duration of the book is discussed (when possible). Finally, the length of time between the current and following book is identified (e.g., the length of time between Books One and Two). Key passages from the books have been selected to be included in this post to provide evidence for the timeline. It should be noted that not every passage that explicitly states or alludes to the season is identified in this post, though I tried to include passages that I felt made a strong argument for the season. The proposed timeline and the list of linked sources are included under the cut for length. As further books are released, a Part 2 of the timeline will be created and linked at the bottom of this post.

While I've done my best to include every ask (that has been published as of the "last updated" date) and several key passages from the books that address the timeline, it may be possible that I've missed something. If you know of an ask or a passage that contradicts (or elaborates on) the information I've collected here, please let me know and I'd be happy to include it :)

Last Updated: 09/06/2024

Book One:

Book One is set at the end of winter, near the beginning of spring[7, 8]. On multiple occasions, Book One indicates that the story is set in late winter. This is often done by contrasting the current season with the impending arrival of spring, even if the winter season is not explicitly named:

"Buds may be clinging to the few stark trees lining the alleyway, but it is far from spring yet." (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

“I really hope spring arrives soon.” (Chapter 6)

Despite the acknowledgement that Book One is set in winter, there is one passage in Book One that claims that the story is set in spring instead:

"What should have been a lovely early spring morning is dampened by a grey sky flecked with dark storm clouds; a mist of rain hangs in the air." (Chapter 4, emphasis added)

One of the asks answered on the official Wayhaven blog, however, addresses this passage, stating that, in this passage, the "MC was probably being optimistic" and that it was "more like February [than spring proper] in Book One"[9]. Additionally, in one ask, it is claimed that "Book One is set in very early spring. Possibly around about early March kind of time"[10], though this statement could contradict the other asks published about the Wayhaven timeline as well as the textual evidence for the timeline in the books themselves. I believe that setting early or mid-Book One in early March would conflict with the rest of the timeline as it has been established. However, setting the end of Book One in early March would be consistent with the timeline presented in official asks and with the timeline established by future books.

In addition to specifying that it is not yet spring in the story, Book One repeatedly refers to the weather and the temperature as a means of indirectly communicating the season. Book One frequently emphasizes the cold temperature of the air:

“The chill air bites at my skin as soon as I step out of the warm comfort of the car. I shove my hands into the pockets of my coat, shivering at the relief it provides from the sharp cold.” (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

“It smells cold, the chill hitting my nose and coating my throat. I cough as the cold reaches my chest, bundling my coat up a little tighter.” (Chapter 6, emphasis added)

“The cold seeps through the pockets of my coat, biting at my fingers and settling with an ache on my shoulders. My walk has turned into a stomp just to try and keep the feeling in my toes.” (Chapter 6, emphasis added)

These descriptions of weather and (more frequently) temperature clearly suggest that Book One is set in winter. It should be noted that, though the author states they “very specifically didn't have a set place in mind for Wayhaven”[19], it is evident from the way that the seasons in the Wayhaven games are described that Wayhaven is nonetheless implied to be set in the Northern hemisphere. While the rest of this post will discuss the seasons as if they are universally experienced in the same way, it is acknowledged here that different regions may experience seasons differently and that those experiences may not align with what is discussed in this post or from what is depicted in the Wayhaven books.

The duration of Book One was "probably around 10 weeks"[11], or approximately 3 months[12, 13], from the beginning to the end of the book. About 2-3 weeks were spent recovering from the altercation with Murphy at the end of Book One[14], though it is not clear if this time is a part of the 3 months of Book One (as the detective is in recovery in the final scene of the book) or from the time between Books One and Two. Later chapters of Book One begin to describe new plant growth, thus indicating that the season has begun to change and emphasizing the multiple months that have passed during the book:

“It's [the hospital] spread like a flat cream monstrosity amongst a few trees that are attempting to bloom” (Chapter 12, emphasis added)

Between Book One and Book Two: About 2 months have passed between Books One and Two[12, 13, 15, 16]. This timeline is confirmed in Book Two, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.

Book Two:

Book Two is approximately set in May[9]. Book Two demonstrates the shift between winter (the season in Book One) and spring (the season in Book Two) multiple times, typically by overtly naming the seasons:

“At least the light spring mornings are better to get ready in than the gloom of winter. A change of season has been much welcomed in Wayhaven after all the heavy events that happened.” (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

"Spring really has finally arrived, and with it, the sun and warmer weather.” (Chapter 1)

“The spring warmth wraps the area in its embrace, and I even have to unbutton my coat.” (Chapter 19, emphasis added)

Some passages suggest that Book Two is set in early spring by mentioning the lingering winter weather:

“Whereas the day started out warm and bright, the night brings with it the remnants of still-clinging winter. A chill whips along on the breeze, gnawing on my fingers even through my pockets.” (Chapter 4, N’s route, emphasis added)

Later chapters in Book Two seem to indicate that spring has fully arrived (or, at least, is in the process of fully arriving). These passages suggest that the later chapters may be set closer to mid-spring (or even potentially late spring):

"Spring is eventually finding its stride through the final clutches of winter. (Chapter 18, emphasis added)

As Book One did, Book Two depicts the changing of the seasons by describing changes to the environment. Whereas Book One emphasizes the cold air, Book Two generally emphasizes new plant growth in order indicate the season:

"They [citizens of Wayhaven] opt to take the paths off the streets that lead through the trees, enjoying the nature which is once again blooming in shades of emerald and bottle greens throughout the town—something I'll have to remember to do too once I get the chance.” (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

"As a breeze blows past me, I can smell the earthy scent of spring hanging in the air from the forest that surrounds the town. Life must be blossoming in nature at this time of year. (Chapter 4, N’s route, emphasis added)

“Sunlight struggles to push through the thick canopy of fresh spring growth on the trees, but a warmth still saturates the area. [...] Small white flowers blossom on the bushes I am passing, my motion disturbing their rest and drawing out a waft of sweet fragrance that trails behind me as I go." (Chapter 18, emphasis added)

In addition, there are some references to birdsong throughout Book Two. The presence of birdsong suggests that birds are returning to Wayhaven after migrating for the winter:

“Birds chirp happily in the trees as I pass beneath them, blossoms dancing down around me and brightening the dull grey concrete with freckles of white and pink as they land on the ground.” (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

With regards to its duration, Book Two takes about "a month and a half or just over"[12]. It has been "at least half a year" between the beginning of Book One and the end of Book Two[12].

I would speculate that, given the time between the beginning of Book One and the end of Book Two, Book One would have had to start in January at the latest: as it has been established, Book One took three months (approximately January-March), then there was a two-month gap between Books One and Two (approximately April-May), and then Book Two took one/one-and-a-half months (approximately May-June). Thus, in order for there to have been six months (or more) between the start of Book One and the end of Book Two while being consistent with the rest of the established timeline, Book One would have needed to start around January and Book Two would have needed to end around June, perhaps even July.

Between Book Two and Book Three: One month has passed between Books Two and Three[17]. This one-month gap is confirmed in Book 3, Chapter 1 (N's route).

Book Three:

Please note that (as of the “last updated” date) my method of citing passages in Book Three is different than the citation method used for Books One, Two, and Four. While I did my best to cite as accurately as possible, if you notice errors in any citations (and specifically in the chapter numbers), please let me know.

Book Three is set during the summer[18]. The season is explicitly confirmed multiple times throughout Book Three:

“There aren't many moments that beat dusk in summer.” (Chapter 1)

“The oncoming summer day is already adding a warmth to the open-plan station." (Chapter 2)

"The summer sun is already bright, but the trees help disperse the heat into a comforting warmth against [their] skin.” (Chapter 2)

Like in Book Two, Book Three tends to describe plant life in order to indirectly indicate the season. While Book Two emphasizes new growth, Book Three instead emphasizes lush plant life:

“The leafy branches of the hazel tree sway overhead, offering a good amount of dappled shade, and the grass is surprisingly squelchy beneath my shoes considering the heat of the day.” (Chapter 5, emphasis added)

“It's a surprisingly large clearing considering the thickness of the trees surrounding it. A sea of green carpets the area, with tangles of dark bushes creating a barricade around the outside. [...] Our steps are slowed by the lush, overgrown grass, but each step which breaks the blades sends a waft of summery goodness to help ease my nerves.” (Chapter 5, emphasis added)

Whereas the plants in Book Two are just budding (as plants would be in spring), the plants in Book Three are consistently depicted as being fully-grown and thriving, as they would be in summer.

Information about the duration of Book Three has not yet been made publicly available.

Between Book Three and Book Four: No information has yet been publicly shared about the length of time between Books Three and Four.

Book Four:

As with the other books, there are several passages in the Book Four demo that confirm that Book Four starts in summer by explicitly naming the season:

"It is hard to deny summer is still clinging with its last desperate grip over Wayhaven." (Chapter 1)

"Summer will be over soon". (Chapter 1, A's route)

"Summer's sunrise is always a sight to behold" (Chapter 1, M's route)

One passage in Book Four specifically suggests that the book is set in late summer. This passage indicates that summer is at an end and that autumn is approaching:

"Summer heat grasps to the trees, crisping the leaves at the edges, and adding a warmth to the air where the autumnal chill is so desperate to claim victory." (Chapter 1, emphasis added)

Part 2

Linked Sources:

[1] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/186631276448/hi-sorry-if-youve-answered-this-before-but (posted 29/07/2019, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[2] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/611495184637755392/whats-the-timeline-on-twc-timewise-the-first (posted 02/03/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[3] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/742950852102373376/how-much-in-game-time-will-pass-between-book-1-and (posted 21/02/2024, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[4] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/171049914994/how-much-time-passes-from-the-day-the-mc-met-the (posted 19/02/2018, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[5] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/613035165044850688/how-long-does-the-wayhaven-books-span-over-is-it (posted 19/03/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[6] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/626892386980823040/are-there-any-set-timings-for-when-the-series (posted 19/08/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[7] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/635865379357523968/hey-im-not-sure-if-this-question-has-been-asked (posted 26/11/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[8] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/171376966644/hello-sera-i-was-wondering-in-what-season-is-book (28/02/2018, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[9] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/175570383062/so-you-said-the-timeline-for-book-one-is-three (posted 05/07/2018, last accessed 07/06/2024)

[10] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/169539410844/hiii-jest-wanted-to-let-you-know-that-youre (posted 10/01/2018, last accessed 07/06/2024)

[11] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/174718760931/whats-the-timeline-like-how-long-was-the-events (posted 09/06/2018, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[12] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/618738714375553024/im-sorry-if-this-is-a-dumb-question-agsh-but-how (posted 21/05/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[13] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/186400748088/im-new-to-wayhaven-and-i-was-wondering-if-there (posted 19/07/2019, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[14] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/178410044026/question-how-long-was-the-mc-in-recovery-after (posted 24/09/2018, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[15] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/173026735924/out-of-curiosity-how-big-will-the-timeskip-be (posted 17/04/2018, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[16] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/168535656799/hey-sera-i-dont-know-if-someone-already-asked (posted 14/12/2017, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[17] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/630878648635899905/how-long-has-passed-in-between-end-of-book-2-and (posted 02/10/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[18] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/625443080774057984/if-book-two-is-in-spring-what-season-will-we-be-in (posted 03/08/2020, last accessed 30/05/2024)

[19] https://seraphinitegames.tumblr.com/post/689585471509151744/hi-first-ask-ive-ever-done-but-i-am-obsessed (posted 12/07/2022, last accessed 09/06/2024)

Special Thanks:

Special thanks to @/wayhavenguide (for their unofficial guides to Book 1 and Book 2, which I used to cite my quotes from Books 1 and 2 throughout this post) and to @/agentnatesewell (who taught me a trick to view the code of the Book 3 demo, which I used to cite quotes in Book 3 up to Chapter 6).

[beekeeperspicnic]

I've been looking at people's reactions to the demo, and contemplating how to deal with-

People not realising you can call Mycroft for help

People getting stuck during the opening Baker Street tutorial area.

As far as I can tell the best solution to this, as with most things, is to add more Mycroft.

Namely I think you should be able to call a younger version of him from Baker Street, introducing his existence and providing hints for what you're supposed to be doing in that portion of the game.

Basically more Mycroft = always better.

[usafphantom2]

B-2 Stealth Bomber Demoes QUICKSINK Low Cost Maritime Strike Capability During RIMPAC 2024

The U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit carried out a QUICKSINK demonstration during the second SINKEX (Sinking Exercise) of RIMPAC 2024. This marks the very first time a B-2 Spirit has been publicly reported to test this anti-ship capability.

David Cenciotti

B-2 QUICKSINK

File photo of a B-2 Spirit (Image credit: Howard German / The Aviationist)

RIMPAC 2024, the 29th in the series since 1971, sees the involvement of 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. During the drills, two long-planned live-fire sinking exercises (SINKEXs) led to the sinking of two decommissioned ships: USS Dubuque (LPD 8), sunk on July 11, 2024; and the USS Tarawa (LHA 1), sunk on July 19. Both were sunk in waters 15,000 feet deep, located over 50 nautical miles off the northern coast of Kauai, Hawaii.

SINKEXs are training exercises in which decommissioned naval vessels are used as targets. These exercises allow participating forces to practice and demonstrate their capabilities in live-fire scenarios providing a unique and realistic training environment that cannot be replicated through simulations or other training methods.

RIMPAC 2024’s SINKEXs allowed units from Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, South Korea, and various U.S. military branches, including the Air Force, Army, and Navy, to enhance their skills and tactics as well as validate targeting, and live firing capabilities against surface ships at sea. They also helped improve the ability of partner nations to plan, communicate, and execute complex maritime operations, including precision and long-range strikes.

LRASM

During the sinking of the ex-Tarawa, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet deployed a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). This advanced, stealthy cruise missile offers multi-service, multi-platform, and multi-mission capabilities for offensive anti-surface warfare and is currently deployed from U.S. Navy F/A-18 and U.S. Air Force B-1B aircraft.

The AGM-158C LRASM, based on the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER), is the new low-observable anti-ship cruise missile developed by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. NAVAIR describes the weapon as a defined near-term solution for the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) air-launch capability gap that will provide flexible, long-range, advanced, anti-surface capability against high-threat maritime targets.

QUICKSINK

Remarkably, in a collaborative effort with the U.S. Navy, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber also took part in the second SINKEX, demonstrating a low-cost, air-delivered method for neutralizing surface vessels using the QUICKSINK. Funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the QUICKSINK experiment aims to provide cost-effective solutions to quickly neutralize maritime threats over vast ocean areas, showcasing the flexibility of the joint force.

The Quicksink initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, is designed to offer innovative solutions for swiftly neutralizing stationary or moving maritime targets at a low cost, showcasing the adaptability of joint military operations for future combat scenarios. “Quicksink is distinctive as it brings new capabilities to both current and future Department of Defense weapon systems, offering combatant commanders and national leaders fresh methods to counter maritime threats,” explained Kirk Herzog, the program manager at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Traditionally, enemy ships are targeted using submarine-launched heavyweight torpedoes, which, while effective, come with high costs and limited deployment capabilities among naval assets. “Heavyweight torpedoes are efficient at sinking large ships but are expensive and deployed by a limited number of naval platforms,” stated Maj. Andrew Swanson, division chief of Advanced Programs at the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. “Quicksink provides a cost-effective and agile alternative that could be used by a majority of Air Force combat aircraft, thereby expanding the options available to combatant commanders and warfighters.”

Regarding weapon guidance, the QUICKSINK kit combines a GBU-31/B Joint Direct Attack Munition’s existing GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) guidance in the tail with a new radar seeker installed on the nose combined with an IIR (Imaging Infra-Red) camera mounted in a fairing on the side. When released, the bomb uses the standard JDAM kit to glide to the target area and the seeker/camera to lock on the ship. Once lock on is achieved, the guidance system directs the bomb to detonate near the hull below the waterline.

Previous QUICKSINK demonstrations in 2021 and 2022 featured F-15E Strike Eagles deploying modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 JDAMs. This marks the very first time a B-2 Spirit has been publicly reported to test this anti-ship capability. Considering a B-2 can carry up to 16 GBU-31 JDAMs, this highlights the significant anti-surface firepower a single stealth bomber can bring to a maritime conflict scenario.

Quicksink

F-15E Strike Eagle at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. with modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions as part of the second test in the QUICKSINK Joint Capability Technology Demonstration on April 28, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo / 1st Lt Lindsey Heflin)

SINKEXs

“Sinking exercises allow us to hone our skills, learn from one another, and gain real-world experience,” stated U.S. Navy Vice Adm. John Wade, the RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force Commander in a public statement. “These drills demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a safe and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Ships used in SINKEXs, known as hulks, are prepared in strict compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under a general permit the Navy holds pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Each SINKEX requires the hulk to sink in water at least 6,000 feet deep and more than 50 nautical miles from land.

In line with EPA guidelines, before a SINKEX, the Navy thoroughly cleans the hulk, removing all materials that could harm the marine environment, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum, trash, and other hazardous materials. The cleaning process is documented and reported to the EPA before and after the SINKEX.

Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803) fires a Harpoon missile during a long-planned live fire sinking exercise as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. (Royal Netherlands Navy photo by Cristian Schrik)

SINKEXs are conducted only after the area is surveyed to ensure no people, marine vessels, aircraft, or marine species are present. These exercises comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and are executed following permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

The ex-Dubuque, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock, was commissioned on September 1, 1967, and served in Vietnam, Operation Desert Shield, and other missions before being decommissioned in June 2011. The ex-Tarawa, the lead amphibious assault ship of its class, was commissioned on May 29, 1976, participated in numerous operations including Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom, and was decommissioned in March 2009.

This year marks the second time a Tarawa-class ship has been used for a SINKEX, following the sinking of the ex-USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) during RIMPAC 2006.

H/T Ryan Chan for the heads up!

About David Cenciotti

David Cenciotti is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviationist”, one of the world’s most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written five books and contributed to many more ones.

@TheAviationist.com

[mariacallous]

Some Fortune 500 companies have begun testing software that can spot a deepfake of a real person in a live video call, following a spate of scams involving fraudulent job seekers who take a signing bonus and run.

The detection technology comes courtesy of GetReal Labs, a new company founded by Hany Farid, a UC-Berkeley professor and renowned authority on deepfakes and image and video manipulation.

GetReal Labs has developed a suite of tools for spotting images, audio, and video that are generated or manipulated either with artificial intelligence or manual methods. The company’s software can analyze the face in a video call and spot clues that may indicate it has been artificially generated and swapped onto the body of a real person.

“These aren’t hypothetical attacks, we’ve been hearing about it more and more,” Farid says. “In some cases, it seems they're trying to get intellectual property, infiltrating the company. In other cases, it seems purely financial, they just take the signing bonus.”

The FBI issued a warning in 2022 about deepfake job hunters who assume a real person’s identity during video calls. UK-based design and engineering firm Arup lost $25 million to a deepfake scammer posing as the company’s CFO. Romance scammers have also adopted the technology, swindling unsuspecting victims out of their savings.

Impersonating a real person on a live video feed is just one example of the kind of reality-melting trickery now possible thanks to AI. Large language models can convincingly mimic a real person in online chat, while short videos can be generated by tools like OpenAI’s Sora. Impressive AI advances in recent years have made deepfakery more convincing and more accessible. Free software makes it easy to hone deepfakery skills, and easily accessible AI tools can turn text prompts into realistic-looking photographs and videos.

But impersonating a person in a live video is a relatively new frontier. Creating this type of a deepfake typically involves using a mix of machine learning and face-tracking algorithms to seamlessly stitch a fake face onto a real one, allowing an interloper to control what an illicit likeness appears to say and do on screen.

Farid gave WIRED a demo of GetReal Labs’ technology. When shown a photograph of a corporate boardroom, the software analyzes the metadata associated with the image for signs that it has been modified. Several major AI companies including OpenAI, Google, and Meta now add digital signatures to AI-generated images, providing a solid way to confirm their inauthenticity. However, not all tools provide such stamps, and open source image generators can be configured not to. Metadata can also be easily manipulated.

GetReal Labs also uses several AI models, trained to distinguish between real and fake images and video, to flag likely forgeries. Other tools, a mix of AI and traditional forensics, help a user scrutinize an image for visual and physical discrepancies, for example highlighting shadows that point in different directions despite having the same light source, or that do not appear to match the object that cast them.

Lines drawn on different objects shown in perspective will also reveal if they converge on a common vanishing point, as would be the case in a real image.

Other startups that promise to flag deepfakes rely heavily on AI, but Farid says manual forensic analysis will also be crucial to flagging media manipulation. “Anybody who tells you that the solution to this problem is to just train an AI model is either a fool or a liar,” he says.

The need for a reality check extends beyond Fortune 500 firms. Deepfakes and manipulated media are already a major problem in the world of politics, an area Farid hopes his company’s technology could do real good. The WIRED Elections Project is tracking deepfakes used to boost or trash political candidates in elections in India, Indonesia, South Africa, and elsewhere. In the United States, a fake Joe Biden robocall was deployed last January in an effort to dissuade people from turning out to vote in the New Hampshire Presidential primary. Election-related “cheapfake” videos, edited in misleading ways, have gone viral of late, while a Russian disinformation unit has promoted an AI-manipulated clip disparaging Joe Biden.

Vincent Conitzer, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and coauthor of the book Moral AI, expects AI fakery to become more pervasive and more pernicious. That means, he says, there will be growing demand for tools designed to counter them.

“It is an arms race,” Conitzer says. “Even if you have something that right now is very effective at catching deepfakes, there's no guarantee that it will be effective at catching the next generation. A successful detector might even be used to train the next generation of deepfakes to evade that detector.”

GetReal Labs agrees it will be a constant battle to keep up with deepfakery. Ted Schlein, a cofounder of GetReal Labs and a veteran of the computer security industry, says it may not be long before everyone is confronted with some form of deepfake deception, as cybercrooks become more conversant with the technology and dream up ingenious new scams. He adds that manipulated media is a top topic of concern for many chief security officers. “Disinformation is the new malware,” Schlein says.

With significant potential to poison political discourse, Farid notes that media manipulation can be considered a more challenging problem. “I can reset my computer or buy a new one,” he says. “But the poisoning of the human mind is an existential threat to our democracy.”

[famcare99]

Why Digital Case Management Is Essential for Modern Social Services

In today’s fast-paced world, social service organizations face mounting pressure to manage growing caseloads, maintain compliance, and deliver exceptional client support.

Digital case management systems have emerged as a vital tool to address these challenges, offering streamlined processes, improved data accessibility, and better client outcomes.

Here's why digital case management is essential for modern social services.

Streamlining Processes for Greater Efficiency

Traditional paper-based systems and outdated software often slow down workflows, creating bottlenecks and errors. Digital case management solutions automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling, reporting, and document management.

By streamlining these processes, social service agencies can free up valuable time and resources, allowing staff to focus on what matters most—helping clients.

Improved Data Accessibility and Collaboration

One of the greatest advantages of digital case management is centralized data storage. Caseworkers can access real-time information from any location, ensuring they always have the latest updates.

This enhanced accessibility fosters collaboration among team members, enabling them to work together seamlessly, even in remote settings. Moreover, agencies can track progress and outcomes more effectively, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and transparently.

Enhanced Client Support

When caseworkers have access to comprehensive client histories and up-to-date information, they are better equipped to provide personalized support. Digital case management systems allow for a 360-degree view of each client’s needs, preferences, and progress.

This ensures that no detail is overlooked, leading to improved client satisfaction and better long-term outcomes.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Social service agencies rely on data to identify trends, measure impact, and allocate resources effectively. Digital case management platforms provide powerful analytics tools that turn raw data into actionable insights.

By leveraging these insights, organizations can make informed decisions, optimize service delivery, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

Stay Ahead with FAMCare

FAMCare is the leading digital case management solution designed to empower social service professionals.

Its user-friendly interface, robust features, and customizable options make it an invaluable tool for agencies seeking to enhance efficiency and improve client outcomes. Ready to transform your agency with the power of digital case management? Contact FAMCare today to schedule a free demo and take the first step toward modernizing your social service operations!

[magtecbusinesssolutions]

🚀 Your Workflow Deserves an Upgrade! 🚀 Ready to take your business to the next level? 💼✨ Get our FREE ERP DEMO and see the results for yourself! 🌟

[procurement-insights]

What Are The Three Solution Provider Demo Categories

What are the three solution provider "demo categories?"

“There are companies that will give you a demo, and even let you ask questions and request specific actions during the said demo, Jon W. Hansen. Obviously not as many as one would like, however it is a sure sign of the readiness of the product proposed.” – Dr. Thierry Fausten, LinkedIn Comment Sept. 26, 2024 Dr. Thierry Fausten, the demos do not have to be perfect, but they do have to…

[coochiequeens]

Ladies in Europe please share with any women who have a new business or even just an idea for a business that works towards greater food substantially

By Antonio L. Escárzaga May 12, 2025

Editor’s Note: This post was created in collaboration with and with financial support from EIT Food.

In the agrifood sector, women are increasingly stepping into roles of leadership and innovation, driving the transformation toward a healthier, more sustainable food system. One key force behind this movement is the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme, led by EIT Food—Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Now in its sixth edition, EWA 2025 is officially open for applications. This six-month entrepreneurial programme is designed to support aspiring and early-stage female entrepreneurs across 13 countries: Albania, Estonia, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye, and Ukraine.

Whether you already run a young startup or are nurturing a powerful idea to solve challenges in the agrifood sector, EWA is here to help you turn that vision into a viable, impactful business.

What to Expect from EWA 2025

EWA offers an intensive six-month journey filled with mentorship, training, and real-world opportunities. Conducted in local languages and coordinated by in-country organisations with deep ties to the local agrifood ecosystems, the programme ensures relevance and accessibility for all participants.

Key features include:

Personalised Mentoring: More than 20 hours of expert one-on-one mentoring tailored to your business idea and growth needs.

Tailored Training: Sessions focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, and business acumen, including a dedicated Masterclass.

Community and Networking: Access to a network of like-minded peers, investors, and stakeholders across Europe.

Financial Support: A €1,000 stipend for participation costs (e.g., travel, childcare), plus final prizes of €5,000 and €10,000 per country for the top two projects.

Local and European Exposure: Each country hosts a Demo Day, where participants pitch their solutions to local stakeholders. Finalists may also be invited to a broader European event to showcase their achievements.

Who Should Apply?

EWA is open to women aged 18 and above from the 13 participating countries. Ideal applicants either:

Have an innovative business idea related to the agrifood sector, or

Have founded a business that is less than three years old.

No previous experience in running a business is required—just a passion for innovation and a commitment to building a sustainable future in agrifood.

Transforming Ideas into Impact: Success Stories

Over the years, EWA has helped hundreds of women launch and scale impactful agrifood ventures. Some standout examples include:

Greta Budreikė, Co-founder of Tastik, developed cricket-based breakfast cereals, offering a sustainable protein alternative. Her innovative approach gained significant attention and support through the EWA programme.

Yulia Logvinovska, Co-founder at LUCA, established a vertical farming initiative in Ukraine, providing fresh herbs and salads to urban populations. EWA’s mentorship and resources were instrumental in scaling her business.

Ekaterina Šprajc, founder of Edible Thread, created an edible thread for culinary use, eliminating the need for plastic ties. Her innovation earned her the top prize of €10,000 in her country.

How to apply?

To apply for the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) 2025 programme, please visit the general application page: EWA Applications 2025 

Applications are accepted in local languages. Please use the links below to apply for your specific country: 

Albania: Apply to EWA 2025 – Albania | F6S

Estonia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Estonia | F6S

Greece: Apply to EWA 2025 – Greece | F6S

Italy: Apply to EWA 2025 – Italy | F6S

North Macedonia: Apply to EWA 2025 – North Macedonia | F6S

Poland: Apply to EWA 2025 – Poland | F6S

Portugal: Apply to EWA 2025 – Portugal | F6S

Romania: Apply to EWA 2025 – Romania | F6S

Serbia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Serbia | F6S

Slovenia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Slovenia | F6S

Spain: Apply to EWA 2025 – Spain | F6S

Türkiye: Apply to EWA 2025 – Türkiye | F6S

Ukraine: Apply to EWA 2025 – Ukraine | F6S 

The application deadline is May 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your agrifood business idea into reality!

About EIT Food

EIT Food is the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. Backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, they work across the food value chain to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping changemakers with the skills, tools, and support they need to reshape our food future.

They are one of nine innovation communities established by the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT), an independent EU body set up in 2008 to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.

Learn more at EIT Food or follow EIT Food on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or additional information about the EWA 2025 programme, please

contact:

Alicja Krakowska – Project Manager – alicja.krakowska@eitfood.eu

Carolina Silva Marques – Regional Project Manager – carolina.silvamarques@eitfood.eu

[mohaiminul978]

Breakthrough SAAS Delivers High-Quality Buyer Traffic From YouTube for Just Pennies

Unlock Unlimited Leads with Targeted Buyer Traffic from YouTube Ads – A Level of Targeting You Won’t Find on Facebook!

What is TubeTarget? Video marketing was one of the biggest trends in 2019! YouTube continues to grow in viewership and engagement, even as interest in other social platforms declines. Marketers are keen to discover the next big thing beyond Facebook, and YouTube ads are proving to be just that.

This powerful SAAS provides Facebook-level targeting for your video advertisements. You can explore specific niches and precisely pinpoint the videos and channels your target audience is watching.

The Result: You reach the most targeted audience possible, ensuring they see your ad while actively seeking the product or service you offer.

Users can easily export the targeting options into a Google Ads-compatible CSV file, allowing them to have their ads running in just minutes.

The included training provides your customers with a clear roadmap to achieve the best returns from their ad campaigns.

SAAS + Training: The Perfect Combination for Your Eager Customers

Discover the exact videos your niche audience is watching.

Identify the specific channels that your target market follows.

Create your personalized targeting catalog and export it in a Google Ads-compatible CSV file.

Benefit from detailed training on how to become a winner with video ads.

A Solution the Market Is Searching For

Facebook advertising costs are soaring due to increased competition for bids, and the active audience is dwindling. Many users have grown weary of the political content and opinionated posts, resulting in a significant drop in time spent on the platform. Facebook has shifted from a space for personal sharing to one dominated by political discourse.

In contrast, YouTube is experiencing impressive growth, with more people watching than ever before, and audiences are spending increased amounts of time on the platform.

YouTube ads are now a legitimate and powerful alternative to Facebook ads. This product simplifies the process for users to start using YouTube ads and profit from them.

Full features without compromise – powerful capabilities included.

Maintained and supported by a professional company.

Offers precise targeting to help you dominate your niche effectively.

The included training makes it accessible for even beginners to get started with YouTube ads.

The Most Powerful YouTube Ads Targeting System Ever Created

Better targeting than Facebook: Connect with your audience when they’re actively searching for your products.

Still underutilized, offering ample opportunities for growth and sales.

Locate thousands of targeted videos in any niche and easily export them for immediate targeting.

Identify hundreds of popular, high-authority channels in your niche for instant targeting.

Enjoy cheaper clicks and a larger audience than any other social media platform.

Comprehensive YouTube ads training makes starting easy, even for those with zero skills.

Continuously develop campaigns centered around specific niches or keywords, and quickly create export files ready for Google Ads.

High-Quality Product + Training Available in One Package [Click to Watch the Demo]

Why Partner with TubeTarget?

Trustworthy since 2013

Over $3.5 million in sales

60 successful product launches

More than 120,000 satisfied customers

A perfect record of sales and services

A Proven Track Record of Prosperous, Well-Received, and Well-Maintained Products

[bizzbuzzcreations]

Identifying Your Target Audience in the BPO Industry

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is when companies hire external providers to take care of certain tasks, such as customer service, data entry, and finance-related work. This allows businesses to focus on what they do best, while saving money and benefiting from experts who specialize in these areas.

Countries like the Philippines and India are known for their strong BPO industries because they offer high-quality services at lower prices. Depending on the business's needs, BPO providers offer different types of services. 

For example, a company in the Philippines may focus on customer support, while an Indian BPO might handle data processing or software development.

In short, BPO helps businesses grow, keep their customers happy, and save money by outsourcing tasks to the right experts.

What is Sales?

Sales is simply the act of selling products or services in exchange for money. It's a crucial part of any business because it helps generate income and supports growth. When it comes to BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) services, sales is about convincing companies to hire an outsourcing firm for tasks like customer service, data entry, finance solutions, and more.

In BPO, sales teams need to understand what services they offer, what their potential clients need, and how outsourcing can help. A good sales approach means knowing how to connect with clients, explaining how outsourcing can solve their problems, and showing the real benefits, like saving money and improving customer satisfaction.

Successful BPO sales often involve crafting personalized pitches that speak directly to a client’s challenges and showing how outsourcing can make a difference. The goal is to offer solutions that not only meet the client's needs but also bring measurable improvements.

Category Audience Segment: 

A critical element of any sales strategy is identifying the stage of readiness at which your target audience is currently at in the buying process. This segmentation can help you craft tailored messages and approaches that align with their level of interest. The audience is typically segmented into three categories: cold, warm, and hot.

Cold Audience: A cold audience refers to individuals or companies that have little to no prior knowledge of your business, products, or services. They are not yet engaged and may not be aware of the need for the solutions you offer. For example, a Philippines BPO company reaching out to a cold audience may need to start by educating potential clients on the value of outsourcing customer service to the Philippines, highlighting the advantages of lower labor costs, access to skilled workers, and cultural compatibility.

Warm Audience: A warm audience has shown some level of interest in your BPO services, either by visiting your website, engaging with your social media posts, or requesting more information. They may have a problem that your services can solve, but they are still evaluating their options. For example, a company looking for data entry services might have shown initial interest by asking for a demo or pricing information. Engaging this audience effectively requires personalized follow-up communication, showcasing how your solutions are better suited to their specific needs compared to other competitors.

Hot Audience: A hot audience is a highly engaged group, actively considering your services and on the verge of making a purchase decision. They may have already contacted you, requested proposals, or signed up for a trial. In this case, your goal is to close the deal by providing additional value, addressing any remaining concerns, and making the process of purchasing your services as easy as possible. For instance, an organization looking for finance BPO solutions may be in the final stages of selecting a vendor, so it's crucial to differentiate your services with case studies, testimonials, and clear pricing structures.

Reach Out to Target Audience

Once you've identified your target audience and segmented them into cold, warm, or hot categories, it’s time to reach out effectively. The way you approach each segment will differ. For a cold audience, educational content and awareness campaigns may be the most effective approach. You could use blogs, social media posts, whitepapers, or email newsletters to educate prospects on the benefits of outsourcing, including services like customer service outsourcing

For warm prospects, follow-up emails, personalized demos, or even phone calls can be more effective in keeping them engaged. Offering case studies of companies that have successfully benefited from your BPO services, such as a US-based outsourcing firm helping clients streamline operations, can help nudge them closer to a decision.

For hot prospects, your outreach should be direct and focused on facilitating a smooth transition to becoming a client. Offer personalized consultations, contract negotiation assistance, and an easy onboarding process to convert them into paying customers.

Define and Pinpoint Your Target

To effectively target and pinpoint your audience, start by clearly defining the buyer persona. A buyer persona is a detailed representation of your ideal customer, including demographic information, pain points, and specific needs. In the case of a BPO company, your buyer persona could include large corporations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or startups looking to outsource processes such as finance management.

Understanding the specific pain points of your target audience is crucial. For example, a company in the retail industry may need customer support outsourcing to manage high volumes of customer queries during peak seasons. 

In conclusion, pinpointing your target audience is critical to successfully selling BPO services. By defining your target, segmenting the audience into cold, warm, or hot categories, and using the right outreach strategies, you can effectively engage prospects, increase conversions, and drive business growth. Whether you're offering outsourced customer service, data entry services, or finance solutions, understanding your audience is key to delivering value and fostering long-term business relationships.

[if-confessions]

Sometimes it’s difficult for me to leave feedback as a beta tester or early access reader because I can’t always tell if something isn’t good or if I just don’t like it/it isn’t for me.

I had early access to a demo via Patreon recently and the author asked for feedback and outside of typos and errors like that, I don’t know how to say “this didn’t work for me” or “perhaps it would be better if you moved this here/scrapped that/built on this” etc, because really who am I and why should what I like or don’t like or think would be better matter? For me, it has always just felt somewhat egotistical sending authors non glowing feedback based on what I think they should be doing instead.

But if we say we want feedback outside of typos/errors, it is because we want to know what else works/doesn't work for readers. Maybe it is the pace that is off, or a choice that feels out of character, or the vibe/atmosphere between scenes being too start, or contradictions between parts, or issues with how the story is developing... If those are not raised, we won't be able to fix it.

So it is important to avoid sending glowing feedback if you do have an issue with something... as long as the comment is constructive:

Explain why some parts made you feel a certain way, pointing at specific examples. The Why and the I (I feel, I think...) here is important.

I feel like this passage is out of place, because we went from this location to this next one, but now we are in this third location before going back to this second location. But there wasn't any clear link between the second and third location. I am not sure how we got there or why we are there.

Provide potential solutions to the issue.

I think this passage might work best if moved to this part of the story, or if the reason for us to be in this third location was explained better. Maybe a change in the colour of the UI could help?

Still provide positive comments

I liked how you described this action in the passage, it was very vivid... etc...

Feedback sessions are a great way for us authors to understand what readers think of our project, and it doesn't mean that we will accept all points sent in the feedback or change everything that was raised. But it helps us think about those points, and potentially include them in future parts of the game/other games..

Feedback matters to us.

[This also applies to reviews, btw. Constructive criticism.]