Example of a persuasive memo
Pictures of things that look like other things.
2009.08.30 06:52 PlasmaWhore Pictures of things that look like other things.
Pictures of things that are recognizable as other objects. For example, a picture of a cloud that happens to look like a whale sword fighting a leprechaun.
2011.06.01 19:45 MackieDrew YouTubers - A place for YouTube Creators
A community for established YouTube creators.
2017.04.07 16:54 kirbizia send u/kirbizia bubsy 1
Bonehurtingjuice memes are memes that are out of context and misuse the template completely. Imagine you're a 10 year old kid who just discovered the internet a week ago and your only exposure is iFunny. It's like that. Here's the original for example! (https://www.reddit.com/bonehurtingjuice/comments/640w0f/the_original/) đ§ ------ READ THE HISTORY ( https://irony.wiki/wiki/BoneHurtingJuice) ------- https://discord.gg/4avADksSYU DISCORD SERVER
2024.05.15 09:30 Euain_son_of_ Ellis v. Corvallis Update 2
TL;DR: Remember when the City said that Ellis had violated the Charter by "attempting to discuss directly with the City Manager the matter of specific appointment to City employment."? They're now saying they didn't say that.
As many are aware, the City Manager, abetted by a weak City Council and an incompetent former City Attorney have been pursuing the removal of Charlyn Ellis from the City Council. Here's an earlier update from the case. There are more from the G-T.
Most recently, the City submitted a response in opposition to the Ellis' motion for summary judgement. You might wonder, "If the City can file a motion in opposition, can Ellis likewise submit an opposition to their motion for summary judgement, separate from her own motion for summary judgement? Could she submit a response in opposition to the City's response in opposition to her motion for summary judgement."
I would respond by saying, "How the hell should I know? I'm not some expert lawyer man. I'm just some guy--and also probably the number one customer of Block 15's in-store IPA sales, which is not a qualification for this exercise."
With that said, here are some totally non-expert and questionably sober thoughts on the response in opposition from the City, which you can find here.
The first argument focuses on standing. On its face, this is much less interesting for lay people like us, because it doesn't get to the core of the political power struggle that is affecting the governance of our town. I figured these details were trivial when I read through it a week ago. But when I read through this a second time, I realized that the City was walking back a pretty significant part of its beef. For example, our $1,000 per hour attorneys write that,
"What the fuck is the specific appointments clause" you ask? The City has previously made the argument that there are actually multiple separate clauses to Section 23(f), and that to violate any one clause is to violate the charter. That is, they should not be read as being interdependent:
Were those concerns related to the Specific Appointments Clause or the Influence or Coercion Clause? And when they say that "Each of the undersigned observed in person or through video recordings, the respective meetings and concluded that the video recordings were substantial evidence sufficient to place this matter on the agenda for the attention of the City Council for consideration" did they foresee that their new attorneys, replacing the demonstrably incompetent Jim Brewer, would decide that Ellis hadn't violated the Specific Appointments Clause at all?
Why is this relevant? Because the City is now arguing that, because they aren't actually alleging a violation of the Specific Appointments Clause--never mind that's exactly what they did, and what the Council would honestly still admit they thought they were doing since they're totally asleep at the wheel while the City Manager drives this process (remember that he's the only one whose even allowed to talk to the new City attorney)--Ellis doesn't have standing to have the whole of 23(f) thrown out. Just the part she is accused of violating. It makes this standing argument start to read like the City attempting to save a portion of 23(f) from judicial scrutiny by claiming it's not ripe for litigation, even though they were very clearly poised to wield that clause as a cudgel to have Ellis ousted from the Council. If putting it in a charging memo and having other Councilors pressure you to resign on the basis of that memo before you hold a kangaroo court hearing to kick out an elected official wouldn't make it ripe for litigation from a judicial standpoint, I think any layperson can see the implications here: Mark Shepard will use this clause as a political weapon again.
Beyond that, there seems to be a bunch of nonsense arguing about categories of speech suppression. The whole thing concludes with this statement:
Only time will tell. Kind of feels like the City is positioning to limit the damage here, but, again, I'm just some guy, so I might be full of shit. Either way, this latest motion definitely cost us all a lot of money.
submitted by Euain_son_of_ to corvallis [link] [comments]
As many are aware, the City Manager, abetted by a weak City Council and an incompetent former City Attorney have been pursuing the removal of Charlyn Ellis from the City Council. Here's an earlier update from the case. There are more from the G-T.
Most recently, the City submitted a response in opposition to the Ellis' motion for summary judgement. You might wonder, "If the City can file a motion in opposition, can Ellis likewise submit an opposition to their motion for summary judgement, separate from her own motion for summary judgement? Could she submit a response in opposition to the City's response in opposition to her motion for summary judgement."
I would respond by saying, "How the hell should I know? I'm not some expert lawyer man. I'm just some guy--and also probably the number one customer of Block 15's in-store IPA sales, which is not a qualification for this exercise."
With that said, here are some totally non-expert and questionably sober thoughts on the response in opposition from the City, which you can find here.
The first argument focuses on standing. On its face, this is much less interesting for lay people like us, because it doesn't get to the core of the political power struggle that is affecting the governance of our town. I figured these details were trivial when I read through it a week ago. But when I read through this a second time, I realized that the City was walking back a pretty significant part of its beef. For example, our $1,000 per hour attorneys write that,
Here, Councilor Ellis has not demonstrated a credible threat of prosecution of any provision of Section 23(f)âother than the Influence or Coercion Clauseâat the time her legal counsel filed this lawsuit on January 22, 2024, after 9 pm. The Cityâs Due Process Hearing Memorandumâfiled before noon earlier that same day (see Shepherd Decl at œœ 2-3)âmade this abundantly clear. And, as described above, the City does not contend that Councilor Ellis violated either of the remaining provisions of Section 23(f) (or, in Councilor Ellisâs alternative grammatical framework, subsection ii). The City specifically elected not to proceed under the Specific Appointments Clause because, consistent with its other allegations, the City does not view Councilor Ellisâ conduct as âdiscussingââor attempting to âdiscussââanything with the City Manager.So, there's a lot to unpack here. They're saying that at the time her complaint was made, specifically at 9 PM, the City's due process hearing memo which was edited at 12 PM that same day didn't say that Ellis violated the Specific Appointments Clause.
"What the fuck is the specific appointments clause" you ask? The City has previously made the argument that there are actually multiple separate clauses to Section 23(f), and that to violate any one clause is to violate the charter. That is, they should not be read as being interdependent:
As relevant to these proceedings, Section 23(f) applies to City Councilors and reads as follows. For convenience, we have separated the independent clauses in the correct grammatical form: (f) Interference in administration and elections. Neither the Mayor nor any member of the Council shall [i] in any manner, directly or indirectly, by suggestion or otherwise, attempt to influence or coerce the Manager in the making of any appointment or removal of any officer or employee or in the purchase of supplies; or . . . . 1 [iii] discuss, directly or indirectly, with the Manager the matter of specific appointments to any City office or employment. A violation of the foregoing provisions of this section shall forfeit the office of the offender. Nothing in this section shall be construed, however, as prohibiting the Council, while in open session, from discussing with or suggesting to the Manager, fully and freely, anything pertaining to the City affairs or the interests of the City.I realized it seemed weird to read that the City did not believe Ellis violated the Specific Appointments Clause because that's how the complaint about Ellis' actions was originally framed. From the GT
"By adding a level of specificity that you want the city manager to appoint a particular officer or employee, I think thatâs exactly what the charter says you canât do," Brewer said at the meeting.Then there's the unsigned due process hearing letter dated December 6th, which states (my emphasis):
"WHEREAS the actions of Councilor Ellis at the City of Corvallis City Council meeting were a direct attempt to influence the City Manager in the appointment of an employee and an attempt to discuss directly with the City Manager the matter of specific appointment to City employment."It sure makes it seem like the City did accuse Ellis of violating that clause because that's how they understood her actions to be a violation of the charter. Odd that now that apparently wasn't the case. It makes me wonder just what the hell the Mayor, City Council President (Yee), Vice President (Lytle), City Manager, and City Attorney thought they were putting their names to on December 5th when they signed a document stating that they "received concerns from Corvallis City staff, City Manager, City Councilor, and community members about the conduct of Councilor Ellis during a September 12, 2023 Corvallis Climate Action Board [sic] and during a September 18, 2023 City Council Meeting." Maybe an actual journalist could ask them that question.
Were those concerns related to the Specific Appointments Clause or the Influence or Coercion Clause? And when they say that "Each of the undersigned observed in person or through video recordings, the respective meetings and concluded that the video recordings were substantial evidence sufficient to place this matter on the agenda for the attention of the City Council for consideration" did they foresee that their new attorneys, replacing the demonstrably incompetent Jim Brewer, would decide that Ellis hadn't violated the Specific Appointments Clause at all?
Why is this relevant? Because the City is now arguing that, because they aren't actually alleging a violation of the Specific Appointments Clause--never mind that's exactly what they did, and what the Council would honestly still admit they thought they were doing since they're totally asleep at the wheel while the City Manager drives this process (remember that he's the only one whose even allowed to talk to the new City attorney)--Ellis doesn't have standing to have the whole of 23(f) thrown out. Just the part she is accused of violating. It makes this standing argument start to read like the City attempting to save a portion of 23(f) from judicial scrutiny by claiming it's not ripe for litigation, even though they were very clearly poised to wield that clause as a cudgel to have Ellis ousted from the Council. If putting it in a charging memo and having other Councilors pressure you to resign on the basis of that memo before you hold a kangaroo court hearing to kick out an elected official wouldn't make it ripe for litigation from a judicial standpoint, I think any layperson can see the implications here: Mark Shepard will use this clause as a political weapon again.
Beyond that, there seems to be a bunch of nonsense arguing about categories of speech suppression. The whole thing concludes with this statement:
"As described in the Cityâs Motion, if a Council member does not intend to âinfluence or coerceâ the City Manager, then they have not violated the Influence or Coercion Clause. (Def.âs Mot. for Summ. J. (Dkt. 10) at 21.) And she fails to acknowledge another important purpose of the Influence or Coercion Clause: effectuating and maintaining the separation of powers between the City Manager and the City Council."So, obviously, Ellis has contended that she didn't intend to violate the motion, which at the time didn't seem like a worthy defense, since the City was not alleging that the only "clause" of 23(f) that was violated required intent. And then the last sentence is just presented as an afterthought, when, in fact, that's the core issue of importance to this case: is the City Manager an all-powerful dictator whose behavior can be controlled only through the threat or actual enactment of his termination, imposing significant costs on the City, or can he be specifically directed to enact the Council's political agenda? Are Councilors able to speak freely about his operational decisions if they don't feel those comport with the policies they've adopted? Why do our new City attorneys spend so few words in support of this position that Mark and Jim have supported so emphatically?
Only time will tell. Kind of feels like the City is positioning to limit the damage here, but, again, I'm just some guy, so I might be full of shit. Either way, this latest motion definitely cost us all a lot of money.
2024.05.15 05:45 b3njil Reporting bad faith trademark registrations and the Burden on the Public
TL;DR: USPTO wants the public to report fraudulent trademark applications but charges them $50 to do so.
It is a known fact that, for some years now, there has been a rise in bad faith trademark registrations originating from China(1). Through a subsidy scheme, individuals and companies in China are able to get a payout for successful trademark registrations in foreign countries, including the United States. This payout amount exceeds the trademark registration fee (2). For example, a person can register a trademark in the US for $250. Upon successful registration, the person can then apply for the subsidy and get a payout of RMB 5,000 (approx. $700). It's easy to see how this is an appealing and easy way to make money. The registrant, in this case, has zero intent to use the mark in commerce. Most of these fraudulent registrations are canceled when Sec. 8 declarations of continued use are failed to be filed.
To combat the rise in these bad faith registrations, the USPTO has implemented various policies and measures in recent years. In 2018, it initiated a pilot program enabling the public to report fraudulent specimens via a dedicated email address monitored by the USPTO. This pilot program effectively allowed brand owners to identify problematic specimens, leading to refusal of the trademark application, all without the time and expense of a formal opposition process. However, the USPTO discontinued the pilot program on February 16, 2021.
In lieu of the pilot program, trademark owners can now report fraudulent specimens by submitting a Letter of Protest (LOP) to the USPTO, incurring a $50 filing fee. Despite this fee, filing a LOP remains a cost-effective method for brand owners to address fraudulent specimens without resorting to a formal notice of opposition, which carries a $600 filing fee.
I came to learn about this whole fraudulent registration scheme after I started my own application process for a trademark for my brand. Let's call this brand MYBRAND. As I did a search on the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system, I found that MYBRAND was already registered in the same class of goods that I was intending to apply for. The TDSR showed that the registrant was an individual in China. The application was submitted late last year and hasn't been assigned to an examining attorney yet.
By looking at the specimen of use in the application, I was able to find the website where the purported specimen is in use in commerce. Without going into too many details, this website is evidently being used to facilitate fraudulent registrations from China. A search of the website will yield various identical items, albeit photographed with very subtle differences, with different marks that have been applied for registration with the USPTO.
In the case of MYBRAND, I found 3 other registrations with pending applications with the USPTO that used the same item. Each registration originated in China from different registrants. I've found that another common characteristic of these registrations is that they all form non-sensical words with jumbled characters e.g. FOAJTNA, EAODJT, AJEHFJK, etc. (note: these are not the actual marks). Somehow, they chose a word that unfortunately (for them) coincides with MYBRAND.
To make a long story short, I was able to submit a Letter of Protest that was accepted by the USPTO after a second try due to my first submission containing some mistakes. For these two letters of protest, I had to pay a total of $100. The letter of protest submission has some strict guidelines which I only became aware of after the refusal of the first submission. When I go to the TDSR, the application page for the fraudulent mark now shows a new document entitled "LOP Memo to the EA" which includes the evidence that I submitted. In the submitted evidence, I was sure to include the links to the other fraudulent registrations that used the same website and specimen in their applications. However, looking at the other applications for the other marks, there is no LOP memo to EA.
Therefore, the other fraudulent applications will be permitted to go through successfully unless there is a Letter of Protest submitted for each one. Having already spent $100 to file a LOP for MYBRAND, I do not find it a viable option to file LOPs for the other fake brands even more so as I am not affected directly.
As far as I know, the Letter of Protest is the only way to inform the USPTO of fake registrations. I suspect that they are already understaffed and would be over-burdened if there was a need to investigate every claim of fake registration if reporting was to be made free. But by requiring a fee for the LOP, they have transferred the burden to the public.
In conclusion, the USPTO needs to open some other lines of communication for the public to report fraud without incurring significant financial burden if they are serious about combating these bad faith registrations.
submitted by b3njil to TRADEMARK [link] [comments]
It is a known fact that, for some years now, there has been a rise in bad faith trademark registrations originating from China(1). Through a subsidy scheme, individuals and companies in China are able to get a payout for successful trademark registrations in foreign countries, including the United States. This payout amount exceeds the trademark registration fee (2). For example, a person can register a trademark in the US for $250. Upon successful registration, the person can then apply for the subsidy and get a payout of RMB 5,000 (approx. $700). It's easy to see how this is an appealing and easy way to make money. The registrant, in this case, has zero intent to use the mark in commerce. Most of these fraudulent registrations are canceled when Sec. 8 declarations of continued use are failed to be filed.
To combat the rise in these bad faith registrations, the USPTO has implemented various policies and measures in recent years. In 2018, it initiated a pilot program enabling the public to report fraudulent specimens via a dedicated email address monitored by the USPTO. This pilot program effectively allowed brand owners to identify problematic specimens, leading to refusal of the trademark application, all without the time and expense of a formal opposition process. However, the USPTO discontinued the pilot program on February 16, 2021.
In lieu of the pilot program, trademark owners can now report fraudulent specimens by submitting a Letter of Protest (LOP) to the USPTO, incurring a $50 filing fee. Despite this fee, filing a LOP remains a cost-effective method for brand owners to address fraudulent specimens without resorting to a formal notice of opposition, which carries a $600 filing fee.
I came to learn about this whole fraudulent registration scheme after I started my own application process for a trademark for my brand. Let's call this brand MYBRAND. As I did a search on the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system, I found that MYBRAND was already registered in the same class of goods that I was intending to apply for. The TDSR showed that the registrant was an individual in China. The application was submitted late last year and hasn't been assigned to an examining attorney yet.
By looking at the specimen of use in the application, I was able to find the website where the purported specimen is in use in commerce. Without going into too many details, this website is evidently being used to facilitate fraudulent registrations from China. A search of the website will yield various identical items, albeit photographed with very subtle differences, with different marks that have been applied for registration with the USPTO.
In the case of MYBRAND, I found 3 other registrations with pending applications with the USPTO that used the same item. Each registration originated in China from different registrants. I've found that another common characteristic of these registrations is that they all form non-sensical words with jumbled characters e.g. FOAJTNA, EAODJT, AJEHFJK, etc. (note: these are not the actual marks). Somehow, they chose a word that unfortunately (for them) coincides with MYBRAND.
To make a long story short, I was able to submit a Letter of Protest that was accepted by the USPTO after a second try due to my first submission containing some mistakes. For these two letters of protest, I had to pay a total of $100. The letter of protest submission has some strict guidelines which I only became aware of after the refusal of the first submission. When I go to the TDSR, the application page for the fraudulent mark now shows a new document entitled "LOP Memo to the EA" which includes the evidence that I submitted. In the submitted evidence, I was sure to include the links to the other fraudulent registrations that used the same website and specimen in their applications. However, looking at the other applications for the other marks, there is no LOP memo to EA.
Therefore, the other fraudulent applications will be permitted to go through successfully unless there is a Letter of Protest submitted for each one. Having already spent $100 to file a LOP for MYBRAND, I do not find it a viable option to file LOPs for the other fake brands even more so as I am not affected directly.
As far as I know, the Letter of Protest is the only way to inform the USPTO of fake registrations. I suspect that they are already understaffed and would be over-burdened if there was a need to investigate every claim of fake registration if reporting was to be made free. But by requiring a fee for the LOP, they have transferred the burden to the public.
In conclusion, the USPTO needs to open some other lines of communication for the public to report fraud without incurring significant financial burden if they are serious about combating these bad faith registrations.
- USPTO: Trademark Public Advisory Committee Meeting, 02/09/18, Page 35: "We have an influx of Chinese applications, we're having some specimen issues, we've got counterfeiting issues, we have bad faith filing issues. So let's just talk first about the influx of Chinese filings. It appears that there are subsidies being given by one or more provincial governments and those are one of the reasons for the influx." - USPTO Commissioner Mary Boney Denison https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/TPAC_Transcript_20180209.pdf
- USPTO Report: Trademarks and Patents in China, January 2021, Page 3-4: "The first of these non-market factors is subsidies. China has reportedly adopted more than 70 subnational trademark subsidy measures, including measures for domestic and foreign applications and registrations.11 Because the amount of these subsidies often exceeds the cost of registering a trademark, a rational economic actor in China may choose to pursue a trademark application without any intention to use the mark in commerce. [...] The particulars of the Shenzhen situation are instructive. In 2013, Shenzhen issued operating procedures that allowed applicants to seek a subsidy of RMB 5,000 (approximately $750) for trademark registrations in eligible foreign countries, including the United States.12 After the USPTO lowered the fee for its lowest-cost, fully electronic applications to $225 in 2015, the cost to file at the USPTO was substantially lower than the amount of the subsidy." https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USPTO-TrademarkPatentsInChina.pdf
2024.05.15 01:21 Tibryn2 The dreaded diary...
Me (35M) and my wife (35F) are at odds over an issue involving a diary. Our 11 year old daughter left her diary in a shared yard allegedly opened to a page that was slandering the neighbors children, full of nasty curse words and well, you can imagine.
So I get a text at work.. from the parents of the children who were slandered. I call my wife who is at home to tell her what happened and her very first response was "why did they read it?"... I answered "It's very concerning to me that that is your first reaction and not that our daughter is using her diary as a tool to bully other kids."
So we're off to the races. I can't transcribe the full conversation point for point but some things were said that I whole heartedly disagree with and I'm looking for insight.
"She can write whatever she wants in her diary" ...
I wholeheartedly disagree with this. I think in a perfect world 11 year old girls could expect their privacy to be respected but this is not a perfect world and when a girl keeps a diary it is an irresistible beacon to people ((especially when said girl flaunts her diary as if to scream to the world "Nya Nya look at me I have secrets!")) ... I see no reason she should be immune from the consequences of her words when they are exposed as hurtful, mean, spiteful, etc.
I also take issue with the diary becoming a "loophole" around our expectations of respect and demeanor. If she's not allowed to say swears for example, she should not be allowed to write them, weather that was intended to be in private or not. The rule is "no swearing." Not "no swearing in front of me." Otherwise that follows the logic of "commit whatever crimes you want, just don't get caught."
In the real world , words have consequences... if you write an anonymous memo slandering your employer, but then it comes out that it was you, you're probably getting fired. "It was supposed to be private." Is not going to cut it.
My wife wants to ignore it and blame the neighbors kid for reading a diary. I'm of the mind set that our daughter should face the same reprocutions as if she had said those things aloud.
submitted by Tibryn2 to Parenting [link] [comments]
So I get a text at work.. from the parents of the children who were slandered. I call my wife who is at home to tell her what happened and her very first response was "why did they read it?"... I answered "It's very concerning to me that that is your first reaction and not that our daughter is using her diary as a tool to bully other kids."
So we're off to the races. I can't transcribe the full conversation point for point but some things were said that I whole heartedly disagree with and I'm looking for insight.
"She can write whatever she wants in her diary" ...
I wholeheartedly disagree with this. I think in a perfect world 11 year old girls could expect their privacy to be respected but this is not a perfect world and when a girl keeps a diary it is an irresistible beacon to people ((especially when said girl flaunts her diary as if to scream to the world "Nya Nya look at me I have secrets!")) ... I see no reason she should be immune from the consequences of her words when they are exposed as hurtful, mean, spiteful, etc.
I also take issue with the diary becoming a "loophole" around our expectations of respect and demeanor. If she's not allowed to say swears for example, she should not be allowed to write them, weather that was intended to be in private or not. The rule is "no swearing." Not "no swearing in front of me." Otherwise that follows the logic of "commit whatever crimes you want, just don't get caught."
In the real world , words have consequences... if you write an anonymous memo slandering your employer, but then it comes out that it was you, you're probably getting fired. "It was supposed to be private." Is not going to cut it.
My wife wants to ignore it and blame the neighbors kid for reading a diary. I'm of the mind set that our daughter should face the same reprocutions as if she had said those things aloud.
2024.05.15 00:40 businessnewstv How to Market Your Vending Machine Business to Attract More Locations
Understanding the importance of marketing for your vending machine business
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business, and the vending machine industry is no exception. Understanding the importance of marketing for your vending machine business is essential to attract more locations. Effective marketing strategies help create awareness about your business and its offerings, build credibility, and ultimately drive more customers to your vending machines. By implementing a well-planned marketing strategy, you can differentiate your business from competitors, establish a strong brand presence, and increase your chances of securing profitable locations. Investing time and resources into marketing efforts can yield significant returns for your vending machine business in terms of increased sales and long-term growth.Identifying your target audience and their needs
Identifying your target audience and their needs is a crucial step in effectively marketing your vending machine business. By understanding who your potential customers are and what they are looking for, you can tailor your advertising strategies to attract their attention. For example, if you are targeting individuals interested in starting a saree business, you can highlight the benefits of vending machines for saree retailers. Additionally, you can emphasize the convenience and cost-effectiveness of using vending machines as a way to advertise their products. By addressing the specific needs and interests of your target audience, you can create compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with them and attract more locations for your vending machine business.Setting clear marketing goals and objectives
Setting clear marketing goals and objectives is essential for boosting profits for startups. By defining specific targets and outlining a strategic plan, vending machine businesses can effectively attract more locations and increase their revenue. To achieve this, it is crucial to identify the target audience, understand their needs and preferences, and develop tailored marketing strategies that highlight the unique selling points of the business. Additionally, conducting market research and competitor analysis can provide valuable insights for positioning the vending machine business in the market and gaining a competitive edge. By setting clear marketing goals and objectives, vending machine businesses can optimize their marketing efforts and attract more customers, ultimately leading to increased profits and business growth.Researching the Market
Analyzing the current vending machine market
Analyzing the current vending machine market is crucial for any business looking to expand its operations. By examining the trends and demands in the industry, businesses can gain valuable insights into the buying behavior of customers. This information can help businesses make informed decisions on where to invest and which locations to target. Understanding the current market also allows businesses to identify potential opportunities for growth and stay ahead of the competition. When it comes to attracting more locations, having a deep understanding of the current vending machine market is key.Identifying trends and opportunities
In order to effectively market your vending machine business and attract more locations, it is crucial to identify trends and opportunities in the industry. By staying informed about the latest advancements and consumer preferences, you can position your business to meet the changing demands of the market. Conduct market research to understand the current trends in vending machine products and services, and identify any untapped opportunities that can give your business a competitive edge. Additionally, keep an eye on emerging technologies and innovative vending machine solutions that can enhance the customer experience and drive more foot traffic to your locations. By proactively identifying trends and opportunities, you can develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience and attract more locations to partner with your business.Researching competitor strategies
Researching competitor strategies is a crucial step in developing a successful marketing plan for your vending machine business. By studying what your competitors are doing, you can gain valuable insights into the market and identify areas where you can differentiate yourself. One effective strategy that has proven to be successful for many businesses, including nail businesses, is email marketing. Email marketing allows you to directly reach out to potential customers and promote your products or services. By implementing effective email marketing strategies for your nail business, you can attract more customers and increase your sales. Here are some highlights of email marketing strategies for nail businesses that can help you stand out from the competition:Developing a Marketing Strategy
Defining your unique selling proposition
Defining your unique selling proposition is crucial in the competitive vending machine industry. It is important to clearly communicate the value your business offers to potential customers. One way to differentiate yourself is by providing convenient credit card payment solutions. This allows tailors and other customers to easily make purchases without the need for cash. By offering this service, you can attract more locations and increase customer satisfaction. Implementing credit card payment solutions for tailors will not only streamline the purchasing process but also position your vending machine business as a modern and customer-focused option in the market.Creating a compelling brand identity
Creating a compelling brand identity is crucial for any business looking to attract more customers and stand out from the competition. In the vending machine industry, where competition is fierce, it becomes even more important to establish a strong and memorable brand. A well-crafted brand identity not only communicates the values and personality of your business but also helps build trust and credibility with potential locations. One key aspect of creating a compelling brand identity is through effective marketing strategies. By incorporating elements such as auto repair shop website design, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly online presence that showcases your unique offerings and attracts more potential locations. A well-designed website can serve as a powerful tool to communicate your brand's message, highlight your key features, and provide valuable information to potential customers. With the right combination of design, content, and functionality, your auto repair shop website can become a magnet for attracting more locations.Choosing the right marketing channels
When it comes to choosing the right marketing channels for your vending machine business, it is important to consider your target audience and the most effective ways to reach them. One effective marketing channel to consider is starting a sewing and embroidery business blog. By creating informative and engaging content related to sewing and embroidery, you can attract a niche audience that is interested in these topics. Additionally, you can highlight your vending machine business within the blog content, providing a seamless way to promote your products and services. Another marketing channel to explore is social media. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with potential customers and showcase the benefits of your vending machine business. By using targeted advertising and engaging with your audience, you can increase brand awareness and attract more locations for your vending machines.Creating Engaging Content
Writing persuasive product descriptions
Writing persuasive product descriptions is a crucial aspect of marketing your vending machine business to attract more locations. Effective product descriptions have the power to captivate potential customers and convince them of the value and benefits of your offerings. By using persuasive language and highlighting unique features, you can create compelling descriptions that differentiate your products from competitors. Additionally, it is important to consider the target audience and tailor the descriptions to their specific needs and preferences. A well-crafted product description can generate interest, build trust, and ultimately drive more locations to choose your vending machines over others.Producing high-quality visuals
Producing high-quality visuals is essential for effectively marketing your vending machine business. Visuals play a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential customers and conveying the value of your products. By investing in professional photography and graphic design, you can create visually appealing images that showcase your vending machines in the best possible light. Additionally, utilizing high-resolution images and eye-catching graphics in your marketing materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media posts, can help attract more locations for your business. When it comes to producing high-quality visuals, it is important to consider factors such as lighting, composition, and color scheme to ensure that your images are visually appealing and communicate your brand message effectively.Leveraging social media for content promotion
Leveraging social media for content promotion is an essential strategy for any business, including the healthcare staffing business. In today's digital age, social media platforms provide a valuable opportunity to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients. By creating compelling and informative content, healthcare staffing businesses can position themselves as industry leaders and attract more attention to their services. Additionally, social media platforms offer various advertising options, allowing businesses to target specific demographics and increase their visibility. With the right social media strategy in place, healthcare staffing businesses can effectively market their services and attract more clients.Implementing Marketing Tactics
Running targeted online advertising campaigns
Running targeted online advertising campaigns is a crucial strategy for marketing your vending machine business and attracting more locations. By utilizing online platforms such as social media, search engines, and display advertising, you can effectively reach your target audience and generate awareness about your business. With targeted campaigns, you can tailor your messaging and advertisements to specific demographics, geographic locations, and interests, ensuring that your ads are seen by the right people at the right time. Additionally, online advertising allows for precise tracking and measurement of campaign performance, enabling you to optimize your strategies and maximize your return on investment. By incorporating targeted online advertising campaigns into your marketing efforts, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting more locations for your vending machine business.Building strategic partnerships
Building strategic partnerships is crucial for the success of any business. By forming alliances with other companies, you can leverage their resources and expertise to expand your reach and attract more customers. In the context of the vending machine business, one strategic partnership that can be highly beneficial is with temporary nurses. Temporary nurses play a vital role in healthcare facilities, filling in for staff shortages and providing quality care to patients. By partnering with temporary nurse agencies, vending machine businesses can tap into the healthcare industry and target locations such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This collaboration can create a win-win situation, as healthcare facilities can provide convenient and healthy snack options to their staff and patients, while vending machine businesses can gain access to a steady stream of potential customers. To make this partnership even more effective, vending machine businesses can offer special discounts or customized vending options tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals and patients. By building strategic partnerships with temporary nurses, vending machine businesses can enhance their visibility, increase their customer base, and ultimately drive more revenue.Utilizing email marketing for lead generation
Email marketing is a powerful tool for lead generation in the vending machine business. By utilizing email campaigns, businesses can effectively reach out to potential locations and establish meaningful connections. With a well-crafted email strategy, vending machine businesses can showcase the benefits of partnering with them, such as increased foot traffic and additional revenue streams. Furthermore, email marketing allows for personalized communication, enabling businesses to tailor their messages to the specific needs and interests of each potential location. By leveraging the reach and targeting capabilities of email marketing, vending machine businesses can attract more locations and expand their market presence with ease.Measuring and Adjusting
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for the success of any business. It allows entrepreneurs to measure and evaluate the performance of their vending machine business, identify areas of improvement, and make data-driven decisions. By tracking KPIs, entrepreneurs can monitor the number of locations their vending machines are placed in, the revenue generated from each location, and the return on investment (ROI) of their marketing efforts. This information enables them to optimize their marketing strategies, identify the most profitable locations, and allocate resources effectively. In addition to tracking KPIs, self-care practices for entrepreneurs are essential to maintain their well-being and productivity. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care activities can help entrepreneurs manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By incorporating self-care practices into their routine, entrepreneurs can enhance their overall performance and ensure the long-term success of their vending machine business.Analyzing marketing campaign results
Analyzing marketing campaign results is a crucial step in evaluating the effectiveness of your vending machine business's marketing efforts. By carefully examining the data and metrics gathered from your campaigns, you can gain valuable insights into the performance of different marketing channels, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions to optimize future campaigns. This analysis allows you to assess the return on investment (ROI) of your marketing activities, determine which strategies are generating the most leads and conversions, and allocate resources accordingly. With a systematic approach to analyzing marketing campaign results, you can refine your marketing strategies, target the right audience, and ultimately attract more locations for your vending machine business.Making data-driven adjustments for better outcomes
In today's competitive business landscape, making data-driven adjustments is crucial for achieving better outcomes. By analyzing key metrics and trends, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights into their vending machine business and make informed decisions. One important factor to consider is the kindness factor. Showing kindness to customers and employees can have a positive impact on the success of the business. By providing exceptional customer service and creating a supportive work environment, entrepreneurs can attract more locations and build strong relationships with their stakeholders. This not only enhances the reputation of the business but also fosters loyalty and trust among customers and employees. Implementing data-driven adjustments with a focus on kindness can lead to improved business performance and long-term success.Conclusion
Recap of the importance of marketing for vending machine businesses
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of vending machine businesses. It is essential for attracting more locations and increasing revenue. One important aspect of marketing for vending machine businesses is the effective rate sheet creation. A well-designed rate sheet can effectively communicate the pricing structure and benefits of partnering with the business. It allows potential locations to make informed decisions and understand the value proposition. By creating an effective rate sheet, vending machine businesses can showcase their competitive pricing, variety of products, and exceptional customer service. This not only helps in attracting more locations but also in building long-term partnerships with them.Key takeaways for successful marketing strategies
To ensure successful marketing strategies for your vending machine business, it is crucial to keep in mind a few key takeaways. Firstly, understanding your target audience is essential. Conduct thorough market research to identify the needs and preferences of potential customers. Secondly, develop a compelling brand image that resonates with your target market. This includes creating a professional logo, designing attractive vending machine wraps, and maintaining a consistent brand message. Additionally, utilizing various marketing channels, such as social media platforms and local advertising, can help increase brand visibility and attract more locations. Lastly, monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts is vital. Regularly track metrics like customer engagement, sales conversion rates, and return on investment to make data-driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategies. By implementing these key takeaways, you can effectively market your vending machine business and attract more locations.Encouragement to take action and implement the outlined steps
Encouragement to take action and implement the outlined steps.In conclusion, starting a vending machine business can be a lucrative venture. With the right strategies and a solid plan, you can tap into a market that is constantly growing. If you want to learn more about how to start a vending machine business in 2023, check out our website. We provide step-by-step guides and valuable resources to help you get started. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create a successful business. Visit our website today and take the first step towards financial independence.
2024.05.15 00:39 businessnewstv How to Market Your Vending Machine Business to Attract More Locations
Understanding the importance of marketing for your vending machine business
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business, and the vending machine industry is no exception. Understanding the importance of marketing for your vending machine business is essential to attract more locations. Effective marketing strategies help create awareness about your business and its offerings, build credibility, and ultimately drive more customers to your vending machines. By implementing a well-planned marketing strategy, you can differentiate your business from competitors, establish a strong brand presence, and increase your chances of securing profitable locations. Investing time and resources into marketing efforts can yield significant returns for your vending machine business in terms of increased sales and long-term growth.Identifying your target audience and their needs
Identifying your target audience and their needs is a crucial step in effectively marketing your vending machine business. By understanding who your potential customers are and what they are looking for, you can tailor your advertising strategies to attract their attention. For example, if you are targeting individuals interested in starting a saree business, you can highlight the benefits of vending machines for saree retailers. Additionally, you can emphasize the convenience and cost-effectiveness of using vending machines as a way to advertise their products. By addressing the specific needs and interests of your target audience, you can create compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with them and attract more locations for your vending machine business.Setting clear marketing goals and objectives
Setting clear marketing goals and objectives is essential for boosting profits for startups. By defining specific targets and outlining a strategic plan, vending machine businesses can effectively attract more locations and increase their revenue. To achieve this, it is crucial to identify the target audience, understand their needs and preferences, and develop tailored marketing strategies that highlight the unique selling points of the business. Additionally, conducting market research and competitor analysis can provide valuable insights for positioning the vending machine business in the market and gaining a competitive edge. By setting clear marketing goals and objectives, vending machine businesses can optimize their marketing efforts and attract more customers, ultimately leading to increased profits and business growth.Researching the Market
Analyzing the current vending machine market
Analyzing the current vending machine market is crucial for any business looking to expand its operations. By examining the trends and demands in the industry, businesses can gain valuable insights into the buying behavior of customers. This information can help businesses make informed decisions on where to invest and which locations to target. Understanding the current market also allows businesses to identify potential opportunities for growth and stay ahead of the competition. When it comes to attracting more locations, having a deep understanding of the current vending machine market is key.Identifying trends and opportunities
In order to effectively market your vending machine business and attract more locations, it is crucial to identify trends and opportunities in the industry. By staying informed about the latest advancements and consumer preferences, you can position your business to meet the changing demands of the market. Conduct market research to understand the current trends in vending machine products and services, and identify any untapped opportunities that can give your business a competitive edge. Additionally, keep an eye on emerging technologies and innovative vending machine solutions that can enhance the customer experience and drive more foot traffic to your locations. By proactively identifying trends and opportunities, you can develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience and attract more locations to partner with your business.Researching competitor strategies
Researching competitor strategies is a crucial step in developing a successful marketing plan for your vending machine business. By studying what your competitors are doing, you can gain valuable insights into the market and identify areas where you can differentiate yourself. One effective strategy that has proven to be successful for many businesses, including nail businesses, is email marketing. Email marketing allows you to directly reach out to potential customers and promote your products or services. By implementing effective email marketing strategies for your nail business, you can attract more customers and increase your sales. Here are some highlights of email marketing strategies for nail businesses that can help you stand out from the competition:Developing a Marketing Strategy
Defining your unique selling proposition
Defining your unique selling proposition is crucial in the competitive vending machine industry. It is important to clearly communicate the value your business offers to potential customers. One way to differentiate yourself is by providing convenient credit card payment solutions. This allows tailors and other customers to easily make purchases without the need for cash. By offering this service, you can attract more locations and increase customer satisfaction. Implementing credit card payment solutions for tailors will not only streamline the purchasing process but also position your vending machine business as a modern and customer-focused option in the market.Creating a compelling brand identity
Creating a compelling brand identity is crucial for any business looking to attract more customers and stand out from the competition. In the vending machine industry, where competition is fierce, it becomes even more important to establish a strong and memorable brand. A well-crafted brand identity not only communicates the values and personality of your business but also helps build trust and credibility with potential locations. One key aspect of creating a compelling brand identity is through effective marketing strategies. By incorporating elements such as auto repair shop website design, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly online presence that showcases your unique offerings and attracts more potential locations. A well-designed website can serve as a powerful tool to communicate your brand's message, highlight your key features, and provide valuable information to potential customers. With the right combination of design, content, and functionality, your auto repair shop website can become a magnet for attracting more locations.Choosing the right marketing channels
When it comes to choosing the right marketing channels for your vending machine business, it is important to consider your target audience and the most effective ways to reach them. One effective marketing channel to consider is starting a sewing and embroidery business blog. By creating informative and engaging content related to sewing and embroidery, you can attract a niche audience that is interested in these topics. Additionally, you can highlight your vending machine business within the blog content, providing a seamless way to promote your products and services. Another marketing channel to explore is social media. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with potential customers and showcase the benefits of your vending machine business. By using targeted advertising and engaging with your audience, you can increase brand awareness and attract more locations for your vending machines.Creating Engaging Content
Writing persuasive product descriptions
Writing persuasive product descriptions is a crucial aspect of marketing your vending machine business to attract more locations. Effective product descriptions have the power to captivate potential customers and convince them of the value and benefits of your offerings. By using persuasive language and highlighting unique features, you can create compelling descriptions that differentiate your products from competitors. Additionally, it is important to consider the target audience and tailor the descriptions to their specific needs and preferences. A well-crafted product description can generate interest, build trust, and ultimately drive more locations to choose your vending machines over others.Producing high-quality visuals
Producing high-quality visuals is essential for effectively marketing your vending machine business. Visuals play a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential customers and conveying the value of your products. By investing in professional photography and graphic design, you can create visually appealing images that showcase your vending machines in the best possible light. Additionally, utilizing high-resolution images and eye-catching graphics in your marketing materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media posts, can help attract more locations for your business. When it comes to producing high-quality visuals, it is important to consider factors such as lighting, composition, and color scheme to ensure that your images are visually appealing and communicate your brand message effectively.Leveraging social media for content promotion
Leveraging social media for content promotion is an essential strategy for any business, including the healthcare staffing business. In today's digital age, social media platforms provide a valuable opportunity to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients. By creating compelling and informative content, healthcare staffing businesses can position themselves as industry leaders and attract more attention to their services. Additionally, social media platforms offer various advertising options, allowing businesses to target specific demographics and increase their visibility. With the right social media strategy in place, healthcare staffing businesses can effectively market their services and attract more clients.Implementing Marketing Tactics
Running targeted online advertising campaigns
Running targeted online advertising campaigns is a crucial strategy for marketing your vending machine business and attracting more locations. By utilizing online platforms such as social media, search engines, and display advertising, you can effectively reach your target audience and generate awareness about your business. With targeted campaigns, you can tailor your messaging and advertisements to specific demographics, geographic locations, and interests, ensuring that your ads are seen by the right people at the right time. Additionally, online advertising allows for precise tracking and measurement of campaign performance, enabling you to optimize your strategies and maximize your return on investment. By incorporating targeted online advertising campaigns into your marketing efforts, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting more locations for your vending machine business.Building strategic partnerships
Building strategic partnerships is crucial for the success of any business. By forming alliances with other companies, you can leverage their resources and expertise to expand your reach and attract more customers. In the context of the vending machine business, one strategic partnership that can be highly beneficial is with temporary nurses. Temporary nurses play a vital role in healthcare facilities, filling in for staff shortages and providing quality care to patients. By partnering with temporary nurse agencies, vending machine businesses can tap into the healthcare industry and target locations such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This collaboration can create a win-win situation, as healthcare facilities can provide convenient and healthy snack options to their staff and patients, while vending machine businesses can gain access to a steady stream of potential customers. To make this partnership even more effective, vending machine businesses can offer special discounts or customized vending options tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals and patients. By building strategic partnerships with temporary nurses, vending machine businesses can enhance their visibility, increase their customer base, and ultimately drive more revenue.Utilizing email marketing for lead generation
Email marketing is a powerful tool for lead generation in the vending machine business. By utilizing email campaigns, businesses can effectively reach out to potential locations and establish meaningful connections. With a well-crafted email strategy, vending machine businesses can showcase the benefits of partnering with them, such as increased foot traffic and additional revenue streams. Furthermore, email marketing allows for personalized communication, enabling businesses to tailor their messages to the specific needs and interests of each potential location. By leveraging the reach and targeting capabilities of email marketing, vending machine businesses can attract more locations and expand their market presence with ease.Measuring and Adjusting
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for the success of any business. It allows entrepreneurs to measure and evaluate the performance of their vending machine business, identify areas of improvement, and make data-driven decisions. By tracking KPIs, entrepreneurs can monitor the number of locations their vending machines are placed in, the revenue generated from each location, and the return on investment (ROI) of their marketing efforts. This information enables them to optimize their marketing strategies, identify the most profitable locations, and allocate resources effectively. In addition to tracking KPIs, self-care practices for entrepreneurs are essential to maintain their well-being and productivity. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care activities can help entrepreneurs manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By incorporating self-care practices into their routine, entrepreneurs can enhance their overall performance and ensure the long-term success of their vending machine business.Analyzing marketing campaign results
Analyzing marketing campaign results is a crucial step in evaluating the effectiveness of your vending machine business's marketing efforts. By carefully examining the data and metrics gathered from your campaigns, you can gain valuable insights into the performance of different marketing channels, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions to optimize future campaigns. This analysis allows you to assess the return on investment (ROI) of your marketing activities, determine which strategies are generating the most leads and conversions, and allocate resources accordingly. With a systematic approach to analyzing marketing campaign results, you can refine your marketing strategies, target the right audience, and ultimately attract more locations for your vending machine business.Making data-driven adjustments for better outcomes
In today's competitive business landscape, making data-driven adjustments is crucial for achieving better outcomes. By analyzing key metrics and trends, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights into their vending machine business and make informed decisions. One important factor to consider is the kindness factor. Showing kindness to customers and employees can have a positive impact on the success of the business. By providing exceptional customer service and creating a supportive work environment, entrepreneurs can attract more locations and build strong relationships with their stakeholders. This not only enhances the reputation of the business but also fosters loyalty and trust among customers and employees. Implementing data-driven adjustments with a focus on kindness can lead to improved business performance and long-term success.Conclusion
Recap of the importance of marketing for vending machine businesses
Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of vending machine businesses. It is essential for attracting more locations and increasing revenue. One important aspect of marketing for vending machine businesses is the effective rate sheet creation. A well-designed rate sheet can effectively communicate the pricing structure and benefits of partnering with the business. It allows potential locations to make informed decisions and understand the value proposition. By creating an effective rate sheet, vending machine businesses can showcase their competitive pricing, variety of products, and exceptional customer service. This not only helps in attracting more locations but also in building long-term partnerships with them.Key takeaways for successful marketing strategies
To ensure successful marketing strategies for your vending machine business, it is crucial to keep in mind a few key takeaways. Firstly, understanding your target audience is essential. Conduct thorough market research to identify the needs and preferences of potential customers. Secondly, develop a compelling brand image that resonates with your target market. This includes creating a professional logo, designing attractive vending machine wraps, and maintaining a consistent brand message. Additionally, utilizing various marketing channels, such as social media platforms and local advertising, can help increase brand visibility and attract more locations. Lastly, monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts is vital. Regularly track metrics like customer engagement, sales conversion rates, and return on investment to make data-driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategies. By implementing these key takeaways, you can effectively market your vending machine business and attract more locations.Encouragement to take action and implement the outlined steps
Encouragement to take action and implement the outlined steps.In conclusion, starting a vending machine business can be a lucrative venture. With the right strategies and a solid plan, you can tap into a market that is constantly growing. If you want to learn more about how to start a vending machine business in 2023, check out our website. We provide step-by-step guides and valuable resources to help you get started. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create a successful business. Visit our website today and take the first step towards financial independence.
2024.05.14 20:09 Petroleum_Jelly_Bean With regards to the NEP criticism post (
Dear SiMadam Maple Hams,
A lot of these claims are not the fault of the Naval Experience Program (herein referred to as the NEP).
The NEP has no control over the activities of PAT platoon units. If these units do not place their Sailors into their next courses - then they are failing their own sailors.
I know a lot of actual sailors who have been wasting away on pat platoon waiting for their initial trade course to start.
This has been normal since time immemorial. It was bad during COVID because measures were in place and courses were outright cancelled, but prior to that - most trades were running 1-2 courses per year. Now some trades are running 3 courses a year.
I would also like to point out that NEP candidates cannot compete with any sailors waiting for their trades course because NEP candidates first have to actually sign a contract after picking a trade. Once they pick a trade, they will have to wait with the rest of these Sailors in PAT platoons.
Now Iâm seeing 1 year contract NEPs, with no trade and no requirement to extend, getting NETP before actual sailors.
Also not the NEP's fault. Any unit can nominate a Sailor for NETP. You can email the NFS(A/P) NETP Booking Cell and the people there are very nice and helpful and will happily load Sailors. All you need to do is ask for the course list, pick a course date, fill in the form with the Sailor's name, rank, and service number - and boom. That Sailor is loaded.
Between May 16 and October 01 of this year, there are a total 8 NETP Courses scheduled and are capable of handling maybe 20-25 Sailors.
And the sad fact is... They have had to beg units for people to enroll - otherwise they would have to cancel the course... I know for a fact they had to cancel two courses this year already, so if you personally know any units that have Sailors that need NETP, then please give them a call!
Theyâre doing dive courses, I even heard of some attending clearance diver selection (might be a rumour), before actual sailors who have been requesting it for years.
For the third time, this is also not the NEP program's fault, nor is it outside their control.
FDU(A/P) publishes a list of scheduled courses every year. Rescue Swimmer, Port Inspection Diver, Supervisor Courses, Ship's Team Diver, Clearance Diver - you name it.
A person interested in this course must first submit a memo through their chain of command, Dive Officer, and complete a checklist with their unit's Health Services to pass Dental and Part 1 and 2 medicals (actual requirements vary depending on the course).
This process can last weeks to several months - and that depends on how much support a Sailor gets from their CoC and Health Services unit.
Now again, like the NETP situation if units do not support their Sailor's applications, then that Sailor goes no where. The NEP is not actively nudging these Sailors off courses.
If anything, the NEP is actually making some of these courses possible because FDU(A/P) is not getting enough people who are properly processed with completed checklist to actually show up ready for the courses!
So far this year 1 course almost got cancelled - but because the NEP was able to provide bodies, they were able to run the course!
As I write this, a course in June is also currently in jeopardy of being cancelled due to not having enough enrollees.
The NEP is actually at the back of thr priority list. First are ships, then individual applicants, and lastly somewhere are the NEP.
So no, the NEP is not stealing spots off Sailors who have been waiting years for their dive course.... The NEP is doing everything right within their power to make sure their candidates have gone through official channels to get their applications and checklists completed, and by doing so, providing enough bodies for FDU to actually run courses.
And yes - one NEP candidate from the East Coast and one from the West Coast have completed Clearance Diver training.
One did not get selected however, but that is the Clearance Diver unit's perogative. (Its called Selection after all).
But can you really fault these two NEP candidates for passing a physically and mentally demanding course...?
The programme is a complete ruse designed to make these people have a fun year that they can brag about to their friends and hopefully theyâll sign a real contract.
Not gonna lie, that is the intention.
We want sailors. We NEED sailors.
If it gets them through the door of recruiting, and if they sign a new contract to continue being in the Navy - then by all metrics the program is working.
And so far, I have seen only 1 person out of 75 that has voluntarily released in the 1 year this program has run.
Morale in the fleet is getting beat down lower everyday and watching these people come in and take your spot on the course or sail youâve been dying to get isnât doing any favours.
If the argument is that *"NEP candidates are having fun, but people in the fleet aren't" *then something else is wrong in the fleet, and the NEP is not the cause of that - with the reasons I have listed above.
Each and every unit, ship, and organization within the CAF and the fleet are near seperate entities - each with their own challenges.
Saying that the NEP is making life worse for these units has no basis in reality. The NEP is not all knowing, nor does it have the power to make random people's lives miserable.
It's like saying HMCS Montreal is having fun sailing, while HMCS Frdericton and HMCS Chalottetown are sad because their ships are broken. It doesn't make sense.
It doesnât even make any sense for the navy to be spending the money on these people getting courses they donât need.
First off, the way the military does things is we are given a budget at the start of the fiscal year.
This budget is identified and allocated way in advance of an intented purpose.
For example, the CAF is given a budget. This budget divided between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is further divided into other units within these branches.
The Navy and the CAF has identified the need to create a program to encourage civilians to join the Navy, and retain them after their initial contract. The Government has approved this program and allocated a portion of this years' budget to fund this program.
This program, the NEP, is doing its best with the money allocated to them to ensure that the sailors under their care are taken care of and given enough positive experience so that they hopefully willingly sign another contract, so that our Navy has enough Sailors in the future to sail our ships and complete our missions.
If we don't move heaven and earth to get these Sailors now - then even people who have joined the Navy normally like you and me will be unable to sail in the future because ships are just severely undermanned.
Also I would like to share a personal anecdote...
My RQS3 course had 12 people. Of those 12, after four years 6 had left the forces due to one reason or another.
In my trade, you can apply for a Specialist skill within a Specialist trade.
The Navy will train you and fly you to whatever ship to complete your course. Basically whatever is needed to ensure you pass that course.
All you have to do is study hard.
I have seen people who pass this course - and then end up not sailing and then they lose their qualification.
This, after the Navy spent so much resources, money, and man hours into getting these Sailors qualified, but then they just up and decide this isn't for them.
The argument of "why are these NEP candidates getting this and that when they leave anyway?" is severely misguided when you and I both know there are already people in the Navy who throw away opportunity to the winds...
So hopefully dear SiMa'am Maple Hams, please reconsider your opinion on the program.
In short, the NEP is not stealing resources from othe units.
The NEP is operating within the resources and mandate given to them - and in some cases, actually directly or indirectly contributing to the success of other units in the Navy by providing an investment of manpower that we badly need.
If we were like other NATO countries, then I would argue that this program is unnecessary if we consider the option of outright mandatory military service and conscription.
But we are not like those other countries, and we do not have the option of conscription...
So we have this program instead.
For your consideration, SiMa'am.
PS, I would personally like to extend my thanks to the crews and personnel of the following units for supporting the NEP program:
HMCS St. John's (they have been our most supportive unit).
HMCS Ville de Quebec (thank you for taking time off your busy schedule for allowing job shadowing for the NEP candidates).
HMCS Chalottetown (thank you for taking care of our candidates during your deployment. we know the sea state between Iceland and Halifax was bad, but that didnt let your crew from throwing the NEP candidates to the side).
HMCS Harry Dewolf (your willingless to employ NEP candidates allowed them to become familiar with the platform, and sets the candidates up for success)
NFS(A) Scheduling and Booking Cells (you have always accomodated our requests and has never let us down when we needed help)
Tribute Tower Galley (thank you for employing our candidates and for providing them with delicious food - some of our candidates have never eaten this well in their life)
Juno Tower Accomodations and Booking Cell (you are the first people we contact to get our NEP candidates set up after CFLRS, and without your help we wouldn't even be able to do anything)
CFB Halifax Dockyard Gym and CFB Shearwater Gym (thank you for accomodating our fitness related requests, including letting us borrow the gym so our candidates can see what it is like to swim for their life before they apply for courses)
FDU Atlantic and Pacific (we apologize if we had sent people who were not physically able to complete the courses you offer - to be fair, they are really hard, but we are working on making the quality of people we offer to send better. Hopefully we can continue sending candidates to fill in courses so they do not get cancelled).
Clothing Stores (thank you for setting up our candidates with their kit!)
Base Logistics, Maritime Operations Group, Fleet Padre's office, Fleet Master Sailor and Junior's Mess, FMF Cape Scott, Halifax MFRC, SISIP, PCC(A/P), Health Services Stadacona, TEME, CFLRS, Recruiting, Public Affairs, MARLANT/MARPAC, and the various units all over - for reasons too many to list, we thank you for supporting the program in all the unique ways you do.
Despite what some may say about the Naval Experience Program - all of you have given the program all the support the program could ask for and more.
If you all didn't care, then we wouldn't be here.
Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and does not reflect the official position of the NEP, the Navy, the CAF, or the Government of Canada.
submitted by Petroleum_Jelly_Bean to caf [link] [comments]
A lot of these claims are not the fault of the Naval Experience Program (herein referred to as the NEP).
The NEP has no control over the activities of PAT platoon units. If these units do not place their Sailors into their next courses - then they are failing their own sailors.
I know a lot of actual sailors who have been wasting away on pat platoon waiting for their initial trade course to start.
This has been normal since time immemorial. It was bad during COVID because measures were in place and courses were outright cancelled, but prior to that - most trades were running 1-2 courses per year. Now some trades are running 3 courses a year.
I would also like to point out that NEP candidates cannot compete with any sailors waiting for their trades course because NEP candidates first have to actually sign a contract after picking a trade. Once they pick a trade, they will have to wait with the rest of these Sailors in PAT platoons.
Now Iâm seeing 1 year contract NEPs, with no trade and no requirement to extend, getting NETP before actual sailors.
Also not the NEP's fault. Any unit can nominate a Sailor for NETP. You can email the NFS(A/P) NETP Booking Cell and the people there are very nice and helpful and will happily load Sailors. All you need to do is ask for the course list, pick a course date, fill in the form with the Sailor's name, rank, and service number - and boom. That Sailor is loaded.
Between May 16 and October 01 of this year, there are a total 8 NETP Courses scheduled and are capable of handling maybe 20-25 Sailors.
And the sad fact is... They have had to beg units for people to enroll - otherwise they would have to cancel the course... I know for a fact they had to cancel two courses this year already, so if you personally know any units that have Sailors that need NETP, then please give them a call!
Theyâre doing dive courses, I even heard of some attending clearance diver selection (might be a rumour), before actual sailors who have been requesting it for years.
For the third time, this is also not the NEP program's fault, nor is it outside their control.
FDU(A/P) publishes a list of scheduled courses every year. Rescue Swimmer, Port Inspection Diver, Supervisor Courses, Ship's Team Diver, Clearance Diver - you name it.
A person interested in this course must first submit a memo through their chain of command, Dive Officer, and complete a checklist with their unit's Health Services to pass Dental and Part 1 and 2 medicals (actual requirements vary depending on the course).
This process can last weeks to several months - and that depends on how much support a Sailor gets from their CoC and Health Services unit.
Now again, like the NETP situation if units do not support their Sailor's applications, then that Sailor goes no where. The NEP is not actively nudging these Sailors off courses.
If anything, the NEP is actually making some of these courses possible because FDU(A/P) is not getting enough people who are properly processed with completed checklist to actually show up ready for the courses!
So far this year 1 course almost got cancelled - but because the NEP was able to provide bodies, they were able to run the course!
As I write this, a course in June is also currently in jeopardy of being cancelled due to not having enough enrollees.
The NEP is actually at the back of thr priority list. First are ships, then individual applicants, and lastly somewhere are the NEP.
So no, the NEP is not stealing spots off Sailors who have been waiting years for their dive course.... The NEP is doing everything right within their power to make sure their candidates have gone through official channels to get their applications and checklists completed, and by doing so, providing enough bodies for FDU to actually run courses.
And yes - one NEP candidate from the East Coast and one from the West Coast have completed Clearance Diver training.
One did not get selected however, but that is the Clearance Diver unit's perogative. (Its called Selection after all).
But can you really fault these two NEP candidates for passing a physically and mentally demanding course...?
The programme is a complete ruse designed to make these people have a fun year that they can brag about to their friends and hopefully theyâll sign a real contract.
Not gonna lie, that is the intention.
We want sailors. We NEED sailors.
If it gets them through the door of recruiting, and if they sign a new contract to continue being in the Navy - then by all metrics the program is working.
And so far, I have seen only 1 person out of 75 that has voluntarily released in the 1 year this program has run.
Morale in the fleet is getting beat down lower everyday and watching these people come in and take your spot on the course or sail youâve been dying to get isnât doing any favours.
If the argument is that *"NEP candidates are having fun, but people in the fleet aren't" *then something else is wrong in the fleet, and the NEP is not the cause of that - with the reasons I have listed above.
Each and every unit, ship, and organization within the CAF and the fleet are near seperate entities - each with their own challenges.
Saying that the NEP is making life worse for these units has no basis in reality. The NEP is not all knowing, nor does it have the power to make random people's lives miserable.
It's like saying HMCS Montreal is having fun sailing, while HMCS Frdericton and HMCS Chalottetown are sad because their ships are broken. It doesn't make sense.
It doesnât even make any sense for the navy to be spending the money on these people getting courses they donât need.
First off, the way the military does things is we are given a budget at the start of the fiscal year.
This budget is identified and allocated way in advance of an intented purpose.
For example, the CAF is given a budget. This budget divided between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is further divided into other units within these branches.
The Navy and the CAF has identified the need to create a program to encourage civilians to join the Navy, and retain them after their initial contract. The Government has approved this program and allocated a portion of this years' budget to fund this program.
This program, the NEP, is doing its best with the money allocated to them to ensure that the sailors under their care are taken care of and given enough positive experience so that they hopefully willingly sign another contract, so that our Navy has enough Sailors in the future to sail our ships and complete our missions.
If we don't move heaven and earth to get these Sailors now - then even people who have joined the Navy normally like you and me will be unable to sail in the future because ships are just severely undermanned.
Also I would like to share a personal anecdote...
My RQS3 course had 12 people. Of those 12, after four years 6 had left the forces due to one reason or another.
In my trade, you can apply for a Specialist skill within a Specialist trade.
The Navy will train you and fly you to whatever ship to complete your course. Basically whatever is needed to ensure you pass that course.
All you have to do is study hard.
I have seen people who pass this course - and then end up not sailing and then they lose their qualification.
This, after the Navy spent so much resources, money, and man hours into getting these Sailors qualified, but then they just up and decide this isn't for them.
The argument of "why are these NEP candidates getting this and that when they leave anyway?" is severely misguided when you and I both know there are already people in the Navy who throw away opportunity to the winds...
So hopefully dear SiMa'am Maple Hams, please reconsider your opinion on the program.
In short, the NEP is not stealing resources from othe units.
The NEP is operating within the resources and mandate given to them - and in some cases, actually directly or indirectly contributing to the success of other units in the Navy by providing an investment of manpower that we badly need.
If we were like other NATO countries, then I would argue that this program is unnecessary if we consider the option of outright mandatory military service and conscription.
But we are not like those other countries, and we do not have the option of conscription...
So we have this program instead.
For your consideration, SiMa'am.
PS, I would personally like to extend my thanks to the crews and personnel of the following units for supporting the NEP program:
HMCS St. John's (they have been our most supportive unit).
HMCS Ville de Quebec (thank you for taking time off your busy schedule for allowing job shadowing for the NEP candidates).
HMCS Chalottetown (thank you for taking care of our candidates during your deployment. we know the sea state between Iceland and Halifax was bad, but that didnt let your crew from throwing the NEP candidates to the side).
HMCS Harry Dewolf (your willingless to employ NEP candidates allowed them to become familiar with the platform, and sets the candidates up for success)
NFS(A) Scheduling and Booking Cells (you have always accomodated our requests and has never let us down when we needed help)
Tribute Tower Galley (thank you for employing our candidates and for providing them with delicious food - some of our candidates have never eaten this well in their life)
Juno Tower Accomodations and Booking Cell (you are the first people we contact to get our NEP candidates set up after CFLRS, and without your help we wouldn't even be able to do anything)
CFB Halifax Dockyard Gym and CFB Shearwater Gym (thank you for accomodating our fitness related requests, including letting us borrow the gym so our candidates can see what it is like to swim for their life before they apply for courses)
FDU Atlantic and Pacific (we apologize if we had sent people who were not physically able to complete the courses you offer - to be fair, they are really hard, but we are working on making the quality of people we offer to send better. Hopefully we can continue sending candidates to fill in courses so they do not get cancelled).
Clothing Stores (thank you for setting up our candidates with their kit!)
Base Logistics, Maritime Operations Group, Fleet Padre's office, Fleet Master Sailor and Junior's Mess, FMF Cape Scott, Halifax MFRC, SISIP, PCC(A/P), Health Services Stadacona, TEME, CFLRS, Recruiting, Public Affairs, MARLANT/MARPAC, and the various units all over - for reasons too many to list, we thank you for supporting the program in all the unique ways you do.
Despite what some may say about the Naval Experience Program - all of you have given the program all the support the program could ask for and more.
If you all didn't care, then we wouldn't be here.
Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and does not reflect the official position of the NEP, the Navy, the CAF, or the Government of Canada.
2024.05.14 19:26 NewDealReformist Rebranding Democratic Socialism in the US
In light of the skepticism towards social democratic ideals in the US, largely due to historical biases and a misunderstanding of its principles, I propose a rebranding of social democratic policies to make them more appealing. Social democracy has proven successful in various countries and offers practical solutions that align with core American values.
Let's face it, the Cold War irrevocably tainted any ideology even tangentially related to the word "social", and one could argue that this deeply ingrained aversion to terms such as "socialism" or "social democracy" is a major contributor to Sanders' loss in 2016, even though his policies would objectively benefit the lower 50% of the population.
Rebranding social democratic policies and other social democratic safety nets in a way that makes them more appealing to demographics wary of the terms like "socialism" and "social democracy" involves a strategic communication approach that emphasizes shared values, practical benefits, and relatable messaging. Here are some key points that I think we should implement in order to successfully enact socialist policy that would overwhelmingly benefit the lower 50%:
By addressing cultural values and speaking directly to the needs and concerns of skeptical demographics, it's possible to reshape perceptions of social democratic policies in a way that emphasizes their practicality, necessity, and alignment with broadly held American values.
Rebranding our core ideals as "patriotic" and renovating them with a big Red White and Blue veneer should be our sole focus. In order to effect meaningful change, we need to use tried and true tactics borrowed from the conservative billionaire ruling class. Using their strategy of adopting ambiguous and broad-sounding yet seemingly innocuous names is essential (think "American's for Prosperity", "Club for Growth" "Institute of Economic Affairs", etc.).
submitted by NewDealReformist to DemocraticSocialism [link] [comments]
Let's face it, the Cold War irrevocably tainted any ideology even tangentially related to the word "social", and one could argue that this deeply ingrained aversion to terms such as "socialism" or "social democracy" is a major contributor to Sanders' loss in 2016, even though his policies would objectively benefit the lower 50% of the population.
Rebranding social democratic policies and other social democratic safety nets in a way that makes them more appealing to demographics wary of the terms like "socialism" and "social democracy" involves a strategic communication approach that emphasizes shared values, practical benefits, and relatable messaging. Here are some key points that I think we should implement in order to successfully enact socialist policy that would overwhelmingly benefit the lower 50%:
- Use Inclusive and Familiar Language:
- Emphasize Fairness and Equality of Opportunity:
- Highlight Economic Benefits and Efficiency:
- Use Success Stories and Relatable Examples:
- Focus on Family and Community Values:
- Stress Independence and Self-Sufficiency:
- Leverage Bipartisan Support:
- Avoid Patronizing or Condescending Tones:
- Use Local Influencers and Leaders:
- Demonstrate Government Efficiency:
By addressing cultural values and speaking directly to the needs and concerns of skeptical demographics, it's possible to reshape perceptions of social democratic policies in a way that emphasizes their practicality, necessity, and alignment with broadly held American values.
Rebranding our core ideals as "patriotic" and renovating them with a big Red White and Blue veneer should be our sole focus. In order to effect meaningful change, we need to use tried and true tactics borrowed from the conservative billionaire ruling class. Using their strategy of adopting ambiguous and broad-sounding yet seemingly innocuous names is essential (think "American's for Prosperity", "Club for Growth" "Institute of Economic Affairs", etc.).
2024.05.14 15:41 lambchopsuey "The 'five S's' of giving a good experience"
This analysis also comes from Cults and Nonconventional Religious Groups: A Collection of Outstanding Dissertations and Monographs, "Shakubuku: A Study of the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Movement in America, 1960-1975", David A. Snow, 1993, pp. 175-177 - it's a section within the analysis here about how the SGI's "discussion meetings" were carefully planned and choreographed sales pitch performances aimed at convincing any "guests" to convert. I thought this part about the carefully structured "experiences" deserved its own post:
While these specific "five S's" aren't around any more, there are still guidelines for how to give an "experience":
submitted by lambchopsuey to sgiwhistleblowers [link] [comments]
In addition to the general supportive role, members are provided with instructions regarding the more specific role activity. That is, they are coached as to how to give explanations of what NSA [former name of SGI-USA] is all about, to lead songs, and to give testimonies. Regarding the latter, for example, members are reminded to respond to the emcee's request for experiences with great alacrity and enthusiasm by thrusting their hands in the air in a vigorous manner and yelling out "hi."Actually, it's "Hai!", which means "Yes/Okay/I'll do it" in Japanese.
And if called upon, they are reminded to attend to the five major points or the "five S's" of giving a good experience.That "coaching" is done before the live performance at the "discussion meeting", of course, not reminded within that performance context. That would break the illusion, as you can imagine.
The first point is Shakubuku. Remember, the guests have absolutely no understanding of this practice or any NSA terminology. Always talk to the guests and not to the members. The sole purpose of an experience is to make the guests curious enough to join ... Don't use Buddhist terms and names the guests won't understand...That's obviously a typo; it should be either "I wasn't satisfied with my life" or "I was dissatisfied with my life", as confirmed by part (b):
Point number two is story. Make sure an experience is just that - something which happened to you and which you either changed into a benefit or changed an aspect of your life-condition through chanting. Basically , an experience should be structured as
(a) I had a problem or I was satisfied [sic] with my life and
(b) then I chanted, solved the problem or changed that aspect of my life which I wasn't satisfied with...Clearly, this is all about crafting the most persuasive sales pitch, not about honestly and authentically communicating anything real.
Make sure that you stress that chanting was the ingredient which changed those aspects of your life. Otherwise, the guests won't be able to connect just how chanting and a person's problems relate.
The third point to keep in mind is simplicity. Make each point of the story simple and to the point. Don't clutter the issue with unnecessary details. Try to be as brief as possible.
The fourth point is that of a seeking mind. What this means is that the person giving an experience should try to find out what type of experience the leader wants to have conveyed to the guests that will most benefit them.
We're not saying that there is a "one" type of experience that is sought, but experiences have to be geared to the guests at the meeting. A middle-aged person is definitely going to have hard time relating to the change in values of a college student... The point is, make sure you are perceptive enough to give the type of experience which the guests at the meeting can relate to best.Keeping in mind that no one knows for certain WHO these "guests" will be - this sort of "adjustment" in the details has to be made on the fly, which demonstrates the inauthenticity of the "experience" performance. But the culties are supposed to make it appear "authentic":
The final point is one of the most important - sincerity ... Even if your experience isn't that spectacular or full of content, the guests can relate to a person' [sic] sincere way of giving the experience...The "5 S's" section is footnoted as coming from:
"The Five S's of Giving a Good Experience," World Tribune (September 11, 1974). Also, see the NSA Quarterly (Winter, 1975), p. 13; and the World Tribune (October 25, 1974).It was obviously a structured thing that was explicitly taught (indoctrinated).
These five pointers on how to construct and give a "good" experience are mentioned repeatedly in the movement's literature and by its leaders. Furthermore, members can learn how to construct testimonies in accordance with these instructions by simply watching and listening to other members, and especially core converts, when giving their respective experiences.You can probably surmise that after a while, these "experiences" will all start to show the same standardized structure; this will be accepted within the cult (because that's the goal), but the guests won't realize just how structured it is - and the focus on making it as manipulative as possible.
Indeed, rank-and-file members and new converts are often told to watch and listen to how so-and-so gives an experience.That's true - I remember that.
It should thus come as no surprise that the testimonies given at these meetings, or wherever, are usually structured in accordance with the above pointers or instructions. And when they are not, the violators are usually pulled aside after the meeting and provided with corrective suggestions. At the end of several meetings, for example, I overheard the district chief reprimanding and re-instructing members regarding the unsuitable testimonies they had given earlier in the evening. This sanctioning and corrective work occurs not only when unsatisfactory testimonies are given but whenever meeting or movement-related roles are performed in an unsatisfactory manner and whenever members visibly engage in conduct that is inappropriate from the standpoint of NSA. During the San Diego Convention weekend, for example, I observed on several occasions members who were being brought back into line for engaging in unbecoming conduct, such as smoking grass on the bus while en route to the convention. That members who conduct themselves and perform their roles in an unsuitable and unconvincing manner are frequently pulled aside and provided with corrective guidance thus suggests a third consideration pointing to the highly orchestrated and theatrical character of discussion meetings in particular and of NSA in general.Everyone must be "on" at all times; they must at all times display the SGI-defined image that SGI believes will impress the public and be most appealing to draw in potential new members.
While these specific "five S's" aren't around any more, there are still guidelines for how to give an "experience":
How do I write an experience for SGI budhist meeting?REHEARSE it, in other words. These "experiences" are NOT spontaneous!
State the difficulty you faced.
State how long you have been struggling with it, and how it affected you.
State what you did to resolve it, and how much you chanted.
State the resolution, and what that means to you.
Keep it to under 3.5 minutes.
Before you give your experience, read it to someone who cares about you, someone you know, and ask for an honest opinion on how your delivery is. from 7 years ago
2024.05.14 14:45 realdimidze Is there a way to cache heavy function results?
There is a data-fetch caching in Next JS App Router, that I understand. But is there a way to cache heavy function results (something like useMemo in react). For example I have some data fetching at the page level and also at the generateMetadata . If I understand correctly, the GET fetch request with the same params and path will be cached (will run only once, although I am not sure where, at the page level or in medata method?). However, what if I have some heavy logic to perform with the data later? In React I would do it once and put the result in the global state from where I can reuse it, but is there something similar in Next JS? Or am I missing some basic concepts?
In a Nutshell what I am looking for is something like this
submitted by realdimidze to nextjs [link] [comments]
In a Nutshell what I am looking for is something like this
const dataFetchingAndProcessing = async () => { const data = await fetch(...); // this request should be only run once and then cached (iiuc); // some heavy computing task return result; // result of the computing task } export async function generateMetadata() { return await dataFetchingAndProcessing(); } export default async function Page() { const result = await dataFetchingAndProcessing() return ... } Where dataFetchingAndProcessing result would be cached.2024.05.14 12:52 Legal-Collection-985 Help with my Bachelor's Thesis
Hi! I'm working on my Bachelor's Thesis about a program of social development through D&D 5e for teenagers and I need some ideas.
Everything is welcome here. I need ideas about scenarios that promote teamwork and, more importantly, based on negotiation/persuasion roleplay and active listening. You can also suggest battles or puzzles that have to do with the theme. The importance of the project is to work on social skills, decision making and collaboration within a group.
Some examples i have are: persuading a king or haggling with a merchant. It can be as developed or as brief as you want.
Thanks in advance!!
submitted by Legal-Collection-985 to DnD [link] [comments]
Everything is welcome here. I need ideas about scenarios that promote teamwork and, more importantly, based on negotiation/persuasion roleplay and active listening. You can also suggest battles or puzzles that have to do with the theme. The importance of the project is to work on social skills, decision making and collaboration within a group.
Some examples i have are: persuading a king or haggling with a merchant. It can be as developed or as brief as you want.
Thanks in advance!!
2024.05.14 10:05 onlyfunkyjazz Discover the secret to effective copywriting for your entrepreneurship
I see a lot of the posts in Entrepreneur relate to the ideation and development phase of entrepreneurship.
In my experience, ideation and development is the easiest (and most fun) part.
The hard part is selling your product, sustaining sales and growing profitable revenue.
To do that, you need to tell the story of how your product helps people. For that you need effective copywriting.
Halbert-style bullet copy refers to a technique in copywriting named after Gary Halbert, a legendary copywriter known for his persuasive and effective marketing writing. This style focuses on crafting compelling bullet points that grab attention, build interest, and persuade the reader to take action.
Here's an example of copy I wrote this morning in about 5' for my own business of helping 45-60 year old people transform their expertise into entrepreneuship. I think you get the idea. Try it - I'd love to see what you're working on!
submitted by onlyfunkyjazz to Entrepreneur [link] [comments]
In my experience, ideation and development is the easiest (and most fun) part.
The hard part is selling your product, sustaining sales and growing profitable revenue.
To do that, you need to tell the story of how your product helps people. For that you need effective copywriting.
Halbert-style bullet copy refers to a technique in copywriting named after Gary Halbert, a legendary copywriter known for his persuasive and effective marketing writing. This style focuses on crafting compelling bullet points that grab attention, build interest, and persuade the reader to take action.
Here's an example of copy I wrote this morning in about 5' for my own business of helping 45-60 year old people transform their expertise into entrepreneuship. I think you get the idea. Try it - I'd love to see what you're working on!
- Discover the Simple Trick to become an entrepreneur Without quitting your job â Learn how you can build a side business effortlessly with this one surprising technique.
- Unlock the Secrets to Permanent Wealth â Find out how to get on the revenue growth path for good with our expert tips and strategies.
- Boost Your Business Instantly â Discover tools and exercises that supercharge your side business and accelerate sales
- Achieve Your Dream Business in Just Weeks â Get a step-by-step plan to transform your expertise into entrepreneurship quickly and effectively.
- Enjoy Effective, Healthy Patterns â Access a collection of effective design patterns that make building your side business enjoyable and sustainable.
2024.05.14 10:04 HeatherBell94 [Get] Kim Kraus Schwalm â Copywriting Velocity Download
![[Get] Kim Kraus Schwalm â Copywriting Velocity Download](https://external-preview.redd.it/wSVQjx4bgVzU2iAMC7t5zoYcGwnXu2H_CgUccNBOjwU.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e5c68b37ecba85b691fccbaa2289a66f9f7212f8 "[Get] Kim Kraus Schwalm â Copywriting Velocity Download") | https://preview.redd.it/sdlzsfpanc0d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a9a09188ee427edbae75546ab79904ce33765e6 submitted by HeatherBell94 to u/HeatherBell94 [link] [comments] What You Get:Copywriting Velocity Copy IntensiveKim Krause Schwalm presents her approach to writing successful control promos to an intimate group of copywriters and marketers. Copywriting superstar Carline Anglade-Cole and top email marketing expert âBig Jasonâ Henderson are also in the audience and contribute many tips as well. Kim covers everything from research to coming up with the big idea to tips for structuring and writing engaging, persuasive copy that sells.Module #1: The Art and Science of Writing HeadlinesKim Krause Schwalm shows you how to write compelling headlines that demand attention and get your copy read in this Copywriting Velocity training module, includingâŚ
Module #2: Secrets to Writing LeadsKim Krause Schwalm shows you how to write leads that hook prospects early on and prime them to buy in this Copywriting Velocity training module, including:
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2024.05.14 09:07 AsleepLengthiness406 Ethical Considerations in CGI Advertising: Where to Draw the Line
 | https://preview.redd.it/yzb2b0c0dc0d1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28c7c1d747b0f9b8c96a3002c92a72737eedefba submitted by AsleepLengthiness406 to u/AsleepLengthiness406 [link] [comments] In the realm of advertising, the line between reality and fiction has become increasingly blurred with the advancement of computer-generated imagery (CGI). While CGI offers advertisers unparalleled creative freedom and the ability to craft visually stunning and captivating narratives, it also raises important ethical considerations regarding transparency, authenticity, and societal impact. In this essay, we will explore the ethical implications of CGI advertising and examine where the line should be drawn to ensure responsible and ethical practices within the industry. One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding CGI advertising is the issue of transparency. With CGI, advertisers have the power to manipulate images and videos to create seemingly flawless and idealized representations of products, people, and scenarios. However, this ability to alter reality raises questions about the authenticity of the content being presented to consumers. When viewers are unable to distinguish between CGI and real footage, they may be misled into believing exaggerated claims or false representations. To address this concern, advertisers have a responsibility to clearly disclose when CGI has been used in their advertisements. This transparency enables consumers to make informed decisions and prevents the dissemination of misleading or deceptive content. Additionally, regulatory bodies and industry organizations should establish guidelines for the use of CGI in advertising, requiring advertisers to clearly label and disclose any digitally altered images or videos. Another ethical consideration in CGI advertising is the potential impact on societal perceptions and expectations. By presenting idealized and unrealistic portrayals of beauty, success, and lifestyle, CGI advertisements can contribute to harmful social norms and standards. For example, airbrushed models and digitally enhanced images may perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and negatively impact body image and self-esteem, particularly among impressionable audiences such as children and adolescents. Advertisers must consider the societal implications of their CGI advertisements and strive to promote diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity in their messaging. Instead of relying solely on aspirational imagery, advertisers should embrace diversity and represent a wide range of body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds in their campaigns. By portraying realistic and relatable narratives, advertisers can help challenge stereotypes and promote positive social change. Furthermore, CGI advertising raises ethical concerns related to intellectual property and copyright infringement. With the ability to create hyper-realistic simulations of products and characters, advertisers must ensure that they have the necessary rights and permissions to use copyrighted material in their advertisements. Failure to obtain proper authorization can result in legal disputes and undermine the integrity of the advertising industry. To mitigate the risk of copyright infringement, advertisers should collaborate with content creators and rights holders to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions for using copyrighted material in CGI advertisements. Additionally, advertisers should respect the intellectual property rights of others and refrain from creating derivative works that infringe upon existing copyrights. In addition to transparency, societal impact, and intellectual property considerations, CGI advertising also raises broader ethical questions about the manipulation of reality and the potential for deception. As CGI technology continues to advance, advertisers have the ability to create increasingly convincing and persuasive simulations that blur the line between fact and fiction. This raises concerns about the ethical boundaries of persuasive advertising and the potential for manipulation and coercion. To address these concerns, advertisers should adhere to ethical principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for the autonomy of consumers. Advertisements should not rely on deceptive tactics or manipulative techniques to influence consumer behavior. Instead, advertisers should focus on providing accurate information, fostering genuine connections with consumers, and respecting their right to make informed choices. In conclusion, CGI advertising presents unique ethical challenges related to transparency, authenticity, societal impact, and intellectual property. To ensure responsible and ethical practices within the industry, advertisers must prioritize transparency, promote diversity and inclusivity, respect intellectual property rights, and uphold ethical principles of honesty and integrity. By drawing clear lines and establishing ethical guidelines for the use of CGI in advertising, we can foster a more transparent, authentic, and socially responsible advertising landscape. |
2024.05.14 05:05 MichaelfromKroger Writing Development Website/Program
Good evening y'all (it's 11 pm EST)
I'm currently a college student pursuing an IT degree and I was speaking with my father in law about an idea for a writing skills development program. The basis of the program/website is to teach students from Elementary school to the highschool and collegiate level on how to write essays. He posits that his students he has worked with do not have a good grasp on how to format their essays and papers, which then falls short in their future academic courses and he wants to make a program that will help them step by step.
My general layout right now is that it will be split into different levels of writing. From Levels 1 through 5: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College Prep, and Collegiate level writing skills. Within each level, I'll have writing tips and exercises to help the students learn the proper way to write their essays, with the Five Paragraph Essay as the format they will be learning.
Level 1: Sentence Structure, Formatting, and Composition. This includes things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.
Level 2: Adding in proper grammar, sentence continuation, paragraph structure, readability and comprehension, editing skills (rereading to make sure it is grammatically correct, has proper punctuation, sounds academically thought out, etc). We'll introduce how to write and connect multiple paragraphs as well as intro, body, and conclusion.
Level 3: Here we'll reinforce sentence structure for Intro, body, and conclusion paragraphs as well as citation and source material research. We'll start on how to properly write a Five paragraph essay with the hourglass/pyramid format (Broad introduction that gets more specific when it gets to the thesis sentence, body paragraphs with point evidence and example sentences, and then specific reintroduction of main points to a broad conclusion of the thesis). [I may have this in the Middle school Level 2 section as this is something I learned in middle school] We will also introduce different types of essays such as Argumentative, Systhesis, Compare and Contrast, Narrative, Persuasive, etc.
Level 4: In this level we will introduce the importance of rough draft, revise and polish, editing and formatting, and college entrance essays and college application questions. This section will mostly be open to Junior (11th) and Senior (12th) grade students who are preparing for their academic life outside of Highschool. We will also be introducing how to write cover letters, resumes, and exploring the other side of life outside of High school.
Level 5: Collegiate level writing will focus on precision writing, using the fewest words necessary to accurately convey an idea. Objectivity, using accurate, clear and relevant information. Logical Structure, using precise word choice and structure. Researching, Formatting, time management, and consistence and conciseness. We will also go back to resume and cover letter writing for those who are looking for a career after a degree. We will be adding a section to help students with term paper writing as well as advancement (Masters and Doctorate level) writing.
I wanted to reach out to former, current, and aspiring English Teachers to ask for feedback on this idea. Is this something that you would use in your class as a teaching tool for your students? What can be done for this to be implemented in your classes if this website/program gets published? What things should be added, removed, improved, or changed in the current idea to make it go alongside the current English course curriculum in your school district? What else should be included to facilitate user interaction with this website?
Please give me as much feedback as you can think of, whether that is directly on this post or in a direct message. My hope and goal is to be able to develop the future generation and to move away from using AI as a writing tool because it takes away the practical skills that is severely lacking in some, if not most, of the students today.
submitted by MichaelfromKroger to englishteachers [link] [comments]
I'm currently a college student pursuing an IT degree and I was speaking with my father in law about an idea for a writing skills development program. The basis of the program/website is to teach students from Elementary school to the highschool and collegiate level on how to write essays. He posits that his students he has worked with do not have a good grasp on how to format their essays and papers, which then falls short in their future academic courses and he wants to make a program that will help them step by step.
My general layout right now is that it will be split into different levels of writing. From Levels 1 through 5: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College Prep, and Collegiate level writing skills. Within each level, I'll have writing tips and exercises to help the students learn the proper way to write their essays, with the Five Paragraph Essay as the format they will be learning.
Level 1: Sentence Structure, Formatting, and Composition. This includes things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.
Level 2: Adding in proper grammar, sentence continuation, paragraph structure, readability and comprehension, editing skills (rereading to make sure it is grammatically correct, has proper punctuation, sounds academically thought out, etc). We'll introduce how to write and connect multiple paragraphs as well as intro, body, and conclusion.
Level 3: Here we'll reinforce sentence structure for Intro, body, and conclusion paragraphs as well as citation and source material research. We'll start on how to properly write a Five paragraph essay with the hourglass/pyramid format (Broad introduction that gets more specific when it gets to the thesis sentence, body paragraphs with point evidence and example sentences, and then specific reintroduction of main points to a broad conclusion of the thesis). [I may have this in the Middle school Level 2 section as this is something I learned in middle school] We will also introduce different types of essays such as Argumentative, Systhesis, Compare and Contrast, Narrative, Persuasive, etc.
Level 4: In this level we will introduce the importance of rough draft, revise and polish, editing and formatting, and college entrance essays and college application questions. This section will mostly be open to Junior (11th) and Senior (12th) grade students who are preparing for their academic life outside of Highschool. We will also be introducing how to write cover letters, resumes, and exploring the other side of life outside of High school.
Level 5: Collegiate level writing will focus on precision writing, using the fewest words necessary to accurately convey an idea. Objectivity, using accurate, clear and relevant information. Logical Structure, using precise word choice and structure. Researching, Formatting, time management, and consistence and conciseness. We will also go back to resume and cover letter writing for those who are looking for a career after a degree. We will be adding a section to help students with term paper writing as well as advancement (Masters and Doctorate level) writing.
I wanted to reach out to former, current, and aspiring English Teachers to ask for feedback on this idea. Is this something that you would use in your class as a teaching tool for your students? What can be done for this to be implemented in your classes if this website/program gets published? What things should be added, removed, improved, or changed in the current idea to make it go alongside the current English course curriculum in your school district? What else should be included to facilitate user interaction with this website?
Please give me as much feedback as you can think of, whether that is directly on this post or in a direct message. My hope and goal is to be able to develop the future generation and to move away from using AI as a writing tool because it takes away the practical skills that is severely lacking in some, if not most, of the students today.
2024.05.14 05:04 dunaway01 Young Thug Music Theory
Lately, I've been really obsessed with the production on Young Thug's 2015 and 2016 mixtapes. I've specifically been enjoying 'Slime Season 3' and the production that is featured on that project. I've been listening to songs such as Memo, Digits, Tattoos, and Problem I'm curious how producers such as London On Da Track achieve that sort of unorthodox, spooky, eerie, sort of feel that is apparent on these tracks. If you've listened to London On Da Track, you'd know he has a very distinct style. From what I can tell, it seems to me like it's all in the chord progressions that he uses. l'd like to know what kind of chords he uses and what the chord codes for them are. Hopefully l've made my question clear. I think London has a really dope signature style. His beats aren't necessarily super dark either, like those of a Metro or Tay Keith. They're more sad but kind of like a spooky sort of sad. Think of beats like 'Digits' for example. I wanna know how to make melodies like that
submitted by dunaway01 to hiphopproduction [link] [comments]
2024.05.14 05:04 dunaway01 Young Thug Music Theory
Lately, I've been really obsessed with the production on Young Thug's 2015 and 2016 mixtapes. I've specifically been enjoying 'Slime Season 3' and the production that is featured on that project. I've been listening to songs such as Memo, Digits, Tattoos, and Problem I'm curious how producers such as London On Da Track achieve that sort of unorthodox, spooky, eerie, sort of feel that is apparent on these tracks. If you've listened to London On Da Track, you'd know he has a very distinct style. From what I can tell, it seems to me like it's all in the chord progressions that he uses. l'd like to know what kind of chords he uses and what the chord codes for them are. Hopefully l've made my question clear. I think London has a really dope signature style. His beats aren't necessarily super dark either, like those of a Metro or Tay Keith. They're more sad but kind of like a spooky sort of sad. Think of beats like 'Digits' for example. I wanna know how to make melodies like that
submitted by dunaway01 to trapproduction [link] [comments]
2024.05.14 05:02 dunaway01 Young Thug and London On Da Track Music Theory?
Lately, Iâve been really obsessed with the production on Young Thugâs 2015 and 2016 mixtapes. Iâve specifically been enjoying âSlime Season 3â and the production that is featured on that project.
Iâve been listening to songs such as Memo, Digits, Tattoos, and Problem
Iâm curious how producers such as London On Da Track achieve that sort of unorthodox, spooky, eerie, sort of feel that is apparent on these tracks. If youâve listened to London On Da Track, youâd know he has a very distinct style. From what I can tell, it seems to me like itâs all in the chord progressions that he uses. Iâd like to know what kind of chords he uses and what the chord codes for them are.
Hopefully Iâve made my question clear. I think London has a really dope signature style. His beats arenât necessarily super dark either, like those of a Metro or Tay Keith. Theyâre more sad but kind of like a spooky sort of sad. Think of beats like âDigitsâ for example. I wanna know how to make melodies like that
submitted by dunaway01 to musicproduction [link] [comments]
Iâve been listening to songs such as Memo, Digits, Tattoos, and Problem
Iâm curious how producers such as London On Da Track achieve that sort of unorthodox, spooky, eerie, sort of feel that is apparent on these tracks. If youâve listened to London On Da Track, youâd know he has a very distinct style. From what I can tell, it seems to me like itâs all in the chord progressions that he uses. Iâd like to know what kind of chords he uses and what the chord codes for them are.
Hopefully Iâve made my question clear. I think London has a really dope signature style. His beats arenât necessarily super dark either, like those of a Metro or Tay Keith. Theyâre more sad but kind of like a spooky sort of sad. Think of beats like âDigitsâ for example. I wanna know how to make melodies like that
2024.05.14 03:48 MichaelfromKroger Currently in college and have a website idea, can I get suggestions and pointers?
Good evening y'all (it's 9:45 pm EST)
As the title says, I'm currently a college student pursuing an IT degree and I was speaking with my father in law about an idea for a writing skills development program. The basis of the program/website is to teach students from Elementary school to the highschool and collegiate level on how to write essays. He postured that his students he has worked with do not have a good grasp on how to format their essays and papers, which then falls short in their future academic courses and he wants to make a program that will help them step by step.
My general layout right now is that it will be split into different levels of writing. From Levels 1 through 5: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College Prep, and Collegiate level writing skills. Within each level, I'll have writing tips and exercises to help the students learn the proper way to write their essays, with the Five Paragraph Essay as the format they will be learning.
Level 1: Sentence Structure, Formatting, and Composition. This includes things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.
Level 2: Adding in proper grammar, sentence continuation, paragraph structure, readability and comprehension, editing skills (rereading to make sure it is grammatically correct, has proper punctuation, sounds academically thought out, etc). We'll introduce how to write and connect multiple paragraphs as well as intro, body, and conclusion.
Level 3: Here we'll reinforce sentence structure for Intro, body, and conclusion paragraphs as well as citation and source material research. We'll start on how to properly write a Five paragraph essay with the hourglass/pyramid format (Broad introduction that gets more specific when it gets to the thesis sentence, body paragraphs with point evidence and example sentences, and then specific reintroduction of main points to a broad conclusion of the thesis). [I may have this in the Middle school Level 2 section as this is something I learned in middle school] We will also introduce different types of essays such as Argumentative, Systhesis, Compare and Contrast, Narrative, Persuasive, etc.
Level 4: In this level we will introduce the importance of rough draft, revise and polish, editing and formatting, and college entrance essays and college application questions. This section will mostly be open to Junior (11th) and Senior (12th) grade students who are preparing for their academic life outside of Highschool. We will also be introducing how to write cover letters, resumes, and exploring the other side of life outside of High school.
Level 5: Collegiate level writing will focus on precision writing, using the fewest words necessary to accurately convey an idea. Objectivity, using accurate, clear and relevant information. Logical Structure, using precise word choice and structure. Researching, Formatting, time management, and consistence and conciseness. We will also go back to resume and cover letter writing for those who are looking for a career after a degree. We will be adding a section to help students with term paper writing as well as advancement (Masters and Doctorate level) writing.
As of right now, I have a basic site structure and idea of how to create the website but I'm needing advice on the execution. Questions I have are: How do I market this as a good program to use in the academic field and the benefits of this program to a local or state board of education? How would I make it profitable? I understand that I can make it a subscription for a business to use but I do not know the scope of the upkeep and maintenance it requires to keep a program like this from crashing and burning. Those who are in business, what can I do or what can I expect from starting this venture? This is my first business idea ever and I'm struggling to find the right resources to help me get it going besides winging it, please DM me any materials or resources that I can use or read up on to help me out with this venture. Right now, I don't have much money or resources to fully publish this idea, it's not even 5% created yet on the website standpoint, so there is a lot of room for rework and innovation before the final product can be marketed and used.
If this post is not acceptable please let me know. I want to be able to make my Father in Law's idea a reality because he is a man I deeply respect and admire.
submitted by MichaelfromKroger to Business_Ideas [link] [comments]
As the title says, I'm currently a college student pursuing an IT degree and I was speaking with my father in law about an idea for a writing skills development program. The basis of the program/website is to teach students from Elementary school to the highschool and collegiate level on how to write essays. He postured that his students he has worked with do not have a good grasp on how to format their essays and papers, which then falls short in their future academic courses and he wants to make a program that will help them step by step.
My general layout right now is that it will be split into different levels of writing. From Levels 1 through 5: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College Prep, and Collegiate level writing skills. Within each level, I'll have writing tips and exercises to help the students learn the proper way to write their essays, with the Five Paragraph Essay as the format they will be learning.
Level 1: Sentence Structure, Formatting, and Composition. This includes things like spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.
Level 2: Adding in proper grammar, sentence continuation, paragraph structure, readability and comprehension, editing skills (rereading to make sure it is grammatically correct, has proper punctuation, sounds academically thought out, etc). We'll introduce how to write and connect multiple paragraphs as well as intro, body, and conclusion.
Level 3: Here we'll reinforce sentence structure for Intro, body, and conclusion paragraphs as well as citation and source material research. We'll start on how to properly write a Five paragraph essay with the hourglass/pyramid format (Broad introduction that gets more specific when it gets to the thesis sentence, body paragraphs with point evidence and example sentences, and then specific reintroduction of main points to a broad conclusion of the thesis). [I may have this in the Middle school Level 2 section as this is something I learned in middle school] We will also introduce different types of essays such as Argumentative, Systhesis, Compare and Contrast, Narrative, Persuasive, etc.
Level 4: In this level we will introduce the importance of rough draft, revise and polish, editing and formatting, and college entrance essays and college application questions. This section will mostly be open to Junior (11th) and Senior (12th) grade students who are preparing for their academic life outside of Highschool. We will also be introducing how to write cover letters, resumes, and exploring the other side of life outside of High school.
Level 5: Collegiate level writing will focus on precision writing, using the fewest words necessary to accurately convey an idea. Objectivity, using accurate, clear and relevant information. Logical Structure, using precise word choice and structure. Researching, Formatting, time management, and consistence and conciseness. We will also go back to resume and cover letter writing for those who are looking for a career after a degree. We will be adding a section to help students with term paper writing as well as advancement (Masters and Doctorate level) writing.
As of right now, I have a basic site structure and idea of how to create the website but I'm needing advice on the execution. Questions I have are: How do I market this as a good program to use in the academic field and the benefits of this program to a local or state board of education? How would I make it profitable? I understand that I can make it a subscription for a business to use but I do not know the scope of the upkeep and maintenance it requires to keep a program like this from crashing and burning. Those who are in business, what can I do or what can I expect from starting this venture? This is my first business idea ever and I'm struggling to find the right resources to help me get it going besides winging it, please DM me any materials or resources that I can use or read up on to help me out with this venture. Right now, I don't have much money or resources to fully publish this idea, it's not even 5% created yet on the website standpoint, so there is a lot of room for rework and innovation before the final product can be marketed and used.
If this post is not acceptable please let me know. I want to be able to make my Father in Law's idea a reality because he is a man I deeply respect and admire.
2024.05.14 02:26 Ble_u Post dedicated to Memieko- and the rest of those who think Lord Nicholas has no personality
So, you said Lord Nicholas has no personality, which is true lol, but since I'm the devil's advocate, I took that as a challenge. Make yourself comfortable for a long read. Have some popcorn.
Why is this guy more of a tragic character, rather than a villain? And how does a man lose identity, and becomes a monster through desperation? I'll answer this for you below.
⢠Throughout Plague Tale Innocence, there are various signs that although he is personally close to Vitalis (no use of titles or formalities when speaking to each other) he is the execution, and not the mastermind behind the plans. For example, when Hugo's Macula was to be tested, he urged Vitalis on to put an end to the plague already, they are not here to play games.
⢠In the very same chapter, we get a little insight on what he believes and thinks about the conflict between the Inquisition and the De Runes. He doesn't understand why Beatrice De Rune resists their persuasion for information regarding the Macula, since their goals are shared -> ending the Plague. Ultimately, he blindly believes Vitalis wants to control the Plague to save them. And he does anything, ANYTHING to make that happen.
Commit genocide against peasants, and in the end, even go as far as killing Hugo.
Now, let's take a little turn to make a background check for this guy. Or at least what is hinted, and what can be assumed with intuition and theories.
⢠Like I mentioned before, him and Vitalis are personally close, and in the preultimate chapter of Plague Tale: Innocence, after his death, guards talk about him in the city. They are confused why Vitalis hasn't sent anyone for his search (I'll get to that one later), since he was his ProtÊgÊ. This alone in itself wouldn't mean anything, but right after that a guard added "Maybe he found himself another ProtÊgÊ" regarding Hugo of course.
Since this game is about innocence and children, it's almost safe to assume that Nicholas likely got taken under Vitalis' wings just as Hugo was now in the present. That would explain why they are close, and why Nicholas blindly trusts his master. Another dialogue backs this up, between the Arch Bishop and Vitalis. "Puppets like you will kneel and beg me to save them." and look who appears and kneels right there and then? Lord Nicholas. This is my theory, I can back it up but it isn't 100% surely true of course. Take it with a pinch of salt please.
⢠Now, time to get to why Vitalis didn't send anyone after Nicholas' disappearance... We saw nothing of the two months Hugo spent in the Bastion, but based on the Cathedral's state, it's safe to assume things didn't go that well with controlling the Macula. The plan was to get Hugo through the threshold finally, so that the Conjuration can begin. (Note to self: another essay later about that one). Although they tried to push Hugo through with hurting his mother, it didn't work. Because of this, Vitalis tasked Nicholas with taking Hugo to his sister, to end her life. This is simple, but it doesn't stop here.
In the chapter Blood Ties (where we control Hugo), we already meet an impatient Nicholas who wants to put an end to the Plague. Not only that, but let me get to one crucial sentence told by Vitalis. "Nicholas... You cannot understand." This hints at the disagreements between the two, and that Nicholas is not indulged in how this should be done. Nicholas tries to help Vitalis up, but he rejects the help too. It's quite symbolic for the one-sided trust between the two. Due to this growing mistrust, and how Vitalis didn't expect Nicholas to come back after his mission later on, to me it seems like Vitalis cut the ties and sent him exactly to his death to get rid of him.
⢠Vitalis' plan was never to get rid of Hugo once they pass the threshold ("I have a lot to teach the Carrier, and his friends."), and knew well, that Nicholas has no chance against Hugo and Amicia with the rats alongside them. He sent the man who trusted him the most to his death, and with that also chose his ultimate protÊgÊ - Hugo. It's also likely that Nicholas' mistrust grew because his position in the hierarchy was compromised, since it's likely Vitalis got obsessed with Hugo, and Nicholas almost realized he is played with. There is also the idea, that Vitalis sent him away to actually save him from the white rats he meant to send on the crowd anyway. Anyway, Vitalis is for another essay...
⢠The betrayed, the sacrificed. Who is he? There is absolutely little we know of him, except for his title and occupation. What always speaks in Plague Tale: Innocence though, is the design. I mean look at that drip- sorry.. In "A Making of Plague Tale: Innocence" the creative developers mention the importance of faces, and overall pure, intuitive impressions we get of our characters.
⢠There is only one character whose face we never see, and that is Nicholas. That doesn't only play as a psychological trick to make him more terrifying, but also hints at certain points. First of all, his robes are Dominican. This is historically fitting (although there were no dominican knights) since Dominicans were those entrusted by the Church to handle trials against heresy and begin inquisitions. This also hints that he is very religious and dedicated to serving the (assumed) good. I know, no way. Let's not forget about how faded out it is, or bloody. In NO way he is a good guy, but a tragic believer? Likely. Under the robes is the armour, which is hit all around. It's no news we talk about a very experienced and efficient knight who also happens to be serving Vitalis (NOT the Church! Explained in another essay, chill.). Knights start their training at 7, and only nobles are in for the job, obviously. I made the connection, that since he likely knows Vitalis from his childhood, and his training also began when he was 7 years old, and his name was Nicholas...
Side note: In medieval times, children were named after Saints to inwoke their blessing, in this case, among many things, protecting children.
It's likely that he himself, just like those he hunts, was an orphan, perhaps even a sinner, who had to be saved by none else, than Vitalis. Give it a thought, maybe he was a lost little boy like Hugo, whose innocence was stolen way too early. With how Plague Tale likes to play with irony and parallels between characters, I don't see this as unlikely.
⢠All in all, he is what his occupation is, and nothing human. He is the machine that serves. The cross, the judgement. We cannot see his face, because he has no identity except what Vitalis gave him. His role, his title, his mission (perhaps even name). As it can be seen, Hugo too, was dressed in robes showing the Inquisition's sign, like a mark of ownership over him.
⢠From the very start of the story, he was the representative of that time's barbaric cruelty, unforgiving, misplaced judgement. And as though from the children's perspective he was a monster from the very beginning, how did it go down? As I said before, he has no identity except his committment, and through that his morals, ambitions are shown. At the very start, they ambushed the De Rune estate, and we CANNOT know, if the violance was planned beforehand or it came due to Robert's resistance.
People were taken hostage for questioning, the goal was to capture Hugo, the Carrier, and Beatrice, the only one who can help them understand the plague's origins. It was bloody, but after this chapter, you can hear guards clearly say "capture children" and not just Hugo. Now, unbelivably, I don't think he wanted Amicia bad at the start. They confront each other in the English camp for the second time (where he paid a ransom for both of them), where he tries to negotiate with her to give them Hugo and stop running. Later his methods change, telling the plain truth that there is nowehere for her to go out there (These methods of convincing show a lot of personality and insight especially in the boss fight).
Later on, it's mentioned Vitalis is going hard on him but "he is used to it". Again, their shared history is hinted. The hunt for Hugo is fruitless still, and the plague is spreading day-by-day.
Next we hear from him, is in the chapter where we visit the city with Amicia. Or rather, that he is not exactly participating in the mission killing the sick. Since him and Vitalis disagree with methods of solving the Plague, and he is occupied with catching Hugo, there is a possibility this order of slaughter was carried out without his consent. Though, this is a high take and it would be totally in character to do such a task in the means of self-preservation.
Amicia's visions of him from Penance is not reliable, but at the very same time she clearly dreamed what happened and it's likely she mixed reality with hallucinations from exhaust. If, the hallucinations were true, that means Hugo did hear Amicia, but Nicholas directly diverted his attention from her and led him away.
It's hard to speculate if he did this to let nature do its work, or to actually show mercy, which is equally possible, since it was clear from the beginning that even though she killed his men, he knew she is simply running and kills as a means to survive.
Now, as I explained earlier, many things go down when Hugo resides in the Bastion, and we can only guess what that causes. I mentioned Nicholas' growing distrust, now let me introduce you to the psychological denial he experiences during the boss fight, along with his reflections pointing at the children. The man, becoming the monster. The fire (another essay since fire in Plague Tale is symbolic) causing him to destroy himself.
In the chapter Remembrance he goes to the Château d'Ombrage along Hugo, to ensure the boy passes the threshold with killing his sister, with this enabling Vitalis to pass as well. At first, Nicholas is quite calm and confident, sending Hugo to kill her "Go, and do what has to be done.". Interestingly, despite this, he still has his sword prepared, which shows he still doesn't trust Hugo. Later on, he knocks Arthur out, but doesn't kill him senselessly, despite the fiasco at the English camp. He takes Amicia to Hugo, and now threatens him to kill her, or else he kills his mother in front of him. After that, he tells him, if Hugo does as he tells him so, maybe Vitalis keeps him by his side.
This could hint that only by accomplishments such as this, and proving devotion, can one remain important in Vitalis' eyes. Also, that maybe, Nicholas had to go through something similar, "She means nothing to you now".
Doubts and frantic impatience take hold, which ultimately lead him to take matters into his own hands. He decides to kill her, himself. As he pushes Hugo away, she calls him a bastard, which he then turns back at her, to question her morality and self-righteousness. She betrayed him, that is why he gave himself up. It can be perhaps far-fetched, but this also can count as self-reflection already. Betrayal -> causing giving up, which happens later to him too.
After Arthur "takes care of him" (not exactly...) and the siblings reunite, Nicholas wakes up and this time, immediately kills Arthur. The death is not just a shock value as many believe, it also shows the already progressing monster stepping forth, and losing humanity entirely.
The boss fight has three phases. His methods at provoking the children, and self-reflect change and become way more intense with time.
In the first phase, he tries to separate them and tells Amicia that he knows it must be difficult to live in the Carrier's shadow. Also, that they are terrified. He is poking at her most vulnerable place, their biggest fear, which's "face" is ultimately him. Also, reminding Amicia of her biggest desire, that is to be acknowledged by her parents. Especially this can count as self-reflective, since as I said earlier Nicholas likely noticed Hugo is slowly replacing him in Vitalis' eyes. The wish to excell, and be acknowledged for the devotion is a deep scar this character could carry. He also reminds them of how their father died, to remind them of honour, which Nicholas obviously has a twisted sense of.
In the second phase, his first voice line shows surprise and fear, and anger in response to those feelings. He is more reckless and aggressive too. Here, again, he manipulatively reminds them how little they can do, and threatens them. This is both calculated and instinctual, since he says such things to bring the children out of their hiding places, but at the very same time also because he is slowly losing himself. There are also lines which can be reflective to his beliefs and assumptions based on himself, such as: "Your sister won't be able to save you child.... You are alone." There were already connections made between how Vitalis saved him, and if one puts it all together, this line shows how he doesn't believe in the siblings' bond, because his own bond with Vitalis broke, and Nicholas is (alike to Hugo) alone. Or there is also the line "What do you think you can do? You are nothing. [...]" I wanted to highlight this line because Plague Tale (among many other things) is about the helplessness one faces trying to protect loved ones, and/or trying to rewrite their fates. The fact that Nicholas dehumanizes them entirely, shows he knows the fact one, them or him, cannot change the course that has been set, but he is still in denial trying to fight it (a lot like Amicia in Requiem, by the way. Also, fire (this is why that needs another essay....).
In the third phase, he becomes uncharacteristically reckless and desperate, where he succumbs to the wrath and, his fate. "Come to me, come into my arms my dear children." His sanity decreases and he knows death is unavoidable. The question left is whenever he can bring them down with himself or fails. And failure, is unacceptable. He is better dead, than failed. "I will teach you the meaning of sacrifice" this line shows that likely, he accepted his last quest knowing well he is going to die probably. That he rather burns himself, bring hell, than letting go. He keeps shouting the motto of his order, because that is the only thing that he clings to. It's pathetic and forced, inhumane. "[...] We'll die together" <-> "I will boil your blood until it spurts from your eyes", "You are going to pay, [...]" by this time, he keeps switching tactics at approaching and luring them out, frantic and monstrous. His words mean nothing by this time and desperation takes hold. What line of him is the purest, rawest, and most honest, between all the threads and claims, self-convincing attempts to maintain devoted is this: "The pain... To feel oneself alive... And deliver death." This line might seem like one among the many terrible threats, but it in fact shows his deepest belief. That is, of pain and life. Sacrifice and death. That those who live, have to kill, and that is what it means to exist in this world.
⢠In Plague Tale Innocence and Requiem, we see Amicia's development into a murderer who follows similarly blind committments.
She ultimately becomes, what she condemned, and what caused her great misery. What, in the end, she herself becomes if Hugo doesn't lead her on the right path. A monster.
So, to sum it all up, Lord Nicholas represents the human being of that time, whose identity is what he serves, and nothing else.
It makes one selfless, righteous, but at what cost? Violence spreads from one person to another, while everyone tries to save what is precious to them. Hope this helped seeing him as more human and with more personality. Cheers. A few more points I couldn't exactly integrate are the following:
⢠A few things showing the underlying morality and plain intentions: at first he tried to negotiate with both Robert, Amicia, and Beatrice as well. He condones stealing entirely. He doesn't kill Arthur at first.
⢠In the concept art he is left handed. In Middle Ages, left handed people were considered sinful, since it was the "devil's hand". This added with the self-punishing- self-destructive-Catholic mindset, added with his devotion, signs that he is penitent, and does what he should for a greater good, a salvation, and carries the burden of "sacrifice".
submitted by Ble_u to APlagueTale [link] [comments]
Why is this guy more of a tragic character, rather than a villain? And how does a man lose identity, and becomes a monster through desperation? I'll answer this for you below.
⢠Throughout Plague Tale Innocence, there are various signs that although he is personally close to Vitalis (no use of titles or formalities when speaking to each other) he is the execution, and not the mastermind behind the plans. For example, when Hugo's Macula was to be tested, he urged Vitalis on to put an end to the plague already, they are not here to play games.
⢠In the very same chapter, we get a little insight on what he believes and thinks about the conflict between the Inquisition and the De Runes. He doesn't understand why Beatrice De Rune resists their persuasion for information regarding the Macula, since their goals are shared -> ending the Plague. Ultimately, he blindly believes Vitalis wants to control the Plague to save them. And he does anything, ANYTHING to make that happen.
Commit genocide against peasants, and in the end, even go as far as killing Hugo.
Now, let's take a little turn to make a background check for this guy. Or at least what is hinted, and what can be assumed with intuition and theories.
⢠Like I mentioned before, him and Vitalis are personally close, and in the preultimate chapter of Plague Tale: Innocence, after his death, guards talk about him in the city. They are confused why Vitalis hasn't sent anyone for his search (I'll get to that one later), since he was his ProtÊgÊ. This alone in itself wouldn't mean anything, but right after that a guard added "Maybe he found himself another ProtÊgÊ" regarding Hugo of course.
Since this game is about innocence and children, it's almost safe to assume that Nicholas likely got taken under Vitalis' wings just as Hugo was now in the present. That would explain why they are close, and why Nicholas blindly trusts his master. Another dialogue backs this up, between the Arch Bishop and Vitalis. "Puppets like you will kneel and beg me to save them." and look who appears and kneels right there and then? Lord Nicholas. This is my theory, I can back it up but it isn't 100% surely true of course. Take it with a pinch of salt please.
⢠Now, time to get to why Vitalis didn't send anyone after Nicholas' disappearance... We saw nothing of the two months Hugo spent in the Bastion, but based on the Cathedral's state, it's safe to assume things didn't go that well with controlling the Macula. The plan was to get Hugo through the threshold finally, so that the Conjuration can begin. (Note to self: another essay later about that one). Although they tried to push Hugo through with hurting his mother, it didn't work. Because of this, Vitalis tasked Nicholas with taking Hugo to his sister, to end her life. This is simple, but it doesn't stop here.
In the chapter Blood Ties (where we control Hugo), we already meet an impatient Nicholas who wants to put an end to the Plague. Not only that, but let me get to one crucial sentence told by Vitalis. "Nicholas... You cannot understand." This hints at the disagreements between the two, and that Nicholas is not indulged in how this should be done. Nicholas tries to help Vitalis up, but he rejects the help too. It's quite symbolic for the one-sided trust between the two. Due to this growing mistrust, and how Vitalis didn't expect Nicholas to come back after his mission later on, to me it seems like Vitalis cut the ties and sent him exactly to his death to get rid of him.
⢠Vitalis' plan was never to get rid of Hugo once they pass the threshold ("I have a lot to teach the Carrier, and his friends."), and knew well, that Nicholas has no chance against Hugo and Amicia with the rats alongside them. He sent the man who trusted him the most to his death, and with that also chose his ultimate protÊgÊ - Hugo. It's also likely that Nicholas' mistrust grew because his position in the hierarchy was compromised, since it's likely Vitalis got obsessed with Hugo, and Nicholas almost realized he is played with. There is also the idea, that Vitalis sent him away to actually save him from the white rats he meant to send on the crowd anyway. Anyway, Vitalis is for another essay...
⢠The betrayed, the sacrificed. Who is he? There is absolutely little we know of him, except for his title and occupation. What always speaks in Plague Tale: Innocence though, is the design. I mean look at that drip- sorry.. In "A Making of Plague Tale: Innocence" the creative developers mention the importance of faces, and overall pure, intuitive impressions we get of our characters.
⢠There is only one character whose face we never see, and that is Nicholas. That doesn't only play as a psychological trick to make him more terrifying, but also hints at certain points. First of all, his robes are Dominican. This is historically fitting (although there were no dominican knights) since Dominicans were those entrusted by the Church to handle trials against heresy and begin inquisitions. This also hints that he is very religious and dedicated to serving the (assumed) good. I know, no way. Let's not forget about how faded out it is, or bloody. In NO way he is a good guy, but a tragic believer? Likely. Under the robes is the armour, which is hit all around. It's no news we talk about a very experienced and efficient knight who also happens to be serving Vitalis (NOT the Church! Explained in another essay, chill.). Knights start their training at 7, and only nobles are in for the job, obviously. I made the connection, that since he likely knows Vitalis from his childhood, and his training also began when he was 7 years old, and his name was Nicholas...
Side note: In medieval times, children were named after Saints to inwoke their blessing, in this case, among many things, protecting children.
It's likely that he himself, just like those he hunts, was an orphan, perhaps even a sinner, who had to be saved by none else, than Vitalis. Give it a thought, maybe he was a lost little boy like Hugo, whose innocence was stolen way too early. With how Plague Tale likes to play with irony and parallels between characters, I don't see this as unlikely.
⢠All in all, he is what his occupation is, and nothing human. He is the machine that serves. The cross, the judgement. We cannot see his face, because he has no identity except what Vitalis gave him. His role, his title, his mission (perhaps even name). As it can be seen, Hugo too, was dressed in robes showing the Inquisition's sign, like a mark of ownership over him.
⢠From the very start of the story, he was the representative of that time's barbaric cruelty, unforgiving, misplaced judgement. And as though from the children's perspective he was a monster from the very beginning, how did it go down? As I said before, he has no identity except his committment, and through that his morals, ambitions are shown. At the very start, they ambushed the De Rune estate, and we CANNOT know, if the violance was planned beforehand or it came due to Robert's resistance.
People were taken hostage for questioning, the goal was to capture Hugo, the Carrier, and Beatrice, the only one who can help them understand the plague's origins. It was bloody, but after this chapter, you can hear guards clearly say "capture children" and not just Hugo. Now, unbelivably, I don't think he wanted Amicia bad at the start. They confront each other in the English camp for the second time (where he paid a ransom for both of them), where he tries to negotiate with her to give them Hugo and stop running. Later his methods change, telling the plain truth that there is nowehere for her to go out there (These methods of convincing show a lot of personality and insight especially in the boss fight).
Later on, it's mentioned Vitalis is going hard on him but "he is used to it". Again, their shared history is hinted. The hunt for Hugo is fruitless still, and the plague is spreading day-by-day.
Next we hear from him, is in the chapter where we visit the city with Amicia. Or rather, that he is not exactly participating in the mission killing the sick. Since him and Vitalis disagree with methods of solving the Plague, and he is occupied with catching Hugo, there is a possibility this order of slaughter was carried out without his consent. Though, this is a high take and it would be totally in character to do such a task in the means of self-preservation.
Amicia's visions of him from Penance is not reliable, but at the very same time she clearly dreamed what happened and it's likely she mixed reality with hallucinations from exhaust. If, the hallucinations were true, that means Hugo did hear Amicia, but Nicholas directly diverted his attention from her and led him away.
It's hard to speculate if he did this to let nature do its work, or to actually show mercy, which is equally possible, since it was clear from the beginning that even though she killed his men, he knew she is simply running and kills as a means to survive.
Now, as I explained earlier, many things go down when Hugo resides in the Bastion, and we can only guess what that causes. I mentioned Nicholas' growing distrust, now let me introduce you to the psychological denial he experiences during the boss fight, along with his reflections pointing at the children. The man, becoming the monster. The fire (another essay since fire in Plague Tale is symbolic) causing him to destroy himself.
In the chapter Remembrance he goes to the Château d'Ombrage along Hugo, to ensure the boy passes the threshold with killing his sister, with this enabling Vitalis to pass as well. At first, Nicholas is quite calm and confident, sending Hugo to kill her "Go, and do what has to be done.". Interestingly, despite this, he still has his sword prepared, which shows he still doesn't trust Hugo. Later on, he knocks Arthur out, but doesn't kill him senselessly, despite the fiasco at the English camp. He takes Amicia to Hugo, and now threatens him to kill her, or else he kills his mother in front of him. After that, he tells him, if Hugo does as he tells him so, maybe Vitalis keeps him by his side.
This could hint that only by accomplishments such as this, and proving devotion, can one remain important in Vitalis' eyes. Also, that maybe, Nicholas had to go through something similar, "She means nothing to you now".
Doubts and frantic impatience take hold, which ultimately lead him to take matters into his own hands. He decides to kill her, himself. As he pushes Hugo away, she calls him a bastard, which he then turns back at her, to question her morality and self-righteousness. She betrayed him, that is why he gave himself up. It can be perhaps far-fetched, but this also can count as self-reflection already. Betrayal -> causing giving up, which happens later to him too.
After Arthur "takes care of him" (not exactly...) and the siblings reunite, Nicholas wakes up and this time, immediately kills Arthur. The death is not just a shock value as many believe, it also shows the already progressing monster stepping forth, and losing humanity entirely.
The boss fight has three phases. His methods at provoking the children, and self-reflect change and become way more intense with time.
In the first phase, he tries to separate them and tells Amicia that he knows it must be difficult to live in the Carrier's shadow. Also, that they are terrified. He is poking at her most vulnerable place, their biggest fear, which's "face" is ultimately him. Also, reminding Amicia of her biggest desire, that is to be acknowledged by her parents. Especially this can count as self-reflective, since as I said earlier Nicholas likely noticed Hugo is slowly replacing him in Vitalis' eyes. The wish to excell, and be acknowledged for the devotion is a deep scar this character could carry. He also reminds them of how their father died, to remind them of honour, which Nicholas obviously has a twisted sense of.
In the second phase, his first voice line shows surprise and fear, and anger in response to those feelings. He is more reckless and aggressive too. Here, again, he manipulatively reminds them how little they can do, and threatens them. This is both calculated and instinctual, since he says such things to bring the children out of their hiding places, but at the very same time also because he is slowly losing himself. There are also lines which can be reflective to his beliefs and assumptions based on himself, such as: "Your sister won't be able to save you child.... You are alone." There were already connections made between how Vitalis saved him, and if one puts it all together, this line shows how he doesn't believe in the siblings' bond, because his own bond with Vitalis broke, and Nicholas is (alike to Hugo) alone. Or there is also the line "What do you think you can do? You are nothing. [...]" I wanted to highlight this line because Plague Tale (among many other things) is about the helplessness one faces trying to protect loved ones, and/or trying to rewrite their fates. The fact that Nicholas dehumanizes them entirely, shows he knows the fact one, them or him, cannot change the course that has been set, but he is still in denial trying to fight it (a lot like Amicia in Requiem, by the way. Also, fire (this is why that needs another essay....).
In the third phase, he becomes uncharacteristically reckless and desperate, where he succumbs to the wrath and, his fate. "Come to me, come into my arms my dear children." His sanity decreases and he knows death is unavoidable. The question left is whenever he can bring them down with himself or fails. And failure, is unacceptable. He is better dead, than failed. "I will teach you the meaning of sacrifice" this line shows that likely, he accepted his last quest knowing well he is going to die probably. That he rather burns himself, bring hell, than letting go. He keeps shouting the motto of his order, because that is the only thing that he clings to. It's pathetic and forced, inhumane. "[...] We'll die together" <-> "I will boil your blood until it spurts from your eyes", "You are going to pay, [...]" by this time, he keeps switching tactics at approaching and luring them out, frantic and monstrous. His words mean nothing by this time and desperation takes hold. What line of him is the purest, rawest, and most honest, between all the threads and claims, self-convincing attempts to maintain devoted is this: "The pain... To feel oneself alive... And deliver death." This line might seem like one among the many terrible threats, but it in fact shows his deepest belief. That is, of pain and life. Sacrifice and death. That those who live, have to kill, and that is what it means to exist in this world.
⢠In Plague Tale Innocence and Requiem, we see Amicia's development into a murderer who follows similarly blind committments.
She ultimately becomes, what she condemned, and what caused her great misery. What, in the end, she herself becomes if Hugo doesn't lead her on the right path. A monster.
So, to sum it all up, Lord Nicholas represents the human being of that time, whose identity is what he serves, and nothing else.
It makes one selfless, righteous, but at what cost? Violence spreads from one person to another, while everyone tries to save what is precious to them. Hope this helped seeing him as more human and with more personality. Cheers. A few more points I couldn't exactly integrate are the following:
⢠A few things showing the underlying morality and plain intentions: at first he tried to negotiate with both Robert, Amicia, and Beatrice as well. He condones stealing entirely. He doesn't kill Arthur at first.
⢠In the concept art he is left handed. In Middle Ages, left handed people were considered sinful, since it was the "devil's hand". This added with the self-punishing- self-destructive-Catholic mindset, added with his devotion, signs that he is penitent, and does what he should for a greater good, a salvation, and carries the burden of "sacrifice".
2024.05.14 02:06 mochajud Do not use ITExams. I'm mad I paid!
some of their answers are wrong for example.
An IS auditor notes that the previous year's disaster recovery test was not completed within the scheduled time frame due to insufficient hardware allocated by a third-party vendor. Which of the following provides the BEST evidence that adequate resources are now allocated to successfully recover the systems?
I said B and I very confused on how its C. However, I check somewhere else, and they have the same question, but the answer is D like I thought. Because how is a vendor memo the correct answer??
also, for the emergency button question, ITExams said the button should be illuminated and that doesn't make any sense! the button should be covered
submitted by mochajud to CISA [link] [comments]
An IS auditor notes that the previous year's disaster recovery test was not completed within the scheduled time frame due to insufficient hardware allocated by a third-party vendor. Which of the following provides the BEST evidence that adequate resources are now allocated to successfully recover the systems?
- A. Hardware change management policy
- B. An up-to-date RACI chart
- C. Vendor memo indicating problem correction
- D. Service level agreement (SLA)
I said B and I very confused on how its C. However, I check somewhere else, and they have the same question, but the answer is D like I thought. Because how is a vendor memo the correct answer??
also, for the emergency button question, ITExams said the button should be illuminated and that doesn't make any sense! the button should be covered
2024.05.14 01:36 Minimum_Count9758 Solo Sword Bardadin Build - Supreme Martial All Arounder
NOTE: This guide contains a ton of gear and narrative spoilers
Most Sword Bard builds are either focused on either ranged or control + melee/AoE attack styles, and I wanted to explore whether or not it would be possible to take the best of both to make the ultimate martial all around build. This build features Sharpshooter with ranged damage of 20-30 per arrow and GWM + smite damage of 60-120 per single hit by the end game.
In addition to the primary martial strength, you gain the jack of all trades benefits of being a Bard, including exceptional social skills, relatively high charisma, good persuasion, deception, sleight of hand and stealth.
Early game, expect to play like any other dexterity/charisma bard, with the first 6 level progression on Bard alone.
After level 6 of Bard, we begin to level into Paladin, which opens the door for the character to start building up melee power. Truth be told, I may have respec'ed a few times between levels 6-10 trying a few things on for size, but the most effective strategy mid-game was:
Philosophically, the build is focused on fast nova damage to overwhelm a larger group by decimating them in the first 2 turns. High movement is key, we're always looking to surprise enemies, and taking advantage of stealth and invisibility to duck in and out of battle for the occasional "oh shit" moment or recharge of bardic inspiration.
Race choices include Wood Elf, High Elf, Duegar Dwarf, Half Orc, Gnome or Halfling. I've always opted for one of the elves, primary because of movement speed. The fighting style that has evolved for me throughout multiple solo runs now is that you are often fighting in retreat, and movement is key to manage this. If you're playing this as part of a party, movement is less important.
Levels 1-6 - Bard
Levels 7-8 - Paladin
We're really just marching towards that second feat here. Choose whatever you want for spells, I like Freedom of Movement, Greater Invisibility, Fear, Hypnotize. For this build, spells are tertiary to ranged and melee damage, so the focus should be on enhancements and prep spells for battle, not in battle casting against enemies.
Again, we're marching to our third feat but you can pick up some great Paladin support and control spells like Command, Bless, Protection from Good and Evil, and additional smites.
Early Act 1
I stocked up on tons of scrolls along the way, the most important of which were Haste, Remove Curse, Misty Step, Fireball, Lightning (+Chain), Mirror Image, Invisibility, Cone of Cold or other large AOE high level spells.
FOOTNOTE: Thanks for reading this far. I've played through the game now like 12 times or so, with one successful honor run, and the last 3 of which were solo runs on Tactician. The solo runs were inspired by Friendly Lich and his blade warlock: https://www.reddit.com/BG3Builds/comments/1cmn6sb/a_warlock_pact_of_the_blade_multiclass_for_solo/
This resisting the dark urge run was my favorite playthrough so far, for both the narrative storyline, and how it played thematically into this build, with the choices between good and evil waffling back and forth along the way, ultimately leading to redemption. I think this is the best story arc of BG3.
I've considered a couple of other options for this build that I'd like to experiment with in the future, including ditching one of the feats and adding one level of War Cleric to get Sanctuary and Guidance. I will not lie, I save scummed a few times along the way and Guidance and Sanctuary would have helped me a bunch in those situations. However, it was rewarding to get the full martial with Tavern Brawler on Nyrulna in the end, will report back if I end up tinkering. Suggestions welcome!
submitted by Minimum_Count9758 to BG3Builds [link] [comments]
Most Sword Bard builds are either focused on either ranged or control + melee/AoE attack styles, and I wanted to explore whether or not it would be possible to take the best of both to make the ultimate martial all around build. This build features Sharpshooter with ranged damage of 20-30 per arrow and GWM + smite damage of 60-120 per single hit by the end game.
Background Theme
The theme for the build is a resisting dark urge, with a desire for redemption to become the champion of Baldurs's Gate. And this theme weaves through the playthrough with items and choices along the journey, for example:- Getting branded by Priestess Gut and getting Loviatar's Love in at the Goblin Camp
- Saving the Nightsong (and Shadowheart) and forgoing the Spear of the Evening
- Becoming partial illithid in a quest for power
- In a moment of weakness, falling prey to the powers of Bhaal by becoming an Unholy Assassin at the Murder Tribunal, only to later realize that Sarevok and the tribunal must die.
- And finally rejecting Bhaal and giving up the dark urge powers.
Build Overview
The build centers around a combination of Bard and Paladin, with all three feats, for a Level 8 Sword Bard / Level 4 Oath of Vengeance Paladin. Feats are Shapshooter, Great Weapons Master and Tavern Brawler centered around Nyrulna for throwing + smite melee and the Titanstring bow for ranged giving absolute martial authority under almost all circumstances.In addition to the primary martial strength, you gain the jack of all trades benefits of being a Bard, including exceptional social skills, relatively high charisma, good persuasion, deception, sleight of hand and stealth.
Early game, expect to play like any other dexterity/charisma bard, with the first 6 level progression on Bard alone.
- Focus on ranged fighting style, with enough stealth to dip in and out of battles solo, particularly against large groups like the Goblin Camp, in the Creche and the Gnolls
- Use flourishes, both ranged and melee to hit multiple targets in one round.
- Dual wielding hand crossbows early game.
After level 6 of Bard, we begin to level into Paladin, which opens the door for the character to start building up melee power. Truth be told, I may have respec'ed a few times between levels 6-10 trying a few things on for size, but the most effective strategy mid-game was:
- Titanstring with Sharpshooter and Gloves of Dexterity for ranged flourishes and multiple Bard attacks that came online at level 6.
- Dual wield shortswords like Knife of the Undermountain King for smites (starting at level 8 - SSB 6/Pal 2) and melee flourishes.
Philosophically, the build is focused on fast nova damage to overwhelm a larger group by decimating them in the first 2 turns. High movement is key, we're always looking to surprise enemies, and taking advantage of stealth and invisibility to duck in and out of battle for the occasional "oh shit" moment or recharge of bardic inspiration.
Leveling Guide & Feats
As noted earlier, this build really doesn't come online until level 6, more so at level 8+. Prior to that, you're just an average ranged or melee bard, your choice. The end game goal is Level 8 College of Swords Bard / Level 4 Oath of Vengeance (or Oathbreaker) Paladin.Race choices include Wood Elf, High Elf, Duegar Dwarf, Half Orc, Gnome or Halfling. I've always opted for one of the elves, primary because of movement speed. The fighting style that has evolved for me throughout multiple solo runs now is that you are often fighting in retreat, and movement is key to manage this. If you're playing this as part of a party, movement is less important.
Levels 1-6 - Bard
- Start at level 1 as a Bard with STR 8, DEX 17, CON 14, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 16, and you should expect to respec at least once. Select Minor Illusion and Friends for Cantrips if doing a solo run, with a strong case to also be made for Mage Hand. If not for a solo, you have other options here. Longstrider is a key spell as well. For skills, optimize Persuasion (or Deception), Sleight of Hand, Stealth, and Performance, in that order. I chose Persuasion, Sleight of Hand and Stealth.
- At level 3, choose College of Swords. For spells, consider Invisibility, Cloud of Daggers (for some vital early AOE on a solo run), and Hold Person. You can also swap an existing spell slot here to get two of those three. Choose Two-Weapon Fighting for fighting style.
- At level 4, choose Sharpshooter for your first feat.
Levels 7-8 - Paladin
- At level 7, start with your first Paladin level. I chose Oath of Vengenance.
- At level 8, choose either Defense or Great Weapon Fighting as your fighting style. At this point in the game, I was playing with dual wielded shortswords with Knife of the Undermountain King as primary, but you could also play with Halberd of Vigilance, Mourning Frost or some other two handed weapon. Melee is less important still at this point, since we chose Sharpshooter as our first feat and primary fighting style. This is really about your secondary melee damage dealing, so whatever you prefer for the mid-game.
We're really just marching towards that second feat here. Choose whatever you want for spells, I like Freedom of Movement, Greater Invisibility, Fear, Hypnotize. For this build, spells are tertiary to ranged and melee damage, so the focus should be on enhancements and prep spells for battle, not in battle casting against enemies.
- At level 10, level 8 bard, grab the Great Weapons Master feat. By this time in the game, we have picked up Nyrulna and have a lot of spell slots for smites. This is where the melee part of this build really shines and starts to outpace the already amazing ranged archer. NOTE: If you chose Defense at level 8, respec to choose Great Weapon Fighting.
Again, we're marching to our third feat but you can pick up some great Paladin support and control spells like Command, Bless, Protection from Good and Evil, and additional smites.
- At level 12, level 4 Paladin, get the Tavern Brawler feat and put your ability point in Constitution (kid of doesn't matter, I'll explain in a bit). I thought about getting Savage Attacker here for maximizing crits on smites, or even an ASI into Strength, but ultimately wanted the flexibility of using Nyrulna as a solid throwing option and I'm glad I did. I might go back and try the other two options at some point.
Gear Guide
Not extensive, but I'll list out the important items I picked up and used along the way, but place an asterisk by absolutely essential itemsEarly Act 1
- Ring of Protection* - Worn pretty much the entire game, best ring in the game IMO (don't @ me)
- Titanstring Bow* - the build revolves around this bow
- Doom Hammer* - Absolutely essential for any solo of Myrkul to prevent healing from Reaper's Reward ability.
- Amulet of Misty Step
- Gloves of Archery
- Crusher's Ring
- Haste Helm
- Gloves of Dexterity* - Essential to the build, worn throughout the game since the build was based on dumping DEX in the spec.
- DeathStalker's Mantle* - Durge item only, essential to the build to go invisible after a kill.
- Boots of Speed* - Worn pretty much throughout the game, I almost feel are essential for a solo run. These are top 3 items for me all game for any solo run.
- Periapt of Wound Closure* - Essential for me mid-game to have healing potions max heal. I wore throughout act 2.
- Club of Hill Giant Strength - This was essential before Gloves of Dex purchase
- Disintegrating Night Walkers
- Knife of the Undermountain King
- Mourning Frost
- Unseen Menace
- Caustic Band
- Risky Ring* - I wore this most of the game as well, with some situational exceptions
- Cloak of Protection* - This was swapped out situationally with the Deathstalker's Mantle throughout the game, really the only two cloaks I used.
- Darkfire Shortbow - used situationally for fire/cold resistance
- Killer's Sweetheart
- Helmet of Arcane Acuity - used surprisingly little, but had to mention
- Nyrulna* - Essential to the build, couldn't do this one without it unless you went full evil and did Shar's Spear of the Evening, but that goes against the theme here.
- Bhaalist Armor* - Essential to the build to get the smite damage maximized from Nyrulna.
- Sarevok's Horned Helmet*
- Helm of the Balduran*
- Amulet of Greater Health*
- Band of Mystic Scoundrel - used surprisingly little, but had to mention
- Sarevok's Helm
- Bhaalist Armor
- Cloak of Protection
- Boots of Speed
- Gloves of Dexterity
- Ring of Protection
- Risky Ring
- Amulet of Greater Health
- Nyrulna
- Titanstring Bow
Buffs and Enhancements
- Hag's Hair went to Strength - 17 base + 1 = 18 Strength
- Brand of the Absolute and Loviatar's Love
- Volo's Eye
- Necromancy of Thay, both buffs
- Awakened Illithid powers
- Potion of Everlasting Vigor - 18 STR + 2 = 20 Strength
- Partial Illithid, because flying!
- Githrazei Mind Barrier
- Arabella's Shadow Entanglement
- Tharacite Vigor
- Anointed in Splendor
- Statue of myself buff
- Mirror of Loss - 20 STR = 2 = 22 Strength
Other Misc Tactics and Potions
I used Potion of Speed, Elixir of Bloodlust, Elixir of Viciousness, Invisibility, and various posions/toxins for weapon dipping throughout the game. Bloodlust was easily the most important for a solo run, I tried to put it on after as many long rests as possible, followed closely by speed potions and invisibility on a per battle basis. Buy Hyena Ears and Worg Fangs every time you see them.I stocked up on tons of scrolls along the way, the most important of which were Haste, Remove Curse, Misty Step, Fireball, Lightning (+Chain), Mirror Image, Invisibility, Cone of Cold or other large AOE high level spells.
FOOTNOTE: Thanks for reading this far. I've played through the game now like 12 times or so, with one successful honor run, and the last 3 of which were solo runs on Tactician. The solo runs were inspired by Friendly Lich and his blade warlock: https://www.reddit.com/BG3Builds/comments/1cmn6sb/a_warlock_pact_of_the_blade_multiclass_for_solo/
This resisting the dark urge run was my favorite playthrough so far, for both the narrative storyline, and how it played thematically into this build, with the choices between good and evil waffling back and forth along the way, ultimately leading to redemption. I think this is the best story arc of BG3.
I've considered a couple of other options for this build that I'd like to experiment with in the future, including ditching one of the feats and adding one level of War Cleric to get Sanctuary and Guidance. I will not lie, I save scummed a few times along the way and Guidance and Sanctuary would have helped me a bunch in those situations. However, it was rewarding to get the full martial with Tavern Brawler on Nyrulna in the end, will report back if I end up tinkering. Suggestions welcome!
2024.05.14 00:32 fivefingerfury Fallen out of love with creativity, how do I decide where to take my career next? What industries should I consider?
I'm 30 years old with a liberal arts degree from a top university (haha, I know). My motivations are changing and I want to move to a different industry, but I'm not sure where to start.
Up until now, I've always been driven by my desire to make a creative/artistic mark on the world. I worked as an expat in China for several years as a founding member of a major media start-up. I achieved a lot there as a journalist, producing interesting articles and documentaries about life and culture overseas. I drove much of the company's qualitative and quantitative success as a core team member, I loved my work, and I felt connected to my coworkers.
Then the pandemic came, and I got locked outside of China when the borders closed (I'm in Texas, where I don't have a car and I don't have a good professional network). I had to suddenly leave my job and all my possessions, and I entered the beginning of a terrible swing of uncertainty and internal change. I went from being the happiest guy I knew who aspired to greatness, to really being very sad and just wanting to get through each day. That went on for about two years, before eventually, I ended up returning to Asia to work at my old company.
However, when I returned, I had fallen out of love with the work. All the passion and love I'd felt for it had dried up to nothing, and it felt torturous to get up each day and write meaningless clickbait for the surging sea of Google-searchers.
Now I've left the company again, and I feel like I'm not following any path at all. I don't think I want to be a journalist or a writer anymore, the whole industry is in crisis. I'm also feeling more pessimistic about the state of art and creativity in general. While I have plenty of personal passions and interests like martial arts, writing, magic tricks, and adventure travel, none of them offer much in the way of a professional direction.
I don't need to be rich. I feel like I just need to get a job that has the best ratio of effort investment to financial return, so I can spend more time doing the things I enjoy. My liberal arts degree is obviously completely meaningless and my hard skills are limited. My soft skills and social skills are significant:
PROS - I produce excellent quality work which generates strong results (in my last job, this was measured in terms of traffic and views). I'm great in interviews. I'm a strong communicator. I'm good at creating rapport with others. I'm good with words and persuasion.
CONS - I don't have many specialized technical skills. It's hard for me to stay "locked in" for a full 9-5 work schedule. I don't feel any genuine attachment to work now, it's just a way to make money. I don't want to go above and beyond at work.
My question is, how should I go about finding a new industry, and does anyone have any tips for roles to consider? I just want to be paid for delivering a specific, predetermined product, not an endless stream of solutions and performative excitement. Since there's no longer any genuine interest or passion powering my search, I've found it difficult to generate momentum. It may sound silly, but it's a very new feeling for me.
I just feel tired of fighting for a life and a career that "genuinely" interests me, I think I'm ready to just resign myself to the slow monotony of a more standard career path. I want to "give up" while avoiding as much pain as possible, and I'm definitely open to leaving the United States again in order to do that (for instance, if there is a relatively painless work option where the pay is not high enough to continue living here. For example, a low-volume, commission-based sales role where I take a few calls per day would be perfect in that situation.)
TL;DR My success and strategy as a writejournalist/digital content strategist has always been driven by passion and my aspirations, and those things have now dried up for me. The only driver left is money, and I've had difficulty generating momentum in the job search since I have very little network here. What roles or industries could I consider given my background, and given that I'm no longer interested in working hard for the sake of the work itself?
submitted by fivefingerfury to careerguidance [link] [comments]
Up until now, I've always been driven by my desire to make a creative/artistic mark on the world. I worked as an expat in China for several years as a founding member of a major media start-up. I achieved a lot there as a journalist, producing interesting articles and documentaries about life and culture overseas. I drove much of the company's qualitative and quantitative success as a core team member, I loved my work, and I felt connected to my coworkers.
Then the pandemic came, and I got locked outside of China when the borders closed (I'm in Texas, where I don't have a car and I don't have a good professional network). I had to suddenly leave my job and all my possessions, and I entered the beginning of a terrible swing of uncertainty and internal change. I went from being the happiest guy I knew who aspired to greatness, to really being very sad and just wanting to get through each day. That went on for about two years, before eventually, I ended up returning to Asia to work at my old company.
However, when I returned, I had fallen out of love with the work. All the passion and love I'd felt for it had dried up to nothing, and it felt torturous to get up each day and write meaningless clickbait for the surging sea of Google-searchers.
Now I've left the company again, and I feel like I'm not following any path at all. I don't think I want to be a journalist or a writer anymore, the whole industry is in crisis. I'm also feeling more pessimistic about the state of art and creativity in general. While I have plenty of personal passions and interests like martial arts, writing, magic tricks, and adventure travel, none of them offer much in the way of a professional direction.
I don't need to be rich. I feel like I just need to get a job that has the best ratio of effort investment to financial return, so I can spend more time doing the things I enjoy. My liberal arts degree is obviously completely meaningless and my hard skills are limited. My soft skills and social skills are significant:
PROS - I produce excellent quality work which generates strong results (in my last job, this was measured in terms of traffic and views). I'm great in interviews. I'm a strong communicator. I'm good at creating rapport with others. I'm good with words and persuasion.
CONS - I don't have many specialized technical skills. It's hard for me to stay "locked in" for a full 9-5 work schedule. I don't feel any genuine attachment to work now, it's just a way to make money. I don't want to go above and beyond at work.
My question is, how should I go about finding a new industry, and does anyone have any tips for roles to consider? I just want to be paid for delivering a specific, predetermined product, not an endless stream of solutions and performative excitement. Since there's no longer any genuine interest or passion powering my search, I've found it difficult to generate momentum. It may sound silly, but it's a very new feeling for me.
I just feel tired of fighting for a life and a career that "genuinely" interests me, I think I'm ready to just resign myself to the slow monotony of a more standard career path. I want to "give up" while avoiding as much pain as possible, and I'm definitely open to leaving the United States again in order to do that (for instance, if there is a relatively painless work option where the pay is not high enough to continue living here. For example, a low-volume, commission-based sales role where I take a few calls per day would be perfect in that situation.)
TL;DR My success and strategy as a writejournalist/digital content strategist has always been driven by passion and my aspirations, and those things have now dried up for me. The only driver left is money, and I've had difficulty generating momentum in the job search since I have very little network here. What roles or industries could I consider given my background, and given that I'm no longer interested in working hard for the sake of the work itself?