Assignment Title: The Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion and Individual Behavior
Objective: Write a synthesis essay that examines how social media platforms influence public opinion and individual behavior. Your essay should integrate insights from various scholarly sources to analyze the extent to which social media has reshaped public discourse and personal interactions.
Instructions:

1. Research Requirement:
   • Gather and synthesize information from at least five scholarly articles or books. Your sources should include studies on social media's role in politics, marketing, and social interaction.
2. Essay Structure:
   • Introduction: Introduce the topic of social media’s influence and state your thesis about its impact on public opinion and individual behavior.
   • Body Paragraphs:
     • Paragraph 1: Discuss how social media platforms are used as tools for political influence and shaping electoral outcomes.
     • Paragraph 2: Analyze the role of social media in marketing and how it affects consumer behavior.
     • Paragraph 3: Explore the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships and communication.
     • Synthesis: Draw connections between the effects observed in different areas, illustrating the overarching influence of social media.
   • Conclusion: Summarize your findings and restate your thesis, reflecting on the broader implications of social media’s influence on society.
3. Citation Style: Use APA format for all citations and include a reference list at the end of your essay.
4. Length: Your essay should be between 1500-2000 words.
5. Submission: Submit your completed essay through the university's digital learning platform by xx-xx-xxxx.

Assessment Criteria:
Depth of research and quality of sources
Clarity and persuasiveness of argumentation
Integration of multiple viewpoints and synthesis of information
Adherence to citation rules and essay format
Grammar, spelling, and academic writing style
Solution:

The Pervasive Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion and Individual Behavior

In an age dominated by digital landscapes, social media has emerged as a fundamental force shaping public opinion and individual behavior. This synthesis essay explores the multifaceted impacts of social media platforms, drawing on scholarly articles to analyze their roles in political mobilization, consumer marketing, and interpersonal relationships. The thesis posits that social media significantly alters public discourse and personal interactions, reshaping societal norms and behaviors in profound ways.

Political Influence

Social media has revolutionized political engagement, transforming it into a more dynamic and accessible sphere. According to a study by Bond et al. (2012), Facebook's social messaging significantly increased voter turnout during the 2010 U.S. elections. This phenomenon is largely due to the ability of social platforms to facilitate rapid information dissemination, enabling political movements to mobilize supporters with unprecedented speed and scale. Targeted advertisements and viral campaigning on platforms like Twitter and Facebook not only reach more voters but also allow for more tailored political messaging, enhancing the ability to sway public opinion towards specific ideologies or candidates.

Marketing and Consumer Behavior

Beyond politics, social media has a profound impact on consumer behavior and marketing strategies. As per the research by Chaffey (2019), social media influences up to 71% of consumer buying decisions, particularly among younger demographics. This influence stems from the powerful combination of targeted advertising and user-generated content, creating a persuasive environment of social proof. Consumers are increasingly reliant on reviews and social endorsements, which platforms like Instagram and Pinterest readily provide. This shift not only affects individual purchasing behaviors but also dictates market trends and brand strategies, making social media a crucial element in modern marketing ecosystems.

Interpersonal Relationships

The impact of social media extends into the realm of interpersonal relationships. Studies by Turkle (2011) suggest that while social media facilitates more frequent communication, it also leads to more superficial interactions. The constant connectivity offered by social media platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp reshapes how relationships are formed and maintained, often prioritizing breadth over depth. This shift can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and potentially weaken the emotional bond between individuals, altering the fabric of social connectivity.

Synthesis Section

The political, commercial, and social interactions mediated by social media have collectively engineered a new societal norm, where public opinion and individual behavior are increasingly influenced by online interactions. The synthesis of these aspects reveals that while social media offers numerous benefits, such as increased engagement and consumer insights, it also poses challenges like echo chambers in politics and decreased interpersonal communication quality. Understanding these influences is crucial for mitigating potential negatives while harnessing the positive aspects of social media.

Conclusion

This essay has examined the extensive influence of social media on public opinion and individual behavior, highlighting its role in reshaping political engagement, marketing strategies, and interpersonal relationships. Social media platforms, by virtue of their design and widespread use, serve not only as tools for information dissemination but also as shapers of contemporary culture and behavior. As we navigate this digital age, it becomes imperative to foster awareness and develop strategies that enhance the benefits of social media while addressing its challenges. Further research and proactive digital literacy efforts are essential to ensure that social media serves to enhance rather than detract from societal progress.

References

• Bond, R., et al. (2012). A 61-million-person experiment in social influence and political mobilization. Nature, 489(7415), 295-298.
• Chaffey, D. (2019). Global social media research summary 2019. Smart Insights.
• Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.

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This is just an example to illustrate the kind of detailed analysis and structured argumentation expected in university-level synthesis essays. If you have any questions about this assignment or need help with your essays, feel free to comment below or start a discussion here. We're all here to support each other in excelling academically!

Words are powerful tools. In the world of marketing, they can make or break your campaigns. Crafting compelling marketing copy is an art, but with the right approach, anyone can learn to write persuasive messages that resonate with your target audience. Here at PixsMagic, we understand the importance of effective communication, and we're here to equip you with the essential skills to write marketing copy that gets results.
Know Your Audience:
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!), it's crucial to understand who you're trying to reach. Imagine you're having a conversation with a specific person, your ideal customer. What are their needs, wants, and pain points? What language do they use? What are their aspirations? By developing a buyer persona, you can tailor your message to resonate with their specific interests and speak directly to their problems.
Focus on Benefits, Not Features:
People are inherently self-centered. They care more about how a product or service can improve their lives than the technical specifications. So, instead of simply listing features, focus on the benefits your offering provides. For example, don't just say your software is "cloud-based," explain how it allows for "easier access from any device."
Keep it Clear and Concise:
Attention spans are short in today's digital world. Get to the point quickly and avoid jargon or overly complex sentence structures. Aim for clear, concise language that is easy to understand. Remember, people should be able to grasp the essence of your message within seconds of reading it.
Use Powerful Verbs:
Strong verbs can make a world of difference in your marketing copy. Instead of passive voice, use active voice to create a sense of urgency and excitement. For instance, replace "A free consultation is offered" with "Get Your Free Consultation Today!"
The Power of Storytelling:
Stories are a powerful way to connect with people on an emotional level. Weave a narrative into your copy to capture attention and illustrate the value proposition. Showcase how your product or service helped someone achieve their goals or overcome a challenge.
Embrace the Power of "You":
Marketing copy is all about connecting with your audience. Use the word "you" frequently to speak directly to the reader and make them feel like you're having a conversation with them.
Calls to Action (CTAs):
Don't leave your audience hanging! Tell them what you want them to do next. Whether it's visiting your website, signing up for a free trial, or contacting you for a quote, include a clear call to action (CTA) at the end of your copy.
Incorporate SEO Best Practices:
While this blog focuses on writing for humans, don't forget search engines! Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your copy, but prioritize readability over keyword stuffing. This will help your content rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic to your website.
Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly:
Typos and grammatical errors can erode trust and professionalism. Take the time to proofread your copy carefully, and consider having someone else review it for a fresh perspective.
A/B Testing is Your Friend:
The beauty of digital marketing is the ability to measure and optimize. Don't be afraid to experiment with different headlines, CTAs, and messaging. Use A/B testing tools to see which versions of your copy resonate best with your audience.
PixsMagic: Your Partner in Marketing Success
At PixsMagic, we believe that effective marketing starts with compelling copy. Our team of experienced marketing and design professionals can help you craft messaging that captures attention, drives conversions, and achieves your marketing goals. Whether you need help developing a content strategy, writing website copy, or creating social media posts, PixsMagic is here to turn your marketing vision into reality.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and let's start crafting marketing copy that gets results!

We're familiar with the tried-and-true method of firing off sigils. It's vulgar, but it works. But, a lot of people hit a wall after the first 5-10 sigils and they stop working. This is when we need to pivot. Here are some ways to add more thought into your sigil casting. More thought=more energy in the direction of the sigil, which is always a good thing during casting.

1. Astrological Correspondences:

Time your sigils alongside astrological events that are suitable for your working. The moon is an easy one for this.
New moons are low points in the cycle, so use those to wipe the slate clean and to dedicate yourself, to set a new course. Full moons are culminations, they're good for directing energy at a problem, as well as cutting ties with anything actively.
Also, keep your eye out throughout the year as well. I'll give you this one for free: May 18th, Jupiter will be conjunct the sun, with Venus and Uranus close by. Great time to manifest unexpected blessings.

1. Elemental Correspondences:

Tie elements into your work based on what you need to achieve, and make sure to match them correctly.
Do you want to stop smoking? Bury the sigil instead of burning it, so that way the earth is giving a bit of energy to it over a long period of time.
Want to summon a fling? The magic only needs to work for one night, so burn away!
Also, look into the various realms that the elements reign; Fire is passion, zeal, and creativity, air is intellect and strategy, water is emotion, and extremely mutable, and earth is material goods.
Tip: This nests well into #1. Bury a sigil in Taurus, burn it in Aries, etc.

1. Numerology and Gematria:

Want love?
L = 12
O = 15
V = 22
E = 5
12+15+22+5=54
5+4=9
Give your sigil nine sides. Cast it nine times, or on September 9th at 9:54.

1. Color:

This nests well with the elements. You're casting a love spell or a curse? Write it with a red pen. Want money? Use green? Protection? Black.

1. Use Every Sense While Casting it:

Try making the environment you cast the sigil in completely unique, engaging every sense in some way that relates to what you're trying to manifest.
You want to manifest a relationship? Cast it in your bedroom, with scented candlelight, roses on the bed, and a piece of chocolate on your tongue.
You want protection from evil? Point a knife at it in the garage before burying it at the edge of your property and end it taking a whiff of smelling salts.
Those are two different kinds of workings, so casting them should feel different from each other. When you get good at this, every sigil should be unique.

1. Turning One Spell into Many:

Runesoup has an excellent article on this, but I'll touch on it too. Find a way to break up one desire into several.
For example, if you want to get a new job, you could just cast "I am in a new job that I love," or you could cast "I find interesting leads on Indeed," "I am a persuasive interviewee," "I get job offers that are higher than I expect," "Recruiters find my resume impressive," and so on and so forth.
Not only does this give you more time and more energy to put towards your goal, but the numbers in and of themselves can have magical correspondences. The more opportunities to add intention into your working, the better.

1. Do Something That Signals to The Universe That You Know This Will Happen.

Aleister Crowley was once out of money. So, he did an elaborate money ritual, and then he spent the last of his money on ice cream. He did this because he 100% had faith that money was coming in.
Listen; We all aren't Crowley. I don't want to advocate that anyone plays chicken with the universe. But You should act confidently that whatever sigil you just casted is on its way. If you manifested a partner, make sure your Tinder is in top shape. If you manifested a job, start looking at what you might wear for the interview.
You made this a part of your story. Act like it.
Compare these two sigil rituals:
"John wanted a new job. John wrote "John has a good job." on a piece of paper, crossed out the repeating letters and vowels, made a symbol, jerked off while staring at the symbol, and then burned the sigil."
OR
"John wanted a career. CAREER = 58, and 5+8=12, so John made 12 sigil intentions all relating to thing he'd need to bring into his life for a new career. He looked at a sky chart and noticed that Venus was about to enter his 10th house of career, let's say Gemini, so he made sure that at least half of those prompts related to the finer things he wanted to manifest in his new career, as well as the mental skills he would need to capitalize on opportunities.
The day after the first new moon after Venus enters Gemini, he starts a six day routine where he puts a sigil on him, maybe in his shoe, and does a five mile jog in nature. At the end, or when there's a good wind. he rips it up and throws it into the breeze.
The other six he distributes between fire and earth, burying four and burning two. (This is getting long but assume this as thought out as the air one above.)
When all this is said and done, he makes sure his suit is dry-cleaned and that his headshot on LinkedIn is up to date."
If you were the Universe, which John would you listen to?

Hey Redditors,
Ever scrolled through your feed and stumbled upon an ad that stopped you in your tracks? That's the power of compelling ad copy – and today, I'm here to demystify the art of persuasion!
As a copywriting aficionado with a passion for driving conversions, I've learned a thing or two about crafting ad copy that not only grabs attention but also inspires action. From attention-grabbing headlines to irresistible calls-to-action, there's a science behind every word.
In my next post, I'll be sharing my top tips and tricks for writing ad copy that converts, along with real-life examples of copy that's made waves in the digital advertising world.
So, whether you're a seasoned marketer looking to sharpen your skills or a business owner dipping your toes into the world of advertising, this one's for you! Stay tuned for some copywriting wisdom coming your way soon.
And as always, if you have any burning questions or topics you'd like me to cover, drop them in the comments below!
Let's make some magic with words!
Ali ✍️"

Open-ended Questions:

1. Epistrophe: How does the use of epistrophe impact the rhythm and emotional resonance of a literary work? Provide examples from different genres.
   
2. Anadiplosis: Explore the significance of anadiplosis in creating a sense of continuity and building momentum in a narrative. How does it contribute to the overall flow of a text?
   
3. Aposiopesis: In what ways does aposiopesis enhance suspense and engage readers' imagination? Provide instances where aposiopesis is employed for dramatic effect.
   
4. Epizeuxis: Discuss the role of epizeuxis in emphasizing key ideas or emotions. How does this device add intensity to a character's speech or a narrative moment?
   
5. Chiasmus: Analyze the impact of chiasmus on language patterns and its ability to convey complex ideas. Identify instances where chiasmus is used to create memorable phrases.
   
6. Enjambment: How does enjambment contribute to the exploration of themes and emotions in poetry? Provide examples illustrating the nuanced effects of enjambment.
   
7. Paraprosdokian: Explore the comedic and rhetorical functions of paraprosdokian. How does it subvert expectations and create a surprising twist in language?
   
8. Anaphora: Examine the rhetorical power of anaphora in speeches or written works. How does repetition contribute to emphasis and persuasion?
   
9. Hendiadys: Investigate the nuanced meanings and expressions conveyed through hendiadys. How does this device enhance the richness of language and description?
   
10. Litotes: Discuss the subtlety and understatement inherent in litotes. How does it shape the tone of a statement and create layers of meaning?
    

Fill in the Blank Questions:

1. In epistrophe, repetition occurs at the ________ of successive clauses, creating a distinctive rhythmic pattern.
   
2. Anadiplosis involves the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the ________ clause.
   
3. Aposiopesis is characterized by a sudden ________, adding suspense and intrigue to a statement.
   
4. Epizeuxis employs immediate ________ for emphasis, intensifying the impact of a particular word or phrase.
   
5. Chiasmus involves the reversal of ________ structures in successive phrases, creating a symmetrical pattern.
   
6. Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a ________, stanza, or verse.
   
7. Paraprosdokian achieves humor and surprise by delivering an unexpected ________ or twist in a phrase or series.
   
8. Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the ________ of successive clauses, emphasizing key ideas.
   
9. Hendiadys involves using two ________ to express an idea when normally one would suffice, adding nuance and complexity.
   
10. Litotes emphasizes the magnitude of a statement by denying its ________ opposite, contributing to an ironic or modest tone.
    

DO NOT FALL FOR THIS: https://i.imgur.com/2BHJGtc.png (Screenshot from GAFS)

The user in the screenshot above is making fake subreddits to impersonate users. So instead of u/Maplesurpy for example, you'd get a message from MapleSurpy that is a SUBREDDIT and not a user. You can tell it's a subreddit if it's a green name, or if it says instead of u/, or if there is a little badge next to it.
BEFORE YOU PAY ANYONE, CLICK THEIR NAME SO YOU MAKE SURE IT GOES TO AN ACTUAL USER PROFILE AND NOT A SUBREDDIT
This person asks you to go to Discord (but will still do the deal on Reddit), then gives you excuses on why they can't take G&S, and will only take Crypto, Venmo, Cashapp, etc.
They are not our usual fake-subreddit Indian scammer ring that are very easy to detect, they speak perfect English and are very persuasive. They also claim to have high flair friends on Knife_Swap, lots of sales in other places, and may even send you stolen photos of a drivers license OR PHOTOSHOPPED TIMESTAMPS to prove they are "legit"
DO NOT FALL FOR THIS. Make sure that when you click on their name, it goes to the profile of your actual seller. If you click the name and it goes to a subreddit, IT IS FAKE AND PLEASE REPORT IT TO US.

I'm relativily new to cRPGs and easily overwhelmed by the rulebooks but I really enjoyed talking around people (Bard, persuasion, charm), speaking with animals and detecting thoughts, as well as people reacting to my character (Drow) in BG3 for example. What would be a good class/race combo for Divinity: Original Sin 2? Basically, what get's me the most options to solve situations as well as the most information and reactions from the world/npcs?

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.

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.

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%:

• Use Inclusive and Familiar Language:

Instead of terms like "socialism" or even "social democracy," use language that resonates with American values, such as "freedom," "security," "opportunity," and "family support." Phrases like "economic security," "family benefits," and "health assurance" can frame these concepts in a more positive and accessible light. This is what the ultraconservative billionaires do with their private foundations and political non profits (Americans for Prosperity, etc.)

• Emphasize Fairness and Equality of Opportunity:

Many people are motivated by the idea of a fair playing field. Highlight how safety nets are about giving everyone a fair shot at success, not just providing handouts. For instance, explain how access to healthcare and education enables all citizens to contribute more effectively to the economy. Emphasize the fact that a lot of these "self-made" actually started out with significant family resources at their disposals (Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, etc.)

• Highlight Economic Benefits and Efficiency:

Discuss the economic rationality behind safety nets, such as reducing emergency healthcare costs through preventative care or boosting economic productivity through better-educated workers. Show how these measures can save money in the long run and stabilize the economy. Investment in education = more efficient workers = more efficient economy; therefore, it is in America's advantage to make higher education more accessible.

• Use Success Stories and Relatable Examples:

People connect with personal stories more than abstract concepts. Share success stories of individuals and communities that have benefited from these programs. Highlight examples from conservative or traditionally right-leaning areas where social programs have led to positive outcomes. The New Deal policies enacted under FDR come to mind as they were remarkably beneficial to the lower class before being systematically dismantled during the Reagan Era.

• Focus on Family and Community Values:

Frame safety nets as a way to protect and uplift families and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind during tough times. This can appeal to communal and familial instincts, which are strong in many conservative areas. Republicans LOVE family values, so finding a way to promote these policies in the name of "family" is a must.

• Stress Independence and Self-Sufficiency:

Rather than presenting safety nets as charity, frame them as tools that help people become self-sufficient. For example, job training programs can be branded as "career advancement networks," emphasizing their role in helping individuals climb the economic ladder on their own terms. This one is huge. Self-sufficiency and independence are a major reason cars are still so prevalent as apposed to public transit in this country. Figuring out a way to emphasize the importance of social policies as pivotal to these ideals is crucial.

• Leverage Bipartisan Support:

Where possible, highlight bipartisan support for certain measures, demonstrating that they are not about partisan politics but about common-sense solutions to shared problems. This can help reduce the fear of a "socialist" agenda. This one is difficult due to how obdurate Republicans can be, but garnering Republican support is essential.

• Avoid Patronizing or Condescending Tones:

When communicating these ideas, it’s crucial to respect the intelligence and concerns of the audience. Avoid talking down or dismissing their fears. Instead, acknowledge their concerns and provide thoughtful, evidence-based responses. Look, I get it - it can be hard to deal with many conservatives without feeling an air of haughtiness. But rather than contempt I propose pity: these poor people lack the requisite critical thinking skills to recognize corporate propaganda, and patronizing them only leads to further division.

• Use Local Influencers and Leaders:

Messages are often more persuasive when delivered by familiar and trusted voices. Engaging local leaders, religious figures, and influencers who can speak to the benefits of these policies in a culturally resonant way can increase acceptance and understanding. Social media is also a must. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Youtube shorts have proven invaluable in disseminating ideologies.

• Demonstrate Government Efficiency:

Many fears around social democracies relate to perceptions of government inefficiency. Demonstrate cases where government intervention has been efficient and effective, and highlight improvements and reforms that aim to enhance government accountability and performance. Again, think FDR's New Deal.
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.).

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:

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...
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

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):

(b) then I chanted, solved the problem or changed that aspect of my life which I wasn't satisfied with...
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.

Clearly, this is all about crafting the most persuasive sales pitch, not about honestly and authentically communicating anything real.

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?
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

REHEARSE it, in other words. These "experiences" are NOT spontaneous!

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!!

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!

• Discover the Simple Trick to become an entrepreneur Without quitting your job – Learn how you can build a side business effortlessly with this one surprising technique.
  
• Unlock the Secrets to Permanent Wealth – Find out how to get on the revenue growth path for good with our expert tips and strategies.
  
• Boost Your Business Instantly – Discover tools and exercises that supercharge your side business and accelerate sales
  
• Achieve Your Dream Business in Just Weeks – Get a step-by-step plan to transform your expertise into entrepreneurship quickly and effectively.
  
• Enjoy Effective, Healthy Patterns – Access a collection of effective design patterns that make building your side business enjoyable and sustainable.
  

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.

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.

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 Protégé. This alone in itself wouldn't mean anything, but right after that a guard added "Maybe he found himself another Protégé" 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 protégé - 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".

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.

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.

By the end of Act 1, and with the acquisition of the Gloves of Dexterity in Creche Y'llek,a respec is needed to maximize the benefits of the Titanstring and the build plays like a ranged beast through all of the mid-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.

By Act 3 and the late game, and with the acquisition of Nyrulna from the Djinni at the Circus of the Last Days in Rivington,the martial melee power took center stage, with ranged flourishes still very powerful, but no longer the primary attack strategy. And by level 12 and the end game, you have the choice between throwing Nyrulna for AoE or Slashing Flourish for specific ranged attacks.
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.

I recommend a respec as soon as you are able to purchase the Gloves of Dexterity, which for me happens usually around level 4 or 5 somewhere. When you do, choose STR 17, DEX 8, CON 14, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 16.
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.

Levels 9-10 - Bard
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.

Levels 11-12 - Paladin
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 items
Early 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

Late Act 1

• 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

Act 2

• 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

Act 3

• 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

End Game items

• 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!

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?

I finished Morrowind + DLC and I figure this is a good way to end my time and share what I learned. I'm sure there's some I forget or didn't find. Feel free to share.
Have to add this one. 100 Jump 1 second. No slow fall. 100 or 120 (no damage) acrobatics.
I think there's the easy examples. Fortify Intelligence and make Intelligence potions. Drink Intelligence potions. Make more Intelligence potions. Then start making other potions. 125% reflect. Fortify attribute potions. Levitation + Speed. I kind of hate admitting this, but after I was done having fun with super potions, I still used Feather potions and detect enchantment for the rest of the game.
A subcategory is Fortify Fatigue. Most of Morrowind's formulas factory in fatigue so once you fortify fatigue by x5 your maximum and beyond things get crazy. Your jumps get bigger. You move faster. Every attack hits. Every attack against you misses. Every persuasion check works. Once it gets high enough merchants will starting giving you things for 1 gold and trainers will train you for 1.
Then there's calm person. A calmed person will let you do almost anything to them. Drain Personality + Luck. Drain Merchantile for even cheaper training/trading.
Fortify Skill in general. 100% enchanting chance (granted the base formula is unfair even at 100 int, 100 enchant). More effective potions without even requiring Int looping. Turn any trainer into a master trainer with a +60 fort skill on touch.
Drain Attribute. No humanoid can even be a challenge with this. Drain Strength 100 over 1 second stops them from moving. Drain Agility makes ever hit work and knock them down. Drain Intelligence disables any mage. Drain Personality + Luck makes them basically give you money. I never found huge use for Drain Skill, other than drain mercantile for cheap training + trading.
Chameleon. Once you get enough agility, you can start doing almost anything to anyone with 100% chameleon. Stealing obviously. Enemies don't know how to fight back and run away. You can mess with guilds and even cast spells on them without risking expulsion. Even something as small as 20% chameleon lets you easily sneak up on enemies for x4 sneak attacks. Makes assassination easy. Each instance stacks so a 80 chameleon with amulet of shadows and a 20 chameleon lets you access 100 chameleon easy.
Enchanting in General. 100 weakness to magic 1 sec + 100 drain health over 2 seconds in 50 ft is easily accessible once you get a fortify attribute spell. 100 drain strength over 50 ft too. Whatever custom spell lets you take out the 20 cliff racers chasing you. Let's you punch well above your weight when your damage is low or your skill level for magic schools are low. There's also constant enchantments that can more than double your strength, give you 100% chameleon (maybe too strong to be fun), 100% sanctuary, etc. With enchanting it takes some restraint not to make yourself too powerful.