I am not the OOP. The OOP is u/evastraea posting in AmItheAsshole
Concluded as per OOP
2 updates - Long
Original - 21st June 2022
Update1 - 27th June 2022
Comment from OOP - 27th June 2022
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AITA for not giving my adopted daughter a stuffed animal for her high school graduation, when both of my biological children got one?
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I [49f] have 3 children, [22f], [19m], and [18f]. My oldest are my biological children from a previous marriage, and my youngest I became a mother to at the age of 2 when I married her widowed father. She has only ever called me mom, and I officially adopted her at the age of 12.
Now on to the issue with the stuffed animals: years and years ago, when I was only 20 and in college, I worked at a children's museum. I adored the job and working with kids, and had the idea to buy stuffed animals from the gift shop to be my future-kids' first stuffed animals whenever they were born. I had gotten a stuffed bear at birth that was very special to me growing up, and on my 18th birthday my parents gifted me a duplicate they had bought way back when and kept for me all these years. I found this so special, and wanted to do something similar, so I bought 6 stuffed animals from the museum's gift shop; 3 to be given at birth, and 3 duplicates. I had no idea at the time how many kids I would have, but I knew I wasn't planning on having more than 3, so I didn't get any more.
My first daughter received the stuffed animal I selected for her while pregnant. Then, between her birth and the birth of my son, I miscarried. The experience was deeply traumatic for me, especially as I miscarried in my second trimester, and I buried my baby with the stuffed animal they would have gotten. I kept the duplicate to for comfort, to cuddle and hold.
Finally, my son was born and received the last of the stuffed animals I had set aside so many years ago. Now, here's where I may be the asshole. For both my daughter and son's high school graduations, I surprised them with the duplicates, for them to take to college with them and compare against the stuffies they've been loving on their whole lives. Both were very moved by this, and took both (original and duplicate) to school with them.
My youngest, however, never received a stuffed animal, and so when her graduation celebration rolled along I had no duplicate to gift her. I watched her unpack all her gifts, and her face fall when she got to the last one and realized. She didn't really say anything, just got this super sad look on her face, and excused herself to her room. I followed to ask what was wrong, but she said she didn't want to talk to me, so her father went in instead.
According to him she cried to him that she didn't feel as loved by me as her siblings, and as much a part of the family - the unwrapping of her siblings' stuffed animals were very emotional events, and she had had the expectation she'd be getting the same. In hindsight I could have easily done something similar for her whenever I first came into her life, even if it wouldn't have been from the museum, but I just didn't think of it. She has been cold to me this entire last week, and I feel so terrible, I've offered to take her out to a special dinner the two of us to make amends but she turned me down. AITA?
Edit: the votes are in, and I am definitively TA. Many of you are suggesting that I get her a stuffie that reminds me of her, or maybe to get her two so she can continue the tradition with her future kids. But I think what I will do is gift her the duplicate my parents gifted me of my special plush bear I received at birth, which is one of my most treasured possessions, and deeply meaningful to me. Thank you all for the advice, it is genuinely appreciated.
​
Comments
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Mrs-Addams
YTA. Nothing quite says “you’re not like my other kids” like leaving her out of a family tradition when her turn came. I’m sorry about the loss of your baby and understand why you kept that stuffed animal for your own, however, the tradition could have started with her when she joined your family at age 2, or when you formally adopted her.
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SmartassMouth89
YTA your kids grew up together and for years you never once thought to go and buy two stuffed animals for your adoptive daughter?
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QueenKeisha
Right? In 16 years, and after giving 2 other bears away, she didn’t once think, hey what about youngest?
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SmartassMouth89
Right? She liked the daughters dad enough to marry him but didn’t think that it would be a good idea to give the two year old a stuffie at the wedding?
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Update - 6 days later
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Long story short: my daughter found my reddit post, and came to me in tears apologizing for her reaction. This was NOT my expectation, and I assured her she had nothing to apologize for, as I had been in the wrong. We had a long discussion about the situation, our feelings, and how to move forward from this, and although I know she is still hurt we are on our way to making amends.
Long story long: so what even happened? As I've now discovered, my daughter loves browsing AITA. She stumbled on my post, and after reading it in it's entirety, as well as a good chunk of the comments (all of mine, and many left by other redditors) she came to me in tears apologizing for her reaction.
She sobbed in my arms that she didn't want this to be the end of our relationship, and that she was sorry, and wanted to enjoy this last summer together. I held her and assured her she had nothing to apologize for, and apologized myself (I did shed a little tear, but tried to keep my emotions in check as I did not want the burden of comforting me to be on her).
What followed was a productive but incredibly emotionally vulnerable conversation, the details of which I will not disclose entirely. She has been going through a rough time, and my impression (I could be wrong) is that the lack of a stuffie at graduation was a catalyst for bigger emotions. She did take me up on my offer to take her to dinner, and I've now booked a reservation at a nice restaurant she has been wanting to go to for a while.
And last night we cooked her favorite dinner together, which gave us an opportunity to smooth things over somewhat. We have not yet broached the subject of me intending to gift her my own plush, except for very briefly (she insisted I didn't have to, and seemed to feel a lot of guilt), but I still plan to. I just feel it would be best to wait until things have cooled down.
And if she truly doesn't feel comfortable taking it, I plan on getting a bear of a similar look to be its "little brother" for her to take care of. That's the update, obviously things have not magically mended overnight, but we are finally on-track to a resolution. Many thanks to all that left advice, and please check the comments below for clarification on many questions asked before passing any judgements (I far exceeded the allowed word limit, and have instead pasted much of what I intended to say here below).
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Comments
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aroundincircles
Read your first post and this one, and I feel it from both sides. My wife and I recently adopted a bio niece (13 yo this week) and she welcomes us as dad and mom, but we've run into a number of times where the kids will pull out something from a trip we went on, or an activity we did, etc years before she was ever in our lives, and she'll go "why don't you have one of those for me"? It's really hard, some of these things are simply impossible for us to get, and/or would cost us thousands of dollars (when We already spent 30+k on custody/adoption lawyers and court fees).
She also didn't even bring anything with her when we picked her up, she wasn't even allowed to bring a change of underwear. It's been something that we've had to deal with in counselling that her life with us didn't start till she was almost 12, and we have to begin fresh from there, we cannot turn back the clock and give her back an entire childhood she missed. Like when we went camping for the first time with her, and we were getting things out to visually see what we needed to get from the store and we pulled out the kid's sleeping bags, and she was like "where is mine", and the fact that we didn't already have one hurt her.
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Glum_Hamster_1076
And that doesn’t make you an ahole. I hope no one will call you one. Situations change and you’re not always able to “make up for it”. OP didn’t do this to hurt her daughter and it’s weird people are painting it that way. I hope things are going well with you all in therapy and your family is making great strides together.
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Comment from OOP
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When I initially posted to AITA, I was prepared to face judgment, and open to constructive criticism. However, while I did receive many constructive comments, which I truly appreciate, I received many more that were hateful and unconstructive, and I will admit, I did get defensive. But the attitude I took on in the comments is not one I brought into my interactions with my daughter; please understand that I did not throw in her face all the kind things I feel I've done for her over the years, but was rather attempting to contextualize our relationship for strangers who've never met us.
And before passing any further judgment in the comments, please check below for answers to a lot of the questions asked in the original thread. To answer a few questions: why did I not adopt her until 10 years after I came into her life? Because I never sought to force myself on her as her mother, and waited until she could give me explicit consent to adopt her. Why did I never buy her any stuffed animals? I did. I bought her many when I first met her, as well as one for her official adoption day, and every adoption day celebration since.
And I did technically gift her a stuffed animal for her graduation, too, it was just a plush of her college's mascot rather than a duplicate of a treasured plush from her childhood. So why did I not buy her a duplicate at any point over the last 16 years? I did not think to until my oldest graduated and received hers, by which point I (mistakenly) felt the significance would be lost. Both my bio kids received stuffies saved for them for decades, whereas she would have received one saved for only four years. Instead I tried to honor her in other ways, such as (as I described in the comments) crafting her a cookbook of generational family recipes that I illustrated by hand, because she is her own individual.
Truthfully, while I understand the sentiments expressed in the comments, I don't believe recognizing differences is inherently a bad thing. The duplicate stuffies my bio kids received were duplicates of the very first stuffies to ever be in their crib with them. Their receival of them was a birth event, and I did not give birth to my youngest. But that does not mean I love her any less, or that she is any less my daughter.
We have established our own traditions honoring her entry into my life, such as our celebration of her adoption day, and while I realize I could have handled the stuffie situation better, I do believe it was an honest mistake. But how could I not include her in a treasured family tradition, knowing how important it is (especially as an adopted child) to feel a part of the family? Because I truly did not realize this one specific tradition meant as much to her as it did.
I have strived to include her in as many family traditions as possible throughout the years. As I mentioned in the comments, she speaks German because I taught and spoke it to her growing up, even though her father does not. We celebrate German traditions, such as baking countless batches of German Christmas cookies together every year (just the two of us, neither of her siblings have any interest in baking), which is something I grew up doing with my mom, and every year it is quality time I deeply treasure.
For her 16th birthday I gifted her the locket my mother gifted me on my 16th, which she'd been gifted by my grandmother before me - this actually upset my eldest daughter, who had not received such a hand-me-down, and this is just to name a few. So given the fact that she has on occasion received and taken part in traditions my other kids have been excluded from, I did not think the stuffie would carry as much weight as it ultimately did. But isn't her reaction an indication that there are larger issues at play, and that she has likely felt this way for a while? Perhaps.
I am not a perfect adoptive mother, and have never claimed to be. And I can not see inside her brain, so I cannot know her true feelings. But my sense - and I may be wrong! - is that the larger issues at play relate back to her bio mom, which is something she expressed to me in our conversation. I did not disclose this in my original post, because I did not believe it to be relevant, and it is also a painful topic within our family, but her bio mom committed suicide whilst in the thick of post-partum depression. This has obviously impacted my daughter, who has been in and out of therapy for years grappling with feelings of loss, and guilt.
She is highly sensitive to feeling isolated within our family unit, which is something I should have taken into account in this situation, and I own that. I realize this is a huge hunk of text, but given the visceral reaction many had, I felt it was important to cover my bases. Come to whatever conclusions you all like, I will likely not be checking the comments for my own mental health, and the wellbeing of my family. To all who left genuine advice, even if that meant calling me an asshole, I truly do appreciate you. And to all who said hateful things, especially in regard to the loss of my baby, please consider the impact your words may have moving forward
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Comments
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Rice-Correct
You’re a good mom. It might’ve been a mistake not to gift her the plush, and it might, as you said, just have been indicative of some larger big emotions going on, as graduating is a HUGE milestone and going to college is an enormous life change that is very rewarding and exciting, but also stressful. But it sounds like you’ve been amazing about creating beautiful memories and experiences together! I think at some point, the plush will be a distant memory. From your post, it seems pretty clear you DO have a good relationship, and you’re a caring, empathetic parent. ENJOY your summer together, Mama!
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sharraleigh
Don't take the hateful comments personally; it's easy to be cruel online to a faceless stranger. Also, your original post didn't include all this info (it would've been impossible to anyway), and therefore lacked a lot of the back story and nuance that frankly, a real person's life experience encompasses. Your daughter probably saw your post and realized how her reaction hurt your feelings and read the hateful comments and felt bad for you. It sounds like you have a great relationship and you're lucky to have each other in your lives!
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I am not the OOP. Please do not harass the OOP.
Please remember the No Brigading Rule and to be civil in the comments

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Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Finally have my RA opened and want to add it to my payslip. Out finance lady said she needs "jou RA brief met jou clearance nommer op" - I'm having a lot of trouble trying to figure out what that is and where to get it. I don't remember getting such a letter when I opened it, and I'm not finding anywhere I can download or generate it.
Someone please help :(

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I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Follow for more.

Greetings!
We would like to continue with energy work.
In todays session, we are desirous of speaking about the vertical dimension of your body or that which would be understood as the anaerobic or 'without oxygen.'
Firstly, we ask the rhetorical: Why did the Monks and Yogi's live in the mountains?
We of J believe the monks and yogi's lived in the mountains to live in crisp, oxygen depleted air. We also believe they lived in mountains due to how prana moves through mountainous environments.
The closest low-land air ever comes to being crisp would be in your harsh winters where temperatures are below freezing.
Within an environment that has a severe lack of oxygen, breathing is something you do entirely manually to keep yourself from constantly fainting or tripping, each breath in-fact is a trip through the anaerobic system. Monks spend years learning how to not space out in a most literal sense lest they die of carbon dioxide poisoning.
Each breath, however small or large, supplies the monk with aerobic potential which he utilizes to keep himself awake and aware of what is happening in the world - this builds a positive charge.
To be willing to partake in the world of the living, requires typically more positive energy than negative, which many may understand as work ethic in your culture.
Breathing exercises for working monks revolved around washing dishes, cleaning and tidying, praying and a variety of other physical labors that went from as intensive as running around everywhere and chopping trees, to as relaxing as learning how to see different colours or floating in the air (levitation).
With aerobic potential or positive charge, we of J think anything as fantastical as your movie and cartoon depictions of super-powers is possible. However, harnessing aerobic breathing is very difficult because in the low-lands, oxygen is usually so abundant that one does not realize how each breath vitalizes the body and in which areas.
Anaerobic Potential:
However, we of J believe there is an entirely different side to the body that does not rely on oxygen at all. We also believe many confuse this energy system as the array of pains and pleasures they feel going through life, such as breaking an arm, going through a break up, fulfillment or even profound states of satori.
We of J believe that much of human experience in-fact is centered around the anaerobic side of your mind/body.
When oxygen is not required, things that would make you look as alike a superhero with oxygen would then seem childish when done without oxygen.
We of J believe that most spiritual work asks one to focus on anaerobic contractions of focus and in bolstering the strength of this muscle, one can navigate your planet with great freedom.
The anaerobic system works within deeper structures of the central nervous system, it is hard to feel but without being unconscious, yet if one can experience this nervous system entirely with will power alone through dedicated meditative practice, that same entity will be able to traverse the empty space not only within themselves but the Universe itself.
For many, the anaerobic nervous system and its corresponding contractions are 'autonomic.' Meditators train for many years but usually in good environmental conditions, to gain mastery over the centers of the body that do not require oxygen to manipulate. In doing so, it becomes possible to create whichever hormone one so desires merely by stimulating the gland directly.
In yoga, beginners must learn a set of muscular contractions, learning all these muscular contractions would take some many years, but students of yoga plan on living hundreds of years so they usually do not mind.
The first muscular contraction is to liberate or free sexual energy which is the pelvic floor lift which we explained a few sessions back. This lift prepares the anaerobic system for blood-flow.
The final muscular contraction is to find the Dao in thinking hard and softly to move consciousness into hyperspace, this works the entire throat chakra which humans would understand as the default mode network.
All the contractions in the middle are what entities would term their life story or most vivid experiences of life, which settle automatically between the lower and upper spine.
In mastering all anaerobic contractions to generate higher experience, the Yogi may undergo death and rebirth to continue his training in a newer, fitter body that can handle large quantities of life-force.
In doing these exercises for hundreds of years more, one realizes that all is Thought, and balancing thinking and energy (relaxation) is the aim of the Simulation.
The Dao of Thinking:
Thinking is a balancing act, humans swing in a variety of different ways, but it is always a back and forth of the left and right hemisphere. To find the Dao or Middle, is to find the point where one is both thinking in a relaxed form and in a tense form such that one feels a sense of rising or lifting.
This is done correctly when one feels their head vibrating or 'tensing.'
As one familiarizes themselves with this contraction, a sense of yawning may come over you, it is important to not waste the energy, so it is better to hold the yawn in and use it for something more profound.
One will then contract all their thinking potential at the same time, which you may have done at a young age when you had a deep sense of doom come over you or felt profoundly excited and time started moving very slowly.
By contracting thinking potential all at once but with the anaerobic system, we can effect the pineal gland piezoelectrically and begin to sync with the magnetic environment around us.
Drugs and the Anaerobic Nervous System:
We of J believe this nervous-system is very hard to feel in your world due to environmental issues which include wifi among other things.
Boomers, as your world terms them, are quite familiar with this nervous-system and very much struggle using your technology because it was simply not necessary to think so deeply about life such that it required dexterous hands and a quick left and right hemisphere.
Losing feeling of this nervous-system completely causes suicidal thoughts and depression we believe, gaining feeling of this nervous-system awakens you to pains that you have equally been ignoring.
We of J hope that the drugs of your world may soon help the common man or woman make contact with their inner world.
For those who are very interested in this nervous system, we of J are currently working with our instrument such that he may explain how you can awaken it with will-power predominantly.
If you have any questions about the 'anaerobic nervous system' as we are calling it, please do ask.

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• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

For generations, Red Lobster was a beacon of casual seafood dining in America. Their warm Cheddar Bay biscuits, succulent lobster tails, and endless shrimp specials were a staple for family celebrations and celebratory dinners. However, on May 19th, 2024, the company sent shockwaves through the industry by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move marked a turning point in Red Lobster’s 56-year history, raising questions about the future of the once-dominant seafood chain. This article delves into the intricate web of factors that led Red Lobster to this critical juncture, exploring issues of mismanagement, competition, and a rapidly evolving restaurant landscape. https://showbizsphere.co.in/red-lobster-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

So I thought I'd make a different kind of post that has little to do with my frustrations around making friends and dating and instead talk about something that's been on my mind over the past year as I've noticed several radical changes going on in the world, and that is the idea that there is no point to traveling anymore.
Now here's why I say this. This past week, I've noticed that several places in the world like Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland or Mt. Fuji in Japan have implemented restrictions to combat overtourism. While some of these restrictions may be as simple as extra fees, others seem to have become more bureaucratic like booking slots and radical like outright banning tourists.
Regardless of what form it takes, I feel like this has highlighted something deeper in the current state of the world, which is the idea that traveling no longer seems to have the charm it once has.
Some places definitely need to have massive crowds like Times Square, but when I see images of such mass crowds in breathtaking places like Trolltunga in Norway or basically most of Iceland or Hawaii, I just feel this disappointment and disillusionment inside of me.
This is just another one of the many things that makes me feel like I was born in the wrong generation, as social media and its influencers along with idiot tourists who have no respect for these destinations have basically ruined traveling, probably for the rest of my lifetime.
TLDR: There is no point in traveling anymore due to overtourism and increased bureaucracy that might eventually lead to outright bans in many destinations anyway.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Follow for more.

How can we stop going around in circles with these corrupted nihilists? (basically an extreme religious-nut but in reverse; no meaning, no value, no good/bad, nothing matters) I've compiled some of my thoughts/comments.

But first If you are not caught up yet:
1 Re: Vegan Gains ...The Militant Vegan Raffaela Interview - (May 12, 2024)
2 Vegan Gains is a sub-Jerkivest [5/11/24]
3 Moral Realism Debate w/ Inmendham - (May 16, 2024)
4 WTF #899: The vegan gains debate ... Value realism - (May 19, 2024)
5 Vegan Gains ...Denialism is the only nihilism [5/19/24]
also saw this Controversial Topics with Vegan Gains (Horse Riding, Bivalves, Depression, and much more!) - (May 11, 2024) ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ (he thinks in terms of some dogmatic religious brain-rot morality source of right/wrong, but a kind of reversed/opposite conclusion of it's absence, nihilism)
the very reason religion was invented in the first place was because humans by nature had a value-engine driving them & NEED for meaning, that's the irony. value gave rise to religion, religion never needed to grant value. The fact people can't grasp this. 🤦 ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Now onto the various arguments, sorry how long and out of order it is But the idea is to provoke you coming up with better ideas/arguments, and if you can critic and strenghen my and ultimately inmendham's arguments. The GOAL should be to Create a formal argument AKA a syllogism, modus ponens. Something clear and concise that can't be taken out of context or misinterpreted, as happened with the debate...

On the subject of Efilism, tread lightly, the philosophy and argument extends beyond merely focusing on suffering; it also includes the critical issue of consent violation. Its proponent and creator, Inmendham, argues for value realism, which contrasts starkly with the notion of subjective morality which I find illogical. While objective morality is full of baggage... often linked to outdated religious doctrine so on face value it's not fun or easy subject to broach... many contemporary non-religious ethicists ground it in realism. Personally me, inmendham and others see no use for the term "morality" as it's tainted. value-realism is the subject. Is it a value-laden universe or not?
it is not necessary to call TRUE/REAL right or wrong Objective, because if objective is defined as mind-independent than without minds there's nothing right/wrong to happen to, therefore THE discussion should be just regarding what is TRUE or NOT, subjective doesn't necessarily mean mere contrived opinion or preference but can be logical conclusion, e.g. you can conclude 2 + 2 = 4 as we understand these concepts of numbers to model reality but can you call it objective or mind-independent 2 + 2 = 4, or that math exists? Not really. As you require a modeler to model reality, an observer to make the observation, a mind to come to such accurate conclusions. To me, claiming there is no real right or wrong is akin to asserting that moral standards and ultimately the subject of Ethics is as fictitious as religion or Santa Claus, you just believe it cause you want to or have preference to. Why maintain this pretense if it's all a mere fabrication / contrivance?
Regarding subjective judgments such as determining "What's the tastiest potato chip or the most beautiful painting?", these are not factual assessments about the things themselves, The question itself is misleading, because the thing itself has none of those qualities objectively, Instead, such qualities are OUTPUTs generated by the interaction of our bodies and minds with these INPUT items, the input is quite arbitrary/irrelevant, unlike the highly meaningful & distinct output generated of positive or negative experiences. You might get off more on certain female body part than another, it doesn't matter, the output positives & negatives is more or less same among individuals and that's what's relevant... not what specific fun or hobby gets you or them off or pushes their buttons.
It can be TRUE that a certain food item is the tastiest to that personal individual, or gross to another, and we can talk about intersubjective truths with averages overall. But one's experience of what is tastiest for them doesn't contradict another's, they can both be true for them individually, as you are likely not even sharing the same exact experiences to judge differently. And one's very perception or framing of the experience changes the experience itself, no way around this truth. Some people find bricks tasty or edible, just how their brain is wired.
It's important to recognize that differing opinions of personal taste do not inherently conflict in the way ethical contradictions do. With ethical matters, asserting that two diametrically opposed views are equally valid is problematic, either one is right and the other wrong, or both might be based on flawed reasoning. Pretending 2 opposing ethical views can be both equally right/true/correct is utter contradictory mush, either one of them must be right / wrong, or both are contrived meaningless nothing opinions, just made up. you wouldn't say whether one believes in god or not IS mere personal opinion/preference and such 2 opposing views can be equally right at same time, that's utter contradictory nonsense, by saying 2 opinions that gRAPE is both good & bad at same time are equally right opinons, right loses all meaning and you might as well say neither is right and both are wrong, they each have their own contrived fairytale delusion.
Now with Ethics of right / wrong, it does not depend on one single individual's preference or opinion, but taken as the whole, if you violate one without consent you still have to account for that since you are seemingly putting the weight on the preference otherwise preferences are utterly meaningless and irrelevant.
ALSO, Do you call whatever you prefer what's right, or do you prefer to try to do what is right?
Do you prefer to seek out what is the right most accurate conclusion given all the facts of reality, or contrive right to be what's in your preference/interest or personal gain?
I don't think VG or most these talking heads understand value-realism (problematic events within subjectivity/a non-physical but REAL reality of the mind). Obviously there's no objective divine or otherwise prime-directive moral-rules we must follow. Unfortunately Religion has poisened the conversation so much with archaic ideas and mushy terms like 'Morality'. Understand there is no 'moral truth', let alone an objective one, ofc if you pigeon-hole me or all realists into defending such nonsense it's easy to refute them. What I'm interested in is subject of Ethics, and to start whether or not value/problematic events exist or do not exist.
Here's a silly question by nihilists: "why is suffering bad?"
Response: How do you identify suffering? Based on the fact that it feels bad. (Yes subjectively) Just as we can subjectively understand 2+2 = 4
Or this: "prove suffering bad, objectively"
Also question-begging, obviously it is subjective. If such badness cannot exist mind-independently by definition.
"Prove suffering is bad, objectively"
is begging the question, because...
It strawmans / assumes the badness must be bad mind-independently, it isn't therefore, it isn't bad.
Answer this, evolutionarily do animals PERCEIVE being tortured skinned alive nail in the eye as BAD, or does it impose torture which we RECOGNIZE and define as Bad by definition?
If true PAIN/torture isn't bad then why does it exist evolutionarily? Answer: (problem -> solution) mechanism which functions as ability to learn & improved survival, this mechanism was reinforced over time as it worked.
inmendham & realists like myself argue: it is the case Descriptively, Objectively evolution IMPOSED Prescriptive-value-judgements onto animals which function as a learning/problem solving mechanism. Fact is, the invention of 'PROBLEM' is something I/we/animals had nothing to do with... (no-free-will-choice) but are simply byproduct in observation of this fact.
If real PROBLEM(s) didn't truly exist then Arguably the word and conceptual understanding it points 👉 to wouldn't exist either. As if beings could be truly blind never seeing colors/vision yet pulling the idea out of thin air and conceiving of such a thing, how preposterous, that'd be giving human creativity/imagination way too much credit. The only nihilist argument then is that by evolution we & all feeling organisms are somehow ultimately deluded or have illusion of problem where there is none, which I find deeply implausible. Run the torture study/experiment a million times putting people's arm in the fire "yep still bad". Filtering out people who lack ability to feel pain of course.
As evolutionary biologists even states pain is a message to the animal "don't do that again". Can't get descriptively prescriptive more than that.
Are You Getting It?
The Ought is literally baked in as an IS. The is-ought gap to be bridged is a complete Red-Herring, yes you can't derive an Ought from an IS, because if you oughtn't do something, then it can never be BAD... problematic/BAD/torture can't mean anything if it doesn't scream OUGHT-not.
All you have to agree to is due to evolution it created torture which is decidedly negative/ inherently BAD, by definition. Otherwise it wouldn't feel bad or be torturous at all... THEN ask yourself, how can something be BAD yet it's not BAD to create that BAD?
This is Checkmate. These are irrefutable Facts & Logical deductions.
So much for it all being false-perception, the very fact placebo patients perceive an otherwise harmless laser as BAD/painful makes it so. It's the TRUE reality in their mind and you can't deny that fact. It's also a fact believing a pain isn't really all that bad can make it so, but this doesn't make these value-laden experiences NOT real/true.
As per evolution, your body/brain's mechanisms must generate & impose a prescriptive-value-judgement / problematic event within your mind,
It's nagging, complaining, telling you keeping your hand on the hot stove is a mistake/problematic/bad. (not in itself but as a consequence)
I believe this brain making me write all this... is making an accurate assessment when it observe certain events to be problematic/bad where it's happening which is within subjectivity, where's your evidence my perceptions are fooling me or I'm somehow deluded? I witnessed the crime take place and you were nowhere near the crime scene yet you have the authority to claim otherwise as fact? (You are not simply agnostic to my problem suffering but a De-nihilist)
Once one accepts this evolutionary fact we can move on to more complicated questions regarding ethics, like how do weigh the good & the bad, conflicting preferences, etc. Otherwise, it's all pointless & futile, like arguing bivalves or wild-suffering with a non-vegan. They're just not on that level yet and it's a waste of time.
revised version of my other comment: I believe that many discussions around morality miss a crucial point about value-realism, which acknowledges problematic events within subjectivity, a non-physical but real reality of the mind. It is evident that there are no objective, divine, or prime-directive moral rules we must follow. Unfortunately, religion has muddied the conversation with archaic ideas and terms like 'morality'.
There is no 'moral truth,' especially not an objective one. If critics pigeonhole realists into defending such notions, it becomes easy to refute them. My interest lies in ethics and whether value/problematic events exist.
Consider this question by nihilists: "Why is suffering bad?"
Response: Suffering is identified because it feels bad, subjectively. Just as we subjectively understand 2+2=4, we can recognize suffering through its unpleasant experience.
When asked to "prove suffering is bad, objectively," this is question-begging, as the question assumes that the badness must exist independently of minds, which it does not by definition. This question straw-mans the issue by requiring mind-independent badness, ignoring the subjective nature of suffering. As if the quality of it being BAD must be granted by something outside the experience itself.
Evolutionary Perspective: Animals perceive and react to torture (e.g., being skinned alive) as bad because evolution has imposed mechanisms that signal harm. Pain serves as a problem-solving mechanism, reinforcing behaviors that enhance survival. If pain and suffering weren't inherently problematic, they wouldn’t exist in the form they do.
Realists like myself argue that evolution has objectively imposed prescriptive-value judgments on animals. The concept of 'problem' or 'bad' arises from these evolutionary mechanisms, not from free will. The existence of these concepts indicates the reality of these problematic experiences.
If real problems didn’t exist, neither would the concepts describing them. This is akin to how beings blind from birth wouldn’t conceive of color. Suggesting that evolutionary processes have universally deluded all feeling organisms into perceiving problems where there are none is implausible.
As evolutionary biologists state, pain signals to the animal, "don't do that again," which is descriptively prescriptive. The 'ought' is embedded within the 'is.' Thus, the is-ought gap is a red herring because prescriptive judgments are evolutionarily ingrained.
Again, How do you identify suffering? Based on the fact that it feels bad. (Yes subjectively) Just as we can subjectively understand 2+2 = 4
All you have to agree to is due to evolution it created torture which is decidedly negative/ inherently BAD, by definition. Otherwise it wouldn't feel bad or be torturous at all... THEN ask yourself, how can something be BAD yet it's not BAD to create that BAD?
Conclusion: By acknowledging that evolution created inherently negative experiences like torture, we accept that these experiences are bad by definition. Denying the badness of creating bad experiences is contradictory. Therefore, once recognizing the true reality of subjective experiences, only then we can move on to complex ethical questions about weighing good and bad and addressing conflicting preferences.
playing devil's advocate let's try Steelman their position and then arrive at the logical conclusions of it and then perhaps refute it. If they say: "veganism = right" realize there is no contradiction IF by 'right' they just mean it's literally nothing but their preference...
There's no goal to prefer to know/do what's right, RATHER what's right is whatever matches our personal preferences, so unlike flat earther vs round earth beliefs/CLAIMs which can contradict/conflict with each other since either 1 is right or both are wrong. Individual tastes don't.
Whereas if VG says 9 people gRAPE the 1 kid for fun is WRONG because he's a threshold-deontologist but Also RIGHT to a hedonistic utilitarian, Those views only contradict/conflict if they are making VALUE-claims or recognizing a problematic event take place. However, with VG apparently he would have to say he's not claiming or labelling anything as TRULY problematic at all but merely describing his preferences like flavor of ice cream...
Now, of course, as the realist, I find such a view more deplorable/worse than if they were merely agnostic on right/wrong. Cause it's one thing to say there's a right answer to questions of Ethics but we have no objective scientific basis to determine it yet or lack knowledge VS saying they have knowledge there is absolutely no right or wrong.
Under Anti-realism nihilism, what they mean by wrong/right, is just their preference, if I understand correctly (which I'm quite sure) Anti-realism nihilism reduces the Subject of Ethics down to nothing but you or someone else pontificating/opining (i.e "me no like torture") . It defends some sort of expressivism, emotivism, normative, prescriptive reduction of Ethics. Which I find lubricious and has to be a mistake,
I don't see anyone playing any different game even the nihilists invest their money and plan ahead for self-interest, no one truly signs up for torture for fun like it's no problem, and runs away from pleasure happiness as bad. Further, it stands to reason... since we can recognize objectively evolution created a punishment mechanism to enforce learning and survival, BAD/PROBLEM as a concept is something I/WE/Animals had nothing to do with. We didn't invent it, we recognize it and respond accordingly. Even evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins stated that pain is a message to the organism 'don't do that again!'
We must address further the flawed logic of VG and other nihilists reducing Ethics down to mere arbitrary preferences like potato chip flavor, or how much salt you prefer in the soup. As it is completely disanalogous & dishonest upon reflection. QUOTE: "There's no arguing against Efilism, it's just personal opinion. Like arguing what tastes better... ice-cream or potato chips?"
Say if you believe that the mona-lisa is beautiful, and I personally find it ugly, this conflicts/contradicts nothing because it claims nothing in terms about that object or reality outside of our own minds.
such qualities are OUTPUTs generated by body/mind from these INPUTs, the input is quite arbitrary/irrelevant, unlike the highly meaningful & distinct output generated of positive or negative experiences.
it doesn't matter what specific fun or hobby gets them off or pushes their buttons in order for it MATTER, those differences don't make it any less real OR all mere subjective opinion. the output positives & negatives is more or less same among individuals and that's what's relevant...
It can be TRUE that a certain food item is the tastiest to some personal individual, or gross to another, one's experience of what is tastiest for them doesn't contradict another's, they can both be true for them individually because it is the reality in their mind, Some people find bricks tasty or edible, just how their brain is wired.
while one person may find a certain food delicious, another may find it repulsive, without invalidating each other's experiences because they are true for them individually. both experiences are valid/correct.
However, actions that disregard another's negative experience invalidate their reality. if you find being boiled alive problematic and I do it anyway believing it's ok, I am invalidating your experience as either not real, relevant, doesn't matter, or my preferences are more important (carry more weight) than yours. Or simply believe it's ALL equal or arbitrary and I just prefer to exploit you so I do that.
Positive or negative experiences are largely consistent among people, making them relevant, regardless of the specific stimuli. Individual truths about taste or preference coexist without contradiction, reflecting each person's value-generated reality.
This cannot honestly be applied to one's mere opinion it's fine to boil kids alive, as you are invalidating the fact that it matters to those victims. You saying it doesn't matter or your gain of pleasure outweighs their loss of pain, is a claim about the reality of events going on in their mind, so there is room for conflict/contradiction. They can't both be right/wrong at the exact same time.
A strong non-intuition argument/claim & facts presented render value-nihilism implausible:
It is Descriptively the case, that Evolution IMPOSED Prescriptive-ought statements... of 'PROBLEMATIC sensation/event' on organisms which functioned as a learning mechanism and improved survival.
Therefore, BAD/PROBLEM isn't mere subjective opinion but something I/we/animals had nothing to do with and are mere by-product reacting to an observation.
This is pretty much the only base-axiom needed to ground my own torture as mattering as the original actual value-currency at stake. That paired with the fact I sampled consciousness and know it matters to me whether or not I am tortured, the fact that I personally observe it as problematic makes it the true reality for my own mind...
...AND it's not mere opinion/proclamation / or idea humans creatively invented out of thin air... as if like everyone could be truly blind yet conceptualizing colovision, makes no sense. plus that's giving humanity way too much credit of imagination.
Can't really have thoughts about information that you don't have. The concept of bad/problem arguably wouldn't even exist if it never was so.
Yes, I agree very semantics. I am attempting to shed clarity on this topic. Looking at the word "BAD" purely in a descriptive sense (e.g., that which can be categorically applied to extreme suffering) it loses all meaning if it's not truly consequential (i.e., it matters whether one experiences bad or not). If it doesn't actually matter ("no problemo") then it can't be bad, only an illusion/delusion of it, yet it's an effective one evolution imposed on organisms as a learning/problem-solving mechanism. The value-realists like myself have every reason to believe evolution created the real thing, not some contrived pseudo-problem organisms feel compelled/obligated to solve.
One only requires the axiom of a Descriptive Bad to ground Ethics. Why? Because it can be argued that a descriptive statement of BAD/problem is prescriptive by it's very nature in the meaning the of word/language.(otherwise its psuedo-bad/fake langauge, redefines bad as aversion/mere preference against) Otherwise, it can't mean anything to be bad, torturously obnoxious, unwanted experiential events couldn't mean anything. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins even state pain is a punishment signal/message to the animal: "Don't do that again!" If those aren't prescriptions imposed, then I don't know what is. The animal doesn't simply decide/prefer to avoid the event and finds it bad, it's told/finds it bad and so prefers to avoid the event/problem. If god or there were some logically or physically possible way it were to be invented how else would it exist?, or what you think evolution's reward & punishment mechanism accomplished? If it didn't synthesize problematic sensations to force organisms to solve?
Evolution prescribes Needs/wants, at the same time imposes a PAIN/PROBLEM of starvation/hunger which by it's very nature is a prescription for solution (i.e. sustenance/relief/comfort.)
By the very nature of "PROBLEM" it prescribes -> "SOLUTION" not merely a contrived or trivial-like on paper math problem, but the origin of why the word even exists: the problem of pain, a true whip/punishment mechanism, real currency to play with, real loss. Idk how you can describe something categorically as a PROBLEM in the true sense of the word if it doesn't come with it a necessary prescription for its solution. Because if there is no NEED for a solution, then it turns into no longer a problem again...
I don't see how it could be any other way because if there's no real game to be playing with value baked into it, then money would be worthless/not even exist, animals wouldn't bother evade standing in the fire, etc.
Saying It is Descriptively the case, that Evolution IMPOSED Prescriptive-ought statements... of 'PROBLEMATIC sensation/event' on organisms which functioned as a learning mechanism and improved survival.
Is the same as saying Evolution IMPOSED torture/BAD, as that's what torture/bad is... a prescribed need for solution to a problem which is some form of relief/comfort.
The prescription arises as a result of accepting step 1. (which nihilists reject/deny) problem solution. The latter does not follow/exist without the former. basic 2+2 = 4 logic. There's no point figuring out the answer to the math equation, if we don't agree first and foremost a problem exists. Nor how to solve a disease, if we don't first and foremost recognize a disease exists. And so, Any debate with nihilists on step 2: of determining what is the most likely solution / right answer becomes irrelevent and a waste of time. Arguing about whether x or y IS the right answer to fixing/preventing diabetes is pointless when they don't even agree the really disease exists. They don't believe an actual real BAD / Problem exists.
VG reduces it down to mere preferences, his reasonings that even if universally sentience prefers not suffebe tortured... Well, just because it is the case descriptively we prefer to avoid suffering doesn't mean we ought/should prevent suffering. He hasn't bridged the IS-OUGHT gap. But he got it backwards,
the claim/argument... ISN'T that because descriptively, sentience universally has a preference to avoid suffering, it is therefore bad,
the claim/argument... IS that it's descriptively bad/problematic, therefore universally there's a deductively logically assigned preference to avoid it,
Again you can't classify/label something as a problem if it's inconsequential whether it is solved or not. The word loses all meaning. If something NEEDs solving/fixing it means there's a problem, if there's a problem it means there's something NEED solving/fixing. Evolution manufactures these needy problems in organisms to manipulate and control them.
Merely what our preferences are IS NOT relevant, preference "frustration" arguably IS. (if preferences couldn't be frustrated "i.e., no value" than it wouldn't matter which way things turned out)
You can have a preference for some art style over another, if we were just programmed non-feeling robots that preferred to avoid standing in the fire, but there was no real kernel of value/bad, then it wouldn't matter.
Let's imagine something was Objectively PROBLEMATIC, an IS statement. What would a real problem look like? something in NEED of a solution. Again, why? because If it doesn't matter whether or not it exists or is Solved or not, it could never be a problem in the first place. So either this problem exists or it doesn't. (NOTE: it doesn't need to be an objective problem to be REAL, "i.e mind-independent")
Next, if ASI or sentient beings were to sample this "problem", would it not be the case they would logically deduce it's in need of a solution? And assign their preferences accordingly to solving it? Cause again otherwise then you just see it as "no-problemo" again.
"If Inmendham's argument is that sentient beings create value, and that the universe has no value without the presence of a sentient being generating it, would it not follow that the ought is inherently built into sensation?" yes but the way VG unfairly reframes it is that we subjectively place value on it, THAT it's entirely subjective, like you prefer salty or sweet, or certain ice cream flavor. emphasizing that it's entirely subjective opinion. Take a look at his unfair silly example: "we can't say pineapple on pizza is objectively tasty or not..." this shows a complete ineptitude in grasping the subject and misrepresenting the argument like crazy, no one is arguing whether Mona Lisa is objectively beautiful or some such thing.
What is being argued: the positive or negative mind-dependent event produced in response to the sensual or perceptual stimuli, the input (object) is irrelevant, only the output (experience) matters and what the value-engine (BRAIN) produced. What pushes your buttons so to speak, blue jelly beans or green jelly beans, could differ between 2 individuals but the shared experience is the same more or less. Whether you wired to find pineapple on pizza tasty or gross is irrelevant, some people find bricks edible.
Main issue is they talking past each other: what inmendham is arguing for was either not expressed as best it could be, and/or VG does not quite comprehend what is being argued... inmendham claims/argues evolution created the real bad/PROBLEM and we respond in recognition of this fact/truth with preferences that follow accordingly, Logic cannot be escaped, once you know 2+2 = 4, you can't will or believe it to be 79. If you know the right answer "torture be Bad M'kay?" obviously you won't act or behave otherwise and say you love it. What could it mean to have a preference against experiencing torture... does such a statement even make any sense? All that is required is a real BAD to exist... and then the preference to avoid it logically follows, an inescapable truth. Unless he thinks I also choose or prefer to believe 2+2 = 4 ?
Essentially VG keeps counter-arguing that: "yes we want to avoid torture, but that's just your preference... just cause universally sentience has a preference against torture (a Descriptive / IS statement) doesn't logically follow some Normative/Prescriptive claim/statement. That just because something IS the case it doesn't follow that we OUGHT / should do X, like help others, prevent suffering, etc. That's a non-sequitur he says. Ultimately it's just a preference." sure but...
His argument only applies/counters a strawman position in his head: Because of this I and other realists can account for / side-step it completely, we aren't attempting to derive an OUGHT from an IS. e.g strawman: "we ALL have preference against torture, Therefore it's BAD." Or "we ALL have preference against torture, Therefore we OUGHT prevent it"
The actual argument is that it's Truly Bad/Problematic by the very nature of the word, Therefore first-hand observation follows universally a deductively logically assigned preference to avoid it. Not the other way around.
"If the only thing that can have meaning in the universe is the experience of a sentient being, ought we not maximize its value just by nature of its experience being the only thing that can matter?" yes the ought is a further logical extension of recognizing it to be a problem, which denotes/demands a solution, otherwise if it doesn't matter to solve it or not then you've turned it into a non-problem again. So it can only be categorically one or the other.
Issue of semantics, different terminology and definitions: as long as VG defines objective as "mind-independent" and sets the goal-post to the realist to find a mind-independent "wrong/bad" as if somehow we need some divine-command or absolute rule in the universe that declares it so... then there is no fruit to the discussion. suffering/bad takes place in the mind/experience, so of course it's unfair to ask one to present a mind-independent suffering/bad in the universe, it is begging the question. To be fair inmendham uses the term objective and could have done better job with defining/pushing his terms "e.g. objective as truth/real/fact" and not let VG impose in his own. However, I don't ascribe a requirement to demonstrate an Objective BAD to ground a BAD as real, valid, and true; it can be entirely based on Subjectivist grounds/axiomatic foundations.
Just because the BAD takes place within subjectivity doesn't make it any less real (non-physical/immaterial sure... but not unreal). VG and nihilists can't understand this. 2+2 = 4 is subjective as is all science ultimately as a root axiomatic-fact... as an observation requires an observer. This doesn't mean realism can't be proven/grounded, it can just like we can know 2+2=4 and the moon exists. If anti-realism is gonna deny subjective truths because it's subjective, then one can't know much of anything and reduces to solipsism. I am more certain I exist and the reality of "perceived" BAD I experience is actually a real BAD... THAN that the moon even exists or any other scientific empirical claim.
PROBLEM is something I/we/animals had Nothing to do with, we didn't invent it.
If Anti-realism nihilism was True and Real "PROBLEMS" didn't exist the word wouldn't exist. It is like being born never knowing or seeing or experiencing vision & color, it's impossible to contrive or imagine it. Some knowledge & information is only accessible through experience.
Even Richard Dawkins stated, "pain is a message to the animal Don't do that again!"
If the ought exists within subjectivity, as preferences, why would them being Subjective vs Objective determine whether or not their violation matters? If one experiences disgust looking at something AND another finds beauty... both are true realities for them, they don't conflict or contradict like empirical or fact claims, but instead both are correct and relevant, not one or the other, BECAUSE when someone says the mona Lisa is beautiful they are just saying it arises in them a sense of beauty, the thing/input is irrelevant whereas the output in mind is what is relevant and true for their reality.
Subjective =/= not true, I don't understand the dichotomy between objective vs subjective ethics, as if there isn't facts to glean about subjectivity.
There's also definition or semantic problems:
objective (mind-independent) vs subjective (mind-dependent)
Under such definition does it make sense to say Objectively evolution created feeling experiencing organisms having sense of taste, smell, sound, hunger, pain, to survive. So can we apply word objective to mind-dependent experiences or not?
And of course under such definition there is no objective mind-independent ethics as without minds there is no feeling subject of concern to even talk about in first place. So how silly...
Yet they take objective to mean True & Subjective made up or mere contrived opinion.
For me these are semantic word games that distract, I just care about what's fact/true. What many don't get is Even science, math is subjective invention, byproduct of subjective tool of language, doesn't mean we can't create an accurate model and picture of reality.
I believe the Is-Ought gap is a red-herring, sure it's true you can't contrive an Ought from just what IS, but with evolution the OUGHT statement is built-in, it's descriptively a prescriptive value statement imposed on me, I/we/animals literally have nothing to do with it, I'm just by-product an observer. This is key understanding.
There exists no objective or divine commandment "you OUGHT do X" written into the fabric of reality, and therefore if you don't that's Bad, No. That's nonsense/impossible logically.
Rather an Descriptive IS statement of X is a real bad/PROBLEM, denotes/demands a solution by it's very nature of the word, otherwise if it doesn't need solving then it becomes into a non-problem again, so either x categorically IS a PROBLEM or it's not.
The claim/argument... Is that it's Descriptively BAD/Problematic, therefore universally there's a deductively logically assigned preference to avoid it. Not the other way around. Our personal preference against torture forever doesn't make it therefore bad. The prescription is built in, forced onto us.
It's like "STOP!" & "GO" What do you say to a dog? "BAD dog!" This is saying it should or shouldn't do something. basically = "No!" "Stop!" That's a prescriptive statement/signal/conveyed message.
Or simply, alls required is Descriptively diagnose Torture as Problematic. Which implies Problem Solution Without necessity of solution there is no problem at all, likewise without problem solution means nothing.
​So you essentially boiled my position down to: "Evolution programmed preference to avoid torture." or "we evolved preference to avoid torture" Does that sound incoherent or what... as if I would make such a silly claim. Keep straw-manning.
Do you think animals have PREFERENCE by default to avoid being tortured burned alive and have sex, or logically preferences are born out of observing problematic negative / positive assigned accordingly through punishment & reward mechanisms aka prescriptions, think long and hard about this one...
This is why value or ethical nihilism is incoherent to me. IF torture be bad, how can it be NOT-bad/neutral to create BAD?
It either is truly BAD or it isn't. It's either real or it's an illusion/delusion and false perception.
Their position must reduce to there is no MEANINGFUL difference between Torture & Bliss. And evolution didn't create any problematic sensation or true punishment whatsoever. Instead, were somehow deluded to view being boiling alive as problematic sensation/BAD, and relief as good, we can't tell the difference or label which is which...
Vegan Gains or any anti-realist needs to substantiate these anti-realist nihilist claims & concede if he agrees with the statements below:
"The value-laden problematic BAD experience of being tortured boiled alive in a vat of acid indefinitely... isn't really bad, evolution didn't successfully impose a real negative punishment mechanism on animals, torture isn't something I/we/animals had nothing to do with and are just byproduct observing the imposition, NO! Instead our opinion has everything to do with it... what's problematic torture, one is merely subjectively interpreting/inventing/proclaiming it to be so! Evolution failed!"
"Animals run from fire cause they irrationally unreasonably subjectively interpret it to be bad/problematic sensation or experience, not cause DNA molecule made it so objectively for evolutionary reasons"
"It is all subjective preference like flavor of potato chips, problematic torturous experience isn't bad you just think it's bad or have preference against it."
"You don't logically recognize intrinsic problematic torturous experience then logically assign solution to problem which is preference to avoid that experience, No, you merely have subjective delusional preference against a nail in your eye and there is no logic to it"
"Good is Bad, and Bad is Good depending on opinion, no right or wrong, all subjective tho"
value anti-realism nihilism. INSANE! WORSE than a flat-earth theory!

[Disclaimer] This post is not intended towards any group, ethnicity or any religious social structure. This post should be considered a vent, a point where all we can relate and discover a way forward.
I am 26M. Coming from a medium class family, We all can relate how difficult it is to shape yourself to survive in this country both Financially and Morally.
I will share the sequence of events we all go through in life in here and relate it to current point in life.
[Education]
I did my bachelors in software engineering from a famous Pak uni, which is considred reputable in their research work and boasts itself to be the among the top 300 university Young University Rankings 2023. I spent 4 years, leaving my home, parents and friends, in another city to get what some would call "education". out of 42 subjects only 2 of the subjects taught in my university are related to my job and those topics were not covered in during classes. Either the professor had no idea what these topics were or it was the constraint of syllabus. We will never know.
Next is the FYP, the requirements were to use new technology & frameworks to complete the projects. The disappointing thing is this those technologies were neither taught in any of the course work not indicated or directed by professors. I had to invest approximately 80K on a bootcamp seperately to learn these technologies which would help me complete this project.
Later, the guy who is interviewing had no sense of these technologies and he is just trying to cope with asking question like

• why didn't you this technology (a 1990s technology)?
• do u have any customer? (for God sake, it's an FYP, uni didn't give us a penny to broaden our scope)
• can you share the code, we will see if we can utilise it, afterwards we can discuss internship opportunities?

BTW the guy was ex-telenor employee who was interviewing me.
[Research]
During all this is happening, the project and all of this stuff. i was very optimistic and delusional about the future of Pak, I helped the post doc professor implement patterns recognition algorithms and from that he published 2 research papers, after much confrontation, he atleast put me as a co-author.
[Job]
Now, the degree is in hand, the covid is at it's peak, no ceremony of graduation was celebrated. Regardless, i am hunting for job like crazy, i had only 2 things under my belt, the research paper, the project we did in uni, nothing else more. I kept applying, applying & applying but getting rejected, no interviews or the one where i was offered 4 jobs and the median salary they offered me was 18K PKR. one interviewer said "it's sad you rejected the offer, other candidates are willing to work @ this rate", i was shocked
The awakening is happening for me at this point. At that point AI was booming so i took a software engineering course again invested 40K, purchased a bootcamp course and it was difficult for me as AI / ML requires good math knowledge. Forgive me for my assumption but majority of pakistani including me at the very top sucked at maths (linear algebra, calculus). The problem is not again have to do with us, we were never actually taught to think objectively and applications of mathematics.
That was the point i realised, i am in a deep hole. Medium class family with 3 other siblings, single earner Father now had to support 3 other sibling with education.
Now what i should do? I contacted different HR Recruitment Agency but they required me to give 30% income to them, after being hired for the 2 years.
I said, you know what, i am gonna eat that forbidden fruit and ask for a reference. I asked Father to find me a reference. He was against it, i asked friends and relatives, turns out they were in the same boat as i was.
At this point, the girl i was seeing is being married to another man, as i had no ground to stand for rishta (according to her mother).
fast forward, 6 months have passed. I was contacted by a junior in uni of mine and he had some problems in their software and wanted to discuss the possible solution as he was referred by someone else. we got to talking and he raised that his brother is in a company wants IT Engineer, i said refer me to him, he did and he arranged 1 interview and all was good. Initial offer was 55k but i got hired on 75k, since GM was too fond of the person i was referred by.
[Now]
Now, i am working with a US based company in Pak. I am doing good but the pay is shit as compared to the angraiz.
Pak + India team actually really do get along and we are like brothers & sister there. We both are there in a same boat. We work like 5x more than angraiz but we are not compensated according to their standards. We have discussed with HR and the compliance and regulation things gets surfaced e.g something to do with Minimum Pay Requirements, Tax Reduction Strategy and God knows what.
[Frustration]
Me & my father pay annualy tax in Lakhs. The other day there was no light and gas for 12 hours consecutive. The UPS turned off and without electricity a tax paying family is suffering without no reason. Our generator is on gas and petrol. So, i went ahead and tried to purchase petrol so we can atleast get the electricity atleast. There was a hartaal (bycott) on petrol pump (don't know the reason). For the next consecutive 3 days, the 12 hours load shedding cycle remained.
It really made me sad to see my father drained in sweat in his old skin and white hairs and my mother's dupatta was all wet with sweat. I tried to ask for prices in solar, the total cost is around 14 Lakh which we cannot afford.
At that point said f**k it!
I am now trying to apply for foreign countries but it seems like they don't Pak engineer anymore. There are a lot of people trying to get out of here and it's gonna increase as forecasting the country's condition.
The Paki's there did no favor to our condition either, not majority but very small percentage participates in the acts of thievery, rape and other stuff. The media there also do no justice as representing the behaviour of an individual they try to mask it with national behaviour.
[The Sad Part]
The people who have struggled here and went foreign also do not support the people in the situation like i am. They are in another level of delusional superiority complex. I have talked to several of them and they would say general stuff just to end the conversation "Apply kartay rahain, refer hum nai kar saktay" or "there is no referal system here" etc.
The whole purpose of this rant is to show, how i tried and failed to be perfect in this country and what happened. Also, I hope, my experience can help you in any way.

The metal Olympics are taking place in the wild world of commodities, with gold, silver and copper-based bronze all scoring a place on the podium. New highs continue to be notched in the latest games, though there is skepticism about the results and the possibilities of a rigged performance. However, for those betting on which medal might be awarded next, there is plenty to consider for all the competitors:
Gold: The yellow metal just hit levels of over $2,450 per ounce despite a strong American economy and U.S. dollar. Analysts have pointed to a coming Fed pivot on interest rates, as well as geopolitical tensions that have increased demand for the safe haven. Not only are investors getting involved, but there has been a large amount of buying from central banks, while the retail crowd is even getting in on the action with gold bars from Costco (COST).
Silver: The metal has outperformed gold in recent weeks, bringing its total gain to 32% YTD, compared to gold's 18% return. It also benefits from all the safe haven attributes of its shiny cousin, such as a popular hedge against inflation, along with some distinctive practical qualities of its own. Silver is used for industrial purposes, like solar panel cells, and is relatively cheap in ounces when compared to pricey gold.
Copper: The latest rip has made numerous headlines after hitting all-time highs on exchanges across the globe. Fear of supply shortages and trade disputes has helped generate buzz around the industrial bellwether, which is also key for the green transition and rising electrification needs. Copper is used in EVs, wind turbines, power transmission and AI data centers, meaning there are actual supply and demand fundamentals to assess when evaluating the worth of the red metal.
Too shiny? The commodity competition can experience chaotic events, with scandals and manipulation hitting items like nickel and cocoa in recent years. There is speculation that this might be going on this time around, triggered by leveraged contract buying, short squeeze momentum, or price premiums on different exchanges. Others see a lot of metal potential that has even resulted in some real-world M&A action, such as BHP's (BHP) $39B proposed takeover of Anglo American (OTCQX:AAUKF), which would create the world's top copper producer.
Wall Street leadership Succession plans are "well on the way" at JPMorgan (JPM), with Jamie Dimon saying it's up to the board to determine how much longer he'll remain CEO. "I think when I can't put the jersey on and give it my full effort, I should leave," he announced at the bank's Investor Day, adding that the timetable "is not five years anymore." Dimon also outlined that the lender will not repurchase a lot of stock at current prices, noting that such a buyback - at a valuation of 2.3 times tangible book value - would be "a mistake." JPM shares slipped 4.5% following the comments on Tuesday, but are up more than 40% over the past year. (60 comments)
Pulling a 180? Cryptocurrencies are back in rally mode as traders increasingly bet on the approval of the first spot ether ETF. While the industry previously did not expect the SEC to give the green light, the regulator has reportedly requested that ETF issuers update 19b-4 filings on an accelerated basis. The development signals some progress, but it doesn't mean it's a done deal. Ether (ETH-USD) is still up big on the news, soaring 20% to $3,708. The SEC's decision on VanEck's spot ether ETF application is expected on Thursday, and one from ARK Invest is due on Friday. (1 comment)
Bear capitulation One of Wall Street's prominent bears has finally turned positive on his outlook for the stock market as indexes continue to hit record highs. Mike Wilson, equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, now calls for the S&P 500 (SP500) to rise to 5,400, higher than his previous year-end target of 4,500, which was one of the lowest on Wall Street. The forecast is derived from a 19x P/E multiple on 12-month forward EPS based on June 2026 of $283. "This earnings path is based on our economists' growth forecasts, output from our earnings models, and our view that AI diffusion will boost margins starting in 2025," Wilson declared. (48 comments)
Today's Markets
In Asia, Japan -0.3%. Hong Kong -2.1%. China -0.4%. India -0.1%. In Europe, at midday, London -0.4%. Paris -1%. Frankfurt -0.4%. Futures at 7:00, Dow flat. S&P flat. Nasdaq -0.1%. Crude -1.4% to $78.16. Gold -0.6% to $2,423.40. Bitcoin +5.8% to $71,004. Ten-year Treasury Yield -2 bps to 4.43%.
Today's Economic Calendar
9:00 Fed's Barkin Speech 9:00 Fed's Waller Speech 9:05 Fed's Williams Speech 9:10 Fed's Bostic Speech 11:45 Fed’s Barr Speech 7:00 PM Fed's Bostic Speech
Companies reporting earnings today »
What else is happening...
WSB survey results: Be aware of risks related to meme rallies.
Gruenberg to quit as FDIC chair after toxic work culture scandal.
Mester: More data needed before Fed cuts as inflation progress stalls.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) tumbles after lowering billings guidance.
OpenAI to pause ChatGPT voice as it resembles Scarlett Johansson.
EV drama: Tesla shareholders to vote on Elon Musk's pay package.
China's Li Auto (LI) postpones all-electric SUV launch until 2025.
Hims & Hers (HIMS) sells cheap versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
Trump Media (DJT) reports hefty quarterly loss on very little revenue.
Calpers to oppose all Exxon (XOM) directors in shareholder dispute.

The ''moral'' of TLOUT 1 is ''You do terribile things for love'' that's literally the point, NOBODY thinks Joel is the good guy, however in TLOUT 2 they made us play as Abby to realize there is no just good and evil but two sides of every coin and mostly grey charachters. DUH RIGHT?!? Do you actually need to play as Abby to understand that? No, we all get it. So eiether Neil Druckmann is not as smart as he think he is or all gamers are just so dumb they actually need to play as Abby to realize other people may are a different point of view.
What do you think?

First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

• Total revenue was US61.7 million, up approximately 29.9% year over year (1Q2023: US$47.5 million).
• IoT platform-as-a-service ("PaaS") revenue was US$45.6 million, up approximately 35.7% year over year (1Q2023: US$33.6 million).
• Software-as-a-service ("SaaS") and others revenue was US$8.6 million, up approximately 1.8% year over year (1Q2023: US$8.5 million).
• Smart solution revenue was US$7.5 million, up approximately 37.3% year over year (1Q2023: US$5.4 million).
• Overall gross margin increased to 47.8%, up 3.5 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: 44.3%). Gross margin of IoT PaaS increased to 46.4%, up 5.9 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: 40.5%).
• Operating margin was negative 26.5%, improved by 41.5 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: negative 68.0%). Non-GAAP operating margin was negative 0.9%, improved by 30.6 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: negative 31.5%).
• Net margin was negative 5.7%, improved by 38.6 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: negative 44.3%). Non-GAAP net margin was 19.9%, improved by 27.7 percentage points year over year (1Q2023: negative 7.8%).
• Net cash generated from operating activities was US$14.5 million (1Q2023: net cash used in operating activities was US$18.9 million).
• Total cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and U.S. treasury securities recorded as short-term and long-term investments were US$998.8 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to US$984.3 million as of December 31, 2023.
• IoT PaaS customers[1] for the first quarter of 2024 were approximately 2,000 (1Q2023: approximately 2,000). Total customers for the first quarter of 2024 were approximately 3,000 (1Q2023: approximately 2,800).
• Premium IoT PaaS customers[2] for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2024 were 269 (1Q2023: 261). In the first quarter of 2024, the Company's premium IoT PaaS customers contributed approximately 85.1% of its IoT PaaS revenue (1Q2023: approximately 80.2%).
• Dollar-based net expansion rate ("DBNER")[3] of IoT PaaS for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2024 was 116% (1Q2023: 49%).
• Registered IoT device and software developers were approximately 1,074,000 as of March 31, 2024, up 8.2% from approximately 993,000 developers as of December 31, 2023.