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dazz-linglight · 8 months

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Miss Independent

(inspired by Ne-yo's song)

(GirlBoss!Reader x Personal Assistant! Hongjoong) (Colleagues to lovers) (fluffy romance) (reader is afraid of storms) (short office romance) (possibly there will be a part 2 with smut)

In the bustling halls of a cutting-edge technology company in a very busy commercial building, you, a remarkable business woman and Vice President of this company, got known for your determination and relentless focus on achieving a successful career, betting all of your efforts on growing this company scratch with your best friend. You learned over time that you needed to be tough to progress, since this area was widely controlled by men and there's always someone trying to discredit women. So you made it a personal mission to get your company to be a safe place and be the best professional you could be.

You're an admirable leader, but your personal life took a backseat. You always worked endless hours and overtime, focusing solely on doing business. The company kept rising well, then came a problem: your assistant decided to resign to go work for your competitor. Now you have to go over interviews to find a new assistant, so you did. You participate actively in the process, since whoever gets hired would work directly with you, so you felt the need to be sure they would be capable enough.

You didn't make it easy for anybody, you made specific questions and a few of the candidates didn't know how to answer or started stuttering, others weren't as qualified and you were getting tired. It lasted four days until you met Hongjoong one morning doing an interview for this job. A young and talented software developer, that didn't show any fear and aswered your questions perfectly well, looking in your eyes without any fear. After 40 minutes you told him to stay and gave him a few tasks to see how he would go. Hongjoong showed himself to be smart, quick witted, committed to work and serious about it. At the end of the day you called him to your office to give the final answer. He entered bringing a cappuccino and placed it in front of you in your desk.

"This is for you, Miss." He said and you tilted your head, letting out a very light smile at the action.

"Thanks, Hongjoong. You can sit down." You offered the seat in front of you and he did as told while you took a sip of the coffee.

"Well, I have to say you impressed me in a good way. None of the other candidates caught my attention like you did today." You started and Hongjoong visibly relaxed at your feedback.

"I did my best, I'm glad to hear that from you, Miss."

"I'm sure you'll be even more glad to hear that you will be hired. You can bring your documents to the HR department tomorrow at 8 in the morning and sign our contract." You got up from your seat and Hongjoong did the same, bowing to you and you raised a hand to greet him, which he took and shook your hand.

"Thank you Miss ______, I will not disappoint you." Hongjoong smiled widely and you let his hand go, switching off your computer and getting your bag to leave, dismissing Hongjoong to go home.

|•••••Time skip•••••|

The first six months of working together were a challenge. You resisted any form of distraction, maintaining a strictly professional relationship with Hongjoong. Everyday he came to your office to report and receive new tasks, he brought your lunch and coffee and as days passed and you worked side by side, he started making a few little efforts to make the barriers give way. One afternoon, you were reviewing an important document in your office when Hongjoong walked in. He noticed the tired look on your face and suggested you take a break. You resisted with a frown at first, but Hongjoong someway succeeded at convincing you to go the snack bar on the first floor of the building.

The snack bar was peaceful at this hour and made a good break from the stressful office atmosphere. You felt at ease with Hongjoong's presence and he offered to buy donuts. You both sat down, ate and talked about trivial things and sharing laughs here and there. You found yourself truly relaxing for the first time in years.

After that day, you and Hongjoong began sharing more and more moments outside of work. Having lunch together became a routine and when you worked overtime he occasionally invited you to dinner together. He opened doors for you, drives you off, treated you like a princess. You both didn't talk clearly about it, but you were beginning to feel something that had long since receded from your mind: the spark of romance. However, you struggled with those feelings. It seemed so wrong, he is your assistant and you're the boss. You felt afraid of mixing love and business, worried about the consequences a relationship could have for the company you had worked so hard to build. But every time you're together, the chemistry between you becomes impossible to ignore. It started making you mad.

One day, you left your office because you needed a document that was with Hongjoong, but as soon as you saw him you noticed something and frowned. Yujin, a beautiful co-worker, was approaching him a little more intimately than usual. They seemed to be having a lively conversation and Yujin didn't hide her interest, touching his arm unnecessarily. You, feeling a pang of jealousy, tried not to act affected, but you couldn't avoid the stress of seeing the scene. Your mind created several unpleasant scenarios. "Is he interested in her? Is he flirting back?"

"Kim Hongjoong." You spoke in a firm and serious tone, catching the attention of the two who were talking.

"Yes, miss? Do you need anything?" Hongjoong stood up and responded, no longer paying attention to Yujin.

"Come to my office and bring the project presentation I asked you this morning. Quickly." You said sharply and looked at Yujin from the corner of your eye, who soon got up and left the place.

"Yes, ma'am." He spoke and you turned around and walked back to your office as Hongjoong saved the presentation file you asked for. You slammed the door angrily and headed towards your table, a minute later Hongjoong entered and came over to you.

"Here's the presentation, Miss ______." He gave you the pendrive and you sighed, connecting it on your computer to open the file. You inspected it and pointed things out for Hongjoong to add since you thought it wasn't enough yet.

"You're staying overtime today, we need this presentation ready for the meeting we'll have with our client tomorrow morning." You told looking back at him and he nodded.

"All right, I'll bring my laptop here." He left the room and came back a minute later with his laptop, sitting down and placing the laptop in front of him and started guiding him specifically on what to add to the presentation. An hour passed and all the employees began leaving since work time was officially over.

It's mid summer and it was very hot during the day, but as the night came many clouds could be seen in the floor-to-ceiling window behind you. Hongjoong finished the details on the presentation and saved it as a sudden storm started. You looked at the window and the lights went out, the fear started creeping out on you but Hongjoong didn't notice yet as he got his phone to activate the flashlight amidst the darkness and the sound of rain outside. Hongjoong placed his phone in a way it illuminated both of you and he finally could see your face again, now noticing your pained expression and your heavy breathing.

"Are you okay, Miss ______?" He questioned with a frown and you shook your head no as a thunder sound out loud and you covered your ears. Hongjoong got worried about you, wanting to keep you safe, so he got up and closed the curtains of your window, coming behind you to cover your shoulders with his blazer.

You've always had a paralyzing fear of thunder, and that night, the storm was fierce, growing stronger and stronger. As he touched your shoulders he felt your whole body shaking with fear and then he crouched to your level and brought up inside his arms in a warm hug, whispering words of comfort. "Don't worry, I'm here with you. You're safe. The storm will pass soon." You looked into his eyes hugging his waist carefully, grateful for his presence.

"I hate storms, they make me so nervous, Hongjoong." Your eyes had tears on the edge of falling down, while you and Hongjoong shared an intense look, full of repressed emotions. This was the first time you were truly showing vulnerability to him and he was astonished, all he ever wanted was to take care of you. He pulled your head to his chest and you could listen to his heart beating fast just like yours.

"I don't know if this is really the right time to say this, but.. but I can't deny how I feel anymore. I'm in love with you, ______." His words echoed in the empty office as he broke the silence and confessed his feelings. You were shocked. You didn't expect that he felt the same way you did all this time. Your heart jumped now, not anymore because of fear but from happiness.

"I'm in love with you too, Hongjoong. I tried not to, but it's stronger than me." You squeezed Hongjoong as tight as you could and he kissed the side of your head softly. You looked up and offered your lips to him, which he understood and closed the little distance, sealing the beginning of a long-awaited romance. The storm outside seemed to symbolize the change in your lives and the relationship from boss and assistant to lovers.

"I want to be with you and take care of you through all the storms, will you let me?"

"Of course, Hongjoong." You smile widely and he cupped your face, caressing your cheeks as he smiled as well. "Will you take me home?"

"As long as you wish, my darling."

|•••••••|

Over the next months, your relationship with Hongjoong blossomed into a great love. You chose to main discretion at work, avoiding any favoritism or conflict of interest and not letting the coworkers know you are together. They only knew Hongjoong is in a relationship but he never told them with who. You realized that by making room for love in your life, you weren't weakening your career, but actually strengthening it. Hongjoong supported you in every aspect, becoming a partner in all areas of your life and you become his.

Together, you faced new challenges and business opportunities while the company prospered even more. You found balance between personal and professional life, discovering that you can be a successful leader and at the same time share a loving relationship, that success in business didn't have to mean sacrificing love and personal happiness.

#linawritings #ateez fluff #ateez masterlist #ateez x reader #ateez scenarios #ateez hard hours #ateez reactions #hongjoong hard hours #hongjoong x reader #hongjoong smut #kpop imagines

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mostlysignssomeportents · 2 years

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Adobe steals your color

When a company breaks a product you rely on — wrecking decades of work — it’s natural to feel fury. Companies know this, so they try to deflect your rage by blaming their suppliers. Sometimes, it’s suppliers who are at fault — but other times, there is plenty of blame to go around.

For example, when Apple deleted all the working VPNs from its Chinese App Store and backdoored its Chinese cloud servers, it blamed the Chinese government. But the Chinese state knew that Apple had locked its devices so that its Chinese customers couldn’t install third-party apps.

That meant that an order to remove working VPNs and apps that used offshore clouds from the App Store would lock Apple customers into Chinese state surveillance. The order to block privacy tools was a completely foreseeable consequence of Apple’s locked-down “ecosystem.”

https://locusmag.com/2021/01/cory-doctorow-neofeudalism-and-the-digital-manor/

In 2013, Adobe started to shift its customers to the cloud, replacing apps like Photoshop and Illustrator with “Software as a Service” (“SaaS”) versions that you would have to pay rent on, every month, month after month, forever. It’s not hard to understand why this was an attractive proposition for Adobe!

Adobe, of course, billed its SaaS system as good for its customers — rather than paying thousands of dollars for its software up front, you could pay a few dollars (anywhere from $10-$50) every month instead. Eventually, of course, you’d end up paying more, assuming these were your professional tools, which you expected to use for the rest of your life.

For people who work in prepress, a key part of their Adobe tools is integration with Pantone. Pantone is a system for specifying color-matching. A Pantone number corresponds to a specific tint that’s either made by mixing the four standard print colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black, AKA “CMYK”), or by applying a “spot” color. Spot colors are added to print jobs after the normal CMYK passes — if you want a stripe of metallic gold or a blob of hot pink, you specify its Pantone number and the printer loads up a separate ink and runs your media through its printer one more time.

Pantone wants to license this system out, so it needs some kind of copyrightable element. There aren’t many of these in the Pantone system! There’s the trademark, but that’s a very thin barrier. Trademark has a broad “nominative use” exception: it’s not a trademark violation to say, “Pantone 448C corresponds to the hex color #4a412a.”

Perhaps there’s a copyright? Well yes, there’s a “thin” database copyright on the Pantone values and their ink equivalents. Anyone selling a RIP or printer that translates Pantone numbers to inks almost certainly has to license Pantone’s copyright there. And if you wanted to make an image-editing program that conveyed the ink data to a printer, you’d best take a license.

All of this is suddenly relevant because it appears that things have broken down between Adobe and Pantone. Rather than getting Pantone support bundled in with your Adobe apps, you must now pay $21/month for a Pantone plugin.

https://twitter.com/funwithstuff/status/1585850262656143360

Remember, Adobe’s apps have moved to the cloud. Any change that Adobe makes in its central servers ripples out to every Adobe user in the world instantaneously. If Adobe makes a change to its apps that you don’t like, you can’t just run an older version. SaaS vendors like to boast that with cloud-based apps, “you’re always running the latest version!”

The next version of Adobe’s apps will require you to pay that $21/month Pantone fee, or any Pantone-defined colors in your images will render as black. That’s true whether you created the file last week or 20 years ago.

Doubtless, Adobe will blame Pantone for this, and it’s true that Pantone’s greed is the root cause here. But this is an utterly foreseeable result of Adobe’s SaaS strategy. If Adobe’s customers were all running their apps locally, a move like this on Pantone’s part would simply cause every affected customer to run older versions of Adobe apps. Adobe wouldn’t be able to sell any upgrades and Pantone wouldn’t get any license fees.

But because Adobe is in the cloud, its customers don’t have that option. Adobe doesn’t have to have its users’ backs because if it caves to Pantone, users will still have to rent its software every month, and because that is the “latest version,” those users will also have to rent the Pantone plugin every month — forever.

What’s more, while there may not be any licensable copyright in a file that simply says, “Color this pixel with Pantone 448C” (provided the program doesn’t contain ink-mix descriptions), Adobe’s other products — its RIPs and Postscript engines — do depend on licensable elements of Pantone, so the company can’t afford to tell Pantone to go pound sand.

Like the Chinese government coming after Apple because they knew that any change that Apple made to its service would override its customers’ choices, Pantone came after Adobe because they knew that SaaS insulated Adobe from its customers’ wrath.

Adobe customers can’t even switch to its main rival, Figma. Adobe’s just dropped $20b to acquire that company and ensure that its customers can’t punish it for selling out by changing vendors.

Pantone started out as a tech company: a way to reliably specify ink mixes in different prepress houses and print shops. Today, it’s an “IP” company, where “IP” means “any law or policy that allows me to control the conduct of my customers, critics or competitors.”

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

That’s likewise true of Adobe. The move to SaaS is best understood as a means to exert control over Adobe’s customers and competitors. Combined with anti-competitive killer acquisitions that gobble up any rival that manages to escape this control, and you have a hostage situation that other IP companies like Pantone can exploit.

A decade or so ago, Ginger Coons created Open Colour Standard, an attempt to make an interoperable alternative to Pantone. Alas, it seems dormant today:

http://adaptstudio.ca/ocs/

Owning colors is a terrible idea and technically, it’s not possible to do so. Neither UPS Brown nor John Deere Green are “owned” in any meaningful sense, but the companies certainly want you to believe that they are. Inspired by them and Pantone, people with IP brain-worms keep trying to turn colors into property:

https://onezero.medium.com/crypto-copyright-bdf24f48bf99

The law is clear that colors aren’t property, but by combining SaaS, copyright, trademark, and other tech and policies, it is becoming increasingly likely that some corporation will stealing the colors out from under our very eyes.

[Image ID: A Pantone swatchbook; it slowly fades to grey, then to black.]

#pluralistic

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agentsquirrelsgotrobots · 6 months

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The Stars, The Moon, The Sun, and an Incoming Constellation

A DP x DC x Tfrb fic - also posted on my Ao3 Agentsquirrel

After marrying Danny and getting engaged to Tucker, Sam packs up the trio and heads to Griffin Rock, a place that is rumored to be just as chaotic as Amity Park.

Of course, the Fenton luck follows them, and the three of them find out their family will soon become bigger than they thought.

"Shots fired at the dock! Dad, be careful!" Cody said, his voice shaking with worry.

"I promise, all protocol will be followed to the letter." Chase said, speeding towards the dock, Blades flying overhead.

They parked, and immediately, Charlie knew they were in over their head. A white goth woman no older than Dani was pinned behind a cement parking barrier, her forehead grazed and her forearm shot right through the skin, missing bone but severing muscle. She was oddly calm though, her body language free of shock as she kept pressure on her wound and watched the battle with rapt concentration.

"Danny, love, quit being cocky and wrap this up. The police are here, and Tuck's gotta scram." She said into her flip phone, the thing absolutely ancient compared to the cell phone, this year's model, shoved in her steel toed boot.

"Chase, I can't see anything! Whatever is opening fire is just a green blur!" Blades was bordering on a full on panic, Dani fully in control.

"It looks like a fight between a gang trying to set up shop and whatever that green blur is. Stay back dad, looks like it can fly fast." Dani said, retreating from the fight after scanning for civilians. The situation seemed to be resolving itself without them.

"Miss, do you require medical attention?" Charlie yelled over the sounds of gunfire.

"I'm fine, my partner needs to HURRY THE FUCK UP!"

With one last final blast, a white, blue eyed, black haired boy ran from the scene and behind Chase, his sneakers soaked in blood and a green substance Charlie hoped was paint.

"I got trapped between that… thing and the shootout. I don't know what I stepped in, but I think it's all blood." He said, panting hard, his face and arms cut up from debris. "My name is Danny Mason. That's my wife Sam. I'm a medic, got a first aid kit on you?" Charlie handed it over, and on a whispered count of three, he dashed over to his wife, quickly applying a tourniquet and dragging her towards the squad car. "Tuck's fine, is at the hotel. After we give a statement, I am taking you to the hospital."

"Wait." Graham said over comms Daniel and Sam Mason-Foley, with their fiance Tucker? Like, Mason industries, and Foley computer systems? Dad, half the island buys their tech, its the most repairable, environmentally sustainable, and secure software and computer companies on the market, and a flagship brand against planned obsolescence. Please, play nice. This could legitimately be huge for the island."

"Noted. Kade, you too."

Kade sighed. "Got it. Be nice to the Luskey Jrs."

"Do you need a ride? I can follow up on a statement later. I can have you flown to the mainland for a checkup or let you call for a ride."

"It's not-" Sam started, wincing as Danny cleaned her head wound.

"We will take that flight. I don't like the look of her head wound, and I am no good at stitches."

"First, call Tucker, so he can rub it in our faces." Sam said, hissing as Dani caught up to them and started redressing her wounds, Chase and Charlie clearing the area, Charlie trying not to vomit at the sight of the finely pureed gangster decorating multiple shipping containers and an overturned forklift.

"Well, this is… unpleasant." Chase said, wrinkling his nose at the smell.

In the background, Blades flew towards the mainland, very glad he wasn't on clean-up duty.

"Hey, there's my moon and stars!" Tucker said, dropping his duffel bag on a spare chair before resting a hand on Danny's shoulder and kissing Sam's cheek.

"Only if you are the sun." Sam said, a little loopy from the pain medication, the hospital keeping her under observation for a few more hours.

The nurse came in, oddly nervous, holding a box. "So, I have some news. Sirs, could I ask Mrs. Mason a question in private? Hospital policy, it will only take a minute."

"Oh." Danny said, suddenly concerned. "Sure. Be back soon, Sam. Love you."

"Love you too." Sam replied as Tucker and Danny awkwardly shuffled out of the hospital room.

The nurse watched them leave, then took a deep breath. "It's hospital policy to for this to be private. There's a few questions I have to ask first, but…" She opened the box. Inside, there was a positive pregnancy test, in a sanitary box, and some paperwork.

Sam looked shocked, covering her mouth and choking back a squeal. "I'm pregnant." She whispered. "I thought that. Could you bring my partners in?"

"Of course, but I have to ask a couple of questions before it, standard stuff."

"Oh. OK."

"First I have to give you this." The nurse gave Sam a couple of business cards with referrals to maternity resources, domestic violence hotlines, and reproductive care information. "Nothing personal, we give them to all patients with positive tests. In the same vein, have you experienced any threats of violence, acts of violence, coercion, or felt that your right to consent has been violated by chosen partners, friends, ex partners, or family members?"

"No."

"Would you like or have the need for confidential referrals to counseling on your pregnancy, either by our support counselors or religious clergy?"

"No."

"Would you like to keep the test?"

Sam smiled. "Yes. Could you bring my partners in?"

The nurse nodded, and closed up the box with the test inside. "In the box is the same forms and resources in writing, and some other paperwork. Congratulations."

"Thank you." Sam said, wiping away a few tears.

Tucker and Danny rushed back into the room, their voices overlapping with worry.

"Guys, enough. Open the box." Sam said, offering it to Danny.

Danny ripped it open, throwing the top aside. He dropped it in shock. "I'm…I'm…"

Tucker gasped, a huge grin on his face. "We are gonna be dads!" He yelled, rushing to hug Sam while shaking with excitement.

"I didn't know I could…" Danny said, obviously in shock.

"Danny, DANNY!" Sam yelled, snapping him out of his trance. "I demand attention for my sacrifice."

"Oh!" Danny squeaked, jumping into action. He gave Sam a peck on the cheek before grabbing her hand and flopping into one of the chairs. "We gotta call Jazzy."

"No, duh, but first, I want you two." Sam grumped, returning Danny's kiss. "I already have names for 'em." She said, resting her head on Danny's shoulder while Tucker was already looking up all the latest baby gear and thinking up his own.

"If it's Danny's bio kid, then it's gonna be Cassiopeia or Orion. If it's Tucker's bio kid, it's either Sadie or Orion. My selections are final and not up for debate."

"Yes, ma'am." Danny and Tucker intoned, only half joking. Sam's word was law, after all.

Danny counted backward in his head and gasped. "Uh, Sam. Who's gonna tell your parents that this one's probably mine?"

"Not it!" Danny and Tucker yelled, Sam catching on too late.

"Fuck." Sam hissed.

Danny chuckled. "Apparently, we are quite good at that." He earned a tug on the ear for that comment. "Ow. I deserved that."

Tucker did the math too. "Yep. First one is likely gonna be… no, wait, Danny failed math, we have got a fifty-fifty shot here."

"Meh. Doesn't mean much to me. I am bad at doing hair anyway." Sam said, only half joking.

#dpxdc #maccadam #transformers rescue bots #dpxtf

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mariacallous · 7 months

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On Sunday, October 29, Ahmed Azza was given permission to leave his neighborhood for the first time in three days. He passed the surveillance camera trained on his front door and the group of Israeli soldiers stationed on the hill above and walked eight minutes to the checkpoint at the end of his street. He placed his belongings on a table to be searched, made mandatory eye contact with the facial recognition camera, and crossed through the rotating metal barriers into Hebron. Ten hours later, he was given a one-hour window to return home before the checkpoint closed and he was locked out—or in—for the next two days.

Azza lives in Tel Rumeida, Hebron, the most tightly controlled neighborhood in the West Bank. Since 1997, Tel Rumeida has formed part of H2, a section of Hebron controlled by the Israeli government. Around 35,000 Palestinians and 850 Israeli settlers live in this area, where Israeli soldiers impose a system of segregation that heavily restricts the movement of Palestinians. It’s enforced with a network of surveillance that includes at least 21 manned checkpoints, on-the-spot searches, and watchtowers, plus a vast array of CCTV cameras dubbed “Hebron Smart City.” According to critics, the aim of this system is to make life as difficult as possible for Palestinians, slowly forcing them to leave their homes and make way for Israeli settlers.

The West Bank has long been seen as a testing ground for Israeli surveillance technology and tactics. Its defense exports have doubled in the past decade, partially thanks to the success of companies producing surveillance systems, like Elbit, Candiru, and Rafael, as well as NSO Group, which produces the Pegasus spyware. But on October 7, on the other side of Israel, the country’s famed surveillance network apparently failed. Hamas gunmen breached the high-tech border separating Gaza from Israel and murdered 1,400 people, taking more than 200 hostages. Since then, a growing sense of paranoia has given Israel’s government the impetus to ramp up restrictions and surveillance in the West Bank, according to analysts and activists working in the region.

“We’re rats in a lab,” says Azza, over a cup of tea at his workplace in Hebron. “I want to go to the beach, I want to see the sea, I want to taste the water. Here, we don't have this freedom.”

The flagship component of the West Bank’s surveillance infrastructure is known as “Wolf Pack.” According to Amnesty International, its purpose is to create a database featuring profiles of every Palestinian in the region. One strand of this software, known as Red Wolf, uses facial recognition cameras placed at checkpoints to inform Israeli soldiers via a color-coded system whether to arrest, detain, or allow through Palestinians who approach. If the system doesn’t recognize an individual, it will automatically enroll their biometric data into Red Wolf, without their knowledge.

Another strand, known as Blue Wolf, has been described as “Facebook for Palestinians.” It requires Israeli soldiers to photograph Palestinians individually via a smartphone app in order to record them in the database. According to Breaking the Silence, an NGO made up of former Israeli soldiers that opposes Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories, prizes were offered to different units based on how many Palestinians they could photograph within a week.

“There are indications that the data gathered by this software impacts whether a person can get a work permit, whether a person can move from place to place within the West Bank, whether a person can get into Israel and work there or leave the country via Ben Gurion Airport, and a whole range of other things,” says Antony Loewenstein, author of The Palestine Laboratory, a book investigating the links between Israel’s military and technology sector.

According to Azza, as he approaches a checkpoint and is picked up by a facial recognition camera, Israeli soldiers can see his profile from up to 100 meters away. They know who he is, who his family members are, where he lives, and his entire history of interactions with them. When he was 16, Azza was arrested for allegedly having a knife, but he denied the allegations and was later found to be innocent. He says this data is displayed every time he passes a checkpoint, meaning he is unfairly targeted and sometimes detained for up to three hours at a time. In recent years, he’s begun pre-emptively stripping to his underwear each time he enters a checkpoint, to avoid the lengthy process of being searched multiple times. “It’s a violation of our privacy,” he says.

Israeli officials claim the rollout of surveillance technology helps contribute to a "frictionless" occupation, reducing contact between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. Instead of troops frisking every Palestinian who passes a checkpoint, this tech allows them to target only those who have a “negative” history. Instead of conducting night raids to gain intelligence, Israeli soldiers can simply use drones to spy on the specific people they are interested in.

The Israeli Defense Force declined to provide an attributable comment.

Many of Israel’s key surveillance technologies have been developed and tested in the West Bank. Israel’s military has promoted close collaboration with the private tech sector, meaning that military-trained engineers are able to learn new skills from private companies. After leaving the military, they are often headhunted by the private sector.

“That’s a key aspect of the Israeli defense sector, showing that it’s possible to maintain and manage a brutal occupation for over half a century, which can then be exported like flat-pack repression to other nations across the globe,” says Loewenstein.

Since the war began on October 7, restrictions for Palestinians living in the West Bank have risen to unseen levels. Residents told me that now they are allowed to leave the neighborhood just three days per week. In addition to the curfew imposed in Tel Rumeida, raids against Palestinian militia groups have ramped up, and the number of Israeli soldiers on the streets has increased, due to the call-up of the army reserve. It's also meant some Israeli settlers are now donning their army reserve uniforms, blurring the contours of the state. Across the wider West Bank, at least 121 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

“We are not just numbers,” says a doctor from Hebron, whose name has been withheld to protect his identity. During a break from his shift at Ramallah Hospital, he explains that he now lives locally, but his parents and siblings still live in Hebron. Normally, he’d spend his weekends visiting them, but in recent weeks he has been unable to travel due to delays caused by the closure of checkpoints across the region. Since October 7, he says, he’s treated two Palestinians who have been shot by Israeli forces. Three others who were also shot arrived at the emergency reception but were soon pronounced dead. “There’s a tragedy inside every single one of us in the medical team,” he says.

The task of investigating and documenting the killings of Palestinians in the West Bank has become more challenging in recent weeks. Normally carried out by NGOs such as Al-Haq—one of the key human rights organizations in the region—these groups have been unable to work properly due to the closure of checkpoints and the fear of violence enacted by Israeli settlers.

“Since the 7th of October, our field researchers have not been able to meet directly with victims or eyewitnesses because of the situation. They cannot move freely,” says Tahseen Elayyan, a legal researcher at Al-Haq, over a cup of coffee in their modest office in Ramallah’s Old Town. “Even before, they didn’t have full freedom, but now there are more restrictions on their movement and they’re sometimes afraid to go to areas because of settler attacks. We know about the killings, but we cannot document them properly.”

In October 2021, Al-Haq and a number of other human rights groups were controversially labeled terrorist organizations by the Israeli government. Weeks later, it was revealed by the NGO Front Line Defenders that six of them had previously had their devices hacked by Pegasus software. “They used technology and surveillance to control our work,” says Elayyan.

A question eliciting both fear and hope is whether surveillance technologies are even effective. Despite employing many of these systems across Gaza, Israeli security services were caught off guard by Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7. “On the one hand, we can talk about facial recognition technologies and how bad they are and how harmful they are for democracy, but on the other hand, you say to yourself, who wants to use them? What help did it give?” says Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute think tank.

Ori Givati, a former Israeli soldier and advocacy director for Breaking the Silence, says the surveillance program is now out of control. “We have to differentiate between securing Israel, which is Israel’s duty and responsibility, and expanding the occupation. There is a huge difference. Occupying more doesn’t mean more security for Israel,” Givati says, “I don’t think that in the long term, if we now use more systems of surveillance against Palestinians, this is what brings us security. We cannot accept this because it doesn’t work.’

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adasitecompliance · 9 months

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How To Avoid a Website Accessibility Lawsuit

Every day, thousands of people are unable to use and interact with websites because of web accessibility issues. This can lead to a website accessibility lawsuit for you or your company. Over the past few years, certain regulations and guidelines to prevent this have emerged – more specifically, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Act was carried as a civil rights legislation, which passed in the US to protect the rights of people with disabilities, as well as prohibit any discrimination against them. As per the ADA website rules, all people with disabilities have to have equal opportunities to participate in programs, receive services, seek knowledge, and express themselves freely.

Why Is Web Accessibility Important?

Website accessibility refers to the ability of people with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities to access websites, products, systems, services, and facilities featured on a website. For instance, web accessibility means that visually impaired or blind people can purchase tickets, use apps, recharge transportation cards, and use other services offered online.

Web content should be accessible to people, even ones using screen readers and other assistive technologies and automated tools. In times when around 1 in 5 people in the U.S. lives with one or more disabling conditions, statistics show that there are more than 50 million people in the United States and around 1.3 billion around the world who have a certain form of disability.

At the same time, improved digital accessibility benefits everyone. The features that would be designed for 20% of the population can also be used by the other 80% – we all know that anyone can be affected by a disability, which is why equal access matters. Adhere to these new standards for the disabled or you are likely to face a website accessibility lawsuit soon.

Digital Accessibility Features That Can Benefit Everyone

Some of the most important digital accessibility features that can benefit everyone include the following:

Text-to-Speech and Voice Recognition features, help people access online services on a mobile device when driving, or when their hands are full.

Features that enable captions on media content, can help when you are in a noisy environment or in situations when you don’t want to distract others.

An option to easily magnify text by screen magnifiers, which can help disabled and people with vision impairments and difficulties, but also people who suffer from temporary eye injuries.

Besides regular business compliance, an ADA site can improve the overall marketing of the company, especially when using the right tools that are known as popular in this manner. These can assist you in avoiding a website accessibility lawsuit.

About ADA & The Web Accessibility Guidelines

Web accessibility guidelines have existed for two decades. They aim to bring usability and user experience design together, removing barriers for people with disabilities and enabling more users to complete tasks online.

Generally speaking, these guidelines are designed to provide a sufficient level of detail for any person interacting on the web. Some guidelines involve discrete and identifiable criteria (for example, embedding images and link areas with appropriate text) while others require greater amounts of professional discretion (the use of code to improve navigability, predictability, compatibility with certain software, etc.).

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Establishing a legal framework around digital accessibility ensures that companies give equal access to content to disabled users, and make their services accessible to a large audience. Over the past decade, companies have been rushing to embrace accessibility in order to strengthen their financial and ethical benefits. The legal requirement came into effect in 2010, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This legal framework outlines all the digital accessibility requirements for every company profile in the United States. Basically, ADA compliance ensures that a set of laws is put in place to prevent any discrimination against people with disabilities. It is applicable in all areas of public life including work, school, education, and transportation services. Established by the Department of Justice, ADA compliance requires websites to enable people to use the Internet as well as online services.

Who Needs To Follow The ADA Requirements?

There are three main titles within ADA, where Title I applies to all businesses with at least 15 full-time employees. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government compliance. Lastly, ADA Title III refers to most businesses as well as non-profit business entities in the “accommodation” and “public spaces” categories.

Online services and digital information are also considered public accommodations and require ADA compliance. Below is a summarized list of companies, businesses, and organizations that are required to comply and are at risk of ADA lawsuits in case of violations:

State and local government offices

Private business entities employing 15 or more people

Corporations that operate for the benefit of the public

Banking Institutions

Hotels and travel/tour agencies or businesses

Hospitals and healthcare institutes

Schools, universities, and educational institutions.

WCAG

A document known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is what has been the globally accepted standard defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The regulations spread through three levels of accessibility for both online and digital services, including:

Level A��is the minimum level of accessibility that is required for individuals to make digital content accessible to people with disabilities.

Level AA is the medium level of accessibility that is required for individuals to access and interact with digital content, navigating it without any barriers.

Level AAA is the maximum level of accessibility that is required for individuals, where digital content needs to be accessed but also has an additional interface layer, providing the most convenient experience.

Many types of web content are unable to reach Level AAA. On the other hand, Level AA compliance is the minimum required level in order to make a website accessible.

Why Are WCAG 2.0 And 2.1 Created?

The WCAG 2.0 and WCAG 2.1 guidelines have been created to provide a clear methodology and a unique standard for digital accessibility that meets the needs of all individuals, companies, and governments. The standard applies to a broad range of web technologies, implemented by a set of web development and web design techniques, as well as tested by a range of automated tools.

In times when many businesses or website owners don’t understand how people interact with their websites or mobile apps, having an ADA website that conforms to the regulations can help you prevent accessibility lawsuits.

Moreover, a website designed as per the latest website usability and accessibility reviews is a good way to expand your reach to a broader target audience, improve your marketing efforts, and ensure that every user has equal access to your information, products, or services.

Here, it is important to prepare the digital content including text, audio, video, graphics, and illustrations with alternatives, as well as use formats that are supported by the users’ assistive technologies.

Still, the remaining challenges include the lack of skilled developers that are trained in accessibility, as well as the lack of awareness about ADA compliance and how to build an ADA-compliant website or mobile app and avoid a website accessibility lawsuit.

U.S. Rehabilitation Act

The U.S. Rehabilitation Act is a federal law that prohibits any discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies. The rule applies to programs receiving federal financial support and includes the following two sections designed for website accessibility compliance:

Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, protects children and adults with disabilities from discrimination in schools and workplaces. There are specific accessibility criteria for online educational resources.

Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, where government bodies and federal services are required to make electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to all people, including disabled people.

ADA Lawsuits Are On The Rise: Is Your Website At Risk?

While many still don’t understand what accessibility is and why it is important, advocates are everywhere writing guides and helping website owners understand and implement these digital accessibility rules. However, website accessibility lawsuits are on the rise and make the news nearly every day in the United States. This happens mostly because there are still no enforceable regulations for website accessibility.

The set of regulations is under Section 508 by law, where federal websites in the U.S. are required to check and meet these standards. In order to prevent ADA lawsuits, most simply follow Section 508 or the WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 AAA guidelines.

Accessibility laws are changing and are different in many countries. Besides the U.S., the UK and Canada are also starting to enforce accessibility. However, we will stick to the site accessibility lawsuits and how to prevent them by complying with the law while making your website accessible.

Popular Website Compliance Lawsuits & Settlements

Statistics from Seyfarth show that in 2018 alone, there were a total of 2258 website accessibility lawsuits to the federal court, which was a 177% jump from the previous year. In 2019, the number of cases also increased, most of which were in the retail, food service, entertainment and leisure, travel/hospitality, self-service, and real estate industries.

One of the first federal court lawsuits filed against a big name occurred in 2006, when the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) as the plaintiff sued Target, a U.S. supermarket chain, for its inability to comply with ADA rules.

In the hospitality industry, Domino’s Pizza was one of the companies which received a lawsuit filed in federal court. In 2016, a visually impaired man sued the popular chain because his screen reader was incompatible with their mobile app, so the device could not read aloud its contents.

In 2012, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a lawsuit against Netflix, for not providing closed captions in its online TV and movie streaming services. The plaintiff has taken legal action against the popular streaming service and the case quickly arrived at federal court.

Education facilities have not been exempt from lawsuits, too. Two federal class-action lawsuits were filed against Harvard and MIT by the National Institute of the Deaf (NAD) for not providing captions in their online content and courses. After four years of legal action on federal court grounds, Harvard was made liable to pay $1.5 million in litigation and attorney fees.

In most of these cases, big names could have saved themselves from litigation costs and bad publicity by simply adding some accessibility features to their website to reduce the risk of such lawsuits.

Recent posts show that even today, the number of lawsuits filed against companies in federal court actions is increasing. Many small to medium-sized businesses are on the radar, too. Among all states, New York, California, and Florida seem to be hotbeds for legal ADA-related lawsuits.

How to Comply With The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

If you want to prevent an ADA lawsuit, the only route is to plan for, design, as well as build an accessible website. This form of inclusive design should optimize content and help the visually impaired, as well as people with other disabilities, to use and interact with your website.

In fact, every business with a website, mobile app, or internet software application should hire an accessibility specialist to go over the site and ensure full ADA compliance. In order to have an ADA-compliant business website optimized for people with disabilities, you will need to hire these experts who know what needs to be changed and how to ensure compliance.

For instance, if you apply ARIA with HTML5 or your image alt tags are not written properly, you could be facing a lawsuit. However, the source of most ADA lawsuits is the actual inability to access web pages or mobile apps, especially for visually impaired or blind people who use assistive technologies.

There are some builders that are integrated within content management systems and help website owners make the site ADA-compliant. Elementor, a popular WordPress theme-building, and page design plugin are one of them. The plugin helps incorporate parallax, dynamic content, and animations that comply with the accessibility guidelines. There is also the creation of new themes, headings, and footers with full developer control.

What Can You Do To Create An Effective ADA Website And Comply With WCAG: Checklist

The WCAG guidelines outline a set of principles and techniques that make web content “perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.” In other words, users should be able to access content, use interactive elements, navigate through web pages and apps, and use the content on their device of choice.

There are three vital ways to achieve the goals for website accessibility:

Correct use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Organization of content properly and logically, so that both humans and assistive tools can interpret its layout, including the use of text alternatives for visual content (YouTube is a good example of this – the platform was designed to automatically add captions to videos uploaded on the network).

Extra attributes are added to HTML and other code so that assistive devices can be used effectively, complying with the existing web accessibility standards.

From Braille readers used for hearing and reading text or images to screen readers and magnifiers for blind or visually impaired users and keyboard/joystick navigators for people who can’t use a mouse or other input controls, all of these ways ensure compliance.

How Do You Test Web Accessibility Across Different Devices?

There are two main ways to test how content shows on a website or mobile app.

The first is automated testing, which involves running a test against the latest WCAG principles. With this method, you can identify 20% to 30% of the compliance issues. That is why developers use it as a starting point when familiarizing themselves with the WCAG requirements set by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Second is manual testing, which is obviously more detailed and complex and will deliver the BEST RESULTS. Here, the testing should identify areas of partial compliance with regulations. Common tests use keyboard-only testing schemes to identify where certain issues occur for people who cannot use mouse or touch interfaces. We specialize in manual testing and correcting all errors.

Within manual testing, there is also the practice of testing pages and case scenarios with a screen reader or an emulator that shows how a webpage will respond to a user who wants to access content with text-to-speech technology.

Run a FREE SITE SCAN with us today to test the accessibility of your website.

Facing An ADA Lawsuit? Here Are 4 Steps To Make Your Site Accessible

As we mentioned above, the purpose of the ADA is to ensure that any disabled person has the same opportunity and rights as others in ensuring that digital content is accessible. Violating ADA can land you a lawsuit and some serious fines (up to $20,000 or more), and the best way to avoid potential litigation for a violation is through the four steps below.

Identify Your Barriers – Examining your business site and any of its features that could be a barrier to people with disabilities is usually the best place to start. Know that having more text is never a bad idea, as more people use assistive technologies nowadays. Put yourself in the shoes of an impaired person and try to understand whether your site is designed so you can freely navigate through its pages.

Understand The Requirements – Understanding the ADA requirements is equally important for everyone. New websites are already being designed with web accessibility in mind, and seeing what these rules require can only help you visualize and plan for new content in a better way.

Train Your Staff To Assist – If you work with a web design specialist, make sure that person is familiar with WCAG and able to align your content and marketing tools to support the ADA laws.

Hire A Professional – If you have multiple websites, or find it difficult to optimize your company website to comply with web accessibility laws, you can always seek our professional assistance to prevent an ADA lawsuit.

Hiring expert ADA consultants to audit the level of your website’s accessibility, provide guidance on remediation, and maintain accessible design is recommended if you want to lower the risk of a potential lawsuit.

Final Words

The bottom line of complying with web accessibility is that it offers a number of ways to build a reputation but also targets a broader audience. Users deserve to have equal access to content online, and many of their common tasks have been identified by regulators as essential for modern living. Therefore, it is vital to take advantage of these services and opportunities, and doing that would also prevent accessibility lawsuits.

Every organization, whether large or small, should ensure that they are aware of their accessibility obligations. In doing so, they will mitigate any risks of facing an accessibility lawsuit, but also maximize their revenue potential. In the end, wider accessibility equals a better online experience for everyone.

How good is your web accessibility? If you need help making your company website or mobile app accessible and complying with U.S. Federal regulations, contact us today. We will carry out a full audit and suggest the best ways to help your business site ensure full ADA compliance and prevent lawsuits.

#adasitecompliance #web accessibility #ada lawsuits #web accessibility lawsuit #ada web accessibility solution

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nationalfacilitiesdirect01 · 1 year

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Top 10 Trends in Facility Management

The pandemic has altered the way almost every business operates. From restaurants and retail to office buildings and factories, nearly every industry has undergone a drastic change in day-to-day operations with new safety mandates and public health protocols. These changes have forced organizations to prioritize facilities management solutions that meet consumer expectations and provide a seamless and engaging experience both on-site and off. As a result, today’s facilities managers must be proactive and knowledgeable of the latest trends in the industry if they want to take their operations to the next level. Here are the top 10 trends that are streamlining the facilities management workflow.

Top 10 Facilities Management Trends in 2022

1. Improved Communications

Communications between FMs and industry partners will continue to be a priority in the field. Cutting-edge software, like the project management systems we use at National Facilities Direct, will lead the way toward optimal efficiency and streamlined communication. Facility managers will play an integral role in laying the infrastructure that will improve the communication process between collaborators to better facilitate project workflow.

2. Increase in Smart Technology

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, facility managers will have more access to advanced technology with sensors, processing abilities, and automation that create a more flexible and interactive experience for technicians, employees, and visitors. Smart technology can help facilities managers create a comfortable, energy-efficient environment and optimize building functions ranging from fire protection, security, and asset tracking systems, as well as lighting management, HVAC maintenance, and smart parking.

3. Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Collaboration

As facilities become more and more digitized, communication is critical for successful collaboration between teams. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to simplify systems integration by streamlining communication between different departments and breaking down barriers preventing teams from working together.

4. Building Information Modeling

FMs will begin to see an increase in Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is software that maps the physical characteristics of a building over its lifetime. This system helps architects, builders, and FMs plan smarter buildings and take a more proactive approach to repairs using data from BIM software. This can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, reduce safety risks, and enhance facilities management.

5. Planned Preventative Maintenance

Similar to BIM, Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is a way to use technology to formalize and anticipate maintenance needs. This predictive maintenance model helps you proactively plan for regularly scheduled maintenance as well as provides a system to quickly adapt to unexpected changes. This proactive approach helps save time and money in the future, rather than reacting to new needs as they arise, because it allows FMs to better understand the assets of each building so you and your partners can make plans for the unexpected.

6. Data-Driven Decision-Making

The changes we’ve all experienced over the last few years will undoubtedly create a hefty database of information, data, and statistics. As FMs plan for upcoming projects, they will rely more heavily on this data to better inform their decision-making process. Utilizing data can help reduce overhead, minimize downtime, increase efficiency and improve system calibration.

7. Greater Environmental Approach

Companies in nearly all industries are being proactive and placing greater priority on eco-friendly practices that limit or negate their carbon footprint. FMs should be directly involved in these conversations and can expect to see more emphasis on innovative energy management solutions and how eco-friendly factors will affect employees, customers, and the environment.

8. Flexible Workspaces

As more organizations begin to move back into the office, the landscape of the working environment will change. Whether moving fully back into the office or developing a hybrid model, FMs should anticipate how the changes in workflow will alter the building needs and operations. Technology will also play a role, as organizations may have used the pandemic to review their technological needs.

9. Personalized Work Environment

As more and more employees return to the office, they will expect a similar feeling of comfort and ease that they experienced at home. While human resource managers may focus on accommodating those shifts, FMs may be asked to deliver Soft FM functions that foster a good environment to improve employee retention as well as customer loyalty.

10. Simplicity with Self-Supported Integrated Facilities Management

Between the changes in workflow, personnel, and the general world around us, we could all use a little simplicity in our lives. From improved processes to enhanced technology, FMs can expect to consolidate, group, and maximize resources to minimize manpower. Self-supported integrated facilities management simplifies workflows and processes to create more time for planning and utilizing budgets on proactive technologies to drive success.

Utilizing Industry Trends

These cutting-edge trends pave the way toward better service and better performance. By taking a proactive approach to facilities management technology, communication, and processes, you can build trust and become a leader in your industry.

Developing Innovative Partnerships

When you need a trusted and forward-thinking facilities management partner, choose National Facilities Direct. No matter your facility management needs, we solve problems for both the long and short term that meet resolution-time needs and make your job easier.

Contact us today to learn how our self-performing, self-supported, and self-communicating integrated facilities management services can take your facilities management to the next level.

Visit Our Website - https://nationalfacilitiesdirect.com/

#self-performing trends #best practices technology

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nationalfacilitiesdirect · 1 year

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Top 10 Trends in Facility Management

Top 10 Facilities Management Trends in 2022

1. Improved Communications

Communications between FMs and industry partners will continue to be a priority in the field. Cutting-edge software, like the project management systems we use at national facilities direct, will lead the way toward optimal efficiency and streamlined communication. Facility managers will play an integral role in laying the infrastructure that will improve the communication process between collaborators to better facilitate project workflow.

2. Increase in Smart Technology

3. Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Collaboration

4. Building Information Modeling

5. Planned Preventative Maintenance

6. Data-Driven Decision-Making

7. Greater Environmental Approach

8. Flexible Workspaces

9. Personalized Work Environment

10. Simplicity with Self-Supported Integrated Facilities Management

Utilizing Industry Trends

Developing Innovative Partnerships

When you need a trusted and forward-thinking facilities management partner, choose national facilities . No matter your facility management needs, we solve problems for both the long and short term that meet resolution-time needs and make your job easier.

Contact us today to learn how our self-performing, self-supported, and self-communicating integrated facilities management services can take your facilities management to the next level.

#Self-performing Trends #Best Practices Technology

7 notes · View notes

reddus-sideblog · 2 years

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M.E.R.C.s - Aftermath

8-27-890 AR

Duncan readjusted the Triage cap he was wearing and fiddled with his identification tag. The brown-haired young man wasn’t worried about looking fashionable, he was far more concerned with looking the part of a Triage M.E.R.C.. Being in an active warzone was at least mildly safer if either side could identify you as an unaffiliated medic, after all.

Redton Corporate Electronics and Surrmond Software LLC had started up a proper corporate war across the face of Jeffria, but the good news was that the conflict between the two technology companies was finally dying down. After a number of large engagements between corporate battalions and about a straight week of conflict it seemed like Redton was going to beat out Surrmond LLC in their naked bid for dominance in the Jeffria electronics market. The destruction of the fighting had left almost half of the Bellingford Sector-Cluster as a ruined warzone, with little intervention from corporations other than Triage. The NCSDF’s forces in Jeffria were sitting on the sidelines, practically daring either of the corporate armies to take a step out of their controlled sectors. Neither had made that mistake yet.

The burned out hulk of a large stand tank with the scorched blue and green colors of Surrmond Software LLC greeted Duncan as he passed the archway into the Fernon Sector. The main strip looked almost inaccessible by road from the debris lying around, and the concrete barriers painted with the Peace Corps’ initials ensured that it would stay that way. He was weighed down by a backpack filled with medical supplies, along with a large duffel bag filled with yet more goods for the hospital he was going to. The M.E.R.C. sat on a barrier as he got a better look at the main street. It looked like a lot of the storefronts here had been hit pretty hard by the fighting between the corporate armies. It was probably a nice area before all of the gunfire and explosions blew apart the buildings and blasted the tiling in the main square apart. There were a few people around, but far fewer than he had expected from a sector this size, though he saw at least two patrols of Peace Corps officers while he sat idle. Even among all the craters, bullet holes, and wrecked buildings Duncan finally saw what he was looking for, a green tri-cross, indicating that a medical facility could be found up ahead and down one of the side streets on the left.

Picking up his duffel bag and heaving himself up from his seat, the mercenary struck out in the indicated direction. Away from the main street and the main square the sector certainly looked nicer, though there was still significant damage to be seen here and there. A few couples and individuals were quickly making their way through the street, but much more concerningly a pair of Peace Corps goons were making a beeline right for Duncan.

It was far too late to run, and if he bolted the Peace officers were likely to open fire first and report his death later. He just continued forwards, trying to look nonchalant as he followed the next sign that indicated the clinic being just down the next street on his right. Unfortunately the two officers caught up with him before he could duck down the street, out of their view.

“Alright, stop right there,” came the modulated voice of the shorter Peace officer, hand on his holstered pistol, “you’ve been selected for a random search.”

Duncan turned to face the white and gray clad corpsecs. The outfit of the Peace Corps was sterile and clean, just like their mission statement of “peace at the right price”. They wore bulky light gray riot armor overtop of their white coveralls, along with gloves and a full respirator that concealed their hands and faces. On top of this, each Peace officer had a voice modulator and a codename to further obscure their identity.

While extreme, Duncan understood very well how much Peace Corps officers needed to hide their identities to avoid catching a faceful of lead when they were off the job. The Fernon Sector, and the Kentley Sector he’d visited yesterday, were currently very good examples as to exactly why Peace officers were reviled enough to hide their faces, voices, and names. Lining up all of the suspects of a crime against a wall and executing them one after the other tended to make you a lot of enemies, really fast.

“Put down the bags, Triage boy. We’re just going to make sure you’re not smuggling anything,” said the taller Peace officer wielding an assault rifle.

The urge to groan was resisted as Duncan braced for the mockery of justice that was about to be unloaded on him. He’d seen “random searches” escalate to full on arrests for something as small as a boxcutter or a pistol, much less a backpack full of pain killers, a duffel filled with surgical tools, and his self-defense auto-revolver.

He started putting down the medical supplies, and soon thereafter one of the officers began frisking him. It lasted a moment before a voice of a woman carried down the street.

“Hey! Hey, he’s with my clinic!”

The officers and the Triage M.E.R.C. turned to look down the side street, seeing a blonde woman in doctor’s clothing, followed closely by a shorter, intense looking woman with long, messy black hair, a bulky nondescript coat, and a medical eyepatch over one eye. The pair approached, slowing from a jog to a calm walk.

“You’re uh… Duncan, right?” said the doctor, looking the Triage medic up and down.

“I’m Doctor Anders. I’ve been waiting for you, have you been held up for long?”

“Oh, no, I just got here. There was some wreckage on the inter-sector roads, so I had to walk here, and the front of the sector’s been blocked off too, so the supply truck wouldn’t have been able to get in anyways,” replied Duncan.

“So he’s with you?” questioned the shorter Peace officer.

“That’s right. I need him and his supplies now, a patient is waiting on them who is in critical care. If you have any problems take it up with Triage,” said Doctor Anders, blustering her way through the corpsec’s response.

“Marie, grab his backpack, he’s carried it far enough,” she ordered, pointing at the heavy load that Duncan had been carrying.

Wordlessly the black-haired woman lifted the weighty backpack and shouldered it.

“And who is she?” asked the Peace officer holding the rifle. He wasn’t threatening anyone with the weapon, yet.

“She is another patient of mine, can’t you tell by the eyepatch?” said the doctor as she began storming away, with Marie in tow. “Now let’s go Duncan, we’ve got people to save.”

Without looking at the Peace Corps officers Duncan grabbed the duffel and followed the two women, wiping his brow clean of the sweat that had accumulated during the standoff.

***

The cyber-clinic come field hospital was less busy than the doctor had let on in front of the corpsecs. There were a good number of patients that needed checking up on, but she took a moment to familiarize herself with Duncan while they unpacked the supplies he had brought with him. Away from the imminent threat of the Peace Corps, the doctor seemed like she was running on fumes.

“So. My name is Jess. I’m the main doctor here at the… uh… Fernon Cyber-Clinic. I usually do cybernetic installations, but I have a full doctorate in medicine, so I’ve been helping out around here while all of this,” she gestured vaguely around her.

“-has been going on.“

Jess pointed at the other, more intense-looking woman who had escorted her and helped them carry the supplies into the hospital, who was currently leaning against the wall next to Jess. The one-eyed woman waved with two fingers and nodded at Duncan.

“Oh. And that’s Marie. She’s my partner, and she’s helping me… around the uh, clinic.”

Duncan flashed a smile back at Marie. Another pair of hands were always welcome around a hospital like this, even if the person attached to them was practically mute.

After they put away the fresh supplies Duncan followed Jess as she did her rounds. Marie shadowed the two of them as well, keeping out of the way but always being in the same room. There were a dozen patients throughout the clinic, and while the establishment had been relatively untouched by the fighting, the injured here were obviously casualties of the conflict:

A Redton soldier who had lost a couple of fingers and an eye. A local who had been in the wrong place at the wrong time and had a monumental number of lacerations from a fragmentation grenade. A Surrmond tank pilot with second and third degree burns from his tank going up, along with two of his fellow crewmen. An M-CA M.E.R.C. who had been contracted to sabotage Surrmond assets, but had been shot six times. An android who worked in logistics for Redton that had stepped on an anti-personnel landmine. A local chimera dogwoman with a fever and an infected wound from rubble that had fallen on her. Three more civilians with gunshot wounds, two of them having been injured by Peace Corps officers, and one having been hit when the corporate armies were trading shots. Lastly, a devilkin girl who had been concussed by a mortar shell that had landed in her house a few sectors over. A passerby had come across the poor girl in the rubble, and was still looking after her, as they had yet to find her family.

Duncan had seen corporate wars before, but he prayed to the Machina that this would be the last one that would happen. Besides the twelve in the clinic, Jess said that there were five more that she could do nothing for when they were brought to her. She obviously felt disgusted with herself when Jess said that she had “wasted” supplies on those hopeless cases. The medic could tell that the doctor hated the concept of grading her patient’s rate of survival like that. As tears welled up in Jess’ eyes Marie appeared behind her, wrapping her arms around the overworked doctor.

Thankfully Duncan’s radio set buzzed, letting him leave the two be for a few moments. He walked out into the hallway and answered the handset. On the other side was the low-fidelity voice of his partner, Liam.

“Hey Duncy, sorry that I left you hanging, I’m on my way to that clinic with some hurt people. Someone left a back door open to the sector so I’ll be there in a few minutes!”

Duncan had known Liam Graves since high school, and he didn’t think a single day had ever passed where the golden blonde dog chimera hadn’t been full of energy and pep. It did grate on Duncan when he was having a bad day, but his eternally sunny attitude did help brighten up the darker times. In their field of work it helped a lot.

After informing Jess and Marie about the incoming ambulance the three of them quickly got some more cots ready and prepared the operating room of the clinic. All the tools of the trade were lined up, and the hospital was ready for more patients. Duncan caught up with the other two outside after doing a quick double check around the hospital to make sure that everything was ready. Liam’s Triage ambulance was backing up, and by the time it had parked Jess was opening the back doors to pull the patients out.

“You’re Doctor Anders right?” asked Liam, looking at the human lady intently.

“Yeah, uhuh. Who needs attention the most here?”

Liam informed Jess that two of the patients had gunshot wounds, each being a corporate soldier from a different side of the conflict, in addition to a woman with a broken arm and some broken ribs from a car crash on the inter-sector road. The chimera medic had stabilized them, but the gunshot victims would need attention to stop their bleeding wholly and have the lead removed from them. Marie nudged Duncan with her elbow and directed his sight at the corner of the building, where a Peace Corps arrest wagon was pulling up.

Four Peace Corps officers approached the Triage ambulance quickly, all of them were armed, two with SMGs, two with shock staves. The leader of the little group stepped ahead of his men as they stopped, readying plastic ties to make arrests.

“I’ll be taking these patients of yours for registry, and we’ll need to go inside to take a look at whoever else you have in there,” said the leader, gesturing with his gun in one hand.

Duncan could tell that Marie was tensing up next to him. Her hands were slowly moving behind her back, as something, or some things, were moving under her bulky coat.

Jess stood between the Peace officer and the patients.

“These people need treatment before they can go anywhere. I can only release them after I’ve treated their wounds and properly taken care of them.”

The officer hit Jess across the face and pushed her aside, yelling at the doctor to keep out of the way of his men. As Jess fell down from the force of the blow Marie jumped forwards to grab her, stopping her partner from hitting the pavement. Duncan and Liam watched, unable to aid the two of them. If they moved now the Peace Corps men would likely start shooting.

As Duncan watched, Jess reached up and planted a kiss on Marie’s cheek, before pulling off her eyepatch. Beneath the patch was not an injured eye, as Duncan expected, but rather a high-grade cyber-eye that activated and glowed crimson. He swore that he saw Jess say “go get ‘em” to Marie before the cyborg let her girlfriend go. Jess hastily stumbled behind the ambulance as the storm of violence began.

Marie leaped up, wielding two heavy pistols. She sank round after round into the Peace officers bearing guns. She split her fire between the two of them, taking advantage of their surprise to saturate them with a magazine of lead each. The Peace officers with stun staves slowly realized they were under fire, and started moving to attack the woman. Rather than reload, Marie’s coat flew open as four additional cybernetic arms emerged, each one holding an additional Heaven’s Dragon. She avoided the wild swings of the Peace officers as she blasted, ducking, twisting, and weaving as her cybernetic arms unleashed a murderous rapid fire volley on them. At the end of less than ten seconds all four of the officers were torn apart like pulled pork, their armor rent asunder by the furious fusilade of .44 magnum, leaving each one of their corpses in a puddle of their own blood and mutilated flesh.

Duncan blinked a few times, hardly believing the suddenness of the killing that had just occurred.

“What…? Who-,” he started, trying to make sense of how the quiet woman had unleashed such death.

“She’s my favorite piece of work,” said Jess, pushing past Duncan to start moving the patients into the hospital. The cybernetics doctor was almost beaming when she said that.

***

Cleaning up the bodies of the Peace Corps officers worked out pretty well. As Marie had loaded up the corpses into the ambulance and picked up most of her scattered shells, handing them in a plastic bag to Duncan. Gunshots weren’t all that uncommon in sectors protected by the Peace Corps, so the M.E.R.C.s had a large grace period to deal with the mess that the cyborg had made.

Liam and Duncan hauled the bodies to the next sector over in the ambulance, dumping them and the shells off in a random alleyway. They drove back quickly and Duncan went to help Jess treat the patients as Liam and Marie cleaned up the rest of the mess outside, sweeping the shells and blood into the storm drain and hosing off the bloodied sidewalk. As he headed into the clinic Duncan heard his dogman partner trying, in vain, to strike up conversation with Marie, who was barely replying.

Jess was relieved to have Duncan join her in the surgery room. He washed up and donned surgical gear, aiding the doctor in removing lead and stitching up the corporate soldiers. They were holding on, but two pairs of hands made their surgery light work. One had a perforated lung, along with his left shoulder artery having been nicked by a shot, while the other had to have a few fingers removed, as well as a few ligaments reattached. Jess replaced the lost fingers from her own stock of cybernetics, surprising Duncan with her generosity.

After completing the surgery Duncan saw to the third patient with a broken arm, setting the bones and applying a cast. Jess thanked him profusely as she left the woman in his care. When Duncan walked the woman out of the operating room he found the doctor resting on Marie, on a cot in the storage closet. The cyborg was holding her girlfriend with all six of her arms, cradling the exhausted doctor in a blanket as she slept. Marie gave the distinct image of a spider clinging to its silk-wrapped prey. Duncan shut the door a bit to give them peace and quiet, before going off to find Liam helping out the patients in the impromptu wards.

The M.E.R.C.s spent the next few hours preparing rations and food for the injured people in the hospital. A duo of Peace officers came by to ask if the Triage employees had heard or seen the team that had gone missing. Liam’s earnesty won over the corpsecs, who believed that while they had heard a commotion outside, they hadn’t seen any of it. Duncan kept his poker face up for the whole of Liam’s innocent routine. It was amazing how many people were willing to believe that the Triage medic was just some blonde himbo, and the Peace officers fell for it lock, stock, and barrel.

After things calmed down Duncan let his messy, shoulder-length brunette hair down and enjoyed a smoke on the back step. It had already been quite a day, and it wasn’t even quite over yet. On days like this he remembered what the head surgeon of his old team, Sienna, had told him before he was transferred upzone; “practicing medicine is easy when you get down to it, it’s all the damn complications life throws at you that make it really difficult”. Duncan was beginning to understand exactly what the old android had meant when she’d said that.

#Ashlands RPG #M.E.R.C.s

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ogadaedwine · 1 year

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The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Strategy

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Marketing Strategy

A firm uses a marketing strategy as a plan or strategy to market and sell its goods and services. It often contains a target market, a value offer, a SMART approach, and a strategy for reaching and interacting with customers. Market analysis, product creation, branding, price, promotion, and distribution are typical components of a marketing plan. Effective marketing tactics may aid a business in boosting revenue, luring in new clients, and building brand recognition. Many small businesses struggle to stay ahead of the competition and build their business. While it's challenging to bypass the barriers, it is possible to set a higher standard. You just need the right strategy to keep things moving in the right direction. In this blog post, you will learn about the nine pillars of a successful marketing strategy and how to build one around each of them. You will also get advice on creating market-focused strategies, content strategies, and a whole lot more. Read on for more information so that you can begin developing a successful marketing plan for your business.

Define your objectives

Before you develop your marketing strategy, it is highly recommended that you define your objectives. Aiming means focusing on and working on the fundamentals. Your ability to meet your objectives on time is directly proportional to how consistently and budgeted you are. A well-streamlined goal planner must include the budget, and the number of audiences targeted within the scope of time. The criteria of marketing, whether PPC, influencer marketing, or affiliate marketing. However, the mode of promoting your product solely depends on how financially capable you are. Consistently following your set objectives will help you impede overspending and losses.

Do the Market Research

Consumers, who must have experienced similar products from other companies, only react to the value of your products when they can reach, see, and taste them. A brand needs to research the market for its propositions before its last launch. Doing in-depth research can help you understand the product's competitiveness and thereafter take prompt actions to stand out from the crowd. You need to know the demand rate, the population age group, and gender to target the right audience. Another aspect is the mode of shipping products to people who cannot reach you on time. Most customers would prefer store-to-door delivery to direct shopping. This means that you need an online delivery system or e-commerce site with secure payment methods to accelerate the ordering process. How are you going to do the market analysis? Direct marketing that involves mouth-to-mouth can be an effective way to hire the foreigners you would like to have as day-to-day shoppers. Use established community bases and streets to give them the product or service trials, provide the questionnaire where possible, and let them leave their contact information. First, ensure that contact information is secure and not disclosed to third parties. Finally, you've got a number or email address to ask how they would recommend your brand, challenges, and improvements. While contacting or sending a survey to your prospects, follow the best practices to avoid getting spammed. It is also worth doing the poll on online spaces, especially when dealing with software products or services. This may include directing the audience to the web CTA.

Be Customer-Centric

Define the value proposition of your products; illustrate how your product is beneficial, why they may need it, how to use it, and when to use it. Giving your target audience a product value that helps them understand its significance will put your brand ahead of the competition. Advertising newly tested and approved hair jelly, for example, by providing the ingredients, price, people who need it, and its effects, would be beneficial. When they buy and realize it works as advertised, the likelihood of building and keeping new customers will be high. Being customer-centric also means providing the right pricing without hidden charges. You also ensure that customer service is flawless, with an effective communication desk and staff who are equipped to respond to customer queries and recommendations on time.

Be flexible with your plan and adjust as you learn more

People who are in a hurry and filled with anxiety find it very hard to reach the target. Seeing positive results, especially when you are just getting started, takes time and patience. You need to stick with one strategy at a time, so that when one approach fails, you can adjust to the next one. For example, running PPC is always a preferred first option for most startups because of its affordability. However, you think of trying influencers after hitting the targeted business milestone. What inspires most startups is the capacity to generate a good return on investment so that they can use the profits instead of using the rest of their savings to start over. It is not life-threatening to see your company crumble-which is common with many small businesses. It is important to restart the process instead of giving up the first time. Expect little. Most dominant and successful businesses today could not exist if their owners gave up.

Be Realistic About Results

One of the hardest but most important aspects of any marketing plan is being realistic about the results you want based on your ultimate marketing goals. While you may not want to emphasize the reduction in production over your extraordinary efforts, understand that a robust ROI is not achievable overnight and takes time. This is because your marketing strategy is the backbone of your business success, and without it, your investments may hang in the balance. It is also important to track the performance of the brand promotion to have a clear picture of whether or not you are succeeding. Generating leads that turn out to be real buyers and consistent consumers of your products and services needs to be a top-notch path for any marketer. Don't just craft an idea, promote it, then leave it there. In every aspect of a marketing plan, whether paid per-click, affiliate, or influencer marketing, leverage the analytics tools to grasp the performance of your brand performance. Based on the performance, you'll see what needs to be changed and implemented. When analyzing marketing data that can help you understand the target audience's response to your brand, brand reputation is a paramount factor. New prospects go with reputation rather than price and quantity. Don't create a clickbait ad that's different from what you offer. Market your products and services with reputable agencies and influencers. Finding real and trustworthy influencers isn't an easy task due to bot dominance in the social media space, but there are influencer marketing agencies that can help you search, enroll, and track the performance of your campaigns.

Build an Audience through the Promotional Offers.

Having a decent number of prospects for your business means success nowadays. With competition in the market still reigning, it is important to develop a pricing strategy based on the buyer capabilities. Every smart brand has a CTA button on their website homepages that directs new visitors to what to do—most probably the subscription form or the pricing table. Offering your products and services at discounted prices every year or every quarter could make new visitors purchase instantly compared to those selling at rigid prices. The main reason why most consumers leverage coupons is that they want to save on their first purchase of a particular service. This will help them slash their budget allocation for other matters. This strategy seamlessly works with affiliate marketing, where brands can decide to cooperate with affiliates in return for a commission for every successful purchase. Many people are searching for coupons daily when making purchases, therefore, it's worthwhile to try it out. Once you've successfully built huge email lists, sending monthly newsletters with new promotional deals could help your brand drive more sales because whenever they want to purchase a product, it'll be yours first. You can also create advertisement banners with discounts and this can drive a lot of traffic into sales to your e-commerce website

Be Customer-Centric

One of the best things about small businesses is that corporate structures and bloated salaries do not hold them, hostage. You can be customer-centric ‌in your marketing strategy. For example, you could have one marketing strategy that involves publicity, one that involves creating content, and one that involves customer service. If customer service is your strong suit, you could also have one strategy that encompasses these components.

Be SMART

As you crave success for your brand in the market with similar and selective products and services, be smart enough to counter the stiff competition in your approaches. You need to be specific for goal effectiveness. Outline your steps to cover and accomplish your marketing goals. Another thing is that your actions must be verifiable, quantifiable, measurable, and accountable. Aiming for 10000 audiences in reach and within a specific time requires that you use analytics tools. You need to know the engagement rates, impressions, clicks, and conversion rates and declutter the backlogs before trying another strategy. Again, make your marketing objectives achievable with realistic targets. While creating ad campaigns, focus on the relevant factors, such as the target location, topics, and language. And the ad's subject must apply to the target audience's topics. Relevancy creates a sense of seriousness and integrity in your promotions. Finally, your marketing objectives need to be time-bound. Have the right timeframe and develop a deadline for all your campaigns. Start and implement on time. In a new project, implementation is always the biggest obstacle to goal achievement. Stay on track, get your budget ready, and implement it. The increase in conversion rates would begin by implementing SEO-friendly features like mobile-friendly banners and optimizing your pages and speed. So, within a set time frame, you will get the expected result.

Be Proactive

As your marketing implementation develops, it is important to be assertive to combat scale-backs. This means that you should not wait for something to happen before you take action. You should take immediate action ‌to ensure that your marketing strategy is successful and achievable on time. Building a successful brand requires that product and user security are at the heart of everything. When you start up, don't pump all your money into it because any company is capable of going bankrupt to the extent of losing everything. Ensure that your company doesn't infringe on the user's confidential details, like credit cards, and is fully GDPR compliant.

Bottom line

The most effective marketing strategies are those that are built on past accomplishments and use a gradual but systematic approach to planning a successful development. Although it may take some time and effort, the effort will be rewarded in the end. A sound marketing plan may support the growth of your company for many years. Your chances of success, growth, and profitability will increase, helping you get back to 100 percent with your business. Read the full article

#Brand #Business #EmailMarketing #Marketing

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jordanianroyals · 2 years

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28 September 2022: Queen Rania visited the Tafila’s Skills’ Development Center to learn about its training and skill-development programs targeting youth in the Tafila governorate.

The Queen was welcomed to the center by its coordinator, Ahmad Mrayyat, and met with IT company Estarta’s executive staff and CEO, Mutaz Nabulsi, as well as a group of trainees attending one of its core courses.

Supported by the office of Her Majesty, the Tafila’s Skills’ Development Center prepares Tafila’s youth for the job market, and empowers them through skill-specific training sessions, ranging from courses in marketing and online advertising to workplace safety and computer literacy. (Source: Petra)

Through its partnership with the center, and its programs across Jordan’s remote areas, Estarta aims to hone and nurture the professional skills of fresh graduates, as well as identify and recruit top talent and job-ready candidates into its workforce.

Harnessing the digital and workplace transformations following the pandemic, the company also creates remote and non-remote employment opportunities to computer science graduates who cannot find jobs in their field where they reside, according to Nabulsi.

Her Majesty wrapped up her tour of the center by dropping in at a cyber-security training session before meeting with a group of the center’s graduates. The youth had trained to international standards, and in various fields of their own choosing.

In a 2019 visit to the center, the Queen met with some of its members, who voiced their concerns over the myriad challenges and barriers they faced as fresh graduates entering Jordan’s labor market. With the support of Her Majesty’s office, the center was later moved into refurbished spaces at the Tafila Youth Center.

Since its inception, the Tafila’s Skills’ Development Center has benefited over 500 college graduates from Tafila through more than 20 skill-specific training sessions and development programs. It has also partnered with a leading Jordanian software company with branches abroad to create employment opportunities for the center’s qualified engineering and computer science graduates.

#Queen Rania

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lowcaloriesims · 2 years

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I am so sick of subscription model software. I’ve refused to use adobe all these years because of it, on top of their programs not working as well as they’re made out to be.

I liked clip studio, but even after 5 years of using the program, there were many features that I felt could have been improved, and even functions I missed from fire alpaca. The fact that they’ve even thought about moving to a subscription service is enough for me to call it quits. I have my own issues with them, and call me crazy, but I have always felt like they wished their western audience would fuck off.

There are a lot of great features to CSP, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t know how to use certain parts of the program due to the language barrier. There are also alarming 3D poses and models in the asset store (lolis). I’m not even sure if it was intentional, but with the release of their clippy tokens, I was always weirded out that it was abbreviated as CP, as an english speaker. The translations in general are terrible, and there are a lot of things I know I’ve missed out on bc of this.

I’ve seen people say that the company is trying to stay afloat...they have monthly tutorial contests where some people can win 900 USD. I know, because I entered one of these contests, and won a bronze award. If they are barely making ends meet, then perhaps they shouldn’t give out money to multiple people every month? Further, the asset store has gold, which a person uses real money to get. You don’t have to buy gold, but there are many interesting and honestly useful assets that a person purchase on the store using it.

Trying out other programs right now, and I can see that ironically, CSP hasn’t really tried to bring the program up to par. The stabilization has always been a joke, and I realize that it just sucks. Paintstorm and Affinity both have fantastic stabilizers, and are much more natural to use. They also work wonderfully with my Huion tablet, while Clip Studio has always been off with my pen alignment. I’m seriously considering moving to Paintstorm just off this alone, my hands are permanently shaky due to Graves Disease, and these other programs work so well.

I just want to paint. I want to make pretty pictures, and stupid ones. I want to make loading screens for The Sims 2. I want to make background images for my youtube channel. I want to draw black and white like I did as a teenager, and not have to have 1000 pencils and tortillons in a box somewhere in my room.

I love using technology to help with references and shit. I am just tired man. I am so sick and tired of all the fucking subscription based shits, and am seriously falling more in line with the core of places like neocities; where you can just make your page, be yourself, and have fun. I am so tired of monetizing everything. I’m tired of monetizing my entire fucking life.

I pay for a mortgage, utilities, medicine, internet, and food every month. Every place online is trying to make a quick buck, no matter if their services actually work or not. Every video on youtube is at risk of a copyright strike because some boomer thinks you’re stealing from them or their friends, because for some reason they think you’re making money off youtube. If you want any sort of entertainment, you’re very likely going to have to pay for it. I’m sick of it all. All this shit sucks. I’m going to make a list of free shit you can use on your computer, at home, or online, because I am so tired of this shit. There are so many good programs that are just...free, and good to use. But Big Adobe, Big Celsys, Big Amazon, and all the other fuckheads don’t want to know that. They act like it’s a crime not pay them.

so fucking over it

#rant #clip studio paint #mostly talking about big companies sucking you dry in general

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nividawebsolutions · 2 years

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Top 6 Software Development Trends to watch out for in 2022

Our grasp of Covid's impact on global technology is gradually becoming clearer as the world enters its third pandemic year. Our daily lives have been transformed by the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as the automation of work processes and the digitalization of services and data management in the last few years.

By 2022, the growth and profitability of any of the top software development companies in India will depend on software integration to improve and streamline data and operations. But, with so many new approaches to software development appearing daily, how do you decide which one to follow?

For software firms and developers, staying on top of the latest trends means providing cutting-edge software and positioning themselves as pioneers in innovation.

On the other hand, enterprises and corporations will have to choose between purchasing a pre-existing software solution or cashing in on a tailor-made offering. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of software development, knowing what to expect in terms of future trends will help you make the appropriate choice.

As a result, here are the top 6 software development trends listed by Nivida Web Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - an excellent software development company in Vadodara.

1. Use DevOps to reduce the team’s gap:

No matter how you define it, DevOps has become one of the most effective ways to speed up and simplify the entire software development process.

There are no more barriers between the development and operations processes thanks to DevOps, whether it is a lone engineer or a team of specialists. DevOps aims to streamline the entire software development lifecycle, from conceptualization and prototyping to implementation and maintenance.

When thinking about DevOps, it's helpful to think of it as a never-ending cycle that includes everything from planning to testing to deployment to monitoring to re-planning again.

DevOps necessitates a unique combination of technical expertise and soft abilities that cannot be taught in a classroom setting.

DevOps engineers and teams should look for experience in coding and testing, solid organisational skills, and a teamwork background in their search. Nivida Web Solutions is one of the most distinguished software development companies in Vadodara that offers world-class DevOps solutions to various industries.

2. Create a secure Digital World with Cybersecurity:

A slew of risks and exploiters almost always accompanies new technological advancements. Companies are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks as they become more reliant on digital services.

Because of this, the average ransomware payment in 2021 climbed high to around $70 million, which is not surprising. In addition, the average cost of resolving a ransomware attack increased from 2020 to 2021 and was projected at $1.85 million in 2021.

If you want to avoid costly ransomware recovery expenses, compromised brand image, and the release of critical data, you should begin the software development process with cyber security measures in place.

3. Personalization of the Software Experience using the Internet of Behaviour (IoB):

We don't need to reinvent the wheel here with the Internet of Behavior (IoB). Firms already use IoB-based data like Google and Facebook to target advertising and personalise Search Engine Page Results (SERPs).

The term "Internet of Things" (IoT) refers to the collection of data on Internet users' habits, interests, and preferences.

If you're going to tailor an experience, you're going to have to gather some information about your customers.

According to a study conducted in 2019 on B2C personalisation, 72% of customers only respond to marketing communications that are specifically tailored to their preferences. Furthermore, eight out of ten loyal customers believe they will only do business with companies that cater to their specific needs.

A digital product that has powerful personalisation options and comprehensive user data protection is a winner.

4. Deployment and Delivery running smoothly:

DevOps.com reports that nearly one in three software developers tend to release a software update within one to four weeks of the completion of the project's development.

Continuous delivery processes make it easier to implement input and discover issues, which saves both time and money. There's an improved alternative to continuous delivery, which automatically pushes updates to customers.

Continuous deployment pushes new code into production via an automated process. A speedier, more error-free, and better-optimized product release can be achieved by automating the complete software testing process.

5. Faster and Easier development using Low-Code:

Drag-and-drop tools have already transformed the world of web design as well as development, and the future of software development will be no different.

It is possible for businesses to create apps with minimal coding by utilising low-code development methods. It is possible for businesses to make adjustments to their processes thanks to the low-code dev tools because they streamline the development process and save costs.

6. Achieving the Native App Experience with Progressive Web Apps:

Progressive Web App, widely popular as PWA, is a web app that provides the same functionality as a native app while just requiring a web browser to be installed.

The data you've already used in the app is used to make PWAs available even when you're not connected to the internet.

Because they combine the best features of native mobile apps with the user-friendliness of online applications, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are the perfect compromise.

In addition, PWAs often enjoy a whopping 36% increase in the conversion rate, making them the best option for eCommerce enterprises looking to take advantage of mobile shopping's growing popularity. Transform your digital business by developing the best performing Native apps from Nivida Web Solutions - the most trusted and distinct software development company in Gujarat.

#Best software development company in vadodara

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outsourcingbd · 1 day

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finyash · 3 days

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From Local to Global: The Power of Accurate Document Translation

In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures has never been more critical. For businesses, organizations, and individuals, accurate document translation is a powerful tool that can transform local operations into global ventures. This article explores the multifaceted impact of accurate translation, highlighting its importance, benefits, and the key considerations for achieving the best results.

The Importance of Accurate Document Translation

Bridging Language Barriers

Language is one of the most significant barriers to communication. Accurate document translation serves as a bridge that connects people from different linguistic backgrounds, allowing for seamless communication and understanding. Whether it's a legal contract, a medical report, or marketing materials, precise translation ensures that the original message is conveyed correctly, preventing misunderstandings and fostering better relationships.

Enhancing Business Opportunities

In the business world, accurate document translation can open doors to new markets. Companies that invest in high-quality translations can effectively communicate with international clients, partners, and customers. This not only helps in expanding the customer base but also enhances the brand's reputation and credibility. Global business expansion is often contingent on the ability to engage with local markets in their native languages.

Benefits of Accurate Document Translation

Boosting Legal Compliance

For many industries, adhering to local laws and regulations is non-negotiable. Accurate translation of legal documents ensures that businesses remain compliant with the regulations of the countries they operate in. This includes contracts, patents, and compliance documents. A single error in translation can lead to legal disputes and financial penalties, making accuracy paramount.

Improving Customer Satisfaction

Customers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that communicate in their preferred language. Accurate translations of product manuals, customer service guides, and marketing content can significantly enhance the customer experience. When customers can easily understand how to use a product or service, their satisfaction and loyalty increase.

Facilitating Academic and Scientific Collaboration

In academia and science, sharing knowledge across borders is essential. Accurate translation of research papers, journals, and academic materials enables scholars and researchers to collaborate effectively, regardless of their native language. This fosters innovation and the advancement of knowledge on a global scale.

Key Considerations for Accurate Document Translation

Understanding Cultural Nuances

Translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it also involves understanding and conveying cultural nuances. A phrase that is acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another. Professional translators need to be well-versed in the cultural contexts of both the source and target languages to ensure that the translation is culturally appropriate.

Choosing the Right Translation Service

Selecting a reputable translation service is crucial for achieving accuracy. Look for services that employ certified translators with expertise in the specific field of the document. For instance, legal documents should be translated by professionals with a background in law, while medical documents should be handled by those familiar with medical terminology.

Leveraging Technology

While human translators are indispensable, technology can enhance the translation process. Translation tools and software can help manage large volumes of text and ensure consistency. However, relying solely on machine translation can lead to errors. The best approach is to use technology as a complement to human expertise, ensuring a balance between efficiency and accuracy.

The Role of Technology in Document Translation

Machine Translation and Its Limitations

Machine translation, powered by algorithms and artificial intelligence, has made significant strides in recent years. Tools like Google Translate can provide quick translations for everyday use. However, for professional and critical documents, machine translation often falls short. It can miss context, subtleties, and cultural nuances, leading to inaccurate or even misleading translations.

Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools

Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are designed to support human translators. These tools can store previously translated text segments, making it easier to maintain consistency across documents. CAT tools also facilitate collaboration among translators, allowing for more efficient and accurate translations. However, the human touch remains essential for ensuring quality and accuracy.

The Future of Translation Technology

Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning hold promise for the future of translation technology. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they will likely play a larger role in the translation process. However, the need for human oversight and expertise will persist, particularly for documents that require a high degree of precision and cultural sensitivity.

Industries That Benefit Most from Accurate Document Translation

Legal Sector

In the legal sector, the stakes are incredibly high. Contracts, court documents, and patents must be translated with absolute precision to avoid legal repercussions. Misinterpretations can lead to contract disputes, loss of intellectual property rights, and significant financial losses.

Medical and Healthcare Industry

The medical and healthcare industry relies heavily on accurate translation to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. Medical records, patient information, and pharmaceutical instructions must be translated accurately to avoid potentially life-threatening mistakes. Accurate translation is also crucial for clinical trials and the dissemination of medical research.

E-commerce and Retail

For e-commerce and retail businesses, reaching a global audience is essential. Accurate translation of product descriptions, user reviews, and customer service information can significantly impact sales and customer satisfaction. Multilingual websites and marketing campaigns can attract a wider audience, boosting revenue and brand loyalty.

Education and E-learning

Educational institutions and e-learning platforms benefit from accurate translation by making educational content accessible to a global audience. Translating course materials, textbooks, and online content allows students from different linguistic backgrounds to access quality education. This promotes global education and the exchange of ideas.

Best Practices for Achieving Accurate Document Translation

Collaborate with Native Speakers

Native speakers have an innate understanding of the language and culture, making them invaluable assets in the translation process. Collaborating with native speakers ensures that translations are not only accurate but also culturally relevant and engaging.

Invest in Professional Translation Services

Professional translation services offer the expertise and experience needed for high-quality translations. These services often have rigorous quality control processes and employ specialized translators. Investing in professional services can save time and prevent costly errors.

Conduct Thorough Proofreading and Editing

Even the best translations can benefit from a second pair of eyes. Thorough proofreading and editing are essential to catch any errors or inconsistencies. This step ensures that the final document is polished and accurate.

Maintain Open Communication

Effective communication between the client and the translation team is crucial. Providing clear instructions, context, and feedback can help translators understand the specific requirements and deliver accurate translations. Regular communication also allows for addressing any issues promptly.

Conclusion: The Global Impact of Accurate Document Translation

In conclusion, the power of accurate document translation cannot be overstated. From bridging language barriers to enhancing business opportunities, the benefits are vast and far-reaching. Accurate translation is essential for legal compliance, customer satisfaction, academic collaboration, and more. By understanding cultural nuances, leveraging technology, and investing in professional services, businesses and individuals can harness the full potential of document translation.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for accurate translation services will continue to grow. Embracing best practices and staying abreast of technological advancements will be key to achieving success in this dynamic field. Ultimately, accurate document translation is not just about words—it's about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across the globe.

#documentation #translation

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bhushans · 5 days

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Bridging the Gap: How the Global Femtech Market is Expanding Access to Care

The global femtech market is expected to increase at a spectacular rate; in 2024, it is expected to be valued at US$ 27,956.4 million, up from US$ 26,818.2 million in 2023. Based on projections, the market is expected to increase steadily between 2024 and 2034, with a 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The femtech market is expected to grow to a value of USD 43,406.1 million by 2034.

Femtech, a quickly developing area of the healthcare business, includes a variety of digital health tools and solutions made specifically to meet the special requirements of women in terms of healthcare. Femtech developments are enabling women to take charge of their health and well-being, from menstrual health management and menopause support to reproductive health and conception tracking.

Femtech, a rapidly evolving sector encompassing technology-driven solutions tailored to women’s health needs, is experiencing significant traction worldwide. From fertility tracking and menstrual health to pregnancy and menopause management, femtech innovations address a wide range of women’s health concerns, empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.

Strengthen Position With Your Report Sample: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11761

Emergence of Femtech Solutions and Technology

This subsegment of the femtech market includes devices, software, and services. The demand for improved diagnostic and treatment choices will expand as infectious and chronic diseases become more common among women, propelling the segment’s growth.

Companies are constantly focusing on developing innovative, cutting-edge techniques to improve women’s health and wellness. The market will expand with improvements made, among other things, to women’s health products.

The primary barriers to the femtech market are described as demography, population fluctuations, and the gap between urban and rural locations. The goal of societal expectations on women’s health, specifically with regard to menstruation, fertility, sexual health, and birth control, is to limit the growth of the market.

Women users’ ignorance of available products and applications may be a barrier to the growth of the femtech industry in developing countries. A fiercely competitive industry is emerging as a result of the growing number of femtech companies, including start-ups.

Because of the increasing number of patients in nations like China and India, the Asia Pacific area is expected to hold one of the largest femtech market shares. Femtech solutions are becoming more and more accepted in the US as a result of growing awareness of women’s health issues, particularly those related to menstruation and fertility.

The main players are focused on providing customized prenatal care, among other services. Femtech services are being used more widely in the nation as a result of these causes. Femtech is gaining traction as seen by the rising incidence of menstrual problems, which is increasing customer acceptability of direct-to-consumer marketing.

Key Takeaways:

In the femtech market Diagnostics in the service segment are to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% through 2033.

Menstrual Health is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 12.4% in the femtech market through 2033.

During the projection period, the U.S. market for femtech is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% and reach US$ 1.4 Billion by 2033.

Femtech sales in the United Kingdom are expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% over the forecasted period and hit US$ 274.6 Million by 2033.

By 2033, the China femtech market is set to reach US$ 438.9 Million, registering a CAGR of 17.1%.

Femtech sales in Japan are likely to increase by a CAGR of 18% over the forecasted period and achieve US$ 368.1 Million by 2033.

During the forthcoming years, the market for femtech in South Korea is assumed to expand at a CAGR of 19.9% and attain US$ 107.7 Million by 2033.

Competitive Landscape :

Some of the market leaders in femtech include Flo Health, Inc., Apple, Inc., Clue by Biowink GmbH, Glow, Inc., Google, Inc., Natural Cycles USA Corp., Withings, and Fitbit, Inc. Market players throughout the world are being compelled to provide novel product offerings and technical solutions as a result of the increased demands brought on by the unmet healthcare needs of the female population.

To increase their commercial reach, key participants are concentrating on mergers and acquisitions and technology partnership methods.

Key Segments :

By Service:

Diagnostics

Monitoring

Therapeutic

By Application:

General Health and Wellness

Maternity Care

Menstrual Health

Pelvic and Uterine Healthcare

Cancer and Chronic Disease

By End User:

Direct-to-consumer

Hospitals

Surgical Centers

Fertility Clinics

Diagnostics Centers

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia

Oceania

The Middle East and Africa (MEA)

#Femtech Market

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