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spidersays · 1 year

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How to start a local Hypnokink group

This is a barebones set of advice and steps that the leaders of Mind Play RVA took to open their local hypnosis group, spread in the hopes of revitalizing or wholesale creating more local hypnosis kink groups. No two groups are the same, and no two groups are going to encounter the same stumbling blocks. Take this as ‘a list of things that I wish I’d thought about or known beforehand’ more than anything else. I will try to organize this as best I can, but I am an agent of chaos - it is best if you just read the whole thing. Ideas flow from each other fairly freely. Consider each bulletpoint a ‘thread’, not a ‘list’

Prologue: Who we are

Mind Play RVA (MPRVA) is a hypnosis workshop that meets on the last Saturday of every month in Richmond, Virginia. MPRVA is only about five months old. We managed to create a local hypnosis group, time will tell whether it is at all a durable group.

Section 1: The Big Things

Get involved in your local kink scene.

I cannot stress how important this is. The amount of support MPRVA recieved from other leaders in the Richmond community cannot be overstated. We recieved almost all of the advice I am distributing now from those local leaders - scheduling, formatting, a list of bad actors and predators in the local community. We even had a leader offer to act as security for our group when she attends.

This will also let you gauge whether your local scene needs a hypnosis group. There might be a small or underground group that doesn’t advertise itself that you could join. There might be nobody into hypnosis in your local scene.

If there are educational groups in your local scene- present for them! Teach a hypnosis 101 class to a TNG group. This will allow people to discover the kink, and also teach them that you’re trustworthy. Few people will attend a new group lead by people who aren’t trusted by other trusted members of the community.

This will also let you gauge whether your local scene is hostile to the idea of a hypnosis group, or hostile to you or your members.

Many local kink scenes have a significant racism problem. Try and sus that out, even if you are not a person of color or nobody you know is. This will affect how you go about engaging with the rest of your community, as a group.

Acknowledge that this will take a lot of time - and some amount of money

You will need to invest significant time and possibly significant amounts of money to make and maintain a group. Everything from organizing a space to meet, buying seating for your membership. Little things.

MPRVA is lucky enough to have found a space that will allow us to meet for free. We are incredibly lucky in this manner. Most people will likely spend significant amounts of money on their space - or require an entry fee, or money for food in the cases of munches that meet in restaruants, so that the space can earn that money from the membership themselves.

Find your format

Figure out what kind of group you want to form. I have broad ‘categories’ - Munches, Educationals, Workshops, Play Parties, Retreats, and Cons.

Munches might be the easiest event to organize - they typically meet in a bar or other food-providing venue. They might also occur in public parks. Munches are typically just ‘meetings’, show up, eat a sandwich, and talk about your kink. Depending on the size and regularity of your group, you may not even need to tell the restaurant that you are meeting there, or the nature of your group.

Educational groups tend to have some sort of presentation at some or all of their meetings - topics such as Hypnosis 101, Kin-aesthetic inductions. Any kind of group that provides education. These groups tend to need a little bit more space, and a little bit more privately - you’ll be having a single person or group talk fairly loudly about a kinky topic.

Workshops are like educational groups, but also provide space and opportunity to practice the topics taught during the educational portion. These typically require more space, and require quieter spaces than other groups - especially for hypnosis groups, where it might be difficult for new subjects to fall into trance with many distractions.

Retreats and Cons are outside the scope of this document. An example of a retreat are small kink ‘camps’ that sometimes get organized - either invite-only or with limited tickets, such as Deep Mind Darkwood. Charmed is a hypnosis convention.

Find a space

This is the biggest stumbling block that most groups come across. You will need space to organize people, and you will need sufficient enough space to sort people.

Get creative with this! Groups in Richmond meet at all kinds of locations - from people’s houses, to people’s basements. There is a local goth/industrial bar that hosts kink events here. If your local scene has rope dojos or dungeon spaces, reach out to those, as they are often willing to host other kink groups. MPRVA meets in a queer-run members-only gym that one of our leaders happened to be a member of!

Depending on the format of your group, you may need to disclose the purpose of your group to the space you are organizing in. Many locations will not allow a kink group to meet there. I encourage being open and honest with the space you are organizing with, if doing so does not put you or your members at risk.

Space consideration is extra important now that we are in a neverending pandemic. Consider the space’s ventilation system, and ensure that you have enough space for your members to spread out.

Advertise

Advertise your group on FetLife. Advertise your group at local munches or educational events. Advertise your group on Instagram, if you’re willing to! Nobody will attend your group if they don’t know it exists!

Get good at speaking

If your group is not simply a munch (and even if it is), develop public speaking skills. Learn how to project, learn the confidence to stand in front of a crowd and talk about a topic you’re not used to talking about. Spend some time taking a community college course on public speaking, take theater classes, or just run too many Dungeons and Dragons groups. Whatever it is you need to do - you need to know how to carry yourself with an amount of confidence that makes people believe you can run a good event.

Temper your expectations

Prepare for all of your work to come to nothing. Prepare to spend money, energy, and social capital, and for nobody but you and your friends to show up. Temper your expectations.

My advice is to only put in as much effort as you would do to organize a club for your friends. If you get more turnout than just that, be ecstatic.

Section 2: The Little Things, and the Unfun things.

Consider not using the word Hypnosis in relation to your group, at least in print

Some states and localities regulate the use of the word Hypnosis. It might be illegal to use it. Find out!

Hypnosis is often a banned term, due to credit card companies banning transactions relating to erotic hypnosis - Fetlife’s policies are inconsistent, but there has been at least one purge of hypnosis groups organizing on it, and (I believe) it doesn’t allow new groups to form using the word.

Legal issues

Depending on the laws in your area, erotic hypnosis (and other forms of kink) could possibly land you in legal trouble if police or legislators take note of you. Keep it in mind.

Reputation issues

Will you be impacted if you are found to be leading a kink group? Think about your job and your personal life.

Hypnosis has a really bad reputation - some of it is deserved, and some of it is misinformation. Many kink people - especially older ones - don’t believe that hypnosis kink can be done consensually. Develop a plan to explain hypnosis and consent - and be prepared for some people to dismiss you anyway

Cops

Even if you are doing nothing illegal, you may have issues with police showing up. Have a plan in mind - to hide your activities, to explain the situation, to protect vulnerable members of your group. It is better to have a plan and not need it than to be caught with your pants down when the cops knock.

Police are often used as a weapon by bad actors. If you kick somebody from you group, they might decide to call the cops on you next time you are meeting.

Rulebreakers

Have a plan in mind for how to deal with people who are disruptive to your group. Do you talk with them first? Do you have a three-strikes policy? Do you have a hard-line stance?

Have another plan in mind on how to deal with predators - either known or unknown - that attend your group. My advice is to simply bar them entry, but things may not be so simple - especially if they’re willing to be physically violent.

To that matter - have a plan for how to physically remove somebody from your group who isn’t willing to simply leave when told. Find out your local laws, and the rules for the space you are organizing.

Group durability

I hope that you are organizing with like-minded indivduals. Even then, friendships sour and breakups occur. Consider (if accessible to you) forming your group with a set of bylaws - form a nonprofit if you must - with the ability to remove members from leadership without the organization itself falling apart under the strain. If you must sign a contract with a space to organize your group, try to have a legal entity that is not an individual leader that can be liable for that contract.

#hypnokink #community organizing #class notes #piercing the veil

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lucyhistorian · 6 months

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Lucy played a free show in 2015 to promote Jet Trails Media This article is only viewable by using Web Archive. The Photo is by Lauren Kent and is no longer on her site but this photo was posted by RVA Mag here and in the above article.

#lucy dacus #2015 #live #pre noburden era #press #rva mag

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trykynyx · 4 months

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Pick a song for each letter of your URL, and then tag that many people! Tagged by @werewolvestolovers <3

Woooow, I haven't done one of these forever!! For extra-fun-with-zero-psychic-damage I am crashing at my parents' house for the holiday season. So just flashbacks upon flashbacks in RVA. Let's see what i've got...

This is Not America - Residente ft. Ibeyi

Run On - Moby

You Don't Know How It Feels - Tom Petty

King - Florence + The Machine

You're a Wolf - Sea Wolf

Nandemoaiya - RADWIMPS

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips

X - Nicky Jam, J Balvin ft. Maluma & Ozuna

I had only two options for 'X' and I honestly couldn't remember what option 2 even sounded like without playing it. I accept and understanding any judgement - my only defense is I spent 66% of one the summer of 2016 in party hostels in South America.

Tagging the peeps I see on here the most, but if you're reading this and I didn't tag you - follow your dreams. @unrealcities @domesticationkills @luarenah @buffystark @atreebreathing @likecharity @vorpalmuchness @withahappyrefrain

#about me

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adventuressclubamericas · 1 day

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Flat Peregrine has started her journey to Miss Fisher Con 2024 in New Orleans! This month, she's in Richmond, VA. Flat Peregrine has had a soft spot for RVA ever since her 3-dimensional counterpart was a celebrity guest for Miss Fisher Con when it was in Richmond in 2021.

Richmond is known as River City, so naturally Flat Peregrine's first stop was by the James River. Even with the dismal weather, the James was still magnificent. We just know that Flat Samuel would love to try his luck with the fishing here.

From there, Flat Peregrine made her way downtown, to the site of the Richmond 34 protest. This was where 34 Virginia Union University students held a nonviolent sit in at Thalhimers Department Store's whites-only lunch counter in February 1960. This event, and several actions in support of it, would lead to the integration of most Richmond businesses in the early 1960s. Thalhimers is now gone, but the site is marked by not one, but 2 historical markers.

From there, Flat Peregrine headed over to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, where to her surprise, she found that a portion of the original lunch counter has been preserved.

Her last stop was at the Markel Building, a rather unique Richmond landmark. Built in 1962, the building's design was said to have been inspired by a foil-wrapped baked potato. Flat Peregrine found it stunning, and very much disagrees with the online magazine that labeled it one of the 10 ugliest buildings in the world.

Where will Flat Peregrine turn up next? Stay tuned!

#mfmm #missfishercon #missfishercon2024 #miss fisher con #ms fisher #peregrine fisher

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xxmyhomexx · 8 months

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SONG OF THE CRIMSON NILE: Grave

I just played the new update and...why? Just why? Anyway, this is my take on if Amen and Rva got their happy ending with their children, and they go to the sight where Isman's family spread his ashes.

Eva knelts looking into the water, staring at her reflection. This is where Isman's mother and her spread her son's ashes, some of his keepsakes sitting on the rocks. The watering hole was huge, and Eva inhaled through her nose and closed her eyes. She could feel her twin flame's spirit, her soulmate peering down from the afterlife with a smile. He knew she'd defeat the evil and save Egypt, but Isman's loss still weighed heavily on her heart.

"Hello, Isman..." she smiled stiffly. "I am here to keep my promise to your mother. I am asking that Anubis is treating you well, and your family are celebrating with your soul now at peace."

The winds pick up, as if answering her. She talks as if he is there, about her life, her children, and her husband. Eva's mouth thins as tears well in her eyes.

"I miss you, Isman," she hiccups. "Rest in peace."

Suddenly, a hand stills her shoulder, causing her to go rigid. Swiveling her head, Eva spots her other half: a girl, whose skin is luminous and white, eyes the palest blue, and long hair pulled atop her head in two buns, falling down her back in a reverie of curls the color of snow. A brown hood adorns her shoulders along with a green dress, giving her a small smile. It was Bahiti, her eldest daughter of fifteen, gently squeezing her. She kneels beside Eva.

"Shall we pray for him, Mother?" Bahiti asks. "Will that ease your grief?"

Eva smiles, remembering her infinite grace and kindness. "You know me so well, my daughter."

The two girls sit together, heads bowed close.

Behind them, Amen watches as a young boy observes. He goes up to his torso, black pants clinging to his legs with a white shirt draped over his arms in sleeves. He stops drawing pictures in the sand, eyes those of his mother drawing together in curiosity. His skin is dark as hers, hair shaggy to the point of almost falling over his eyes. He drops his stick.

"Dad, why do they always pray? Anubis has his soul already. He's safe!"

Amen looks down at his son. "Remember your place, Zahur. Isman was your mother's friend. This is her way of being close to him."

"Is it because she's a sheshmu?"

"Of course not," Amen shakes his head. "His soul is at rest, and she doesn't want to disturb him. She wants him to be at peace."

Zahur purses his lips as he watches his mother and sister, holding out their hands. He knows Eva's grief enough, but he didn't understand why she didn't just talk to him. She knows necromancy, and his sister is going to be just like her!

"I still don't get why she doesn't...just talk to him?"

Amen smiled and ruffled his son's head. "You'll understand it someday, like your sister."

Zahur wrapped his arms around his father's waist, which didn't even make it halfway around considering Amen's muscle and bulk.

"Dad...when did you know you loved us enough to talk to us in Mom's tummy?"

Of course he was still learning, he still hadn't grasped the difference between birth and after death. Amen thought for a moment before his lips graced a flash of white teeth. The happiest moment when he could talk to his children was...

"When I held you and your sister in my arms."

He could remember it clear as day. Eva giving birth to a girl with his genetic condition, hair as white as snow and eyes the milkiest of blues. She was so small in his hands, the hands that only knew war and death, and yet when he held Bahiti for the first time...the past had been obliterated. When she curled her tiny hands around his finger, that was when he knew he'd be a father. He never envisioned himself as one, as he had straight goals in his life that left no room for love.

When his second child, a son, arrived, it was like falling in love all over again. Zahur was just like his mom, darker skinned and a mirror image of her. It didn't matter to him. He had two children, two healthy hearts he'd give his life for.

Eva and Bahiti returned to the two, staring overhead as the sun started to dip into the horizon behind the mountains.

#romance club #song of the crimson nile #evyths #amen

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eve143xoxo · 1 year

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⛈🌈Rainbow After the Storm🌈⛈ You've never seen a rainbow like this one. Tune in on Friday, May 12th for another exclusive show brought to you by none other than @persuasionmodels themselves! We're bring all the heat this spring🥵🐝🌸 so don't miss out. Be there💥 The show starts at 7PM @The Hof Garden 2818 W Broad Street; RVA Get your Early Bird tickets NOW Only 50 tix available on Eventbrite now thru 3/31/23 Check the link available below & in my Bio or DM myself or the Persuasion Models page for physical tickets 🎟🎟🎟 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rainbow-after-the-storm-fashion-show-tickets-593319032197 #LetsGoo🧨💥 • • • #RVA #DMV #May #MayMadness #ThingsToDo #TheThingsToDoRVA #ThingsToDMV #Model #ModelRVA #ModelDMV #Persuasion #PersuasionModels #support #supportlocal #events #Spring #SpringAffair #Rainbow #Storm #ModelMayhem #Tickets #OnSale #GetYoursNow #SeeYouThere (at Richmond, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYKqGFLoz4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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woftd · 1 year

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Only at @sabotrva can you walk into paper airplane test flight session. I saw this and I knew HipHop class was about to be crazy! And I was right. #SabotRVA #HipHop #Education #SabotAtStonyPoint #MrLiquid #RVA #NoW #WOFTD (at Sabot at Stony Point) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnw79h3rEkA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#sabotrva #hiphop #education #sabotatstonypoint #mrliquid #rva #now #woftd

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incomparable365 · 2 years

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8/28/21

Maaan its been a while since I’ve used this thing but I thought now would be a good time to do so.

Today marks an unforgettable experience in my life, one that is tied with so much pain/sadness but also I am relieved at the same time. We had to put Claudio down. I’ve only known this dude for 4 yrs and I never would’ve thought such a small lil dude can have such a big effect on me.

The days leading up to him passing were filled with so many ups and downs. We were fooled in thinking he was getting better only to see his BG numbers spike. It’d be constantly up and down for the span of a week since his hospitalization. We were happy we possibly had another chance with him but then we were faced with reality that Claudio’s life was just dealt an unfair card at the end. I would like to believe he’s older than we think so that may be tied to it as well.

To see this once joyful dude that was always in your lap, cuddling, purring, meowing at strange times throughout the day and night go from that to barely being able to walk, jump, function, get comfortable was truly truly heartbreaking. 24 hrs before he was fine, doing his normal things. 24 hours later, all of that was completely gone. The hard decision of putting him down was definitely an extremely difficult one but it was the right one and the best one after seeing him suffer and in pain and I know he knows that.

I’d like to reflect on the good memories and the great life lessons that he has taught me over the 4 yrs and have it all here as a reminder for myself. This will be all over the place but whatever. Claudio was such a sweet heart. After waking me up at 4/5 am every morning, I’d walk down the stairs in our O’hill house to give him his portion of his diabetic food. I’d go back upstairs to sometimes catch a few more mins of sleep or get ready for my workday. At the time, working the DA job was quite stressful and mentally draining. I’d come down to make my breakfast and he’d always be there in the kitchen with me or hanging out in the LR on top of the vent during the winters or just on the grey rug he loves so much. While I eat he’d always make it known he’s there in the room and get my attention by rubbing up against me or making sure I see him plop over onto the ground. When he plops, he wants something. Human touch, belly rubs, head scratches. It was the cutest thing ever and it was always like he was seeing me off to work and telling me to have a good day in his own way. It was always very comforting and put me at ease in the morning and calmed me down. It was relaxing and quite therapeutic; similar to meditation.

After my time spent in jail and during jail, all I could think of was being back with our little family that we have created. I got that. During xmas ‘19 when lizzy was home home and I was in RVA, I’d come over to feed him. Claudio was always good at being vocal when he was hungry but after that he’d be the sweetest lil boy ever. During that time there was so much in my head, feelings of uncertainty, scared, and afraid of the future. I tried my best to live all those days in the present moment and he was there to help. He was comforting at the times I needed him to be and again it also put every feeling I had of being scared away for any time I was spending with him. It was like him telling me it’s okay and things will get better even if I didn’t know the outcome.

Over the years I built a special bond with him, I loved this lil dude and I’m sure as hell he did too and saw me as family. It’s a great feeling and it’s sad that he won’t be around to see us on our new chapter. But like lizzy has mentioned, I think he held out for us. He knew this chapter was going to come and he came along with us. He made sure we got to where we needed to be and helped us settle in. Until he couldn’t hold out any longer, I am sure he knew it was time. It’s still unbelievable to me this lil dude hung out with us in the car 900-1000 miles away from our home. Away from his home. Now I don’t believe in god, but I do believe in a higher power, the afterlife, and shit so I know that he’s around somewhere up there able to feel our thoughts, emotions, and watch over us. So this is to you man, I love u lil claudio potato and just wanted to say thanks for everything. I hope Lizzy and I provided you the best love, care, comfort, life, and everything for the last 4-5 years because you sure as hell did.

Thank you again lil potato boy and we hope to see you again one day soon. Please be safe over the rainbow bridge, don’t forget all the cool times we had together, eat lots, and purr lots for us, you’ll have to introduce us to all your cool friends when the day comes.

-your annoying cat dad who loves to sing weird songs to you

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gandalfthegreyt · 1 month

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Bryson Tiller

(A love note to myself, 2022-2024)

I took a drunk girl home tonight.

She was loose and beautiful and lovey and too good to be true, had I not known how the axes of this globe tilt and swivel.

We sat on my couch to smoke and in five minutes her partner,

Her co-dweller called.

I could hear the anger,

The scorn, frustration with her behaviors

Pouring out of the phone long before she announced,

“Yes babe I love you. He can hear me saying it.”

She moved to RVA a year ago and met him on her third night out.

Trouble was written across her shimmering sea green eyes as I led her out of Sidewalk Cafe, past every other thirsty, knowing face.

When my ex cheated on me, I made those same frustrated, fleeting plugs through a crackling speaker.

Another man listened to my pleas, my helpless grasping,

Another man sympathized, planned.

She shortly left. Her apprehension heavy on my stairs.

I wanted to save her, and him, and myself,

But there is no reprieve from selfishness or fear,

No life preserver in a sea of aloneness.

I knew she was a just-for-tonight.

I’ve lived this reality from

All sides

And the only winner is

Loneliness.

It’s still winning

In my one soul, two bedroom.

It’s winning in Verona while white trash hold the sole possessor of my heart.

The borderline and the bar flies lose again

And again

Over small plates and

Slim talk,

As we spin circles downward and

Weave stories of hurt,

Stifled feelings turn to self important dust.

The past and future are gone before us and

The now is drowning in pools

Of our handpicked disconnect.

#writing #poem #poetry #short

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furnacerepairsolutions · 4 months

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HVAC Seasonal Maintenance: Essential Tips to Keep Your System Running Efficiently

As the seasons change, it's important to remember that your HVAC system requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Seasonal maintenance not only ensures the efficiency of your system but also extends its lifespan and helps you avoid costly repairs. Whether it's the start of summer or winter, investing a little time and effort into HVAC maintenance can save you from discomfort and inconvenience down the line. Here are some essential tips for HVAC seasonal maintenance:

Replace or Clean Air Filters: One of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks is to clean or replace your HVAC system's air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, reducing your system's efficiency and forcing it to work harder. It's recommended to clean or replace filters every one to three months, depending on their condition and your usage. Choose the hvac repair in richmond to get the best solutions.

Clean the Outdoor Unit: The outdoor unit, also known as the condenser unit, is responsible for removing heat from your home in the summer. Over time, the unit can accumulate dirt, debris, and even vegetation, hindering its performance. Before each season, make sure to clear any obstructions, clean the unit's fins, and ensure proper airflow to maximize its efficiency.

Check and Insulate Ductwork: Leaky ductwork can result in significant energy loss, leading to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. Inspect your ductwork for any leaks, gaps, or damage and seal them using specialized duct tape or mastic sealant. Additionally, adding insulation to ductwork located in unconditioned spaces, such as attics or basements, can further improve efficiency.

Schedule a Professional Maintenance Visit: While many maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, it's crucial to have the hvac rva professional inspect and service your system at least once a year. They have the skills, knowledge, and tools to perform a thorough inspection, clean the system, check for potential issues, and tune it up for optimal performance. This not only ensures your system is running efficiently but also helps identify any underlying problems that could lead to costly breakdowns.

In conclusion, HVAC seasonal maintenance is an essential part of keeping your system running efficiently throughout the year. By regularly replacing or cleaning air filters, cleaning the outdoor unit, inspecting and insulating ductwork, and scheduling professional maintenance visits, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates at peak performance, increasing its energy efficiency and maximizing its lifespan. So, don't overlook the importance of regular maintenance and enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and reliable HVAC system. For a general overview of this topic, you may need to check out this post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heating,_ventilation,_and_air_conditioning.

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sidewalksurgeon · 4 months

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Sprint 5 Overview

Sprint Recap:

For our fifth and final Sprint, our main goal was to focus on the distribution of our posters and messages to as many places as possible. Last Sprint, we were in the process of printing our posters and had submitted our posters to multiple VCU distribution services such as Cabell Library, VCU Social Media, etc.

The first thing accomplished during this Sprint was printing and distributing our posters around campus. Lillie, Alo, and Dalton split the printed posters amongst themselves and put them in places such as nearby bus stops and inside school buildings. Most of the posters were taken down immediately, but some stayed up until the end of the semester.

While the posters spread the word about picking up the e-scooters, they didn’t bring much engagement to our Link-tree. We decided to post our poster design along with our Link-tree link to the r/rva and r/vcu subreddits. We wanted to receive feedback about our poster designs to ensure they came across as we intended.

Both posts received lots of engagement almost immediately after we posted them. r/vcu ended up getting 33 upvotes and 22 comments. r/rva was even more successful receiving 67 upvotes and 104 comments. As expected from websites like Reddit, lots of the comments were either jokes or mean and unhelpful comments. The Redditors leaving helpful critiques all had similar things to say about our design. They all pointed out how our team's goal of making the sidewalks more accessible didn’t come across well in the poster. Redditors only knew about our goal to help those with mobility issues when I added an extra comment clarifying why we were doing this. Most assumed we were trying to do the scooter companies' jobs for them. They recommended we add some sort of blub or design on our poster indicating that this is to help the community rather than corporations.

Thanks to this feedback, we also decided we would distribute Dalton’s old poster design that talked about mobility issues and scooters. This poster showed how fallen scooters can make it hard for wheelchair users to use the sidewalks safely.

Even if the reaction to our posters was mixed on Reddit, it still shot up our engagement on Link-Tree. We got a total of 29 views that day, 24 unique views, 25 total clicks, 13 unique clicks, and a click-through rate of 86.21%.

Along with our poster distribution and Reddit postings, we also submitted our designs to VCU distribution sites. We initially submitted our designs to VCU’s social media page, the Student Commons digital screens, the Commonwealth Times, the Cabell Library digital screen, the Stall Street Journal, and Telegram. We also messaged Byrd/Lime about putting our posters on their story and were even told by GRTC that they would put up posters on their bus stops and post us on their story.

The first ones to get back to us were the people in charge of the Student Commons digital screens. They sent us an email letting us know that our design was in their rotation of images and should play in the Commons. However, when I went to check, I noticed our design never came up. I sat for over half an hour while the screens kept repeating the same messages. I emailed the people in charge of the digital screen but they weren't able to help us fix the problem before the end of the semester.

VCU social media got back to us almost immediately and let us know that they would post our poster and Link-tree link every week on the official VCU Instagram story until the end of the semester. I’ve checked back every week and can confirm that our message plays weekly on their story.

When we messaged the Commonwealth Times about putting our poster in their newspaper, they had already printed their last volume of the year. While we weren’t able to be posted in the physical release, they let us know that they would post us on their digital newsletter on December 1st. When December 1st came, they indeed posted us in the newsletter. We were the very first image when opening up the newsletter.

The Cabell Library digital screen, Telegram, and Byrd/Lime never responded to our requests. Stall Street Journal also didn’t put us in an issue but they are focused on mostly mental/physical health issues so it makes sense why scooter safety wouldn’t fit in with their usual articles. Even though I spoke with Henry from the GRTC’s marking team and he approved our ideas, he never responded to any of my follow-up emails so we couldn’t do anything officially with the GRTC.

Towards the beginning of Thanksgiving Break, I got an email from Susan Sutphin (MPC Campus Coordinator) that Corey Beyers (University Relations) and Molly Case (Communications) would love to meet with us after the break to help us distribute our poster designs.

Once break was over, we met up with everyone over Zoom. I let both Corey and Molly know about what we were doing for our project, what our goals were, and what we had accomplished so far. They both congratulated us on how much we had done already and were unsure how much more they could help us with. Since Corey has direct connections with VCU’s police, she told us she could create a “Geofenced Alert", which is when an alert pops up on your phone when you approach a specific area. She told me to give her 6 locations on campus where students would automatically receive a message telling them to pick up scooters if they stepped near those areas. This was all to be done through the Livesafe app which is a safety alerts app that VCU suggests all students download. She also said she would post us on all of the VCU police social media on December 4th. We agreed and she set up the Geofence to run December 4th-6th.

Molly told us there wasn't much more she could do for us since we submitted to almost all of the VCU distribution sites. She was the one who suggested we submit it on Telegram but when we did, we were denied.

On December 4th, VCU police posted us on their Instagram, Instagram stories, X (Twitter), Facebook, and Threads.

On Wednesday, December 6th, she shared with us all of the stats from the three days the posts were active. VCUpd’s Facebook reach and engagement reached 311, Instagram reach and engagement reached 508, Instagram stories reached 122 views, Twitter reach and engagement reached 188, and Threads reached 0. Corey informed us that the VCU police Threads account doesn’t ever get engagement since Threads isn’t as popular as other social media.

The Geofence alert ran for three days as well and was set up at Cabell Library, The Student Commons, Harrison Street Cafe/Village Cafe, Monroe Park, Cary Street Gym, and Bowe Street Deck. I walked in these areas to test this out and can confirm that I received the alert on the Livesafe app.

Corey also shared the stats for the Geofence alert and told us that it reached 423 users in the 3 days it was up.

Around when all of these posts and alerts were put up, we also received a large increase in our Link-tree engagement. We got a total of 23 views, 17 unique views, 16 total clicks, 8 unique clicks, and a click through rate of 69.57%.

Towards the end of our project, we also attempted to do an in-person survey at Cabell Library. We set up a table near the library and put out a large candy bowl. We would give people free candy if they completed our survey. The survey consists of questions asking the person if they have seen our posters around campus, if they use a scooter, and if they’ve had scooter related issues in the past. Sadly, we had very limited engagement. We only had 7 people fill out our survey since it was one of the coldest days of the year when we did this. Most people wanted to be in and out as fast as possible.

The very last thing we did during this project to spread our message was distributing even more posters around campus. Since a lot of our older posters were removed, we decided to put up even more. This time, we did a mix of our original scooter posters and also our accessibility issues poster as requested by many people on Reddit. We put them up on poles all over campus, Cabell library, outside apartment complexes, and just anywhere where they had an unlikely chance of getting removed. Like last time, some got removed almost immediately while some still stand even today.

Final Results:

By the end of the semester, we got a total of 145 views, 86 clicks, and a Click-through rate of 59.31% on our Link-tree. We put up over 20 posters around the VCU campus, were posted to VCU’s official Instagram story weekly, and were featured in the Commonwealth Times. We were also posted to VCU Police’ Instagram Stories (122 views), Instagram (508 reach and engagement), Facebook (311 reach and engagement), Twitter (188 reach and engagement), and Threads (0 reach and engagement). We were able to reach 423 users in 3 days with a Geofence alert in 6 locations on campus. We got 33 upvotes and 23 comments on r/vcu and 67 upvotes and 104 comments on r/rva. We were able to get the attention of VCU’s Monroe Park Campus Coordinator, VCU Police, GRTC’s marketing head, and VCU’s head of communication while trying to spread our message. We also got 7 people to fill out our survey during in-person polling.

Towards the end of the Sprint, I got an email from Susan who let us know that she thinks our campaign made an impact on campus. She said that ever since we started our scooter campaign, scooters are no longer as scattered and fallen over like they used to be. She said she no longer sees them in weird places like bushes.

Reflection:

I feel that our project was a success. We were able to distribute our message through many different platforms and methods and were able to reach hundreds of people. Susan who pointed out this scooter problem to us in the first place told us how she believes that our scooter campaign was a success. I feel like this entire project taught me such important skills that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. I feel like I learned how to network, learned how to properly advertise, distinguish helpful critique from unhelpful critique, learned how to continue on when things don't work out like they should, and also learned how to properly manage a project that goes on for this long. Even though my major doesn’t have anything to do with product design, I feel that everything I learned in this class can be applied to any career and skills

A couple of things that I wish we did differently would be to start reaching out to people earlier. I feel like we should have tried a more manageable goal from the very beginning rather than trying something so ambitious. We wasted a lot of time trying to contact people and find solutions to a problem that obviously couldn’t be solved in a semester. If I were to redo this project, I would greatly reduce the amount of time we took to plan our project. Because of this, we were very late on reaching out to people to help us distribute our projects. If we began that stage earlier, we could have been able to get our poster printed in the physical version of the Commonwealth Times and have the GRTC distribute our posters.

Overall, I think both the failings and successes of this project will prepare me for future projects in and outside of design.

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rnomics · 5 months

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Metatranscriptomic assessment of diarrhoeic faeces reveals diverse #RNA viruses in rotavirus group A infected piglets and calves from India

#RNA viruses are a major group contributing to emerging infectious diseases and neonatal diarrhoea, causing morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Hence, the present study investigated the metatranscriptomic-derived faecal #RNA virome in rotavirus group A (RVA)-infected diarrheic piglets and calves from India. The viral genomes retrieved belonged to Astroviridae in both species, while Reoviridae and Picornaviridae were found only in piglets. The nearly complete genomes of porcine RVA (2),... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37965252/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=1RYYbE7j9SUSBe_aHniaI_J1MQIFIBbfLuFxoWdLNMNDzVVIWF&fc=None&ff=20231117184011&v=2.17.9.post6%2086293ac

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kmillspeaks · 5 months

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It is over HOT out here

Heat Mapping w/ the Citizen Scientists

A citizen scientist is an ordinary inhabitant of a region that utilizes resources, applicable education, and shares knowledge of current health trends with their community to empower and better their neighborhoods. Prime examples of these citizen scientists are those from Richmond, Virginia who are working to address community heat concerns. These citizen scientists included students from the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University; the Virginia Academy of Science; the City of Richmond’s Sustainability Office; and Groundwork RVA, a Richmond nonprofit organization that engages young people with environmental and social issues in their communities.

Personally, I think preparing and teaching a citizen sciences short course would require a few steps such as firstly, amassing an appropriate amount of citizens willing to give valiant efforts to the cause. Without numbers, a movement cannot be effectively sustained. I would also gather supplementary learning materials to accompany interactive sessions in which the citizens are educated on the matters at hand. To gauge interest and further retain citizens, I would provide incentive to their efforts as well as pair them with well esteemed and established real world scientists to facilitate more understanding and aid towards what the goal at hand is.

Some topics that would need to be covered in order to do urban heat island mapping are technology training (in properly utilizing air measurement devices), data analysis (being able to read maps, decipher statistics, etc...), and possible a policy protocol course. I think the last topic would get citizens informed on all of the little things that go into getting a policy changed as well as getting the creative juices going on how to combat dangerous urban heat.

Planting trees is crucial to the city of New Orleans. Why is this so? We can point to the searing summer temperatures that a humid region such as New Orleans boasts. Those who live without air conditioning, those who work outside, elderly, and with conditions that could be worsened by excessive heat exposure. NOLA Project Tree plants trees near New Orleans homes for citizens that opt in. They want to spread not only an environmentally friendly message, but also emphasize how planting trees can provide vegetative shade and lower temps across the city. Black and impoverished communities especially have less trees and tend to be warmer areas on average because of this. Less than 10% of these areas contain trees. With increased oxygen output from these plants, air quality improves as well. Planting trees can contribute to lower temperatures during the summertime heat and can save lives with the continued efforts of NOLA Project Tree and SOUL.

Where Do We Need Shade? Mapping Urban Heat Islands in Richmond, Virginia | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

One urban heat island has a plan to bring residents some relief - ABC News (go.com)

#nola #summertime #heatmapping #nolaprojecttree

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