Reblog If You're Asexual And Tired

FEBRUARY 28TH 10AM PST!!!!!!!

Beware!

Here's the link to the skeet https://bsky.app/profile/margaretadelle.bsky.social/post/3lgnrffsfa22b

and the course

https://courses.osd.k12.ok.us/collections

Tbh at this point you should just make your own webcomic app/website because it would probably be 100 times better than whatever going on with webtoon right now.

hahaha it wouldn't tho, sorry 💀

Here's the fundamental issue with webcomic platforms that a lot of people just don't realize (and why they're so difficult to run successfully):

Storage costs are incredibly expensive, it's why so many sites have limitations on file sizes / page sizes / etc. because all of those images and site info have to be stored somewhere, which costs $$$.

Maintenance costs are expensive and get more so as you grow, you need people who are capable of fixing bugs ASAP and managing the servers and site itself

Financially speaking, webcomics are in a state of high supply, low demand. Loads of artists are willing to create their passion projects, but getting people to read them and pay for them is a whole other issue. Demand is high in the general sense that once people get attached to a webtoon they'll demand more, but many people aren't actually willing to go looking for new stuff to read and depend more on what sites feed them (and what they already like). There are a lot of comics to go around and thus a lot of competition with a limited audience of people willing to actually pay for them.

Trying to build a new platform from the ground up is incredibly difficult and a majority of sites fail within their first year. Not only do you have to convince artists to take a chance on your platform, you have to convince readers to come. Readers won't come if there isn't work on the platform to read, but artists won't come if they don't think the site will be worth it due to low traffic numbers. This is why the artists with large followings who are willing to take chances on the smaller sites are crucial, but that's only if you can convince them to use the site in favor of (or alongside) whatever platform they're using already where the majority of their audience lies. For many creators it's just not worth the time, energy, or risk.

Even if you find short-term success, in the long-term there are always going to be profit margins to maintain. The more users you pull in, the more storage is used by incoming artists, the more you have to spend on storage and server maintenance costs, and that means either taking the risk at crowdfunding (ex. ComicFury) or having to resort to outsider investments (ex. Tapas). Look at SmackJeeves, it used to be a titan in the independent webcomic hosting community, until it folded over to a buyout by NHN and then was pretty much immediately shuttered due to NHN basically turning it into a manwha scanlation site and driving away its entire userbase. And if you don't get bought out and try your hand at crowdfunding, you may just wind up living on a lifeline that could cut out at any moment, like what happened to Inkblazers (fun fact, the death of Inkblazers was what kicked off the cultural shift in Tapas around 2015-16 when all of IB's users migrated over and brought their work with them which was more aimed towards the BL and romancee drama community, rather than the comedy / gag-a-day culture that Tapas had made itself known for... now you deadass can't tell Tapas apart from a lot of scanlation sites because it got bought out by Kakao and kept putting all of its eggs into the isekai/romance drama basket.)

Right now the mindset in which artists and readers are operating is that they're trying way, way too hard to find a "one size fits all" site. Readers want a place where they can find all their favorite webtoons without much effort, artists wants a place where they can post to an audience of thousands, and both sides want a community that will feel tight-knit. But the reality is that you can't really have all three of those things, not on one site. Something always winds up having to be sacrificed - if a site grows big enough, it'll have to start seeking more funding while also cutting costs which will result in features becoming paywall'd, intrusive ads, creators losing their freedom, and/or outsider support which often results in the platform losing its core identity and alienating its tight-knit community.

If I had to describe what I'm talking about in a "pick one" graphic, it would look something like this:

(*note: this is mostly based on my own observations from using all of these sites at some point or another, they're not necessarily entirely accurate to the statistical performance of each site, I can only glean so much from experience and traffic trackers LMAO that said I did ask some comic pals for input and they were very helpful in helping me adjust it with their own takes <3).

The homogenization of the Internet has really whipped people into submission for the "big sites" that offer "everything", but that's never been the Internet, it relies on being multi-faceted and offering different spaces for different purposes. And we're seeing that ideology falter through the enshittification of sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. where users are at odds with the platforms because the platforms are gutting features in an attempt to satisfy shareholders whom without the platforms would not exist. Like, most of us aren't paying money to use social media sites / comic platform sites, so where else are they gonna make the necessary funds to keep these sites running? Selling ad space and locking features behind paywalls.

And this is especially true for a lot of budding sites that don't have the audience to support them via crowdfunding but also don't have the leverage to ask for investments - so unless they get really REALLY lucky in EITHER of those departments, they're gonna be operating at a loss, and even once they do achieve either of those things there are gonna be issues in the site's longevity, whether it be dying from lack of growing crowdfunding support or dying from shareholder meddling.

So what can we do?

We can learn how to take our independence back. We don't have to stop using these big platforms altogether as they do have things to offer in their own way, particularly their large audience sizes and dipping into other demographics that might not be reachable from certain sites - but we gotta learn that no single site is going to satisfy every wish we have and we have to be willing to learn the skills necessary to running our own spaces again. Pick up HTML/CSS, get to know other people who know HTML/CSS if you can't grasp it (it's me, I can't grasp it LOL), be willing to take a chance on those "smaller sites" and don't write them off entirely as spaces that can be beneficial to you just because they don't have large numbers or because they don't offer rewards programs. And if you have a really polished piece of work in your hands, look into agencies and publishing houses that specialize in indie comics / graphic novels, don't settle for the first Originals contract that gets sent your way.

For the last decade corporations have been convincing us that our worth is tied to the eyes we can bring to them. Instead of serving ourselves, we've begun serving the big guys, insisting that it has to be worth something eventually and that it'll "payoff" simply by the virtue of gambler's fallacy. Ask yourself what site is right for you and your work rather than asking yourself if your work is good enough for them. Most of us are broke trying to make it work on these sites anyways, may as well be broke and fulfilled by posting in places that actually suit us and our work if we can. Don't define your success by what sites like Webtoons are enforcing - that definition only benefits them, not you.

billford animatic i made to the song 'confrontation'! ^^

Who Can Obtain a Lifeguard Certificate?

In the United States, water safety is a paramount concern, and one of the crucial roles in ensuring it is that of a lifeguard. Lifeguards play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and responding swiftly in emergency situations around bodies of water.

To become a lifeguard in the USA, individuals must undergo comprehensive training and earn a lifeguard certificate. While several organizations offer lifeguard certification, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is gaining prominence for its high standards and rigorous training programs.

In this article, we will explore who can obtain a lifeguard certificate in the USA and delve into the unique features of the American Lifeguard Association's certification process.

Qualifications for Lifeguard Certification

Age Requirements

The most basic requirement for obtaining a lifeguard certificate in the USA is meeting the age criteria. Generally, individuals must be at least 15 or 16 years old, depending on the certification program.

The age requirement ensures that candidates have the maturity and physical capability to handle the responsibilities of a lifeguard. Swimming Proficiency:

A strong swimming ability is a fundamental requirement for lifeguard certification. Candidates are typically required to demonstrate competence in various swimming strokes and skills, such as treading water and diving.

The specific swimming requirements may vary slightly among different certification programs.

CPR and First Aid Certification

Lifeguards are often the first responders in emergency situations, so certification programs typically include training in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid. Having a current CPR and First Aid certification is often a prerequisite for lifeguard training.

Physical Fitness

Lifeguarding can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength. Candidates may need to pass a fitness test, which could include swimming a certain distance within a specific time frame and performing timed rescues.

American Lifeguard Association (ALA) Certification

While several organizations provide lifeguard certification in the USA, the American Lifeguard Association has gained recognition for its commitment to high standards and innovative training programs. Here are some key aspects of ALA's lifeguard certification:

Comprehensive Training

ALA offers a comprehensive lifeguard training program that covers not only the essential lifeguarding skills but also emphasizes situational awareness, effective communication, and risk management.

The goal is to produce lifeguards who are not only skilled in water rescue but also well-equipped to prevent accidents.

Innovative Teaching Methods

ALA employs innovative teaching methods to engage candidates and enhance the learning experience. This includes the use of modern educational technology, scenario-based training, and interactive simulations to better prepare lifeguards for real-world situations. Emphasis on Preventative Measures:

The ALA training program places a strong emphasis on preventative measures, teaching lifeguards to identify potential risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them. This focus on prevention aligns with the idea that the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Lifeguarding is a dynamic field, and ALA recognizes the importance of ongoing education. The association provides opportunities for lifeguards to continue their learning and stay updated on the latest safety protocols and techniques. Conclusion:

Becoming a certified lifeguard in the USA is a significant achievement that requires a combination of age eligibility, swimming proficiency, CPR and First Aid certification, and physical fitness.

While various organizations offer lifeguard certification, the American Lifeguard Association stands out for its commitment to high standards, comprehensive training, and innovative teaching methods.

Aspiring lifeguards should carefully choose a certification program that not only meets the basic requirements but also equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their crucial role.

With water safety being of utmost importance, certified lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of individuals enjoying aquatic activities across the nation.

When writing always remember… a character flaw is only a flaw until becomes useful. 

Is your protagonist manipulative? Well that’s awful… until they manipulate the antagonist into making a decision that saves the lives of their friends. 

Is your protagonist a skeptic? Well that’s not good… until someone tries to lie to them. 

Is your protagonist overprotective? That sucks… until someone they love is in danger. 

Is your protagonist remorseless? Well that makes them pretty unlikeable… until a hard decision has to be made. 

Here's a big project I've been working on for a few weeks: a phylogenetic tree of everything in Minecraft! It would take ages to explain everything here, so if you want an explaination of any inclusions, exclusions, categorisations or Latin names PLEASE PLEASE PUHLEASE ask me I would love to answer any questions :3

Google Docs

Minecraft Tree of Life

Origin of Life Fungi Animalia Algae Plantae Brown mushroom Boletus edulis Red mushroom Amanita muscaria Crimson fungi Inferna rubedo Warped

Here's the slides I used to make it since i'm aware the text on the image there is pretty much unreadable.

Reblogs appreciated!

my goodness thank you your art looks amazing

pandering to my audience bu drawing gunntech ocs :}

Close ups under the cut

Kailani from @mysticarts

Lottie from @got-saged-intheprocess

Orion from @banana-birb

Sun Arley from @sh1n0buloverrr

Liêm from @senseihuy

And Dolores accompanied by Flint-Shot from @thefaeartist

I also drew Kit from @ambriel-angstwitch but I didn’t do her justice so no close up sorry

—-

discovered a new method of low - effort sketches so that’s nice :}