Trying to read Dogs of War
Jul. 12th, 2025 01:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
conulyAdrian Tchaikovsky is amazingly hit-or-miss for me, but this looks like it's coming up "hit". The sapient arthropods are a swarm of bees. If there are any spiders, I haven't met them yet!
conuly
punk 101, star trek web clique, business borg
Jul. 11th, 2025 07:40 amtozkaHi, happy Friday! Here’s some interesting links that have been lurking in my tab collection (some of them since MAY):
Here’s a bookmarklet for copying IMDB info for quick updates or review posts or what have you. It ends up looking like this:
🎬 Cold Comfort Farm: Directed by John Schlesinger. With Eileen Atkins, Kate Beckinsale, Sheila Burrell, Stephen Fry. A recently orphaned young woman goes to live with eccentric relatives in Sussex, where she sets about improving their gloomy lives. 🔗
Cute!
National Parks Travelers Club is for people who love visiting US nat’l parks! They have meet-ups and stuff too, super fun!
Punk 101 Masterlist which links to various things that may interest punks (or those who admire punk ethics), including zines!
I’ve never eaten acorns and haven’t particularly thought of doing so before, but if you’re in the right part of the world you can apparently do just that. Here’s a guide for collecting and processing edible acorns from Edgewood Nursery.
Wikimedia Commons has a photo competition ongoing through July 31st. Basically they’re looking for photos of natural protected areas from various countries (full list on the site) and you can win a bit of money if your photo is chosen as the best.
I really enjoy Sacha Judd’s newsletter, “what you love matters,” which focuses on online culture– but the fun stuff! Basically it’s just a collection of interesting links and fun personal updates. It’s hosted on Buttondown, so if you don’t want another email coming to your inbox you can sub via RSS (which is what I did).
Here’s a Star Trek-themed web clique to join if you have a personal website! It doesn’t have to be a Star Trek website.
An excellent article about AI’s impact on culture: Generative AI and the Business Borg aesthetic by Tracy Durnell:
‘Why am I naming this after the Borg? Like Star Trek’s Borg, this is an aesthetic rooted in extractive consumption, assimilationist dominance, neo-colonial expansionism, self-righteous conviction, reductionist thinking, and proclamations of inevitability. It idolizes technology, often inspired by older science-fiction, and draws on cyberpunk aesthetics. The Silicon Valley Collective values groupthink and believes themselves superior to “the other.”’
This short documentary from Maximilien Van Aertryck and Axel Danielson via the New York Times has been making the rounds lately: Did the Camera Ever Tell the Truth? | Death of a Fantastic Machine which sounds like it’s a history of the camera but is really about how we interact with media (including AI images).
Need more stuff to read? I’ve compiled all previous linkspam posts here on my website, or you can explore the linkspam tag to find more.
Crossposted from Pixietails Club Blog.
Grumble Grumble...here's some good news, and a flower?
Jul. 10th, 2025 05:30 pmshadowkatConfusing day at work, and the muggy weather plus sleep issues is making me irritable? Also, people, sigh, can be annoyingly headache inducing, can't they?
Anyhow, grumble, grumble...I'm grateful for my mother (who continues to be lovely), Gregory's Coffee - it has great Matcha Lattes, and Decaf Cappucinos, and is no more than five minutes from my desk - plus I can pre-order, and get discounted deals. I'm also grateful for flowers. Trees. And New York City.
Plus? Very grateful for the lovely folks who provided the good news items below, and continue to do so - basically, I'm grateful for the American Resistance and it's Global Allies, thank the universe you exist.
Disclaimer: As always, good news like humor and beauty is more often than not in the eye of the beholder and your mileage may vary on this.
I only share them, because they give me hope and make me feel better - and I hope they do the same for anyone else who may stumble upon this journal entry. If I can bring a smile or a tear of hope to someone...today? Than I'll feel I accomplished my aim or at the very least attempted it. All I can do is try.
Good News from the American Resistance & It's Global Allies
1. More than 600 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees, scientists, and academics signed a declaration of dissent from the agency’s policies under the Trump administration, warning that they “undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
https://www.standupforscience.net/epa-declaration
[Gotta give the poor federal agency employees credit? They keep fighting and speaking out against the evil new administration.]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/30/epa-employees-declaration-dissent-trump?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
2. I think this one is a repeat? But just in case, it's not, here we go again: The Miccosukee Tribe is partnering with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation to safeguard lands as part of a ‘moral obligation.’
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/15/miccosukee-tribe-florida-wildlife-corridor-foundation?sh_kit=7a2950363f4b90b1881ae76c68d24551846eea9063b67a6a14e9fa39bc419e40
Now, as the Trump administration continues its wholesale slashing of federal funding from conservation projects, the Miccosukee Tribe is stepping up to fulfill what it sees as a “moral obligation” to return the favor.
The tribe is looking to buy and protect environmentally significant lands, including some that once provided refuge, in a groundbreaking partnership agreement with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. The corridor is an ambitious project to connect 18m acres (7.3m hectares) of state and privately owned wilderness into a contiguous, safe habitat for scores of imperilled and roaming species, including black bears, Key deer and Florida panthers.
3. A coalition of 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for sharing personal health data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA%20v.%20HHS%2C%20Complaint%207.1.25.pdf
4.Key West City commissioners voted 6-1 to void the 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
https://www.keywestislandnews.com/2025/06/key-west-city-commission-voids-agreement-with-ice-and-reaffirms-its-status-as-a-welcoming-city/
[Apparently Key West is not in agreement with the Governor of Florida?]
5.Tesla’s new delivery numbers are in, and they’re worse than expected.
https://gizmodo.com/teslas-numbers-are-in-and-theyre-not-good-2000623670?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
6.E. Jean Carroll says she plans to give away the millions Donald Trump was ordered to pay her—just to annoy him. [This is the woman who won the defamation case and civil sexual assault case against him - when he claimed she lied when she said he raped her - and went on to vilify her in the media.]
https://www.thedailybeast.com/e-jean-carroll-reveals-why-shell-give-away-her-80m-from-trump-to-p-him-off/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
7. Terminated NIH grants are being reinstated almost entirely in blue states. [These are the science and research grants that the Trump Administration attempted to terminate.]
https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/03/nih-cuts-grant-restoration-complicated-by-limits-to-court-order-trump-dei-restrictions/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-
f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
8.A federal judge in Washington ruled that the Trump administration can’t categorically deny asylum claims from people crossing the southern border.
https://archive.ph/7gw1e
9.A government ban on Hungary’s annual Pride parade backfired when more than 100,000 people marched through the Hungarian capital, far more than have taken part in previous such events.
https://archive.ph/kzI5C#selection-4467.0-4467.195
[The internet makes authoritarianism kind of difficult to enforce.]
10.Tuesday’s election of Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to fill a vacant seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors put Democrats back in control of San Diego’s most powerful governmental agency.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/02/aguirres-win-puts-democrats-in-charge-at-pivotal-time/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
11.An iPhone app called ICEBlock is alerting users to nearby ICE sightings. Its designer said he wanted to do something to help in the face of what he sees (correctly) as rising fascism.
[Technology also makes authoritarianism more difficult to enforce - than many sci-fi writers apparently realized. I'm looking at you, Philip K. Dick.]
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/30/tech/iceblock-app-trump-immigration-crackdown?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
12.Catholic bishops from Asia, Africa and Latin America penned a first-ever joint ecological appeal ahead of the next U.N. climate conference in November.
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/07/01/climate-justice-bishops-asia-africa-latin-america-251045
13.Singer Angélique Kidjo became the first African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx2g5znggpo
14.A Tennessee man pardoned by Trump for taking part in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 is back behind bars, for life, convicted of plotting to kill the law enforcement officers who had investigated his case.
https://archive.ph/dXNaQ#selection-517.23-517.112
15. Thanks to Mayor Brandon Scott’s focus on violence intervention programs, Baltimore has seen a nearly 23 percent drop in murders from this time last year.
https://archive.ph/3ajyY
16. Six months into congestion pricing in New York City traffic is down and business is up. Also, the revenue generated by the program is funding critical transit upgrades that will benefit millions of New Yorkers.
https://www.threads.com/@govkathyhochul/post/DLu_bqUxRJO?xmt=AQF0ZAWwIBQtTEin6rbwpHCXtAp3OGNzp92OIOiamSxIgQ
[That's actually true - the funds are going to various state of new repair, climate resilancy projects, and critical improvements across the MTA. And the financial district is pleasant to walk around.]
( the rest of the 37 items )
And here's a few flowers...life is always better with flowers.
Anyhow, grumble, grumble...I'm grateful for my mother (who continues to be lovely), Gregory's Coffee - it has great Matcha Lattes, and Decaf Cappucinos, and is no more than five minutes from my desk - plus I can pre-order, and get discounted deals. I'm also grateful for flowers. Trees. And New York City.
Plus? Very grateful for the lovely folks who provided the good news items below, and continue to do so - basically, I'm grateful for the American Resistance and it's Global Allies, thank the universe you exist.
Disclaimer: As always, good news like humor and beauty is more often than not in the eye of the beholder and your mileage may vary on this.
I only share them, because they give me hope and make me feel better - and I hope they do the same for anyone else who may stumble upon this journal entry. If I can bring a smile or a tear of hope to someone...today? Than I'll feel I accomplished my aim or at the very least attempted it. All I can do is try.
Good News from the American Resistance & It's Global Allies
1. More than 600 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees, scientists, and academics signed a declaration of dissent from the agency’s policies under the Trump administration, warning that they “undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
https://www.standupforscience.net/epa-declaration
[Gotta give the poor federal agency employees credit? They keep fighting and speaking out against the evil new administration.]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/30/epa-employees-declaration-dissent-trump?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
2. I think this one is a repeat? But just in case, it's not, here we go again: The Miccosukee Tribe is partnering with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation to safeguard lands as part of a ‘moral obligation.’
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/15/miccosukee-tribe-florida-wildlife-corridor-foundation?sh_kit=7a2950363f4b90b1881ae76c68d24551846eea9063b67a6a14e9fa39bc419e40
Now, as the Trump administration continues its wholesale slashing of federal funding from conservation projects, the Miccosukee Tribe is stepping up to fulfill what it sees as a “moral obligation” to return the favor.
The tribe is looking to buy and protect environmentally significant lands, including some that once provided refuge, in a groundbreaking partnership agreement with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. The corridor is an ambitious project to connect 18m acres (7.3m hectares) of state and privately owned wilderness into a contiguous, safe habitat for scores of imperilled and roaming species, including black bears, Key deer and Florida panthers.
3. A coalition of 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for sharing personal health data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA%20v.%20HHS%2C%20Complaint%207.1.25.pdf
4.Key West City commissioners voted 6-1 to void the 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
https://www.keywestislandnews.com/2025/06/key-west-city-commission-voids-agreement-with-ice-and-reaffirms-its-status-as-a-welcoming-city/
[Apparently Key West is not in agreement with the Governor of Florida?]
5.Tesla’s new delivery numbers are in, and they’re worse than expected.
https://gizmodo.com/teslas-numbers-are-in-and-theyre-not-good-2000623670?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
6.E. Jean Carroll says she plans to give away the millions Donald Trump was ordered to pay her—just to annoy him. [This is the woman who won the defamation case and civil sexual assault case against him - when he claimed she lied when she said he raped her - and went on to vilify her in the media.]
https://www.thedailybeast.com/e-jean-carroll-reveals-why-shell-give-away-her-80m-from-trump-to-p-him-off/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
7. Terminated NIH grants are being reinstated almost entirely in blue states. [These are the science and research grants that the Trump Administration attempted to terminate.]
https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/03/nih-cuts-grant-restoration-complicated-by-limits-to-court-order-trump-dei-restrictions/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-
f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
8.A federal judge in Washington ruled that the Trump administration can’t categorically deny asylum claims from people crossing the southern border.
https://archive.ph/7gw1e
9.A government ban on Hungary’s annual Pride parade backfired when more than 100,000 people marched through the Hungarian capital, far more than have taken part in previous such events.
https://archive.ph/kzI5C#selection-4467.0-4467.195
[The internet makes authoritarianism kind of difficult to enforce.]
10.Tuesday’s election of Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to fill a vacant seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors put Democrats back in control of San Diego’s most powerful governmental agency.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/02/aguirres-win-puts-democrats-in-charge-at-pivotal-time/?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
11.An iPhone app called ICEBlock is alerting users to nearby ICE sightings. Its designer said he wanted to do something to help in the face of what he sees (correctly) as rising fascism.
[Technology also makes authoritarianism more difficult to enforce - than many sci-fi writers apparently realized. I'm looking at you, Philip K. Dick.]
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/30/tech/iceblock-app-trump-immigration-crackdown?emci=4eedb4a7-9958-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=66805beb-ef58-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&ceid=24376453
12.Catholic bishops from Asia, Africa and Latin America penned a first-ever joint ecological appeal ahead of the next U.N. climate conference in November.
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/07/01/climate-justice-bishops-asia-africa-latin-america-251045
13.Singer Angélique Kidjo became the first African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx2g5znggpo
14.A Tennessee man pardoned by Trump for taking part in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 is back behind bars, for life, convicted of plotting to kill the law enforcement officers who had investigated his case.
https://archive.ph/dXNaQ#selection-517.23-517.112
15. Thanks to Mayor Brandon Scott’s focus on violence intervention programs, Baltimore has seen a nearly 23 percent drop in murders from this time last year.
https://archive.ph/3ajyY
16. Six months into congestion pricing in New York City traffic is down and business is up. Also, the revenue generated by the program is funding critical transit upgrades that will benefit millions of New Yorkers.
https://www.threads.com/@govkathyhochul/post/DLu_bqUxRJO?xmt=AQF0ZAWwIBQtTEin6rbwpHCXtAp3OGNzp92OIOiamSxIgQ
[That's actually true - the funds are going to various state of new repair, climate resilancy projects, and critical improvements across the MTA. And the financial district is pleasant to walk around.]
( the rest of the 37 items )And here's a few flowers...life is always better with flowers.
New Challebge Comm! First Challenge Signups Open NOW
Jul. 10th, 2025 03:10 pminnitmarvelous_og posting in ![[site community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/comm_staff.png){kind=small}
dw_community_promo
+++
About the comm.
It's one part dream.
One part disaster.
And absolutely 100% fandom.
One part disaster.
And absolutely 100% fandom.
It's Your OTPs/Fandoms combined with our chaos.
Challenge(s) 2025:
Challenge 1: Hodge Podge A new challenge idea I came up with all sorts of things to get players rolling out the fills and scoring points!
Sign up: July 3 Rd to July 19th @ 8PM EST / 12AM GTM
Opening Date: July 20
Closing Date: October 12
I hope to have a variety of challenges in this comm, but they make take some time for me to figure out as I don't want to copy other comms out there. I have an idea or two for an abbreviated challenge after this one and I'll be working on getting it ready go if you guys want to play with me again after this round
-
Wednesday is just hot and sweaty...
Jul. 9th, 2025 09:02 pmshadowkatIt's beastly hot here - but I have air conditioning. So it's about 71 -73 degrees in the bedroom where the AC is, and 77-79 degrees in the rest of the apartment. Outside? It is currently 82F/22C with 65% humidity, during the day it was 90F/30C with 80% humidity, felt like 100 F/40 C.
I've been online shopping - I needed to get new Bose Headphones - the current ones are wearing out, and the warranty expired. (The head phone muff is coming undone.) So got new ones on sale - at a 43% discount. So shaved off quite a bit. Also, picked up some more storage related items (baskets, large utensil holder, medicine organizer for a counter), and a collapsible but secure and safe step stool. I desperately need one - I have insanely tall cabinets and windows. I'm almost 6 feet, they are 8-9 feet.
Yes, I live in a tall person's apartment, which is good thing.
I'm looking for a tv dinner table/lap top table, but the one I saw advertised on Instagram via Amazon - I cannot find. So I gave up finally.
The other one is rather pricey, although tempting.
And...I got my organizers today - two turnstiles, and a coffee/tea shelf that I have to put together. I took the box they both came in along with all the other boxes (book shelf and towel/pillow box) down to the basement for recycling on the way to pick up groceries. I was out of protein greens (pea shoots, spinach, argula, and shard).
***
Work is work.
Wales wants to take a six month paid sabbatical from her job, to do what I don't know. Probably just lay about. I would like a two week vacation to travel somewhere - but I can't get more than a week at a time. So, am making due and trying not to envy those who can do more. I'm flirting with Ceiliac Cruises and Road Scholar cruises and trips. Also Viking River journeys. But also pricey. And I'd need a smaller cruise and the ability to take motion sickness pills - I'm prone to sea-sickness. I love the ocean, but my body prefers to be on solid ground. It could be worse - my sister-in-law gets motion sickness on a swing. It's an inner ear thing.
***
Time to go to bed, perchance to sleep, even dream But I don't want to?
I'm not really much of a sleeper. Never have been. This can't be good for me?
I've been online shopping - I needed to get new Bose Headphones - the current ones are wearing out, and the warranty expired. (The head phone muff is coming undone.) So got new ones on sale - at a 43% discount. So shaved off quite a bit. Also, picked up some more storage related items (baskets, large utensil holder, medicine organizer for a counter), and a collapsible but secure and safe step stool. I desperately need one - I have insanely tall cabinets and windows. I'm almost 6 feet, they are 8-9 feet.
Yes, I live in a tall person's apartment, which is good thing.
I'm looking for a tv dinner table/lap top table, but the one I saw advertised on Instagram via Amazon - I cannot find. So I gave up finally.
The other one is rather pricey, although tempting.
And...I got my organizers today - two turnstiles, and a coffee/tea shelf that I have to put together. I took the box they both came in along with all the other boxes (book shelf and towel/pillow box) down to the basement for recycling on the way to pick up groceries. I was out of protein greens (pea shoots, spinach, argula, and shard).
***
Work is work.
Wales wants to take a six month paid sabbatical from her job, to do what I don't know. Probably just lay about. I would like a two week vacation to travel somewhere - but I can't get more than a week at a time. So, am making due and trying not to envy those who can do more. I'm flirting with Ceiliac Cruises and Road Scholar cruises and trips. Also Viking River journeys. But also pricey. And I'd need a smaller cruise and the ability to take motion sickness pills - I'm prone to sea-sickness. I love the ocean, but my body prefers to be on solid ground. It could be worse - my sister-in-law gets motion sickness on a swing. It's an inner ear thing.
***
Time to go to bed, perchance to sleep, even dream But I don't want to?
I'm not really much of a sleeper. Never have been. This can't be good for me?
The OTW is Recruiting for Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteers, Policy & Abuse Volunte
Jul. 9th, 2025 01:07 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
ao3_news_feed
Are you interested in social media, community management or outreach? Or would you like to assist AO3 users by resolving complaints? Do you want to create videos and connect with fellow fans on TikTok? The Organization for Transformative Works is recruiting!
We're excited to announce the opening of applications for:
- Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC or after 40 applications
- Policy & Abuse Volunteer - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC
- Communications TikTok Moderator - closing 16 July 2025 at 23:59 UTC or after 60 applications
We have included more information on each role below. Open roles and applications will always be available at the volunteering page. If you don't see a role that fits with your skills and interests now, keep an eye on the listings. We plan to put up new applications every few weeks, and we will also publicize new roles as they become available.
All applications generate a confirmation page and an auto-reply to your e-mail address. We encourage you to read the confirmation page and to whitelist our email address in your e-mail client. If you do not receive the auto-reply within 24 hours, please check your spam filters and then contact us.
If you have questions regarding volunteering for the OTW, check out our Volunteering FAQ.
Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer
Do you have an interest in fandom history, or in fannish culture and the different tropes, ships, communities and viewpoints that make up fandom? Are you interested in social media, community management or outreach? The Fanlore committee is recruiting for Social Media & Outreach volunteers!
Fanlore Social Media & Outreach volunteers are responsible for writing and editing Fanlore's promotional posts on social media, planning and running Fanlore's editing challenges, maintaining Fanlore's social media channels, and thinking of ways to reach out to and engage with new corners of fandom.
No extensive experience required—only reliability, teamwork, good communication skills, and an interest in fandom and Fanlore in particular. Join us!
As part of our application process, candidates who pass the initial review will also be asked to create a sample social media post for Fanlore consisting of a 280-character tweet and a 100-word Tumblr post promoting a Fanlore article. Further directions will be given upon applying.
Applications are due 16 July 2025 or after 40 applications
Apply for Fanlore Social Media & Outreach Volunteer at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
Policy & Abuse Volunteer
The Policy & Abuse committee (PAC) is responsible for addressing questions and concerns about potential violations of the AO3 Terms of Service. We determine whether reports are about legitimate violations of the Terms of Service, and what to do about them if they are. PAC volunteers correspond directly with AO3 users and collaborate on projects both within PAC and with other OTW committees.
Our main goals as a committee are:
- to adhere to the AO3 Terms of Service
- to make our reasoning and processes as clear and transparent as possible
- to handle all user reports consistently, no matter which volunteer is doing the work
- to keep every case we work on completely confidential
We are seeking people who can:
- Commit to working on cases regularly
- Be patient with rephrasing explanations
- Ask for help when needed
- Collaborate both inside the team and with other committees
- Act in accordance with established rules, policies, and procedures
- Treat confidentiality and user privacy as a priority
You must be 18+ in order to apply for this role. While English proficiency is required, we welcome applicants who are fluent in other languages, especially Spanish (Español), Brazilian Portuguese (Português brasileiro), Russian (Русский), Chinese (中文), or Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
Applications are due 16 July 2025
Apply for Policy & Abuse Volunteer at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
Communications TikTok Moderator
Do you use TikTok? Do you like making videos? Do you want to connect with your fellow fans?
OTW TikTok Moderators create content for the OTW TikTok account, including drafting scripts, recording and editing videos, and reviewing other moderators' scripts and videos. Moderators address user comments on videos by responding to user questions, removing comments that violate our policies, and flagging comments for video topics. Moderators also try to regularly engage with fandom on TikTok by interacting with relevant, appropriate videos and liking, reposting, and/or commenting.
You must be 18+ in order to apply for this role. We are looking for volunteers familiar with TikTok and passionate about outreach on the platform. They should be able to maintain a consistent level of work, collaborate inside the team and with other committees, ask for help when needed, and commit to making fair decisions about how to handle comments.
Applications are due 16 July 2025 or after 60 applications
Apply for Communications TikTok Moderator at the volunteering page! If you have further questions, please contact us.
The Organization for Transformative Works is the non-profit parent organization of multiple projects including Archive of Our Own, Fanlore, Open Doors, Transformative Works and Cultures, and OTW Legal Advocacy. We are a fan-run, entirely donor-supported organization staffed by volunteers. Find out more about us on our website.
Points for honesty in this job description....
Jul. 11th, 2025 11:20 amconuly"Why work here?"
"Weekly pay!"
Yup, that's why I would like to apply for any and all jobs!
(On a side note, A has been sending me a lot of job links today. I'm a bit inundated, but I somehow don't think that "Great, please don't send them to me, just fill them out with my resume for me" is going to go over very well.)
***************
( Read more... )
"Weekly pay!"
Yup, that's why I would like to apply for any and all jobs!
(On a side note, A has been sending me a lot of job links today. I'm a bit inundated, but I somehow don't think that "Great, please don't send them to me, just fill them out with my resume for me" is going to go over very well.)
( Read more... )
Wednesday Reading Meme July 9 2025
Jul. 9th, 2025 01:34 pmkitewithfishWhat I’ve Read
The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro -
By god, what a book, what a monster of a book! Like many, I picked this up because the lure of a good book club is a siren song – the podcast 99% Invisible decided to do a year long project on this book, one extra episode a month to discuss the book and have a conversation with someone about it. (They got great people, too, including the author!)
I fell behind schedule of the podcast but kept listening and reading on my own, and eventually, to finish this book, I ended up owning it in paperback, ebook, and three audiobooks of 1/3rd of the book each. 1200 pages makes a lot of audiobook!
This book is huge story look at one man’s life in public administration of the parks and roads and buildings of New York City. At every stage, the power of an unscrupulous, brilliant, and determined mind is at play in every project he sets his hand to, and the resulting works show his massive ego and talent and all his bigotries. Robert Moses was a fascinating and complicated man, and his legacy is fascinating and complicated. It’s also a key lesson in how difficult it is to get out of power someone who is entrenched and well supported. It also shows someone who’s unethical in small things will be unethical in big ones.
Key thoughts: If you get started on a project, public figures are more embarrassed by half finished project that wastes moderate amounts of money than by one that goes wildly over budget but gets completed. Public goodwill can be purchased by getting the papers on your side, but only for so long. You can’t just be right, you have to be smart.
As a reading experience, Caro is a skilled guide thru a tangled mess of history, legislation, and construction projects. It really can just be picked up and read chapter by chapter – he’ll give you the context you need to understand. Caro’s got a great sense for a revealing anecdote and occasionally a real admiration for the people he writes about as skilled political actors.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett – a very decent murder mystery in a fantasy world with some good characters and fun world building. Both the main characters and the world have mysteries built into them, and I found the whole thing very engaging. I don’t want to say more lest I spoil things.
Star Trek Lower Decks Warp Your Own Way by Ryan North and Chris Fenoglio – A graphic novel in the Choose Your Own Adventures style that is also a very fun Star Trek legacy piece. I don’t know Lower Decks at all but this was a fun introduction. Clearly made by people who love and appreciate Star Trek’s weirdnesses and with a eye on what makes someone heroic. I will say, it was a kind of confusing read – the Choose Your Own Adventure elements sometimes interact with the text, so you have to go thru several branches before getting enough information to figure out how to pick the right branch. It’s an iterative experience, but well written and charming enough to Trekkie that I did not get tired of it.
What I’m Reading
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – A reasonably interesting premise but I feel like the story is being weighed down a bit. I am about 25% in and we still haven’t gotten the main character to the Big Meeting.
Someone You Can Build a Nest in by John Wiswell – A weird and gooey book with a monster main character.
What I’ll Read Next
The Deep Dark
Track Changes
Alien Clay
Service Model
Monstress, Vol. 9: The Possessed
Navigational Entanglements
The Butcher of the Forest
The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain
Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right
The Brides of High Hill
The Tusks of Extinction
“Charting the Cliff: An Investigation into the 2023 Hugo Nomination Statistics”
“Signs of Life”
“By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars”
“The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video”
“Loneliness Universe”
“The 2023 Hugo Awards: A Report on Censorship and Exclusion”
“The Four Sisters Overlooking the Sea”
“Lake of Souls”
The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro -
By god, what a book, what a monster of a book! Like many, I picked this up because the lure of a good book club is a siren song – the podcast 99% Invisible decided to do a year long project on this book, one extra episode a month to discuss the book and have a conversation with someone about it. (They got great people, too, including the author!)
I fell behind schedule of the podcast but kept listening and reading on my own, and eventually, to finish this book, I ended up owning it in paperback, ebook, and three audiobooks of 1/3rd of the book each. 1200 pages makes a lot of audiobook!
This book is huge story look at one man’s life in public administration of the parks and roads and buildings of New York City. At every stage, the power of an unscrupulous, brilliant, and determined mind is at play in every project he sets his hand to, and the resulting works show his massive ego and talent and all his bigotries. Robert Moses was a fascinating and complicated man, and his legacy is fascinating and complicated. It’s also a key lesson in how difficult it is to get out of power someone who is entrenched and well supported. It also shows someone who’s unethical in small things will be unethical in big ones.
Key thoughts: If you get started on a project, public figures are more embarrassed by half finished project that wastes moderate amounts of money than by one that goes wildly over budget but gets completed. Public goodwill can be purchased by getting the papers on your side, but only for so long. You can’t just be right, you have to be smart.
As a reading experience, Caro is a skilled guide thru a tangled mess of history, legislation, and construction projects. It really can just be picked up and read chapter by chapter – he’ll give you the context you need to understand. Caro’s got a great sense for a revealing anecdote and occasionally a real admiration for the people he writes about as skilled political actors.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett – a very decent murder mystery in a fantasy world with some good characters and fun world building. Both the main characters and the world have mysteries built into them, and I found the whole thing very engaging. I don’t want to say more lest I spoil things.
Star Trek Lower Decks Warp Your Own Way by Ryan North and Chris Fenoglio – A graphic novel in the Choose Your Own Adventures style that is also a very fun Star Trek legacy piece. I don’t know Lower Decks at all but this was a fun introduction. Clearly made by people who love and appreciate Star Trek’s weirdnesses and with a eye on what makes someone heroic. I will say, it was a kind of confusing read – the Choose Your Own Adventure elements sometimes interact with the text, so you have to go thru several branches before getting enough information to figure out how to pick the right branch. It’s an iterative experience, but well written and charming enough to Trekkie that I did not get tired of it.
What I’m Reading
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – A reasonably interesting premise but I feel like the story is being weighed down a bit. I am about 25% in and we still haven’t gotten the main character to the Big Meeting.
Someone You Can Build a Nest in by John Wiswell – A weird and gooey book with a monster main character.
What I’ll Read Next
The Deep Dark
Track Changes
Alien Clay
Service Model
Monstress, Vol. 9: The Possessed
Navigational Entanglements
The Butcher of the Forest
The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain
Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right
The Brides of High Hill
The Tusks of Extinction
“Charting the Cliff: An Investigation into the 2023 Hugo Nomination Statistics”
“Signs of Life”
“By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars”
“The Brotherhood of Montague St. Video”
“Loneliness Universe”
“The 2023 Hugo Awards: A Report on Censorship and Exclusion”
“The Four Sisters Overlooking the Sea”
“Lake of Souls”
Got a callback
Jul. 9th, 2025 11:57 amconulyAsked where I lived, was concerned that the answer is "Staten Island". FFS, it's not Siberia!
I need to start telling people I'm moving in with a friend in Tribeca. Just straight up lie.
I need to start telling people I'm moving in with a friend in Tribeca. Just straight up lie.
Sunshine Revival Challenge #3
Jul. 9th, 2025 04:33 pmsmallhobbitJournaling prompt: What are your favourite summer-associated foods?
Not so much food, as the memory of summer picnics. Which conjures up ideals of everyone sitting round a check tablecloth, relaxed and enjoying a selection of delicate foods. Whereas the reality is the wasps after everything sweet. The sudden gust of wind blowing over a tub of mini sausages and taking off with the pretty, carefully chosen, paper serviettes and causing children to rush madly after them, thus falling over and returning with muddy hands etc. Trying to drink a mug of hot tea, because the calendar might say July but otherwise you'd never know, and having hair blow in the mouth. And just when you think it's going to be okay after all, half the tablecloth blows up and falls on top of the iced cupcakes.
Of course, all this may be alleviated by sitting in the car because it's raining and still enjoying the bread rolls, packets of crisps and chocolate mini rolls - which certainly haven't melted.
Or even better, giving up on the whole idea and spreading the tablecloth out on the living room floor and picnicking at home!
Not so much food, as the memory of summer picnics. Which conjures up ideals of everyone sitting round a check tablecloth, relaxed and enjoying a selection of delicate foods. Whereas the reality is the wasps after everything sweet. The sudden gust of wind blowing over a tub of mini sausages and taking off with the pretty, carefully chosen, paper serviettes and causing children to rush madly after them, thus falling over and returning with muddy hands etc. Trying to drink a mug of hot tea, because the calendar might say July but otherwise you'd never know, and having hair blow in the mouth. And just when you think it's going to be okay after all, half the tablecloth blows up and falls on top of the iced cupcakes.
Of course, all this may be alleviated by sitting in the car because it's raining and still enjoying the bread rolls, packets of crisps and chocolate mini rolls - which certainly haven't melted.
Or even better, giving up on the whole idea and spreading the tablecloth out on the living room floor and picnicking at home!
Tuesday is happy about a bookshelf
Jul. 8th, 2025 07:22 pmshadowkatMy bookshelf arrived around 10 am, while I was at work. And even though I requested that they deliver it at the front door of my apartment, they delivered it to the package area in the lobby. But it was still there when I got home, and not that difficulty to get upstairs. I pushed it into the elevator, then dragged it out onto the third floor and into my apartment.
It was pre-assembled, all I had to do was screw on a few buttons for the feet. Then I inserted the books, and voila.
It wasn't too expensive - I got for about 10-20% off, with free shipping from Wayfair.
I'm very happy with it, and it is metal - so hardy.
**
Crazy Org decided to revise all the construction contract templates and schedules again. This is the fifth time in three years. Every section.
And instead of waiting until the next fiscal year - they did it now.
It's a mess. Everyone is confused.
I've decided quite a few folks in management are incredibly bored and need to invent new ways to keep busy - so they look productive. This is what happens when you have too many managers, they come up with an endless supply of busy work.
***
Sigh. I don't know what it is about me - that feels the need to explain and or discuss characters and stories and things with idiotic strangers on the internet.( whinging about the internet fandom and using the Buffy fandom as an example )
Fandom can be annoyingly dense. I blame our educational system - too much memorization and multiple choice tests.
My frustration stems from the fact that I love analyzing and discussing stories and characters, and debating them. I get off on it. I did it in college. I'm a frustrated English Lit/Cultural Anthropology Major.
**
Alarmingly hot day with a thunderstorm at the tail end of it. Except oddly not as bad as yesterday. Neighbor informed me that feels like temperature was 110 F (50C) today, it was actually 96 F (36C). Yesterday was worse - the humidity made it feel like a sauna. Today, it felt like walking through a very warm hair dryer - hot with a breeze. But hey, I could breath - so better air quality. Either that or the Allegra was doing wonders.
It's probably best to be happy about small pleasures? I am happy and grateful for my new book case, which I've been pondering obtaining for about five years now. It looks lovely next to the tv. I might get another one. I just don't know where to put it.
It was pre-assembled, all I had to do was screw on a few buttons for the feet. Then I inserted the books, and voila.
It wasn't too expensive - I got for about 10-20% off, with free shipping from Wayfair.
I'm very happy with it, and it is metal - so hardy.
**
Crazy Org decided to revise all the construction contract templates and schedules again. This is the fifth time in three years. Every section.
And instead of waiting until the next fiscal year - they did it now.
It's a mess. Everyone is confused.
I've decided quite a few folks in management are incredibly bored and need to invent new ways to keep busy - so they look productive. This is what happens when you have too many managers, they come up with an endless supply of busy work.
***
Sigh. I don't know what it is about me - that feels the need to explain and or discuss characters and stories and things with idiotic strangers on the internet.
( whinging about the internet fandom and using the Buffy fandom as an example )Fandom can be annoyingly dense. I blame our educational system - too much memorization and multiple choice tests.
My frustration stems from the fact that I love analyzing and discussing stories and characters, and debating them. I get off on it. I did it in college. I'm a frustrated English Lit/Cultural Anthropology Major.
**
Alarmingly hot day with a thunderstorm at the tail end of it. Except oddly not as bad as yesterday. Neighbor informed me that feels like temperature was 110 F (50C) today, it was actually 96 F (36C). Yesterday was worse - the humidity made it feel like a sauna. Today, it felt like walking through a very warm hair dryer - hot with a breeze. But hey, I could breath - so better air quality. Either that or the Allegra was doing wonders.
It's probably best to be happy about small pleasures? I am happy and grateful for my new book case, which I've been pondering obtaining for about five years now. It looks lovely next to the tv. I might get another one. I just don't know where to put it.
I've applied to a bunch of NYC government jobs today
Jul. 10th, 2025 02:20 amconulyJust went through the website and applied to everything I meet the minimum qualifications for, for what good it may do.
They could, in theory, save my information from one application to the next. They don't do that. They could also not require me to answer "where did you hear about this?" every time - but the joke's on them. "I went to your website and clicked on every job where I meet the minimum qualifications" is not an option, so I've just been lying and saying "hiring event" because that's the first choice. They will get no useful data from me, no thank you!
********************************
( Read more... )
They could, in theory, save my information from one application to the next. They don't do that. They could also not require me to answer "where did you hear about this?" every time - but the joke's on them. "I went to your website and clicked on every job where I meet the minimum qualifications" is not an option, so I've just been lying and saying "hiring event" because that's the first choice. They will get no useful data from me, no thank you!
( Read more... )The absolute worst thing about the state of the world
Jul. 9th, 2025 08:59 amconulyis the constant whiplash between panic and popcorn.
Right now I'm hovering over "popcorn" - new political parties? With added drama and infighting? LOL, okay, let's see how that works out for you!
(Look, I need a break from panic now and again, and I will take my fun where it appears.)
******************
( Read more... )
Right now I'm hovering over "popcorn" - new political parties? With added drama and infighting? LOL, okay, let's see how that works out for you!
(Look, I need a break from panic now and again, and I will take my fun where it appears.)
( Read more... )Manip: "Miles From Nowhere"
Jul. 8th, 2025 02:53 pmmagnavox_23Title: "Miles From Nowhere"
Artist:magnavox_23
Character/Pairing: Daniel Jackson
Rating: G
Happy Daniel Jackson's 60th birthday, everyone! July 8th, 1965 our intrepid, stalwart, and dashing archaeologist was born to travel the stars and find a commonality in spirit and hope in all. Whilst living the greatest love story of all time with his retired General hubby... *g*
I'd like to think he is still attached to the Stargate program in some capacity, perhaps the SGC is now based out of Atlantis, and maybe not completely under US control anymore (they learned their lessons with Kinsey, no kings/goa'ulds/yadda), somewhere on Earth, or out amongst the stars...
Anyone else feeling a little... dated? >.<
(Click to embiggen)
Artist:
magnavox_23 Character/Pairing: Daniel Jackson
Rating: G
Happy Daniel Jackson's 60th birthday, everyone! July 8th, 1965 our intrepid, stalwart, and dashing archaeologist was born to travel the stars and find a commonality in spirit and hope in all. Whilst living the greatest love story of all time with his retired General hubby... *g*
I'd like to think he is still attached to the Stargate program in some capacity, perhaps the SGC is now based out of Atlantis, and maybe not completely under US control anymore (they learned their lessons with Kinsey, no kings/goa'ulds/yadda), somewhere on Earth, or out amongst the stars...
Anyone else feeling a little... dated? >.<
(Click to embiggen)
Monday is tired and trudging along...
Jul. 7th, 2025 06:18 pmshadowkatSomewhat sleep deprived - got about four hours, and was up half the night, partly due to high blood sugar, and partly due to the inability to shut my mind and body off? But, considering the previous four days - I had seven and forty-five minutes worth of sleep per day, not too bad. I've discovered that I feel better - mind body - when I sleep.
Question a Day Meme for July:
6. Ivy climbing over a wall can act as an impressive natural air conditioner, absorbing heat from the sun and cooling internal temperatures by as much as 7.5C/45.5F. Do you like ivy plants?
Yes? But I don't have a green thumb, and tend to kill plants. So I refrain. There's plenty outside though.
7. Today, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the Japanese celebrate the Star Festival (or Tanabata). For one day only, wishes, hopes, poetry and dreams are written onto colourful streamers and tied to trees. What would you write on a streamer today?
Let there be rainbows?
8. Artemesia Gentileschi was born today in 1593 – an incredibly famous artist in her time, she is only now becoming better known. Have you ever seen any of her works?
I think so? I had to look her up, but her paintings are familiar. Particularly the one featured in the New Yorker. (I've been to a lot of art galleries and museums in my lifetime, but I can't always remember the names of the artists. I live in NY, and in the 1980s, I spent a summer in London, during which time - I hand wrote a lot of papers in art museums (they were cool and quiet and not that far from where we were staying) - my favorites were the National Gallery and the Victorian & Albert. This was before computers and lap-tops, all we had was an electronic typewriter, white out, and pens.
The Guardian article on her - shows some of her paintings
****
Today was in the mid 80s(20sC), but felt like the 90s (30sC) with the humidity, which was around 80-90%. It was akin to walking through a sauna.
Occasionally it would rain. The air hung heavy, and I found it hard to breath? So I didn't take any long walks today.
Debating taking Friday off - but honestly, it's supposed to be a nice day, and I'm more likely to take a long walk at work than at home?
I need to schedule a dental appointment, a mammogram, and alas a hair cut.
(I'm procrastinating for various reasons not worth going into.) It requires scheduling around work - although work does provide four hours for cancer screening.(Just need to provide proof of it).
The towels and pillow I ordered from Brooklynlinen arrived. I got two waffle bath towels, and two waffle hand towels in blue. They are very soft, and light weight. Different from what I'm used to. And a Marlow Pillow - which is adjustable, and suppose to be cooling and provide more support for better sleep. I'm hoping it helps with the insomina - and neck issues.
Hopefully the pre-assembled book shelf that I bought on sale at Wayfair, and is allegedly being delivered on Tuesday will arrive without incident, and without me - having to be home to receive it. (They called today - thinking I was a business, uhm no, I ordered it for my home. Not for business purposes at all. (I wonder if this is a New York thing? People keep thinking I'm a business, I am not a business.) I don't buy furniture for my workplace, construction/design/and engineering services change orders - yes, furniture, no.)
For dinner - I picked up some sushi. I'm doing it with a light salad, I think. I don't feel much like cooking.
***
Working my way through Remarkable Bright Creatures and wondering what all the hoopla is about it? It came recommended by folks on a book site on FB as a comforting read (it's not), and it's highly rec'd on Smart Bitches. Also been highly rated elsewhere. I've found it to be plodding, and I'm struggling to get through it. Been doing a lot of skimming. And the characters - are beginning to annoy me, the writer does all sorts of things to keep the characters from connecting and finding out stuff. It's beginning to feel rather contrived, and frustrating. I can feel the writer struggling to bring them together - and not quite knowing how.
Also it meanders and rambles a lot. There's a lot of repetition and navel gazing, and internal whining. I don't find it comforting at all. Yet, alas, I can't give up on it? I want to see how the writer resolves it? Also I keep trying to figure out why folks recommended it as a comfort read/happy book?
I'm in a bad reading slump folks. I need a book with good witty/quippy dialogue, and suspense, a page turner. And I'm not finding it? (Well except for the Graphic Audio Dramatizations of Illona Andrews Kate Daniels books (9 and 10), which I'd forgotten the plots of - for the most part.)
Question a Day Meme for July:
6. Ivy climbing over a wall can act as an impressive natural air conditioner, absorbing heat from the sun and cooling internal temperatures by as much as 7.5C/45.5F. Do you like ivy plants?
Yes? But I don't have a green thumb, and tend to kill plants. So I refrain. There's plenty outside though.
7. Today, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the Japanese celebrate the Star Festival (or Tanabata). For one day only, wishes, hopes, poetry and dreams are written onto colourful streamers and tied to trees. What would you write on a streamer today?
Let there be rainbows?
8. Artemesia Gentileschi was born today in 1593 – an incredibly famous artist in her time, she is only now becoming better known. Have you ever seen any of her works?
I think so? I had to look her up, but her paintings are familiar. Particularly the one featured in the New Yorker. (I've been to a lot of art galleries and museums in my lifetime, but I can't always remember the names of the artists. I live in NY, and in the 1980s, I spent a summer in London, during which time - I hand wrote a lot of papers in art museums (they were cool and quiet and not that far from where we were staying) - my favorites were the National Gallery and the Victorian & Albert. This was before computers and lap-tops, all we had was an electronic typewriter, white out, and pens.
The Guardian article on her - shows some of her paintings
****
Today was in the mid 80s(20sC), but felt like the 90s (30sC) with the humidity, which was around 80-90%. It was akin to walking through a sauna.
Occasionally it would rain. The air hung heavy, and I found it hard to breath? So I didn't take any long walks today.
Debating taking Friday off - but honestly, it's supposed to be a nice day, and I'm more likely to take a long walk at work than at home?
I need to schedule a dental appointment, a mammogram, and alas a hair cut.
(I'm procrastinating for various reasons not worth going into.) It requires scheduling around work - although work does provide four hours for cancer screening.(Just need to provide proof of it).
The towels and pillow I ordered from Brooklynlinen arrived. I got two waffle bath towels, and two waffle hand towels in blue. They are very soft, and light weight. Different from what I'm used to. And a Marlow Pillow - which is adjustable, and suppose to be cooling and provide more support for better sleep. I'm hoping it helps with the insomina - and neck issues.
Hopefully the pre-assembled book shelf that I bought on sale at Wayfair, and is allegedly being delivered on Tuesday will arrive without incident, and without me - having to be home to receive it. (They called today - thinking I was a business, uhm no, I ordered it for my home. Not for business purposes at all. (I wonder if this is a New York thing? People keep thinking I'm a business, I am not a business.) I don't buy furniture for my workplace, construction/design/and engineering services change orders - yes, furniture, no.)
For dinner - I picked up some sushi. I'm doing it with a light salad, I think. I don't feel much like cooking.
***
Working my way through Remarkable Bright Creatures and wondering what all the hoopla is about it? It came recommended by folks on a book site on FB as a comforting read (it's not), and it's highly rec'd on Smart Bitches. Also been highly rated elsewhere. I've found it to be plodding, and I'm struggling to get through it. Been doing a lot of skimming. And the characters - are beginning to annoy me, the writer does all sorts of things to keep the characters from connecting and finding out stuff. It's beginning to feel rather contrived, and frustrating. I can feel the writer struggling to bring them together - and not quite knowing how.
Also it meanders and rambles a lot. There's a lot of repetition and navel gazing, and internal whining. I don't find it comforting at all. Yet, alas, I can't give up on it? I want to see how the writer resolves it? Also I keep trying to figure out why folks recommended it as a comfort read/happy book?
I'm in a bad reading slump folks. I need a book with good witty/quippy dialogue, and suspense, a page turner. And I'm not finding it? (Well except for the Graphic Audio Dramatizations of Illona Andrews Kate Daniels books (9 and 10), which I'd forgotten the plots of - for the most part.)
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
