This is exacerbated by the number of devices that remain unprotected.
Mobile security solutions providers are already struggling with the practices of many clients through their BYOD initiatives – which are becoming increasingly common – but a new report has indicated that the problem is growing on a large number of levels.
The report indicates that cybersecurity threats have taken off over the last two years, particularly in smartphones.
The study was conducted by Juniper Research Ltd., a firm based in the United Kingdom, and indicated that mobile security threats have taken off over the last couple of years and despite that fact, the majority of smartphones still remain nearly entirely unprotected.
This is because mobile security threats are starting to change in their primary focus.
Although cyber criminals had initially transferred their focus from PCs to mobile devices for consumers, they are starting to concentrate on the enterprise space to a growing degree. By the end of this year, it is expected that there will be one million types of mobile malware that will be thriving by the end of 2013.
In fact, the analysts at Juniper determined that over 80 percent of all consumer and enterprise owned smartphones will continue to be unprotected throughout the remainder of the year, despite the large exposure and considerable threat of malware. The slow mobile security protection is the result of low awareness among device users to the vulnerabilities, and the overall perception that these devices are too expensive to protect.
These findings were published in Juniper's "Mobile Security: BYOD, mCommerce, Consumer &Enterprise 2013-2018" report. Within that report, Juniper divided the online landscape for mobile security threats down into various different segments. Approximately 70 percent of the threats were found to be able to steal a smartphone owner's personal data that is stored on the device. An additional 20 percent of these types of malware are forms of adware and spyware that need the permission of the user for installation and that then proceed to collect device location, personal data, or usage behavior.
Though the mobile security situation may look bad, the report did indicate that there is a growth in awareness and that this is beginning to have an impact on the attitudes and behaviors of device users in securing their gadgets.


Luck is an outdated concept when it comes to poker. If you think luck has anything to do it you might as well head off to the casino and start playing slots; that will teach you where luck gets you in life. Winning at poker takes three things—the right mindset, money management skills, and proper poker training.
Poker is all about mindset, and the proper mindset to have is a thirst for knowledge. Any smart player knows winning strategies can be learned. Success is not beyond reach if you are willing to open your mind.
Once you decide to get serious, your entire focus should be on learning. Don't think about luck at your games. Don't even think about winning. Every hand you play is another chance to learn more. This game is very fluid and it is easy to get swept away, but hold on to that learning mindset and never let it go completely.
Learning is absolutely what you are doing at the table, but that doesn't mean you have the luxury of getting carried away on your "education." Learn proper money management, and take it to every game with you. Your learning process should not cost you a fortune.
You need to set up a bankroll specifically for playing poker. This is money you never touch for anything else, and you certainly should never be digging into other funds or bank accounts to supply your bankroll, not on a whim anyhow.
In the beginning you will probably have to resupply your bankroll a few times, but this should be a conscious decision with a lot of forethought involved. A serious poker player is very serious about money.
The most important thing besides the right mindset and money management is proper poker training. This is a new concept in the poker world and something you may not have considered, but poker training has become more and more a part of the game.
Mostly, it is because today's players are more savvy. While in the old days, poker was a game you just started playing with friends at the bar and eventually got hooked, now people know they want to play poker on a serious level before they ever play a hand. After seeing on television how others are making a killing, they get carried away by the action before experiencing it for themselves.
So why would they not get poker training to take them straight to a level where they can compete and start making an income? It makes perfect sense, really. And the best part is that a good training program will cover the first two elements of a strong poker player as well. So, kill three birds with one stone by finding a good program, investing your time, and learning as much as you can about what it takes to win.


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Release date:May 14, 2010
Studio:Universal Pictures
Director:Ridley Scott
MPAA Rating:PG-13 (for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content)
Screenwriters:Ethan Reiff, Cyrus Voris, Brian Helgeland, Paul Webb, Tom Stoppard
Starring:Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Matthew Macfadyen, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Lea Seydoux, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Danny Huston, Max von Sydow
Genre:Action, Adventure
Official website:RobinHoodthemovie.com
Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as the legendary figure known by generations as "Robin Hood," whose exploits have endured in popular mythology and ignited the imagination of those who share his spirit of adventure and righteousness. In 13th century England, Robin and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power. And whether thief or hero, one man from humble beginnings will become an eternal symbol of freedom for his people. "Robin Hood" chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett), a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marion and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff. With their country weakened from decades of war, embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from afar, Robin and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure. This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return glory to England once more.
By CS On July 29, 2018
Robin Hood (4K UHD)
By Coming Soon On June 4, 2014
By Edward Douglas On May 10, 2011
The Weekend Warrior: May 13 – 15
Bridesmaids, Priest, City of Life and Death, Everything Must Go
By Edward Douglas On December 24, 2010
The Weekend Warrior's "Top 25" of 2010
What movie topped the annual list?
By Coming Soon On September 21, 2010
Robin Hood (2-Disc Unrated Director's Cut)
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Is It Normal to Have a Crush When You're in a Relationship?
Nov 1, 2017 . Certain (annoying) people love to brag about how they tell their partner . A spoiler: Having little crushes on people, even when you're in the.
Sep 20, 2018 . If you have a crush on someone, why not make a playlist of pop, rock, .. He needs to know whether he's alone in this little love affair or if just.
My last real crush was on a boy at school named Jason. . an end and it seemed like everyone was confessing their undying love to someone. . Crushes are fun for a moment, then maybe a tiny bit heartbreaking, but they eventually go away.
Should You Open Your Relationship If You Have A Crush On .
May 1, 2017 . I love this man so much, and he loves me, and we have a great . Anyone in your position would probably develop a little crush in return.
Is there a word or expression for a small crush on someone .
I had a little crush on you when I first met you . . puppy love; hold in high regard; take a shine to; have a soft spot for; have a strong fondness for.
Oct 22, 2015 . When you're in a relationship, developing a crush on someone else can . our preferences, we often have little control over the things we think and feel. .. I'm afraid if I tell you, you'll get upset and will question my love for you.
Feb 1, 2014 . . denial of them! With these 15 signs you'll know for sure if it truly is a crush. . is not a conversation. *Pick up an apple* Oh he loves apple, maybe I should get some for him. . Some would have a minor "heart attack". 15.gif.
Sep 27, 2013 . It broke your heart a little when you discovered on Facebook that he got married, even . A Boy's First Crush: A Love Story to Melt Your Heart.
What is the difference between love and a crush? Is it true that .
Dec 20, 2014 . If yo think that he/she is impeccable, perfect and the best match for you within a small period of time, it seems as you have a crush. On the other hand, if you.
There's an Awesome Stage Between "Like" and "Love," and This Is .
Apr 15, 2015 . It's too soon for those three small words and yet, if things stay as smoothly as . around love, and what we do have is imprecise: There's a crush,.
How Real Women Handled Having a Crush on Someone Other .
Dec 23, 2016 . Being married to the love of your life doesn't mean you stop noticing other men. Here's how to handle the confusing situation.
Young Love: Everyone Can Relate to This First Crush Story .
Jul 23, 2017 . When Judi was 13, a handsome, guitar-playing British boy moved into her neighbor—which is basically every teenage girl's fantasy.
May 25, 2016 . Summer crush season is upon us, and these four strategies can help . among strangers can ignite feelings of liking and loving (Kellerman et.
Feb 29, 2016 . You've had them since you were young enough to pull pigtails over them, and . But we're all adults and can see a crush for what it is: a fun and . You love them and should be able to tell them anything, but that's doesn't.
Nov 15, 2014 . Deep down inside I think we are in love. .. I do have a small time crush on him.but I don't want to implement it...my parents wouldn't like it.
. for Him or Her. Having a crush on someone is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. . The fate of love is that it always seems too little or too much.
Is Having A Crush Cheating? 7 Questions To Ask Yourself When .
Apr 9, 2015 . I love my boyfriend (we'll call him Trevor) deeply, and I think we have . I've had other little crushes at different points in the last three years, and.
Know what a crush is. Urban Dictionary defines a crush as "a burning desire to be with someone who you find very attractive and extremely special." Crushes.
When Having A Crush While In A Relationship Is OK (And When It's .
Mar 27, 2018 . There's a big difference between an innocent crush and emotional infidelity. . movies, but the crush loves movies and wants to talk about them all the time. . that you spend a little time reflecting on why you're crushing on this.
Communicating With Your Crush . Talk to him/her on a regular basis making small talk, but occasionally.
The Upside of a Crush—Even If You're in a Committed Relationship .
Crushing on someone (at any age) can feel equal parts awkward and exciting, . Eros stretches his cherubic little bow, and, seemingly out of nowhere, . fire may be pointing to parts of yourself you wish you were more in love with/in touch with.
Dec 5, 2014 . 16 Things That Happen When You've Had A Crush On Someone Forever . And you're a little embarrassed for people to find out just how hard you . Not because you think you'll love them forever, but because you feel like.
Crushes are a little bit like the romantic love adults feel toward one another. And in a way, a crush can help us think about the kind of person that we want to love.
They call it a crush because it crushes your soul and everything you stand for . wear away so don't jump into conclusions and mistake a silly crush for love.
Oct 20, 2017 . Read these tips on how to get over a crush! . Do you feel amazing after talking to them or do you leave feeling a little empty? Are you trying to get their attention . Love and even ~like~ can be complicated AF. If you feel like.


Poseidon, Greek God of the Ocean known for his Fearsome Power, used his Powerful Trident to stir up Tidal Waves, Tsunamis, and Sea Storms. He was also known as "The Earth Shaker" because when he struck the earth in anger he caused mighty earthquakes and volcanoes. In our Original design, the trident is the shape of a Titanic Kraken [Giant Squid]; a naturally intelligent and flexible creature having the Magical Powers of Water ….Fluid, Intuitive, and Creative.
The Kraken's ability to change color and disappear into a cloud of black ink gives this creature a Mystique of Magic, Wonder, and Transformation. Krakens do not have a spine which accounts for their agility, grace and flexibility. Without much of a solid structure, they're free to "go with the flow." A Squid, as a Spiritual Totem Guide, is a reminder to loosen up, let go of old and calcified habits, and to try something new. The squid's ability to disengage a limb when under attack earns it the right to stand as a symbol of "jettisoning excess baggage!" It reminds us that our life's journey moves forward when we continue with only what we truly need.
SKU: 412-004 Categories: Ancient Symbols, Weapons.


We provide aquatic management services for residential and commercial customers across Seattle area.
If you have any of these features , talk to us.
These features are very relaxing and unique, but minimal or no care can have the exact opposite effect. Aquatic landscape features require care and maintenance in order to stop buildup and prevent dirty water, insects, bad smell, algae growth, weeds and more. We can manage and maintain your feature to keep it beautiful and headache free.
Our Water Feature professionals arrive at your property on time, uniformed, and in marked white Ford trucks. We are professional, and we carefully screen all of our employees. We value integrity, honesty, and professional excellence. Making your property shine all the seasons of the year is important to us.


Strong, deadlocking, internally-glazed windows and doors are a massive deterrent to any burglar at a time when break-ins are on the increase. Any unwelcome visitors will almost certainly go elsewhere when faced with the rigorously-tested hardware that we use. All windows feature five-point multipoint locking systems and all doors the six-point system.
With a wide range of style options, your home's appearance can be greatly improved, to your own taste, be it a period house or a contemporary living space. Sleek new windows, with matching sills if required, bring a feeling of light, space and elegance which will also boost the value of your property. Owners of traditional properties will be particularly impressed with our vertical sliding sash windows which are Georgian in appearance and help houses retain their character as well as adding security, ease of cleaning and attention to period detailing such as decorative horns and appropriate hardware.
Our highly-skilled installers will fit only top-quality products, which apart from their security and looks are also designed to be durable and reassuringly low-maintenance. Of course, all of our products are guaranteed for that extra peace of mind.
With well over twenty years' experience in supplying windows, doors and conservatories to the greater Cardiff area, we at Homepride Windows are proud of our achievements, believing our success is based on our refreshingly different approach to business. Not only do we insist upon using the finest products in the industry but we also treat customers as individuals.
Unlike many of our competitors, we never use high-pressure sales techniques and neither do we employ salespeople on a commission-only basis. Our small, family business therefore means you get a personal service: from the signing of your order at the outset through to the after-sales stage, Ian will be directly responsible for the smooth running of your installation.
This new website therefore reflects our awareness of the need to keep up with the latest developments, for example how much do upvc patio doors cost? and our continuing commitment to customer satisfaction.


We now have a team of 5 people: ' ' Cap, ' ' Eddi, ' ' error, ' ' ExTeC, ' ' Mika.
The players of our team did a championships 27 and 27JJ.
We have a channel in RusNet: #27.
18-02-2008 07:25 <ExTeC> In a reality, our team consists from five kuskis: Cap, ElmaStaR, ExTeC, Mika, mikas.
01-05-2008 17:31 <Coc0k> go sacred cup team!
08-05-2008 19:41 <ExTeC> Grats, Mika!
11-05-2008 18:28 <Coc0k> go next lev!
08-06-2008 14:26 <ExTeC> OK! ;) In Cap we trust!
11-06-2008 09:49 <ExTeC> In second part of "27" we trust too!
10-05-2010 04:20 <ExTeC> New teamsite adress!
Last modification: 2. Feb 2018, 20:10 UTC. Page generation in 0.0176 seconds.


Starting today, Wednesday posts will feature a close-up of a particular resource, tool, or lesson plan. This week's resource is the Bodleian Library's exhibition Shelley's Ghost.
At the website you will find images of letters, drafts, portraits, and items owned by the Shelleys as well as multimedia such as podcasts (Harriet Westbrook Shelley's suicide note is particularly chilling). They also include lesson ideas for teachers.
You can also find their competition entrants (yours truly included) discussing what the Shelleys' and Godwins' work means to them. This website is a fascinating collection of information, resources, and media that will help your students studying poetry or British literature learn more about this fascinating family.
Full disclosure: Because only three contestants entered the competition, all three of us were awarded the prize: a copy of Shelley's Ghost: Reshaping the Image of a Literary Family by Stephen Hebron and Elizabeth C. Denlinger.
I hope the Bodleian will make the website a permanent exhibit.


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Home / Cricket / World Cup 2019: Kohli, Dhoni and Co try new fielding drill ahead of tournament opener - Watch
World Cup 2019: Kohli, Dhoni and Co try new fielding drill ahead of tournament opener - Watch
ICC World Cup: In a video shared by the BCCI on its Twitter handle, the Indian squad is seen taking part in a new fielding drill.
Indian players involved in a fielding drill during a practice session.(Twitter/BCCI)
While the ICC World Cup got underway on Thursday with a match between England and South Africa in London, Team India were busy preparing themselves for their opening game against the Proteas, which is still 6 days away.
Virat Kohli and his team registered an easy win in their second warm-up match against Bangladesh and are now busy getting in top shape for their opener. In a video shared by the BCCI on its Twitter handle, the Indian squad is seen taking part in a new fielding drill.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli bowls in the nets, Twitterati term him India's '6th bowling option' - WATCH
"What's happening in @coach_rsridhar's new fielding drill? Find out here," BCCI wrote on the social media site.
What's happening in @coach_rsridhar's new fielding drill? Find out here 😎👌 #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/y3Ffc60PVW
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 30, 2019
Fielding coach R Sridhar shed more light on what exactly was going on. "We had a very interesting fielding session today. The theme of the session was direct hits," Sridhar said.
"Focus was on the boys to hit the (wickets) non-striker's end and initially we started with the drill called round the clock where we have 6 different fielding positions and they had to hit the stumps 20 times."
The session also included some inputs from the coach on the technical aspect behind getting direct hits.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni stops bowler, sets field for Bangladesh while batting, twitter erupts - Watch
"After that drill we came back to a technical session where I had the opportunity to explain to the boys the importance of having a good arm path to give yourself a good chance of hitting the stumps. After they understood the importance of the arm path we had a little game where the players had to hit the stumps," the fielding coach added.
"Those who didn't hit the stumps would have to come back again and again and finally we had only one person who couldn't get a direct hit...the boys were rolling on the floor laughing and it was a lot of fun. But the main thing was to give some technical knowledge about direct hits," Sridhar signed off.
World Cup ICC World Cup BCCI Virat Kohli R Sridhar Team India + 4 more


Come enjoy a relaxing tea party with your family right before the busyness of Thanksgiving begins! We'll sip homemade herbal tea, munch on a few snacks and read some festive stories. Everyone will get to create their own herbal tea blend to take home and enjoy.


Olivia Leigh has firmly established herself as one of the UK's leading solo artiste performers over the last decade. Olivia's unique singing style and talent along with her very impressive range and natural look, has allowed Olivia to cater to all clients needs within her chosen field. This in turn has enabled Olivia to perform for private, corporate and international clients and provide for the specific needs of the client.
Olivia like Adele can command and take the stage by storm and given such ability, talent and sound that her tribute to Adele is unique. Olivia's uncanny resemblance and singing voice guarantees an Adele Tribute Night of the highest quality. Olivia's Adele tribute Features songs from Adele's Album 21 which spent ten weeks in number one position and also Adele's debut album 19.
Olivia Leigh performs a 1 x 60 mins tribute set.
However if 2 sets are required a 1 x 45 mins tribute set & 1 x 45 mins cabaret/party set can also be accomodated.


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itbusinessedge > Blogs > Infrastructure > Vendors Chart Their Courses to Cloud Dominance
Vendors Chart Their Courses to Cloud Dominance
By Arthur Cole, Posted December 16, 2014
Who is in the best position to capitalize on the enterprise desire to build its own cloud?
The Top Skills Hiring Managers Want from Cloud Professionals
It seems that the cloud has become such a common facet of the enterprise that the industry is starting to refer to it is a standard mode of data center functionality rather than an exotic new technology poised to upend everything we know about infrastructure.
And as such, it is natural to wonder who is going to dominate this new state of being, or indeed, will anyone?
Time Warner's Navisite research arm recently released its latest survey highlighting many of the same trends that have been illuminated in the past: Namely, cloud adoption is growing but security and compliance remain top issues, particularly when weighing in-house solutions against public services. Most telling, however, is the finding that one-third of organizations have moved at least half of their workloads to the cloud, primarily to IaaS infrastructure deployed on private resources. For the traditional data center vendor community, this is about the best news that has come along in a while because it indicates that there will still be a diverse, vibrant, customer base even as hyperscale infrastructure emerges as a key component of the data ecosystem.
The question then becomes, who is in the best position to capitalize on the enterprise desire to build its own cloud? According to Synergy Research Group, the chief rivalry is shaping up to be HP vs. Cisco. Both companies are aggressively targeting the cloud infrastructure space, and both have the resources to make life miserable for the other. At the moment, Cisco has about 15 percent of the market while HP is close behind at 13 percent, although when you parse the data the picture is a bit more mixed. Cisco, naturally, has the lead in networking solutions while HP is tops in servers, and both are vying aggressively for each other's turf.
Meanwhile, IBM is taking a completely different tack by shedding its server hardware line so it can concentrate more on the service side of the cloud. Analytics is now a top priority at the company in that it allows the enterprise to make more efficient use of both hardware and the software-based architectures that are emerging in the cloud. No matter how much we talk about "the" cloud, most organizations will incorporate many clouds, both internal and external, so IBM has set its sights on workload analysis and automation as a means to seamlessly shift workloads across disparate infrastructures.
Of course, we shouldn't forget Microsoft in all this. In a way, the company has an easier time than most considering that software is a lot more flexible than hardware when it comes to tapping into new markets. In Microsoft's case, the company is doing its best to leverage its installed Windows base for the Azure cloud, and we would probably be talking about a new era for Redmond if Amazon hadn't gotten out of the gate first. Still, the company needs to walk a fine line between developing new cloud services and infrastructure and losing its hold on legacy systems due to poorly planned upgrades (ahem, Vista).
It seems clear, though, that even in the cloud, many of today's data infrastructure providers will continue to be the primary drivers of innovation. This isn't to say that some intriguing startups won't be in the mix, but infrastructure will remain a complex and convoluted undertaking, both on the hardware and software level, and many an enterprise will find a technology partnership with an experienced vendor highly desirable, even in the cloud.
Arthur Cole writes about infrastructure for IT Business Edge. Cole has been covering the high-tech media and computing industries for more than 20 years, having served as editor of TV Technology, Video Technology News, Internet News and Multimedia Weekly. His contributions have appeared in Communications Today and Enterprise Networking Planet and as web content for numerous high-tech clients like TwinStrata, Carpathia and NetMagic.
SEE ALL INFRASTRUCTURE ARTICLES
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Nicole Schuck - Kranich Museum & Hotel
Kranich Museum & Hotel
Conferences and courses
Stay in the Museum
Nicole Schuck
Schuck's work focuses on the themes of nature and wild animals as well as human habitats. Drawings and telling-performances and -walks are used to create alternative worlds that open up new perspectives. For example, in her large-scale drawings, she combines fragments of landscape, road networks, and animals. She uses both documentary and fictional materials; both the real and the imagined. The exchange and cooperation with scientists, in particular with biologists, zoologists, and other "nature" experts represents an important part of her work.
Slate-grey
Graphit auf Beton, 2013 (currently exhibited in the museum)
The drawing was specifically developed for the large hall of the Museum, whose surrounding region provides optimal conditions for cranes to rest and feed. The nearby fields and marshes are dominated visually and acoustically by them for a few weeks a year. This event was observed by the artist during her residency and translated into these drawings. Fragments of a Grus grus (crane) are drawn directly onto the floor. An eye and then parts of the plumage are interwoven with the road map of Hessenburg and its surrounding area to juxtapose habituated movements of humans and cranes.
Umkehrzüge
2012 (currently exhibited in the hotel)
© 2020–2023 Kranich Museum & Hotel


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my frank sinatra moment...part 2
Hey peeps. A few weeks ago I started to tell you the tale of writing my first novel. I shared the story of Benji, the Patron Saint of English Departments, and how she inspired a series of revelations that would make me realize how futile and depressing it is to write what other people want you to write instead of what you actually want to write.
Today, I'll finish that story in today's post and give you a peek into what the early stages of potentially publishing a book look like.
After my first disheartening novel-writing process, I tossed my forced, people-pleasing book into a dark drawer and, thanks to Vivian, wrote one that I liked instead (you can learn more about my perfected writing process here, if you're interested in that part.) Once the writing was done (it took about nine months), I started sending queries to literary agents. A "query" is basically just a pitch that includes different elements depending on who you're sending it to and what they want. Usually. it looks like this:
Dear Agent,
Hello! My name is Carmen, and I think you might be interested in my inspirational romance novel. It's a modern, feminine twist on Rocky that vividly depicts the exciting world of women in mixed marital arts.
[Story description -- Sorry, I can't include my exact wording here because I can't give anything away yet! But feel free to reach out to me if you want help with crafting a story summary. It's harder than you think.]
Coronet is 85,000 words, and it will be my debut novel. The manuscript is complete. So far, my writing credentials include sports fiction in Witness Magazine (nominated for the PEN Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers), a sports nonfiction piece in Hobart Pulp, and freelance work for the women's magazine, Expressions (including a piece about female mixed martial artists.) I earned my Master's in English Literature and Creative Writing in 2015.
Thank you for considering my work! Please let me know if you'd like to read more.
But, like most things, you should tailor your query to the individual you're sending it to. If you think that Agent X might like your book because she said on her blog that she likes "domestic thrillers with strong female voices," then you'll want to highlight those aspects in your query. Thankfully, most agents are pretty clear about what they want and how they want it sent to them. The hardest task is just finding the ones who will be the best fit. For that, I recommend signing up for emails from Authors Publish, or just search for "[genre] agent" on Google.
Note: You can also send your query to publishers. Some don't require that you have an agent.
So, anyway, I did that 27 times total. Which sounds like a lot, but I know people who have sent queries to many, many more. My strategy was to send it to five people a week for a month. Then, whenever I received a rejection, I sent it to someone new. Something you should definitely do is keep track of who you send it to and how the status changes. Your list could look like this:
Submitted to Awesome Books Agency, Mr. Agent, on 6.24.19 via Submittable (query and full manuscript)
Non-Active
Submitted to ABC Publishing on 5.1.19 via email (query and three chapters), declined on 8.4.19
When I started querying agents, I cast my net pretty wide, but the more I thought about myself as a writer and my overall content, the more I realized I wanted a Christian agent, so that helped to narrow my options. I know it seems daunting to find these strangers on the internet, but thankfully many writers have gone before you and compiled lots of lists of "Agent Type." Romance agents, Christian agents, Sci-Fi Agents -- you name it, that list is out there. They might not be accepting submissions when you find them, but you can always add them to your list of potential people to query.
Anyway, about two months after I sent a query to a publisher, I FINALLY got a non-rejection! A publisher wrote back and said they needed more time to think about it. Not a yes, but not a no, either. So you know what I did? I emailed the twenty-plus other people who I was still waiting to hear from and let them know. And suddenly, things started to happen.
An agent wanted to talk on the phone.
Another wanted to follow up in a couple weeks.
And one more wanted to read the rest of the manuscript.
And, obviously, I was over the moon. I listened to "The Final Bell" and danced around my living room because FINALLY things were happening and it looked like someone might really want my book.
From there, a month passed with phone calls and lots of emails (and a few more nicely-worded rejections from other agents who bowed out of the race), and I ultimately received two offers. I was fortunate enough to know a couple lawyers who were willing to give me free advice on what to negotiate for myself as I considered the two contracts, but I'll save that for another blog post. Most importantly, I took a weekend to pray about it, and the right choice became extremely clear.
I'd sent a query to Golden Wheat Literary back in May, and I signed with them in early October. I chose them because 1. the agent loved my book, 2. she loved me (even the scary, controversial bits!), and 3. and I love their vision. As I was praying during my decision-making process, God made it clear to me how valuable it was to find an agent who would take me as I am and help me become the writer that I want to be, not who the world wants me to be.
Frank Sinatra's famous song, "My Way," came to mind. When I visited New York two years ago for that harrowing pitch slam, I'd listened to that song on the plane to get in a New York state of mind, but it wasn't until I chose Golden Wheat that I really had a "my way" moment.
I realized: I can be who God created me to be -- my truest self -- or I can form myself in the fickle, ever-changing images of the world (who, it turns out, is often far more demanding than God is). I'd spent a quite a few years as a writer trying to do the latter, thinking that would bring me the success and satisfaction that I wanted. But it didn't.
It's still hard to believe or understand sometimes, but Jesus was telling the truth when He said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
Despite all my doubts, God gave me the gift of writing, and He gave the gift of an agent who will fight my corner with me -- and to Him I am grateful for my newfound freedom and this happy beginning.
#nanowrimo #writelife #howtoquery #ChristianWriters
the apology you've all been waiting for
things to pray about pt. 3 (weakness)


Minmaxing Life » Preparing for the Tokyo Game Show.
Preparing for the Tokyo Game Show.
In Tokyo, getting ready to attend the TGS.
I'm mainly here to find a japanese publisher for our upcoming Nintendo DS game. I'm also trying to get a better understanding of the japanese people since my team and I are thinking of making a game that could only work here (at least initially).
Anyways, it's a fair enough reason to stay an extra week after TGS but mostly, it would be crazy going so far only to attend a trade show. Right?


There is a new grill house in town – Chef T Texas Barbeque which is owned and run by a local chef, Tamuka "Chef T" Gwatidzo.
Tamuka is a qualified chef who loves to experiment with meals that are out of the norm. He initially studied political science and it was during this time when he started cooking for his friends over the weekends as a way of entertaining them. This actually became his thing and it is what drove him to attend culinary school to learn more tricks and basics on food presentation. The rest is history for him.
The restaurant opened recently in Avondale at 49 Cork Road, just off King George Avenue. If you're unfamiliar with the Avondale area, you might have a hard time finding this place. It is easily accessible with public transport and secure parking is available outside the restaurant gate for those who will be driving. The place has a very relaxing atmosphere and guests have the option to choose to sit on couches, tables, garden chairs or by the bar.
Chef T's menu offers a variety of burger options with the most popular ones being the "Pookie Burger" which is a noodle burger and the "Chef T Double Layer Burger". All meals are served with a side of onion rings and chips or a garden salad. Other notable main courses include the the grilled chicken with barbeque sauce which also comes with onion rings, chips and a salad. Perfect for sharing!
Chef T's place also holds karaoke nights every Wednesday from 7pm and has an interesting event every other day. If or when you do visit Chef T's Texas Barbeque, please do share your experience with us by commenting below.


An envisioned brand concept was developed for a fictitious organisation called Orangutan Preservation. The logomark depicts a stylised orangutan created using a drop of oil. The oil drop references palm oil, and more generally, how palm oil plantations have contributed to the loss of habitat and subsequently the orangutan species. The use of orange references the species as well as more generic notions of freedom linked to the cause, while brown connects to life, earth and habitat.


On nights like Thursday night, it feels like it's the very mountains that are keeping us down. No matter how high we climb, it's never quite high enough.
Very few people outside the state of West Virginia know that the Mountaineers are the winningest college program without a national championship. But West Virginians? We feel it acutely, like the last breath of winter slicing through the trees, like the numb feeling after a Mountaineer loss.
My father will never get to see WVU win a national championship. On a cold morning last fall, two days into hunting season and two days before Thanksgiving, his heart stopped.
Maybe it was the thousands of miles he had walked along the trout streams of the Monongahela National Forest. Maybe it was the passion with which he devoted himself to the city of Elkins and his friends, family and neighbors. Maybe it was the countless times his heart had skipped a beat worrying about the Mountaineers at the end of a close game. Maybe it was just time.
He took his last breath under the canopy of a deer blind, with the golden light of day driving away the dawn along the hillside below him. He was only 64, but it was a fitting close to the life of a Mountaineer.
I thought about my dad a lot while watching the game. How he would have jumped out of his chair – shouting "yeah!" – when we went up by three after the break. How he would have slapped his hands together and muttered "shoot" when Gonzaga went up, stretching out the "shhhhh" like a curtain drawing close.
This past year was hard. A close friend from high school succumbed to the depression that had plagued him since childhood — an occurrence, like heart disease, that is far too common in the state. A win, in some ineffable way, would have felt like a defeat over that darkness.
I understand intellectually, perhaps, how ridiculous it is to put this emotional baggage on a basketball team. But the Mountaineers aren't just another basketball team and WVU isn't just another school. It has roots. I went there; my father went there; his father went there. My great-uncle played basketball with Charlie Huggins, who went on to be a great coach in Ohio and father to the current WVU coach. My uncle played football with Joe Manchin, who went on to be our U.S. Senator. The school, like the state, is a part of me, just as WVU is interwoven into the fabric of the state like no other college in the country.
With so many panhandles and regional quirks, the school is a unifying force in a state stretched in so many directions. Those of us who grew up there know it's three, four, maybe five states in one, while others don't even know we're a state at all (is that near Richmond?). For those of us driven away by the lack of opportunity, who long for country roads to take them home (there's a reason every great song about the state is written through a rear view mirror), Mountaineer sports provide that momentary connection. In a state that has seen such economic distress while enduring a hundred years of condescension and belittling stereotypes, WVU's athletic success over wealthier, more pedigreed schools is the comeuppance we so desire, even as that one big win eludes us.
Our shared love of — and continual frustration with — WVU athletics was a cornerstone of my relationship with my father, as it is with so many sons and fathers in the state. I can remember Tony Caridi's golden voice crackling out of an old radio while we shucked beans on our back porch. I can remember calling him from the stadium to shout over the din of a crowd singing "Country Roads" arm-in-arm after Pat White and Steve Slaton stunned Louisville in a triple overtime win in 2005. And I can remember calling him on Skype while living in London to lament that horrible football loss to Pitt in 2007 — the closest we had ever come to playing in a national championship in my memory.
He was proud of WVU despite its losses, proud of the state despite understanding its flaws, proud to call himself a Mountaineer despite the destruction we inflicted on its mountains and his beloved streams. In a state blighted first by industry and then by its exit, it sometimes feels like hope and pride are too much to ask.
The Mountaineers made us proud.
Coach Huggins, one of the great coaches in the sport, prepared the team well just a short time removed from a heart-related scare of his own and WVU gave the country one of the best basketball games of the year. It was ugly and beautiful, excruciating and thrilling. Javon Carter seemed at times like a one-man offensive barrage against an entire army of blue and red. Nathan Adrian ended his career doing what he did best, diving out of bounds for a loose ball, creating something out of nothing, reminding us again that putting in the hard work and effort can pay off for a hometown boy. And Sags [Sagaba Konate] had the most beautiful block I've ever seen – Chris Webber sounded so excited I thought he was going to jump from out behind the announcers' booth and sub in for Elijah Macon just to get in on the action.
And yet, despite our best efforts, the state will have to wait another year for a national championship. It will have to wait another year for a lot of things: a better economy, an end to the opioid epidemic, that maddening last section of Corridor H. But the grit, the determination, and, yes, the heart the team showed in the face of a more talented and higher ranked squad made us all a little prouder to call ourselves West Virginians.
More importantly — and this is perhaps the essence of what makes WVU matter so much to this state – the team gave us hope.
I know if my dad were alive, I would have gotten a call after the game. After recounting the highlights, he would have told me the team played a great game and the players should be proud of themselves.
Seth Gainer (@SethGainer) is a business consultant and former staffer to Senator Jay Rockefeller. He lives in Washington, D.C. but still calls Elkins home. He hates that his new D.C. plates get him tickets driving those country roads.


text:
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Lovnad is a Norwegian startup founded by a team with a strong background from the legal and technology industry.
Fredrik Hollen
Before founding Lovnad, Fredrik worked with business development in Wiersholm, where he contributed to the firm's digital transformation. He holds an MBA from EAE Business School and BI Norwegian Business School, and has also worked as a business controller in Egmont.
Håkon Hultman Tømte
Håkon is a former lawyer, with over six years of experience from the law firm Føyen Torkildsen. He holds a Master of Laws degree from UiO, with courses from Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology, and has held trainee positions at several of Norway's largest full-service law firms.
Tobias Waaler
Prior to Lovnad, Tobias worked for NRK as a developer with nrk.no and recommendation algorithms. He started his career as an IT consultant in Bekk, and holds a master's degree in informatics from UiO.
Ørjan Breimo Helstrøm
Ørjan has been developing websites and applications for some of Norway's largest corporations and government agencies as an IT consultant in Bekk, and holds a master's degree in informatics from NTNU.
hei@lovnad.no
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text:
from django.conf.urls import url, include
from django.contrib import admin
from django.contrib.auth import context_processors
from django.contrib.auth.forms import AuthenticationForm
from django.contrib.auth.urls import urlpatterns
from django.contrib.auth.views import password_reset, login
from django.contrib.auth.decorators import login_required
from django.contrib.messages.api import info
from django.http import HttpResponse, HttpRequest
from django.shortcuts import render_to_response
from django.template import Template, RequestContext
from django.views.decorators.cache import never_cache

class CustomRequestAuthenticationForm(AuthenticationForm):
    def __init__(self, request, *args, **kwargs):
        assert isinstance(request, HttpRequest)
        super(CustomRequestAuthenticationForm, self).__init__(request, *args, **kwargs)

@never_cache
def remote_user_auth_view(request):
    "Dummy view for remote user tests"
    t = Template("Username is {{ user }}.")
    c = RequestContext(request, {})
    return HttpResponse(t.render(c))

def auth_processor_no_attr_access(request):
    render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_no_access.html',
        RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))
    # *After* rendering, we check whether the session was accessed
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_test_access.html',
        {'session_accessed': request.session.accessed})

def auth_processor_attr_access(request):
    render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_access.html',
        RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_test_access.html',
        {'session_accessed': request.session.accessed})

def auth_processor_user(request):
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_user.html',
        RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))

def auth_processor_perms(request):
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_perms.html',
        RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))

def auth_processor_perm_in_perms(request):
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_perm_in_perms.html',
        RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))

def auth_processor_messages(request):
    info(request, "Message 1")
    return render_to_response('context_processors/auth_attrs_messages.html',
         RequestContext(request, {}, processors=[context_processors.auth]))

def userpage(request):
    pass

def custom_request_auth_login(request):
    return login(request, authentication_form=CustomRequestAuthenticationForm)

# special urls for auth test cases
urlpatterns += [
    url(r'^logout/custom_query/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.logout', dict(redirect_field_name='follow')),
    url(r'^logout/next_page/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.logout', dict(next_page='/somewhere/')),
    url(r'^logout/next_page/named/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.logout', dict(next_page='password_reset')),
    url(r'^remote_user/$', remote_user_auth_view),
    url(r'^password_reset_from_email/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset', dict(from_email='staffmember@example.com')),
    url(r'^password_reset/custom_redirect/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset', dict(post_reset_redirect='/custom/')),
    url(r'^password_reset/custom_redirect/named/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset', dict(post_reset_redirect='password_reset')),
    url(r'^password_reset/html_email_template/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset', dict(html_email_template_name='registration/html_password_reset_email.html')),
    url(r'^reset/custom/(?P<uidb64>[0-9A-Za-z_\-]+)/(?P<token>[0-9A-Za-z]{1,13}-[0-9A-Za-z]{1,20})/$',
        'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset_confirm',
        dict(post_reset_redirect='/custom/')),
    url(r'^reset/custom/named/(?P<uidb64>[0-9A-Za-z_\-]+)/(?P<token>[0-9A-Za-z]{1,13}-[0-9A-Za-z]{1,20})/$',
        'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset_confirm',
        dict(post_reset_redirect='password_reset')),
    url(r'^password_change/custom/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_change', dict(post_change_redirect='/custom/')),
    url(r'^password_change/custom/named/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_change', dict(post_change_redirect='password_reset')),
    url(r'^admin_password_reset/$', 'django.contrib.auth.views.password_reset', dict(is_admin_site=True)),
    url(r'^login_required/$', login_required(password_reset)),
    url(r'^login_required_login_url/$', login_required(password_reset, login_url='/somewhere/')),

    url(r'^auth_processor_no_attr_access/$', auth_processor_no_attr_access),
    url(r'^auth_processor_attr_access/$', auth_processor_attr_access),
    url(r'^auth_processor_user/$', auth_processor_user),
    url(r'^auth_processor_perms/$', auth_processor_perms),
    url(r'^auth_processor_perm_in_perms/$', auth_processor_perm_in_perms),
    url(r'^auth_processor_messages/$', auth_processor_messages),
    url(r'^custom_request_auth_login/$', custom_request_auth_login),
    url(r'^userpage/(.+)/$', userpage, name="userpage"),

    # This line is only required to render the password reset with is_admin=True
    url(r'^admin/', include(admin.site.urls)),
]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
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About INN University
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Norsk nettside
Campus Blæstad
Campus Elverum
Campus Evenstad
Campus Hamar
Campus Lillehammer
Campus Rena
Decentralized campus Kongsvinger
Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology
Faculty of Audiovisual Media and Creative Technologies
Faculty of Social and Health Sciences
Inland School of Business and Social Sciences
Quality system for education
Security, emergency preparedness and crisis
Strategy 2021–2026
Teaching location Oslo
The Norwegian Film School
University accreditation
Work at INN University
About INN University > The Norwegian Film School
Get to know the faculty
The Norwegian Film School often receives the abbreviation DNF, and is located at Lillehammer and Oslo.
Our aim is to educate qualified professionals within the fields of film and related audiovisual art forms.
DNF offers future-oriented education that also safeguards the traditional craftsmanship found in individual subject areas.
In 1997, the Norwegian Film School opened its doors for the first time, and since then the school has graduated more than 350 film students.
Currently, The Norwegian Film School offers a three-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree, as well as a fellowship programme in artistic research.
The school has two campuses; the bachelor's degree programme is located in Lillehammer, while the master's degree programme, the fellowship programme and the continuing and further education programmes are located in Oslo.
The Norwegian Film School aims to develop each student's capacity for artistic expression and personal reflection on their field of study, as well as have a dynamic and leading position in international film education and contribute to the future development of our field of study.
Research at the faculty takes place primarily as artistic development work, often in close cooperation with the industry.
Admission takes place every two years, and the next admission to the master's degree is in 2022, while the next admission to the bachelor's degree is in the spring of 2023. All applicants must submit an assignment related to the specific discipline they apply for, and qualified applicants will then advance to an extensive round of further tests and interviews.
The average age when starting the bachelor's degree is 25 years, as it is difficult to secure a place and most applicants have experience and/or previous studies.
Both the bachelor and master programmes at the Norwegian Film School are full-time studies. Students are required to attend their studies in person because a lot of the teaching takes place in teams. Most of the teaching is practically oriented and students often collaborate across disciplines on the bachelor's degree, either the entire year group or selected disciplines.
The Norwegian Film School also has its own website:
Email: filmskolen@inn.no
Telephone: +47 612 88 550
Student administration at DNF
All DNF employees
Visiting address Lillehammer:
Vormstuguvegen 2, 2624 Lillehammer
Visiting address Oslo:
Sandakerveien 24C, Entrance C7 (by the Akerselva river),
Other teaching locations
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iZombie: Goon Struck
Wayland Smith / April 10, 2018
NOT one of Liv's better looks
With the reveal of zombies' existence and the takeover of Seattle, there are a lot of complicated things going on. This episode opens with some of the political ramifications of things, and what's essentially a zombie affirmative action program. The people fighting over it seem to be giving poor Peyton a headache, as she hears arguments about whether zombies should be allowed to be bus drivers. She handles it well, and is worried about the driver. While Peyton plays politics, the unlikely pair of Major and Don E are on a mysterious road trip with a less than willing passenger along for the ride.
Elsewhere, Liv, Clive, and Ravi are dealing with a multiple homicide. Their efforts are being hampered by a weird European detective who halfway seems like a parody of the Inspector Clouseau character from the Pink Panther movies. He calls it a hate crime, while Clive is leaning towards it being a professional hit. One of the victims proves to be a Canadian hockey player who is a designated goon on the ice, so we're in for more weirdness from Liv after she whips up another special dish. This also gives us the title, "Goon Struck."
Don E and Major make a stop and things look like they're going badly inside as Major pumps the gas. The crimefighting trio go to the hockey arena, and Liv's new quirks start coming out. Clive is vastly amused, and even calls Ravi to come watch the show. Liv does some brutal things on the ice as she channels her new hockey player self. One of the players, Patch, was a friend of the victim, and reveals that he's a zombie, too, so he knows how they're getting some of their information and why Liv is acting so much like his dead friend.
At Fillmore-Graves, the goofy inspector, who I'm having trouble finding a name for, drones on about his findings. Chase seems bored, and most aren't taking the man seriously. I wouldn't, either, I have to say. There's a lot of concern about a General Mills, an Army bigwig on the outside, who wants to solve the zombie issue by just nuking Seattle. Chase is also being pressured about Mama Lenoie, AKA Renegade, the coyote he had Blaine capture for him. Chase is clearly conflicted about what to do with her. Chase has a few flashbacks to Mama talking to him, and they debate what she's done, before Chase coming back to the present and refusing to execute her.
Don and Major stop at a motel, and we get to see their reluctant companion. Don gets overconfident and pays a price while an amused Major looks on. Major is a lot less amused when the local news comes on and we see how badly Don screwed up during their pit stop. Their passenger freaks out on learning a few things about them. Major lectures Don, who doesn't seem to care, and the low-level gangster keeps being abusive to their captive.
Ravi is practicing some hockey moves in the morgue under Liv's supervision. She gets a really helpful vision about the murders, but visions aren't useful in court, so they're going to need more. Clive has Blaine brought in, and the criminal is at his smirking, wisecracking best. Liv's current brain seems to be making her dumb, which isn't helping any. While Major and Don screw up their road trip, Blaine gives Clive and Liv nothing but attitude. He does screw up and let something slip that steers them in the right direction about Mama Leone at least. There are complications as Liv knows things Clive really shouldn't as law enforcement, and Fillmore's annoying Inspector pops up again and annoys Liv the Goon. That goes badly.
Liv goes back to the locker room and talks to more of the players, throwing Blaine's name around. Patch steers her back to good ol' Fillmore-Graves, and repeats a movie reference she didn't get earlier. Armed with new insight, Liv charges back to the precinct, only to find out that Blaine is, indeed, well-connected and has been released. Peyton and Clive are disappointed, Liv hockey babbles, and leaves Blaine confused. Peyton and Clive talk after Liv goes home, and Peyton gets a nasty follow up to something she was dealing with earlier.
That event has repercussions, and Peyton ends up briefing Chase Graves himself. Chase finds a few things out he really doesn't like hearing. The man may have had an idea for Seattle that might have worked, possibly, but he has too many forces arrayed against him at this point. His organization has too many holes in it. As a show of force, they end up finally convincing Chase to go ahead with something he's been trying hard not to do.
Blaine and Tanner are eating together when they get a surprise as Don and Major return in an unexpected way. There's an amusing exchange of nicknames between Major and Blaine, and they reveal some complications from the road trip. We do find out what Blaine and Don were up to, and it makes some ruthless sense. Major returns to Fillmore, briefs Chase, and finds his leader in a melancholy mood.
The end of the show is shocking on a few levels. There's a public spectacle that most people aren't happy with. It's sad and surprising and certainly final for one of the characters. It's also another moment when the status quo changes, as someone is inspired by the scene to take their life in a whole new direction. This is going to make things a lot more complicated among the main characters. You have to give the show credit for being willing to take risks in changing what the show is about.
What I liked: He's annoying and I don't want him to win, but you have to give Blaine that he's damned entertaining. David Anders does that job really well. The road trip at first seemed like comic relief, but it was a really slick move. I actually feel a bit bad for Chase, which I didn't expect to. I give them a lot of points for that final scene and what came out of it. And it was interesting to see Peyton dealing with all her problems at work.
What I didn't: The weird inspector seemed to come from nowhere and was just annoying. I'm not sure what he was supposed to be doing. I agree with whichever character it was (can't remember and I seem to have not noted it down) that was wondering why they're striving so hard to solve crimes in this version of Seattle. It's a bleak place.
There were a lot of interesting turns here, and I really like most of what they did. I'll bump this one to a 4 out of 5, with a big nod to the writers taking such big risks with their plots.
April 10, 2018 in DC, TV Shows. Tags: CW Show, dc comics, Goon Struck, izombie, izombie TV show, Vertigo
iZombie: Thug Death
iZombie: Are You Ready For Some Zombies?
iZombie: Heaven Just Got A Little Bit Smoother
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text:
Stitch Fix Opens Up About Post-iOS14 Facebook Struggles; Provides Case Study For All DTC Brands
Last week, Stitch Fix (SFIX) announced disappointing results on their earnings call and noted that they'll be laying off 15% of their salaried workforce. Among the many reasons cited, CEO Elizabeth Spaulding specifically called out the Apple Privacy Updates as a primary reason as to why they have struggled to acquire new customers over the last year.
Stitch Fix is an ecommerce fashion company. After completing a short quiz about their style preferences and sizing, customers are sent a box of clothing to refresh their wardrobe. It's an interesting concept as it removes the need for the customer to choose specific items. Instead, Stitch Fix wants you to think of them as your personal stylist, boasting the power of their fashionista algorithms to choose the right look for you.
Headquartered in San Fransisco, Stitch Fix is your stereotypical DTC ecom company that somehow shot to a 10B valuation during the pandemic, with impressive customer growth fueled mostly by Facebook advertising. We've seen dozens of these…
Admittedly, there was a point where I strongly considered signing up for this service—but I haven't thought about them in a while—probably because I stopped seeing their Instagram ads.
Spaulding's comments mark the first time I've seen a DTC ecom CEO directly call so much attention to Apple's iOS14 impact. During the earnings call, Spaulding detailed specific strategies that they are rolling out in response, including Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) efforts as well as media channel diversification (i.e, looking beyond Facebook advertising).
To review, in the spring of 2021, Apple updated its privacy policy which significantly reduced the ability of advertisers to collect and share 3rd party data. Historically, Facebook relied on its ability to collect data from 3rd party websites (non-Facebook properties) to help improve the effectiveness of targeted advertising, as well as ensure accurate reporting back to advertisers about ROI.
These changes, which rolled out a year ago but didn't take full effect for several months, have turned the digital advertising industry upside down. Many brands that emerged over the last 5-10 years have heavily relied on Facebook and Instagram advertising to grow their business. It worked really damn well, and to be honest, it was fairly simple for almost anyone to use Facebook ads to profitably acquire customers.
The golden age of Facebook advertising felt like the roaring 20s all over again. Time-tested concepts taught in universities like the "Four P's of Marketing or the principles of influence no longer mattered; all you needed was a few half-decent graphics or videos and an email list that could be uploaded into Facebook's audience matching tool, and the machine learning would take care of the rest.
Many brands found, by far, the best results with direct-response advertising through Facebook, so there was little incentive to invest in concepts like brand equity or to test other channels. Could you blame them?
Stitch Fix is not alone, and I don't mean to pick on them. Many advertisers—sorry, most advertisers—are still struggling to recover from the impact of iOS14. It has been a rude awakening; a bloodbath. Few brands that were not previously diversified were able to weather the storm with ease. Instead, most brands took a punch in the mouth and have been testing dozens of new strategies within Facebook or elsewhere in an attempt to find new methods of profitable growth.
Of course, there are other factors at play: inflation, supply-chain issues, the war in Ukraine, and more. That said, I cannot understate the impact that Apple's Privacy updates have had on DTC brands. The former are macroeconomic factors that impact long-term trends, but at a micro-level—for those that are in the trenches with these brands day in and day out—iOS14 feels like the real enemy.
In a May 2022 interview with Ben Thompson of Stratechery, Eric Seufert of Heracles Media noted that:
There are probably about a hundred people in the world that have agency over these decisions at the big tech companies that will ultimately be responsible for the future of the internet… and those hundred people probably have more economic [influence] than OPEC… and so few people understand this.
We are seeing this unfold, and Stitch Fix is a perfect case study to help understand how we arrived here and where we might be going.
The Stitch Fix Snapshot
Stitch Fix was founded as a subscription box service. They carry apparel from major brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, The North Face, etc. Their original service, called Fix, ships a customized-but-random collection of apparel to your door. That is, customers don't typically choose the specific products that will be included in their box.
In Q2 of 2021, they launched a new service: a direct-buy option called Freestyle. which is an online shop where you can directly buy individual products from them (as opposed to having a random assortment sent to you).
Their story from the last two years follows a similar trajectory to many other pandemic growth stocks and is highlighted by the following moments:
March 2020: Market crash followed by gradual recovery throughout the remainder of the year
December 2020: Massive earnings beat—quarterly profit reported at 9 cents per share, compared to a projected loss of 20 cents per share—sending the stock price up 35% overnight. A shift toward ecommerce, as well as a general shift in retail and apparel, likely caused this (more leisurewear, a handful of retailers filing for bankruptcy, etc.). Leadership projected a massive 20-25% revenue increase for the following year.
January - February 2021: Meme-stock mania. Many tech/growth stocks saw a massive lift during this time.
March - May 2021: Aftermath of Meme-stock mania, which coincided with the departure of Stitch Fix's Founder and CEO, Katrina Lake. Despite the expectations that revenue would continue to climb 20-25% from the previous year, this quarter realized a paltry 3% lift. Expectations were adjusted; perhaps the post-pandemic new normal might not look so new after all?
June 2021: Positive earnings and optimism around the launch of the Freestyle service. My assumption is that their direct-response advertising (Facebook, etc.) was firing on all cylinders during this time.
September 2021 - Present: Steady decline, mostly a result of sluggish customer acquisition.
Eric Seufert predicted that the negative impact iOS14 would have on advertising effectiveness would be gradual: "The quality of [Facebook's] algorithms don't immediately go to zero; it's gradual. They sort of bleed out over time." It certainty looks as if Stitch Fix experienced this effect. Things got bad toward the end of 2021 and got worse at the start of 2022.
Seeking Clarity Around Strategy
During an earnings call in March of this year, CEO Elizabeth Spaulding started by highlighting previous conversations about how "the conversion journey is not linear" and then went on to discuss the results:
Active clients declined 4% quarter over quarter. There were two factors that largely impacted gross adds: first, conversion of new visitors for Fix and Freestyle is not where we want it to be; second, given changes in iOS 14 marketing channels that have historically been effective for us are presenting challenges in effectively targeting clients.
The launch of the direct-buy service, Freestyle, did not go as planned. I am skeptical about whether or not this service offering is a positive or negative addition to the overall Stitch Fix strategy:
On the one hand, I hate it, as it's a misalignment from their core focus. Why should I buy a pair of Vans sneakers from them, as opposed to buying that same pair of sneakers direct from Vans.com or from one of dozens of other retailers? How can this possibly be profitable? This just seems like a distraction.
On the other hand... it's another revenue channel and adds flexibility to inventory and supply chain management. They could use Freestyle to cross-sell/upsell existing customers of the Fix service and increase average revenue-per-active-user (ARPU). For example, if I were a Fix customer and was randomly sent a Callaway Golf Polo that I really liked, I'd like the option to go on their Freestyle site and order more variations in different colors. Ideally, Stitch Fix would make the process simple and cost effective, and just include those products in next month's box. The cherry on top is free shipping.
But what about using Freestyle as a means of new customer acquisition? I really don't see the value since you can get these products from dozens of other retailers. The only exception, perhaps, is that Freestyle will allow Stitch Fix to run Google Shopping ads. This would be a low-cost way to increase site traffic and perhaps drive incremental revenue; however, the goal of this program should always be to convert those first-time Freestyle buyers into subscribers of the Fix service.
For example, if a new customer were to convert via Google Shopping ad and buy a pair of Nike sneakers, I'd expect Stitch Fix to include in the box a postcard outlining the benefits of Fix and offering a discount for signing up. This cohort of customers should be targeted with direct mail, email, and other types of advertising (Facebook, etc.), as they are much more likely to become long time Fix subscribers compared to non-customers.
However, I do believe that Freestyle should stay in its lane as a value-add to existing subscribers of Fix. Done right, this could lead to higher ARPU and better retention.
Please forgive my back-and-forth on the matter, but I am truly on the fence about whether or not Freestyle is a good idea. I believe it could be a delightful addition to the customer experience so long as it does not become a distraction from the core customer acquisition strategy
Unfortunately, when Freestyle was launched, leadership let it do just that…
Chasing The Shiny Thing.
Remember the Malcolm Butler Superbowl? In the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX, the Seattle Seahawks loomed on the one-yard line, attempting to take the lead against the New England Patriots. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll called in a pass play, a controversial decision as it removed from the equation bruising running back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch had carried the team for most of the season and the game leading up to this very moment.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back and quickly attempted a pass to receiver Ricardo Lockette, only it was intercepted at the goalline by Patriots' defensive back Malcolm Butler. Game over. Patriots win.
Pete Carroll will never live this down. Some speculate that Carroll called in a pass play because he wanted the game-winning touchdown to be credited to his shiny young protege, Russell Wilson, as opposed to the veteran Lynch. This is just speculation, of course, but there's one clear lesson from that Super Bowl: when you're on the one yard line, don't lose sight of what got you there.
Don't get cute. Don't be Pete Carroll.
In September 2021, when Stitch Fix launched Freestyle, they redirected all traffic for stitchfix.com to the Freestyle experience.
Oh no! Don't ever do that! Never never never!
We can assume that visitors navigating to stitchfix.com are likely seeking the Fix service, which, especially at the time, is all they were known for. Visitors were likely confused when presented with the option to buy specific items in a traditional ecommerce experience. Conversion rate plummeted.
During the March 2022 earnings call, the CEO admitted to the snafu:
In our efforts to launch and promote freestyle, we chose to direct visitors coming to stitchfix.com toward the Freestyle experience. It is important to note that stitchfix.com is the primary landing page for customers interested in ordering a Fix. Therefore, in leading clients to the freestyle experience first, we inadvertently created friction for those seeking a fix. In an effort to mitigate this friction, we are beginning to direct stitchfix.com traffic to a clear and easy fix onboarding path.
We expect this to boost new fix client conversion over time.
Last week, on the latest earnings call, she highlighted this again; only this time, shifting gears toward blaming iOS14 for the recent performance:
In Q2, we saw that our new onboarding flow created friction for customers' eager for a fix, therefore impacting conversion. In parallel, similar to many in our industry, we continue to navigate the ongoing effects of Apple privacy changes, which is impacting traffic to our site. Both of these have made new client acquisitions challenging.
Scrambling For New Strategies.
I would imagine that, like anyone, their Facebook ad campaigns have been turned upside down and CPA costs have risen dramatically. The transcript suggests that their primary attempt at resolving this was to improve conversion rate:
Given that conversion of new visitors was not where we wanted it to be in the second quarter, we took action to refine the onboarding experience and our landing page. This has resulted in approximately 40% improvement in new client conversion in the third quarter as compared to the second quarter. First, we began directing all stitchfix.com traffic to a simplified fix first onboarding path. Now, clients entering through switchfix.com are directed to schedule a fix upon completing a style profile.
After scheduling, their freestyle shop is unlocked. Second, our landing page experience better clarifies our offering and highlights our key differentiators. We now feature more community-based stylist content, and we enable visitors to interact with Style Shuffle before creating an account. While this is indeed positive progress, we are still not yet at our desired conversion level.
This sounds great, but I don't think Conversion Rate Optimization alone will be enough to steer the ship in a positive direction. A 40% improvement in conversion rate is massive; however, we've seen the costs of some Facebook campaigns double over the last year, which would still make these campaigns significantly less profitable than they were pre-iOS14.
It is likely that the Freestyle landing page snafu left their marketing team with the feeling that CRO is the answer. My thought is that this can help, but it needs to complement a larger traffic acquisition strategy.
In addition, overall new client traffic to our website was down in Q3. As I noted at the outset of the call, both factors, conversion and traffic, ultimately played a role in the 3% decline in our total active client count quarter over quarter. We are deeply focused on driving traffic into our ecosystem and reigniting new customer conversion. As part of these efforts, we are further diversifying our marketing portfolio with the support of our new chief marketing officer.
At its core, advertising is a numbers game. The key to success is driving a high volume of quality traffic to your site, recognizing that individual behavior is random, but larger populations can move the needle. I agree that they should be diversifying their media spend and looking to other channels for similar quality, but cheaper, traffic acquisition.
We are moving more into digital channels such as TikTok and YouTube as well as leaning into the use of influencer partnerships. To that end, we recently launched an integrated men's campaign with Keegan-Michael Key called Stitch Fix It. During this campaign, we not only saw an increase over 60% in men's traffic than over the prior weeks, but also strong efficiencies in our direct response ads CPAs. Additionally, as we said we would do last quarter, we have successfully rolled out personalized search.
I applaud the pivot but am critical of the narrative. Brands, and their investors, need to be aware of the paradigm shift taking place in digital advertising. Nothing—not even TikTok—will allow advertisers to return to the ease of targeting and reporting that made the pre-iOS14 Facebook ecosystem so scalable.
The Halo Effect And Cross-Channel Diversification
We are unlikely to return to a place where we can feel confident that the Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) numbers reported in a given ad platform like Facebook reflect the full impact of the campaigns. To quote Stitch Fix CEO Elizabeth Spaulding: "the conversion journey is not linear."
Only a small percentage of your customers will directly click-through your TikTok ads or YouTube videos and complete checkout in that session. Almost none of them will click on any display ads or CTV ads, nor will anyone hear your podcast ad, pull to the side of the road, and immediately buy your product.
Instead, we need to rely on a Halo Effect. While a customer might not click through your TikTok ads and directly make a purchase, that ad placement might increase the probability that the might convert through a different, direct-response ad in the future. For example, if I were performing a Google Search for "men's apparel," I might be more likely to click on, and convert through a Google Search Ad for Stitch Fix if I had previously seen other ads.
The Halo Effect is difficult to measure. It often requires access to data analysts that can run multi-regression models, and not every small business owner with a Shopify store has this capability in their back pocket. Sometimes it just requires gut instinct.
Spaulding's comments above hinted at a Halo Effect: "during this [influencer] campaign, we not only saw an increase over 60% in men's traffic than over the prior weeks, but also strong efficiencies in our direct response ads CPAs."
If it were me, I'd have led with this fact. I'd be shouting it from the rooftops.
My suggested edits to her comments, which hope to add clarity, manage expectations, and foster optimism around the marketing program:
We're still adapting to the changing landscape of digital advertising and how it is impacting customer acquisition, specifically in the aftermath of Apple's privacy updates.
We now understand that Facebook advertising, in particular, is no longer going to be a source of new customers with the low CAC numbers that we had grown accustomed to, at least without the help of other marketing initiatives.
Mediums like Facebook and Google can still be profitable avenues for customer acquisition, however, we are shifting gears to launch a comprehensive, cross-channel strategy that will allow this program to return to profitability and scale our customer acquisition efforts.
In addition to focusing on our on-site conversion rate, we are testing new advertising mediums including TikTok, YouTube, and influencer and celebrity partnerships, and we are encouraged by early results.
For example, a recent campaign with celebrity Keegan-Michael Key helped generate a 60% uplift in traffic to our men's categories during the time of the campaign. More noteworthy, though, was that during that campaign, we saw a decrease in CPA across our other direct response channels. This suggests that the Keegan-Michael Key campaign caused a positive impact on conversion rates for our Facebook and Google campaigns. In marketing circles, this is referred to as a halo effect.
We believe that our new mediums, such as TikTok and YouTube, might have a similar halo effect. We don't expect these channels to directly replace what we previously earned from Facebook; however, all of these platforms can work in conjunction to increase customer acquisition at an overall lower cost. This finding has instilled confidence in this new strategy and we are optimistic about our future cross-channel efforts.
We also recognize the role that Freestyle plays in creating a delightful customer experience for our core customer base. We don't necessarily see Freestyle as an avenue for new customer acquisition, however, we do see the potential for this service to increase revenue per active user, increase active customer retention, and improve our flexibility with inventory and supply chain management. Freestyle provides a unique competitive advantage that makes the core Fix product stand out as a pioneer for the next wave of DTC fashion.
The last two years have been a rollercoaster for anyone working in digital advertising, ecommerce, or for a DTC brand. Everyone is still attempting to find their footing and nearly everyone has made countless mistakes that can hopefully turn into learning experiences. I applaud Stitch Fix for being so forthright about their struggles and being transparent about their strategy, even if I disagree with individual components of it. I certainly hope that more brands will soon understand the need for cross-channel diversification and attribution that factors in the halo effect of these new channels.
I'll be paying close attention to the Stitch Fix story, because it is the same story that many are facing. The only real takeaway is this: the aftermath of iOS14 has been a massive challenge, and if you're lucky enough to have survived to this point, don't call a pass play on the one-yard line. Instead, stick to your core focus and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
Patrick Gilbert
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