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#no but for real this is excellent and fascinating meta
mikuni14 · 2 months
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The last 2 weeks have provided me with amazing experiences from the BL series fan community. Moments when several series with very active fandoms are aired at the same time are very rare, and with the end of 2 series this week, I'm already mourning this wonderful, one-of-a-kind experience.
I have been camping in the following tags for many days and each one is different and unique: Love For Love's Sake I can't put into words what this show and fandom has given me. The number of absolutely insane analyses, meta, touching declarations of love to this series from moved viewers, and beautiful gifs is staggering. The series is excellent, the audience's reaction is also wonderful, it was such a great experience. Which doesn't surprise me, because it was people's reaction to real ART, which is always something special. The series itself is 10/10 for me in every category: love story, plot, actors, emotions, my investment in the story, quality, execution, even the "heat", because even though there were no love scenes, the guys were able to convey that they are very into each other 🥰
Dead Friend Forever I also enjoy the fandom experience immensely, the tag is full of great analysis and meta. The plot is so interesting and full of surprising twists and turns that there is always something new to discuss and come up with wild theories. The series is still ongoing, but for this moment it's also perfect for me and 10/10: love story (hehe), plot, actors, emotions, my investment in the story, quality, execution, also the "heat" (hehe).
Pit Babe I rate the fandom experience as *chef's kiss*. Tag is also full of interesting analyzes and meta, amazing gifs of Way. The fandom is generally very cheerful and unhinged, which is GREAT ✨ But what's most interesting is that if someone who didn't know Pit Babe checked the tag now, they would never guess who the main character and main couple of the series are (and this doesn't only apply to tumblr!). I find this incredibly funny 🤡 I'm not that interested in the series itself, so I won't rate it. I treat it as pure fun and entertainment, so I have zero expectations for the finale, especially since, of course, I've already stumbled upon possible spoilers. Personally, what I will take away from the entire series is my deepened love for Nut and a fascination with Way, whom I want like little girls want a new Barbie doll.
Last Twilight Another wild fandom experience lol I practically didn't visit the tag of this series at all, but I spent the last two episodes there in full camping mode, in a tent and cooking coffee after coffee over the fire 😄 Fans have once again soared to the heights of perfection, writing amazing analyzes and meta responses to the crap of the last episodes. The criticism was precise, justified, systematized, methodical and accurate 👩‍🎓 As with LFLS, it was an intellectual experience. The fans provided better entertainment than the series itself lol
The Sign hmm, for several weeks the tag has been dominated by BillyBabe, which is not strange because only this couple is responsible for BL aspect in this BL series 😄 I rate my fandom experience with The Sign in two categories: "until episode 7" full of amazing meta, analysis, beautiful gifs and enrichment for me as a fan, overall 10/10 and "after episode 7" which I spent mainly on… liking BillyBabe's photos and videos . Which is ok, because, well, I do like them a lot 😉
Two of the above series have already ended, although fans are still present, two more are ending this week. That's why I would like to take this opportunity and say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all the fans, those who wrote emotional entries, deep and thoughtful meta, funny posts, created beautiful gifs, analyzed endlessly the smallest details and posted photos and videos of their favorite actors. You all made these last few days so interesting and fun. I hope there will be more days like this in 2024! 🥰
And now I'll only have DFF…
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naranjapetrificada · 6 months
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The first thing I should ever have said about Izzy and the last thing I intend to say until at least October 26th.
[Although I am not Her strongest soldier, so who knows if I will stick the landing.]
So to start with, I was a "late" arrival to the show. I knew it existed of course, but I only occasionally saw things that reminded me it existed. The first time I saw a mention of "grumpy/sunshine" it was with a picture of Ed and Stede, so I guess on some level I knew there was shipping going on, but that was literally all I knew. I didn't even know it involved Blackbeard lol.
Which is all to say that I first approached and watched season 1 removed from basically anything anyone had to say about it. I think what actually got me to watch it wasn't anything anyone had to say either, it was from youtube recommendations? Like I think I had watched a couple Taika interviews or something and ofmd stuff started showing up? So after catching a few clips and intentionally spoiling the kiss for myself (life is too short to be queerbaited) I watched it in April/May 2023, and was Changed by it the way so many other people were. It grabbed me so hard I started looking for fics, and when fic grabbed me even harder I became a regular tumblr user for the first time ever in June 2023.
What I didn't do, before the second half of 2023, was care particularly much about Izzy Hands.
I remember describing him as psychologically fascinating to the first IRL friend I talked to about the show, and joking that he just needed a good dom. As much as his decision to call in the navy was a threat to Stede's and Ed's lives, I saw his actions as part of a thing needed for the story, and while I knew he was one of the season's villains there wasn't really any heat behind that assessment.
For me he was there to set things in motion, and to serve the narrative in certain ways, to be a foil, more storytelling tool than man. That doesn't mean I didn't think Con did an excellent job adding layers to him, he absolutely made Izzy take up space and feel more present and textured than he otherwise might have. But when I began to zoom out and consider things on meta level, Izzy existed to do a certain thing or occupy a certain place in relation to the narrative and other characters more than anything else. And that was fine.
Then I started reading meta here, and found myself surrounded by passionate conversations about Izzy from many directions occurring with an intensity that I couldn't wrap my brain around. I saw people tying themselves into knots to justify and excuse the behavior of a textual antagonist, and I was baffled and because I still saw Izzy for what his role in the narrative was, it literally made no sense to see his behavior explained away. In the framework I brought to the fandom when I first arrived, trying to explain away Izzy's behavior would be like looking at a forest fire and trying to explain away processes like combustion and oxidation. Or if you'll allow me to borrow another extended, nature-based metaphor from a fic in an entirely different fandom:
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Again, because from where my head was at, it didn't make sense to look at Izzy's morality as a zero sum game because in this metaphor, he was functionally just a brackish body of water. I'm not saying the morality is brackish, I'm saying the morality was literally not the point because like an estuary, an antagonist "must exist" because antagonists exist for specific reasons directly related to storytelling goals.
So there was no real heat behind my feelings about him or his actions, beyond the natural emotional reactions we have to characters and their behaviors before we zoom out. I was of course upset with his treatment of Lucius, which was targeted compared to other members of the crew. I was annoyed with the way he talked to and about Ed. I laughed when his plans had the equal and opposite results of what he intended, which you could argue happened with every single plan he made for the entirety of season 1. And yes, especially as a Black person living in the US, I felt the fear and betrayal that comes from seeing someone call the cops (which given the show and its writers, it does not feel like a stretch to describe calling the navy that). I wondered if there was any coming back from a choice like that, which is a big overriding question for the series as a whole.
I'm not here to debate any of the points in the previous paragraph. I know how I feel and you feel how you feel and there's already been so much said about the morality of it all by people who have explained themselves well, so let them convince you or not. Instead I've been trying to talk about the two sides of my experience before and after getting into the fandom with Izzy.
Before: Izzy Hands, Narratively Useful Antagonist Portrayed Compellingly And Effectively by Con O'Neill.
After: Izzy Hands, Unfortunate Avatar Of The Sadly Common Tendency For Certain Fans To Hyperfocus On A White Antagonist Or Secondary Character When There Already Exists A Protagonist They're A Foil Of (And Also It Looks Bad TO Do That When The Protagonist Is Someone With A Marginalized Identity).
I'm not here to argue the merits of those assessments either, because that's not the point. The point is the vast gulf between them and how the latter does such an incredible disservice to the Izzy we were given and that so many people claim to love. The latter comes from a place where morality is the focus, which I'm sorry y'all, feels like it originates with people who refuse to countenance Izzy's role in the story as well as his characterization.
Viewers who were willing to see Izzy as an antagonist, who don't view the word "antagonist" as a value judgement in and of itself, who don't think that finding an antagonist charismatic or compelling means anything about their own morality, those people can look at the show we were given and take it for what it was made to be. I'm not saying that it's only the Izzy stans (not enjoyers, not jar people) who start fights or that people who understand that Izzy is an antagonist don't also have deep morality related feelings about him and his actions in the first season. What I am saying is that sanding off Izzy's rough edges and trying to make him into something he isn't poisons even the possibility of having a discussion about him because people enter the conversation with two completely different understandings of reality. If you cannot accept the job that season 1 Izzy was given to do to move the story along, well you might as well have watched a completely different show for how much that fanon Izzy has anything to do with the canon one.
This show deserves better than that. The writers deserve better than that. Con O'Neill deserves better than that. Israel Basilica Hands deserves better than that. We all do.
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celestialholz · 1 year
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Today in meta: Mister Milquetoast himself.
Hassel, Brassius, if you could stay in your lovely lawnside Artazon house for TEN DAMN MINUTES whilst I talk about someone else, I'd appreciate that. Love you kings, stay gay, I'll be back for you real soon. <3
Instead, it's the Celestial meta debut of this bitch!
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You know him, you love him, it's Larry, and I wish to strip him down to his ATOMS he's so interesting, but I'm going to start simple: birds. The dichotomy of birds.
Let's take a peek at his Elite Four squad - I'm not going to analyse the gym one, because it's half a team, but you'll see that it matters anyway in a minute.
This is his lovely team:
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Now, you probably know what I've said before about the penultimate slot in a full team, and especially Hassel's - how it's meant to represent the heart and personality of the trainer. And that rings perfectly true for our favourite salaryman, too, if we take a look at Staraptor's Scarlet dex entry:
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That's Larry, solitary and resilient against whatever the world throws at him. And of course, Staraptor is Normal/Flying, both of Larry's specialties. Even the Intimidate ability is relevant, as according to his official bio on the Pokemon website, Larry becomes 'unsettlingly still whenever he is lost in thought, much to the worry of people nearby.'
... But what intrigues me is the ace switch between teams. What was Staraptor's slot in the gym is now replaced with Flamigo - a lovely representation for Staraptor in that penultimate slot, certainly, but the birds themselves are a world apart.
If we take a quick glance at Flamigo here...
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... We see that he is the entire opposite of Staraptor - he only flourishes in a group. And we see that in Larry, too - as lone wolf as he is, when does he truly come alive, hit his peak of battling strength? When he's surrounded by others - when the crowd gathers for his gym battle towards its conclusion, when Rika and Poppy watch on and support him in the Elite Four.
And so, pasting all this together, if the penultimate slot in the party is the heart of the trainer, what does that make the ace?
Potential; what the trainer could be... for better, or for worse.
If we take the examples I used before in the meta I linked above, of champions:
Cynthia's ace is the ultimate in trainer nightmare fuel, Garchomp. Without the goodness in her heart, without her academic curiosity for the ancient past being channelled into research... well, we know what happens. It's this fucker.
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Cynthia has the potential to be this guy, and I think we're all pretty fucking thankful that she isn't...
Wallace's ace is a Milotic. Said to be the 'most beautiful of all Pokemon', and able to calm violence simply by its presence, Wallace without a League structure would be a Contest master, which is something he also excels at: and he's got the perfect pal to do it with. He values physical beauty, exuberance, and charm, it'd be a simple switch.
Steven's ace is a Metagross. Destined as he is to take over the Devon Corporation when his father eventually retires, without his battle prowess and fascination for fossils, in another life he'd run the technology company with quick intellect and good business sense.
Even in the very League Larry is part of, this checks. Poppy's is Tinkaton - a little girl, vastly too powerful for her size, has the potential to be an utter nightmare of a child without having an outlet for her strength; Hassel's Baxcalibur is him without Brassius - partly the emotional distance of Ice, and part the heritage of Dragons. It's no coincidence that Bax's signature move Glaive Rush bounces double damage back to itself the turn after - a deeply appropriate sentiment for the man who feels too much.
... And so, where does that leave us with Larry?
It leaves us with a man wearing a facade - unsurprising, when he gives you the TM for it. It leaves us with a man whose genius and vibrance is swallowed by corporate life, who actually LOVES the thrill of being cheered on. It leaves us with a man wants to overcome his own weakness, a man who wishes to Fight AND to Fly... it leaves us with a man whose ace has Scrappy, which will allow him to strike Ghosts - something his 'normal' team can't do. It leaves us with a showman, and...
... it leaves us kinda sad, really. This man is the only character in the series who has managed to master two separate types, and it's for the worst of reasons, but... we do see those glimmers of brilliance, and we do see a Terastillised Flamigo - a Pokemon known for silly movements and power, much like his masterful trainer with the very silly throw, who is now pure Flying.
Pay attention, Larry dear. Maybe you too can soar. <3
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alfalcone · 4 months
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I think you might've mentioned sex pollen in a recent post re: fic tropes, and it's so weird reading posts as far back as ten years ago criticising it for consent issues. Idk if it's just me, but sex pollen is obviously 'they want to fuck and the universe/narrative is contriving for it'- especially if you trace it back to slashshipping- that to me it is always happy magical consent land lmao. like I don't think I've ever got noncon feelings from it at all because that simply has no place and is just tonally inconsistent.
I am interested in that angle from what the characters conceive of it as, in that I would find it delicious if they try to hold themselves back - and I guess in this case I'd want character-driven study, e.g. if one of the characters sincerely feels it is transgressing personal boundaries, why? etc. if you want to take it in a serious direction, but on the other hand I don't think that speaks to anything explicitly bad within the trope. I would not especially want to write it where characters are aware of the trope, because that's the sort of meta territory which tends to just read really poorly in my opinion. I'd want psychological realness not story awareness.
it just feels like spooking at shadows to me when fandom/fanfic has much bigger problems which aren't about breaking down the tools of how narrative functions (see also: every bad opinion ever I've had to read on soulmates). like particularly because it seems like sex pollen is almost an entirely female-fandom driven thing, it's not something carried over to fandom from hardcore p/ornography or anything where you know someone's a bit addicted or writing pod-person fics tagged all in a row Anal Sex, Anal Fisting, Asexuality, Aromanticisim, Polyamory, Everybody is White, etc.
I realise you have written about this professionally so please take this with a grain of salt for I am a lowly tumblrina, but I made myself bigmad reading some sex pollen fics and had to let it out. anyway where do you think this sort of fandom self-awareness comes from?
"fandom/fanfic has much bigger problems which aren't about breaking down the tools of how narrative functions."
you stated this beautifully, respected colleague <3 i couldn't agree more! as for the wider issue of what you've cleverly termed here as "fandom self-awareness", that's a fascinating topic. i've written about it a bit before (tagged #fandom and #fandom racism on my blog), but to briefly summarize: it's performative activism meets idpol. fandom subcultures have always been strongly tied to identity formation; see ken gelder's the subcultures reader for an excellent selection of primer essays. and now that queer identity is so tied to fandom spaces because so many awkward women are identifying as queer (or genuinely are lesbian or bisexual), you have this environment where the wish-fulfillment of writing fanfic and the performative activism of being on social media collide into this amalgamation of fandom-as-activism. i do think fandom and activism can co-exist, especially with regard to making fandom spaces more safe for women and non-white people. but the issue of headcanons and "subtext" in the fandom-as-activism space really takes up all of the air and gives the whole endeavor a bad name.
somehow, we went from things like content analysis (in the communication theory discipline sense) of kirk/spock or other ships as a way of genuinely reading subtext to this awful "he's gay" or "she's trans because i said so" personal reading of texts. this personal reading (fanon) overtaking the content of the actual media is really vexing because by its very nature fanon is not textual (it is extratextual) and it therefore completely ignores canon in a way that was verboten in wider fandom until very recently. this fanon mania is also fueled by a misunderstanding of the death of the author ethos, i think. fanfic isn't the only arena that's taken a hit: meta is suffering, too, as fewer noted fandom thinkers are willing to process and analyze the text at length and inevitably open themselves up harassment from the fanon brigade.
the only thing we can do is keep writing, keep posting, keep pushing back against the fanon assholes. these people are bullies, forcing their perspectives and politics onto us in order to enrich themselves and their online personas. masters of the air is debuting in two months, and those of my followers who haven't seen me get into fandom drama will undoubtedly witness my angst (and my fic) firsthand. i don't relish the thought, but i know how things go and i refuse to not enjoy something because some people believe it is their way or the highway. literally, whatever. let's make our own spaces in the wider fandom and tell them all to eat shit if they dislike it.
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gothicakvtagawa · 1 year
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tianlang jun, zhuzhi-lang, and antagonists in mxtx’s works, part one
part two
part three
so i got this ask a bit ago, and at the end of it was a question regarding zhuzhi-lang and tianlang jun compared to other villain characters in mxtx works, and i’ve been marinating on it for a bit. there’s a couple things i want to address, and i’ll try to be concise about it, but what this means is that i’ll only specifically reference svsss canon while mdzs and tgcf canon will be generally hinted at to provide opposition—this is not a comprehensive analysis in any way, just some thoughts that i’ve streamlined into sections. i’ll be posting each section separately (part 2 coming in? a week? maybe?) if you don’t feel like reading a whole lot of meta, here’s the tldr:
tianlang jun and zhuzhi-lang are excellent mxtx antagonists because of how they exemplify her common theme regarding action versus reaction. as antagonists, they both have more complex personalities that contrast their relatively simple goals + methods. they’re both fascinating because of their specific roles in the story as foils to luo binghe and as people that stay true to their own internal, distinct motivations (motivations that have nothing to do with their roles as antagonists and everything to do with their depth as characters). but, in all this, neither one can be classified as villains. unlike with mdzs or tgcf, there are no true villains in the scum villain’s self-saving system after the original shen qingqiu is replaced, because that very fact is a major component of the story’s thesis. each of mxtx’s novels contains a different core despite the three being cultivation stories with mlm main relationships: mdzs is a murder mystery, tgcf is a fairytale/folk story, and svsss is a satirical commentary on its own industry. in the first two, social commentary provides a layer of depth to what are primarily stories. in svsss, the story is the medium in which the primary purpose—the social commentary—is delivered.
action vs reaction
all of mxtx’s major antagonists are reactionary antagonists—something happens to them, and because of it they orchestrate a series of events that then affect the health and safety of the protagonist and the people they care about. with tianlang jun and zhuzhi-lang, it’s either a) being trapped under a mountain for two and a half decades because the woman you loved had a jealous, lecherous shizun, or b) someone suggested you be killed for your appearance despite how you hadn’t harmed anyone/you have a perceived life-debt to the former individual. they both mirror her other two primary antagonists, jun wu and jin guangyao respectively, but what is it that makes tianlang jun and zhuzhi-lang “better”, and why are they more consistently well-regarded by fandom?
one of my theories is this: neither of them display any real interest in continuing the reactionary behaviour once the truth comes to light—zhuzhi-lang’s main priority has and always will be ensuring the safety of those he’s indebted to (tianlang jun and shen qingqiu). and tianlang jun literally just wants to read his romance novels and keep his body from completely falling apart, something he’s really quite vocal about. their motivations return to baseline, because why wouldn’t they? tianlang jun sees no need to continue on a path that won’t bring them any satisfaction, and will at worst end in their deaths (don’t you dare bring up the elephant here), and zhuzhi-lang in his devotion will naturally follow.
it’s more proof of the overarching theme: no one is a monolith. no one is incapable of change. no one is beholden to their worst motivations, nor should they be defined as such. compare this to the worlds of tgcf and mdzs, where—by nature of the worldbuilding—many characters are defined by their extremes (positive or negative, and often both across the timeline). in the world of svsss, where the main character is Just Some Guy who doesn’t really have an inherent “specialness” beyond his particular brand of stubborn, bitchy decency, and his love interest is the most traumatized and unhinged individual literally to ever exist, how is anyone supposed to fit into one singular box? how is anyone supposed to be reduced to one trait or another, when everyone exists in various shades of the middle ground? tianlang jun and zhuzhi-lang only ever react to the things done to them: kindness is met with kindness. cruelty is met with cruelty. and tianlang jun even gets tired of the cruelty, stating that, after master wu chen’s reveal of the truth of su xiyan’s death, that finally one thing unfolded from this situation that wasn’t completely horrendous—su xiyan, refusing to give up on him, or her child, even if luo binghe then takes it exactly that way.
tianlang jun and zhuzhi-lang, when given the choice between pursuing a pointless act of revenge or doing just, anything else, both choose the latter—zhuzhi-lang’s priorities return to baseline protection, tianlang jun gives up the pretense of having any control over maigu ridge’s descent. when the reasons to stop outweigh the gleaming draw of revenge, they stop. partially because they’re exhausted, partially because they don’t have the strength left, and partially because they just don’t want to suffer anymore. in my opinion, jin guangyao and jun wu were entrenched in their suffering, defined by it. and not only were they not given the opportunity to change because of the extremes they were cast in, but in all likelihood they wouldn’t have taken it even if they had. there’s a fundamental difference in personality and outlook—on the idea of the self and its fluidity, the idea of whether or not you become the things you do—particularly between tianlang jun and jun wu + jin guangyao.
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broomsticks · 11 months
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oh this was an EXCELLENT article. summarizing discussions and takeaways from a 10-person large 200-level undergraduate discussion course at UIUC about transgender issues in fan fiction!
some fascinating fan meta about Loki i had no idea about:
I started the trans studies unit with the discussion of the recent TV series Loki (2021–), set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), instead of starting with fan fiction texts. There are several reasons that I chose Loki instead of other fandoms that represent trans people. First, Loki is depicted in canon as gender fluid, making his genderqueer identity valid to the fandom. One teaser of the series shows Loki's case file, and under the category of sex, the file notes Loki is fluid instead of male or female (Romano 2021)
Beckwith argues that even with the shapeshifting abilities, Loki in the MCU is not a gender-fluid character because "up till this point, Loki has never shapeshifted to express himself. He has shapeshifted to disguise himself, which is the exact opposite of self-expression." … [on the other hand, there was another argument made that] Loki's shapeshifting is an expression of "doing" mischief, which is a part of his identity, as he is titled the God of Mischief.
ahhh super interesting!
the question arises: do related fan fictions do a better job in using Loki as an icon for gender fluidity? … I asked students to read three fan fiction stories on AO3 centered around or related to trans representation [including busaikko's cross-dressing dudley fic (1.3k, G)].
lots of engagement by the students including reading the comments, lots of positive sentiments towards fanfiction, but some good caveats:
quite a few students were cautious about the general supernatural settings of fan fiction, which indicates their poignant perception of the differences between trans representation in fiction and real life and their effects. [Students also noted] that the supernatural element in fan fiction might also indicate a sense of escapism in its representation of queer and trans people. For example, one student pointed out that "supernaturalness is currently being used as an 'easy out' for representation. If the only people that are represented as queer are supernatural, that still makes it seem as if being queer is not 'normal.'" Another student also argued, "Fan fictions use supernaturalness and fantasy to perpetuate false or inaccurate queer representations.
i loved this especially!
one student chose to explore trans studies in Harry Potter fan fiction though she was not familiar with trans theories before this course. In a very well-written final essay, the student examined how the destabilization of the boundaries between common binaries, such as human versus nonhuman, male versus female, and magical versus nonmagical, in the original Harry Potter fandom inspired nonbinary gender interpretation of fan fiction through a transgender lens.
dirgewithoutmusic fic!!
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there was also a substantial discussion on omegaverse - history, references, food for thought!
Despite its popularity, few academic projects have studied the Omegaverse extensively, besides Kristina Busse's (2013) article and Marianne Gunderson's (2017) and Milena Popova's (2018) dissertations. Nevertheless, we should acknowledge the potential for the Omegaverse to promote social justice, as it may question the fixated binary gender identities. I argue that the Omegaverse can act as an accessible and influential special case to discuss nonbinary gender identities in college classrooms.
one student argued, "ABO [Omegaverse] is strange to me because it covers the whole spectrum from 'porn with no plot' to 'extensive metaphor undoing gender roles.'
students were also very perceptive in discovering the hidden heteronormativity and heteropatriarchy behind the nonbinary gender settings, with one student saying, "ABO fan fictions tend to perpetuate heteronormativity by portraying all relationships (even queer relationships) as the stereotype of one 'masculine' and dominant person, and one 'feminine' and submissive person. This stereotype is harmful especially to the queer community because it forces the ideas of cisgender and straight relationships onto queer ones."
students also centered the topic of male Omegas and discussed why this group is even more sexualized and degraded than female Omegas in the Omegaverse and the implications behind this phenomenon. Students appropriated the male-gaze concept in feminist studies and argued that this phenomenon can be interpreted as the result of the cis gaze, as male Omegas are othered and viewed as the fetishized subjects of cis females' sexual imagination
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mswyrr · 1 year
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willow 1x03 kit /jade and sorsha thoughts
Last week I wrote some meta about the idea that they’re leaning into the couple as duty (Jade) and desire/selfishness (Kit). I’d assumed we’d see how both approaches can be very flawed. That too much obedience to authority is destructive and, of course, so is too much selfishness. I thought maybe Jade’s trust for her mentor would lead her to following an order she shouldn’t - but when the threat is as clear as a possessed mentor, she knows how to stand tall.
It was all the years the queen ordered her to participate in hobbling and controlling Kit that is Jade’s sin born of “duty” and WOWZER. What an excellent one it is? Absolutely brutal on Sorsha and Jade’s part. There is literally nothing, no space of identity or self-expression, in Kit’s life that is her own. Sorsha is, in her own way, and completely not intending to be, as emotionally violent and controlling as her mother was toward her daughter.
Sorsha was so focused on the way her mother forced her to be like a soldier under her mom’s command, focused on that surface of her own abuse, that she committed the deeper sin: to control and hobble and emotionally batter your daughter into the shape you want rather than trusting her to find herself and her own identity.*
And Jade shows us the ways that all systems--all relationships, power dynamics, etc--are not served well by absolute obedience. Sometimes resistance and selfishness over duty is healthier for everyone. She claims her time with Kit became enjoyable for her independent of Sorsha’s commands -- and yet she continued to lie to Kit and let her think she was getting real combat training when Jade was just playing games with her.
[SIDE NOTE: I had a terrible neck strain when I first “watched” the episode so I actually listened to it using the Audio Description and *on the audio description* when Kit pulls her sword to fight the wererat the description says “Kit unsheathes her mother’s serrated blade”
This whole time she’s been using Sorsha’s old sword! Which symbolically really lies together the trauma and background that played into Sorsha’s decision to hobble and block Kit’s full development in combat in a heartbreaking way.]
I think this is EXCELLENT. It reframes things - Kit isn’t just “a brat.” Her behavior is a natural self-defense against the lifetime of control Sorsha has imposed on her. Sorsha’s abuse isn’t intentional, but yet it is very real. Jade’s complicity came from her desire to be dutiful and good, yet sometimes goodness (and coming of age) means pushing back and disobeying. As three women with flaws and complex, interwoven relationships that we’re going to get to see evolve, I am just delighted.
Really sorry for Kit, who annoyed me at first. But I get her now. And I love how these revelations all play out. VERY interested to see how things go forward with Kit/Jade as they probably divide and come back together over these issues.
*I know huge swaths of fandom have decided that if someone, especially a parent, ever behaves abusively that’s the end, no growth, no nothing. Some people choose that irl and that’s fine. But many people don’t. And, as fiction, I think there’s a fascinating, heartbreaking journey, as an older woman, for Sorsha coming out of her own sins and how she didn’t understand/intend what she was doing, even as she reenacted patterns of abuse on her daughter. I am excited for Kit to grow into her own and for Sorsha and her to have it out over this and find a better way forward.
I think this is especially brilliant as a source of conflict because in the original 1988 movie itself Sorsha’s arc is the least resolved and explored. She never fully gets to come to terms with her mother’s abuse and her loss. Centering what damage that has left inside her and its impact on her kids as they grow is excellent and I am so looking forward to the next scenes Kit and Sorsha have together (and Sorsha and Jade, since I believe Jade’s her future daughter-in-law!)
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artemisia-black · 1 year
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I really love your Black family metas and over the years I’ve definitely become more interested in the family than I was when I first read the books. I always thought that Regulus was very interesting to me, because canonically we know very little about him, but ofc fandom has taken that to mean he can be either very softened or turned into a Death Eater at like age 11(I’ve read both of these lol). Anyway, I was wondering what you thought about how Regulus came to join up with the Death Eaters. I know a lot of people try to have him be forced into it(I think as a way to excuse his actions), but there’s no real evidence for that, and also in order for him to have a redemption arc(of a sort)- he needs to have done something wrong lol. I always thought that it was a mix of Regulus genuinely being interested in the DE’s and also Bellatrix(and perhaps Malfoy) seeing that interest and grasping onto it. So there could have been some manipulation involved for sure and peer pressure going on, but joining the Death Eaters was also something that Regulus did seem like he was interested in. Not to mention he literally has news clippings about Lord Voldemort hung up around his room- which Reg? Buddy? You good? He’s not James where you would probably have to like erase his mind to get him to join Voldemort’s side. Rather I think he was someone who already showed an interest/fascination in what Lord Voldemort was doing and this would make it easier for Bellatrix to use that to get him to join(and I wouldn’t be surprised if she used his parents as leverage too-like “This could make them proud,”). So I really do love him and I do think that there was some form of pressure/manipulation involving his joining of the Death Eaters, but I also think a lot of it was his own idea and that’s where he would need a redemption arc, because he did some bad stuff before his death. Also I’m sorry this is so long- I just have so many feelings about this subject 😂
I also don't see him as being forced into it. During Kreacher's exposition speech he literally says that Regulus joined willingly:
"he knew what was due to the name of Black and the dignity of his pure blood. For years he talked of the Dark Lord, who was going to bring the wizards out of hiding to rule the Muggles and the Muggle-borns . . . and when he was sixteen years old, Master Regulus joined the Dark Lord. So proud, so proud, so happy to serve."
So Regulus was talking about joining the Deatheaters for years before he actually did and had clearly bought into the surface-level ideology. It's interesting that Kreacher also includes 'muggles' and not just muggle-borns, so Regulus was fully up for a complete world takeover, not just a 'reform' of the wizarding world's intake policies.
I also don't think his parent's forced him. Even Sirius, who claims to 'hate the lot of them,' can't bring himself to actually call them Deatheaters. Although he does say that their pureblood ideologies primed Regulus for Deatheater recruitment. And going back to Regulus being 'happy to serve,' I think the proud and haughty Blacks would have been horrified at that alone.
I'm not sure if you're reading my WIP Pietas, but this quote (get me quoting myself haha) summarises what I think set Regulus up on his destructive path:
‘Of course, father,’ Regulus said, returning the smile as his pulse quickened in anticipation. He had been dreaming of this moment for years, the endless possibilities chasing each other around his head as he replied with a simple, ‘I am keen to hear both yours and grandfather’s plans for me.’
Orion nodded returning his goblet to the table, ‘Well, you will of course be expected to achieve both excellent OWL and NEWT results,’ he paused and allowed Regulus to nod.
Orion’s voice softened and he indulged in yet another smile, ‘And in the meantime, we will procure you a wife from an excellent family.’
Regulus nodded once more, despite the desire to question his father bubbling inside him. The anticipation becoming almost intolerable as it caused his heart to beat uncomfortably fast. The moments seemed to stretch into infinity, as he silently willed his father to continue talking.
‘As for your long-term future,’ Orion began, once more pausing to eat as Regulus suppressed the urge to throw a Sirius-esque tantrum.
‘Your grandfather Arcturus and I, feel a Black is needed at Hogwarts. As in recent years, that school has allowed too many dangerous ideas to fester and corrupt children from pureblood families.’
 His eyes pierced Regulus as they continued. ‘You will help tamper the nonsense down and one day you will become headmaster.’
As his father finished, Regulus took a large gulp of his wine and almost spluttered as his thoughts chattered over each other.
Disappointment clanged through him, leaving a hollow feeling in his chest. He had been hoping to help with his family’s political dealings. He had yearned to dedicate his life to something that would aide in bringing wizards out of hiding and help his family take their rightful place on the world stage. He had dreamed of the day when wizards could openly use magic and their superiority was acknowledged by all.
Annoyance rose in his chest, but determined to not act like his brother, he willed his emotions into check.'
I basically interpret him as someone who feels superior but lives in his brother's shadow. But is equally as determined and intense as his brother (the Note is as feisty as anything Sirius would write) and puts his beliefs into action. I interpret his defection as being about the Horcruxes rather than because he suddenly got all woke about muggles. I have a meta about souls here.
Also, his Voldy mood board can be interpreted as him intelligence gathering after finding out about Horcruxes- it's described as 'ragged', which is a contrast to the rest of his room (also Sirius gathers intelligence in a similar way in Gof). Or it could be that he walked into the DE's knowing full well what they were about and did so willingly because he was willing to spill blood for his ideals.
I love chatting about Regulus- so thanks for this :D
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northernreads · 2 years
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book review
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4 Stars ****
This book was good, taking on a whole lot of different topics and managing to balance them all rather well.
Our protagonist, Eliza, is not exactly likeable, and she definitely has some disagreeable characteristics. I'd say she isn't the typical YA protagonist any more. She actually resembles the protagonist of ye olde YA titles in that she is a huge Pick-Me Girl (aka a "I'm Not Like Other Girls girl). She is also often cold, kind of mean and prickly. While she has a lot of growing to do (a process that she begins to under go through the story) her personality isn't irredeemable, and as the story progresses, she really rather grew on me. The author also tells us readers within the first page or so (in a meta sort of way) that this is exactly the kind of character we are going to get when Eliza talks about a book she is reading: "I flop onto my bed with a book, an Eileen Chang novel I found by chance at the library. I like it because the main character is a Chinese girl who's smart but a bit prickly, which is a combination the world could really use more of." And boy does Quach deliver on that.
Characters do not have to be likeable, and they don't need to be anymore likeable by the end of the story either. That's not a real rule. And yet, despite that truth, Eliza, does undergo character growth and begins to unlearn some of her less positive attributes and opinions. The thing is, this character growth is not heavy handed or spelled out explicitly for the reader. Through the events of the book and the other characters that Eliza interacts with she does begin to unlearn some of her 'not-like-other-girls' beliefs.
This story juggles many feminist topics throughout, managing to introduce them to readers and then also show how complicated they can be when applied to real life. It felt like Quach was spinning dozens of different plates and successfully managed to keep each of them spinning throughout. I have read through several reviews and I know that other people disagree with me here, but I think that's because Quach is not necessarily explicit in her messaging. She doesn't spell out each lesson or takeaway. Instead lots of things are introduced and then unpacked and also complicated. All the facets of being a girl and a woman as well as how they have to navigate their womanhood are examined through numerous characters. And further how each girl in the book also begins to figure out how feminism fits in with their everyday life in even when sometimes working with the patriarchy can lead to desired results. Much of the feminist topics Quach lays out in this book aren't wrapped up neatly and that is because readers are meant to take those topics with them and continue to unpack them in their own lives.
The only thing I didn't like is actually the blurb of the book because it's kind of misleading. The opening tagline of the blurb says: "Emergency Contact meets Moxie in this cheeky and searing novel that unpacks just how complicated new love can get…when you fall for your enemy". And I think the whole blurb paints this as more of a romance book when it's really not. There is technically a romance plot in the story but it never struck me as being part of the story to make me feel swoony or anything. To me, at least, the romance is a tool that Quach uses to further examine some feminist topics such as slut shaming. And nothing more than that. If you go into this book expecting a cute romance, I suspect that you will definitely be disappointed.
I highly recommend this book for it's thorough and open-ended exploration of practical feminist topics and it's fascinating protagonist. I also think it would be an excellent book club pick as there is so much to discuss and unpack.
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twelvemonkeyswere · 2 years
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hi there i just read your essay about ofmd and stede's character journey it was FASCINATING i am obsessed about this topic and specifically looking at performed masculinity in the show and queerness :) have u written anything else about the show or have you seen anything else other people have written? APPRECIATE SO MUCH thank u thank you thank you, you are so talented
Hey, omg thank you so much for saying that! That's so fucking kind and I really appreciate it 💗
I haven't really written anything else LMAO even though I've meant to. But there's real good stuff out there (I asked my friends for some recs too so thank you @chuplayswithfire for your input and your posts!!!), and so if you also find more interesting metas please let me know, I'd love to read them.
this great post about the show allowing characters to be flawed, and how that interstects with the characters' identities
this post about Ed's relationship with violence, and the role Izzy plays into his character development (I resonate with this one so much)
this post about how the show depicts and deals with homophobia
this excellent post about the way the "run me through" scene frames penetration
this post with thoughts on how the show deals with masculinity
this absolutely fantastic analysis of Stede and Ed's relationship as an interracial same-sex couple
this succint but so accurate post about Lucius and homophobia (I have so many feelings about Lucius!!!)
this post discussing masculinity as the core of personal conflict for the characters
I don't know if you've read any of these already but I hope this points you places!
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nicopengin · 6 months
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Playstyle Analysis: Finding Your Productivity Groove
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Welcome back, fellow summoners, to another exciting installment of our series, Level Up Your Productivity: A League of Legends Inspired Guide. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of "Playstyle Analysis" and how you can discover your optimal work style for unparalleled productivity. Exploring Playstyles in League of Legends In League, we encounter a plethora of playstyles—each champion has its strengths, weaknesses, and preferred methods of achieving victory. Some thrive in chaotic team fights, while others excel in split-pushing and map control. Similarly, in the realm of productivity, we each have our unique ways of tackling tasks and achieving goals. Understanding these playstyles can provide valuable insights into how we can make the most of our time and skills.
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Identifying Your Personal Work Style Much like choosing a champion that resonates with your preferred playstyle, recognizing your work style is crucial. Are you a solo player who prefers working independently? Or do you shine in team environments, collaborating with others to achieve a common goal? By acknowledging your tendencies, you can tailor your work environment and tasks to better suit your strengths. Strategies for Alignment and Productivity League players know that synergy within a team is essential for success. The same principle applies to the workplace. Once you've identified your work style, it's time to align your tasks and goals accordingly. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, seek projects that offer challenges and quick decision-making. Conversely, if you're more methodical and calculated, opt for tasks that require in-depth analysis and planning. The Power of Adaptation In League, the meta is ever-changing, requiring players to adapt to new strategies and champions. Similarly, in our professional lives, adaptability is a valuable skill. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different work styles. Embracing change and flexibility can lead to personal and professional growth. Embracing Your Unique Approach Every League player has their favorite champion and playstyle. Similarly, each of us has a unique approach to productivity. Whether you're a methodical planner, a spontaneous creator, or something in between, your individuality is your strength. Embrace it, refine it, and watch your productivity soar. In the next installment of our series, we'll delve deeper into the concept of "Coordination and Communication" in both League of Legends and real-life productivity. We'll explore how unlocking teamwork and collaboration can lead to optimal performance. Until then, remember that finding your productivity groove is an ongoing journey, much like mastering your favorite champion. So, keep experimenting, keep adapting, and keep leveling up in both the Rift and your professional life. Read the full article
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nextonesolutions · 6 months
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 Unleashing the Power of Chatbots: Revolutionizing Communication 
In a world that's constantly evolving, communication has taken on a new dimension. One of the most exciting developments in this arena is the rise of chatbots. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating realm of chatbots, exploring their impact, capabilities, and the incredible ways they are transforming the way we interact with technology. Strap in as we embark on this journey into the future of communication! Are you looking for your  Own Chatbot
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Chatbots: More Than Just Virtual Assistants 
Chatbots, once considered mere virtual assistants, have evolved into intelligent conversationalists. These digital entities can now hold meaningful conversations, provide solutions, and even simulate human emotions. The sheer versatility of chatbots is staggering. They can be found in customer service, healthcare, e-commerce, and a myriad of other industries.
Chatbots offer 24/7 availability, ensuring that customers' needs are met at any hour. Moreover, they are incredibly cost-effective for businesses, reducing the need for human customer support agents.
Behind the Scenes: How Chatbots Work :
Ever wondered how chatbots operate? Well, they rely on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. NLP allows chatbots to understand and interpret human language, while ML enables them to learn and adapt from each interaction. This combination empowers chatbots to provide increasingly accurate responses over time.
These digital marvels can be rule-based or AI-powered. Rule-based chatbots follow predefined rules, making them suitable for simple queries. AI-powered chatbots, on the other hand, continuously learn and improve, excelling in complex tasks and conversations.
Did You Know? (Appreciate for crossing halfway of this blog in a funny way)
Congratulations, dear reader! You've made it past the halfway point of our chatbot journey. Pat yourself on the back; you're officially a chatbot expert now! 🎉
Chatbots in Action: Real-World Applications:
Let's explore some exciting applications of chatbots. In healthcare, chatbots assist with medical queries, provide medication reminders, and even offer emotional support. In e-commerce, they guide shoppers, answer product-related questions, and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Moreover, chatbots are indispensable in language translation, making the world a smaller place by breaking down language barriers. They also play a pivotal role in financial services, helping users with banking inquiries and financial planning.
Chatbots: The Future of Communication
The future is promising for chatbots. As they continue to improve and become more sophisticated, they will undoubtedly revolutionize the way we communicate with technology. We can expect even more personalized interactions, quicker problem-solving, and a seamless integration into our daily lives.
In conclusion, chatbots have come a long way from their humble beginnings. They have become indispensable in various industries, providing efficient, round-the-clock assistance. As we look ahead, the future of communication is undoubtedly intertwined with these digital conversationalists. So, embrace the chatbot revolution—it's here to stay!
Love and Care from,
Your Friendly Blog Writer
Tags: Chatbots, Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Virtual Assistants
HashTags: #Chatbots #AI #CommunicationRevolution
Meta Description: Explore the world of chatbots and how they are transforming communication. Discover their real-world applications and the exciting future they hold!
CONTACT US THROUGH WEBSITE 🕺🕺
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webomates · 7 months
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Generative AI in Software Testing — Webomates
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Introduction
The landscape of technology is undergoing dramatic transformations, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) leading this monumental evolution. Among the concepts turning heads is Generative AI, especially its pertinence to software testing. Its potential to transform traditional testing approaches couldn’t be more timely, considering our rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Unlike traditional AI which recognizes patterns in the data available and predicts, Generative AI employs algorithms to develop fresh, unseen data based on learned patterns from an original source.
The process of training Generative AI models involves unsupervised learning where the model identifies patterns within unlabeled data, leading to vast and quick data generation, resulting in precise predictions and advanced customer personalization. Here are some points highlighting how Generative AI is revolutionizing the tech landscape:
Content Creation: The emergence of AI has brought about a transformation in content creation especially when it comes to writing code. By leveraging machine learning techniques, it enables the generation of precise and fast code ultimately expediting project timelines and boosting overall productivity.
Customization: Generative AI algorithms excel at personalization by dynamically creating tailored customer offerings based on individual preferences and past behaviors. This level of customization surpasses immeasurably what was previously possible, enriching user experience while boosting engagement.
Enhanced Product Design: Leveraging generative design allows for innumerable iterations leading to optimized solutions that improve efficiency and usability while reducing costs.
Advanced Problem Solving: Employing generative models can help businesses generate potential solutions for complicated problems more extensively and rapidly than traditional approaches.
Data Augmentation: By generating new synthetic datasets, Generative AI assists in overcoming limitations imposed by inadequate or unbalanced information.
Security Enhancements: It can enhance security measures as its inconceivable behavior provides severe obstacles for cybercriminals aiming to crack coded patterns and systems.
By challenging traditional methods across various domains, including healthcare, cybersecurity, product development, digital marketing — and beyond — generative AI amplifies our ability to conceive possibilities pushing the envelope on technology’s capacity towards unimaginable horizons.
Understanding Generative AI — Roles and functions within this realm
Understanding Generative AI is like stepping into a fantastic sci-fi world where machines don’t just carry out instructions, they conjure up new ideas. Let’s have a closer look.
The roles and functions of Generative AI are varied and fascinating:
–Creator: Just as an artist uses a brush or a writer their words, Generative AI utilizes large datasets to create original content ranging from music compositions to full-fledged articles. It’s every creator’s trusted sidekick.
-Simulator: In need of testing scenarios but short on time? No worries! Simulate real-world situations with Generative AI for robust risk analysis or decision-making.
-Personalizer: Ever wished for your own personal stylist or movie recommendation? Your wish is Generative AI’s command! It tailors experiences based on individual preferences.
Different Generative AI tools in the market
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Following are some Generative AI tools that are making waves in today’s digital landscape:
Google Bard is one of the latest projects released by Google, touted as their answer to OpenAI’s GPT-3. An innovative chatbot and content generation system, Bard heavily leans on LaMDA, a leading-edge transformer-based model that aims to foster more open-ended and natural conversations with machines.
Meta Llama2: Llama 2 created by Meta is a language model (LLM) that builds upon its previous version. This state-of-the-art technology has the ability to develop bots like ChatGPT or Google Bard. Its thorough training on datasets allows it to generate coherent and naturally sounding responses, with a human-like tone.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT provides an efficient human-like communication interface facilitating customer service operations but can occasionally misinterpret the context leading to irrelevant responses.Chatbots powered by OpenAI’s GPT, like ChatGPT, are revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. Using advanced machine learning algorithms and a vast database of language data, ChatGPT can generate relevant and contextually meaningful conversations.
DALL-E from OpenAI: Another impressive tool from OpenAI leveraging GPT-3 capability with image-generation models that produce unique images based on simple user-provided text descriptions. By taking simple text input, DALL-E can produce countless unique renditions of the described object or scene, demonstrating its unprecedented ability to combine disparate elements in creative ways.
GitHub Copilot is a cutting-edge AI-powered coding assistant launched by GitHub. It’s designed to help developers write code more efficiently. Using OpenAI’s Codex model, it predicts and offers suggestions for new lines or blocks of code, directly within the editor.
Potential Challenges of Generative AI
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Some of the common challenges are listed below:
1. Misunderstanding User Intent: Understanding natural human language can be difficult due to its nuances, sarcasm, and slang leading to confusion or wrong responses.
2. Absence of Contextual Understanding: While GPT can produce coherent replies, it often lacks a deeper understanding of the context which humans provide naturally during conversation. This results in inaccurate responses.
3. Ethical Concerns: There’s the risk of producing harmful, inappropriate, or biased content as they base outputs on input data which may contain such biases.
4. Dependence on Data Quality: The performance of these models is reliant on the quality and quantity of training data. Garbage in, garbage out applies here too.
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– Test case generation: Generates various potential scenarios for testing based on a wide range of input combinations.
– Test automation generation: Effortlessly writes scripts to automate repetitive and mundane tasks reducing human error.
– Test strategy updates: Constantly revises test strategies based on new updates or alterations in the project’s scope.
– Test case updates: Adapts generated test cases according to any modifications or new features introduced in app/software.
– Test automation updates: Keeps track of automated scripts for any changes needed due to system enhancements.
– Chat support to customers: Provides real-time responses to resolve customer issues promptly using language processing capabilities.
This revolutionary approach enables efficient bug detection at early stages thus improving overall product quality while saving cost and time.
Infusion of Generative AI in Webomates
Webomates is a pioneer in integrating Generative AI in software testing. With the continual advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence, the technology has come to play an invaluable role across multiple phases of Webomates’ software testing process.
Test Script Generation Phase
Webomates’ AI engine executes a profound analysis of application workflows, followed by generating comprehensive test scripts that cover every notable functionality.
– Scalability: A considerable number of tests can be generated swiftly covering various facets with no manual intervention involved.
– Adaptability: Adapt to changes easily! Alterations need not worry testers as new test cases detecting these amendments get auto-created on-the-fly!
– Speed: Embracing Generative AI has brought dramatic improvements in speed of test case generation, while scaling back time, efforts and resources significantly.
Test Execution Phase
Webomates’ AI engine can automatically generate diversified and sophisticated datasets for testing purposes. These datasets have the capacity to replicate diverse and multiple real-world scenarios, the manual creation of which could be demanding and time-intensive.
– Random Data: The AI assists in creating random yet relevant data sets which can help check the system’s robustness against varying inputs.
– Edge Case Data: It aids in accelerating edge case validation by predicting situations that seldom occur but have critical implications if overlooked.
Test Case Maintenance Phase
Webomates’ patented AiHealing keeps the test automation always updated by regenerating the test cases within the same cycle, saving precious time and effort.
Embark on a High-Speed Testing Adventure with Webomates!
Generative AI could well be the game-changer we didn’t know we needed until now. So why not let yourself be swept away with progress and embrace these impressive advancements?
Are you racking your brain for expert testing capabilities with impressive turnaround times? Look no further; Webomates is here to sort you out. Our specialized service, Webomates CQ, presents you with the future of testing — Testing-as-a-service (TaaS).
Our TaaS utilizes the power of Generative AI to architect unique test strategies and test cases. We heighten the effectiveness through futuristic AI modules like Defect Predictor for speedy and precision-driven testing.
We resonate with the essence of your business operation, committed to enhancing app quality while amplifying cloud-based test results. Elevate your experience by teaming up with Webomates — because when it comes down to testing, nothing beats expert guidance.
Partner with us to steer your testing regime towards new horizons! Drop a message at [email protected] and someone from our team will reach out to you.
If you liked this blog, then please like/follow us Webomates or Aseem.
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matan4il · 2 years
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Hi!! First love all your meta! It’s so fascinating to read and as a film student a lot of your analysis is how I’ve analyzed it though there’s always something I didn’t notice that you did!
Quick question - you mentioned waiting 8 seasons for a ship where one married and had a kid then they got together and one died…and it sounds just so familiar but I can’t put my finger on it. What show / ship was that?? (Btw I agree with everything else in that post lol)
Hi, lovely Nonnie! Awwww, thank you so much for the kind words! :D Ooooh, you're a film student, I'm sure you're kicking ass at your studies, and I hope you're enjoying it, too! Please never hesitate to come talk to me about anything film related if you feel like it, I love TV and films in general. And I'm so glad we analyze Buddie the same way, and thrilled I can still add something new to the mix! *hugs big*
Oooh. OK, IDK if there's more than one show out there that fits that description, though I suspect the answer is sadly yes, 'coz TV showrunners can be pricks, but in my case, I was referring to The Blacklist, and the ship is Ressler and Liz (aka Keenler).
I wasn't gonna ramble about them, 'coz while I've watched the entire show, I was never an active part of the fandom, but since I got this ask... Let me just preface this by saying I think TBL is an excellent show, but it IS set in a dark world, so it’s not necessarily for everyone, unlike 911. Also, I will ramble for a sec, but I promise everything I’ll say will relate to Buddie at the end.
So, one of the things that makes TBL excellent is it's a show built around a central mystery, that they manage to make complex enough in order to stretch the mystery over 8 years, and yet the solution we learn in eps 821/822 (the finale of s8) is so organic that it actually fits EVERYTHING, all the little clues, insanely well, down to what seems like nonsensical throwaway comments in s1, and making even clues that seemed to contradict each other finally make sense and fit together. But that requires A LOT of planning ahead. I'm not saying things didn't change along the road when it comes to the exact sequence of steps that led to solving the mystery, some things did, like Liz's actress getting pregnant and that being written into the show, but the end goal of what the solution was and how all the pieces of the mystery puzzle fit together, and what elements would be necessary to get us there, they clearly had that goal in mind and it never changed, allowing them to plant hints, partial reveals and promises in such an effective manner along the way.
This amount of planning ahead is also relevant to Keenler. 'Coz when I watched s1, at first I didn't notice Ressler and Liz. TBL built such a mystery around Tom for Liz to decipher, it didn't look like she was even noticing anyone else, while Ressler had a laser focus on Red (after all, he's been chasing Red for 5 years). But by ep 104, it's Ressler's arms that Liz allows herself to fall apart in, and it's clear he probably already liked her to some degree (the way he checks up on her a little earlier in that ep is SO tender), but when Liz lets go, you can tell that this really managed to break through the walls he had built around himself. Still, what sealed things for me, that the show was planning on doing something with Liz and Ressler at some point, was ep 105. Because it seems to be keeping Liz completely preoccupied with the Tom mystery, yet you can tell she's taken a real interest in Ressler, unlike anything she was showing towards any other Task Force member at that point. It made the special attention they're paying to each other mutual, and highlighted their bond. So 105 is when I became convinced something is coming for these two. I just didn't know when.
Lemme tell you, I did not expect the show to drag out things with Tom - when he's clearly implied to be the wrong guy for Liz from the start - for as long as they did, and to throw in a wedding and a baby, too. Seriously, everyone shipping Keenler deserves a medal. And if you think we only have crumbs with Buddie at times, with Keenler we had microscopic ones. I once went an entire season on the way Liz looked at the spot on her arm that Ressler touched while he tried to comfort and reassure her. But I kept in mind that by ep 301, Ressler's feelings for Liz were kinda canon in my book. Red, whose devoted parental love for Liz is one of the reasons I kept watching, mentions the importance of Ressler's feelings for Liz (though he doesn't explicitly call those feelings love, which means that it's still not technically canon, the way Red words it when he could have talked about the importance of Ressler's friendship or loyalty to Liz, that's why I think it is subtextually canon from this point on). So what I took from this was that Ressler is already in love with Liz, that Red knows (and quietly approves, which is echoed in the talk he and Ressler have in ep 901), and that if Ressler wasn't aware of his own feelings before, he had to be aware of them after Red's words.
And yet, we still had to wait until 717 for Liz to explicitly express how much Ressler means to her, that she can't live without him, and until 801 for them to even kiss.
But the reason why we had to wait so long is a part of what makes this ship so good! Because the first 8 seasons of TBL are about the tragedy of Liz, whose fate is to a great degree shaped by the lies and manipulations of key people in her life. Some lie to her because they believe they're protecting her (like Red and Dom), while others lie to her 'coz they want something from her (like Tom and Tatiana Petrova). But as Liz says when she finally confesses her love in 819, Ressler was the one person who didn't lie to her, who was just there for her. That makes him truly stand out in her life. But it's more than that. What Tom wanted from Liz was her love and he didn't care what he had to do in order to get it, he was willing to lie, manipulate, kill and even put Liz in harm's way in order to be with her. Ressler, in contrast, never wants anything from Liz. He never demands anything from her, not even her love. He's content to be in her life and love her while being 'just a friend'. He loves her so long and so quietly, so unassuming and undemanding, it breaks my heart. He's made aware of his own feelings by 301 at the latest, and yet at the end of s3 he has to watch Liz marry another man. More than that, Ressler physically put himself between her and a rain of bullets so she could marry that other man. Just think about those levels of quiet devotion and love, not once complaining or asking for things to be different.
And it's exactly why he's the right man for Liz. Those literal YEARS of the ship being nothing more than hints and subtextual promises for something at some point in the vague future, they happen for a reason (as much as I wish Ressler and Liz got more time together before her actress left the show).
Ressler is in love with Liz for years, and when they finally happen, it's because she's finally ready for it. He's the one person who lets her decide her own fate. So even then, after Liz first kisses him, Ressler makes no demands or assumptions, he lets her decide what step to take next and when. To me, that makes their love story even more beautiful, as short and as tragic as their canon time ends up being. Because you just get how much it means, and you also know that to Ressler every moment they spent together counted, even before Liz kissed him. I am never gonna be normal about how much those two love each other (Liz too, even before she figured it out. The way she was there for Ressler and cared about him long before she worked out what it means and what they could have together).
And now I'm gonna circle back to Buddie, 'coz here's the thing. After roughly 3.5 years of Buddie, we CANONICALLY have more explicitly deep and meaningful moments between Buck and Eddie (I mean, the legal guardian talk ALONE, I wail) than we ever got with Keenler during the first 7 seasons of TBL. And the other Love Interests that Buddie got so far have been far less impactful or developed than Tom was. So if TBL could make good on its own promises and hints along the years, and let Keenler go canon as a couple, by all accounts Buddie should as well. I'm saying, I'm actually weirdly good with calling out ships early on. When the two characters are each canonically attracted to the gender of the other one, I almost never miss, no matter how long it takes for the ship to go canon and what they have to go through in order to get there. And those ships usually end up being the endgame ones, too. Here and there, I even managed to correctly call out a ship that went canon even though this entailed a same-sex attraction reveal. I've also had same-sex ships that I knew would never go canon, but I could usually tell the show would only ever hint at the couple and play around with the subtext, but it would never actually go there (for example, Supernatural). So really, if Buck and Eddie were canonically queer, or an opposite sex couple, I would have had no doubt that they would happen. And when comparing them to canon ships like Keenler, I also have no doubt Buddie should happen. And that they could, even after years of appearing as if they never would and in spite of many other LIs, even seemingly really significant ones. Will they? That's a mystery I can't solve, not yet, though I CAN tell you that I don't have that sense I had with SPN that there's no way the show would ever go there. We just gotta wait, watch and find out. But this is another little piece from me to all of you, about why I have faith and why Buddie def are the right fit for each other (as I mentioned repeatedly in my seasons 1 to 3a Buddie meta).
Sorry for the length, thank you for the ask and please have a look at my ask tag if you're looking for another ask reply. xoxox
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kitkatpancakestack · 3 years
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I know the focus on the final scene is mainly on the legal guardian revelation or the “because EVAN” but I think about the very last part when he says “but you’re wrong” and the way he says it it always struck me because I can see this isn’t a thing he wanted to say or at least not yet in fact there’s a little pause where it seems like he has to gain all the courage to let it out bc thinking it is a thing but saying it out loud? To HIM? He wasn’t ready but he had to because he wanted him to know that he’s not alone and won’t be forgotten. And I think this is also the first time where he lays out his sentiments and how he feels about buck
Oh anon, you come into my home with such an excellent ask? *Kisses cheeks* welcome to the family.
No, but for real, Eddie saying "but you're wrong" is just the most intentionally jarring line they could have done. Because it feels clunky to hear, right? You expect him to say "But you're not," and it's funny, because immediately after the episode aired when people were pulling quotes, a lot of them used not instead of wrong, because it's like your brain autocorrects it. I think this is just so fascinating and important. Using wrong so explicitly juxtaposes with the way literally everybody else on the show talks about Buck (they use the not concept). The writers felt it was absolutely important for us to hear and understand this difference.
Ryan's delivery of that scene......*chef's kiss* it's perfection. The way he pauses, the way he sighs, the way he is so raw and exposed he cannot even LOOK at Buck. Considering he 100% never meant to reveal this all to Buck, I think you're right, nonnie. I fully believe he didn't want to burden Buck with this information; I think he feels it's a selfish decision with a motive he hasn't quite grasped yet (I've written a meta about that somewhere in this abyss of a blog). Eddie does not peel back his layers for many people—nobody but his son, actually, and fleetingly with Bobby—but he cracked himself wide open in front of Buck. It's such a beautiful fucking moment. There's a reason this was the very last scene of the season, pre-montage. I truly believe they're going to require the length of S5 to unpack the emotional repercussions of it bw Buck and Eddie and what that means for the obvious shift in their dynamic moving forward.
Thanks for stopping by! This one was fun!!!
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inawickedlittletown · 3 years
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Queerbaiting and Buddie
(word count: 1,900)
I keep saying that I don’t want to spend any more time on 9-1-1 meta or fic, but the events of this weekend made me open up a document where I had some unfinished meta and in light of the S4 finale airing tonight, I thought I might at least write this: 
“Queerbaiting is a marketing technique for fiction and entertainment in which creators hint at, but then do not actually depict, same-sex romance or other LGBTQ representation. They do so to attract a queer or straight ally audience with the suggestion of relationships or characters that appeal to them, while at the same time attempting to avoid alienating other consumers.” 
That is how Wikipedia defines queerbaiting. And I really feel like everyone needs to read that and then read it again and realize that what is happening on 9-1-1 with Buddie is NOT queerbaiting. 
I don’t want to go into the long history of queerbaiting because we would be here all day and anyone that wants to do some research should go and do so. There are a lot of resources out there. Use them. 
But the short of it is this: queerbaiting has a lot more to do with the way a show is promoted, with the way that anyone involved in the show talks about a queer ship, and with the show deliberately scripting scenes that hint at a relationship without any intention of following through. Expectations and wanting a queer ship to go canon and those expectations not being met do not alone equate to it being queerbaiting. 
For any of us that have been around a long time there are a lot of perfect examples and if you compare Buddie to any of them, they are very different. I’ll name a few:
Merlin/Arthur
John Watson/Sherlock
Emma Swan/Regina
Derek/Stiles
Castiel/Dean Winchester (though they did go canon...barely)
Lena/Kara
Buck and Eddie do not fit into that list. Which isn’t to say that someday they could belong there, but I just do not believe that they will even if Buddie never becomes canon. And this all lies in how Buddie as a ship has been treated both on screen and off. I’ll break it down by season. 
S2: 
Eddie is very clearly introduced as a new character, a straight Army veteran with a disabled kid and family drama. He and Buck have immediate chemistry. We can’t deny that, or deny that from that first episode there are immediate sparks. Unintended sparks, but sparks nevertheless. And it is easy to tell that no one on the production team expected that and the story reflects that. 
Yes a foundation for their friendship is formed and yet the season long story focuses on Eddie’s relationship with his estranged wife and Buck is dealing with his own growth after being left by Abby. Their friendship shines and their scenes are great but none of them suggest romance and there are actually a lot of episodes where Buck and Eddie barely interact in S2 aside from in the background or for small work related moments (this mostly happens after Shannon returns). 
S2 does give us the first acknowledgement from the powers that be aka Tim Minear that they know what the fans have seen. This is why the elf scene exists, but it exists in a space where it’s a nod to the fans and not meant to do much more than that. The other moment is during the call with the livestreamer. But S2, places them completely and without question on a strong friendship. 
S3: 
We see a lot more conflict for Buck and Eddie in this season and we see how close and important they are to each other. Those are the two main things. That can be read as friendship easily and it’s a season where both Buck and Eddie deal with their pasts and in one way or another start to get closure while their friendship remains intact. 
Yes there are some scenes that make us squint and go huh, wtf? (I’m looking at you kitchen scene), but narratively we also know that neither of these boys is ready for a real relationship with anyone, let alone each other. But we can bask in how close they are as well as how Christopher fits in into all of it. 
But in S3 we are also introduced to Ana and we see the return of Abby. We also get to see that Buck and Eddie have become closer than ever and that the lawsuit only serves to highlight the importance that they both feel about having the other available to them. I’ll also quickly mention that Eddie Begins worked hard to highlight Buck’s devotion to Eddie. 
S4: 
Without considering the events of the finale (I am avoiding spoilers and know nothing about it or the speculation), we’ve seen Buck and Eddie both grow and get further closure on their past. This season has paralleled them well and their friendship has not faltered, they’re as close as ever. 
The beginning of the season was heavily focused on Buck and we saw him grow as a person and begin to work on himself in a healthy way and we’ve seen Eddie be supportive of that. 
We also have Ana to consider and her relationship with Eddie as well as the return of Taylor and yet the appearance of these women has not changed the Buck and Eddie dynamic. And I find it fascinating that Eddie beginning to date Ana, is the thing that prompted Buck to start dating. The parallels are all over the place but it is the strength of the friendship and the way they care so deeply about each other that remains whether that becomes romantic is still to be seen, but it could still go either way.  
Off-screen by the end of S2, Tim Minear had already addressed Buddie by throwing in that elf scene in a wink/nudge fashion that said “I see you” and in the scene with the girl with the livestream with the comments. During S3 he tweeted about being frustrated by the fans demanding and being hostile and thinking that that would make him more likely to do what they want (I’m paraphrasing what I remember seeing). Tim has never once said that Buddie will happen or shut the door on the ship entirely, but he did say he did not want to engage in conversation about it because he doesn’t want to get into arguments with fans. 
Oliver has always been enthusiastic about Buddie and has even said that he would be perfectly fine with it happening both a while ago and more recently in promo for S4. Conscious of queerbaiting and not wanting to give fans false hope, he has specifically said that he does not know if it will or won’t happen and that he wouldn’t speak on that as he’s not the one making that decision. His support for it happening does not mean he has any sway one way or the other. He’s said this a few times and even wrote a letter to the effect to make it clear to fans that the last thing he wants is to disappoint someone due to something he’s said. 
All in all, it just isn’t a constructive environment for anyone working on the show to interact with fans on this topic because any time that they do, they get attacked by overly enthusiastic buddie shippers that in many ways are making everything worse. 
In all of the interviews from Tim that I’ve seen, he has always been very quick to hint at what was coming up on the show in a way that at times has been misleading on purpose. The number one thing that comes to mind is early in S4 where Buck was said to get a new woman in his life. Tim absolutely made it out to seem like it was a girlfriend while knowing fully well that it was a therapist. This is an excellent example of what promoting and hinting is actually like. No one from this show has done that in regards to Buddie. 
No one has gone out of their way to hint that it may happen in a way that excites the fans. And this is one of my main reasons for knowing that Buddie is not a queerbait. At no point in the life of the show so far has anyone used Buddie in a promotional way to bring in viewers. Because THAT was the whole point of queerbaiting in the past. 
It was a way that some showrunners found to bring in a lot of viewers when they needed to up their numbers in order to show networks they were worth keeping around. Someone figured out that LGBTQ people wanted to see themselves represented so much so that they would tune in to anything that promised an LGBTQ character in some fashion. It was a tactic that worked well in the landscape of tv where there was so little LGBTQ content on mainstream media that anyone wanting it would latch onto anything. And then they just wouldn’t deliver on those relationships or characters. In 2021, that is not the world we live in any longer. 
In today’s tv landscape there is so much to watch and so much to pick from and diversity has grown, it is celebrated. Queer characters are well represented as are queer relationships and queer stories. The times are different. A while back I was listening to a podcast (Bait: a queerbaiting podcast) and something I found interesting was how the hosts both agreed that in today’s tv landscape there is no more real queerbait and that we won’t easily find anything like the ships I mentioned above. I think I agree more with this than I expected to, because I do think that it exists in some spaces, but it definitely isn’t what it used to be. This is a good thing. 
Specific to 9-1-1, this is a show that has that diversity and that isn’t afraid of tackling that diversity and giving us interesting and nuanced perspectives and stories embracing that. We have characters of color, women in positions of power, a F/F relationship, two multi-racial relationships, a disabled character, other queer characters including a M/M relationship. There is so much in this show that embraces diversity and that embraces the reality of what the world looks like. To call it queerbait is to disrespect everything else that this show is and has done and the hard storylines that have been tackled that we would not have seen on tv ten years ago. 
And I get that Buddie would be another breakthrough. It would be a novel way to tell a queer story, and it would be amazing if it were to happen. The set up is there, but it isn’t fully realized, and Buck and Eddie can still be read as just friends if we take off the shipping goggles. But it also isn’t queerbait or likely to become queerbait and people have to stop calling it that. 
What Buddie resembles is one of the many unintended slow burn ships that have frustrated viewers in many forms across fandoms and we just have to go along for the ride and maybe it will happen. Or maybe it won’t. But if we know anything about relationships on tv, it is that a lot of the fun comes from the journey, even if the destination is good too. 
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