Scatty.com

Author: scatty

5 Unrealistic Soap Plotlines From Major TV Shows

Posted on by scatty

One of the things that people love the most about soap operas are the plotlines that, for lack of a better term, just don’t make any sense. Most of the soap plotlines that we see involve romance, especially when it comes to more than two people being involved. Questions about paternity, jilted lovers, divorce, marriage, you name it, there’s a soap opera plotline for just about everything.

Then, there are those plotlines that are just so bizarre that they’re impossible to take seriously. Sometimes, the playbook is completely thrown out the window on these shows so that the writers can shake things up a bit and draw in more viewers. Let’s take a look at five of the most unrealistic soap plotlines from major shows that fans would rather pretend didn’t happen at all.

1. GH Vampires

“General Hospital” isn’t the most realistic show on television, but in terms of soap operas, it’s at least somewhat grounded in reality. That would change once vampires were thrown into the mix in 2013, though. The lead writer, Ron Carlivati, even acknowledged how ridiculous it was that vampires were being introduced to the series for a storyline while also trying to justify it.

“The story does get pretty over-the-top,” Carlivati said. “Yet it’s still rooted in a certain reality. Lucy may be off-kilter but she’s certainly not in Heather Webber territory. Her belief in vampires will be very convincing.” Some fans were into it, especially as the “Twilight” series was incredibly popular at the time, while for others, it was the proverbial nail in the coffin for the long-running soap.

2. DOOL Zombies

Vampires aren’t the only supernatural beings to make their way to the soap opera circuit, as zombies became part of the lore for “Days of Our Lives”. Granted, the zombies were part of a Halloween storyline, but it was still weird to see some old characters come back to life on screen, especially some of the most detestable ones that the series has had.

Characters Nick Fallon, Charlie Dale, and Deimos Kiriakis all became reanimated corpses in the “Days of Our Lives” storyline, and there were some great lines that came from the arc. “You can’t be here, your dead,” was an actual line taken from a character’s reaction to seeing a zombie version of Mike Manning’s character.

3. Vincent/Valerie on Passions

There are a lot of times when “Passions” left people scratching their heads, and one of those times was the long-running plotline of Vincent Clarkson. There was an alter ego for Vincent, too, as he became Valerie Davis in one of the most convoluted story arcs and one of the strangest representations of transgender/intersex people that have been on television.

Vincent was born with the ability to become pregnant and used the Valerie identity to seduce his own father and become pregnant. All of that happened. Thankfully for the writers, the character was actually well-received by viewers and critics, as things could have gone much, much worse with such a sensitive subject. Of course, there was also plenty of criticism toward the show.

4. Talking Dog on One Life to Live

Certain soap operas are susceptible to having really weird plotlines, and “One Life to Live” was certainly one of them. There were time travel storylines during the series, but perhaps the strangest storyline came in the form of a talking dog. A trope that has been satirized ruthlessly on shows like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” became a reality for “One Life to Live”.

Tina Lord’s Shih Tzu David was able to communicate with his owner, as well as toddler Liam. It isn’t just some life lesson-type of stuff that the dog tells the baby, either. Instead, he reveals who the toddler’s real father is, leaving people confused by what was going on during the end of the long-running soap.

5. The Dallas Dream

Nothing is more infuriating for an audience than finding out that the plot that they just invested so much time into was completely thrown out the window. That’s what happened for fans of “Dallas” when there was an entire season that was dedicated to saying goodbye to Patrick Duffy’s character Bobby Ewing.

The character was killed off during the season-long story arc but was found comfortably alive in a shower shortly thereafter. After Duffy negotiated his return to the show, the entire previous season was written as a dream, rendering the entire thing pointless and wasting months of people’s time.

Classes in DnD: Get To Grips With This Basic Concept

Posted on by scatty

In Dungeons & Dragons, you’ll be tasked with picking a character that comes from one of the 12 basic classes. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to things such as speech, combat, etc. Let’s take a look at those classes to help beginners know what to expect when playing D&D for the first time:

Barbarian

The barbarian is often large and lumbering, offering up high points for strength because of its stature and ability to fight. These characters have a high amount of hit points and can deal a lot of damage that will come in handy during battle. However, the trade-off is that barbarians aren’t too bright, starting off with low levels of charisma and intelligence.

Bard

A bard is exactly what you think it is: a singer and entertainer that is able to lift the spirits of the traveling party. Bards offer up a lot of charisma by nature and have spells that can help get them out of trouble. Bards don’t do a lot of damage, though, and can easily be knocked off in battle. From the side, though, bards are extremely helpful.

Cleric

A cleric is a lot like a barbarian in the sense that they can deal a lot of damage in battle and have a lot of constitution. The big difference is that the cleric is much better with ranged attacks, is much smarter, and has a lot more intelligence and wisdom. A cleric is a warrior of the holy spirit by nature and is a safe well-rounded character for beginners.

Druid

Druids end up having more in common with clerics than clerics do with barbarians. That’s because their primary scores are placed into constitution and wisdom, but they don’t have a lot of the same armor that a cleric might have, making them more susceptible to damage. Druids can deal a lot more damage in most cases, though, and can change forms in battle.

Fighter

Fighters and barbarians share many of the same traits, though the fighter tends to be smaller in stature and much more intelligent. Fighters are knowledgeable about the art of battle and can attack from both close range and distance. There’s much more of a chance for character development with a fighter, too.

Monk

If you want a character that doesn’t use weapons while still doing a lot of damage on the battlefield, then the monk might be your go-to. They are masters of unarmed combat, using hand-to-hand abilities to fight while also having a solid defense. What helps them stand out is their immunity to a lot of poisons and non-combat damage.

Paladin

If you want a character that’s armored to the gills and is tremendous at combat, then a paladin might be your class of choice. Blessed by the holy spirit, paladins are forces of light that can partake in combat with the best of them while using their divine powers. Clerics are most similar to a paladin, though a paladin has more strength and charisma overall.

Ranger

When we think of a modern-day ranger, we probably think of someone that’s riding around on a horse and carrying a gun. In the D&D world, though, rangers are fighters that can battle from a distance and are often wise beyond their years. Dexterity goes a long way toward making a good ranger, and it’s a good class to have on a team with a beginner.

Rogue

The rogue class is similar to that of the monk, but it comes with higher charisma and focuses on getting in and out with their hits instead of sticking around the battlefield for too long. An assassin of sorts, the rogue class is handy for non-combat purposes, too, including picking locks.

Sorcerer

While a ranger can attack from long distances with arrows, the sorcerer does so with its magic abilities. This class is high in intelligence and charisma, casting spells that help the party perform a wide arrange of tasks from healing to doing damage to an enemy. Be careful, though, as sorcerers aren’t allowed to learn all possible spells.

Warlock

Upping the ante from the sorcerer class is the warlock class, which is typically even stronger than the sorcerer and shows their ability in battle. Like the sorcerer, warlocks can deal a great among of damage from a long range using a high constitution.

Wizard

Finally, there’s the wizard, another one of the magic-type classes in D&D that has a lot of skill points to go around. You can make your wizard a fighter or simply a charmer, as this is one of the most versatile classes that the game has to offer. 

How To Use A Timer For Productivity

Posted on by scatty

All of us want to be more productive, but it can be difficult to find the right ways. Sometimes we stick to a good plan for a week or two, though all it takes is one frazzled day to get things off the rails and we’re back to our disorganized ways and failing to stay productive. There are some surefire ways to increase production, and one to consider would be to use a timer.

When we think of timers, we tend to think of cooking or something involved with exercise, but what about using a timer for your everyday life? Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can use a timer to increase your productivity without falling back into bad habits. It may surprise you just how effective you become in just the first couple of days of using a timer.

One Task Per Segment

There is a method of using a timer called the Pomodoro Technique which many people stick to. The key principle of using this technique is to set the timer for 25 minutes and focus on just a single task during this 25-minute segment. 

Let’s say you need to write up a report or clean the house; nothing else should be done during this 25-minute segment besides the exact predetermined task. Each segment is then followed by a five-minute break where you can cool down, give your attention to anything that you had to put off during that previous segment, catch up on calls, etc. 

Repeat this four times for a total of two hours, and then you can take a 15-30 minute break, which most people use for lunch. Repeat this once more throughout the day for a full 8 hours and 15 minutes to 8 hours and 30 minutes. Anything that happens afterward is up to you, sort of following a workday schedule.

Shorter and Longer Spurts

If your day is filled with tasks that don’t require a full 25 minutes, you can adjust your schedule to have shorter segments. Try not to do anything shorter than 10 minutes, as doing five minute segments of items every day can be cumbersome to keep track of, while some might not even be necessary. You don’t want to think too much about the timer itself, and your eyes will be glued to it with each segment if they’re too short.

Some also argue that 25 minutes may be too short for segmenting out your day. There are a lot of tasks that require a lot of our time, so they can be extended out into 50-minute segments, but the amount of break time also needs to be increased. It’s best to increase to 10 minutes of rest per segment for every 50 minutes spent on your tasks.

Why Timers

There are several reasons why you should be using a timer, and all of them make absolute sense for your day. Timers help you to stay focused from the start to end while also helping you to avoid working too hard to focus on seeing a task all the way through to completion and perfection.

Many of us focus too much on starting a task and putting off everything else in our lives, including stretching and getting exercise, until the task is complete. If You have a timer, it’s easy to set a finite time to start and finish, and all of your focus shifts to being in these productive segments. Also, you can make a better schedule and set your priorities straight.

Types of Timers

Thankfully, almost all of our smartphones have some sort of time that can help keep us on track throughout the day. It’s the surefire easiest way, especially since pretty much everyone that we know has a smartphone glued to their hip at all times of the day. There are other timers that can be used, too, if you want to go more old school.

Using the microwave is an unconventional method, but is certain to grab your attention when the timer hits zero. Kitchen timers will also work, and you can even set an alarm on your watch. There really is no wrong type of timer to use, as long as you’re adhering to the schedule and not hitting ‘snooze’ or ‘mute.’

5 Celebrities Who Are Obsessed With FIFA

Posted on by scatty

Video games certainly aren’t just for “nerds” these days as they have become incredibly mainstream, especially when it comes to sports games. Celebrities aren’t shy about their passion for playing sports titles, and that includes the FIFA series, which launched back in 1993 before exploding in popularity during the 2010s.

We’ve seen plenty of celebs talk about their obsession with the football franchise, from playing Ultimate Team to taking on strangers online. Here are five celebrities who are obsessed with FIFA and how they’ve gotten involved with the game.

Snoop Dogg

If there’s one thing that Snoop Dogg loves more than rap music, it’s sports. More specifically, he’s obsessed with sports video games. While Madden remains his favorite sports game (he constantly plays it while streaming on Twitch), FIFA is still one that he loves to play with each new edition. Ever since he was included in the soundtrack back in FIFA 13, it’s been a favorite for the D-O-Double-G.

Snoop Dogg has even participated in charity FIFA events, including benefitting Doctors Without Borders in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Real Madrid and Manchester United are the teams that Snoop likes to play as on FIFA, and he says that he loves the reality of sports games. Don’t expect Snoop to play on anything besides Xbox, though, as it remains his favorite console.

Usain Bolt

There isn’t a runner that’s more accomplished than Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who has won a total of eight gold medals at the Olympics, doing so in a span between 2008 and 2016. Bolt has been on billboards, magazine covers, you name it, there is no single person more synonymous with the track than Bolt. When growing up, though, Bolt wanted to be a football star.

Bolt says that he was never given a fair shot at playing football, so he instead resorted to playing FIFA while training for his track events. Games like FIFA “helped my hunger to always want to win,” Bolt said. “But I feel like it in a way kinda helped out with the track and field, because now, when you get on the track, you have that same mentality as when you’re playing video games. You just want to win.”

Trevor Noah

As someone who was born in the mid-1980s, Trevor Noah was raised playing video games, and that includes FIFA. After John Stewart retired from “The Daily Show”, Trevor Noah took his spot as the host, but continued his love for video games, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noah got into FIFA Ultimate Team pretty deeply on a yearly basis and even beat “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis in a charity tournament finals.

Noah said that he stopped playing Ultimate Team because he doesn’t like opening packs, but still plays online with the base players. Like many gamers, Noah has voiced his displeasure about being able to buy a better team and wants to play people straight-up without their 99 overall cards.

Drake

While hockey is more synonymous with Canada than any other sport, rapper Drake prefers football and basketball. Drake has been big into the NBA2K series while also getting into the FIFA series. Ever since the early 2010s, Drake has been playing each new edition of FIFA and has taken on several other notable celebrities.

For Drake, playing FIFA is the ultimate way to spend some downtime, and he has even appeared on the game’s soundtrack. At one point, Justin Bieber challenged him to a match, though it wasn’t met with a response. Drake has also teamed up with EA Sports for launch events, including appearing on stage at the release of FIFA 2014.

Becky G

American singer Rebecca Gomez, a.k.a. Becky G, released her first single back in 2013 titled “Becky from the Block” and has had a long list of hits since then including “Shower”, “Mayores” and “MAMIII”. For much of her professional career, Becky G has been in a relationship with Sebastian Lletget, a football star who has mainly played in Major League Soccer after coming up with West Ham United.

As part of getting into the football world, Becky G has gotten into the FIFA series and has talked openly about her love for both the sport and the video game franchise over the years. She was even part of the Trevor Noah vs. Jason Sudeikis face-off for charity, showcasing the skills that she’s learned.

5 Key Qwirkle Strategy Tips

Posted on by scatty

Qwirkle is always a great choice when you want to enjoy a chill game night with friends and family. Gameplay is simple. Just take turns putting tiles down on the table to match shapes and colors while trying to get the highest score possible.

If you want to take your gaming experience to the next level, though, you must think strategically through every play. Wondering just how that works? Here are several Qwirkle strategy tips to help you start your winning streak.

Try to Score on Two Rows

Scoring on a single axis will never get you the lead. You need to go for a twofer by scoring on two rows each play. To do that effectively, scan the board for opportunities for parallel plays. Then, choose the play that will net you the highest score on every turn. If you cannot do that, consider exchanging your tiles to open up your play possibilities even more. Otherwise, you’ll only get a score of four max, limiting your ability to come out ahead.

Count Tiles as You Go

In addition to bolstering your score, you need to play tiles that limit the other players’ ability to get points. You can do that by simply counting tiles as you go. There are only three of each color and shape combo in the bag. So, if you see them all on the board already, you know they’re played out and can strategize accordingly. By the 10th round, you’ll likely see plenty of threesomes on the table, allowing you to make your plays without the risk of setting your opponents up for a high score.

Get Rid of Identical Tiles

Since you cannot play the same tiles in a row, having identical tiles in your hand greatly works against you. Avoid holding onto those matching tiles for any length of time by playing one or doing an exchange. Even playing one for a low score is better than keeping the pair in your hand round after round. Aim to keep mixed combos in your hand instead. If you have several colors with matching shapes, you’ll have a better chance of going for a perfect 12-point score.

Block High Score Plays

Ideally, you want to score at least seven points per turn. But when the other players seem like they’re gearing up to make a big move, you have to scrap that goal in favor of blocking. Find when to block by watching where your opponents might score next. Then, use two tiles to fill out the space next to the high score row, effectively preventing them from making their move. You may not be able to maximize your score that round, but your efforts will still keep you ahead of the pack.

Prioritize Shapes

Unless they know this trick, many players check colors over shapes when looking for great plays. By prioritizing shapes as your go-to scoring method, you can easily zero in on scoring opportunities missed by your opponents. This is especially valuable when trying to find near-Qwirkles just waiting for completion. To put this strategy to work, just take your time in looking for four tiles in the same shape. Then, make your move to nab the Qwirkle and get a great score.

With these strategies on your side, you’ll soon become a Qwirkle master. You can then share your secrets with your closest friends or leave them mystified about just how you’re always winning. The choice is yours! Just know that if you play together often enough, your strategies will rub off on the other players anyway, making nabbing the high score more challenging than ever before.

10 Netflix India Series Streaming Now

Posted on by scatty

If you’re looking for something new to watch on Netflix, look no further than these 10 great Netflix India shows and movies. From crime thrillers and lighthearted comedy to heart-wrenching dramas and addicting reality shows, there’s something for everyone on this list! 

1. Indian Matchmaking 

Indian Matchmaking is a drama-filled reality dating show featuring the wild shenanigans of matched (and mismatched!) men and women, from attorneys and veterinarians to jewelers, teachers, business professionals, single parents, and more. Despite receiving some criticism for allegedly depicting religious and caste segregation, Netflix has renewed the popular show for a third season. 

2. Delhi Crime

Delhi Crime is a thrilling crime drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, from the first episode to the last. The series is based on the terrifying true story of the Delhi gang rape in 2012 and depicts the devastating aftermath of the victim’s gruesome murder.

3. Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives

Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives follows a handful of women married to Bollywood actors as they navigate finding work in the cutthroat entertainment industry. The show’s recent renewal for its second season opens the doors to new titillating arguments, exciting celebrations, and nerve-wracking interactions that can only be found in Bollywood.

4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

While Glass Onion is an American show, it has gained significant popularity on Indian Netflix for its original plot and all-star cast, including Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Madeline Cline, and many more. The show centers around a group attending a murder mystery dinner that ultimately becomes reality in a number of thrilling twists and turns.   

5. Doctor G 

While not a series, Doctor G is a critically-acclaimed medical comedy-drama about a would-be orthopedic physician whose low test scores leave him with few options. Hilarity and drama ensue as the doctor attends a gynecology course, delivers a baby, faces disciplinary action, is involved in an abortion gone wrong, and finally learns his responsibility towards his patients. 

6. Sacred Games

Sacred Games is a thrilling neo-noir crime series about a burdened Mumbai police officer who has only 25 days to save the entire city, according to a harrowing phone call from a key player in the local gang. The series is massively popular, having been subtitled in more than 20 languages. 

7. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs the Underworld

Mumbai Mafia is another film that makes this list for its originality and popularity. This riveting political documentary exposes the decades-long war between the Indian mafia and the Mumbai police. Viewers of this gritty, revealing film come away with a new look at the credibility and morality of law enforcement in India, particularly in regards to the heinous extrajudicial murders perpetrated by uniformed officers. 

8.  Decoupled

Decoupled is a quirky Indian comedy about a man in the midst of a divorce who can’t help but ruffle feathers with his uncontroversial opinions. Viewers join him as he navigates couples therapy, divorce, work, and more with his unconventional and often troublesome viewpoints. 

9.  She 

The crime drama She follows a young policewoman who goes undercover as a prostitute in Mumbai in an effort to take down the city’s largest drug dealer. At home, she faces domestic abuse and learns to use her appearance to control the world around her. 

10.  The Fame Game 

The Fame Game is a series thriller that follows the story of a young woman who, after spending a lifetime embroiled in violence and drama, suddenly goes missing. Viewers join the cast as they begin to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, which only serves to bring up more questions and uncertainty.

5 Couriers With The Best Customer Service

Posted on by scatty

Having an efficient, dependable, and reliable courier is one of the most important aspects of any successful business.

Even more so, finding one that offers an extraordinary customer service experience can make all the difference in providing customers with a quality product and a satisfying overall experience with your company.

We’ve compiled a list of five couriers with the best customer service available today. From fast response times to accommodating customer requests at any hour of the day, each of these companies prides itself on customer service and certainly won’t disappoint.

With a focus on convenience, reliability, and customer satisfaction, finding couriers that pride themselves in keeping customers happy is almost guaranteed to provide you with a smooth delivery process from start to finish.

Let’s dive right in and learn more about what makes these couriers stand out from the competition!

The Importance of Superior Customer Service

Having superior customer service is one of the core foundations of success for courier services worldwide. At its core, it’s all about leaving an impression on customers that exceeds their expectations and encourages them to come back time and time again.

Going above and beyond is a must, whether by offering individualized assistance to clientele or actively engaging customers throughout the delivery process. Delivering outstanding customer service can make a strong statement about the level of quality service provided and could result in excellent word-of-mouth marketing. 

Listing the Top 5 Couriers with the Best Customer Service Experiences

Here are some of the best courier services available today when it comes to superior customer service, attention to detail, and maintaining a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these couriers have some of the most sophisticated logistics networks on the market and have a proven track record of answering customer questions and support requests promptly and on time.

1. FedEx

FedEx is renowned for its world-class customer service, providing customers with a variety of convenient features and support options. 

From the FedEx Virtual Assistant that allows quick and easy responses to customer questions to the ability to manage deliveries through the FedEx Deliver Manager, there’s always a way to get the assistance you need. Plus, if you ever find yourself in need of extra help, FedEx also provides Chat Support, Phone Support, and In-Person Locations so that customers can get personalized attention when they need it most.

With these excellent customer service options on offer, it’s no wonder why so many people choose FedEx for their courier needs.

2. UPS

UPS knows that customers are their lifeblood, which is why they provide some of the best customer service around. Whether you’re looking to ship domestically or internationally, UPS has got you covered 24/7 with world-class technical and customer support while also offering convenient tools such as a virtual assistant for quick answers and live chat so you can connect in real time.

Their personalized experience means you can trust them to be there for you, even on weekdays and weekends. With UPS, it’s all about getting what you need quickly and efficiently, backed by superior customer service every step of the way.

3. DHL Express

For your express courier needs, you can’t do better than DHL Express. Their customer service goes above and beyond – providing a wealth of options to help you get what you need in no time.

From their easy-to-use email support system to an incredibly helpful web portal and phone line with knowledgeable advisors to direct you to the closest local contact, they have everything you could possibly want from a courier. With DHL Express, you’ll never be left without answers or feel like you’re not getting the best possible service.

4. Aramex

At Aramex, providing superior customer service is at the core of its offerings. From physical offices to virtual phone lines and email support options, they are always ready to assist. 

They ensure every client is taken care of seamlessly, from handling customs clearances to offering detailed answers to questions in a timely manner. With Aramex, you can trust that your packages will arrive safely and on time and that their team of friendly professionals will be there to provide the outstanding support and service you deserve.

5. LaserShip

From online help centers and chat functions to text message and phone services, LaserShip is ready to answer any questions or queries and address any concerns at any time.

With their round-the-clock availability, it’s easy to see why LaserShip has some of the best customer service in the courier industry, especially when it comes to e-commerce and online order fulfillment. 

Concluding Thoughts

At the end of the day, couriers with the best customer service are those that recognize the importance of making an impression.

These companies understand that a happy customer is much more likely to stay loyal, and so they take great care in crafting an outstanding experience for each and every one.

By utilizing these tactics, FedEx, UPS, DHL Express, Aramex, and LaserShip have created an excellent foundation for delivering quality customer service for their customers worldwide.

How to make it in CGI

Posted on by scatty

CGI is rising in popularity year after year. This exciting technology is used in movies, video games, art, and more. Still, it can be challenging to figure out how to get your start in the CGI industry. This article will offer tips and tricks for those interested in becoming professional CGI artists.

Master foundational CGI skills

Several CGI skills are likely to always be in demand. Lighting, for example, is a CGI skill you’ll want to master to ensure your work is appealing to potential hiring managers. You’ll also need excellent attention to detail. Nowadays, movie studios and game developers want their artists to pay close attention to textures, such as threads on clothes, reflections on particular objects, and each hair on a character’s head.

Consider a specialty

There is a lot that goes into CGI between characters, environments, lighting, and movement. Luckily, you don’t have to master every element to become a professional CGI artist. It can be beneficial to decide whether you want to specialize in character creation, environments and backgrounds, rigging and animation, or lighting. In most cases, you’ll be part of a larger team that works together to create the final project.

Develop a keen eye for human behavior and anatomy

If you decide to work with character modeling or rigging, you’ll need an expert understanding of human anatomy. Your characters must have realistic proportions. If their arms or legs are unusually long, it will make them appear less realistic. Of course, your artistic style may involve unrealistic proportions. In this case, you’ll still need to understand human behavior to ensure your characters’ facial expressions and mannerisms are believable.

Consider getting a related degree

Due to the complex nature of CGI art, many jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Those looking to enter the field should consider getting a degree in art, computer graphics, animation, or computer science. Earning a degree takes time, and it’s easier said than done. Still, it can set you up for success as you begin your journey to become a professional CGI artist.

Practice time management

CGI artists must imagine intricate scenes and bring them to life. You’ll often face tight deadlines, so you must know how to make the most of your time. Planning tools, like the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, can be a lifesaver when you begin your first professional CGI job.

The Eisenhower Decision Matrix breaks your tasks into urgent, not urgent, important, and not important. This method helps you determine which tasks should take priority, which should be delegated, and which should be ignored. If structured planning methods aren’t for you, it can still be beneficial to break your tasks down into smaller subtasks and write them down in order of importance.

Begin networking

Some say, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This is true in many industries, but in the CGI industry, it’s what you know and who you know. It never hurts to begin making connections. Sites like Linkedin can connect you with professional CGI artists and others who work alongside them. You may not find a job immediately, but you can get your foot in the door.

Connecting with those in the industry can put you in touch with people that can teach you the ins and outs of how they landed their job. Sometimes, they may need to delegate simple tasks to you, which can be a great learning experience. More importantly, you can make friends that can further your career down the line.

Is Mastodon Better Than Twitter?

Posted on by scatty

Mastodon has emerged as one of the top Twitter alternatives, leaving many to wonder if it’s time to set up an account. The up-and-coming social media site was formed in 2016 but saw a massive user boost after Elon Musk took over Twitter. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s worth comparing the two sites first.

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is a decentralized social media site broken up into servers operated by various entities. Each server has its own themes, rules, and moderators. Still, you can communicate with users from other servers as well as those on your server. This concept may sound complicated, but it’s easy to understand once you get your account up and running.

Mastodon vs. Twitter

Twitter is a social media and micro-blogging site owned by Elon Musk. It was previously publicly traded but has been a private company since October 27, 2022. On the other hand, Mastodon is decentralized, meaning it isn’t owned by a singular entity. According to Mastodon’s founder, Eugen Rochko, “The code is free, open-source software, and nobody can change the license or take it back retroactively, and all of the different servers are owned by other people.”

Mastodon’s decentralized approach makes it an attractive option for those who disagree with Twitter’s new direction. Twitter provides a more robust user base, meaning you’ll see more posts and get more engagement. Still, Mastodon’s growing user base already includes notable figures like George Takei, Neil Gaiman, and Stephen Fry.

Both sites let you follow others, write short posts, and like posts from other users. Additionally, both can be accessed on your web browser or via their smartphone apps.

Mastodon pros and cons

Pros

  • Character limit: Mastodon posts are limited to 500 characters instead of the 280 you’re allowed on Twitter.
  • Enhanced security: In April 2022, Mastodon tweeted, “We’ve been planning on adding end-to-end encrypted messages to the platform for a while now. It’s coming.” Although direct messages aren’t yet encrypted, the site gives you plenty of control over who can see your posts.
  • Decentralization: The decentralized nature of Mastodon means large corporations can’t purchase it. Additionally, it makes it less likely that a single point of failure could shut the site down.

Cons

  • Fewer users: As it stands, Mastodon has around 2 million active users, compared to about 206 million active Twitter users.
  • Less user-friendly at first: Although the various servers become easier to understand over time, they can be intimidating when you first start.
  • No monetization: This can be a good thing, but it may cause issues down the line. People and organizations are paying to operate the servers used to host Mastodon accounts, but they have no financial incentive to do so. Over time, we’ll see if Mastodon’s community-funded model works or if servers begin to shut down when people are tired of paying for them.

Is Mastodon better than Twitter?

Mastodon offers an exciting alternative to those who don’t support Twitter’s new direction. It’s better than Twitter in many ways, but ultimately, it boils down to your preferences. If you care more about decentralization and security, Mastodon is the site for you. On the other hand, Twitter is still the best choice if you want exposure to as much content as possible.

How Does Mastodon Work? All You Need To Know To Use Mastodon

Posted on by scatty

Twitter has been one of the most popular social media sites for years, but after the company switched hands, many began looking for alternatives. Mastodon seems to be the go-to choice, as it has doubled its user base in just a few months. Those looking for a Twitter alternative should consider hopping on the Mastodon bandwagon. Still, before you do, it’s worth gaining a better understanding of what sets it apart from other social media sites.

What is Mastodon?

Mastodon is a decentralized social media site based in Germany. In many ways, it’s similar to Twitter, but several things make it unique. The site lets you follow users and like and share posts, similar to any other social media site. However, Mastodon is broken up into various servers, operated by different organizations and individuals, each with its own themes and rules. 

This site is one of the few social media options that is both free to use and ad-free. It’s operated by a non-profit organization and markets itself as “social networking that’s not for sale.”

Does it matter which Mastodon server you use?

When choosing a Mastodon server, you’re choosing which node will host and moderate your account. Users from various servers can interact with each other, so you aren’t limited to those on the same node as you. There are thousands of independent servers, known as the “Fediverse.”

For many, the main consideration is how the server is moderated. Luckily, you can switch servers anytime, meaning you can leave the node you initially chose if you disagree with their decisions.

According to fedi.tips, anyone can run their own server for around $8 a month. Generally speaking, joining someone else’s server is easier, and there isn’t really a financial incentive to create your own. Still, creating and joining your own server is an option if you’re up for the challenge.

Is Mastodon associated with the blockchain?

Blockchain and Web3 technologies generally market themselves as “decentralized,” so it’s natural to wonder whether Mastodon is a blockchain-based social media site. As it stands, Mastodon isn’t associated with any type of blockchain technology or cryptocurrencies.

The main reason Mastodon utilizes a decentralized approach is to give users the power to support the servers they like most. Because it’s decentralized, you’ll never have to worry about it getting bought by corporate entities. Additionally, since the site is spread among various servers, a technical issue is unlikely to prevent it from working. If something were to happen to one server, it wouldn’t impact the other servers in the network.

How to sign up for Mastodon

First, you’ll need to choose which server you’d like to join on Mastodon’s server directory. Most are open for anyone to join, but some require an application process. Regardless of your choice, you’ll need to read their rules to ensure it’s right for you. 

Next, input your preferred display name, username, email address, and password. Finally, you can confirm your email address and begin using the site. Like Twitter, you can start by adding a profile picture, following a few accounts, and making your first post.