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1. Dear Care and Feeding,
I work from home. My kids are 8 and 12. When they were little, we hired a sitter to watch them on the random days off from school, but they don’t really need a sitter now.
For holidays when they are off and I’m working, my husband and I agreed to a set of rules for them: If the kids help with two small chores, read for 30 minutes, and play outside all before noon, then they can have screen time. The kids reluctantly agreed to this policy.
But they still demand my time. They will complete the list above, then ask to FaceTime with a grandparent (a clever loophole). They come into my office whining that they are bored. They are old enough to help themselves to snacks, but if I don’t supervise, they will eat everything before lunch. I make and serve lunch. Even after lunch, they play on their tablets and mindlessly snack. If they ate everything earlier, they come to my office whining for more snacks.
I feel like my husband is taking advantage of my work-from-home job. I feel like my work and time come second to his. I would like to have a full day off the weekend after one of the school holidays. A day when no one asks me for food or entertainment or a ride somewhere. A day when I’m not picking up after everyone. I don’t need a spa day; I need a day to myself. My husband says that’s not fair because his job doesn’t have working from home as an option, and I can’t just “quit parenting for a day.”
—Holidays Are Not Days Off
( Read more... )
**********
2. Dear Care and Feeding,
When should I let my daughter learn lessons on her own? My daughter “Chloe” is 12 years old. She recently went with her two closest friends to the zoo. She really wanted to wear a summer dress and white sandals and tried to leave the house without wearing sunscreen.
I talked to Chloe and made her go wearing sunscreen, and also shoes that would be better for walking on the dirt paths at the zoo (I couldn’t change her mind about the dress, so I picked my battles). But I’m not sure I like doing that.
She’s 12 now, and none of the consequences would have been disastrous. The next time something like this comes up, should I just let her make her mistakes and experience the consequences?
—When to Intervene
( Read more... )
1. Dear Care and Feeding,
I work from home. My kids are 8 and 12. When they were little, we hired a sitter to watch them on the random days off from school, but they don’t really need a sitter now.
For holidays when they are off and I’m working, my husband and I agreed to a set of rules for them: If the kids help with two small chores, read for 30 minutes, and play outside all before noon, then they can have screen time. The kids reluctantly agreed to this policy.
But they still demand my time. They will complete the list above, then ask to FaceTime with a grandparent (a clever loophole). They come into my office whining that they are bored. They are old enough to help themselves to snacks, but if I don’t supervise, they will eat everything before lunch. I make and serve lunch. Even after lunch, they play on their tablets and mindlessly snack. If they ate everything earlier, they come to my office whining for more snacks.
I feel like my husband is taking advantage of my work-from-home job. I feel like my work and time come second to his. I would like to have a full day off the weekend after one of the school holidays. A day when no one asks me for food or entertainment or a ride somewhere. A day when I’m not picking up after everyone. I don’t need a spa day; I need a day to myself. My husband says that’s not fair because his job doesn’t have working from home as an option, and I can’t just “quit parenting for a day.”
—Holidays Are Not Days Off
( Read more... )
2. Dear Care and Feeding,
When should I let my daughter learn lessons on her own? My daughter “Chloe” is 12 years old. She recently went with her two closest friends to the zoo. She really wanted to wear a summer dress and white sandals and tried to leave the house without wearing sunscreen.
I talked to Chloe and made her go wearing sunscreen, and also shoes that would be better for walking on the dirt paths at the zoo (I couldn’t change her mind about the dress, so I picked my battles). But I’m not sure I like doing that.
She’s 12 now, and none of the consequences would have been disastrous. The next time something like this comes up, should I just let her make her mistakes and experience the consequences?
—When to Intervene
( Read more... )
I don't know why this was sent to Pay Dirt, but Pay Dirt gave excellent advice the LW will not heed
Dear Pay Dirt,
Our next-door neighbors were really welcoming when we first moved into our new home. Within weeks, though, they started complaining that our son was too loud and that he was “bothering” their dogs. He’s 5 years old and rambunctious, and he’s attracted to furry animals, which makes it really hard to keep him away from fun, furry floofs!
We tried talking it out with our neighbors, but they lodged a complaint with our HOA, presented us with a massive bill for repainting their fence after our son drew on it with chalk, and twice called the police because he was “trespassing” on their property (he entered their garden uninvited to play with their dogs).
We’re at our wits end. We are seriously considering selling up and moving, as we can’t reasonably expect a child to forever remain indoors. But it will result in a loss we cannot afford.
Is there any way to fix this situation? We feel like we’re being bullied out of our home, but our neighbors are operating well within the law and their rights.
—Homewrecker
( Read more... )
Our next-door neighbors were really welcoming when we first moved into our new home. Within weeks, though, they started complaining that our son was too loud and that he was “bothering” their dogs. He’s 5 years old and rambunctious, and he’s attracted to furry animals, which makes it really hard to keep him away from fun, furry floofs!
We tried talking it out with our neighbors, but they lodged a complaint with our HOA, presented us with a massive bill for repainting their fence after our son drew on it with chalk, and twice called the police because he was “trespassing” on their property (he entered their garden uninvited to play with their dogs).
We’re at our wits end. We are seriously considering selling up and moving, as we can’t reasonably expect a child to forever remain indoors. But it will result in a loss we cannot afford.
Is there any way to fix this situation? We feel like we’re being bullied out of our home, but our neighbors are operating well within the law and their rights.
—Homewrecker
( Read more... )
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1word1day2025-06-07 04:48 pm
full_metal_ox) wrote in 1word1day2025-06-07 04:48 pmOpen Mic Saturday Word: Zhabohadyuking.
(Image description: a Tweet from Mykhailo Lavrovskyi:
Americans are learning the depths of the Ukrainian concept of zhabohadyuking.
Zhabohadyuking
(noun, slang, ironic)
[From Ukrainian zbaba (frog) + hadyuka (viper) + English-style suffix -ing]
Definition: a messy, absurd conflict in which both sides are equally awful, toxic, or ridiculous.
- Shitshows where every participant sucks.
Political slap fights between clowns.
Situations so cringe and cursed they feel like a cursed animal mating ritual.
Origin: The term comes from a Ukrainian expression “the frog is screwing the viper” (їба́ла жа́ба гадю́ку)—a vulgar, folkloric way of saying “this is a hideous match-up no one asked for.”
Source: https://x.com/Lavrovskyi/status/1930702385154077045; via
Organization for Transformative Works (![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png)
otw_news_feed) wrote2025-06-07 05:53 pm
otw_news_feed) wrote2025-06-07 05:53 pmTOS Spotlight: Offensive Content
The Policy & Abuse committee (PAC) is responsible for enforcing the AO3 Terms of Service (TOS). To help users better understand the TOS, we’re posting a weekly spotlight series about the TOS and our policies. We’ll also be reading comments and answering questions on this and our other spotlight posts.
Over 15% of all complaints that PAC receives each year are about content that users consider offensive but does not violate the AO3 Terms of Service. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Fictional depictions of societally taboo topics, immoral behaviors, or crimes (such as bestiality, child sexual abuse, incest, and rape)
- Fiction that contains or promotes offensive and/or oppressive viewpoints
- RPF (real person fiction) that contains explicit content or portrays people in a negative light
- Explicit fanworks for canons whose creators have said they dislike explicit content
Offensive fanworks are not against the AO3 Terms of Service, and PAC will not remove fanworks simply for being offensive.
AO3 is a home for all fanworks
AO3 operates under the principle of maximum inclusiveness of fanwork content. We will not make moral judgements about a work: if it’s a legal fanwork that does not violate any of our policies, we will not remove it from AO3.
Don’t report works for being objectionable or offensive. If you wish to avoid certain content when browsing AO3, you can use the tools discussed below.
Why does AO3 allow fanworks about content that is illegal where I live?
There is a difference between fictional content about acts that would be illegal if performed in real life, and content that is itself illegal to post or access in a particular jurisdiction.
AO3’s Terms of Service are designed to comply with United States law (specifically, the laws of Manhattan, New York). It is legal in the U.S. to create and share fictional content about murder, theft, assault, or other such crimes. It is also generally legal in the U.S. to create and share fictional content about topics such as bestiality, child sexual abuse, incest, and rape. AO3 allows users to post and access fiction about all of these topics.
In accordance with U.S. law, AO3 prohibits sexually explicit photographs, videos, and other photorealistic images of children (also known as Child Sexual Abuse Material, or CSAM). This includes embedded images, links, and any attempts to solicit, distribute, or otherwise obtain or provide access to such material – whether in a work, comment, or anywhere else on AO3.
However, stories and non-photorealistic artwork (such as drawings or cartoons) that depict sexual activity involving characters under the age of eighteen are allowed, provided that the works are properly rated and warned. Even if the work features real people, fiction about real people is still fiction, and therefore it is allowed on AO3.
Depending on where you live, the laws that apply to you may be more restrictive than the ones described above. All users are responsible for following the laws that apply to them. If certain content that is allowed on AO3 is illegal for you to access, then you should ensure you carefully observe all relevant ratings and warnings, and use the tools discussed below to avoid accessing any work that indicates it may contain such content.
What about other explicit or suggestive photorealistic images?
Photographic or photorealistic images of humans may not be used to illustrate works featuring underage sexual content (regardless of whether the images themselves are explicit in nature). This includes (but is not limited to) photographs of children, porn gifs, photo manipulations, computer-generated or “AI” images, and other linked or embedded images that could potentially be mistaken for photographs of real humans.
If the work appears to feature underage sexual content (as indicated by the “Underage Sex” Archive warning or other contextual markers present in the work’s tags, notes, or text), then PAC may require all photographic or photorealistic images of humans, regardless of their perceived age, to be removed from the work.
If your work does not feature underage sexual content, or if the images are not photorealistic, then please read our Terms of Service FAQ: Can I embed explicit images in my fanworks?
Real Person Fiction (RPF)
RPF is fiction based on real people. AO3 does not consider RPF works (in and of themselves) to be harassment of the individuals represented in the works. RPF works are allowed on AO3, even if they contain explicit content, negatively portray their subjects, or are about individuals who are minors and/or not well-known.
However, harassment and doxxing are both prohibited under our Terms of Service. This means that we do not allow works that advocate for actual harm to be done to a real person, nor do we allow works that disclose non-public information about a real person.
Fiction is generally permitted to include public information such as age, profession, city of residence, media or “stage” names, and publicly known legal names. However, if someone uses a pseudonym that they have not linked to their legal name, you’re not allowed to post content that links the two.
What if the creator of a canon states that they dislike explicit fanworks or don’t want people to create fanworks based on them or their work?
Creators are free to dislike fanworks, explicit or otherwise. However, AO3 holds the position that transformative fanworks are legal under United States law, and do not require the original creator’s permission to be posted. If a fanwork does not otherwise violate our Terms of Service, then that fanwork is allowed on AO3.
I don’t want to see certain kinds of works. How can I avoid them?
We want all our users to enjoy using AO3, but each user is responsible for their own browsing experience. If you encounter a work that upsets you, please leave the work, and use the following tools to manage your browsing experience and avoid seeing it again.
Tag exclusion filters
AO3 has an extensive tagging system. Tags can be used to filter out works when you are browsing a tag or using the work search function.
As discussed in our post about ratings and warnings, all works containing adult content must be rated “Mature”, “Explicit”, or “Not Rated”. If you don’t want to encounter adult content, you can use filters to exclude all works with these ratings. If you encounter a work rated “General” or “Teen” that has explicit content, you can report it to PAC.
In addition, all fanworks that contain underage sexual activity, rape/non-consensual sex, graphic violence, or major character death must be labeled with the respective Archive warning or the “Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings” label. Much like ratings, you can use filters to exclude any or all Archive warnings (including “Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings”). If you encounter a work that is missing an Archive warning, you can report it to PAC.
Creators frequently apply relationship and additional tags to indicate other kinds of warnings or content. All of these tags can also be used to exclude works. When a tag is excluded, any tags that are linked to it as synonyms or subtags will also be excluded. For example, if you exclude the “Child Abuse” tag, works that are tagged with “Canonical Child Abuse“, “Abused Children“, etc., will also be excluded, even though they don’t use the exact tag “child abuse”.
How to use tag exclusion filters
To exclude a tag using the filters sidebar:
- You can get to any canonical tag’s works page by clicking on a tag, either directly on a work or by using Tag Search.
- Open the filters sidebar. On a large screen, it’ll automatically be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. On a small screen, select the “Filters” button to make it appear.
- Navigate to the “Exclude” section.
- You can expand each tag type to see the most common tags used on works in your search results. If the tag you want to exclude is listed, select the X next to it.
- If you’re trying to exclude a Fandom, Character, Relationship, or Additional tag that is not one of the most common tags, type the tag into the “Other tags to exclude” box.
- Select the “Sort and Filter” button at the bottom of the sidebar. This will apply the chosen search filters to the list of works you can see, removing any works with the tags you’ve excluded.
Exclude by keyword search
In addition to using tags to exclude content, you can exclude a keyword or phrase by inserting a minus sign in front of it in the “Search within results” box. Doing so will mean that any works which contain your keyword or phrase in their metadata will not show up in your results. Metadata includes the title, creator, tags, summary, and beginning and end notes, but it does not include content in the body of the work or individual chapter notes.
In addition to excluding specific keywords, you can also use this method to avoid works created by a particular user: just type -creators:USERNAME into the search box. You can filter out multiple creators at a time by typing this same command multiple times, separated by commas or spaces (for example, -creators:USERNAME1,-creators:USERNAME2).
If you’re browsing a work tag, then you can exclude keywords using the filters bar. Type your keyword exclusion into the “Search within results” box, then select “Sort and Filter”.
If you’re using Work Search, use the “Author/Artist” field to filter out works by a particular user. You can also filter them out from “Any Field”: if you do that, you’ll catch not just any works they’ve created, but also any works created by someone else where their username is mentioned in the tags, summary, notes, or other metadata.
Permanently avoid seeing specific users or works
If there is a user that you never want to see again, you can mute them. Muting a user means that you will no longer see works or bookmarks they’ve created, other users’ bookmarks of their works, or comments they’ve left on AO3. To mute a user, simply select the Mute button on their profile page.
Muting a user will result in a banner at the top of every work search results page. If you want to hide this banner, you can add a site skin that includes p.muted.notice {display: none;}. Site skins customize the way AO3 looks to you while you’re logged in.
You can also use site skins to hide specific works that you don’t want to see. Once set up, your site skin will be active whenever you’re logged into your account on any device.
To use a site skin to hide a particular work:
- Find the work ID. The work ID is the number in the URL immediately after /works/
- While logged into your account, go to archiveofourown.org/skins
- Select “Create Site Skin” (or edit your skin if you’re already using one)
- In the CSS box, type
.work-000 {display: none !important;}, replacing “000” with the ID of the work you want to mute - To mute multiple works, use a comma-separated list:
.work-000, .work-111, .work-222 {display: none !important;} - Save or update your skin. If it’s new (or if you weren’t already using it), you’ll also need to select the button labelled “Use”
If you need help creating or using skins, filters, work searches, or any other AO3 feature, please contact Support.
Can I permanently block a tag or have a persistent filter?
Unfortunately, it’s not currently possible to save a set of tags or search exclusions directly on AO3, although you may be able to find third-party tools or site skin instructions to help you do this. AO3 doesn’t have those kinds of built-in persistent filters: every time you open a new search page or works list, the filters will be reset. However, if you run a search using filters, you can bookmark the results page in your browser. The bookmarked page will keep the same search and filter settings when you return to it later.
What if I have more questions about offensive content?
PAC follows a strict confidentiality policy. Therefore, while you are welcome to ask general questions in the comments of this post, we will not give information on specific cases, publicly rule on a work, or update you on the status of a report you have already submitted. Comments on this post that discuss specific works or users will be removed.
For more information, you can read our TOS FAQ on offensive content vs illegal content.
If you are still uncertain, you can comment below or submit a question through the Policy Questions & Abuse Reports form.
Mad Scientess (nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-07 12:49 pm
nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-07 12:49 pmEntry tags:
Just One Thing (07 June 2025)
It's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
inabsentialuci (laurapalmer) wrote in ![[site community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/comm_staff.png)
dw_community_promo2025-06-06 02:32 pm
laurapalmer) wrote in dw_community_promo2025-06-06 02:32 pmEntry tags:
Seasons of Fandom- Now Open To New Members!
Introducing
seasons_of_fandom, an interactive fandom challenge community/landcomm that allows you to create work for any fandom you can think of! We were previously lands_of_magic, a name we ran under for over 10 years, but we figured we needed a facelift and a name change since it has been a long time since we had only focused on fantasy fandoms. We welcome TV, movies, books, games, music, anime, celebrities... almost anything goes! We have all kinds of challenges- writing, graphics, games, and some challenges that are miscellaneous fanworks! This round we'll also be trying out monthly drabble and icon contests.We have four wonderful teams- The Spring Court, The Summer Court, The Autumn Court, and The Winter Court.
Sign-ups for new members start today, and though our first round under our new name doesn't start until August, we will have two challenges open before the round officially starts. To sign up, all you have to do is read the rules and fill out the survey here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
ArtemisDart (artemisdart) wrote in unconventionalcourtship2025-06-06 08:42 am
artemisdart) wrote in unconventionalcourtship2025-06-06 08:42 amFalling for His Rival
Falling for His Rival (21,217 words) by ArtemisDart
Chapters: 4/4
Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Poe Dameron/Armitage Hux
Characters: Poe Dameron, Armitage Hux
Additional Tags: Unconventional Courtship 2025, Modern Era, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Reality TV, Alternate Universe - Reality Show, Food, Recipes, POV Alternating, Armitage Hux Has Issues, Armitage Hux Has No Chill, Armitage Hux Has a Bad Childhood, Armitage Hux Needs A Hug, Gay Poe Dameron, Poe Dameron is a Menace, Flirty Poe Dameron, Rivals With Benefits, Enemies to Lovers
Summary:
Blurb taken from Falling for Her Rival, by Jackie Braun
For chef Poe Dameron, it's time to turn up the heat. Three years ago he hit rock bottom. Now he's ready for a comeback, starting with winning a TV competition to secure a spot running New York's trendiest kitchen! He just didn't count on his attraction to rival Armitage Hux burning a hole in his plans…
Hux has worked his apron off for this opportunity, and total focus on the competition was the plan — which is difficult when all he can think about is wanting his opponent out of the kitchen and in his bed! But there can only be one winner, and sometimes, to win, a guy has to play dirty!
Chapters: 4/4
Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Poe Dameron/Armitage Hux
Characters: Poe Dameron, Armitage Hux
Additional Tags: Unconventional Courtship 2025, Modern Era, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Reality TV, Alternate Universe - Reality Show, Food, Recipes, POV Alternating, Armitage Hux Has Issues, Armitage Hux Has No Chill, Armitage Hux Has a Bad Childhood, Armitage Hux Needs A Hug, Gay Poe Dameron, Poe Dameron is a Menace, Flirty Poe Dameron, Rivals With Benefits, Enemies to Lovers
Summary:
Blurb taken from Falling for Her Rival, by Jackie Braun
For chef Poe Dameron, it's time to turn up the heat. Three years ago he hit rock bottom. Now he's ready for a comeback, starting with winning a TV competition to secure a spot running New York's trendiest kitchen! He just didn't count on his attraction to rival Armitage Hux burning a hole in his plans…
Hux has worked his apron off for this opportunity, and total focus on the competition was the plan — which is difficult when all he can think about is wanting his opponent out of the kitchen and in his bed! But there can only be one winner, and sometimes, to win, a guy has to play dirty!
Mad Scientess (nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-06 09:04 am
nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-06 09:04 amEntry tags:
Just One Thing (06 June 2025)
It's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Girl Genius (girlgenius_main_feed) wrote2025-06-06 04:00 am
girlgenius_main_feed) wrote2025-06-06 04:00 amGirl Genius for Friday, June 06, 2025
The Girl Genius comic for Friday, June 06, 2025 has been posted.
Organization for Transformative Works (otw_news_feed) wrote2025-06-05 07:36 pm
otw_news_feed) wrote2025-06-05 07:36 pmMay 2025 Newsletter, Volume 200
I. 200 NEWSLETTERS
This month marks the 200th edition of the OTW Newsletter! Starting in February 2012, the newsletter has consistently provided updates on committees across the OTW. Over time, the newsletter’s format has grown and shifted, settling into the format used today.
If you’re curious, older newsletter editions can be found on AO3 News and the OTW website! Thank you so much for supporting the OTW and our projects. Here’s to many more!
II. ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN
Policy & Abuse is currently running a weekly spotlight series about the AO3 Terms of Service. These news posts have been highlighting various nuances of AO3’s policies, and Policy & Abuse has been coordinating with Communications’ News Post Moderation subcommittee to answer follow-up questions in the comments.
AO3 reached 15 million fanworks in May! Communications published a news post to celebrate.
Also in May, Accessibility, Design, & Technology deployed a few enhancements related to username and password changes, as well as fixed some longstanding bugs in tag sets. Systems is preparing to mount new servers, after which they’ll be able to get them up and running for AO3.
Open Doors announced the import of Homosapien Press: the publisher of multi-fandom fanzines such as Samurai Errant, Homosapien, and Pure Maple Syrup. They also completed the import of Slash Advent Calendar and Snow Lands. Lastly, they launched a way for archivists and publishers to designate a Fannish Next of Kin to take over collection management post-import.
In April, Policy & Abuse received 2,734 tickets, while Support received 3,003 tickets. Tag Wrangling wrangled just over 490,000 tags, or approximately 1,100 tags per wrangling volunteer.
III. ELSEWHERE AT THE OTW
Fanlore’s annual Fanlore Bingo Challenge is in full swing! This year the event is running from June 2 to June 15, and the bingo is beach themed. All Fanlore visitors and editors, new and old alike, are invited to participate!
Fanlore also celebrated May with a themed month: Creature Feature! Their editing chat on the Fanlore Discord server was a big success; thank you to everyone who joined. You can check out Creature Feature highlights on Fanlore’s Tumblr.
Translation’s recent recruitment led to the addition of a new translation team for Irish! User Response Translation’s first ever recruitment has also concluded.
Transformative Works and Cultures continues to seek submissions for their upcoming special issue on Latin American Fandoms. The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2026.
IV. GOVERNANCE
Elections announced the 2025 Election Timeline in coordination with Communications and Translation. Candidates will be announced on June 22, and the deadline to become a member for voting is June 30.
Development & Membership is continuing to send donation gifts from April’s Membership Drive. They’re also starting to work on membership queries for the 2025 election and related mini-Drive in June.
Board, with the help of the Board Assistants Team, held a public board meeting on April 26, 2025. The meeting had 74 attendees, and Board answered 10 questions live and 7 questions asynchronously after the meeting. Meeting minutes are available on the OTW website.
Board also approved the creation of the Organizational Culture Roadmap workgroup, continued work on Crisis Procedures and Paid Staff Transition projects, and met with the Cybersecurity Delegate to discuss their report and next steps. The Board Assistants Team continued work on multiple ongoing projects, including updates to the Board Discord moderation guidelines, OTW roadmap goals, and non-profit training.
Lastly, Board announced the resignation of Zixin Zhang as a Board Director. We wish Zixin all the best in her future endeavors.
V. OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers & Recruiting conducted recruitment for three committees this month: Fanlore, Finance, and Open Doors. Volunteers & Recruiting also began a large-scale project regarding their procedures on inductions and removals. This project aims to ensure documentation is consistent across all roles in the OTW, focusing especially on tools managed by Volunteers & Recruiting.
From April 21 to May 18, Volunteers & Recruiting received 154 new requests and completed 149, leaving them with 36 open requests (including inductions and removals listed below).
As of May 18, 2025, the OTW has 933 volunteers. \o/
New AO3 Documentation Volunteers: 1 Editor
New Open Doors Volunteers: Fandoms_addict and 1 other Admin Volunteer
New Policy & Abuse Volunteers: BlackTeaAndVodka, WonderfulWorld, Pent, and 1 other Policy & Abuse Volunteer
New Strategic Planning Volunteers: Everett Merian and Camilla Zhao
New Support Volunteers: 1 Tag Wrangling Liaison
New Tag Wrangling Volunteers: Ebonwing, Jazzberries, Keladry, megidola, and Tal (Tag Wrangling Supervisors)
New Translation Volunteers: Bluebear, flatlander woman, Lavinia, Mici Pici, ömer faruk, Somber, and 3 other Translation Volunteers
New TWC Volunteers: 1 Symposium Editor
New User Response Translation Volunteers: Ekevka, meat, Patkiecoo, Remu, and 4 other URT Translators
Departing AO3 Documentation Volunteers: 1 Editor
Departing Communications Volunteers: 1 Chair-Track Volunteer and 1 TikTok Moderator
Departing Fanlore Volunteers: 1 Policy and Admin Volunteer
Departing Open Doors Volunteers: Fandoms_addict and 3 other Import Assistants, and 1 Technical Volunteer
Departing Support Volunteers: 1 Support Volunteer
Departing Tag Wrangling Volunteers: Eirinen, Luhba, Vyslanté, and 2 other Tag Wrangling Volunteers
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Punk (runpunkrun) wrote in gluten_free2025-06-05 09:17 am
runpunkrun) wrote in gluten_free2025-06-05 09:17 amRecipe: Strawberry (vegan) Buttercream Frosting
This makes a pink frosting that tastes like jammy strawberries and can easily be made vegan. Adapted from Katarina Cermelj's Baked to Perfection.
Ingredients:
28 grams freeze-dried strawberries (about 2 cups)
265 grams powdered sugar, sifted (about 1¾ cups, measure and then sift)
310 grams salted butter (or firm vegan butter), softened (11 oz)
1-2 drops of food coloring (optional, for a stronger color)
( recipe )
Questions? Ask 'em!
Ingredients:
28 grams freeze-dried strawberries (about 2 cups)
265 grams powdered sugar, sifted (about 1¾ cups, measure and then sift)
310 grams salted butter (or firm vegan butter), softened (11 oz)
1-2 drops of food coloring (optional, for a stronger color)
( recipe )
Questions? Ask 'em!
minoanmiss (minoanmiss) wrote in agonyaunt2025-06-05 10:07 am
minoanmiss) wrote in agonyaunt2025-06-05 10:07 amEntry tags:
Mad Scientess (nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-05 09:56 am
nanila) wrote in awesomeers2025-06-05 09:56 amEntry tags:
Just One Thing (05 June 2025)
It's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
I get the feeling that these people make their own problems....
1. Dear Annie: I'm a brokenhearted Nana who could really use your advice.
I have a 10-month-old grandson whom I adore, but I'm not allowed to kiss him -- not even on the back of his head. Recently, in a moment of pure affection, I forgot and gently kissed the back of his head. It was instinctual. I love him so much, it just happened.
The reaction was swift and harsh. I was scolded and now I'm not allowed to hold him unless he's sitting on my lap, facing away from me. To make matters worse, I'm only allowed to see him every other weekend for two hours, and someone has to be in the room to supervise me the entire time.
I've tried to talk to my son about it, but any attempt leads to an argument or a shutdown. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells just to be near my grandson, and my heart is breaking.
Is there anything I can do in this situation? I feel so lost. -- Heartbroken Nana
( Read more... )
**********
2. Dear Annie: I've been dating a wonderful man for five years, and for the most part, our relationship is strong and loving. We don't live together, so we typically see each other just a couple of times a week, with more time together when we go on vacation. That time feels precious to me. But lately, I've found myself increasingly frustrated, and I'm not sure how to bring it up without sounding jealous or petty.
The issue is his 30-year-old son, who calls or texts him constantly, even when we're on vacation. It's not about emergencies -- just frequent check-ins or casual conversations that end up interrupting our time together. I understand and respect the bond between a father and son, but I can't help feeling like a third wheel when we're supposed to be enjoying quality time as a couple.
I don't want to compete for attention, and I certainly don't want to damage their relationship. I just wish my partner could create some boundaries during our time together so we can stay focused on each other.
How can I bring this up in a way that's honest but kind, and without sounding like I'm being unreasonable? -- Feeling Overlooked
( Read more... )
I have a 10-month-old grandson whom I adore, but I'm not allowed to kiss him -- not even on the back of his head. Recently, in a moment of pure affection, I forgot and gently kissed the back of his head. It was instinctual. I love him so much, it just happened.
The reaction was swift and harsh. I was scolded and now I'm not allowed to hold him unless he's sitting on my lap, facing away from me. To make matters worse, I'm only allowed to see him every other weekend for two hours, and someone has to be in the room to supervise me the entire time.
I've tried to talk to my son about it, but any attempt leads to an argument or a shutdown. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells just to be near my grandson, and my heart is breaking.
Is there anything I can do in this situation? I feel so lost. -- Heartbroken Nana
( Read more... )
2. Dear Annie: I've been dating a wonderful man for five years, and for the most part, our relationship is strong and loving. We don't live together, so we typically see each other just a couple of times a week, with more time together when we go on vacation. That time feels precious to me. But lately, I've found myself increasingly frustrated, and I'm not sure how to bring it up without sounding jealous or petty.
The issue is his 30-year-old son, who calls or texts him constantly, even when we're on vacation. It's not about emergencies -- just frequent check-ins or casual conversations that end up interrupting our time together. I understand and respect the bond between a father and son, but I can't help feeling like a third wheel when we're supposed to be enjoying quality time as a couple.
I don't want to compete for attention, and I certainly don't want to damage their relationship. I just wish my partner could create some boundaries during our time together so we can stay focused on each other.
How can I bring this up in a way that's honest but kind, and without sounding like I'm being unreasonable? -- Feeling Overlooked
( Read more... )
(no subject)
DEAR ABBY: I see a psychiatrist and psychologist for generalized anxiety disorder, major depression disorder and borderline personality disorder. According to my doctors, my psychiatric disorders are a result of the 44 years of abuse I received from my mother, as well as the abuse she allowed others to inflict on me.
Her physical abuse stopped when I fought back at 17. When I was 18, it was the last time her precious prince of a son raised his fist to me because I told him I'd press charges and have him arrested. The sexual abuse had stopped when I was 12, and I realized she'd known what had been happening the whole time. It also ended my wanting a relationship with my mother, but her emotional abuse continued until she died in 2013.
I am being told that, because she's dead, I should just let it go. My siblings backed her because they wanted to be in Mommy's good graces. After years of hatred and abuse, I believed the only family I had were my own two children, but even they are cold to me now. They scold me -- "Your mother's dead. Get over it." How do I explain that when abuse starts before a child can walk, you DON'T just "get over it"? -- BLEEDING HEART IN OHIO
( Read more... )
Her physical abuse stopped when I fought back at 17. When I was 18, it was the last time her precious prince of a son raised his fist to me because I told him I'd press charges and have him arrested. The sexual abuse had stopped when I was 12, and I realized she'd known what had been happening the whole time. It also ended my wanting a relationship with my mother, but her emotional abuse continued until she died in 2013.
I am being told that, because she's dead, I should just let it go. My siblings backed her because they wanted to be in Mommy's good graces. After years of hatred and abuse, I believed the only family I had were my own two children, but even they are cold to me now. They scold me -- "Your mother's dead. Get over it." How do I explain that when abuse starts before a child can walk, you DON'T just "get over it"? -- BLEEDING HEART IN OHIO
( Read more... )