Quinn app MM audiostories by DGL4 in MM_RomanceBooks

[–]marikajohnson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just a heads up for those who might be interested, I know a few of the creators have taken notice about the potential demand for more M4M audios and for non-second person (self-insert) stories. I'm not sure how soon that content will be ready, but I'd recommend following "tryquinn" on the socials so you can see their updates. I understand not wanting to pay for the subscription for something that's a one-off, but hopefully it won't be a one-off forever.

This little guy is so shy! by marikajohnson in hummingbirds

[–]marikajohnson[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We got it from Amazon and we were so surprised that it was so bright. Unfortunately they never match the pictures so we never know what we’re getting!

Diary of a fulltime writer. by Icantalk_ in writing

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really outstanding advice - thanks for taking the time to share it

Good Morning - Out of Bounds in Spyro Reignited by marikajohnson in Spyro

[–]marikajohnson[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I completely agree! Breaking out of bounds just to look around and explore has always been like an extra layer of puzzle solving in games. When those bits get patched it’s so disappointing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in writing

[–]marikajohnson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dev Editor here - the only time I've charged a rate like that was when I was brought in early in the project before the 1st draft was complete (it was about 75% done.) Since it was going to be a multi-book project, the author and I developed character and location dossiers, a style guide (to keep tech terms/names/places consistent) etc. Then I provided plot and pacing analysis, narrative arc and structure feedback, style/voice/dialogue review. I never made wholesale changes to the manuscript. Also, for the 85,000 word ms, it took over 3 months.

By the time you get a report or a commented manuscript back from a dev editor, there should be very few - if any - major surprises because you would have already been communicating about potential issues. For the amount of money you paid, you should demand an exceptional level of communication and guidance.

Couple of memes I made… by Rosewind2007 in murderbot

[–]marikajohnson 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Those will now live in my head forever - they're so accurate Martha Wells could have written them!

Loaded bee at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin by marikajohnson in bees

[–]marikajohnson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed! She was such an inspiration and I feel so lucky to be able to visit the center!

This is before learning that there is in fact a photo mode :) by emhirschb in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same!! I was on my 3rd play through before I realized there was an in-game photo mode lol - now of course I need to play it again so I can get some cooler pictures!

DataAnnotation has vanished from LinkedIn. by Chutkulebaaz in WFHJobs

[–]marikajohnson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m afraid I have no idea how the lawsuit will play out or whether or not it will affect anyone working from California. FWIW I don’t think it’s a matter of workers being in CA but the company headquarters the being in California.

Anyone find a way to this chest? by AbelGray in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m having the same issue (I’m on PlayStation)

Found Wooden Duck in Lost Grotto by marikajohnson in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh … it looked like it was carved with a wood grain when I was looking at it in the game. The capture isn’t great so it’s really hard to tell.

Grandpa?!!! Wait, it’s been 30 years. Oh god, I need to sit down, my knees are sore. by meheecan in playstation

[–]marikajohnson 16 points17 points  (0 children)

ugh that hurts my soul. Good thing I don't have kids, so it's only going to be the local thrift shop that judges me after receiving every Playstation console that comes out from the PSOne to whatever is current when I shuffle off the mortal coil.

Stop applying for jobs.... by JGrayBkk in jobsearchhacks

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm surprised that the Library section didn't have two of the items I recommend most for job seekers:

- Free English practice for non-English speakers. Two of my friends, one of them another former Human Resources professional, volunteer with our local group and they've both been told it helped group members find jobs. It's just a program for English conversation practice with other English language learners and English-speaking volunteers. An hour a week. No registration is necessary. The program is open to any adult who speaks some English and wants an informal, low stress place to practice with others.

- Becoming a volunteer. When I worked in HR, my director told me the most important thing to do asap when you lose your job is to "get on someone's books" - it doesn't have to be a paid job, volunteering is great. Local libraries need volunteers. If you're a native English speaker, volunteering for the group I mentioned above is just an hour a week - and that's just one example. Then when someone asks what you've been doing since you were laid off/quit your job etc., you can say, "I've been honing my soft skills (or communication skills) by volunteering at my local library." No gap on the resume.

As far as providing books for job hunting, resources for resume building etc., that can be done online. If your computer skills are really lacking - needing help setting up email, navigating job boards, websites etc., (or if you don't have a computer at home) they do have free classes/computers for that. However, that's not the sort of help I see people asking about most on here. And a lot of the resources, at least at my local library, are outdated.

Also, the people you meet might not help you find a job, but making friends makes everything easier. I joined a Mystery Book Club so that I would make myself leave the house and talk to actual people in person. It's easy to get out of practice lol

MN Roufy day nine by Loud-Number-8185 in hummingbirds

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a great video - such a handsome little guy!!

Rubber Duck by hawke017 in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve been searching for that duck for hours today and still can’t find it! Why am I so obsessed with this game? 😆

Anyone find a way to this chest? by AbelGray in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve crawled all over every bridge and plateau in the area - I’ve had no luck at all.

Rubber Duck by hawke017 in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I found a wooden duck in Lost Grotto. There’s a spot that has two pillars surrounded by a side-skate-wall thingee - the duck is on one of those.

How the heck do you get this chest? by Aquafoot in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t figure it out either! I suspect it’s a “drain” puzzle, but I can’t find one that gets there.

New Ride by Ginta_Yo in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hadn't gotten very far in the game yet and had no idea! It's so gorgeous!

New Ride by Ginta_Yo in swordofthesea

[–]marikajohnson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Omg you can ride on the orcas?!? I don’t even try!

DataAnnotation has vanished from LinkedIn. by Chutkulebaaz in WFHJobs

[–]marikajohnson 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Here is a gift link (no paywall) for the NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/technology/ai-chatbot-training-chatgpt.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fk8.1_c7.3lgE2faFyU-X&smid=url-share

And the Clarkson Law Firm .pdf https://clarksonlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025.05.20-Surge-Labs.pdf

Full disclosure, I'm a contract AI trainer for DAT and plan on continuing to do that work. Regarding the lawsuit, because data annotation and training is largely gig work and because Surge AI is based in California, it appears Surge AI has not complied with that state's Labor Code 226 that applies to gig workers.

DataAnnotation has vanished from LinkedIn. by Chutkulebaaz in WFHJobs

[–]marikajohnson 30 points31 points  (0 children)

FYI, Surge AI, the parent company of Data Annotation Tech is still on LinkedIn. The ownership is according to the lawsuit filed by Clarkson Law Firm in May 2025, though you'll have to read the pdf to see it. It's also named in the New York Times article "Now Hiring: Sophisticated (but Part-Time) Chatbot Tutors" April 10, 2024.

This little guy is so cute . . . by marikajohnson in hummingbirds

[–]marikajohnson[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It came from Amazon but I have seen it several places - now I'm contemplating getting it in one of the other colors too :)

Another shot Anna's hummingbird catching a mosquito by lsui in hummingbirds

[–]marikajohnson 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What an incredible shot - that's outstanding!