QUICK QUIZ - ARE YOU OVERSCHEDULED?

Summer is here—I love summer! Yet, I feel tired and frazzled because I can't spend the day outside in my garden.

Why? I asked myself that question. I answered the question too. I'm overscheduled.

If you feel frazzled and frustrated, maybe you're overscheduled too. Here's a quick quiz to help you.

If you can answer YES to 5 of these questions, you need to take a step back and change something in your life or your daily schedule.

(1) Do you frequently forget to do something you said you'd do?

(2) When you wake in the morning, do you dread getting out of bed because of all the tasks facing you?

(3) Do you skip breakfast because you need to tackle your projects right away?

(4) Do you feel pressed for time so you skim emails or save them for later rather reading and responding immediately?

(5) Do you eat lunch at your desk because you can't take 20-30 minutes for a real lunch because your computer may explode from the volume of email and social media posts that are stacked up?

(6) Do you want to spend time with your hobbies or just reading a book or watching a movie with the family, but you never find the time to do any of that?

(7) Do you feel discouraged as you're trying to fall asleep at night because you didn't accomplish enough even though you worked from sunrise to sunset?

WHAT TO DO

What to do if you're overscheduled? Maybe you wrongly feel that everything is your responsibility. Maybe you need to delegate tasks or eliminate some entirely. Maybe you need to learn to say NO. Maybe you need to be more assertive.

I don't have the answer to your overscheduling problem, but I bet you do. Most of us know what we should do to clear out a clutter-filled day, but we don't do it. 

Tackle the really important tasks in your world, and do the best you can. At the end of the day, leave all of that behind and enjoy your personal life.

It's easy to get caught up and feel you have to do it all, but there is something very important to remember. 

Despite all the propaganda to the contrary, no one can do it all. 

Do the best you you and make a plan to deal with the rest. More importantly, make a plan to free up enough time to have a real life.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Your personal life should be enjoyed, and your personal time should be protected. Personal relationships and fun nourish the soul and warm the heart.

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All About Image Copyright

If you publish images online, you probably know that you must possess the RIGHT to use an image in the way you used it.

By possess, I mean one of these situations:

(1) you own the image,

(2) you paid the creator for the right to use the image and received permission for that use,

(3) the image was free and a license was posted saying you could use it without charge for a specific purpose.

Unless you meet those parameters, you risk everything by using an unlicensed image.

AN ASIDE TO TODAY'S SUBJECT

I'd also like to tell you that if you meet the parameters for using an image and you receive an email from a supposed law firm that alleges you violated copyright by using that specific image, that you're dealing with a scammer. 

These scammers use legitimate law firm names and addresses, but their email addresses never link to the legitimate law firm. 

The email may sound similar, but it's not the same you'll discover if you do some basic research on the law firm and the usual form their email addresses take.

COPYRIGHT ENFORCEMENT

Copyright violation has escalated with the rise of social media. As a result copyright enforcement firms are doing a booming business—especially when it comes to copyright image enforcement by firms like PicRights and its lawyers.

If you get a letter from them, it is probably legit. PicRights represents small potatoes and the big boys like the Associated Press. When they find an unauthorized image on a website, they send a letter to the website owner informing them of the copyright violation along with a demand for compensation.

You do NOT want to receive a letter like that. If you don't resolve the issue by paying a fee that is usually 4 figures, their lawyers follow up. 

If you still do not respond promptly, you'll receive a demand letter from the lawyers. The ante goes up, and the end result is that you'll pay a little or a whole lot.

I've got to admit, I wish there were a copyright enforcement firm for authors because my books have been pirated all over the planet! What recourse do independent authors have? Sigh. Not much. 

MAKE YOUR WEBSITE, BLOG, NL, MARKETING BULLETPROOF

Always get permission from the copyright owner before using any image unless the image is in public domain or it comes with a clear notice of permission. This is true for so-called "free" stock images too.

 A website that offers free images always has a Content License posted. For instance on Pixabay, in the top right of a download page, you'll see this: "Free for use under the Pixabay Content License" and the link takes you to a page that tells you what you can do with the image and what you can NOT do with it.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Protect yourself and make sure you know what to do before posting an image.

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10 Ways NOT to Succeed

 I've been trying to write this book since the beginning of the year.

Trying to write a book is vastly different from writing a book.

To quote that famous philospher: "Do or do not. There is no try." —Yoda

With a new month started, I was so disgusted with so little progress that I read a post I wrote many years ago. I needed that reminder of certain truths I know. but am consistently ignoring.

Reading it helped me so maybe it will help you if you have a project that you just can't seem to bring to completion. Just substitute the name of your project where I call it Book and Writing.

Peck,peck,peck.

10 WAYS NOT TO SUCCEED

1. Wait until everything in your life is perfect before starting.

2. If started, wait each day until all the other nitpicky things of daily life have been done before you tackle your writing.

3. Write only when you feel like it rather than establishing a weekly quota of pages or words produced.

4. Write and rewrite the first chapter, not moving ahead until you have the beginning done to perfection.

5. Find a way to procrastinate. For instance, when you finally get to a new chapter, decide it's time to design the cover art. Get lost in that project and drown in indecision until the month is over. Then go back to the manuscript at which point you've lost your enthusiasm for the project.

6. Wallow in indecision about the story, the genre, the marketability, the cover—even after you've had a dozen created—rather than moving forward because that's so much easier than facing the blank page each day.

7. Take on a volunteer project that benefits all of your friends because you feel it must be done as soon as possible rather than procrastinating on it to write a book which is such hard work.

8. Take on another volunteer project because you finished the previous one.

9. Realize that you have 2 trips coming up so you know you won't get the book finished before then so set it aside to get your hair done, a mani-pedi, and new shorts and tops or whatever you think must be done now, now, now.

10. When you think about your work in progress, you get depressed so stop thinking about it. Watch some captivating documentary on TV when the itch to write makes you uncomfortable.

Depressing? You betcha. Fortunately, you'll eventually come to your senses and start saying NO to anything that isn't writing the book. You'll go to your office, give yourself a stern lecture, and start writing.

TAKEAWY TRUTH

Thomas Carlyle said, "Our main business is NOT to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." That means FOCUS on what you set out to do, and get it done. That's what I'm doing now. I'm writing, NOT trying to write.

Books are little vacations between two covers. Take a vacay today—read a book!. If you love reading, sign up for Joan's free newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases. SIGN UP TODAY.

Friday Facts - 5 Things That Make Me Crazy

It's Friday, and I've had a frustrating week. Rather than scream or pound my desk until my hands hurt, I thought I'd vent here.

In no particular order or subject matter....

5 THINGS THAT MAKE ME CRAZY

1. People who go door to door to ask you to vote for their candidates. I hate this. At this time of the year, they're worse than the ____________ who want to talk to you about your soul's salvation. (I didn't fill in the blank because there are more than 1 religious groups that do this.)

2. Bananas that are perfectly yellow and nice when you buy them. Get them home and brown spots magically appear. You better eat them fast because 3 days later they're destined for the compost pile.

3. WiFi signal from AT&T that never delivers the upload and download speed advertized. I would change providers in an instant if there were any better ones, but I haven't found any. They all seem to have their problems.

4. While we're on the subject of AT&T and other similar companies, I hate it when you've been a loyal, long-term customer, but they never honor that with reduced rates or anything like that. They offer new subscribers rock-bottom prices for the first year, but never do anything but increase the fees for long-term customers. 

5. AI. I hate the intrusion of AI into every website I frequently use. It's everywhere, and it's as annoying as hell. Maybe it's great for someone who doesn't know how to navigate the internet and use various websites, but for me, it sucks!!! It takes me twice as long to do anything because of constantly having to say NO to the AI wanting to help. They're also a prime reason everyone's computer is running slower than molasses in a Minnesota winter.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I had to stop with number 5 because I could go on and on about all the reasons I hate AI bots. I'm going to get my Main Man to make me a cappucciono so I can calm down. If youhave any pet hates, feel free to vent in a Comment.

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Be Wary of Touchy Feely AI People

I watched an interesting video today that explains why there are so many "old people" videos on YouTube.

The creator of the video said up front that she was posting it to illustrate not only how easy it is to create videos but also to put you on notice not to believe what you see.

The Creepy Truth About AI and "Old People" is the video I'm talking about. I must say I didn't realize it was that easy to create an attractive video in a couple of minutes.

YouTube is supposed to flag videos that are AI-created, but there must be ways around that. I think YouTube outght to require an icon or image that plainly says AI, and it should be visible on the video all the way through.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Watch the video and tell me what you think about this subject.

Remembering on Memorial Day

The first person I personally knew who died in service to our country was Billy Joe Renfrow. He was a Senior Class Favorite who noted for Congeniality.

I've know many men and a few women who served in the military, but Billy Joe was the only one I knew who went to school with me. He was the last person I ever expected to see in the Army.

After his death, every time my Mom would see his Mom in town, his mother would tell mine to say hello to me. That's how it is in a small town.

Today, I'm thinking of him and how young he was when he was killed in action. War is hell in so many ways.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Remember those who gave their lives in service.

Monday Magic - Rewire Your Brain

Today's Monday Magic Tip is a little different. Instead of telling you about an app that may make your work life easier, I'm going to tell you about a YouTube video that may do the same.

I'm always urging SlingWords readers to keep a journal, to write your goals, to write an action items list, etc. even though I know many of you never put pen to paper in this digital world.

You make lists on your smartphone or a web app.

Guess what? There's sound science behind writing with pen and paper. Watch this video on The Upgrade with Makai Allbert channel which has over 42K subscribers. 

His video Handwriting Literally Rewires Your Brain has well over 2K comments, but what I like is the explanation of the science behind the premise. If you don't believe me, try it for a couple of weeks. I think you'll be shocked at how much you remember when making notes with handwriting and how much clearer your thinking is.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

This is one of many videos I've seen and articles I've read about the effects of digital reading and/or learning and retention of what was learned. The truth is startling.

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Wednesday Wise Words - Time

Today's quote is by Harvey Mackay, an American businessman, author, and syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick for which he gives career and inspirational advice.

You've probably heard or read his most famous book, How to Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.

One of the secrets of success is learning how to use your allotted time each day rather than frittering it away on unimportantmportant tasks.

Mr. Mackay is 94 now so he definitely knows the importance of using time effectively. Here's what he said.

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Like money, time is something you can't take with you when you die. When you're living, time is more important than money because yo can always make more money, but you can't make more time.

Romance Gems...Where Authors and Readers Meet 

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MONDAY MAGIC - ANOTHER CYBER SECURITY TIP

Welcome back to Monday Magic. Today I'm offering some more Cyber Security Tips.

Previously, I posted CYBER SECURITY TIP a couple of weeks ago if you want to check it out which I advise you to do because you need to take the action it explains.

If you receive a phone call from an unknown number, do 1 of 2 things. 

1. Answer but saying nothing, and make sure there is no noise in the room, just total silence. The caller may say, "Hello, is anyone there?" Do NOT answer. Do not say, "Yes."

After a few attempts, scammers who repeatedly call your number—probably purchased from the dark web on a list of 1000's from data breaches—will assume your number is out of service or not assigned. They'll remove it from their list and move on to another potential victim.

2. Again, say nothing. Follow the silence scenario above because if you DO say something and the call is from scammers, they will record anything you say. 

If you say, "Hello, yes, I'm here or yes, I can hear you," they will use your recorded YES to "prove" you agreed to whatever scam they are trying to perpetrate.

If you follow the silence routine, you'll notice that most of these scammers ask, "Can you hear me?" They want you to say, "Yes, I can hear you." Don't be a victim. Be silent.

SCARIER SCENARIO

If you say anything—like telling them where to go or cursing or any cutting remarks—they will be recording everything you say. They end up with a recording of your voice which they can then sell to anyone or any group they want, and they'll get paid for it. Those who purchase voice recordings will then use AI to market your voice, possibly to duplicate your voice and get paid for selling it.

EVEN SCARIER SCENARIO

They may use your voice in an extortion scheme. Example? Your son receives a phone call, "Honey, don't panic, but I've been kidnapped. You've got to access our bank account and send $50,000 to this routing number. Please, if you don't, they will kill me."

The crooks have a 50-50 chance that one of your kids may have access to your bank account. (Please read my previous post with a Cyber Security Tip. 

How on earth do people think up these horrible things to victimize people? Don't answer any phone call if you don't recognize the number. If it's your doctor or something equally important, they will leave a message. If you choose to answer, be silent in a silent room, and listen. After a few weeks, you may notice these calls decrease enormously.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Don't be a victim. Be smart. Be safe. Contact the FBI if you receive any kind of extortion attempt.

Mark your calendar to attend this event on May 16!

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CYBER SECURITY TIP

In this world where Artificial Intelligence is capturing more and more of our time and attention, we are faced with puzzling questions and frightening scenarios.

How do we protect our family in a world where privacy seems to be declining?

FAMILY PASSWORD

This is something we've had in our family for a couple of decades. Create a secret password that each member of your family can remember.

If that password is ever used in what seems like ordinary conversation, it means: "I'm in trouble. Call 911. Send help."

If you receive a late night phone call from one of your kids: "Help. I've been arrested. Wire $5000.00 for an attorney to SOME WEBSITE." If the call is really from one of your kids, he would say the password to verify it's really your child.

WHY IS ALL THIS IMPORTANT?

Because we live in a world where people put their real birthdates and private information on social media. They have their phones set so they can take calls from social media followers. 

They post pictures and videos of spouses, siblings, children, and grandchildren. They log their daily movements and restaurants they frequent, vacations they take, and so much more.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

All of the above is fodder for scammers and crooks who can take those images and information and use Artificial Intellience to take advantage of you.

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Hang Tough

I've been coping with some challenges lately. Just thought I'd remind myself and my readers of this truth.

Sometimes, you have to look for something good when what you see and hear are bad.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Hang tough, baby. Life isn't for sissies.

Deciphering Online Typograpy Characters

Here's a quick tip to help you identify the difference between a lower case L and the number 1 when seen online.

To many people, those two look the same. Example, I'm typing l and 1—which was which? In this blog window what I typed looks identical.

In actuality, the first character I typed was the lower case L (l) and the second one I typed was the number 1— side by side, lower case L and number 1—l1l1l1.

It all depends on the font. In the compose font on my blog interface, they both look the same, but when you read this, the font will show a difference between the two with the lower case L being a straight line and the number 1 having a little slanted line at the top.

On Google apps, the lower case L has straight line at the top and the number 1 has a slanted line at top.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Hope this keeps you from making mistakes with passwords and other important information.

The Faster I Go, The Behinder I Get

Like Dr. Seus once said,  "How did it get so late so soon?"

I can't believe my blogging fell off a cliff.

I've been so busy with an authors' group I'm in plus writing my current book and trying to figure out the best cover for that new book, that I've ignored you beautiful SlingWords Readers.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I promise not to ignore you again. (I sincerely hope that's a promise I can keep.)

APRIL FOOL BRIDE, a Modern Marriage of Convenience Romance

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Severe Case of Spring Fever

Yes, I guess I've diagnosed myself with spring fever. It's been a week since I've blogged because I've been overcome with all things spring.

My purple iris are blooming and so are my knockout roses—so many roses covering the bushes that it's breathtaking.

The vitex trees in our patio pots have grown a foot and have leafed out. They're so green and pretty. The plumes of purple won't be far behind.

Yes, the world is alive with fresh green leaves and blooming flowers. It's SO difficult to stay inside in the office when I want to be outside installing a new flower bed on the west side of the back yard.

So pardon me for not "chatting" with you since last week. Today I forced myself back inside and to the computer. After all, I'm supposed to be a writer, not a gardener.

Ah, Spring Fever has me in its grip. Torn between two loves. But, I've plugged away and pulled 700 words out of my brain this afternoon. Alas, I won't have this book finished by the end of March. Now I'm aiming at the end of April. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Sometimes being your own boss is a problem—especially if the boss (me) is easy-going. This first week of Spring? That's me. Easy-going and refusing to put my nose to the grindstone.

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Daylight Savings Time Strikes Again

I like Benjamin Franklin, but I wish he'd kept his thoughts about time to himself.

Yes, he's the culprit we can blame for making us spring forward in the spring and fall back in the fall.

He came up with this daylight savings concept in 1784. Actually, he wasn't really trying to "save" daylight. He simply made the statement that Parisians could save money on candles if they changed their sleep schedules.

If you recall your history, Franklin was in Paris as the first U.S. Ambassador to France. He was there for the ratification of the Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War.

I guess he had time on his hands and rather than twiddle his thumbs, he came up with his daylight savings concept to help Parisians save money.

The rest, as they say, is history. The U.S. adopted it in 1918, but it was repealed in 1919 because it was so unpopular. Then in World War II, it was instituted again as year-round "War Time."

In 1966, the Uniform Time Act signed, but in 1974-1975, it was temporarily made year-round again due to an oil embargo. In 2007, the current biannual schedule began.

The bottom line? We're stuck with it, and, despite grumbling from the general population, daylight savings time continues.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

The first couple of weeks are the worst. Be careful. Sleep more. Make sure you're awake before you zoom off to work each day. Take care. We're all in this together, but we can get through it. Again.

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7 Truths About Being an Author

I visited with a local book club recently and enjoyed it very much. They had read my book, Heat Lightning, and we talked about it.

As usual, they asked what inspired me to write that book, and what inspired me just to write books.

I told them that writing was one of the best jobs in the world—and it is. 

What I didn't tell them is something I'll tell you today—what a professional writer learns when she or he is lucky enough to establish a writing career.

7 TRUTHS ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL WRITER.

1. Perfecctly good books get written but never get published.

I once believed that you could write a book about anything that struck your fancy, and if it was a good book it would get published. 

The traditional publishing business doesn't work that way. There  are budgets and quotas that prevent publishing just any book no mattter how beautifully written it may be. Editors can only acquire so many books.

When your Agent submits your book—yes, you really do need an agent—you don't know if the editor recently acquired a book with the same premise. 

You don't know if the Editor has already acquired books for the entire year or longer, or any number of other issues that prevent the Editor from acquiring your book.

The indie self-publishing business allows you to go ahead and publish the book, but publishing a book and getting readers to buy it are 2 different things. More on that later.

2. Writing successfully requires a commitment. 

You cannot sit around and wait each day to be inspired. The "Muse" is a myth. Real writers put butt in chair in front of the computer and write hundreds of words on a consistent basis until the book is finished.

3. No one knows how long it takes to write and publish a book.

The number of pages and the time it takes to write a book depends on the story and on the writer.

A story takes as many pages as it takes. It may be 140 pages or 980 pages. 

How long it takes to write those pages depends on the writer and his/her consistency of effort.

4. Writing is hard work physically so one must take care of the physical body from the beginning.

Prevent problems like back spasms, sciatic pain, carpel tunnel, etcetera, rather than try to "cure" them once they begin. Trust me, once established, muscle, tendon, and nerve pain are nearly impossible to cure. You'll be dealing with them the rest of your life.

5. Writing is hard work emotionally so nurture your spirit and your inspiration.

Take time to play. Take time for your relationships. Sometimes, you just need to go with the flow and make up the writing you may have missed on a day when you played. 

Pages can be written another day, but time with loved ones can't be reclaimed. Life is short. Children grow up while you aren't looking, and love relationships can grow stale.

6. Accept that not every good book will sell well.

As I said in #1 above, publishing a book and getting readers to buy it are 2 different things. Yes, as an indie self-publisher, you can publish anhthig you choose, but it may not sell more than a few copies—even if it has captivating characters, a stunning plot, and is beautifully written.

That's the downside of not having a traditional publisher who buys a manuscript based in part on how many thousands of books will sell based on the Editor's calculations. 

As an indie publisher, you hope and pray that enough books will sell to allow you to break even on any expenses you incurred in writing and publishing the book.

You have no guarantees though. If you have had previous success, you have a pretty good idea of how another book will sell.

In today's self-publishing world, i.e. Kindle Digital Publishing, the competition is fierce. The vast majority of these books rarely make more than a few hundred dollars.

You, the Author, are also the VP of Marketing which means you're going to spend a lot of time hawking your book on social media or with Amazon Ads and/or Facebook ads.

The best case scenario is to find a marketing channel that works for you as soon as possible because you need to be writing the next book.

7. There is no such thing as an instant million copy seller in today's book publishing universe.

The first book may sell, and that's great, but today's readers consume books like movie-goers consume popcorn. Your name will fade away if it's not out in the world on a consistent, regular basis.

The second and third and fourth books—or the 10th—build your reputation as a dependable author who doesn't disappoint.

Don't mope and/or drown your sorrows in hot fudge sundaes. 

Get on with the next book whether that's book #2 or book #10. Sometims, that's what it takes for a writer to build an audience.

TAKEWAY TRUTH

Writers write. If you love writing, keep doing it. If you find it depressing and tedious to pour your heart and soul in a book that earns less than $500.00, then you're probably not cut out to be a professional writer. That's okay. You're probably meant to do something else so try different things until you find your bliss.

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Time's A-Wasting: Live Your Dream

Today, for Hump Day, I'm reflecting on recent events and on something that happened many years ago.

In the wake of wildfires, blizzards, senseless shootings, and other life tragedies, I think of a spring day many yeras ago when tornadoes cut a swath through the South.

My mother was afraid of storms and especially fearful when spring seemed to bring the worst of them. I remember trying to soothe her anxiety.

Later, I told my husband about this, and I quipped, "If it's your time to go, then there's not much you can do about it."

He said, "It may not be your time, but if you're hanging out with someone whose number is up then you're just screwed, and you'll go too."

For some reason, that whole incident really made me think. You never know when your number is up. I'm sure all those people killed in natural disasters and senseless violence thought they had plenty of time to do all the things they wanted to do.

Just like me, they probably had plans and dreams about what they wanted to do with their lives.  Maybe they talked about it, thought about it, dreamed about it, but hadn't yet done anything about it. They thought they had plenty of time.

I was like that. Big dreams. I talked about it, dreamed about it, but I hadn't really done much to turn a dream into reality. 

What if, without warning, my time was up? A storm could hit the 50 foot pine tree in my neighbor's yard. If it fell on my house, and I was in my house, I'd be a goner. Boom. Just like that.

That day, I decided I didn't want to be cowering in a hallway while a tornado roared overhead and thinking: "If only I'd had the courage to write."

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

American Journalist Sydney J. Harris once said: "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable."

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10 Things NOT To Give Your Valentine

Since many men are gift-challenged especially when it comes to Valentine's Day, I thought I'd post a list of gifts NOT to give your sweetheart.

10 Things NOT to Give Your Valentine

1. A kitchen countertop appliance. No, she doesn't want a stick blender, espresso maker, coffee grinder, or any other kind of gadget for her kitchen. They all  equal work. (Unless of course she asked for one. Then it's okay.)

2. A diet book. (Are you insane? Give the lady some chocolate for heaven's sake.)

3. Music or a Blu-ray movie that's your taste, not hers.

4. Any piece of clothing that your mother would probably wear.

5. A nighty so slutty that she would feel ridiculous wearing it. (She's smart enough to know you saw it at one of those sleezy lingerie shows at a so-called gentlemen's club.)

6. An exercise machine. Seriously? That ranks right up there with a diet book. (Unless you know she really, really wants one.)

7. Dinner out at Hooter's or Twin Peaks. LOL. No, I'm just kidding. You're really not  that thick-headed, are you?

8. Two tickets to any sporting event that only you can really appreciate. (She'll know you know that she'd hate it—that way you go with your buddy.)

9. An I. O. U. and a note that says you couldn't think of anything. (Seriously? She'd respect you more if you just admit that you forgot.)

10. Any gift that hasn't been wrapped, or worse, it's in the cheap plastic shopping bag the clerk bagged it in. (Don't ever, give something in the store bag. What's the matter? Can't take a few minutes to buy a gift bag and drop the gift in it?)

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

You know when you give a gift, it's really the thought that counts. So what's the thought that's going to count when your Valentine receives your gift?

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My Biggest Complaint About Videos

No humor or inspiration today on Hump Day. I'm a little POd and feel like sounding off. Not about you, dear SlingWords readers and visitors.

My complaint is with YouTubers who aren't serving their audiences.

HERE WE GO

There is a lot of educational content on YouTube. In fact, you can learn how to do just about anything from replacing a hard drive in a computer to cleaning the foggy headlamp covers on a car.

Awesome, right?

What isn't awesome is that too many YouTubers are editing the sound on their videos—removing natural pauses in the video so everything becomes one continuous stream of dialogue with no breaks whatsoever.

Not only is that unnatural, it makes it difficult for the viewer to actually absorb the information being given.

Today, I watched a woman YouTuber describing how she bought an old computer including where she purchased it and what it contained.

Without so much as a nano break between those topics, she went into into the process of removing Windows from the computer and downloading Linux—in exquisite detail.

From what I grasped, it sounded easy enough that I could probably do it EXCEPT she did the entire presentaton at warp speed with not even a breath of a break in the avalanche of words coming out of her mouth.

This is typical of too many videos now. If it's information I want, I have to go back to the beginning, slow the speed to 75% of normal, get a notepad to take notes, and still have to stop and rewind many times to capture this detailed tech information.

Now, she claims her audience is composed of "normal" people, not tech experts. 

Lady—and other YouTubers who may read this—you are NOT serving your respective audiences.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Blog Readers, if you also hate this rushing river of dialogue, please leave a comment. I'd like to gather some stats on this.

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