Category Archives: Golden Rule

For The Drums deep dive into data, The New Data & Privacy Playbook, Lars Bjornbakk of agency Unrvld argues for a new data golden rule to collect only what youd be comfortable sharing yourself.

In a recent piece for the Financial Times, Camilla Cavendish wrote about her mothers collection of her own health data in a notebook, in case of a medical emergency where healthcare professionals needed to know her medical history. This was a response to the knowledge that the UKs National Health Service has a very siloed way of storing patient data. For Cavendishs mother, the consolidated data stored in her notebook could be a lifesaver. The value of data does not get much higher than that.

As marketing professionals, we seldom handle lifesaving data. The data we help clients manage holds value but we have to ask ourselves: value for whom?

Customers are increasingly expecting value in exchange for the data they share, so marketers must re-evaluate our approach to data collection. With mandatory cookie prompts on almost every website you visit, the expectation of data collection is more front-of-mind than ever, and it poses the question What are we offering in return for our customers data?.

The answer to that question has been nailed down perfectly by loyalty schemes like the Nectar card and Tescos club card. In the marketing world, not so much.

As Daniel Newman wrote back in 2021, there is no clear agreement on who is responsible for data privacy: the customer, government, or companies providing the service. What is clear is that the brands that take privacy seriously are winning the trust and loyalty of customers.

This has made privacy by design a core part of digital transformation efforts of companies over the last few years, reflecting new user behaviors and expectations about being informed about how apps and services use and protect personal data.

Just look at your phone whenever installing a new app: the prompts to allow sharing, notifications, system access, and so on. On sites like Reddit, users often discuss whether to allow gaming apps to, for example, make and manage calls. Instinctively, users will balk at the suggestion, but what the app is really asking to do is to identify when a call is incoming to be able to pause the game. With an explanation, it sounds reasonable, but as a prompt, it sounds creepy and intrusive.

Herein lies the core of the challenge. How can we offer transparency for the usage of the data we collect? And how can we provide the right messaging to explain, in clear terms, the benefit to the customer? A good starting point is rethinking three integral parts of your data strategy:

So be transparent about what your context is.

Your data strategy tells you what to do with the data youre collecting and how its being managed. Embed a clear point of view on what data transparency means for your organization and users to make sure there is a well-thought-out context and purpose that is clear and understandable for customers.

Customers value being told what the benefits for them are.

Whether your data collection makes it easier for users to find the information they are looking for, complete the goals they have around your service, or get better offers on the things they care about, providing clear explanations around where we give them in return for their data helps to build trust and affinity to your brand, increasing the sense of the trustworthiness of your products and services.

Dont lock your users into a mandatory data collection funnel. Offer them control over what they share, with a clear description of what theyll get in return. Long gone are the days of one-way power paradigms of brands; were now in a two-way relationship with them, and our data collection approaches need to reflect that.

Although data collection is (and will remain) complex, the foundation remains the same: respect for and empathy with the user. The golden rule? Collect only what you would be comfortable sharing yourself. Intrusive and aggressive data collection will not be, in the long-term, sustainable; customers are increasingly expecting privacy by design.

Always consider risk and reward in the context of the purpose of the data you collect and serve. So, if youre collecting data because you may need it later, ask yourself what, really, might you need it later for?

To read more from The Drums latest Deep Dive, where well be demystifying data & privacy for marketers in 2023, head over to our dedicated hub.

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The Golden Rule Of Data Gathering And New Expectations Of Value ... - The Drum

Cahair O'Kane at St Tiernach's Park

14 May, 2023 20:13

IN all the annals of advice a penalty taker might find, one line will stand out in enlarged, bold text, underlined in red whatever else you do, dont change you mind.

Conor Glass changed his mind.

The best aesthetic penalty of the eight taken in Clones had millimetres to spare beneath Ethan Raffertys crossbar, with the Grange man looking back at it from the other side of his goal.

Hed seen Ethan Rafferty go to his left on the first two and banked that he wouldnt go there for a third.

I changed my mind in the run-up, literally a second before I kicked the ball. I seen Ethan Rafterty kept going across himself.

I would have gone to my left on the previous penalties and thats where I was going to go. So I said, I have to change my mind here. Thankfully it went in underneath the crossbar. I couldnt tell you what I was thinking.

You dont know what youre going to do until youre actually there. I was going to go the other side of the net. I dont know, my mind just froze and I said, Right, Ill go the other way. You dont actually know until the circumstance comes up.

We practice penalties messing about. Gareth McKinless probably thinks hes the best penalty taker in the country. Weve done it probably taking the piss more so.

Thats just the confidence we have in each other. It was always going to be 50-50 regardless. Youre just proud that we got there. The mental toughness saw it out for us.

Read more: How the Derry players rated

Glass was excellent again as Derry claimed back-to-back Ulster titles.

They looked gone having fallen two points down early in the second half of extra-time but Shane McGuigan strapped them up on his back and carried them towards the line.

The fact they had the legs left to get up and squeeze Armaghs kickout so as to force it long gave Conor Glass his own platform in that spell. He ruled the sky. Derry came back from the dead and won.

McGuigan is a considerably better forward now than he was 12 months ago. His was a display of pure leadership.

Hes the best forward in the country at the minute, between him and Clifford and Con OCallaghan, hailed his team-mate from just across the fields between Maghera and Slaughtneil.

"Theyre just freaks of nature. Shane is just full of confidence. He said at half-time, get the ball to me and we did and he came up with the big plays.

That just shows the mental toughness he has and the resilience he has. and just the leadership to say, Im going to grab the game by the balls, Im going to win it for us. Thats just Shane. He does that every night.

Clutching the Anglo Celt, he couldnt have cared less about Clare, Donegal and Monaghan coming down the road at them.

Ulster isnt dead yet.

See more here:

Glass gets away with breaking the golden rule - The Irish News

JACKSONVILLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Fla. --

Master Sgt. Bryan Fletcher, a 202nd RED HORSE recruiter, was named one of the U.S. Air Forces best recruiters at the annual Operation Blue Suit Arrival Ceremony held March 2023 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Fletcher earned the 2022 Air National Guard Top Geographically Separated Unit Advanced Recruiter by achieving a new enlistment contract rate of 164% of his annual goal.

Operation Blue Suit winners are the elite top 0.85% of all Air Force recruiters, or the best 18 recruiters out of the over 2,100 recruiters in the U.S., Germany, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. These recruiters are honored for surpassing recruitment goals and displaying the highest leadership qualities, said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, Air Force Recruiting Service commander.

Bryan is a go-getter who sets goals and doesnt let anything get in his way of achieving those goals, said Chief Master Sgt. LaTisha Conte-Murrill, Florida Air National Guard (FLANG) Recruiting and Retention senior enlisted leader. He has been the top FLANG recruiter for the past five years and has significantly contributed to our end strength being above 100% for all of those years.

Fletchers award-winning success stems from a deeply rooted connection to the 202nd RHS and its surrounding communities. The units headquarters is nestled in rural Bradford County, Florida, his lifelong homestead. Fletchers proximity and strong propensity to serve led him to join the unit as a part-time drill status guardsman (DSG) while he sorted out his post-graduation plans. What eventually fell into place was a full-time opportunity as a power production technician while he completed his associate and bachelors degrees. Sixteen years later, he entered the active guard reserve (AGR) program to act on his desire to recruit the best and brightest from the community, he said.

I grew up in a rural farm town and I think thats why I relate so much to those who were raised in small towns as well, he said. I can offer an opportunity they might not have elsewhere. Some of these folks have limited options, and I try to give them an opportunity to look at the Guard. Ive been able to share my own experiences, and I think theres a lot of people that respect that because I come from that rural background.

Beyond bringing a palpable sense of hometown pride to his strategy, Fletcher said he credits his success to his genuine passion for sharing his Guard story and its impact on his career and family.

When you are passionate about something, you want to tell others, he said. Ive experienced what the [Florida Air National Guard] has done for me and all the opportunities Ive had since I began my career. From educational opportunities to financial stability, I really enjoy being in a position to help others with all the opportunities afforded by the Guard.

Fletcher also credits his success to networking with other recruiters to exchange best practices and keep pace with the ever-evolving nature of recruiting.

I was doing some school presentations, and I wasnt getting a lot of good feedback from them. I talked to a recruiter in Montana, and he gave me some tips like wearing a soft uniform, which is instead wearing a polo shirt and khakis to represent the citizen-Airman aspect. I think that really helps me to connect with students, he said.

Another key component to connecting with applicants is following the golden rule of treating others as one would like to be treated, he said.

Treating them as a human and not a number has been my biggest success story, he said. Its important to get to know the individual and their interests and passions because it informs how I serve them, and it also gives them the right first impression. I also always ask my airmen after enlistment what I could have done to make their experience better. I have taken this feedback and incorporated it into my recruiting strategy. Both positive and negative feedback play a vital part in my recruiting strategy.

The white glove service he offers throughout the enlistment process helps him to maintain a healthy pipeline of new applicants through referrals. Its been a winning strategy in the challenging recruitment environment for recruiters in every service component, he said.

Id say that about 80% of my applicants are referred to me from someone that Ive already recruited, he said. I was also in the operational Air Force for 16 years before becoming a recruiter. Im a three-time deployer of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Ive seen how life is as a DSG, technician, and AGR. So, I think being able to share those experiences gives me a little more credibility.

Fletcher adds his latest award to a long line of recognition hes amassed over the past eight years. This includes winning FLANG Production Recruiter of the Year, FLANG Advanced Recruiter of the Year, FLANG NCO of the Year, FLANG JFHQ SNCO of the Year, and Region II GSU Advanced Recruiter of the Year.

The sum of these parts is a recruiter who brings an unrelenting commitment to transforming the communitys finest into citizen-Airmen for the FLANG.

Continued here:

Red Horse Recruiter Ranks First in Class - 125fw.ang.af.mil

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, yall. Whether youre spending it out on the lake, at the pool or at home on your back porch no holiday weekend is complete without some good old fashioned Southern barbecue.

Keep reading for all the best spots around the Birmingham area to get the best BBQ in town.

Thisguidewas originally created in December 2021 and was lastupdated in May 2023.

Formerly Golden Rule, this Hoover location changed its name in 2020 to become Archies Bar-B-Q & Burgers. Still under the same management, the food is just as tasty as always.

Top choice: Jumbo pork sandwich with sweet & sour coleslaw. Dont forget the sweet tea!

*Golden Rule is still in business in Trussville and Irondale. Scroll to #9 for the details.

Where: 1571 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35216Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-8PM Website

From pit to plate, Bob Sykes is a Bessemer staple cooking up delicious barbecue and homemade sides. Enjoy combos like the Big Bob Special with large barbecue sandwich, choice of two sides and a drink.

Top choice: Smoked turkey sandwich

Where: 1724 9th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

A convenience store may not seem like the ideal place to order barbecue, but when it comes to Buc-ees in Leeds, we all know rules dont apply.

Top choice: Brisket sandwich

Where: 6900 Buc-ees Blvd, Leeds, AL 35094Hours: Open 24 hoursWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Where every butt counts. If Carliles slogan doesnt draw you in, their menu definitely will. Filled with favorites like smoked brisket, fried pickles and ribs, this downtown Birmingham staple has been around for over 70 years and they know a thing or two about barbecue.

Top choice: BBQ chicken sandwich with Carliles sauce

Where: 3511 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30AM-3PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Located at Oak Mountain in Pelham, this spot offers a variety of smoked meats, such as Alabama-style chicken, North Carolina pork and Memphis-kissed ribs. Throw in chef-inspired sides, soulful music and good vibes and Creekside will be your new favorite barbecue pitstop.

Top choice: Pork plate with a side of feta potato salad

Where: 1020 Oak Mountain Park Rd, Pelham, AL 35124Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-8PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Demetris BBQ has been serving up all things delicious in Birmingham for over 50 years. With daily specials and incredible flavors, people come from all over to experience what makes this restaurant a beloved spot.

Top choice: Pork plate with a side of coconut cream pie

Where: 1901 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209Hours: Monday-Saturday 6AM-4:30PM | Sunday 9:30AM-2PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Youll love whatever you order from this well-known barbecue joint. From ribs to Southern sides and their famous sauce, Dreamland has it all. Our favorites? You cant miss the fried green tomatoes and banana pudding.

Top choice: Hickory-smoked ribs

Where: LocationsHours: Varies by locationWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Full Moon BBQ is known for their delicious Southern-style eats. With Hickory wood-fired pits and fresh ingredients, Full Moon is a one-stop-shop for BBQ lovers. Dont skip their famous chow-chow and homemade chocolate, coconut or key lime pies.

Top choice: The Big Baker its huge and youll devour every bite

Where: LocationsHours: Varies by locationWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

One of the oldest barbecue restaurants in Alabama, Golden Rule has been in business since 1891. While theyre under new ownership as of 2023, the menu still has the same old classics. What are they known for? Their delicious pit-cooked barbecue and banana pudding.

Top choice: Hickory chicken sandwich

Where: 2504 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-8PM | Sunday 11AM-7PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Fresh, flavorful and Southernwhat more could you ask for in a barbecue joint? Start off with some porky fries or corn nuggets and finish with a little banana pudding.

Top choice: Jumbo wings + porky fries

Where: 16634 US-280, Chelsea, AL 35043Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-8PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Thanks to their mind-blowing cheese biscuits, I will always be a Jim N Nicks fan. While I could make a meal of just these delectable biscuits, there are plenty more delicious classics on the menu to try like Beef Brisket and Classic Spare Ribs.

Top choice: Bar-B-Q Chicken with white sauce + side of BBQ corn on the cob

Where: LocationsHours: Varies by locationWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Barbecue pork, chicken, smoked sausage and more can be found at Kens Hickory Pit Barbecue. This neighborhood nook is a great place to grab a quick bite and satisfy your cravings for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Top choice: BBQ chicken plate

Where: 4817 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35215Hours: Monday-Wednesday 5:30AM-6PM | Thursday-Friday 5:30AM-7PM | Saturday 6AM-5:30PMFacebook

Fresh barbecue made daily, check out Martins menu full of classics like brisket, smoked bologna and fried catfish. Want to switch it up? Try the redneck taco a cornbread hoecake with your choice of smoked meat and topped with slaw and Jacks Creek sauce.

Need enough to serve a crowd? Martins is kicking off summer with catering feasts that serve any size crowd. Including a variety of smoked meats such as ribs, turkey and brisket, as well as classic Southern sides, and sweet treats,view the full menu here. Pick up your Memorial Day weekend orders anytime between Friday, May 26 and Monday, May 29.

Top choice: Smoked chicken wings

Where: 3029 Pump House Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243Hours: Daily, 11AM-9PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Located in the heart of Cahaba Heights, youll find Miss Myras Pit Bar-B-Q. Since 1984, Miss Myras been serving up some of Birminghams best pit barbecue and homemade dessertsincluding their signature white sauce.

Top choice: Pork sandwich with deviled eggs + banana pudding for dessert.

Where: 3278 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PMWebsite | Facebook

Love wings? Moes offers crispy smoked wings in mild or make-you-sweat spicy. Dont skip the cornbreadits delicious. Our favorite? The redneck nachos BBQ chips topped with pork, jalapeos, onions, scallions, BBQ sauce and queso.

Top choice: Redneck nachos

Where: LocationsHours: Sunday-Wednesday 11AM-9:30PM | Thursday-Saturday 11AM-10:30PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

Its nearly impossible to have a barbecue guide without mentioning Rodney Scotts. Here youll find South Carolina-style vinegar-based barbecue that will have you craving more.

Top choice: Smoked chicken wings

Where: LocationsHours: Daily, 11AM-8PMWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

If you find yourself in Hueytown, make a pitstop at Uncle Sams BBQ. Smoking meats is their specialty stop by for daily specials featuring everything from rib plates to pork or chicken sandwich plates.

Top choice: Rib & chicken plate

Where: 3043 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Dr, Hueytown, AL 35023Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM | Sunday 10AM-7PMWebsite

Whether you choose to eat at Saws BB, Soul Kitchen or Saws Juke Joint, youll be glad you paid them a visit. Enjoy all the barbecue essentials like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken plates and all the sides.

Top choice: Smoked chicken with white sauce

Where: LocationsWebsite | Facebook | Instagram

This BBQ joint is the real deal. If youre ever traveling down 1st Avenue North through East Lake looking for lunch, stop by Roadside. Serving up fan favorites like St. Louis style ribs and hickory smoked wings with Alabama white sauce, youll clean the plate at Roadside.

Top choice: Smoked chicken with white sauce

Where: 7303 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206

Website

Contributors to this story include Patience Itson and Grace Howard.

Did we miss one of your favorites barbecue spots? Let us know who you love by tagging us on social @BhamNow.

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These 19 Birmingham BBQ joints are the ultimate Memorial Day ... - Bham Now

Recently it was announced that Mountain West Technologies had won the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year award.

This announcement was made at the Casper Area Chamber of Commerces annual awards banquet, which acknowledges many of the individuals and businesses that continue to positively impact Casper and surrounding areas throughout the year.

Mountain West Technologies is a local internet service provider that also offers phone and TV streaming options. It was founded in 2004 and, in the almost 20 years of its existence, has provided internet accessibility to numerous service areas throughout Central Wyoming, including Casper, Cheyenne, Wheatland, Chugwater, Saratoga and more.

Most importantly, Mountain West Technologies is a Wyoming-based internet provider.

Were headquartered out of Casper, said Lesha Thorvaldson, the Director of Business Development for Mountain West Technologies. Were a 307-first company, which means that we work hard to do right by the state of Wyoming and its consumers.

As a 307 First company, Mountain West Technologies chooses to do everything in-house, meaning that the construction crew, the installation crew, the customer support specialists, the sales people and more are all hired locally.

Mountain West Technologies understands the importance of local, and its biggest goal is to provide excellent customer service, the way the West was won.

We dont outsource our labor or support staff, Thorvaldson stated. Its all under our roof, across the state. Mountain West operates by its value system, which is doing right by our customers and doing whats right for our customers. Were your neighbors. We live and work next door to you and we want to make sure that were taking care of people, and treating people the way we would want to be treated.

Theres power in the Golden Rule, and theres also power in local.

The Casper Area Chamber of Commerce knows this as well and applies it to the criteria needed for a company to actually win the Member of the Year award.

Those criteria are as follows:

Mountain West Technologies does all of the above, and then some.

The criteria of the award its just who we are, Thorvaldson said matter-of-factly. Its all in our value systems. The positive impact on Casper, the successful business practices that promote employee self growth and development, all of it. And because that criteria is so specific to what our own goals are, and our own company values, it really is meaningful to know that were being recognized for doing what we set out to do. Its nice to know were achieving that.

Even more than being recognized for adhering to the aforementioned criteria, the most important aspect of this award to the men and women of Mountain West Technologies is that it was the community who voted for them.

We recognize the very high class of businesses that were in our category, and we look up to a lot of those businesses, Thorvaldson said. We work with some of those businesses, so its a real honor to have been selected. And it was an even bigger honor that it was voted on by the people in our community. Thats pretty meaningful.

The Casper Area Chamber of Commerce, per its website, exists to actively create business opportunities by connecting, informing, leveraging, and collaborating with [its] members. Its goal is to shine a light on businesses that, quite simply, make the community better. Mountain West Technologies does that. It does that with what it provides but, even more importantly, it does that with how it provides. From the top down, Mountain West Technologies is committed to providing the best possible customer service for its internet, phone and television streaming plans.

Its ironic, then, that the purpose of Mountain West Technologies is to connect people, because connection is the most important part of the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce as well. And this award proves that that Mountain West Technologies is a valued, integral, connection-seeking business in Casper and beyond.

We at Mountain West Technologies are thrilled to have won the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce 20222023 Member of the Year award, said Kyle Ridgeway, the President of Mountain West Technologies. It is a stunning achievement for everyone at the company. We cannot thank our customers and the Chamber enough for supporting our commitment to local business and local entrepreneurship, and our focus on high standards for customer satisfaction and community benefit. It says a lot about everyone at the company that we are being recognized for these efforts. But we couldnt do it without our customers and other local businesses that support our efforts to keep our technology solutions local, and to continue to work to diversify our local economy. We all at Mountain West are committed to continue to improve every day, and to continue to bring the best internet, phones, and technology solutions to all of us in Central and Southeastern Wyoming all brought by people who live and work right here!

For more information, or to sign up for services with Mountain West Technologies, visit its website.

For more information on the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce, visit its website or Facebook page.PAID FOR BY MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIESThis article is a promoted post. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the organization that paid for the article, and do not necessarily reflect the views, thoughts or opinions of Cap City News, its employees or its publisher.Please fill outthis form if you would like to speak to our sales department about advertising opportunities on Cap City News

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Mountain West Technologies wins Casper Area Chamber of ... - Cap City News

MIAMI, FL - (NewMediaWire) - May 16, 2023 - In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for families, couples, and individuals alike to seek solace in the beauty of the tropics, basking in the sun on Florida's pristine beaches. In 2022, Florida welcomed a record-breaking 137.6 million visitors, and the vacation rental market has been thriving as a result. However, behind the scenes of this bustling industry, vacation property owners often find themselves overwhelmed by the myriad responsibilities that come with managing their rental homes. This is where Estaga comes in.

The Birth of a Game-Changing Solution: Estaga's Story

In the heart of South Florida, a group of friends - vacation property owners themselves - grappled with the challenges of running their rental businesses. They sought a comprehensive solution, a company that could handle the many tasks associated with managing vacation rentals. When their search proved fruitless, they took matters into their own hands and created Estaga - a vacation rental management company designed to simplify the lives of property owners and maximize their profits.

A Decade of Dedication and Innovation

Estaga's founders have firsthand experience with the struggles vacation property owners face. This deep understanding has driven their commitment to offering a range of support services, combining artificial intelligence with a team of professionals to handle property care, marketing, pricing optimization, and guest support.

Their innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. Estaga's stellar reputation is evident through their positive reviews on Google and major travel booking websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and Vrbo. This is a testament to the company's 10+ years of consistent, high-quality service.

Why Choose Estaga?

At the core of Estaga's philosophy is the golden rule: "treat others how you want to be treated." This principle guides their team of professionals as they manage clients' properties and ensure guest satisfaction.

Here's an in-depth look at the unparalleled services Estaga offers:

The Benefits of Choosing Estaga

While it's possible for property owners to manage their vacation rentals independently, partnering with a company like Estaga offers numerous advantages:

Unlock Your Vacation Rental's Full Potential with Estaga

If you're a vacation property owner in South Florida feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of managing your rental, Estaga is the solution you've been searching for. With no upfront cost to join and low management fees, you have little to lose and everything to gain.

Visit Estaga's website today to learn more about the services available to you and take the first step towards maximizing your revenue while minimizing your stress. Discover the benefits of partnering with a dedicated, innovative, and customer-focused vacation rental management company like Estaga, and watch as your business thrives in South Florida's booming vacation rental market.

With Estaga's Commitment to Excellence, Your Rental Property is in Good Hands

The vacation rental market in South Florida is fiercely competitive, with an ever-growing number of property owners vying for the attention of discerning travelers. In such an environment, it's crucial to have a dedicated, professional team working tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your property stands out from the crowd.

Estaga's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their service offerings. From their cutting-edge use of artificial intelligence in pricing optimization to their customized marketing strategies, Estaga goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional results for their clients.

A Strong Emphasis on Customer Support and Satisfaction

A key component of Estaga's success is their unwavering focus on customer support and satisfaction. Their team of experienced professionals is available around the clock to address any concerns or issues that may arise during a guest's stay. This ensures that your guests enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish, leading to positive reviews and repeat business.

In addition, Estaga's stringent screening process for potential guests helps to protect your property and ensure that only responsible, reliable individuals are granted access to your home. This attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction sets Estaga apart from the competition and fosters long-lasting relationships with property owners.

A Partner You Can Trust

When you entrust your vacation rental property to Estaga, you're not just hiring a management company; you're gaining a partner who is genuinely invested in your success. Estaga's team of experts works closely with each property owner to understand their unique needs and goals, developing tailored strategies to maximize revenue and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience for both the owner and their guests.

In Conclusion

Managing a vacation rental property in South Florida can be a daunting and time-consuming endeavor, but with Estaga by your side, the process becomes significantly more manageable. By leveraging their expertise, technology, and customer-focused approach, Estaga helps property owners unlock the full potential of their vacation rentals and achieve their financial goals.

If you're ready to take your vacation rental business to new heights, it's time to explore the benefits of partnering with Estaga. Visit their website to learn more about their services and take the first step towards a more profitable, stress-free future in the vacation rental industry.

Full-Service Vacation Rental Management

Estaga LLC

Irina Dyagleva

irina@estaga.com

Story continues

Most Competitive Service: Estaga offers competitive service packages and fees, with a fee schedule ranging from 10%-18% of clients' earnings and tailored for each property individually.

24/7 Support and Maintenance: A dedicated team is available around the clock to handle customer care, maintenance, and pricing management. This includes screening guests, restocking supplies, and cleaning the property to maintain impeccable conditions for every guest's arrival.

Expert Property Care: Estaga's support services extend to a skilled team of cleaners, maintenance personnel, and handypersons, all committed to treating your property as if it were their own. From routine cleaning to emergency repairs, they ensure your property remains beautiful and comfortable for each guest.

Data-Driven Pricing Strategies: Estaga's innovative approach utilizes AI algorithms and market knowledge to determine optimal pricing for your property. By considering factors such as market value, season, day of the week, current demand, and available units, Estaga ensures your listing remains competitive and profitable.

Prompt Booking Management: Estaga's dedication to swift booking responses keeps your business flowing, maintaining a high occupancy rate and ensuring consistent revenue.

Competitive Service Packages: With a fee schedule ranging from 10%-18% of clients' earnings, Estaga offers competitive and accessible service packages tailored for each property. This affordability makes it a smart choice for property owners looking to outsource their rental management tasks.

Customized Marketing Solutions: Estaga's team crafts unique marketing strategies for each property, including professional photography and SEO-optimized listing descriptions. By partnering with major booking platforms, they ensure your property is seen by the right guests.

Time Savings: By allowing Estaga to handle the heavy lifting, you can focus on what truly matters - enjoying time with lovedones and pursuing your passions.

Stress Reduction: Estaga's expert services alleviate the burden of marketing and pricing, allowing you to breathe easy knowing your property is in capable hands.

Revenue Maximization: Optimized marketing, advertisements, and guest services translate to increased revenue. With Estaga's tech-driven pricing strategies and SEO-optimized listings, your property is bound to attract more attention.

Business Growth: Estaga's top-notch property management services open the door for two avenues of growth. First, improved customer ratings and occupancy rates will result in more business for your property. Second, as your profits increase, you may find opportunities to expand your portfolio and acquire additional rental properties. By outsourcing day-to-day tasks to Estaga, you can focus on exploring these growth opportunities.

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The Unseen Engine of South Florida's Booming Vacation Rental Market: Estaga - Yahoo Finance

Simon Cowell is said to smash the golden buzzer for a second time despite already selecting the act he wanted to instantly send through to the live semi-finals.

This seems to be influenced by Strictly star Bruno Tonioli after he did the same thing a few weeks.

The new judge was pranked as he arrived on the Britain's Got Talent set when the duo Ant and Dec told him the wrong rules, causing confusion among the judging panel.

While the act Simon Cowell hits the golden buzzer for has not yet been revealed, the TV personality can be seen ripping up therule book as he sends another through to the semi-finals.

The hint was revealed on the official BGT Twitter account in a post reading: "Wait... ANOTHER Golden Buzzer?! We just can't keep up anymore!"

In the accompanying video, Simon Cowell can be heard saying: "Sometimes, I feel you should just break the rules..." to the shock of Bruno.

Fans took to the comments to criticise the extra golden buzzer as well as the new series of the show.

One viewer said: "Saturdays show.dear god. 2 decent acts in 90 minutes. Anything half decent gets a golden buzzer."

Another added: "Maybe this show has had its day, too scripted" while others hit out at the over-use of golden buzzers.

One fed-up fan said: "Soo what's the actual rules with the Golden Buzzer?? Do they all have two Golden Buzzers now? This is all so god damn confusing now!!"

While another said: "This is, without a doubt, the worst series ever of #BGT. It is the biggest load of crap. There was no need for another golden buzzer last, yeah he could sing...but he wasn't anything special."

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Simon Cowell to break important BGT rule this weekend, ITV confirms - South Wales Argus

The Stillwater Area High School Girls team celebrates on the steps of the Giants Ridge chalet after a State Championship in 2018. (Photo: MSHSL Archives)

It was, a race people still talk about, said long-time Stillwater Area High School Coach Bill Simpson when FasterSkier interviewed him in February.

Distinctive red and white letterman jackets looked on from the stadium, medals clanging from the giant S insignias in the cold Iron Range wind. Giants Ridge, just outside of Biwabik, looked like the Hoosiers Field House if the janitor had forgotten to turn the heat on. A pairing of two future stars of the sport, Annie Hart and Jessie Diggins, sprinted to the finish of the Minnesota State High School State Nordic Ski Meet side-by-side. Diggins gained an edge, and her teammates joined one-by-one behind as the result became clear and the jubilation began. The Stillwater Ponies won the Minnesota High School State Nordic Ski Championships for the ninthtime in program history, the most of any Girls program in Minnesota State Meet history.

Thirteen years on from her State Meet win, Jessie Diggins became the first American to win an individual World Championship in cross-country skiing. In the wave of adulation from the traditional European skiing world that followed, observers honed in on the two defining characteristics that Diggins has made her signature approach to skiing: 1) a complete focus on the success of her team and 2) her ability to push deeper than any other athlete in the sport. Or, as US Ski Team Program Director Chris Grover characterized it, the recognition that 1) [The Americans are] a team having fun and enjoying the process and 2) the [other side], you see [Jessie] suffering. You see the tempo, pushing so, so hard.

For Diggins, how she pushes and who she pushes for have been connected in her skiing from the beginning. The characteristics that led to an American landing on top of a World Championship podium were forged in an arena unique to American skiingMinnesota high school skiing, with its over two-thousand yearly participants.

In a pre-World Championships press conference in February, Diggins said shooting for the team title of Minnesota State Champions with her Stillwater teammates was the first time that I broke through that first level you push to in racing. I went, Oh my God, theres so much more in my body than I ever realized, and I can do this. For her, there was a traceable line from Giants Ridge to Planica, Slovenia, having to figure out how to allow myself to care as much about my own races as I would care about my teams. Still today, Diggins adds, put my teammates at the finish line, and it all comes out.

In high school skiing, said Bill Simpson, the golden rule is not to turn anyone away. In Stillwater, and in the High School circuit it races, there is an emphasis on accessibility and the absolute power of teamwork which serves as a grassroots source for what the wider-world of skiing is recognizing as American skiings signature qualities: the importance of teamwork, of celebrating the competitors as much as the competition itself, and of pursuing the experience of ski racing as much as the competition.

Today, high school circuits face the ever-evolving challenge of balancing tradition and that golden rule of accessibility, all while pushing forward with more skiers than ever.

The Minnesota High School State Meet has been held every year since 1939, making it the oldest continuously running cross-country ski race in the United States. The tradition was a confluence of the states particular melting pot last century, when the Scandinavian diaspora saw many pioneers of the modern ski sport immigrate to the Midwest. For generations of Minnesotans (before the Vikings started playing Football), the popular way to pass a Sunday afternoon was at the foot of a ski jump. All it took was a Duluth boy named Billy Anderson approaching his physical education teacher to get a high school league formed, and from 1933 on, the Minnesota State Nordic Ski Meet has been held. Cross-country skiing, second in popularity to ski jumping as a nordic skiing discipline early on, was added permanently after 1938. For a full history of this nascent period, read Ryan Rogers extensively researched history of skiing in the state, Winters Children.

Bill Simpson started coaching the Stillwater Ponies in the mid-70s. Simpson, a teacher in Marine on St. Croix, was recruited to coach the first Stillwater High School Girls Team after Title IX was passed in 1972 and showed up to his first State Meet in 1975. Even after Title IX, girls still werent allowed to ski jump in high school competition, said Simpson. That ultimately led to the Nordic Ski State Meet becoming a cross-country only affair after 1977 and marked the start of the rapid development of the sport thereafter.

Simpson quickly went on a recruiting drive when the Girls team was added, grooming trails right around the Marine on St. Croix elementary school that allowed kids to stick around after school and hop on skis. Keeping the barrier to entry low paid off. When that group of Marine on St. Croix elementary schoolers reached Stillwater High School in the mid-80s, they would enjoy an unrivaled stretch of success, winning the State Team Championship every year from 1982-1987.

The star of those Stillwater Ponies teams was Kris Hansen. Hansen would win the State Meet individually in 1985 and 1986, which coincided with a rapid shift from classic to freestyle skiing, In 1985, everyone was still classic skiing, with some marathon skate thrown-in. In 1986, everyone was skate skiing, Hansen wrote to FasterSkier in February. Hansen was a sophomore and junior during her 85 and 86 triumphs, and contributed to the last of Stillwaters mid-80s team title in 1987 while being ineligible to win the individual title after missing qualifying to compete at World Junior Championships. That unfortunate rule would lead to a fortunate lesson: Competing that year taught me the absolute power of being part of a team, Hansen said. There was constant thinking on how to strengthen our collective performance and achieve that group goal [of a Team title].

For Hansen, the lessons learned became the core of the philosophy around which she would structure the Stillwater team when she returned to coach it in the late 1990s. Her old coach, Bill Simpson, was still around, and fostering local kids love of skiing from an early age. Then and today, the Stillwater program fluctuates between 100-200 skiers on its roster at a time. It rivals the biggest club programs in the country, while drawing from a stretch of hilly bluffs and Twin Cities exurbs alongside the St. Croix river. It is one of the larger programs in Minnesota, but is also just one of 94 school districts in the state that sponsor a high school program. The sum total of high schoolers racing in Minnesota every year is over 2000. Programs stretch from small Iron Range towns to downtown Minneapolis, with skiers putting on skinny skis in just about every topography Minnesota has to offer. Golf courses, woodlots on the back forty, one of those 10,000 lakes or the shores of a one so big they called it Superior; youre likely to find ski tracks on any of them when the winter hits. Its what Hansen calls the magic of the high school program: you dont need to come from a ski family to learn and grow as a skier here.

In Stillwater, and other programs like it, the tradition of high school skiing forms a feedback loop that continues today. We had a community where young people had mentors their own age, Hansen said. And then, the opportunity to become mentors for others. Everyone feels their value in a place like that.

Hansens approach helped build another Stillwater Team Champion team in 2008, and then again in 2010, with Jessie Diggins leading both efforts. Her personal highlight as a coach, though, would come eight years later. Both of my twins skied at the State Meet as team captains, Hansen remembered. My daughters team won and my sons team was runner-up. And then Jessie and Kikkan won their Gold; February 2018 is hard to beat.

It was a moment of clairvoyance for what had powered US Skiing to an historic milestone. High school skiing is an outlier in skier development models across the world. It is a kind of inherited relic from when American culture intersected the Scandinavian diaspora early last century in the Midwest. But its key ethos is something that remained all the way through to Pyeongchang. A basis in community, a commitment to accessibility, and a unique emphasis on the power of team in an individual sport: high school skiing had been informing decades of US skiers, and now one of them, Jessie Diggins, had taken it, leaned in, and propelled herself and her teammates to the top of the sport. Hansen could celebrate on the terms by which she defines the sport of skiing: one member of her team stood atop an Olympic podium with a medal, another generation was learning simultaneously back in Minnesota. Her ski community was still growing, still pushing, still welcoming more young athletes to try skiing, and then emphasizing working together once they were on there.

Five years on from the Pyeongchang gold medal, Diggins is still forging new paths for American skiing, while her approach to the sport has become a grounding for an entirely new generation on a nation-wide scale. Aside from winning an individual World Championship in Planica, she also teamed up with Julia Kern to help win a bronze for the US in the Team Sprint, helping Kern become the first American athlete of the next generation of US skiers to win a World Championship medal. In a pre-race press conference, Diggins was as attentive to her teammates strengths as ever, emphasizing her trust and her admiration for Kerns fitness, her distance chops, the raw speed, the tactics, the confidence, and her ability to also just dig, all out, for the team. That above all, is what is really special about our team.

For the countrys oldest ski circuit, change has always been a feature rather than a bug. Those changes have almost always included debates on how to keep the accessibility of high school skiing open, while preparing skiers to compete in the sport of cross-country skiing at its highest level. There has always been a weird spot where the top athletes here are some of the top athletes in the country, said Simpson. There is something cool about that though, too; we have athletes in Norway one week, and then back at their Section race the next. How many high school sports is that happening in? In the past, balancing a sport with an international outlook has meant cutting ski jumping from the Nordic ski program, adding classic skiing back into the sport after it was abandoned in the late 1980s, and adopting a pursuit format for the State Meet. Presently, though, the biggest challenges in keeping community-based Minnesota high school strong are the shifting demographics of the Gopher States communities, themselves.

For a long time, there were new programs every few years, but thats not so much the case anymore, said Simpson. And the schools in the [rural] northern part of the state are increasingly putting co-ops together in order to try and keep their numbers on a similar scale to the Twin Cities schools, where participation in cross-country skiing has exploded during the pandemic. The trend highlights a long-rooted dynamic between more rural programs from the states varied rural landscapes and the Twin Cities metro area.

That rural-metro divide is also one that is increasingly colored by another distinct phenomenon: the rise of club skiing in the Midwest. Long a fixture of Western junior circuits, club skiing was a relatively small component of junior skiing in Minnesota, and in neighboring Wisconsin and Michigan, until a generation ago. Since then, big programs such as the Twin Cities Loppet Nordic Racing, which currently holds the title of Best Club in the country at Junior Nationals, have increasingly become home for high school athletes with a year-round focus on ski training, and from across a wide swath of communities that once trained in their own, distinct programs. I worry about the club culture, said Hansen. For me, the feature of the high school program is that you dont need to come from a ski family, and you dont need to have a huge bank account to learn and grow as a skier and as a member of a team. In contrast to the no-fee or modest fee structure most high school programs have traditionally had, club ski programs in the state can cost a family anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in yearly registration fees (many do offer scholarships to offset costs for families). Many deliberations from the Minnesota High School Coaches Association over the past decade have allowed a hybrid model to emerge in the state, where athletes often race and belong to both a club and a high school program. That is a tricky balancing act always said Simpson, but also One that makes the best out of the realities that people are willing to invest in skiing.

Logistical challenges also loom large in the future of the high school circuit. Were a winter sport, and [in Minnesota] were losing winters with climate change, said Simpson. Were increasingly competing for time on a limited number of man-made snow loops with every other team in the state. For Stillwater, that means an hour-long drive to get on snow compared to being able to step out of the high school on groomed snow consistently when Simpson started. Man-made loops once used by Metro area schools exclusively in the early season are also increasingly becoming called upon for schools from beyond the Metro, and for more of the season, than ever before. Snowmaking efforts in Duluth have eased the congestion in recent years, but the chase for snow still requires more time set aside to get to venues and is a prohibitive cost for schools looking to add the sport explained Simpson.

Year-to-year, thousands of kids [are] involved in high school skiing, says Simpson. If we can hold onto that number, and hold onto what has made high school skiing special, well be doing ok.

I will always cherish my athletes coming together with their best performances and to see a community work so hard to achieve something together, said Kris Hansen.

With an eye towards capturing that special essence of high school skiing, athletes, coaches, supporters, communities, and teams returned to Giants Ridge last February. It rained on day one before the sky cleared and a bout of brutal Minnesota winter cold swept over the glacial knolls and through the bare oaks and maples. The crowd that gathered had yet to watch Jessie Diggins stand atop a World Championship podium (that championship milestone would be achieved a few weeks later) but arrived knowing that what it would see was what they had seen on display from that champion, in this venue, that had radiated out through the sport of skiing over the past decade. The kids were here, and they would push for themselves, for their communities and, most importantly, for their teams.

This year, those values came fast, hard, and close into the Giants Ridge stadium. In the Girls race, results came down to a split second. In the Boys race, results were decided by even less. Zoe Devine, from the small Iron Range town of Ely, won the girls race over Duluths Lydia Kraker. Benon Brattebo, from the Twin Cities suburb Eden Prairie, outstretched Blaines Ben Lewis; their times both officially even, 26:00.9. Red and black suits flooded into the stadium to celebrate a team championshipthis time belonging to Duluth Eastwith Stillwater taking second in the Girls competition.

The athletes had pushed hard for each other and had given it their all. Powerhouse programs that have long stood out in their nearly century-long existence etched their name into yet another year of lore. It was typical of Minnesota high school skiing, which only served to highlight how atypical it was. The letterman jackets, the familiar faces here year-after-year as athletes, then coaches, then parents, then just fans. It was a race that a decade from now, as one of the wise-old stalwarts of the whole spectacle, Bill Simpson, would put it, will prove to be one people still talk about. And that is as good a reassurance as any that high school skiing is a grand tradition, and a vital one too.

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Starting out on the St. Croix: What High School Skiing Taught Jessie ... - fasterskier.com

Pickleball is one of Americasfastest-growing sports. The ease of access, simple gameplay, nonstop action, and social connection makes pickleball an attractive sport. Like any love affair, though, there are finer points and certain pickleball rules that need to be defined a little more explaining. And as with becoming a professional at any sport, its critical to understand the finer elements of gameplay.

Pickleball rules might be easy to understand, but its in the specific details that things get muddy. Were here to review some of the most unusual and lesser-known pickleball rules and regulations to make sure all of your matches remain friendly.

Lets get an easy one out of the way first.USA Pickleballdeems that, except for prescribed or necessary devices like hearing aids, players shall not wear or use any form of headphones or earbuds during competition play.

This could be left up to those playing to decide for themselves during their game. But in general and during serious play, personal audio equipment is a no-no, even if Rage Against the Machine brings your game to another level.

Generally, the preferred arena for pickleball is on an outside court. During an intense rally, these accessories fly off, causing at least an interruption in concentration. Could this equipment loss also result in a point loss?

According toThe Pickler blog, a fault occurs if an item lands in the non-volley zone in connection with a volley a volley defined as hitting the pickleball before it bounces. In other words, if a player strikes the pickleball in the air and a towel flies off into the non-volley zone, its a point for the other side. If the discarded item lands in the non-volley zone off the bounce, then no fault.

If equipment lands anywhere outside of the non-volley zone, on the court or not, the play keeps going. This applies even if the pickleball hits the lost item. Obviously, its going to be tough to gauge the bounce off of a dropped hat or shirt, so make sure to keep things tight so you dont lose a point. And, to be on the safe side, continue playing no matter what until a fault is called.

Pickleball might be a loose game, but players are expected to control their apparel and keep their equipment in playable condition. Quick adjustments to apparel or equipment tying shoes, cleaning shades, adjusting hats are allowed between rallies.

Time-outs and the two minutes between games are for more complicated adjustments and replacing gear. PerUSA Pickleballs Official Rulebook, if a player or team is out of time-outs, the referee holds the key to determining the need for an equipment change or necessary adjustment, allotting a potential two-minute timeout.

More recently, pickleball instituted a 10-second rule to discourage those players who take forever to serve. The USA Rulebook applies to servers and receivers, each of whom is allowed up to 10 seconds after the score is called to serve or be ready to receive. Its the servers responsibility to make sure the other side is ready, but that 10 seconds is technically ticking as soon as the referee calls out the score.

If 10 seconds elapse without a serve, the ref issues a technical warning. If this delay continues, referees could award the opposing team a point. This also applies to the receiving side, which has to be ready to receive the serve once the score has been called.

Allowing more than 10 seconds between points drags the game out and lessens the competition if players are allowed to recuperate after every tough rally. Theres no crying in baseball, and theres no mercy in pickleball.

Competitors who need a break should call a timeout before the serve. The rules allow players and teams two one-minute timeouts per each 11-point game. For 21-point games, three timeouts are allowed.

As for serving, its pretty simple. Theres more leeway in recreational pickleball, but there are rules about the serving motion that pickleballers should be aware of, especially in more serious competition. More veteran players should turn to the International Federation of Pickleball Official Tournament Rulebook.

Per the IFPsofficial tourney rules, the serve must be made with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below waist level (waist is defined as the navel level).

Why is this important? Well, overhead shots produce more power. Skirting the gray area of this rule could give players a slight edge. If the paddle head strikes the ball above the belly button, this results in a fault. This is so important that the IFP defines what underhand means.

The arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball (paddle head is that part of the paddle excluding the handle. The highest point of the paddle head cannot be above any part of the line formed where the wrist joint bends).

This cuts out slicing, smashing, and the topspin, unless players achieve that via underhand serve. For a more in-depth exploration of the underhand serve, check out the Pickleball Channels extended guide:

Pickleball regulars know that when serving the ball must clear the kitchen line. The kitchen is the seven-foot-long no-go zone for volleys. The line is two inches thick, and a players serve cannot touch any part of this line, needing instead to completely clear it for a valid serve. If the ball hits the kitchen or the kitchen line, its a fault.

Its also a fault if the pickleball grazes the net before landing in play space. The rule used to be that clipping the net and then landing in the serving box was a let (like tennis), but that has evolved with the game. Once a successful serve has landed, the ball is in play and can land on any court line to stay in play. The only time the lines are considered out is at the back of the kitchen on a serve.

Speaking of line calls, lets lay out a few guidelines for line calling. Mostly, pickleball is played for fun, so its helpful to take a do unto others attitude.

Applying those IFP tourney rules, players on line-calling duty must give opponents the benefit of the doubt to keep up fair play. To define who should make line calls, players should only make calls on their section of the court. Players should not question an opponents call unless the other player asks or if theres an appeal to the referee.

Judgment calls should be up to those with a perspective straight down the line. Calls need to be quick and made while the ball is still in play. Pickleball is a fast and furious game where calls are tough. In general, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. Ethics are important.

Spectators may never participate in line calls. High-level pickleball competitions have already had past issues with this. If youre watching a match, you are a spectator and not allowed to have your say. Just zip it and enjoy the match.

Sports like baseball and especially hockey come with a lot of trash talk between the teams and even the fans and the players. In pickleball, thats all a huge no. Think along the lines of tennis and golf, where there is complete silence for the swing and serve.

Now, talking between players, as in calling out what kind of shot they think is going to happen or who is getting the hit, is completely fine. You are playing a sport, and you will have to chat with each other.

Now that you know every single in and out of how to play pickleball, even the grittier pickleball rules, enjoy getting a bit of hands-on experience. Theres no limit to how much enjoyment youll get playing one of the most popular sports right now.

Pickleball, like all other sports, will continue to evolve with time, play, and technology. What will remain is the games core philosophy: pickleball is meant to be fun. While official pickleball rules are there to provide a level playing field and an accurate sport, the Golden Rule is always a good default, so everyone enjoys playing.

The post These are the weirdest and least understood pickleball rules and regulations appeared first on The Manual.

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These are the weirdest and least understood pickleball rules and ... - msnNOW

There is nothing more frustrating as a streamer than spending hours crafting your own unique media source, importing it to OBS, and finding that its not working and not knowing why.

OBS settings can be tricky, and they are not always explicitly explained. If you dont know what a setting does in the first place, it is hard to know what needs to be activated and what doesnt. There are many things that can go wrong with your media source in OBS, but here are some of the most common reasons why a media source may not be showing up on your stream.

A media source is a video file that you can add to your stream. They could be anything, but one of the most common types of media source are countdowns. Many streamers go live a couple of minutes early and have a virtual timer that counts down until they get there. This allows their viewers to get their Go Live notification and enter the stream before it actually begins.

Many streamers also have an animated overlay on their stream. Animated backgrounds are more dynamic than static images, and it is also extremely easy to make your own animated Twitch background on Canva, so they are a popular choice. Animated overlays are video files rather than static JPGs or PNGs, which means they have to be added as a media source.

OBS can be a learning experience, to say the least, and like most technology, it doesnt always work the way you expect it to. Even if, on one stream, everything is going great and your media source is working perfectly, that might not be the case the next time you open OBS.

In these cases, it is difficult to understand what went wrong, especially if you haven't changed anything since the last time you were on OBS. But the chances are that there was one setting or another that you didn't set up quite right when you imported your media source. Its just a matter of finding it.

Here are the most common issues that can cause your media source to not show up in OBS, and how to fix them. These should be on your checklist of things to do before going live.

The very first thing you should check when your media source or any other asset on your stream isnt working is whether it is hidden or not. This is the most obvious fix, but its also the best one because it's incredibly easy to solve.

To double-check if your media source is hidden, look for your Sources section. This will be down the bottom of the window, to the right of Scenes. Find your media source in your list of sources and look at the icons on the right.

There should be two icons beside your media source, one of which looks like an eye. If the eye icon is grayed out, with a line across it, your media source is hidden. If that's the case, just click the icon again and your media source should appear.

Another one of the most common reasons why your media source isnt visible is if you dont have it on loop. Depending on your media source, the loop setting is the most important. This is especially true when it comes to animated overlays.

Animated overlays are usually relatively short videos. If you import your overlay to OBS and you don't activate the Loop setting, your video file will only play once and then disappear. Looping your file ensures that your overlay will stay on screen and continuously replay while you're streaming.

To check if your media source is looped, open your media source in the Sources section by double-clicking it, or right-click and select Properties. Underneath the search bar that allows you to find and select your media source from your computer's files, you will see the Loop setting. Make sure that box is ticked.

This setting is the most confusing because you wouldn't immediately expect that it's the culprit. The Restart playback when stream becomes active setting makes your video file replay from the beginning when you switch to or from the source that contains it.

If everything else appears to be set up correctly on your media source, sometimes toggling this setting on and off can trigger your media source to appear. To toggle this setting on or off, open your media source by finding it in your Sources section and double-clicking it, or right-click and select Properties.

The Restart playback when source becomes active setting is right underneath the Loop setting. Check the box to turn it on, and click it again to toggle the setting off.

You know what they say; the golden rule when troubleshooting technology is to turn it off and back on again. That rule still applies to OBS. Sometimes the program could be having some technical difficulties, and performing a simple restart could be all it needs to fix your media source.

Restarting OBS can also be required to save settings and make sure they are in effect. So restarting the program after changing your settings or if you are sure your source is set up properly but still isnt working is always recommended.

If the restart doesnt help your case, it also cant hurt to make sure your OBS is updated to the latest version. Running an old version of OBS can lead to performance issues, so if you want to ensure that your OBS is operating to the best of its abilities, it will need to be up-to-date.

OBS should run a check to see if there are any updates as you open it. If so, a pop-up box will appear asking you if you would like to install the updates. Press Update Now to download and install the updates.

If you didnt press Update Now, you can also check for any current updates by selecting Help from the menu at the top of the screen. Select Check for Updates, and install them if there are any.

If your media source isnt visible, and you arent sure whats wrong with it, one of these tips should help get everything running smoothly again.

Whether its an animated overlay, a countdown, or any other media source that youve added to OBS, they all add character to your stream, so making sure they are up and running is very important. Especially if you spent hours on Canva making your own, or you paid an artist to make one for you.

OBS is a great program, but just like everything else, it can have its issues sometimes. Jumping on the computer 30 minutes or so before you are scheduled to start streaming can give you the time you need to go through any of these fixes without running the risk of being late.

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Media Source Not Showing in OBS? Here's How to Fix It - MUO - MakeUseOf