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3 ways bulk email verification can prevent free trial abuse
Businesses have learned how to mend the weak spots in free trial marketing.
03 September, 2020
Credit: Shutterstock
- Free trials are an excellent marketing tool but people can take advantage of the system by using disposable emails, jumping from one free trial to the next.
- You can use free trial marketing to great effect if you know how to protect your business against those who want to take advantage.
- Here are 3 ways to identify email addresses that will never lead to a genuine sale and remove them from your lists.
<p>Isn't it a fundamental consumer right to try a product or service before purchase to make sure it works? Then again, not all consumers are as ethical as we would like to believe. Quite a few never end up purchasing licenses or subscriptions and are content with abusing free trials by primarily using disposable email addresses. Companies can, however, fight back against free trial abuse with the help of a bulk email validation solution. Here are three ways how.</p>
Limit registration to non-disposable email address users
<p>Protection against freemium abuse begins upon signup. Limiting registration to only those who don't use disposable email addresses is one way to do that. You can integrate a bulk email verification API into your registration page or use a disposable email domains database like the one provided <a href="https://emailverification.whoisxmlapi.com/disposable-email-domains?mc=bigthink.com" target="_self">by WhoisXML API</a> to automatically check if the email address a subscriber provided is disposable or not. A useful bulk email validation tool would tell your administrator immediately that the address is disposable, and so it's likely you're dealing with someone who might try to abuse a free trial.</p><a href="https://emailverification.whoisxmlapi.com/disposable-email-domains?mc=bigthink.com" ><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzYzMjkwMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTUzMzE1OX0.RvfSCPLh2llBsT1ru98sLnwab0WNh-1JBqH4IhhOrw8/img.png?width=980" id="9a871" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="624ead3c30dd034e8a3e58ada443cfc6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Bulk email verification tool" /></a>Make sure the email address is contactable
<p>Not all freemium abusers use disposable email addresses. Some can just as easily use personal email addresses from Gmail, Yahoo, or other free services. A lot of people keep extra email addresses to direct email marketing or newsletters to. It's one way to keep their primary personal inboxes less crowded.</p><p>Since these secondary email addresses probably get tons of marketing collateral each day, they're likely full, and so messages will sooner or later bounce. That's not good for any company as it translates to a high bounce rate, which can adversely affect its email deliverability and domain reputation.</p><p>A robust <a href="https://emailverification.whoisxmlapi.com/bulk-api?mc=bigthink" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bulk email validation API</a> can instantly let you know if all the email addresses in your contact database are accessible. It tells you if every address is Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)-enabled and, therefore, able to receive messages. So, if you, for instance, have the email address soon_be_to_nothing@yahoo.com in your database, which has an email verification result that says it isn't SMTP-reachable, it may be best to take it off your distribution list to lower your bounce rate.</p><p>Taking the email address that's probably no longer in use off your subscription list is also advisable. That way, your chances of dealing with a freemium abuser is reduced as well.<br></p><a href="https://emailverification.whoisxmlapi.com/bulk-api?mc=bigthink" ><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzYzMzAyMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzA0MDI2MH0.GGDQJnOedW6yB9cq0qmrfPwTthcnB2xpi4pRnSLMomw/img.png?width=980" id="90d00" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="edb0bfce366c8fe0e86fa9874a1acbba" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="bulk email validation API tool" /></a>Keep your distribution list in tip-top shape
<p>The more unreachable email addresses in your distribution list, the higher the chances of ending up in someone's blacklist. It is, after all, not uncommon for spammers or cybercriminals to use the shotgun approach in attacks. Sending messages to as many inboxes as possible, after all, increases their chances of success. Using their tactic for a legitimate business, however, is unacceptable either. Organizations are not allowed to send emails to just about anyone without their consent.</p> <p>And so companies that want to stay off blacklists should make it a point to keep their distribution lists updated at all times. But we also know that over time, contact lists can grow to a massive size, making cleanup tedious and time-consuming. The quickest way to keep email databases in tip-top condition is to use a bulk email validation solution. It lets you check up to 50,000 email addresses in one go to make sure that they won't do your domain reputation any harm and cause you to end up on a dreaded blacklist.</p> <p>Bulk Email Verification API/Lookup can confirm if each email address:</p> <ul><li>Has the correct syntax or follows established Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards</li><li>Is not disposable by checking its domain against those of known disposable email providers that include Mailinator, GuerrillaMail, and more than 2,000 others</li><li>Has a corresponding mail server evidenced by properly configured mail exchanger (MX) records</li><li>Points to a valid inbox that lessens your chances of dealing with suspicious users</li><li>Is not associated with a catch-all mailbox that isn't assigned to any particular user and so may not add value to your distribution list</li></ul><p>While allowing every potential subscriber to try your product/service free of charge is a great thing, you still need a way to keep the system honest. Strike a balance between keeping free trial abuse to a minimum and encouraging individuals to register for your offerings with the help of bulk email validation solutions.</p>
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Live on Monday: Does the US need one billion people?
What would happen if you tripled the US population? Join Matthew Yglesias and Charles Duhigg at 1pm ET on Monday, September 28.
26 September, 2020
Big Think LIVE
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Is immigration key to bolstering the American economy? Could having one billion Americans secure the US's position as <em>the</em> global superpower? What if massive population growth could nourish rural economies and strengthen our country from the inside out? Perhaps these questions are provocative fodder for more debate and contention but, for Matthew Yglesias, asking them and arguing about them is part of the American way. Join him in a conversation moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg as they explore the case for one billion Americans.
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Ask your questions for Matthew Yglesias during the Q&A!
</p><p><strong>Join the live stream at 1pm ET on Monday, September 28.<br></strong></p><h2>STREAMING LINKS<br><a href="https://youtu.be/FKaApFbTpx4" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigThinkdotcom/posts/10157677011223527" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://edge.bigthink.com/live_streams/111" target="_blank">Big Think Edge</a></h2>
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Nutrisystem review: The key to losing weight—and keeping it off
Nutrisystem is a smarter weight-loss program that users enjoy.
29 July, 2020
Credit: Nutrisystem
- The societal and economic consequences of obesity cannot be ignored.
- The economic impact is up to $190 billion every year in America.
- Americans spend up to $2.5 billion each year on popular weight-loss programs.
<p>Weight loss is big business. Thousands of influencers try to coax you in with brightly colored videos and overproduced photos on Instagram. They guarantee their method works for everybody. Nutrition is too complex for a one-size-fits-all plan, however. We all have different bodies with varying metabolism rates. An individualized program is more beneficial than a cookie-cutter program.</p><p>If you've ever tried to lose weight, you know how frustrating it is. We begin a program with enthusiasm and commitment only to trail off in a few weeks. That's the problem with many weight loss programs: they're like filler calories that taste good at first, only to leave you feeling hungry. </p><p>Nutrisystem was created in the 1970s by Harold Katz. The entrepreneur was living on a liquid-based diet for weight loss. While this method worked to some degree, Katz realized people want to eat real food. He spent years tweaking his system in order to help people feel sated, enjoy their food, <em>and</em> lose weight. </p><p>What Katz realized—what has made Nutrisystem successful in helping people lose weight for nearly five decades—is that people need personalized plans. Nutrisystem is a diet plan service with a variety of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat food, delivered at your door. The menu includes everything from burgers, pizzas and pasta to chocolate desserts and beverages. However, everything is provided following a plan of portion control and healthy eating.</p><p>Nutrisystem's Personal Plans provide six small meals a day that are nutritionally balanced for your body. With hundreds of choices designed by expert chefs, variety will never be an issue. And the free weight loss app that accompanies each plan keeps you engaged with your program. </p><p>Sure, there are universal principles to weight loss, such as lowering your calorie intake. This is no starvation diet. Finding a diet that both satisfies daily caloric intake and keeps you engaged in a long-term commitment is challenging. This is where Nutrisystem excels. </p>
<p><em></em><a href="https://thehealthmania.com/nutrisystem-promo-code/" target="_blank"><em>See Nutrisystem testimonials and check the latest prices here.</em></a></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUxNDg1MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDgzNDcxOH0.ir8qIJaQ79AfyXCjAF-PXY9iN7Y50_-k6J2_BUeJqu0/img.jpg?width=1245&coordinates=0%2C513%2C0%2C264&height=700" id="9ad8e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7394cf29547580c47d2b18dcbd19a83f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Credit: Nutrisystem
<h3>The economics of obesity</h3><p>The obesity crisis in America has profoundly changed the health of our nation. Two-thirds of American adults are now <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4770258/" target="_blank">overweight or obese</a>. Excess body weight creates numerous health problems, <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-risks-overweight" target="_blank">such as</a> increased risk for heart disease, hypertension, cancer, sleep apnea, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Tragically, the steep rise in obesity rates can, in large part, be traced back to the surge in processed foods made with filler ingredients, questionable preservatives, and excessive sugars. </p><p>That's part of what makes losing weight so difficult. Supermarket shelves are stocked with processed foods. A whopping 74 percent of packaged foods contain <a href="https://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidden-in-plain-sight/#.Xx3ly_hKhTY" target="_blank">added sugars</a>, which are conveniently disguised under 61 different names, including dextrose, maltose, and treacle. You shouldn't have to play detective every time you go to the grocery store. </p><p>Obesity has real-world consequences. Every year, up to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html" target="_blank">$6.38 billion is lost</a> in productivity costs due to obesity-related absenteeism. That number only accounts for people taking off of work. Overall, obesity-related costs in America are estimated to be <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/91/5/1520S/4597467" target="_blank">$147 billion</a> every year. One <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/economic/" target="_blank">study</a> shows that cost was $190 billion in 2005. </p><p>Overweight citizens are also <a href="https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/conference-highlights/aaic-2015-coverage/mental-illness-and-obesity/" target="_blank">more likely</a> to suffer from poor mental health. The combination of poor self-image, social stigma, lack of exercise, and biological issues due to obesity increase the likelihood that someone will be anxious or depressed. This creates a crippling feedback loop: diets high in sugars and carbohydrates, which are fueling the rise in obesity, are <a href="https://bigthink.com/21st-century-spirituality/your-diet-might-be-causing-anxiety-and-depression" target="_self">also linked</a> to poor mental health. </p><p>Many people want a solution that works. In 2014, Americans spent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446719/" target="_blank">roughly $2.5 billion</a> on commercial or proprietary weight loss programs. As a society, we pay the price of obesity in the form of work absenteeism, inflated health care costs, and mental health issues, and we pay trying to solve it. Finding a solution to this problem is of utmost importance. </p><p><em><a href="https://thehealthmania.com/nutrisystem-reviews/" target="_blank">Huge savings — Click here to buy Nutrisystem on sale.</a></em></p>
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c35aa3bbaa2ae5d3c4cda3212e11605d"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OHb1SxDozC0?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><h3>Losing weight—and keeping it off</h3><p>Calorie in, calorie out is a simplistic approach to weight loss. We have different metabolism rates; the constitution of our microbiomes vary. Calorie-counting is one method that's nearly guaranteed to fizzle out. This method also overlooks one of the most important aspects of weight loss: food is emotional. Few people stick to diets they don't enjoy.</p><p>This is where Nutrisystem comes in. Instead of a false promise of rapid weight loss, the Nutrisystem Personal Plan is designed to help you lose a healthy 1-2 pounds every week while enjoying your favorite foods. More importantly, the weight stays off. </p><p>What you won't get in your Nutrisystem deliveries are excess fillers and hidden sugars prevalent in packaged foods. There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, trans fat, or artificial colorings. You'll never receive deep-fried foods, fatty cut meats, potatoes, full-fat dairy, pasta, or ice cream. Every meal is created by an expert chef and all plans are reviewed by a Science Advisory Board. </p><p>If you suffer from type 2 diabetes or are pre-diabetic, Nutrisystem has a plan for you. They also offer a wonderful vegetarian option. Beyond these two plans, Nutrisystem offers four others:</p><ul><li><strong>Nutrisystem Basic</strong>. Three pre-planned meals a day plus snacks, designed for customers that want to lose weight and maintain lean muscle. </li><li><strong>Nutrisystem Core</strong>. Three meals plus snacks that you choose from over 100 different foods. Customers at this level have access to a certified dietary coach. </li><li><strong>Uniquely Yours</strong>. The most popular meal plan lets customers choose from over 160 meals, including frozen meals. </li><li><strong>Uniquely Yours Ultimate</strong>. All of the above plus an additional 28 shake options.</li></ul><p>Most importantly, all meals are <em>balanced</em>. That means you'll only receive meals that meet national guidelines for total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and added sugars. Once you've hit your target weight, Nutrisystem offers maintenance programs so that you keep it off for good. </p><p>The flexibility in Nutrisystem's program makes it even more effective. You'll never feel guilty about "cheat meals"—Nutrisystem offers guidance to eating at restaurants so that you won't have to sacrifice an evening out. By having your meals and snacks delivered, you'll save time in the kitchen. And the Nutrisystem app offers free counseling services, lifestyle hacks, and progress tracking. </p><p>Nutrisystem realizes no one loses weight by themselves. By signing up for a Personal Plan, you'll have access to trained weight-loss coaches, registered dietitians, and certified diabetes educators. In 2019, <em>Newsweek</em> <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/americas-best-customer-service-2019/services-beauty-wellness" target="_blank">ranked</a> Nutrisystem #1 in customer service for nutrition and weight-loss programs. This might be the program you've been looking for. </p>
<p><em><a href="https://thehealthmania.com/nutrisystem-promo-code/" target="_blank">Nutrisystem is offering Big Think readers a 50% off now! Click here to activate this special discount</a>.</em></p>
<a href="https://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/home/index.jsp?utm_medium=partner&utm_source=bxa&utm_campaign=bogo&utm_content=bogo&creq=134610338" ><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUyMTYxMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzg2OTA0MX0.bktv7a_syFFyuO4f0nQ9r39msuOmepBUCikjJ8rYEOA/img.jpg?width=980" id="a908e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="477f735b90a9bf7a29e5583079a0a91c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a>
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Learn innovation with 3-star Michelin chef Dominique Crenn
Dominique Crenn, the only female chef in America with three Michelin stars, joins Big Think Live.
24 September, 2020
Big Think LIVE
Having been exposed to mavericks in the French culinary world at a young age, three-star Michelin chef Dominique Crenn made it her mission to cook in a way that is not only delicious and elegant, but also expressive, memorable, and true to her experience.
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Having been exposed to mavericks in the French culinary world at a young age, three-star Michelin chef Dominique Crenn made it her mission to cook in a way that is not only delicious and elegant, but also expressive, memorable, and true to her experience. Crenn will share the importance of gaining knowledge and inspiration from what and who surrounds you, building a unified and empowered team, and inventing a business model out of inspiration, as well as necessity.
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Thinking of reselling jewelry? You need to know about Worthy.
Worthy returns 2-3x more money than local jewelers and pawn shops.
23 July, 2020
- The jewelry resale market notoriously undervalues the true worth of many pieces.
- Sellers that investigate their options tend to receive higher returns than those who go to local jewelers. Keeping jewelry that you do not wear can be a bad financial choice; the value of diamonds is down more than 10% over the last 5 years, while the Fortune 500 index is up 40%+ over the same period.
- Local marketplaces like Craigslist or Ebay are fraught with scammers who can leave sellers empty handed.
<script async="true" src="https://widgets.stackcommerce.com/js-deal-feed/0.1/widget.js" type="text/javascript"></script><p>While any resale market is difficult to gauge, selling your jewelry can be especially challenging. The idea of selling a beloved ring or earrings for "scrap" is not easy, especially when going through a divorce or selling estate pieces. </p><p class="p1">That's exactly why the team behind <a href="https://stackmedia.io/?utm_source=1a7b5cv4908&utm_medium=1a0b0cp393&utm_term=scsf-415990&utm_content=100-a0x1P000004smsY&pub_id=2358" target="_blank">Worthy</a> set out to make the process easy by connecting fine jewelry sellers to a network of professional buyers for an online auction. Sellers typically earn 2-3 times more than they would at a local jeweler or pawn shop.</p><p class="p1">For individuals, there has never been a better time to consider selling jewelry. As a global pandemic rages on, many people are in need of cash to pay their bills. Even as we return to society and the economy reopens, there remain a lot of unanswered questions about employment, schools, and the market. To find extra funds, people are <a href="https://stackmedia.io/?utm_source=1a7b5cv4908&utm_medium=1a0b0cp393&utm_term=scsf-415990&utm_content=100-a0x1P000004smsY&pub_id=2358" rel="noopener" target="_blank">looking through their jewelry boxes</a> to see what they can part with—and do so in a way that does not even require leaving home. </p><p class="p1">Additionally, one might let go of their jewelry because of divorce, which is thought to be <a href="https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2020/06/27/has-the-coronavirus-pandemic-created-a-spike-divorces-" target="_blank">on the rise</a> as couples quarantine together. While it's <a href="https://stackmedia.io/?utm_source=1a7b5cv4908&utm_medium=1a0b0cp393&utm_term=scsf-415990&utm_content=100-a0x1P000004smsY&pub_id=2358" rel="noopener" target="_blank">never easy</a> to part with rings and other gifts, it might prove even harder to hold onto reminders of the past, especially as you move forward with your life. Explaining certain jewelry to new partners is also difficult. </p><p class="p1">Estate sales are another reason to part with jewelry. While it's difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, holding onto their items can be even harder. There tends to be an internal conflict: You want to honor their past, yet you want to get top dollar for the sale of their items.</p><p class="p2"><a href="https://stackmedia.io/?utm_source=1a7b5cv4908&utm_medium=1a0b0cp393&utm_term=scsf-415990&utm_content=100-a0x1P000004smsY&pub_id=2358" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Worthy</a> provides buyers and sellers with full transparency every step of the way. They make it easy to send your jewelry, so you can move onto another phase of your life with the funds to start something fresh. With Worthy, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to security as your valuables are insured up to $100,000 with a Lloyd’s of London insurance policy. As a seller, you set the price and are always in control, making it a completely win-win, risk-free process for everyone involved. If you're ready to <a href="https://stackmedia.io/?utm_source=1a7b5cv4908&utm_medium=1a0b0cp393&utm_term=scsf-415990&utm_content=100-a0x1P000004smsY&pub_id=2358" rel="noopener" target="_blank">let go of the past</a> and invest in your future, Worthy is a seamless and safe way to go about it.</p>
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The COVID effect: How more time at home translated to record porn views
The line between work and play has became blurred during the pandemic.
16 July, 2020
Credit: Mariia Korneeva / Shutterstock
Partnerships
- Pornhub measured its daily traffic and reported an average increase of 24% in daily traffic compared to days before COVID-19 lockdown.
- During lockdown, VR porn has helped breach the gap between social distancing and human connection.
- There are many reasons it's better to pay for porn than rely on free websites: it reduces exploitation, the quality is better, and you can dive into the world of VR.
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<p>Since the breakout of COVID-19, we have seen an undeniable pattern: As countries went into isolation, their use of porn increased. Pornhub, the worlds largest porn website, measured its daily traffic and reported an average <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/coronavirus-update-april-14" target="_blank">increase of 24% in daily traffic</a> compared to days before lockdown. Interestingly, the countries that were slow to isolate showed no increase in traffic until they went into isolation.</p><p>To provide an example, Italy, which was one of the first European countries to go into lockdown, saw its use of porn increase by <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/coronavirus-update-april-2#demographic" target="_blank">57% on March 12</a> compared to previous days. Both the United Kingdom and the United States, however, which were slower to respond to the pandemic, saw an increase in porn traffic later in March, just as they began to tighten social policy.</p>
Porn sites' response to COVID
<p>Several porn sites made their premium features free during the pandemic so that people would be more inclined to stay at home. In addition, a number of websites enabled their verified models to upload content and receive 100% of the income generated from those videos in a bid to help support them during the pandemic.</p><p>From the beginning of March, there was a <a href="https://www.pornhub.com/insights/verified-model-uploads" target="_blank">30% increase</a> of uploaded material from adult models compared to previous periods. Interestingly, more than 1,000 corona-themed videos were uploaded onto Pornhub, many of which received over one million views each. Surprisingly, corona and COVID were searched over 15 million times during this period.</p>How virtual reality bridged the gap of social distancing and human connection
<p>Porn fulfills a need when there is no one around but it's not quite the real thing so, after a point, it can leave us wanting a little bit more. Unfortunately, COVID is forcing us to wait a significant amount of time before we can really connect with someone, but thanks to virtual reality websites, such as <a href="https://badoinkvr.com" target="_blank">Badoink VR porn</a>, that little bit more was enough for many to stay at home, remain safe and satisfied.</p><p>Virtual reality porn is as close to the real thing as you can experience despite being completely alone. You can experience your sexual fantasies as though you are actually in the room watching or even experiencing the actors and actresses before you. When you look around the room or check out your company for the evening, you see it from a point-of-view perspective, which gives it a very realistic feel. It's the perfect bridge between reality and fantasy. Of course, it's no substitute for the real thing, but during lockdown, there are not many ways you can make it better.</p>Why paying for porn is better for everyone
<p>You may ask, 'Why pay for something when you can get it for free?' but COVID has highlighted the importance of looking after those who keep us going during difficult times. We have a reasonable expectation to pay for things that we use and consume, be it music, movies, and even dating sites, <a href="https://mashable.com/article/pay-for-your-porn-erika-lust/?europe=true" target="_blank">so why should porn be any different?</a> On some level, we recognize that we receive a better quality service or product when we make a financial contribution and doing so prevents the exploitation of others in disadvantaged circumstances.</p> <p>It's fair to say that few other industries have exploited people more than the adult industry and websites that offer free porn indirectly and perhaps unintentionally contribute to this due to video piracy, and lack of control over how the performers are being treated or rewarded for their effort. Paying for porn means that everyone gets a better deal, so consider finding a site that works for you. You can feel proud of being socially responsible and be sure to get a better quality product, especially if you are stepping into the modern era of virtual reality.</p>
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How to make Instagram your side hustle
Here are 5 simple steps to creating a side hustle you can cash in on—just remember: quality should be at the heart of each step.
15 July, 2020
Credit: Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Partnerships
- If you choose a niche you are passionate about and people are interested in, you can create a lucrative side hustle on Instagram.
- Once you gain an engaged fanbase, you can monetize your account through advertising and affiliate links.
- Here are 5 simple steps to get your on your way to becoming an influencer.
<p>Instagram is more than a photo-sharing social media platform. It is a tool for making money if you know how to use it properly, which anyone can learn to do.<span></span></p>
<p>You won't make money immediately, so don't quit your day job just yet. But you can turn Instagram into a side hustle and make some extra cash if you follow a few simple steps. At some point, perhaps you can become the next big Instagram influencer.</p>
<p>Below are the top five steps for making money on Instagram.</p>
1) Choose the right niche
<p>Like any business model, you must center your Instagram side hustle around a particular niche. It must be a niche that is popular and attracts an audience regularly. Some of the most popular Instagram niches are fashion, food, travel, and entertainment.</p> <p>For instance, you could start a travel profile where you take trips and upload pictures of what you saw in various exotic locations. People love to follow Instagram accounts with travel themes because it gives them a chance to see places they don't get to see normally.</p> <p>Whatever niche you choose, make sure it is something that interests you so you can stay committed and passionate about it for the long haul. Also, make sure you're in a position to take photographs of things that relate to it. </p>2) Upload high-quality photographs
<p>Instagram is all about visuals. If you want to maintain a long list of followers, there's no question that you need to upload high-quality photographs to your account. Instagram requires you to take pictures on your smartphone or tablet camera and upload it to your account with the Instagram app. </p><p>However, there is a way you can upload photographs to your Instagram account from your computer desktop or laptop. For Mac and PC users, you can try Chrome extensions like Desktopify or Desktop for Instagram. After these are installed, you can start uploading pictures from your computer. </p><p>That way, you'll have more opportunities to photoshop your pictures and make them look even better with advanced touchups.</p>3) Purchase Instagram likes
<p>Building up a new Instagram profile is difficult. Everyone wants to create a special post that ends up trending and attracting thousands of people. But there is nothing you can do to guarantee that will happen. The best you can do is get likes to your Instagram posts. The more likes that your posts receive, the more people will want to check them out because they will appear to be popular posts.</p> <p>Since it is so challenging to get likes to Instagram posts when your account is new, you can speed up the process by <a href="https://www.stormlikes.net/buy-instagram-auto-likes" target="_blank">buying Instagram likes</a>. When you buy automatic Instagram likes, you get a service where a specific number of likes are automatically applied to your posts each month. </p> <p>For instance, you can spend $15.99 per month and get likes on up to 120 posts for that month. The most likes you can have per post is 50 likes. If you want to pay extra, you can have up to 100 likes per post for $24.99 or up to 250 likes per post for $33.99. It is recommended that you don't flood a single post with too many likes at once. Try to spread them around a little so that they look more natural to your audience. </p>4) Use the right hashtags in your posts
<p>Hashtags are essential if you want to attract more attention to your Instagram posts from people who are interested in your niche. Each time you publish an Instagram post, you're allowed to include hashtags in the post or <a href="https://www.socialinsider.io/blog/instagram-hashtag-study/#:~:text=The%20engagement%20rate%20per%20post,ones%20in%20the%20first%20comment." target="_blank">in the first comment</a>. Users can select a hashtag and view all the Instagram posts that have the hashtag in it.</p> <p>The idea is that if you research popular hashtags used in Instagram posts that are related to your niche, then you can use the same hashtags in your posts. Then it will be easier for people (and the discover algorithm!) to discover your Instagram profile and follow it. </p>5) Cash in
<p>The part where you make money comes from advertising in your posts, both directly and indirectly. Once you have a popular Instagram account, you can become an influencer.</p> <p>As an influencer, you get paid for promoting the products or services of other companies or people. You can also do affiliate marketing through your Instagram posts as well. Just get creative by finding ways to monetize the thousands of new followers that you've received. </p>
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What is the viewing experience of VR porn really like?
Recent studies suggest virtual reality porn can produce a more positive experience than viewing from a monitor or screen.
01 July, 2020
VR porn is a totally immersive experience that research claims is much more positive than other ways to consume adult entertainment.
Image by Andrush on Shutterstock
Partnerships
- Since early 2014 when Ela Darling, an adult entertainment actress recorded her first VR performance, the world of virtual porn has taken off.
- Recent studies suggests VR porn produces a more positive experience than typical porn viewing through a monitor or screen.
- RealityLovers, a top VR porn website, speaks about the benefits of virtual reality porn experiences and the future of VR adult entertainment.
<p>The porn industry has seen a lot of change over the years, from <em>Playboy</em> being sold in corner stores to naughty pay-per-view movies on TV to personalized porn that's available on cam websites... and now, VR porn. VR porn (virtual reality porn) takes adult content to the next level; instead of just watching a scene, you're seemingly participating in it while watching through a VR headset that brings the environment to life.</p><ul class="ee-ul"></ul>
Your brain on VR porn
<p><a href="https://www.dailydot.com/debug/vr-porn-brain-study/" target="_blank">Daily Dot</a> covered a study that was done by a popular VR pornography website and the results were quite interesting (albeit from a small sample): according to the study, which had men between the ages of 18-45 watching the same clip on a flat monitor and then again with a VR headset, participants watching VR porn had to work harder to process the information. The article explains:<br></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><em>That's not necessarily a bad result... [B]oth VR and PC scored in the cognitive load "sweet spot," where users were neither overwhelmed with information nor bored by it... The participants' motivation, or whether they feel positive or negative about watching certain content, was also greater, or more positive, in the VR test.</em></p>The overall results of this study suggest that VR porn produces a more positive experience but is not too overwhelming. <a href="https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/rebooting-porn-use-faqs/what-about-virtual-reality-vr-porn/" target="_blank">Various studies</a> have since confirmed this original finding.The rise of VR porn and what it means for the adult entertainment industry
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQyODIyNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzMxOTc5OX0.YvFfshnjS5lKESA79Ry5DRISFga_iB9j-0ZFjkDY380/img.jpg?width=980" id="1c10c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1163a4c72e4cc565a59d26eb770769b4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="\u200ba woman with a VR headset on watching VR porn" />Photo: RealityLovers
<p><strong>What is the viewing experience like?</strong></p><p><strong></strong>With some of the top VR porn websites having been around for up to five years now, the continued developments in technology have allowed the adult entertainment industry to advance in ways we could have only imagined, allowing viewers to have an incredibly realistic experience through platforms like <a href="https://realitylovers.com/news/what-is-the-viewing-experience-of-vr-porn-like/" target="_blank">RealityLovers</a>.</p><p>For those who have not yet experienced virtual reality porn, it's a completely immersive way to consume adult content. There are 180-degree and 360-degree porn websites available which allow you to explore the environment you're in, which can include exotic locations around the world or fantasy locations that don't exist in real life.</p><p>One of the most popular experiences is POV (point of view) porn, which allows you to view the scene from a first-person perspective. As you can imagine, this is a particularly popular genre of VR porn, although there are many other genres in existence.</p><p><strong>What equipment do you need to watch VR porn? </strong></p><p>Although VR systems used to be expensive, they are becoming increasingly more popular among the general public. From smartphones and Google Cardboard to Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, and beyond, there are plenty of different options for VR equipment. </p><p>Most virtual reality porn websites are capable of accepting various types of VR systems, but you may need to check with the site to make sure the equipment you have (or are looking to purchase) is compatible with their platform. </p><p>Along with a VR headset of your choosing, there <a href="https://sextoycollective.com/best-male-sex-toys/vr/" target="_blank">are also some sex toys</a> that people choose to use to enhance their virtual reality experience. People who desire a totally immersive experience may opt for something like the <a href="https://www.kiiroo.com/products/the-fleshlight-launch-powered-by-kiiroo?sscid=61k4_pfkyx" target="_blank">Fleshlight Launch</a> (a male interactive sex toy that is able to sync with VR content through select platforms).</p><p><strong>VR porn and beyond…</strong></p><p>If you're curious about virtual reality porn, devices are more affordable than ever and more and more platforms are giving viewers access to virtual reality situations. The sex toy industry has also hopped on board, manufacturing more and more toys that are Bluetooth compatible, meaning you can sync them to your VR system and use them simultaneously. From POV sex to threesomes and more, virtual reality is quickly becoming a favorite way for people to bring their fantasies to life.</p>
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