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u30pro

u30pro is a weekly twitter chat and active community that is open to ALL AGES but focuses on issues surrounding young professionals.

The chat is every Thursday at 8pm est.

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You can learn more about the community and sign up for the digest here: http://davidspinks.com/under-30-professionals/

Network Leader: David Spinks
Groups > u30pro
 
David Spinks THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: The Ultimate Showdown: Grad School vs Professional Experience. Please bring your minds, but leave any weapons or blunt objects at home.

106 weeks ago from u30pro

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: If you are looking to succeed via the traditional route in your career then grad school is a must. Many Director level and higher positions ...MoreIf you are looking to succeed via the traditional route in your career then grad school is a must. Many Director level and higher positions require a gradate degree to even be considered. Furthermore, Grad school gives people who aren't social butterflies a means to make great connections with other professionals.

On the other hand, with Web 2.0 becoming the standard instead of the "new thing", it is certainly possible to forge your own career path and forgo the grad degree.
106 weeks ago
Jeannie Chan: Actually, Seth just repeated a fairly commonly held POV. It's generally agreed that unless you go to a top school (some defines that as top 4, ...MoreActually, Seth just repeated a fairly commonly held POV. It's generally agreed that unless you go to a top school (some defines that as top 4, some top 5, some top 10, some top 30. I don't think anyone defines it outside top 30), it's a waste of money. Waste of money in term not only tuition, but also opportunity cost in term of lost income. But, if you get financial assistance, that also helps the equation. (Some field requires an MBA to advance...)
105 weeks ago
 
Sharalyn Hartwell It partially comes down to industry, grad school is almost necessity in some. For instance, if you're a teacher, having your masters is about the only way to advance your pay scale. But, in most industries, real world experience is just as valuable (and arguably more so) than grad school. So, for people in those careers, it comes down to personal preference. Davis says he'd feel more comfortable facing "walls" w/grad school under his belt. I'm not that way. I'd rather confront IRL.

106 weeks ago from u30pro

Ross Simmonds: Couldn't agree more! A lot of the communications peeps tend to solely think about their industry and no one else. Grad school may not be that ...MoreCouldn't agree more! A lot of the communications peeps tend to solely think about their industry and no one else. Grad school may not be that important in the Marketing field or Journalism field but when it comes to something like engineering it could be a $100k difference.
106 weeks ago
 
Danielle Bullen Flip-flops? Leggings? T-shirts? I'm writing about what not to wear to the office. If you have a story, either as an HR pro or an employee, let me know @ danielle@moxymag.com

17 weeks ago from u30pro, Career Rocketeer, The Boss-Employee Relationship and Young Professional Women (YPW)2 more

 
Danielle Bullen Writing about how personality types influence career choices. Would love to talk to young women about their personal experience, as well as hr pros, guidance counselors or psychologists about the issue. Send me a messsge through brazen or email danielle@moxymag.com

36 weeks ago from u30pro, Career Rocketeer, GenYChat, The Boss-Employee Relationship and Young Professional Women (YPW)3 more

 
Lindsay Browning Structured or unstructured work environment? What is best for you?

87 weeks ago from Google, Professional Development, u30pro, I am Gen Y and Recruiters Unite!3 more

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Barbara Saunders: I think the terms don't refer to whether there is order, but to whether people have predictable, routine tasks to do. That often correlates with ...MoreI think the terms don't refer to whether there is order, but to whether people have predictable, routine tasks to do. That often correlates with "casual", but it's not the same thing.
36 weeks ago
jlp1976: my job has some structure, but not a lot. I know what I need to get done that day, I just don't know when during the day it's going to happen. So ...Moremy job has some structure, but not a lot. I know what I need to get done that day, I just don't know when during the day it's going to happen. So it's an unstructured structure, if that makes any sense.
36 weeks ago
 
Tyler Durbin I enjoy reading but find it difficult holding myself accountable to read & absorb it! So GenYJourney has created a sister site: http://GenYBookClub.com. GenYBookClub is an online community & monthly twitter chat dedicated to bringing the best GenY books & minds together. We vote on a book, take a month to read it & then have a twitter chat (#GenYBookClub) the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm ET. The idea is simple: One book. One month. One chat. Is this something you’d want to be involved in?

45 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Brazen Bloggers, Brazen Undergrads, I am Gen Y and u30pro3 more

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Tyler Durbin: @Timothy That was a suggestion from the survey we took before launching. We will be taking suggestions at the end of each chat and will be ...More@Timothy That was a suggestion from the survey we took before launching. We will be taking suggestions at the end of each chat and will be posting the Top 5 for the community to vote on. I'm sure that book will be the Book of the Month very soon!

So glad to have you! Thanks for joining us. :)
45 weeks ago
Tyler Durbin: We got tons of great publicity yesterday for the launch of #GenYBookClub! Thank you!

We will continue to take votes on the book through the end ...MoreWe got tons of great publicity yesterday for the launch of #GenYBookClub! Thank you!

We will continue to take votes on the book through the end of the week and announce the book via email (make sure you are signed up) on Monday morning! Is there anything your curious about? What can we be doing different?
44 weeks ago
 
Sid Google released yesterday its quarterly magazine called "Thinking Quarterly". The innaugural issue covered all things "data". One of the articles titled "A Data State of Mind", caught my interest. In this day & age of when info overload is at an all time high, its discussed in the article that what is needed today is not MORE data, but a new mindset to the present data .Most CEO's have so much data that they don't know what to do w/ it. Have a read and leave your thoughts http://bit.ly/i5u9sm

45 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding, u30pro, Inspiring Leadership and Social Media3 more

 
TOP IDEA: Sid Been away from the Brazen community for way too long. But I am back. Glad to see increasing activity on here. Has anyone gotten to the point where they totally disconnect from the digital world? At the beginning of this year, I took down my blog, and cleaned up my digital footprint and "vanished" from the web for a little bit. Its all part of my journey to live in the present moment and be more productive on a daily basis. Have you every disconnected?

45 weeks ago from u30pro, Entrepreneurs and Job Resources and Career Coaching1 more

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Rebecca Thorman: Yep, definitely. I deactivated my Facebook account for a bit a couple years ago. I think it really brought some perspective and on vacations, I ...MoreYep, definitely. I deactivated my Facebook account for a bit a couple years ago. I think it really brought some perspective and on vacations, I always make myself available, but rarely login.
45 weeks ago
Sid: I believe that this whole concept of "disconnecting" ourselves from the information overload that we experience every single day is going to be a ...MoreI believe that this whole concept of "disconnecting" ourselves from the information overload that we experience every single day is going to be a topic of great discussion more and more in the future, as our reliance and demand for MORE, MORE, & even MORE information will continue to rise. We are going to need more therapists in the future!
45 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch Many of us run into obstacles when we set goals and there are a few reasons: We overestimate our ability to achieve them within a certain timeframe. We aren’t clear on the details. We don’t have any form of gauging benchmarks accurately. And we might just be a wee bit overconfident in what can actually be achieved. Have any of you had success using the SMART criteria or any other framework in achieving your goals? http://bit.ly/fkMKdD

45 weeks ago from Personal Development, Productivity & Time-Management, Professional Development, u30pro and Young Professional Men (YPM)3 more

Leslie Allan: Hello Brett. Great question. I have used SMART goals in a number of organizations with much success. It is a great tool for writing goals. ...MoreHello Brett. Great question. I have used SMART goals in a number of organizations with much success. It is a great tool for writing goals. However, that's only the first step. You then need the time management/project management skills and discipline to achieve them. SMART goals is the best way to start the journey.

Les Allan
Author: Writing Learning Outcomes
www.businessperform.com/writing-learning-outcomes
Twitter: http://www.businessperform.com/twitter
Facebook: http://www.businessperform.com/facebook

45 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: Much agreed, Les. Writing is not the same as executing, day after day. I have several more posts in the pipeline for making the goals HAPPEN, ...MoreMuch agreed, Les. Writing is not the same as executing, day after day. I have several more posts in the pipeline for making the goals HAPPEN, including anticipating the obstacles.

45 weeks ago
 
Tariq West I made the really tough decision in Feb to leave Booz Allen after only 6mo. I am very thankful for the opportunities and relationships I had there, and intensely aware of how questionable it looks to leave a position after only 6mo. A month into my new gig at AKQA though, I feel very much vindicated in my decision to pursue a better fit in terms of personality, career goals and ideal compensation. Has anyone here made a similar move early in their career? Have there been negative repercussions?

46 weeks ago from Young Professional Men (YPM), I am Gen Y and u30pro1 more

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Ryan Healy: Congrats, Tariq! I'm sure it was a tough decision, but there is nothing wrong with leaving after 6 months if you know that it isn't for you. You ...MoreCongrats, Tariq! I'm sure it was a tough decision, but there is nothing wrong with leaving after 6 months if you know that it isn't for you. You can never achieve what you want to achieve if you are playing by other people's so called rules!
46 weeks ago
Jennifer Koren: @Ryan I completely agree and congrats Tariq!
I did the exact thing after a 6 month period for a new job and experience that I thought I really ...More@Ryan I completely agree and congrats Tariq!
I did the exact thing after a 6 month period for a new job and experience that I thought I really wanted. Even though it was very unlike me to do anything like that I have never looked back and have actually carried that experience with me to this day. Working that job and making the decision to leave so early has made me realize exactly the type of job that I never want to work at again...so it was worth it.
Sometimes we have to take those steps to know what we really want out of our careers. It's only made me more wise in my job decisions and has never come back to haunt me.

Congrats again and good luck!

46 weeks ago
 
Ethan Stanislawski I did a blog post on the changing narrative on generations past and present, and how historically those narratives don't really change all that much. I'd like to know what you guys think: http://www.tynansanger.com/2011/03/shifting-the-narrative-on-generationa...

47 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, Education, Graduate Students, u30pro and Creatively Inspired3 more

 
Tracy Tran GMUSOMAC Webinar Series for March: How to Build Your Career in Accounting with Gary Tabach of Deloitte Our interview subject is Gary Tabach, Regional Managing Partner with Deloitte. We will talk with Gary about career opportunities and hiring practices at Deloitte and in the accounting and consulting fields in general. The webinar is on Wednesday, March 23 at 1PM. Please register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/871271025

49 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Entrepreneurs, Young Entrepreneur Community, NOVA and u30pro3 more

 
locationvoitureagadir what do you thing about this website http://www.delicelocation.com it is about cars rental in morocco , i need your point of view about it

51 weeks ago from u30pro

 
Ethan Stanislawski One thing I'm sick of hearing from business types over the age of 30 is that "everyone my age is always on Facebook/Twitter/YouTube etc" I' have a larger web presence than the vast majority of my friends from high school and college, many of whom don't even have a Facebook profile, some who barely use it. I worry that an entire group of Gen Y'ers are getting ignored by older people who are constantly engaged online. Do you guys see this too?

61 weeks ago from u30pro, Ask Penelope Trunk!, I am Gen Y, Internet Marketers and Creatively Inspired3 more

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Mike Acton: As one of those over-30 types, I can tell you for that for me personally, the edge definitely goes to those with an online presence. I'm on ...MoreAs one of those over-30 types, I can tell you for that for me personally, the edge definitely goes to those with an online presence. I'm on Twitter, Facebook, etc. all the time, myself and yeah that's where I'm going to be looking first. And if I google you and nothing interesting comes up, you've added a barrier to entry (in time) for me to find out more about who you are. I want to know what you're passionate about, what boundaries you're trying to push, etc,

If you want me to hoof it and find out more about you (or your disenfranchised friends) the old-fashioned way, it needs to be easy. Give me some contacts, send me a unique and compelling portfolio, whatever. Something that would show me all those things I'm missing because you're not online.

On the other hand, the work I do is tech, so I don't really want any luddites, either. :)
58 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: 'If you want me to hoof it and find out more about you (or your disenfranchised friends) the old-fashioned way, it needs to be easy."

It ...More'If you want me to hoof it and find out more about you (or your disenfranchised friends) the old-fashioned way, it needs to be easy."

It basically sounds like you are arguing that technology makes it okay to be lazy. Check out Ty Unglebower and his Top Idea on the topic of making decisions based only on online information:
http://www.brazencareerist.com/profile/ty-unglebower
http://bit.ly/gjkzNa
53 weeks ago
 
Stanley Lee How do you feel appreciated and valued when your coworkers treat you pretty much like a tool as a means to an end? In addition, how would you change your perspectives in terms of your opportunities to grow, given that my hypothetical example sounds like a dead-end?

74 weeks ago from u30pro, Inspiring Leadership and The Modern Strategist1 more

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Elizabeth Marling: I was trying to be funny here, but in retrospect it was kind of condescending. My personal opinion is that people treat each other as means to an ...MoreI was trying to be funny here, but in retrospect it was kind of condescending. My personal opinion is that people treat each other as means to an end in all areas of life. I'm not sure if there is any such thing as a relationship that isn't partially built on that basic foundation.

I'm not quite sure what your question is asking. If you accept that people do this, are you posing this scenario to turn what seems oppressive on its ear and show that if someone displays this behavior (of usury) that can be used to get ahead? Do you think that is a negative thing to do? It strikes me that way on a certain level, but I can also see a lot of bias in my own opinion, since it's based on a feeling 'gut' reaction.
74 weeks ago
Mike Acton: My suggestions: (1) talk to your boss. Share that you want to grow and just ask for advice and help. If your boss doesn't really help you out ...MoreMy suggestions: (1) talk to your boss. Share that you want to grow and just ask for advice and help. If your boss doesn't really help you out here, you probably want to be somewhere else where you *can* grow. (2) the job is what you make it. Figure out how what you're passionate about and how you can use that to contribute, then just do something about it. Figure out how you can make a difference yourself. And just keep doing that and don't ever stop. It's the ones treating you 'like a tool' that are going to get left behind.
58 weeks ago
 
Danielle Bullen Came across this article on preparing for a promotion: http://on.wsj.com/eIR6dQ It got me thinking. How long do you think you should be in your current job before looking for a step up? Are there timetables anymore or are promotions project-based?

56 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Career Rocketeer, GenYChat and u30pro2 more

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peterb6086: Hi - one question I don't see anyone asking is "what is your timetable for a promotion ie what is your goal, what have you accomplished to meet ...MoreHi - one question I don't see anyone asking is "what is your timetable for a promotion ie what is your goal, what have you accomplished to meet that timetable to prove you should get the promotion, and if you are past the goal date have you talked to anyone about it.
Then, what is your 2 year goal and 5 year goal at ths company.
If you are just working along and hopeful that you are being recognized, you will be asking the same question next year. Highly recommend identifying the "golden" people who are desitned to rise, and network with them, lunch with them, learn what they do. Your future is in your hands.
56 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: In my experience, there are 3 variables: the business model, the culture, and the individual. In reference to the business model, it is ...MoreIn my experience, there are 3 variables: the business model, the culture, and the individual. In reference to the business model, it is typically easier to move up if 1) You're in a revenue driving position. Revenue drivers are typically given a lot of PR and frequently get moved into management positions even when they SHOULD NOT (because not all good revenue drivers are managers). 2) This is where the culture comes in; if you are in a culture that clearly displays the Peter Principle - you can likely move up quickly BUT will also be doing a disservice to yourself. If you move up based on "projects" or "numbers" ONLY, you have forgotten the most important aspect of business - personal growth. 3) Mos timportantly - you have to know yourself. You have to be able to look in the mirror and say, "Here are my weaknesses" and you have to address each of them if they will impact a higher level role. You must also be prepared to TURN DOWN a promotion if a) It's not right for you b) You're not ready for it. I recently turned down the role of CEO of a large company as I know I'm not ready for it. The company appreciated my honesty and my ability to self assess and thus offered me the opportunity to work in any role I would like, design my own comp. strucutre, etc.

If you are ready for a promotion and feel you are not getting it or the opportunity has not arisen, be pro-active. Go to your boss and say, "I want to develop a 6 month professional growth plan with monthly goals that are measurable". If your boss will sit down, develop this plan for you / with you, and work with you on it - you are in a great environment. If not, it's probably time to look for a new company.
56 weeks ago
 
Danielle Bullen Glassdoor.com recently posted itslist of the best places to work. vp://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/where-is-the-best-place-to-work/?src=fbmain hat makes a company a good place to work? For me, respect and creative freedom the top the list

58 weeks ago from u30pro, GenYChat, The Boss-Employee Relationship and Career Rocketeer2 more

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Edward Antrobus: A company willing to take chances with their employees, hiring entry-level and growing them into their roles. Also, where I can work in the field ...MoreA company willing to take chances with their employees, hiring entry-level and growing them into their roles. Also, where I can work in the field instead of being stuck in an office all/every day.

@Diggory It sounds like becoming a B-Corporation is a complex process; I could understand why many companies wouldn't want to bother with the time & expense. Also, it would be impossible for all companies to "treat employees really well compared to the rest of the market"
58 weeks ago
Diggory Apostolos: @Ed - it's not impossible to keep up with the standards of your field, and it should surely be a goal of every company to exceed them. What would ...More@Ed - it's not impossible to keep up with the standards of your field, and it should surely be a goal of every company to exceed them. What would be worse is to not even try. And yes, I understand why many companies wouldn't bother with the B-Corp certification, and that's why, in turn, I won't bother with them... the thread is about, after all, which companies are the best places to work at. I personally think B-Corps are the best because they put in the effort and the legacy pay-off is immeasurable compared to co's that have high turnover rates and have a negative social / environmental impact.
58 weeks ago
 
Ethan Stanislawski Hey guys, quick question on workplace ethics/etiquitte. After college I moved to New York hoping to be a writer, but ended up with mostly marketing work. Two years and a flee to grad school later, I've realized that while I can do marketing as a job, I am not the kind of person who can do it as a career. The problem with that kind of work, as opposed to Starbucks, is that a lot of employers assume marketing's my long term career goal. What's the best way to get this across tactfully?

59 weeks ago from u30pro, Ask Penelope Trunk!, I am Gen Y, Internet Marketers and Graduate Students3 more

karelys davis: I've only been interviewed once for a "serious job" (long story) but in there the employer asked me my future plans. I told her straight up that I ...MoreI've only been interviewed once for a "serious job" (long story) but in there the employer asked me my future plans. I told her straight up that I was doing my AA and wasn't sure if then I'd move to another city for college but that she'd have me there for 2 solid years if she hired me. She liked that.

I think that if they ask you should express what you really feel and what you want out of that job. Are there future openings for a writer? if not then you'll be doing the job and hop out of it if a writing job opens. They probably won't like that. But if you tell them that you are excellent in marketing and show previous results and then keep working that job always looking for opportunities to do what you really want things will set your way.

At the end of the day a job is a job. Even if it is what you've always loved. People do what they love without being paid for it. If you give your employer and the company awesome results in your excellence in marketing then I am sure they'll give you room to do what you love as well. If I was your employer I'd love to keep you as an employee therefore be more flexible with what you require of me. I think you can be a writer in your time off but make the big bucks (and benefit your employer) while you wear the hat of marketing manager.
59 weeks ago
Kevin Li: So you're in a "marketing track" right now and are applying for jobs in writing and need help positioning yourself for that? That's easier than ...MoreSo you're in a "marketing track" right now and are applying for jobs in writing and need help positioning yourself for that? That's easier than the reverse in my opinion, it's just about choosing the appropriate skillset you've picked up in your marketing job that translates well into whatever you want to do now.
58 weeks ago
 
Carlee Mallard I applied for a job that I found through Craigslist last week when the company name and contact information for the hiring manager were not disclosed. This week I discovered the company (<10 staff) & person hiring, found that people in my LinkedIn network are connected to the hiring manager & I'm very interested in interviewing. What would you do? Ask for an introduction? Ask them to recommend you? Ask for the best way to approach the hiring manager? Do nothing? What should I be cautious about?

59 weeks ago from u30pro, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Networking Tips2 more

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emily: Now you can use the profile to find out all about their background before the interview!
59 weeks ago
Komail Mithani: @Carlee - No problem. This community is for motivation! Congrats on getting an interview. Good luck and let us know how it went. I agree with ...More@Carlee - No problem. This community is for motivation! Congrats on getting an interview. Good luck and let us know how it went. I agree with @Emily, now you can research your hiring manager and the company.
59 weeks ago
 
Tony Forte Just when you thought that all you had to bring to a corporate/professional dinner was an appetite. Read up on the 101 of dining etiquette. It's more than just bon appetite, a must read for all deal makers, as most deals include a meal... Check out: http://www.urbanprofessor.com/2010/12/09/dine-piece/

60 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City, Professional Development, u30pro, Young Professional Men (YPM) and Personal Development3 more

 
Danielle Bullen I came across this article on how to have a successful work holiday party. http://bit.ly/huvaxX But it got me thinking. How many companies have holiday parties anymore? Weren't big parties cut b/c of the economy? Does your office do anything to celebrate the season? My department is having an in-house pizza party/year-endxawards ceremony.

61 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Young Professional Women (YPW), Career Rocketeer and u30pro2 more

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Wendy Graydon: We have it at the owners house and they cook and everything for us, very lucky!!
61 weeks ago
JESS Kalinowsky: If an emplpoyer wants to do something nice for employess. then the needs to accept graciously, and NOT want MORE! In todays economy employees ...MoreIf an emplpoyer wants to do something nice for employess. then the needs to accept graciously, and NOT want MORE! In todays economy employees should thank their employers for keeping them employed! MILLIONS of people would love to have the job and appreciate the generosity of ANYTHING the employer chose to give.
61 weeks ago
 
Jenn Pedde Hey all... if any of you have read #UnMarketing, please join in a one hour chat Wednesday at 8pm EST to discuss some of the finer (or not so finer) points of the book. Follow the tag #CuseTS (Which stands for Syracuse Twiterary Society - a local book club that opens its meetings up to online chats). Hope to see you there - this was a great book to read!

62 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Brazen Careerists on Twitter, u30pro, Brazen Reads - Virtual Book Club and Social Media3 more

 
Tony Forte Camera skills aren't just for the Kardashian's, apparently they're for college entry and landing your next job. What are your thoughts on camera presentation interviews? Concerns? Check out a good article about it below, love it or hate it, they're coming. http://www.urbanprofessor.com/2010/11/22/cam-artist/

63 weeks ago from Resume Feedback, Brazen Careerists on LinkedIn, PR & New Media, u30pro and Young Professional Men (YPM)3 more

 
Tracy Tran One more day until George Mason University School of Management Alumni Chapter's 1st webinar - "How to Become an Entrepreneur" & its FREE! Please Register: http://bit.ly/a7o3NL

64 weeks ago from Networking Tips, Washington D.C., Shotgun Startups, u30pro and Upstarts!3 more

 
Sid Since we just got over a weekend, I thought it was necessary to analyze the aspects that make up a Monday morning. All of us that dread ourselves through the monotony of the corporate world know exactly what I am talking about. Those little things that always seem to happen on a Monday morning. I shared a few of mine. Share a few of yours. http://bit.ly/9oKGLL

65 weeks ago from u30pro, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers and Career Changers1 more

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