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Vanessa Alvarado

Jacksonville

Marketing

Vanwrites.com

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Following (16)

Groups (39)

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Jack Quils Hello all- I do SEO work and am excited to meet others and learn more.

104 weeks ago from Search Engine Optimization

Vanessa Alvarado: Hello! What kind of SEO work do you do? I'm about to get to work on search engine optimizing about 20 articles today.
104 weeks ago

vikas Kumar: Hey I am also a SEO. Nice to meet you. Take care
72 weeks ago

Emily Moore What are some ways that you integrate simplicity into your DIY designs?

102 weeks ago from DIY Designers & Upcyclers

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Elizabeth Marling: I try to use objects just as they are for non-intended purposes. It simplifies things for me because I'm leaving the original object intact, just ...MoreI try to use objects just as they are for non-intended purposes. It simplifies things for me because I'm leaving the original object intact, just using it in an unexpected way. Like the shoe planters mentioned above.
82 weeks ago

Melissa Breau: @Emily - it looks like they took a heel and peeled the top off (revealing a hollow base) rather than "scooping" out the base...
82 weeks ago

Delta Waters i'm getting ready to pick a theme for my blog launch 11 july (WooThemes are beautiful) question: do you enjoy visiting blogs that are rich in beautiful, relevant stock photos or do you like simple, mostly text layouts that aren't so distracted by photos? please advise...

88 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Delta Waters: thanks for the conversation...
88 weeks ago

Anderson Curry: Anytime Delta, I'm sure it will be a hit!!
88 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Whenever I meet someone new, I always start with the inevitable question, "What's your name?" and then "What do you do?" Do you all have more interesting questions to ask?

88 weeks ago from Networking Tips, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Madison MAGNET 1 more

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Ivette Marques: Rebecca, I also enjoying asking people about outside work activities including volunteering, exercising, etc. I feel that when you tap into ...MoreRebecca, I also enjoying asking people about outside work activities including volunteering, exercising, etc. I feel that when you tap into people's passions it makes for much more exciting conversation!
87 weeks ago

Jake DeVries: I travel a lot in youth hostels and the like, asking someones name usually doesn't come until the 10th question or so. It's more of "Where have ...MoreI travel a lot in youth hostels and the like, asking someones name usually doesn't come until the 10th question or so. It's more of "Where have you been, where are you going, where you from, favorite places" Names mean nothing to me until I have a story to associate them to
87 weeks ago

Mariel McKone Leonard My blog started as a professional outlet since I wasn't working in my field. Since I'm in grad school, I don't need that outlet, so I started exploring some personal issues, but this was supposed to be temporary. Now, my personal posts get far more questions and comments than the professional ones. I love that I have an engaged audience now, so do I make the topic switch permanent and give up having a work-related blog? Find a better way to relate my professional work to my personal life?

88 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Work/Life Blur

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Rebecca Thorman: If you feel uncomfortable, I don't see a need to mix the two unless you have a good reason. I always think of the lessons of my personal life ...MoreIf you feel uncomfortable, I don't see a need to mix the two unless you have a good reason. I always think of the lessons of my personal life applying to my professional life and vice versa. I think your personal and professional lives run in parallel and there a lot of synapses that connect the two so that while they are different, they are not separate.
88 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer: Decide what goals you have for the blog and then those will help inform what you write. Personally I think a blog needs a mix of topics and tones ...More Decide what goals you have for the blog and then those will help inform what you write. Personally I think a blog needs a mix of topics and tones or it can get repetitive (for the writer as well as the readers).
88 weeks ago

Emily Moore Writers: I'm looking for online portfolios to get a sense of how to build mine online. Can you link me to yours? I'd love to hear any tips or recommendations you have.

88 weeks ago from Copywriters, Professional Writers and Editors and Freelancing 1 more

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Vanessa Alvarado: http://www.vanwrites.com/ I know it needs more ...Morehttp://www.vanwrites.com/ I know it needs more examples of my work but the "projects" page gives a good idea of what keeps me busy.

88 weeks ago

Lisa Eldred: The Beyond Words blog (for young professional writers) has recently begun doing a portfolio showcase series, available here: MoreThe Beyond Words blog (for young professional writers) has recently begun doing a portfolio showcase series, available here: http://beyondwordsblog.com/tag/portfolio-showcase/
87 weeks ago

Kat Argonza Is anyone making money from their photography? Other than doing events (eg. Weddings), is anyone able to make money from this hobby?

88 weeks ago from Photography

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Ryan Paugh: I met a food blogger this weekend who seems to be making money through traveling around the world and taking really good pictures of food. Here's ...MoreI met a food blogger this weekend who seems to be making money through traveling around the world and taking really good pictures of food. Here's a link to his blog if you want to check it out >> http://taylortakesataste.com/
88 weeks ago

Sean Masters: A friend of mine is a successful photographer in addition to being an outstanding application developer full-time. His portfolio is available at ...MoreA friend of mine is a successful photographer in addition to being an outstanding application developer full-time. His portfolio is available at http://stevenerat.com/
88 weeks ago

Jake I say a good blogger is someone who thinks of everyone. So that when a new reader comes across your blog they instantly can relate to the post with out confusing of what the writer is talking about, don't use bits and pieces from other past articles cause the reader will have no clue on what is being said and they will move on. Don't get me wrong, I'm fine with this type of remembering, but I've been looking into a certain blog for a new read and he does this same thing every other post. Angry!

88 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Mehul Kar: Actually I disagree somewhat.
Building a following is more important than catering to everyone.
It's good to have some sort of continuity. It's ...MoreActually I disagree somewhat.
Building a following is more important than catering to everyone.
It's good to have some sort of continuity. It's not required, but I'd like to think that there's some sort of rationality behind your thought process.
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado: Blogs that cater t a niche can be very successful. The real goal might be making good content that people want to read- not trying to please ...MoreBlogs that cater t a niche can be very successful. The real goal might be making good content that people want to read- not trying to please everyone.
88 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower I have heard a surprisingly large number of Craigslist success stories here and on Twitter. I have been asking for a while, because in the last three years I have applied to about 75 positions, and heard back from...zero. That's right, I have NEVER gotten a response to any of the writing positions on Craigslist. So any advice about how to spot a fake gig, or what the secrets are to even get a response would be appreciated. Something isn't working here.

88 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Copywriters and Freelancing 1 more

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Ty Unglebower: Thanks for the thoughts on this. It seems that overall CL isn't as much of a dynamo as it seems to me in my experience. I guess it is more the ...MoreThanks for the thoughts on this. It seems that overall CL isn't as much of a dynamo as it seems to me in my experience. I guess it is more the very large number of personal success stories that I have run into in my network, as opposed to any lacking on my part.
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado: It's a numbers game. I found my current marketing/writing position on Craigslist and I was applying to every single writing/marketing in my area ...MoreIt's a numbers game. I found my current marketing/writing position on Craigslist and I was applying to every single writing/marketing in my area every day and then some. Once I have them on the hook I'm aggressive, I do everything I can to prove I'm the right one for the job.
88 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer I'm wondering how do those of you that are employed handle social media use at work? Do you not tweet because you are afraid your employer will think you aren't working hard? How to do balance working with using Brazen Careerist? I ask this question because I'm hoping to be employed full-time very soon and wondering how I'm going to handle toning down my social media use. Thoughts?

89 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur and Professional Development

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Connie Roman: Enough is enough. There is no reason you should not be able to do some tweeting and socializing on company time when you have a few moments of ...MoreEnough is enough. There is no reason you should not be able to do some tweeting and socializing on company time when you have a few moments of down time. Lets face it...its whats happening in our world today. Of course, when it interferes with work, well then there is a problem. A responsible employee is capable of getting the job done and enjoy a few extra benefits. Keep your employees happy...key to success.
88 weeks ago

Patrick Pho: I'm in a lucky position where social media is my job!
88 weeks ago

Heather Conroy I've just witnessed (and followed with interest) an epic blogging flame war. What are your rules for blogging with integrity. What about commenting? What's your personal commenting policy-do you advertise that on your blog? Many questions!

89 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Marisa Wikramanayake: All comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my ...MoreAll comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my blog and make the readers I do have feel uncomfortable about commenting.

Anything with a swear word in it goes into spam automatically. I don't even see it. I feel it is possible to express your opinion without resorting to swearing, no matter how intensely you feel about what you have to say.

I make a point of stating that I am open about whatever someone has to say as long as they are polite about it.
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado: I delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only ...MoreI delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only allowing certain ads.
88 weeks ago

Gauri Nawathe Is it ok to make mistakes? Have you made mistakes at work? How did you correct them? As an intern I often trip and stumble. I understand that now is the time to make mistakes because it is through them that we learn. But at times I feel it seriously undermines my chances of being employed at this company. What do you guys think?

89 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Kenji Crosland: In my first "real" job I was so concerned about making mistakes that I asked my boss about every little tiny decision that came on to my plate. ...MoreIn my first "real" job I was so concerned about making mistakes that I asked my boss about every little tiny decision that came on to my plate. Even when I did this I made plenty of mistakes. It would have been more worthwhile if I took it as a given that I'd make mistakes no matter what and strive to learn from them.
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado: You WILL make mistakes at work, it's unavoidable. After making plenty of them you'll learn to quickly recuperate from them and take the lessons ...MoreYou WILL make mistakes at work, it's unavoidable. After making plenty of them you'll learn to quickly recuperate from them and take the lessons they give along with you on your next task.
88 weeks ago

Sarah Bush I thought I'd share images of my current artwork with my fellow creatively inspired brazen careerists--and if you have images of your artwork online, I'd love to see them. http://sarahbushartworks.com

89 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Vanessa Alvarado: Love your collage, nice balance and vibrant colors! How do you create the pieces?
88 weeks ago

Sarah Bush: Thanks everyone! I make drawings and collages, take photos and then scan them all and combine them in photoshop into something new--and then I ...MoreThanks everyone! I make drawings and collages, take photos and then scan them all and combine them in photoshop into something new--and then I transfer them onto reflective glass so they kind of glow or have a subtle hologram effect when you look at the originals...
88 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado I urge anyone who hasn't seen 2009's "Grace" to do so. It's unique, thought provoking, & disturbing like good horror films should be. A good look at the "horrors" of human instinct and the female machine.

89 weeks ago from Horror Movie Buffs

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Vanessa Alvarado: I've been working way too hard- 'twas time to indulge in horror. I also watched "Dead Silence" & can't fully recommend it. Nice visuals but ...MoreI've been working way too hard- 'twas time to indulge in horror. I also watched "Dead Silence" & can't fully recommend it. Nice visuals but too predictable and not campy enough to be really funny, either. About as scary as an episode of "Goosebumps".
88 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: @Vanessa -- I watched Grace this weekend with my girlfriend and I was thoroughly disturbed ... the last scene ... I'm NEVER having kids now :)
88 weeks ago

Demetra Brown Question: What do you think is the lead motivator for getting individuals to take action and get involved in issues that impact their community?

100 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Monthly Goal Meet-Up, Creatively Inspired, Business as Mission and Non-Profit Management 3 more

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David Macauley: Right or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks ...MoreRight or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks involved and motivated... Just my 2 cents :)
98 weeks ago

Demetra Brown: @David: I agree, incentive is very important in order to persuade people to take action. Thanks for the feedback!!!
98 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower Hello. I can't believe I didn't find this network until now. I am very much the creative type, (actor, writer, poet). I hope I can make some friends here that are like minded. (I even started a theatre network here at BC, but nobody joined, alas.) You can read about my acting adventures at www.offbook.blogspot.com. I would love to hear from you. I'm also new to Twitter @TyUnglebower, hoping to find some arts related people to follow and be followed by. =)

100 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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Vanessa Alvarado: What kind of acting experience do you have?
100 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: Well Vanessa, I began studying it in college 11 years ago or so. During college an in the 8 years since, I have been in about 30 productions as ...MoreWell Vanessa, I began studying it in college 11 years ago or so. During college an in the 8 years since, I have been in about 30 productions as last count. I tend to run the full gamut between comedy and drama, (Though I have been in more comedies. I am trying to keep it even.) Even the occasional musical. I have had several solos in those, though it has been years since I have tried out for one.

I have done professional work, (they paid me) once in a while, but most of it has been in the amateur circuit. (I'm not Unionized, so I can do such things.) I tend to like scripts where the dialogue is one of the stars, but have been in some mindless stuff as well, for fun.

I hope that answered your question, lol. You can always check my blog to...if you read a few entries here and there it will give a good idea of what my acting world has been like for the last few years.

100 weeks ago

Limari Colón Hello! I want to extend an invitation for you to read http://www.limaricolon.com/ Thank you for your support!

100 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Wilson Usman: excellent stuff I believe everyone needs to have a blog even if you are just going to write only once in a while, but just make sure you provide ...Moreexcellent stuff I believe everyone needs to have a blog even if you are just going to write only once in a while, but just make sure you provide some good content. I think your first post was funny...keep it up
100 weeks ago

Limari Colón: Thanks Wilson! Awesome feedback :)
100 weeks ago

Alison Rayner There's nothing that frustrates me more than out of date dress codes. It seems like a feeble attempt to hold on to the past. For example, when I worked in sales at a hotel, peep toe shoes were held in the same regard as showing up in your pjyamas! I believe that if you're working hard & well and are good at your job, why do organizations need archaic dress codes to try to keep their people in line? Especially in a fashion-forward office.

100 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

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Jeremy Tadman: Eeep! Brazen ate my paragraphs!
100 weeks ago

Alison Rayner: paulmacp, I do agree with your point that dress codes are a way to communicate brand to the clients/patrons. I definitely agreed with dressing to ...Morepaulmacp, I do agree with your point that dress codes are a way to communicate brand to the clients/patrons. I definitely agreed with dressing to impress for clients. I found that the people in charge of setting the dress code applied their own experiences, beliefs, and prejudices to evaluating what was appropriate & what wasn't. I'm sure that's ok in some situations, but in mine it was a downer.

Fashion is difficult for any one person to police or set up guidelines on because style can be so personal & evoke such strong responses. For example, I wore a pair of black skinny pants with a shimmer, paired with a cute empire waisted jacket & pumps at a gala event full of people from the advertising industry. I received compliments on my outfit that night, but two weeks later I wore the same thing to a gala for the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise and a lady asked if I was pregnant. Two totally different reactions based on the impression my jacket made on two very different groups of people.
98 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado Anyone else out there creatively stunted from overwork? I have two art shows coming up but full time marketing work is killing my drive to make more art. What do you do to jump start creativity? I'm going to work on getting organized. With tips from http://bit.ly/c73YEu and http://bit.ly/yTncJ!

100 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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Wilson Usman: How many hours a day do you work?
100 weeks ago

Sarah: Hey Vanessa, I feel your pain too! Sometimes it helps me if immerse myself in other creative stuff, like buzzing through an art gallery or museum ...MoreHey Vanessa, I feel your pain too! Sometimes it helps me if immerse myself in other creative stuff, like buzzing through an art gallery or museum or talking to my grandad who is an awesome (and long winded!) story teller. I'm always randomly inspired by something he says without even trying. Hang in there! If all else fails, try wine. ;)
100 weeks ago

Hey all, Just wanted to introduce myself. I joined up on Brazen at the recommendation of a couple of friends namely @mattchevy and @richdematteo. I think it would be safe to say I beat to my own drummer in the career world and I love all of this Gen Y hub-bub. Keep it going strong! I'd love to connect with any of you, so feel free to reach out here or on my webpage! Sam Diener

100 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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: Vanessa - well I am passionate about exploring and networking, which in turns makes me money. Generally people get stuck in the routine of doing ...MoreVanessa - well I am passionate about exploring and networking, which in turns makes me money. Generally people get stuck in the routine of doing what makes them money and and forgetting to do what makes them passionate. I wrote an article about it a while ago. Want the link?

Sam
100 weeks ago

Michelle Pawlowski: Sam, I also share a passion in exploring and a genuine interest in networking. I completely agree on your stance of riding on your passions rather ...MoreSam, I also share a passion in exploring and a genuine interest in networking. I completely agree on your stance of riding on your passions rather than your job. How have you applied your passions professionally?
100 weeks ago

Mustafa Abousaleh What do you think is important to include in a non-profit organization profile? I am involved in starting up an NGO for cultural and interfaith events. The organization has a promising future. We need to put together a presentable package for external use. This package will also help us in receiving endorsement from nationally-prominent organizations and individuals. In addition, we will use the information in this package to put together a powerpoint presentation and a short movie trailer.

101 weeks ago from Personal Branding

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: I work as Director of Volunteer Services for a small non-profit in Memphis, TN. In all our presentational materials we include information on how ...MoreI work as Director of Volunteer Services for a small non-profit in Memphis, TN. In all our presentational materials we include information on how people can support our mission: by donating money, by volunteering, by helping us buy toilet paper, by writing about us on their website/newsletter. People like to help but often don't know how.
101 weeks ago

Mustafa Abousaleh: Thank you all very much for the contribution.
I have read the links and did some more research and here is what I have so far to be added to this ...MoreThank you all very much for the contribution.
I have read the links and did some more research and here is what I have so far to be added to this Organization Profile:
1. Name.
2. Vision: the ultimate image we would like to see and that's why this organization has been established.
3. Mission: our contribution to this ultimate image -> basically our methods and goals to establishing the vision.
4. Ideology and Understanding: explains how we understand the environment we are functioning in and how we are going to go about achieving our goals.
5. Events: will include the proposed events to be planned and the outcomes or such events.
6. Executive Team: includes small biographies about executive teams.
7. Endorsements: we will request testimonies and endorsements from other organizations after explaining our vision and ideology.

What do you think?

100 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui Is there such a thing a being too resourceful? I think I am. I've always had good contacts &am perceived as a problem solver. When someone who is a senior position asks me for help,I see it as an opportunity to build my credibility. But i find peers who otherwise never call, one fine day making frantic calls to me asking for help. My response for ALL is 'I'll see what i can do".But i cant do this anymore. Now if i get a call from someone out of the blue I just don't pickup. What am I doin wrong?

101 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Sadya Siddiqui: thanx scott
100 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui: "but I am suggesting that you pick and choose where and for what you want to be recognized for doing truly great work" best advice i've received ...More"but I am suggesting that you pick and choose where and for what you want to be recognized for doing truly great work" best advice i've received in a very long time , thank u scott!
100 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado I finally saw the 80s classic "Fright Night". It has moved up among the ranks for my top favorite horror flicks. It has something for everyone, it's made of fun!

103 weeks ago from Horror Movie Buffs

Ryan Paugh: I'm adding it to my Netflix list. Looks awesome!
103 weeks ago

Isao Kato: I remember the mouth-opening special effects. That was one of the top defining moments in the 80's horror. I liked the idea of a vampire actor ...MoreI remember the mouth-opening special effects. That was one of the top defining moments in the 80's horror. I liked the idea of a vampire actor hunting real vampires. Also watched the sequel that sucked like a vacuum (sorry).
103 weeks ago

Isao Kato When writing "10 things to xxx" type of advice entry, which is better? (A) Personal experience but no (objectively) refreshing idea or (B) Borrowed or assembled wisdom but no personal experience

104 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Isao Kato: Stanley, Vanessa, thanks your inputs are always insightful - I see the ideal is the mixture of both. Personally I prefer more (A) than (B) so I ...MoreStanley, Vanessa, thanks your inputs are always insightful - I see the ideal is the mixture of both. Personally I prefer more (A) than (B) so I think I will try to put more (B) into my entry, which might balance things out.
103 weeks ago

paulmacp: Unless you are already known (established) as an expert in your field, go with the personal side. A personal spin is probably why people are on ...MoreUnless you are already known (established) as an expert in your field, go with the personal side. A personal spin is probably why people are on your blog in the first place.
103 weeks ago

Kim N. Campbell Hello all, For those of you whose blogs are about your field or whose content draws on what's going on regarding your topic, how do you aggregate and stay on top of everything you have to read. I would really like to find a way to systematically stay current. Thoughts?

104 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Elisabeth Ericson: I also follow people of interest in Twitter and Google Reader, and use Socialite (MoreI also follow people of interest in Twitter and Google Reader, and use Socialite (http://realmacsoftware.com/) to read both of them in one interface. The free version lets you follow two services, which is all I really need; otherwise you can pay for the full version to add Facebook, Flickr, and whatever else.
103 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson: I've also subscribed to the RSS feeds of the main academic journals in my field (Development Policy Review, Economica, Professional Geographer, ...MoreI've also subscribed to the RSS feeds of the main academic journals in my field (Development Policy Review, Economica, Professional Geographer, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Contemporary Economic Policy) that I have access to through my university library. Some of it can be dense, but it lets me stay on top of the current research.
103 weeks ago