Paul Harrison @snuffleorc@qoto.org

Whew! Thank you all so much for the boosts, what an awesome community!

I'll take this opportunity to add clarification on some of my #CaptionTips:
2. The reason not to start with the words "image" or "picture" specifically is because the screen reader will announce it with those words, so it will sound like "image image of a cat." Not a big deal, just sounds a little odd. Instead, I suggest starting with the format (photograph, portrait, chart, Facebook screenshot, text, all of these are good!)

10. When a screen reader comes across a comma or period, it takes a little pause, to mimic natural speech. So just put commas and periods where you would naturally pause when speaking. And if you, like, use too many, it's better than not using enough. Capitalize after a period, then use caps sparingly. Capitals are read out letter by letter, so ask yourself if that's how you want them read.

10 Image #CaptionTips from a transcriptionist:

1. Any words are better than nothing.
2. You don't need to say it's "a picture of…" screen readers will already say it's an image.
3. Start with the framing or format (i.e. close up, landscape, meme, text).
4. Think about the reason you're posting the pic and describe that first, add background details if you have time.
5. Pretend you're talking to someone on the phone and want to tell them about this cool thing you're looking at.
6. Transcribe any and all text in the image, even if it's the only thing you do.
7. If you've described the image in your post, you don't need to copy and paste it again in the caption. But again, don't leave it blank, just put something like "as described."
8. You can add small subjective notes, but don't give too much interpretation of the image in your own opinion.
9. Caption jokes are fun, as long as they still describe the image objectively.
10. Use punctuation, and capitalize words properly. A lot of us have interacted with this tech when calling customer service or talking to Siri, so keep in mind that you're writing for a computer to read, and it needs all the help it can get.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The timeless tale wherein we learn that no one will find you lovable until you prove to them that you're useful.

As it's Yule .. or Christmas.. or something.. I'm not doing a #tarot card today, but somehow feel #runes more appropriate.
I do #rune readings for others at events and struggled originally to get my head around them. I still have to do a quick swot-up on them occasionally as my events are months apart.
I do find though that doing tarot and other card readings makes it easier.
I have read numerous sources on their meanings and watched a number of videos. Once you get an associated picture in your head to associate with each rune, it's easy to expand on that to find related meanings.
I have a number of sets of runes, and prefer either a nice white stone set or my set carved out of Ash.
I ask the subject to reach into the bag, take a good handful and, holding the hand palm-down, to cast the runes onto a clean cloth surface away from them.
I then read the runes from past (closest to them) to future.
Try to find links and connections to get a story.

Watching That Touch Of Mink.
Recognised the actor playing the Department of Employment clerk, but couldn't place him.
It's a slightly younger John Astin .. Gomez Addams from the Addams Family TV series.

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is the Ace of Cups.
A large goblet overflows with fresh water a mountain stream or waterfall.
This card is about love, generosity of spirit and attending to others.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean you should focus on helping others and taking pleasure in that.
If the card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it tends to mean you should embrace your joy and pleasure and bring that joy to others. A great time for friendships and relationships.
If the card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can mean you should be generous with what you have to benefit others.
(You may interpret the card differently).
Details of the spread I use are in a pinned post.

Ho Ho Holy sh*t it's cold!
#Blizzard #snow #MerryChristmas

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is the Six of Cups.
A man holding a large golden cup watches his two children playing with 5 other cups, all full of flowers.
This card is about sharing with others and enjoying seeing pleasure in others.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean you should think of others first. You may be in a better place than them already.
If the card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean stepping back and letting others have their fun and space, though keep an eye on them in case they would benefit from your presence.
If the card appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can mean enjoying what you have. No need to buy new things. Enjoy the things you have already. Pull down one of your DVDs or books. Play that game. Don't go for the Dopemine of the new hit.
(You may interpret the card differently)

Today's random #tarot card from the Druid Craft Tarot deck is the Ten of Wands.
A man struggles to get up a hill, a haul of 10 staves on his back.
This card is about struggling through difficult times.
If this card appears in the Thoughts/ Decisions row then it can mean putting in the effort and research before making a decision.. it will be worth it.
If the card appears in the Feelings and Emotions row then it can mean working through difficulties with others.
If it appears in the Physical and Material world row then it can refer to doing those arduous projects about the house; tough, but rewarding.
(You may interpret the card differently)