Fictional Kiss Prompts

words to use instead of “said”

normal:

— stated

— spoke

— remarked

— reported

— added

questioning:

— asked

— inquired

— requested

— begged

angrily:

— demanded

— shouted

— growled

— yelled

sad:

— sobbed

— cried

— groaned

— bawled

nervous:

— trembled

— quaked

— stammered/stuttered

happy:

— exclaimed

— chirped

— laughed

— giggled

Me leaving comments on fics.

Writing Prompt #1

“I told you, I didn’t do it! I’m not who you think I am.”

Human and Sex Trafficking: What I learned until now.

Anindya Chakrabarty, Co-Founder, CTO & CEO, Coceptive Media & CIO, Stellar Capital Management, Volunteer De-addiction Counselor, Crossroads Centre, Antigua. A quite different topic for a person with my designation to write a research paper on a sensitive topic like this. I’m working to start a non-profit organization for forced victims & rescued victims, providing mental health & de-addiction therapy to them. Here's my attempt to find out about one of the cruelest aspects of our society. This is the first draft; there's a lot more to add.

Abstract

Human trafficking, including sex trafficking, is a form of modern-day slavery that affects millions globally. It exploits individuals through coercion, deception, and violence, often targeting the most vulnerable populations. This paper explores the complex nature of human trafficking with a particular focus on sex trafficking. It discusses the underlying causes, global statistics, trafficking networks, victim experiences, legal frameworks, challenges in law enforcement, and strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. The paper also highlights international cooperation, policy recommendations, and the role of technology in both perpetuating and combating trafficking.

1. Introduction

Human trafficking is one of the most egregious human rights violations in the world today. Defined by the United Nations as the "recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or position of vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation," it is a multibillion-dollar criminal industry. Sex trafficking, a subset of human trafficking, involves the commercial sexual exploitation of individuals, often under the age of 18 or through force, fraud, or coercion.

2. Scope and Scale of the Problem

2.1 Global Statistics

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 50 million people were in modern slavery as of 2021, with approximately 6.3 million victims of forced commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls account for 71% of all human trafficking victims.

2.2 Regional Hotspots

Asia-Pacific: Accounts for over half of the world's trafficking victims.

Europe: A significant destination and transit region.

Africa: Source region with increasing internal trafficking.

Americas: Both source and destination, with an increasing number of domestic trafficking cases.

3. Causes and Risk Factors

3.1 Poverty and Lack of Education

Traffickers exploit economic desperation, luring individuals with false promises of employment, education, or better living conditions.

3.2 Gender Inequality

Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to social, economic, and cultural discrimination.

3.3 Political Instability and Conflict

Wars, displacement, and weak governance contribute to trafficking by creating environments where law enforcement is ineffective or corrupt.

3.4 Demand

Demand for cheap labor, commercial sex, and organ trade fuels the trafficking industry. In sex trafficking, buyers (often from more affluent countries) play a critical role in perpetuating exploitation.

4. Sex Trafficking: A Closer Look

4.1 Methods of Recruitment

Victims are often recruited through false job ads, romantic relationships (lover-boy technique), family acquaintances, or outright abduction.

4.2 Coercion and Control

Traffickers use psychological manipulation, debt bondage, physical violence, threats, and drug dependency to maintain control.

4.3 Victim Demographics

Age: Many victims are minors.

Gender: Predominantly female, though boys and transgender individuals are also trafficked.

Background: Commonly from marginalized or economically disadvantaged communities.

5. Legal Frameworks and Policies

5.1 International Conventions

Palermo Protocol (2000): Defines and criminalizes trafficking; signed by over 170 countries.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

ILO Forced Labour Convention

5.2 National Laws

Many countries have anti-trafficking laws, but enforcement varies widely due to corruption, lack of training, or inadequate resources.

5.3 Law Enforcement Challenges

Identification of Victims: Victims may not self-identify due to trauma or fear.

Cross-border Cooperation: Limited coordination hampers transnational cases.

Judicial Delays: Long, drawn-out trials deter victims from participating.

6. Victim Rehabilitation and Reintegration

6.1 Psychological Support

Victims often suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Trauma-informed care is essential.

6.2 Legal and Social Services

Access to legal aid, shelter, vocational training, and reintegration programs is crucial but inconsistent across regions.

6.3 Stigma and Re-victimization

Many survivors face social stigma, making reintegration difficult. In some countries, victims are criminalized instead of supported.

7. Role of Technology

7.1 Negative Uses

Online Recruitment: Traffickers use social media and job platforms to lure victims.

Dark Web: Enables anonymous commercial sex transactions.

Cryptocurrency: Facilitates untraceable financial transactions.

7.2 Combating Trafficking

AI and Data Analytics: Help detect trafficking patterns and monitor online activity.

Blockchain: Used in supply chain transparency to ensure ethical sourcing.

Hotlines and Apps: Mobile tools for reporting and rescue coordination.

8. Prevention Strategies

8.1 Education and Awareness

Community programs, school curricula, and media campaigns can reduce vulnerability.

8.2 Economic Empowerment

Job training, microfinance, and access to education can help reduce poverty-driven trafficking.

8.3 Strengthening Institutions

Improving policing, judicial systems, and cross-border cooperation can enhance enforcement.

8.4 Corporate Accountability

Businesses must ensure their supply chains are free of forced labor and child exploitation.

9. Case Studies

9.1 India

A source, transit, and destination country. Initiatives like Bachpan Bachao Andolan and the Anti-Human Trafficking Units have made progress but face challenges in enforcement.

9.2 United States

Domestic sex trafficking is a growing issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) established a comprehensive framework but still faces implementation hurdles.

9.3 Nigeria

A major source country for women trafficked to Europe. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has seen some success, though poverty and corruption persist.

10. Policy Recommendations

Strengthen International Cooperation: Streamline extradition, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

Victim-Centric Approaches: Shift focus from criminalizing victims to holistic support.

Tech Regulation: Hold tech companies accountable for misuse of their platforms.

Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress of anti-trafficking programs.

Mandatory Reporting and Training: For frontline workers, educators, and transport sectors.

11. Conclusion

Human and sex trafficking are pervasive, evolving threats that strip individuals of dignity and freedom. Despite international efforts, trafficking continues due to deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities, demand-side factors, and enforcement gaps. Combating this crime requires a global, multi-pronged approach that combines strong laws, community involvement, victim support, and technological innovation. Only with sustained collaboration and commitment can we hope to end this modern form of slavery.

References

International Labour Organization (ILO). “Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: 2022.”

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.”

U.S. Department of State. “Trafficking in Persons Report 2023.”

Hello!

Hello, everyone! You guys can call me Persephone, and I use she/her pronouns <3. I'm a writer and artist with a very unhealthy sleep schedule. I love psychology with all my heart, and I'm working on being more in tune with myself spiritually and emotionally (because self-improvement is always fun). I write books, poetry, and funny little drabbles and draw various things (usually relating to the fandoms I'm in or for commissions). I also make jewelry and stickers.

I love Greek mythology and anything science. I'm currently part of the Sky: CotL, Epic, The Cruel Prince, Over the Garden Wall, and Hadestown fandoms. There's probably more XD. I love reading and musicals.

I am very strongly anti gen AI when it comes to any art form.

This blog with be a strange compilation of literally everything and have no structure whatsoever so… just a heads up <3

Feel free to ask me things! I shall answer. My ask box is open <3

The dread is here again. Has it ever left? I will never know. Will I go insane? Absolutely.

See you in 5 months when the dread lessens.

The FUCKING dread got me again

Going to a seder at a family friend's place tonight and I have been informed multiple times that someone there has changed her name to Stephanie, but because it seems nobody wants to deadname her, nobody has specified who Stephanie is. So I guess I'm just going to get a surprise Stephanie when I arrive.

I got inspired to write a poem--

This Poem Was Made By AI

(please note this poem was not, in fact, made by ai. I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning writing this)

Imagine a world where everyone could write.  There’d be no need to argue, no need to start a fight.  No need to stay up until all hours of night,  No need to squint at the paper and say, “This can’t be right.”

Imagine a world where you could spitball a book. It’s really quite easy, I promise, just look! You don’t need to worry about finding a unique hook, Just borrow this neat one from this author I took.

Imagine a world where you could make a series for tv. It’s quite simple and really stress-free! All you have to do is write a sentence, you see, And our Inkitt AI can turn it into an episode, two, or three!

A single bullet point can turn into a flourishing story.  There’s no need to draft, no need to worry.  All the “real” writers will run away and scurry. Compared to our stories, theirs looks like an unfinished painting, blurry.

Imagine a world where we took all the joy Out of writing for every girl and boy. It’s our writing they want, our writing to enjoy,  And our platforms are as enticing as a small nostalgic toy.

AI is better. This, people just know We’ll steal from all the “real” writers; just keep it on the down-low. Everyone will come to us, and our platforms will grow.  We’re practically as iconic and cool as uh… Odysseus and Calypso.

That was the first thing, but this better thing is second:  All the helpless writers to our platforms, we beckoned.  And here’s a little secret, it’s something we recon,  That we’ve turned our silly tools into a weapon.

Imagine a world where people for themselves don't think.  And creating a piece could be done in a blink; And they’ll use our tools more and more like the alcohol they’ll drink As their helpless brains and their skills of craft start to shrink.

On our words of wisdom and greatness, they’ll rely While subpar original works out of “writers’” hands we pry And use our cool AI programs to modify— And if they come after us, we’ll simply just deny.

Their brains will grow stupid, tired, and weary, And we’ll have the power to answer all their writing queries. We may do some things that might cause some to be leery,  But not to worry, we’ll still write your english essays and letters to mother deary.

Imagine a world where everyone could write.  With what we’re doing, everyone’s ideas can take flight. And with the way we’re going, we’ll be All Writers’ sole—blinding—light, And no one will be able to look at what we’re doing and say, “This isn’t right.”

Each week (or so), we'll highlight the relevant (and sometimes rage-inducing) news adjacent to writing and freedom of expression. This week:

Inkitt’s AI-powered fiction factory

Inkitt started in the mid-2010s as a cozy platform where anyone could share their writing. Fast forward twenty twenty-fuckkkkk, and like most startups, it’s pivoted hard into AI-fueled content production with the soul of an algorithm.

Pictured: Inkitt preparing human-generated work for an AI-powered flume ride to The Unknown.

Here’s how it works: Inkitt monitors reader engagement with tracking software, then picks popular stories to publish on its premium app, Galatea. From there, stories can get spun into sequels, spinoffs, or adapted for GalateaTV… often with minimal author involvement. Authors get an undisclosed cut of revenue, but for most, it’s a fraction of what they’d earn with a traditional publisher (let alone self-publishing).

“'They prey on new writers who have no idea what they’re doing,' said the writer of one popular Galatea series."

Many, many authors have side-eyed or outright decried the platform as inherently predatory for years, due to nebulous payout promises. And much of the concern centers on contracts that don’t require authors’ consent for editorial changes or AI-generated “additions” to the original text.

Now, Inkitt has gone full DiSrUpTiOn, leaning heavily on generative AI to ghostwrite, edit, generate audiobook narration, and design covers, under the banner of “democratizing storytelling.” (Bullshit AI? In my democratized storytelling platform? It’s more likely than you think.)

Pictured: Inkitt’s CEO looking at the most-read stories.

But Inkitt’s CEO doesn’t seem too concerned about what authors think: “His business model doesn’t need them.”

The company recently raised $37 million, with backers including former CEOs of Sony, Penguin, and HarperCollins, proving once again that publishing loves a disruptor… as long as it disrupts creatives, not capital. And more AI companies are mushrooming up to chase the same vision: “a vision of human-created art becoming the raw material for AI-powered, corporate-owned content-production machines—a scenario in which humans would play an ever-shrinking role.”

(Not to say we predicted this, but…)

Welcome to the creator-industrial complex.

Publishers to AI: Stop stealing our stuff (please?)

Major publishers—including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Vox Media—have launched a "Support Responsible AI" campaign, urging the U.S. government to regulate AI's use of copyrighted content.

Like last month's campaigns by the Authors Guild and the UK's Society of Authors, there's a website where where you can (and should!) contact your representatives to say, “Hey, maybe stop letting billion-dollar tech giants strip-mine journalism.”

The campaign’s ads carry big mood slogans like “Stop AI Theft” and “AI Steals From You Too” and call for legislation that would force AI companies to pay for the content they train on and clearly label AI-generated content with attribution. This follows lobbying by OpenAI and Google to make it legal to scrape and train on copyrighted material without consent.

The publishers assert they are not explicitly anti-AI, but advocate for a “fair” system that respects intellectual property and supports journalism.

But… awkward, The Washington Post—now owned by Jeff Bezos—has reportedly already struck a deal with OpenAI to license and summarize its content. So, mixed signals.

Still, as the campaign reminds us: “Stealing is un-American.”

(Unless it’s profitable.)

#WarForever

We at Ellipsus love a good meme-turned-megaproject. Back in January, the-app-formerly-known-as-Twitter user @lolt64 tweeted a cryptic line about "the frozen wastes of europa,” the earliest reference to the never-ending war on Jupiter’s icy moon.

A slew of bleak dispatches from weary, doomed soldiers entrenched on Europa’s ice fields snowballed (iceberged?) into a sprawling saga, yes-and-ing with fan art, vignettes, and memes under the hashtag #WarForever.

It’s not quite X’s answer to Goncharov: It turns out WarForever is some flavor of viral marketing for a tabletop RPG zine. But the internet ran with it anyway, with NASA playing the Scorcese of the stars.

In a digital hellworld increasingly dominated by AI slopification, data harvesting, and “content at scale,” projects like WarForever are a blessed reminder that creativity—actual, human creativity—perseveres.

Even on a frozen moon. Even here.

Let us know if you find something other writers should know about, (or join our Discord and share it there!)

- The Ellipsus Team xo

HEY!!!!! HEY!!! HEY!!! HEY!!! YEAH, YOU!!!!

DO YOU STILL REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED??? DO YOU STILL REMEMBER THAT DAY WHEN YOU GOT A LITTLE CLOSER TO YOUR DREAM??? TO YOUR GOALS??? DO YOU???

WELL, LET ME REMIND YOU, GET BACK TO YOUR WORK AND START PURSUING YOUR GOALS!!! 🚀🔥

YOU ARE ACHIEVING ALL YOUR GOALS FOR SURE! WINNING IS IN YOUR FATE, REMEMBER THAT!!! 🏆✨

GOD BLESS!!!!! 🙏

(We get lost sometimes, but keep walking the path that will lead you to a better place. Resting is fine, but keep moving!)

-Y.N. / Dark Asher

Wizards are not naturally immortal. In fact, creating their own form of immortality is their graduation thesis.