I don’t consider myself a writer. I’m a blogger, plain and simple. My blog isn’t written in some elegant, poetic prose- it’s written in my voice. For good or bad.
My husband has always made fun of me for singing my words. It’s not that I have a good voice — at all -- but I tend to use lots of intonation and really stress the words I deem important. I also talk with my hands. A lot. Plus, I am cursed with an incredibly expressive face. Any emotion that I feel is written all over me and I simply cannot mask it. I’m almost theatrical, without any of the intent or talent.
It’s a challenge to get my voice (and face and hands) across the computer screen, but I try.
I use italics. A lot.
When I’m writing a comment and am too lazy to use code, I *star* my words to emphasise a word the same way I would with italics. I assume everyone knows what the point of the stars are, but I often make the mistake of assuming people know what goes on in my head and they seldom do.
I write “GAH” frequently. I’m not exactly sure what the proper interpretation of this is, but I mean it as an annoyed gasp. Not a surprised “GASP!” (For I would have used “GASP!” for that,) but a frustrated one. Not to be confused with “Ugh” which is pure frustration or anger. In person, I would most definitely be shaking my head while “ugh-ing.” “Doh!” is like “whoops,” but with an imaginary head slap accompanying it.
When I would be sighing in real life, I write “sigh.” Sometimes, if it’s a big sigh, it even gets italicized or capitalized. “Whew” is an exhausted sigh.
“Woot” is another word I use. I have never, ever uttered the word “Woot” in my real life, but writing it seems totally natural. It is always followed by at least three exclamation points and is kind of like a “YAY!!” but with even more excitement. I imagine a high five accompanying it, if I ever gave high fives in real life.
And then there’s the”Yeah” verses “Yay” debate I often have with myself. I think of “Yay” as a supportive “good for you” word. If I was speaking it, I would be simultaneously clapping my hands and using a high pitched voice. “Yeah” is reserved for instances where I agree, but yes seems too formal. Envision me nodding.
“Wah!” is me whining. I’m sad, but I still have a sense of humor about it. If I write “Sob,” I mean that I am sobbing rather than implying that someone is a son of a bitch. In case there was any confusion.
I rarely LOL because it seems untrue– am I really laughing out loud? If I chuckle, it gets a “ha!” If I do actually giggle, it’s usually “hehe,” and a real laugh is HAHAHA! If someone is funny in a sarcastic way, I usually “snort.” Once in a great while, I do LMAO, but it’s rare. And usually alcohol induced.
“Oy” goes without saying. Right?
So, there you go, that’s me. I think it all makes perfect sense.
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{ 115 comments }
It makes perfect sense to me! That is why I love your blog~
Pres. Kathy recently posted..Real Vampires-
I have said “Gah!” many times, but woot? Never. Yet, that’s what I often use when I write. How odd.
Justine recently posted..It’s the right thing to do- even when it hurts
lol *perfect* sense indeed! i’m a star-writing-sigh-including-yay-using kind of writer myself. and dashes– i *love* dashes. but i have *never* used gah. ever. i’ll let you know if that changes any time soon! :) absolutely loved this one! :)
Minnesota Mamaleh recently posted..Minnesota Mamaleh- Tradition-
Makes perfect sense to me. But then, I HAVE been accused of having a strong feminine side – which *I* think is a good thing. Yeah.
lceel recently posted..Monday Meanders – 7-12
*I* think it’s a great thing. Woot!
Whew! I’m glad you cleared up my question on *sob*! Gah
Val recently posted..4H – Tell me if youre noxious
I do love your blog..”WOOT WOOT”! ;)
Nicole recently posted..First Taste Of Vegemite Fail
It does make perfect sense!! I use Yay alot and also lots of exclamation points!! I don’t consider myself a writer at all….I blog in my boring old English accent which is difficult to understand!!!!
Emma recently posted..John Lewis Christmas Preview
I do the same thing. When I’m speaking I tend to be *very* sarcastic, and I’m always afraid that when I type it won’t come across as sarcastic, but just bitchy. Although, sometimes I am just bitchy, so it can be hard to tell. Usually I use a fake HTML code so people know. ‘Cause I’m fancy and shit.
Anne recently posted..My Teddy
“When I’m speaking I tend to be *very* sarcastic, and I’m always afraid that when I type it won’t come across as sarcastic, but just bitchy. Although, sometimes I am just bitchy, so it can be hard to tell.”
Ditto. :)
You definitions are the same as mine. Except I’m always worried about coming across as *too* excited, so I tend to just use 1 exclamation point. And I even save those for special occasions.
C @ Kid Things recently posted..Wash Your Mouth
I usually use 5 or 6 and then go back and delete 4. It’s an effort.
I totally get it. That’s what I mean when I right all of those words too.
Jennifer recently posted..What was he thinking
And *clearly* too lazy to use the proper form of “W00t.” Zeroes, not o’s, my love.
Or maybe just not nerdy enough to care.
Weird. I can *almost* hear you saying “oh fuck off” in your head. ;-)
Danielle recently posted..Foster kids
You know me way too well. ;)
I’m glad you said it, lol…A proper “woot” is always W00T! …although I don’t think zeroes & os look different enough in this font to be able to tell…Hmm…
Maegan recently posted..A Day to Remember
Well who said you can’t be a writer AND use emoti-words? (I just made that up…LOL) I personally think that writing is a personal style and certainly doesn’t need to pass Mrs. Whatsherface’s English 101 class.
If you write in an understandable manner, then you qualify to be a writer. (Says me…. I really have no authority but I can pretend, right?)
Love the feature on Sits!
Wendy recently posted..Quinoa for Weight Loss
My English teacher hated the way I wrote– he passed me with a C saying I’d never be a writer, anyway. Asshole.
And, I love emoti-words. That’s perfect!
Ooh, who who?
Danielle recently posted..Foster kids
Failed Writing 101 in college. Never planned on being a writer…still don’t think of myself as one. A talker that transcribes? Maybe. See you at BlogHer and we’ll see if we had the same teacher… ;)
(You’re a wondrous writer in my book. I’ll take your “woot,” and raise you a penchant for exclamation points!)
Cheryl recently posted..Bring on the Boomerang
I am the same way! My husband constantly makes fun of me for how I talk. It’s actually kinda annoying!
I love using and reading expressive words in posts because it makes reading to SO much more fun to read!
Mothers’ Hideaway recently posted..Mother-in-Law School
I use exclamation points all the time! I speak with my hands, my face, my arms and sometimes I even have little moves I do. I kid you not it’s hard to miss what I’m feeling. So yes, like you, I have figured out ways to write in my body language – perhaps now I should post my own little dictionary so people have a clue what I am writing!
Haha – I have never said Woot either but I type it often!
Brittany at Mommy Words recently posted..Go Netherlands-
You and I are too much alike!! I also overuse punctuation. I’m not picky about it either…two question marks, three exclamation points, ellipsis over and over again. CAPS!, *stars* instead of italics (because I’m also too lazy to use code), bold, etc. In fact, I recently introduced myself in a guest post as an over punctuator. Love that word. I guess I’m in good company. ;-)
Kmama recently posted..Week in Review- 7-10-10
Woot. I use woot and yo a lot but never IRL. Funny.
OHmommy recently posted..GIVEAWAY- Summer Block Party
I read you loud and clear.
Swirl Girl recently posted..The One Where She Asks Does My Ass Look Fat in this Shower
I have to say that I am the same way. I use alot of words and things that I dont normally use in public or at church.
Preachin’ to the choir.
I use italics like they’re going out of style, which was to say that they were in style once and I’m just bringin’ it back. Even in the novels I write I probably use them way too much. It’ s a huge effort not to use smiley faces in my novels as well. HUGE. I use them ALL. THE TIme. :) See? :):):)
I’ll take your ‘Woot’ and raise it a ‘Word’. I actually did say it yesterday though, just trying it on for size. Decided it was best when typed or texted.
Julie recently posted..Did you Get the Memo
God wouldn’t have invented italics and asterisks if he didn’t want us to use them!
We definitely speak the same language! :)
I may be a natural at it.
Ha – I LOVE everything you just said. I totally write “woot”, too. I feel the same way about “yay” vs. “yeah” and I don’t get it when people spell it otherwise. I’m with ya. (-:
~Kathryn
Kathryn recently posted..We Are Home
I get it! But wait, no “Ack!”??? That’s one of my personal favorites.
gigi recently posted..on life and legos
Crap! I forgot Ack- that’s a huge one!!!
I love that your keeping it real… Oy !! :)
Dude, it’s FRIGHTENING how similar we are in terms of the way we write. The yay/yeah things totally bugs me when people can’t get it right. I think I write “yay” more than any other word (aside from dude and totally). And oy? Oh yeah. Don’t even get me started. Sometimes I follow it up with a flustered, “vey”.
Lessons in Life and Light recently posted..The 4th of July in Review
Hey! I just came here from SITS. Thanks for the intro, I’m sure I’ll completely understand you as I go and explore the rest of your blog. Hope you’re having a good week. (I keep thinking it’s Saturday but it’s not.)
I always know what you mean by those – in fact – I picture someone doing tha exact thing as I read it. I write the same way too, just the way it sounds in my head as I’m trying to type as fast as possible to keep up with my brain.
I enjoy your blog because it is down to earth and expressive. I feel like I can read it anytime, anyplace.
Although some of your posts make me think about the meaning for a long time after – it isn’t something I have to try to understand while I’m reading. I love that. I don’t sit there and think, “What? What is she talking about?” You are a very clear writer.
Diana @Hormonal Imbalances recently posted..The Breastfeeding Debate
I love your style! I’m staying :)
The Bipolar Diva recently posted..You Want To Do WHAT To My Daughter
I seem to use GAH a lot…when I am writing emails especially. It’s definitely not as bad as UGH but not a form of endearment either…I use it to express GAH! Duh.
I agree about yay and yeah. When someone writes Yeah! I think of a prep school student getting a little overly excited about his upcoming exam. Yay! is more for the yippee moments.
But…I would like to point out that if you are …*sob*…what SOB made you sob? Kick their ass!
Joie recently posted..Pete and Repeat
Happy SITS day :D What a fab blog!! I’m completely with you on the use of italics – I don’t know why I don’t just write my full blog in italics the amount of times I use it haha!
Lizzie recently posted..8 ways to FAIL at marketing
This? Right here?
Is why I love you.
Shannon recently posted..Look what was in my yard this time-
Makes perfect sense to me. My husband always makes fun of my colorful language too and hand use. When the 2 of us meet some day at a blog conf. we might whack each other out with our use of hand gestures. *Oy*!
Rachel @ Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..Mommy-Time Mondays 2
I *love*this post.
I have a singing problem with words, too. A theater director once told me that people wouldn’t understand what I’m saying because they would be too busy listening to *how* I’m saying it.
Oy.
(How’d I do??)
Ann’s Rants recently posted..I really do not ever want to speak at The Optimist Club
Ha! You did good. Fuck the theater director.
Makes perfect sense to me . . . and I must speak the same language.
With the addition of overused ellipses and use of “what the HAY?!” and “But I digress” . . . because I digress a *LOT*.
Caroline recently posted..Dear Bitlet- 15 Months or 15 Years
Woot, woot! Now that is something I have said out loud, but only in very specific circumstances.
donna reed recently posted..I hated high school the first time around
I use all the same ones! Except substitute “Woohoo!” for “Woot!”
And I so use Woohoo! all the time in real life. For realsies.
I use these too. Online writing has it’s own style for sure. I also have been known to use huzzah! and yet I’ve never said that word out loud before.
Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) recently posted..Butterbeer Recipe Showdown- Which is Best
OK, you’ve stumped me. What does huzzah even mean??!
I know *exactly* what you are saying! I love to read what you’ve written because it feels like I am listening to you talk! I do lots of the same things as you in trying to get my intent across on screen. Sometimes I wonder if people “get it” though.
Gigi recently posted..Caught
I’m so relieved that people do! Amazed, actually.
Oh my kindred spirit. I speak Jill well..
Woot!
Julie {Angry Julie Monday} recently posted..Spotlight Saturday- 0704 to 071010
Oy to the vey sister. I like your language!!
Live.Love.Eat recently posted..Jambalaya Pizza from Yes- Its Me-
Makes perfect sense to me, but then again, I speak blog in conversations with “real” people who look at me like I’ve lost my mind. I just think they don’t know how much fun they are missing. ::grins::
The Stiletto Mom recently posted..Personal Checklist To Get Back To School Ready
Ha! I love this post. Bloggers all seem to have their own voice and style. It’s so funny. My fave is the ellipse … I use it all the time (and brackets are cool too).
andrea from the fishbowl recently posted..A bit about a new gig- and kids and camp
I am a fan of the run on sentence but not in real life– I only use them in blogspeak. I just throw out a dash or two or three— it depends on how I am feeling.
lexlocilori recently posted..I am turning 100 but I dont look a day over 41 and 1-2
I love animated people. I sing, I clap, I belly laugh…My husband always laughs, but I know he thinks I’m loony.
Happy SITS Day!
Angie – The Work at Home Wife recently posted..How to Start a Review Blog
Me too!
I feel like I need to copy this post.
A good writer I am not : )
I write just like I talk in my head.
All choppy and staticky : ) and I just hope people get it! : )
Life with Kaishon recently posted..a photo essay- our 4th of July
Excellent “Cliff Notes for Jill”. i now find myself sometimes typing “squee!” Somthing I’ve never said in real life. go figure
Oh, yes, squee! I’ve never used it– I’m just waiting for a time when I’m *that* excited.
I never know what or how to read things. I don’t really speak English, can’t write very well and can barely read. Thankfully I have my pal Google to translate everything so that I understand how to woot, gah and sigh.
Kind of makes me think that woot, gah and sigh is how I ended up becoming a father. Hmmmm
Jack recently posted..Festival of Fathers- A Blog Experience 18
LOL and LMAO both apply to this comment. I choked on my diet pepsi.
Mrs.Mayhem recently posted..How to Survive Spending Time with People You Detest
I use the same exact phrases when writing as well! I consider myself to be a very animated person that can’t hide my emotions too and so I look for all sorts of writing tricks to show that expression on my blog.
Just subscribed to your blog and am eager to read more woot woot!!!
JoJo recently posted..Dames With Game
I am with you on the YAY and Yeah thing.
Nolie recently posted..Response cached until Tue 13 @ 2:11 GMT (Refreshes in 59 Minutes)
It makes total sense! I abbreviate things that aren’t supposed to be after I introduce then. For example, uniform because “uni.” I use “meh” all the time to express my lack of care. I think I need a post about how to disregard my foul mouth. I can’t self-censor anymore. It’s better to be you than some version of what others may think is acceptable.
Liz recently posted..The Summer of Reading
I also write woot but hardly ever say it in real life. Well maybe that *one* time. But that’s it. I promise.
I used to write, “Ya” for those times when you are tired of saying, “Uh-huh.” My husband said, “But you aren’t swedish” and thus commenced a seemingly endless disagreement of “yeah” vs “ya” vs “yay.” It wasn’t worth it so I stopped writing it. I *so* miss ya. Sigh.
amanda recently posted..Delicate
I’m the same way.
Kimberly recently posted..The Absent-Minded Blogger
lol! <- I did laugh out loud
My style is I like to post funny popup pics in links throughout my blog articles. I liken it to Stephen Colbert's "The Word" skit
Kevin Bruce recently posted..The New Frugal
You’re so my blog twin ;-)
xoxoxoo LOVE you
Rachel ~ Southern Fairytale recently posted..Tequila Citrus Chicken Thighs
Thanks for the cheat sheet….and for the laughs.
B recently posted..Oh- My eyes-
Ha! I don’t think I use any of them in my posts. I guess I write pretty formal, except the cursing. Catholic school will do that to ya. Informally and in comments, I way over use LOL. It’s just the default ha :)
I hate Woot for exactly what you wrote…no one says that!
Jill recently posted..STELLA -amp DOT 50 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY
gotcha! i like say that i use “conversational” writing- not journalistic
You need to expand your repetoire. “Woot” is nearly a genuine expression of delight (akin to “SCORE!”).; “w00t” (with two zeros instead of o’s) is meant in a more sardonic fashion (i.e., it’s something that *should* make you feel good, yet, somehow, does not).
I have a serious exclamation point addiction. Sometimes I will look back at a paragraph and its all exclamation points. Ironically, I’m not really an exclamation point(!!) person in real life. Figure it out.
Carabee recently posted..Summertime
I like to make up my own words to go alongside the ones you’ve already mentioned. It’s a true testament to friendship, I think, when people use them in conversations *near* you (as opposed to for your benefit.) Isn’t that wundy?
love from Chicago,
Keely
Love it! I think your voice, face and hands ALL come through on the computer screen.
Two of my fave phrases: “aw yeah” which is my clean version of “hell yeah” or “fuck yeah.” And “wheeee” which is my little happy dance.
Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole recently posted..Buyer’s remorse
I have a CAPITALIZATION addiction followed by an overuse of “…”. Why “…”? I just don’t know… (see there, just did it – totally out of my control, it just happens). Did I like get attacked by a “period” once or something? Or maybe I just don’t like to finish things…or I like to go on and on and on and on… I just don’t KNOW.
Anyhoo…it all works for me and I’m glad your works for you :-)
Wow, how us mommy’s can all relate to the title of your blog alone – love it!!!
Erica recently posted..Shopgirls Shout Out-
Love your blog.
Absolutely perfect sense.
Shawntel recently posted..Signing Off
Sometimes I think I overuse all of these but I just.can’t.help.it. I try to write like I talk in my head. And sometimes it’s a little all over but it’s totally me.
One Mom (Kristina) recently posted..John and I Get Out of the House and a little Bathroom Humor
I love your blog dictionary! I love dictionaries period!!!You are always a treat to read!
maryleigh recently posted..Definition- A True Country Boy
With the exception of Wah! my vocabulary is shockingly similar. Excellent. I also favor “awesome”. If it is lower case with a period, it’s bad. If it’s capitalized with an exclamation point, it’s good. Simple, yet, effective.
Jessi Arias-Cooper recently posted..Rainbows and Bubbles- Gifts to Parents
What a fantastic blog and articles! I am off to read more :)
Rene W. recently posted..Sundays In My City – Independance
Your blog is totally wicked! I’ve been reading all your posts today. I especially love all your posts about blogging. I feel like I know nothing so I always appreciate when someone freely shares their knowledge.
Come see me at ….!!! Gotcha!!! Bahahaha!
I can already tell I love the way you write-it’s like you’re me if I had kids and experience blogging and talent! Seriously though, I’ll be back!
Lisa recently posted..Dear mobile service provider
This was so cute, and clever. I liked it.
And, Inever say LOL, either…cuz I usually don’t . I do snort a lot, though.
Alexandra recently posted..What Is Cool About Summer Vacations by Baby E
LMAO!
Love your blog….ALL of it! :)
Kelly recently posted..Learning the Ropes
Thank you for answering one of my recent questions…do people understand when I use “yeah”…usually it is a stand in for ‘yes’ but seems to sound better (at least in my head). I often wonder, how the reader reads it. At least now i know there’s at least one other person that uses it the same way.
Glad that someone else out there is LOL-phobic (OK, that’s extreme, but tired and tend towards being more dramatic as the night goes on)…
However I do quite like OMFG, but that’s just because i’m too lazy to write all that out, and as I’m a product of the ’80s it’s, like, a term I use often, you know ;-)
Naomi recently posted..No wogo
This is why I prefer to read my posts aloud to my husband because he never reads it with inflection. *Plus*, he skims and misses the funny.
Sara -The Football Wife recently posted..Running With Butter
YESSS!!! I love this! And it is so true… I do most of the same things, except I am guilty of WAY overusing LOL and LMAO. Which, like you said, when I think about it, seems like lying…. haha.
The part on the WOOT?! LOVE. It. I, too, have never uttered a “woot” in real life, and I feel like if I did, it would seem fake and pre-teenish. But on the net? I woot woot woot to my heart’s content! ;)
Jaden recently posted..What She Says 5- Nuggets of Wisdom
Gotcha! And now that I’m in the know, I can’t wait to read the rest of your blog! Thanks to SITS, I’m your newest follower. And I’m SO looking forward to getting to “know you” more. Thanks for the laugh this morning!
I’ve heard that people who talk with their hands have higher intelligence than average…….:)
angie recently posted..I have 5 swimmers…
I debate on the Yay and Yeah, but if I think of Yeah as a “Hooray”, and so I yah, as a “yes”.
yes it does make absolute complete sense to me too! When I write I find that I often find myself sounding like some over happy airhead valley girl… OMG.
zeemaid recently posted..1st Annual Blog Bash -amp A Little More Me
I’m glad I found you, Scary Mommy! *really* *really* glad!
xo Susie
I too am guilty of the ‘wear my emotions on my face’ my mom always says I would be terrible at poker cause when I’m upset or pissed you know it. I think its helpful to my fiance cuz he’s pretty terrible at reading body language or conversational cues.
Anyway totally a new follower, looking forward to reading more and maybe we’ll see ya at Blogher 10!:)
Danielle recently posted..I dont WANT your life
Jill, I totally speak your language.
Lolli recently posted..Fracture Giveaway
“gah” and “woot” are things I write all the time but have *never* said out loud. And yeah, I use stars a lot too!
I love that you blog the way you speak. So that we, the readers, get a better grasp on your emotions. Sometimes *stars* are the best literary tool ;)
I’m a *huge* fan of italics myself – do the same thing to get a word across. Sometimes I read back over my posts and think I should reduce them – but then it doesn’t *sound* right without them.
Make your own rules. And as for not being a writer…you blog, therefore you write. Same dog, different leg.
Jodie at Mummy Mayhem recently posted..I Can See The Light-
I get the *star usage* along with all the other thing, because I too find myself being very experessive when I write.
However I TOTALLY, abuse LOL way more often that I should. I use it for a chuckle, a giggle, anything- So, if I ever LOL at you- know I’m probably not- but I certainly am probably smiling… at least slightly, and really…. its an illness, I can’t cure, so over all just feel bad for me. LOL (<– you see? not even a chuckle)
I also use exclamation points! … All! The! Time! Drives people NUTS!!
Between the 2 I must come off as this super hyper woman, which we all know- I am not *!!! LOL *
Corine recently posted..Complicated Fashion Separation Anxiety
HAHAHAHA
This is exactly how I write too. and talk which drives my guy NUTS. I basically write how I talk, although I am a raving bitch about spelling (kool, sux, skool, etc… are NOT WORDS), a mis spelling on accident is OK, being lazy is NOT to me.
I must say Scary Mommy,
I have NEVER enjoyed all of the postings on any blog but yours. Your extremely creative in parenting and writing, KEEP IT UP, pretty please.
Thanks,
J
PS – URG is a great feeling word too, one of my favorites.
I love Woot! I overuse Woot! But I just like the intonation (is there intonation in writing?, I think this post is a sign that yes, there is).
One I use a lot to show the kind of laughter that involves spitting out ones drinks: Bwahahahaha. That’s a personal favourite.
Christine LaRocque recently posted..Summer deprived
I’ve been trying for many years to figure out how to explain to others that being Italian, it is hard not to talk with my hands….so blogging without being able to explain what my hands do when I say the words I am writing…….well, you probably understand!
I write how I talk, also. I find it easier. And ironically, I am a writer. However, whenever I received my “work” back, it had RED INK everywhere. Lots of editing. So I guess I never really learned how to “write” HAAAAAAAHAAAAAA.
I love the blog, glad I found you through SITS. You are also on my blog roll now. And I am liking you on facebook!
Staci recently posted..Mastercard MarketPlace
As someone who firmly believes in the importance of tone – I love this. It injects hand gestures and facial expressions into all the posts I have read before.
Zoey @ Good Goog recently posted..43-365 Cake- Anyone
I think that your own way of writing makes this blog what it is: fun to read posts with a spark of style. Keep it up Scary Mommy!
Gina @ Wisconsin Dells recently posted..Great Wolf Lodge Resort
Your appeal is because you are you and you write like a real human being instead of someone who sent their post to an editor before posting it. I’d rather read posts that are more conversational like yours any day of the week!
Makes so much sense I could have written that. In fact, I do, often. And I speak *just* like you do. Heh!
Jessica (@It’s my life…) recently posted..A string of cousins
Just when I think I can’t love you more….I read this!!! AGAIN – open my brain, pull out the words and make them fabulous!!
I love it!
I needed no guide to reading your blog because it is written in a language I speak! LOVE IT!!!
Erin recently posted..What do you mean by that
I know I am really late to this conversation but I just wanted to say that I have been reading through your blog today (just found it) and I *love* your voice!
That’s cool Yay! Please follow me back. @Picturesque2u Thanks in advance.
A blog that comes with instructions- awesome!
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