Get Paid for Online Market Research Studies! 20/20 Research

Have you ever participated in a market research study?  Once I took part in a study about diapers that was local.  Well, it was kind of local.  I had to drive about 20 miles to sign up, receive the product, return the used product (yuck), then again to receive payment.  It was a pain. I did not do another study with that company again.  They continued to call me with more studies.  It was just too much a hassle.

The good news is that now market research studies can be conducted online.  Companies will send the product to consumers to try, then they will give their opinion of the product.  Or, consumers will be asked to view advertisements and give feedback on what they saw.  There are may ways companies can now conduct research without having to rely on local residents.

I just signed up with 20/20 research recently when I saw an advertisement for their paid market research studies.    So far I have signed up for 3 studies but have not received a call from a recruiter yet.  They pay pretty well.  The ones I have signed up for pay anywhere from $50. - $75. each.  Since today is the day before Thanksgiving I know I will probably not hear from anyone until at least Friday, maybe even not until Monday.


You can go HERE to sign up for 20/20 panel.  Also, make sure to "like" them on Facebook or add them to Twitter. You can do this from the signup page.   https://www.2020panel.com/signup/


Please comment if you have any experience with 20/20 research.  I will also update with my experiences after I hear from them.

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American Support Hiring Virtual Customer Service Representatives!

I was just hired by American Support as a Virtual Customer Service Representative.  They changed their name.  They used to be Element Customer Care (ring any bells?).  American Support offers billing services, tech support, and customer service call center operations and management.  The Virtual Customer Service Rep will be handling calls for a cable company.


So far everyone is nice and training is going well (and a bit on the overwhelming side!).  There's a lot to learn, but they have "Success Coaches" to help you every step of the way.  Also, tech support is available to make sure your computer is up to par for the job.  The friendly American Support employee who acts as tech support called to help set up my computer before training.  We ended up on the phone for 35 minutes as he walked me through all of the computer setup, software download and he even helped me configure my computer to use dual monitors!  He didn't have to do this much and I really appreciated it.  Most of all, he was happy to help and did not act in the least bit impatient.  I can repeat this scenario for other American Support employees I have had contact with, they are all nice and patient with new employees.


Some other very important benefits of this job are; the ability to be promoted from within rather quickly and BENEFITS!  American Support offers medical, dental, vision, 401k and more.  We have not attended the benefits webinar meeting yet so I do not have the full scoop on the "benes".  I'm just super excited to hear from another employee that the medical is very good and the premiums are low.


Room to grow and be promoted to other jobs in the company are a huge plus.  Everyone I have spoken to from American Support so far have told me that they started on the phones then were promoted to non-phone or partial-phone jobs in less than a year!  I'm sure there are others who have not promoted and chose to stay in their customer service rep position.  It is up to each employee to apply for open positions in the company according to their skill set.


As far as schedule, I have no idea what schedule they are currently hiring for.  I know that the call center is 24/7.  My group was hired for shift beginning in the daytime and only Mon - Fri.  There is always the chance that they will be hiring for evenings and weekends.  In the job listing it does list hours that the agent needs to be available, but doesn't specify what his/her shift will be.  I didn't find out until I got my offer letter.


Below this article you will find the (very long) job listing.  Please pay special attention to the upload/download speeds and computer requirements. This disqualifies many people.  I have known people to run out and purchase a new (upgraded) computer just to qualify as an applicant for this job.  This may have to do with the fact that current employees love working for American Support because of the supportive (no pun intended) atmosphere and company really values it's employees by promoting from within and offering great benefits.


Also note that there is a credit check and background check at the company's expense.  If 35% or less of your credit accounts are delinquent and you have not committed any credit crimes or robbed a bank you should be fine (I'm not totally sure about background check but I believe they are looking for any fraud or worse crimes).


You can find their facebook page with the jobs listing and more.  Just search "American Support". You may need to scroll past the first page to find it.


Thanks to poet for pointing out that American Support does not accept Canadian agents.  American Support only hired agents in the USA.  Also, American Support uses the LiveOps calling platform for their calls, but they ARE NOT LiveOps, they just subscribe to the LiveOps calling system.  My previous employer also used LiveOps calling platform.  Many companies do.


Here's the job listing:

Virtual Customer Service Representative Job Description

Shift availability must be flexible to work at least 8 hours between the hours of 7:00AM to 2:00AM, as schedules will be based on performance and tenure. Shifts may not include weekend days off.

Purpose:

To represent American Support and their clients by ensuring cable entertainment satisfaction through excellent customer service. The American Support Customer Service representative will offer courteous problem solving, provide quality information and promote additional services in response to customer needs. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Sign in and out for scheduled shifts at appointed times. 
2. Must be able to use a computer terminal to access customer information and convey necessary information to customers. 
3. Ability to answer customer questions (basic information such as prices, programming, installation of services, billing, etc.) With appropriate and accurate information. 
4. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and written, face to face, on the radio, and over the telephone with customers and co-workers. 
5. Prompt resolution of customer problems/complaints (resolves basic issues and refers complex issues and concerned customers to appropriate lead representative or supervisor as necessary).
6. Must possess skills necessary for decision-making and retention. 
7. Must be able to operate a PC and computer printer. 
8. Setting priorities schedules/ reschedules service calls. 
9. Acquires and maintains current up-to-date cable "product" knowledge (i.e., Programming, promotions, etc.). Provides, with appropriate persuasive communication skills, information on cable services and enhancements. 
10. Must have the necessary skills to determine service outages (i.e., use Knowledge Base and all other systems).
11. Contacts customers concerning scheduled service calls. Must be able to handle basic dispatch duties, in the absence of dispatch personnel. 

12. Creating and maintaining customer information (may receive/transmit/route/relay service call information to dispatch or directly to the service technician. 
13. Other duties as assigned. 


Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

14. High school education or equivalent. 
15. A proven track record in school or work experience in working with people and excellent communication skills. 
16. At least one year of transferable experience required telephone/customer relations, knowledge of CRT procedures, mathematical aptitude. 
17. Background/experience that indicates dependability, flexibility, and ability to work in a fast paced environment. 
18. Employee must be available to work outside normally scheduled hours to satisfy customer needs.
19. Experience in public relations or sales are highly desirable. 
20. Acceptable background and credit history.
21. Bilingual language skills a plus. 


WORK AT HOME REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: 

The Virtual Customer Service Representative position requires Customer Service Representatives to have a personal location to complete responsibilities as designated outside of an American Support facility.

22. Home Office Requirements
• Comfortable and ergonomically safe furniture and office set-up
• Quiet work location, during all shifts callers and call auditors must not hear pets, children, television, and radio.
Note: Background noise including television, children and pets can result in immediate termination. 

23. Phone Requirements
• A traditional corded hard-wired phone is required to take/make calls for American Support clients, as well as attend American Support virtually held conference meetings. 
• Hard-wired phone can be either a traditional analog line from a telephone company or a digital phone from a cable or other digital phone provider. 
• Cell Phones, Vonage, Magic Jack, Skype and other voice over IP (VOIP) services are not allowed. Use of these services will be considered grounds for dismissal.
• Disable all phone features including: voice mail, call blocking, automatic telemarketer blocking, call forwarding, etc. 
• A compatible corded headset that attaches to the phone you will be using to take & make customer calls.
• Ability to make long distance phone calls to attend mandatory training webinars (unlimited plan is recommended). 
• Quiet space to be used as home office. 
• Calls will be routed to the dedicated phone number provided within the contiguous 48 lower US States. We do not currently route to AK, HI, US colonies, or internationally.

24. Internet Requirements
• DSL or Cable Internet. Our call routing platform is not compatible with Dial-up or Satellite internet. 
• Minimum upload speed of 5 megabits per second (Mbps) 
• Minimum download speed 256 kilobits per second (Kbps) 
• Workstation must be connected directly to a modem or a router connected directly to the modem.
• Wireless network connections will not be supported. 
• These speeds represent the typical standard high speed data service offered by cable and DSL providers. Liter packages or speeds are not recommended, and you may be required to upgrade. 
• Wireless connections are prohibited. You should have a DSL or Cable connection to your home office with a hard line running from the high speed data modem or router directly to your computer.

25. Hardware Requirements
• You must possess Administrative Rights to your Computer. 
• Minimum memory: 2 GB – 32-bit computer or 3 GB (preferred) – 64-bit computer
• Minimum processor speed: 1.5 GHz (Intel Pentium P4 or better)
• Minimum display resolution: 1024 x 768
• Sound card with speakers or USB headphones: you may be asked to listen to recorded phone calls or recorded training sessions/videos 
• Network card: integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• Operating System: 
o Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 or 
o Windows Vista (not currently recommended as all programs do not function appropriately) or 
o Windows 7 (home premium or professional) 
o Web Browser: Internet Explorer version 8 and FireFox version 3.5.8
o Java – Version 6 update 11 or higher 
• Graphics Card: Minimum Required Configuration: graphics card and monitor able to support a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels 
o Recommended Configuration: Dual monitor capable graphics card with 2 monitors. We will accept a single monitor set up.
o Graphics card supporting 2 monitors simultaneously for extending available desktop space. 
o Each monitor should support minimum resolutions of 1024 x 768 pixels.
• Sound Card installed: Standard sound card with speakers and input jacks for external telephony headset for use when attending on-line webinars and training. 
• The call routing platform is not compatible with Macintosh.

26. Firewall, Spyware and Malware Protection
• You are responsible for installing, configuring and updating security software to protect your computer. Follow the instructions for your security software to make sure that it does not block access or pop-ups for web sites used as part of your job. 


American Support offers competitive benefits to include medical, dental, vision, and tuition reimbursement. Qualified candidate should apply on-line at: American Support Customer Service Representative. 
(https://elementcare.hostedcc.com/mason/qualification//43280.html)


American Support is an equal opportunity Employer EOE/M/F/D/V 

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Survey Savvy - A Legit Survey Site that PAYS!

Get started with Survey Savvy HERE



From the Survey Savvy website:

Beginning with the birth of SurveySavvy.com in 1999, Luth Research understood that the value of an online community rests in you, our panel. ...and it shows!

• Unlike other online panels that reward you only for completed surveys, we give you incentives for referring your family and friends - letting you make more as we grow!
• We give back! An average of 20% of our company's yearly online revenue goes back to our online community in the form of incentives!

YOU make the difference.

From the cars you drive, to the food you eat, and to the technology you use in your day to day life, your SurveySavvy.com opinions help to shape the decisions that business leaders are making.

Joining is FREE!

Find out what our community of business professionals and consumers around the globe has already discovered - getting rewards and making a difference is easy.

Sign up and start earning now!

Sign up HERE

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NEW Is Now Hiring Phone Reps and Has NEW Locations!

Here's the link :  https://www.newcorp.com/index.php/careers/home_based_ccr/

More info to follow. I'm researching about this job and will be back to post soon!

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NTI Is Hiring Disabled, Non Disabled and Bilingual - Let Me Refer You!

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Update:  I no longer work through NTI.  You still may apply for jobs directly on their website http://nticentral.org/. 


NTI is currently looking for those who are bilingual in both Spanish and English (not a requirement for all jobs, they just really need bilingual right now).


Jobs are through different clients NTI works with.  They have different starting wages and hours.  Here's the link to their website if you'd like to check out the company: http://nticentral.org/



From the NTI website:

Find Work-at-Home Jobs through NTI

NTI provides job opportunities for Americans with disabilities who require home-based work.

Who should apply?

If you're an American who is disabled and would like to work from home, you may qualify for an online job in customer service, technical support, medical transcription, quality control, or many other types of work.

Legitimate part-time jobs

NTI, a nonprofit organization, has worked for over 15 years with employers, Social Security Disability Insurance, and with vocational rehabilitation services that work with disabled individuals. We match people like you with legitimate work-at-home opportunities suited to your situation and requirements.

Apply now

New job openings are arriving all the time. Apply now to be a part of NTI's database of pre-screened, pre-qualified applicants. We'll follow up to identify what jobs you're interested in and try to match you with a suitable work-at-home opportunity.

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A Word about Home Office Set Up

When setting up your office you need to consider a few things.  You need quality office furniture and office equipment that are both comfortable and functional.   I first used an old desk chair that didn’t provide any back support and was very hard to adjust.  I also had a keyboard without any kind of hand rest.  My headset, or maybe it was my phone, kept crackling and cutting out on me.  My printer had just one function: printing!  I was forced to make a trip to the copy store to fax, copy or scan my documents for work.  That was for my first work at home job.  Using some of my first earnings, I upgraded my office furniture and equipment.  Believe me it was well worth the investment.

Become.com has a great selection of office furniture.  When looking for a desk chair I found many different options.  I personally could not sit in the wooden swivel style chair.  I would go for the leather or mesh desk chair that has lumbar support.  If you feel particularly motivated by your favorite football team, they even have chairs in your team’s color with the team logo.  Similarly, they offer a wide range of desks in many different colors and materials.  Don’t just click past the front page for office furniture before checking out the buying guide.  It’s called “Office Furniture – The Comfortable Workplace”.  Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

Let’s change gears for a minute and talk about printers.  I am finding more and more often that work at home companies are requiring workers to have access to or own a fax machine.  Also, a printer is needed for printing employment forms, scripts and training materials.  Why not just get a multifunction printer and kill 3 or 4 birds with one stone?  After checking out the Become.com website, they have a wide variety of printers to meet virtually every home office need.  I suggest checking out the different types of printers according to what you need.  While you are checking out different types of printers, don’t forget to check out how much replacement ink cartridges will cost. 

One thing I cannot stress enough is to always read consumer reviews before making any online purchase!  On Become.com they offer many different options as far as the company you purchase the item from.  Be a proactive consumer and read the reviews provided to find out of this company has a good track record and to make sure the product is user friendly.  Since Become.com has many different options available, you can be sure to find something to fit your needs without having to surf the web for hours.

Thanks to my friends at become.com for supporting my blog.

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Become a LiveOps Agent for a Day!

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Just wanted to add this really quick...

LiveOps let you become a LiveOps Agent for a Day!

http://conta.cc/9tCEaz

Here's their ad:

Take advantage of this free, limited-time opportunity to become a LiveOps Agent for a day — and help support "Stand Up to Cancer" on September 10, 2010.

Be one of the first 1500 to complete your application by September 7 and you'll be eligible to provide services — with no upfront fees or costs — as a LiveOps Agent to support "Stand Up for Cancer" on September 10. Invoice us for your work, take calls for a good cause and see if being a LiveOps Agent is right for you!

As an exclusive trial agent, you'll have access to our innovative technology, including our invoicing system, online chat and schedule, and will also be certified by LiveOps' industry-leading learning team.

To take advantage of this trial offer, you must:

• Be available to take calls on September 10 from 7:40 pm to 11:40 pm EST
• Have a dedicated landline phone line (non-VoIP) for the night with no call waiting, voicemail or interruptive features. We'll tell you how to disable these features for the day.
• Have a corded headset
• Have access to the internet using broadband or satellite

If you meet these requirements, here's what you need to do:

• Complete the application at www.liveops.com/trial by 12:00 pm EST on September 7
• Complete a short certification hosted by the LiveOps team
• Sign the Independent Contractor Agreement and submit a W-9
• Provide services to take calls on September 10 for "Stand Up for Cancer"

This free trial offer is not currently available for applicants providing services in the following states: AK, CA, GU, HI, MA, OR, PR, NY, VI, WA, NH, CT, CO, VT, LA

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Call Center Opening that Include Benefits!

Xact has a few jobs open currently:  QCN38T3A6ZQ4

Inbound/ Outbound Customer care

Outbound Customer support

See job openings here:

http://www.myxact.com/jobs/jobs-list.asp#ICC

This position is only open to applicants residing in the following states: AR, AZ, FL, MD, ME, NC, NJ, PA, TN, TX, WI, UT. Those not residing in those states may apply but will only be contacted when the position is open to that particular state/province. Employment not available in AL, ND, NY, OH, PR, WA, WV, WY.

Startek hiring for 4 different positions:

@Home Technical Support

Administrative/Offline Support

Customer Service

Inside Sales

See job listings by clicking the link below

http://careers.startek.com/homebased/cojobs.asp?From=1&UseCust=True

To see if they are hiring in your location, click on a job opening, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your zip code in the field.  I found out that they do not hire in Arizona. :(

Good luck to all job seekers!  Please update if you get hired!

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Sidetracked on Sidetick and Swagbucks and Mypoints!! Stay tuned....

Well, everyone who reads my blog or is my Facebook or Twitter friend knows I just signed up for SIDETICK.  As I was posting polls, blog entries, adding friends and discussing topics on Sidetick the points I'm earning keeps going up and up and so is my cash-out total (real $ in my Paypal account)!  It is addicting watching the total rise!  It got me thinking..."I have points on mypoints.com and swagbucks that I have not even redeemed".


So I go onto My Points to redeem.  Most of these points I earned from giving product reviews on Bzzagent (see my banner on this blog).  They send item for agents to try in return for product reviews.  Agents do not pay shipping.  Most items are free.  I only paid one time for a game system, and it was about 25% of the actual cost.  Everything else (over 20 items) were free.  Retail price for items I have tried (and kept at no charge) are anywhere from $2.50 to $118.00.  Anyway, I got points for the reviews and redeemed them for a $25. Chili's gift card.  I have points left over and need to get something else.


Then I thought... "I wonder how many Swag Bucks I have?".  I go to check and find out I am just a couple hundred away from getting a $25. Amazon.com gift card.  So, I am busy taking surveys, polls, searching on the web and finding swag codes.  I'm almost there!  I get credit for people signing up and their activity.  If you'd like "in" just click here.


Today I realized that I have not looked into job openings as much as I usually do.  I will be posting some more leads soon (tonight or tomorrow).  In the meantime, have some fun online with some of these sites.  I also have banners for all three on my blog homepage.


All of these sites are legitimate.  I know many people who have been paid and/or received their giftcards, prizes etc..  Nothing bad to say about any of these sites.  

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Userlytics - Another usability tester site - $10. per test

Found this ad on work place like home.com


QCN38T3A6ZQ4


Userlytics.com is recruiting testers to perform usability tests on websites, applications, and other online properties. 

As a tester, you will be asked to work through our application, which incorporates facial recording, screen recording, click tracking, and both verbal and written commentary. You will also be asked to complete a series of survey and rating questions. 

To become a tester, you will need a PC, webcam, and a microphone (built-in OK)

If you meet these requirements and would like to get started, go to: http://www.userlytics.com/?page=becometester

Once signed up, testers will be notified of new testing opportunities based on their demographic data and the needs of our clients. Pay is $10 per test.

We look forward to your feedback!

Another ad:




Userlytics.com is looking for people like you to test websites. Simply browse websites while we record your interaction with the site and earn money! 
Usability testing has never been so easy!

With our usability testing application you will be able to browse through different websites and applications, complete the provided task, and get paid for it. As simple as that!
Connect your webcam and microphone to your PC, follow the instructions and get ready to go!

To get started, go to http://www.userlytics.com/?page=becometester and get signed-up.
Become a tester now and make your opinion count!






Many folks on work place like home.com message board have signed up, completed tests and gotten paid already (Paypal payments).  This is not a get rich quick scheme or scam.  You must fulfill certain requirements to be a Usability Tester and fit a certain demographic in order to receive tests.  Please check out the link below to see the equipment requirements and to sign up.




Become a tester for Userlytics - Click Here

Good luck to everyone who signs up to be a tester.  Please let me know if you actually complete a test and get paid.  I'd love to hear the feedback.

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ACD Direct Hiring Inbound English and Bilingual Customer Service

Inbound English and Bilingual Customer Service 
ACD Direct has an immediate need for English and Spanish Speaking customer service representatives to process inbound calls in our Virtual Call Center. Sales, Bilingual (Spanish), WAH, Volunteer experience a plus! Perfect position for educators, college students, military, retirees and work at home parents. Call Center Experience or Professional Telephone Experience is a Must!

Contractor Responsibilities•Professionally handle incoming call requests from customers to ensure programming, equipment, and account needs are met/exceeded.
•Deliver world class customer service by communicating with energy and personal confidence.
•Project enthusiasm, warmth, smile and a “ready to assist” attitude with each call processed.
•Utilize tools and resources we provide to information and assist any caller you may encounter.
•Follow our secure web-based scripting to process each call.
•Verify callers information as it is provided to ensure accuracy.
•Accurately enter information you collect into our secure web-based scripts.
•Process calls routed to you efficiently and accurately.
•Stay up to date on procedural changes and information provided for each client and apply changes where necessary.
•Ability to multitask.
•Communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.

Minimum Skills and Qualifications:•Minimum 6+ months of recent customer service, retail, or call center experience required.
•Moderate level of PC knowledge .
•Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written) required.
•Strong listening skills, professional telephone manner and ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers in a fast paced customer focused call center.
•Ability to get along with others, accept constructive feedback and exhibit a positive attitude.
•Demonstrated passion for excellence with respect to treating and caring for customers.
•Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
•Strong decision making and analytical abilities.
•Ability to work in a fast paced, production environment.
•High school diploma or GED required.
•Must be able to type a minimum of 30 wpm.
•Must be flexible to work shifts as required (evenings, weekends, and holidays).
•Must be able to pass a background check.
•Must be able to attend all scheduled training classes and pass required exams during a 20 day time period.
•Must be able to provide a distraction free home office environment
•Must be able to meet all the work at home equipment and connectivity requirements

Work Station Requirements: •Basic Analog residential telephone service
•Corded Telephone
•Digital phone service is permitted as long as the phone line can be used even if your computer is turned off.
•“Soft Phones” like Skype, Magicjack, etc. are not permitted
•NO Cell phones
•Phone must be in the same location as the computer to allow for being on the Internet and telephone at the same time
•Long distance is not required
•Your phone line must be free of ALL additional features such as:
•Telephone Headset
*A noise cancelling telephone headset with mute feature.
•Computer Headset
*A VOIP headset with microphone for voice communication over the computer OR Standalone Microphone and Speaker Combination for voice communication over the computer.
•PC with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
MAC and Apple systems are not compatible with our call routing system.
•Minimum PIII 800mhz and 512 MB RAM (Windows 2000 or XP operating systems)2GB (Windows)
•Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or later)
•Adobe Flash Player version 9.0 or later
•Virus Protection Software and Anti-Spyware software that is regularly updated
•Cable , DSL or FIOS internet Connection
•Satellite and WIFI are not accepted.



Apply Online - Click Here!

Additional information:


Pay is per minute talk time (I cannot find how much they are paying right now).  Contractors schedule themselves in 30 minute increments.  Contractors work for programs that they first must certify for.  Once the contractor certifies for additional programs, call volume increases.  So, the more qualified contractors receive more calls and make more talk time pay.  There are plenty of hours available on the schedule.  Contractors call even log in without being on the schedule and take overflow calls.

There is a $45. background check fee that must be paid AFTER you are hired.  Most work from home companies require the employee/contractor to pay background check fees and always AFTER the person is hired, not up front.


The inbound calls are typically for donations for fundraisers like PBS pledge drives. During pledge drives there are plenty of hours available.
  
Overall, ACD Direct has a very good reputation in the work at home world.  I have a friend who has worked for them recently.  I'll see if she has anything to add about ACD Direct and maybe she can answer any questions about the company that come up.


Please let me know if you get hired!  :)  Thanks for reading!

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