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Law & Legal Media & Communications News & Current Affairs Public Affairs Society & Culture

OpenCanuck.com Launches Independent Media Aggregation to Preserve Canadian Media Diversity and Freedom of Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OpenCanuck.com Launches Independent Media Aggregation to Preserve Canadian Media Diversity and Freedom of Information

Vancouver, BC: OpenCanuck.com, an independent media platform, proudly announces the launch of its innovative initiative to aggregate content from prominent Canadian news sources, including CBC, CTV, and Global News. This strategic move comes as a response to growing concerns about the potential implications of Bill C-18 on media diversity and freedom of information in Canada.

Bill C-18 has sparked nationwide debate and raised questions about its impact on media independence, diversity, and the public’s right to access a broad range of news perspectives. In light of these concerns, OpenCanuck.com has taken the initiative to provide a solution that ensures Canadians have access to a wide array of news sources while maintaining an independent platform free from undue influence.

With its new aggregation feature, OpenCanuck.com offers users a single platform where they can access news content from multiple sources, including CBC, CTV, and Global News. This move aims to bolster media diversity by allowing users to compare and contrast different viewpoints, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Key Features of OpenCanuck.com’s Independent Media Aggregation:

Diverse Perspectives: OpenCanuck.com aggregates content from trusted news sources, enabling users to engage with a variety of viewpoints on critical issues.

Transparency: The platform provides clear attribution to each source, ensuring proper credit is given to the original content creators.

Freedom of Information: OpenCanuck.com remains committed to preserving Canadians’ right to access a wide range of information, fostering an environment of open dialogue and democratic discourse.

User-Friendly Interface: The website boasts an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate, search, and explore news stories from different sources.

Privacy Protection: OpenCanuck.com adheres to stringent privacy standards, ensuring user data is protected and not exploited for commercial or political purposes.

Quote from OpenCanuck.com:

“We believe that a diverse and independent media landscape is essential for a thriving democracy. With the launch of our independent media aggregation feature, we are taking a proactive stance in the face of Bill C-18, ensuring that Canadians continue to have access to a rich tapestry of news sources. Our platform empowers users to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to our society,” said OpenCanuck.com.

OpenCanuck.com invites Canadians from all walks of life to explore its platform and experience firsthand the benefits of independent media aggregation. By embracing this initiative, users contribute to the preservation of media diversity and the safeguarding of freedom of information in Canada.

Follow OpenCanuck.com on [Social Media Links]:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/opencanuck

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opencanuck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opencanuck/

Tumblr: https://opencanuck.tumblr.com/

Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@opencanuck

Visit the website at www.opencanuck.com to learn more about the platform and its mission.

About OpenCanuck.com:

OpenCanuck.com is an independent media platform dedicated to fostering an informed and engaged Canadian society. With its innovative independent media aggregation feature, the platform aims to provide users with access to diverse news sources and perspectives, contributing to media diversity and the preservation of freedom of information.

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Australia News & Current Affairs Society & Culture U.K U.S

A story of a podcaster who lost his voice , but managed to make it through with his community.

Once upon a time, in the captivating world of podcasting, there was a remarkable host named Mike Martins. For years, Mike had graced the airwaves with his popular show called “Mike in the Night,” which had been airing since 2016. The show was a platform for engaging discussions, heartfelt stories, and a sense of community that brought people together from all walks of life.

One fateful night, during the recording of episode E511 titled “Headline News, Open Mic, Raven in Skid-row in Winnipeg: People Poorer, Colder, and Less Free,” tragedy struck. Mike woke up with a strained throat, his voice barely a whisper. Panic set in as he realized he had lost his voice—the very tool that had allowed him to connect with his listeners and share their stories.

Mike was faced with a heart-wrenching decision. Should he cancel the episode and disappoint his loyal audience, or should he go ahead and air it, knowing that his voice would be absent? Despite the immense challenge he faced, Mike’s determination and love for his listeners pushed him to make a choice—to go ahead with the episode and let his community know what had happened.

As the episode aired, the absence of Mike’s voice was palpable. But something incredible began to unfold. The episode showcased the deep bond that had organically formed among Mike’s listeners over the years. A sense of unity and support radiated through the airwaves, as one by one, callers dialed in to share their stories, words of encouragement, and love for Mike.

First, the raven—a regular caller known for his insightful contributions—called in. He shared a beautiful metaphor about the strength of a flock, highlighting how each bird played a vital role in the symphony of life. His words resonated deeply with the listeners, reminding them that even without Mike’s voice, they could continue the harmony of the community.

Then, Eduardo, a long-time listener who had become friends with Mike offline, called in. With a warm and gentle voice, he shared tales of their adventures, laughter, and the moments of support they had offered one another over the years. Eduardo’s call filled the void left by Mike’s voice, reminding everyone of the enduring friendships forged through the podcast.

Gold Dust, a listener who had overcome tremendous odds, added his voice to the chorus. He spoke of the countless times Mike had lifted his spirits and motivated him to keep moving forward. Gold Dust’s unwavering belief in Mike’s ability to overcome this challenge inspired others to believe in themselves and in their shared strength.

Supreme Cannon, an artist who had found his muse through Mike’s show, shared a moving poem that celebrated the resilience of the human spirit. His eloquent words flowed like a gentle river, soothing the hearts of listeners and reminding them that creativity and passion could transcend any hurdle.

Finally, in a surprise twist, Doctor Mysterio—an enigmatic character with a penchant for solving mysteries—called in. With his mysterious charm, he encouraged Mike to look beyond his voice, emphasizing that the power of his podcast lay not only in his words but also in the connections he had fostered. Doctor Mysterio’s call reminded everyone that the heart of “Mike in the Night” was not solely reliant on a single voice but on the collective voices of the community.

As the episode came to a close, a sense of awe and gratitude hung in the air. Mike was profoundly moved by the outpouring of support from his listeners, who had become like family to him. Their unwavering love and encouragement reminded him that he was never alone.

The following weeks were a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the “Mike in the Night” community. Listeners continued to call in, sharing their stories, supporting one another, and offering words of encouragement to Mike. Together, they showed that the power of a podcast extended far beyond the voice behind it—it was the connections, friendships, and shared experiences that made it truly special.

Mike’s journey of losing his voice became a turning point, not only for him but also for his listeners. It taught them the importance of resilience, community, and the incredible strength that lies within each individual. As the episodes continued, Mike’s voice gradually returned, but the lessons learned during that challenging time remained etched in the hearts of everyone involved.

And so, “Mike in the Night” continued to shine brightly, propelled by the love, support, and unbreakable bonds of the community that had grown organically since 2016. It was a testament to the power of connection, reminding us all that, even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can find solace and strength in the warmth of a shared experience.

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Family & Parenting Lifestyle Society & Culture Technology U.S

Adult Real ID Could Be The Solution to Three Dangerous Mistakes Made When Meeting Online Connections in Person

In today’s digital age, meeting new people online has become an everyday experience that can be a way to make new friends, business associates, and network with people who have similar interests. However, there is an unfortunate dangerous side when people trust strangers they’ve met in the virtual world since not everyone is who they say they are. 

The issue goes beyond social media as the film, Sound of Freedom, brings to light. In the movie, a talent scout convinces a father that his two children could have a career in modeling and invites them to an audition that appears legitimate with a printed brochure and auditions held in a corporate business setting. However, the story turns dark when the father of the children returns to find an empty room and his two kids missing. 

This sounds just like a movie plot except Sound of Freedom is based on the true story about a former DHS operative, Tim Ballard, portrayed by actor Jim Caveziel, who has made it his life mission to rescue kidnapped children sold into a nightmare no parent wants for their children.

Just like in the movie, social media users also fall victim to imposters who have created false profiles for fraudulent or deceptive purposes. Thomas Kopec and Jay Kanetkar are the Co-Founders of a revolutionary phone application, Adult Real ID, designed to keep users safe when meeting online connections. 

Katetkar says, “As an FBI agent, I saw first-hand the risk that online predators pose to both children and adults. That’s why I knew I had to do something to address the threat, especially when meeting strangers face-to-face.” In fact, Kopec and Kanetkar warn that there are three dangerous mistakes people make when meeting online connections in person.

Mistake #1 – Not verifying that an online profile is a real person before meeting them. This is a concern for adults and students who may be trusting of the person especially if they’ve developed an online relationship by exchanging private messages and texts. Verifying doesn’t simply mean that the person looks like their profile photo since they can create fake profiles with their photo (or someone else’s) and facilitate deception for the purpose of exploitation.

Kanetkar says, “One of the key features of Adult Real ID requires users to verify their identity to meet with other verified users to reduce the risk of fake profiles or catfish relationships. This significantly serves as a formidable deterrent for individuals with malicious intent.”

Mistake #2 – Not meeting an online connection in a safe and public location. It’s not just enough to meet online connections in a public location, but there are other factors to keep in person meetings protected. Kopec recommends, “It’s important to share your meeting details, including the date, time, and location, with trusted family, friends, and contacts, and we made that easy to do with the app. We knew it was essential to go beyond identity verification and we have prioritized user safety during face-to-face meetings because it serves as an added layer of protection, ensuring that friends or family members are aware of the meeting arrangements and can intervene if necessary, thus preventing potential abduction attempts.”

Mistake #3 – Not having an emergency plan if caught in a dangerous situation. It’s vital to have a predetermined action plan on how to respond to critical situations that may arise during in-person meetings. According to Kopec, The app is designed so that you use a meeting tracker to confirm the meeting has come to a safe conclusion. That means that the meeting must be closed out with a prerequisite chosen image. Users also select a pre-chosen duress image, alerting Adult Real ID‘s safety team to alert authorities if they’re in danger.” 

Everyone concerned about safety when meeting strangers masquerading as ‘friends’ on the Internet needs a powerful tool that ensures their well-being. Adult Real ID sets a new standard for responsible online connections and users can get a subscription for as low as $3.00 per month. The app goes beyond identity verification by prioritizing user safety during face-to-face meetings, secure meeting arrangements, emergency assistance features, and fostering a safer digital landscape for everyone.

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Celebrity Government & Politics Real Estate Society & Culture Technology

Online Personality Mike Martins Launches RealMikeMartins.com

Merritt, BC – Mike Martins, a longtime presence on social media known for his controversial views and predictions since 2008, has announced the launch of his own website RealMikeMartins.com to share his content and circumvent algorithmic restrictions imposed by mainstream platforms.

Martins, who hosts the popular weekly Saturday show “Mike in the Night” from 2016 has garnered attention for his bold commentary on topics ranging from politics to economics to societal issues. With over 500 episodes under his belt, he continues to challenge conventional wisdom and offer unique insights into global events with his 4700+ videos on YouTube @realmikemartins.

Notably, Martins has made several accurate predictions over the years, including warning about the impact of money laundering on Canadian real estate markets well before the issue gained widespread attention. He has also spoken at length about the erosion of trust in government institutions and the potential consequences of such dynamics.

In recent years, however, Martins has faced increasing challenges in getting his message out due to censorship efforts by major tech companies like YouTube. His new website offers him greater control over his content and allows him to reach a wider audience without interference.

Despite some criticism of his work, Martins remains committed to speaking truth to power and providing valuable perspectives on important issues. Visitors to his site can expect thought-provoking analysis and insightful commentary on developments both domestic and international.

For more information, please visit https://RealMikeMartins.com

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Arts & Entertainment Computers & Software Media & Communications Society & Culture Technology

How AI and Cloud-Based Filmmaking Could Redefine the Way Videos & Films Are Made

Social media users and visitors on image and meme-sharing sites must have seen the image of the pope in a fancy jacket that’s been doing the rounds. The image is fake, of course. It was created by the artificial intelligence (AI) image generator, Midjourney.

The platform has since discontinued its free trial, citing “extraordinary demand and trial abuse” as the reason.

The thing is, AI–generated images are not the only thing taking the content world by storm. AI and the cloud are also changing the way videos are being made and edited.

In an article by Forbes, the author discusses how film and TV show production is being transformed by AI and camera-to-cloud technology.

Using AI in Film Production

AI technology has been used to change the appearance of actors, going as far as to make them look younger. This can be seen in the Miramax feature, Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Both actors start as younger versions of themselves and age through the course of the film.

For agencies, this can be a good thing as their best-selling actors can be made to “last longer” and be suitable for a larger variety of roles. 

However, creatives are insisting that technology can only support human creativity, not replace it.

AI can be very useful for sifting through information that might be tedious for humans to go through—like finding a scene from a longer piece of footage. This feature then frees up human creators to focus on other, less “automatable” tasks.

Camera-to-Cloud in Film Production

Michael Cioni, Adobe’s senior director of global innovation, claims that by 2030, all electronic assets in the media and entertainment industry would be “generated in the cloud, by the cloud.”

According to Cioni, edits and effects would be added to pre-shot scenes simply by telling the computer to do so, using text-based commands. For example, he said, one could shoot a scene and then add rain to it simply by typing “make it rain”.

Filmmakers would be able to create a rough “assembly” with basic visual effects, colour correction, and sound design. That would then be passed on to specialists to be refined.

Cloud-based filmmaking would also mean directors could collaborate with each other, even when they aren’t in the same physical location. It could also speed up short projects like music videos and advertisements.

In short, AI and cloud-based tools are being touted as a way to enhance productivity by delegating mundane tasks to them.

Legal Implications of AI in Filmmaking

However, lawyers are advising that contracts with “language that purports to control the right to simulate an actor’s performance are void and unenforceable until the terms have been negotiated with the union.”

This fact can be quite divisive as some actors might want to take advantage of technology to extend their “viability”. However, there is a concern that it might be used as a way to avoid paying for digital performances since they technically aren’t being played by the artist.

Content generation using AI has led to an authenticity concern, especially with deep fakes that seem extremely realistic.

Actor Keanu Reeves, who has been quoted as saying he finds the idea of deep fakes “scary” often has a clause in his contracts that forbid digital manipulation of his performance. Interestingly, this clause dates back several years—decades, even—when a production added a virtual tear on his face. 

According to the actor, any performer might expect the footage to be edited with their consent. However, deep fake is different, as it has no input from the performer.

Of course, this technology is still mostly limited to films and television productions. Corporate videos still require the services of video production companies, like Bold Content(Check out Bold Content’s contribution to encourage girls into STEM studies.)

However, with AI taking over so many tasks, it remains to be seen whether it will help enhance filmmaking or “take away jobs” in yet another industry.

Originally published in Geeky News

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Business Computers & Software Science Society & Culture World

Introducing AIUpbeat.com: Latest News in Artificial Intelligence Developments

April 12th 2023 – San Francisco, CA

AIUpbeat.com is a new blog that covers the latest news and trends in artificial intelligence (AI). The blog aims to provide informative, insightful and engaging content for anyone interested in AI, whether they are beginners, enthusiasts or experts.

AIUpbeat.com was launched by Jane Doe, a former journalist and AI researcher who has been following the developments of AI for over a decade. She decided to start her own blog after noticing a gap in the market for accessible and reliable AI news.

“I have always been fascinated by AI and how it can transform our lives,” said Jane Doe, founder and editor-in-chief of AIUpbeat.com. “But I also realized that there is a lot of misinformation and hype around AI that can confuse or mislead people. I wanted to create a blog that would offer accurate, balanced and easy-to-understand AI news for everyone.”

AIUpbeat.com covers a wide range of topics related to AI such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, ethics, society, business and more. The blog features original articles written by Jane Doe as well as guest posts from other experts and influencers in the field.

Some of the recent articles on AIUpbeat.com include:

  • How GPT-3 Is Changing Content Creation
  • The Rise of Conversational AI: Chatbots vs Voice Assistants
  • How AI Can Help Fight Climate Change
  • The Ethical Challenges of Facial Recognition Technology
  • How AI Is Revolutionizing Healthcare

AIUpbeat.com also offers various resources for learning more about AI such as podcasts, books, courses, events and newsletters.

Jane Doe hopes that her blog will inspire more people to learn about AI and its potential impact on our world.

“AI is not just a buzzword or a sci-fi fantasy,” she said. “It is already here and it is changing everything from how we communicate to how we work to how we entertain ourselves. I believe that everyone should be aware of what AI can do and what it cannot do and how it can benefit us or harm us depending on how we use it.”

She added: “My goal with AIUpbeat.com is to make AI news more accessible and enjoyable for everyone and to spark curiosity and conversation about this fascinating topic.”

To learn more about AIUpbeat.com and its content, visit https://aiupbeat.com/ or follow them on Twitter @aiupbeat.

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Celebrity Non Profit Society & Culture Website & Blog World

Bernd Dietel Pledges $1.5m to Various Charity Organizations

Bernd Dietel, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist from New York, has recently donated a staggering 1.5 million dollars to various children charities across the country. His generous contribution will help support and improve the lives of children in need, providing them with the resources and care they require.

Bernd Dietel has a long history of philanthropy, and this latest donation is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact in the world. He believes that every child deserves a chance to succeed and that it is the responsibility of those who can make a difference to do so.

The charities that received the donations include The Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. These organizations play a critical role in providing support and care to children in need, and Bernd Dietel’s donation will help them continue their vital work.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities is an organization that provides accommodations and support to families with seriously ill children who require medical treatment away from home. The organization has been able to provide a “home away from home” for over 7 million families since its inception, and Dietel’s donation will help them expand their services and reach more families in need.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is an organization that provides after-school programs and mentorship to children and teens across the country. They aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills. Bernd Dietel’s donation will help the organization continue to provide high-quality programming and expand their reach to more communities across the country.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a world-renowned pediatric hospital that provides comprehensive care to children with complex medical conditions. The hospital’s mission is to provide the highest quality care to children, regardless of their ability to pay. Mr. Dietel’s donation will help fund research initiatives, equipment purchases, and patient and family support programs.

Speaking about the donation from his high-rise legal office on Wall Street, Bernd Dietel said, “I am honored to be able to support these organizations and the important work they do. Children are the future of our country, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources and care they need to succeed. I hope that my donation will help make a significant impact in the lives of the children these organizations serve.”

Bernd Dietel’s donation will serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in philanthropic efforts and make a difference in their communities. His generosity and commitment to philanthropy will help provide critical support to children’s charities across the country and improve the lives of countless young people.

Suffice to say, Bernd Dietel’s donation of 1.5 million dollars to various children charities is a significant gesture of kindness and generosity. His contribution will help support and improve the lives of children in need, providing them with the resources and care they require.

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Celebrity Non Profit Society & Culture Website & Blog World

John Babikian Gives $1m to Multiple Children’s Charities

Renowned American businessman and philanthropist John Babikian from New Jersey has recently made a significant contribution to several children’s charities across the country, with a donation of 1 million dollars. Babikian has been a strong advocate for charitable causes throughout his career, and this latest donation is just one example of his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

The charities that received the donations include The Boys and Girls Club of America, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These organizations play an essential role in providing support and care to children in need, and John Babikian’s donation will help them continue their vital work.

Speaking about his donation, John Babikian from his home in Newark said, “It is our responsibility as members of society to give back and support those in need. Children are the future of our country, and we must do all we can to ensure that they have a bright future. I am proud to support these charities and the work that they do. It is my hope that this donation will make a significant impact in the lives of the children they serve.”

The Boys and Girls Club of America is an organization that provides after-school programs and mentorship to children and teens across the country. They aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills. Babikian’s donation will help the organization continue to provide high-quality programming and expand their reach to more communities across the country.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is another organization that received a portion of Babikian’s donation. The organization grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, providing them with hope, strength, and joy during their difficult times. The organization has granted over 315,000 wishes since its inception and has had a significant impact on the lives of countless children and their families.

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-renowned research and treatment center for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The hospital’s mission is to find cures and save children’s lives, regardless of their ability to pay. Babikian’s donation will help fund research initiatives, equipment purchases, and patient and family support programs.

John Babikian’s generosity and commitment to philanthropy serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in charitable causes and make a positive impact in their communities. His donation will help provide critical support to children’s charities across the country and improve the lives of countless young people.

In conclusion, John Babikian’s donation of 1 million dollars to various children’s charities in the United States is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of others. His generosity will help provide critical support to organizations that play a vital role in providing care and support to children in need. We thank Babikian for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy and wish him continued success in his efforts to make a positive impact in the world.

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Food & Beverage Lifestyle Non Profit Shopping & Deal Society & Culture

Canuck Eats Donates $4 to Local Food Bank, Encourages Customers to Use Gift Cards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merritt, BC – Canuck Eats, a leading food delivery franchise in Canada, is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities by donating $4 to the Nicola Valley Food Bank from its 1% of gift card sales. This contribution is part of a series of donations by the company, including $500 to Nanaimo Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank, $200 to Merritt Councillor Mike Bhangu gofundme For BC Flood Relief, $500 donation to Simcoe Hall Food Bank, $600 to Red Cross British Columbia Fires Appeal fund, and $500 donation to Edmonton’s Food Bank.

Canuck Eats recognizes the importance of supporting local communities, especially during these challenging times, and is committed to encouraging customers to join them in making a positive difference. By using Canuck Eats gift cards, customers can not only enjoy delicious meals from their favorite local restaurants but also help support local food banks like the Nicola Valley Food Bank at no extra cost.

“Our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities is a fundamental part of our values at Canuck Eats,” said William Tsui, Co-Founder and local operator of Canuck Eats. “We are proud to donate $4 from our 1% of gift card sales to the Nicola Valley Food Bank and continue to encourage our customers to use gift cards to make a positive impact in their community.”

Canuck Eats gift cards are available for purchase online and can be used at any of the restaurants on the Canuck Eats platform. With hundreds of local restaurants to choose from, customers can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines and support their favorite local eateries while making a positive impact in their community.

For more information on Canuck Eats and its community initiatives, please visit their website at www.canuckeats.com.

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Employment Services Society & Culture Technology U.S

Better Careers Guide Revolutionizes Online Recruitment with User-Friendly Platform and Vast Talent Pool

Daytona Beach, FL: Better Careers Guide is a premier online recruitment platform that has been designed to provide job seekers and recruiters with the best possible recruitment experience. With a user-friendly and efficient platform, Better Careers Guide aims to make it easy for candidates and recruiters to find and fill job vacancies.

One of the key benefits of Better Careers Guide is that it provides the quickest routes for both applying for jobs and posting job requirements. This means that job seekers can easily find and apply for jobs, and recruiters can quickly post job vacancies and receive applications from potential candidates.

Better Careers Guide provides access to tens-of-thousands of current job requirements through a powerful search engine. This makes it easy for job seekers to find the right job that matches their skills and qualifications. Additionally, for recruiters, this means that they can tap into a vast pool of talented and skilled candidates.

When recruiters advertise their job on Better Careers Guide, their job advertisement will have a potential reach of over 60 million candidates worldwide. This is because the platform distributes job advertisements to other similar job boards within the network, ensuring that job vacancies receive maximum exposure.

“Our aim is to create the ultimate destination for job seekers and recruiters, providing a seamless online recruitment experience for all,” said a spokesperson for Better Careers Guide. “We understand that finding the right job or the right candidate can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and that’s why we’ve created a platform that makes it easy and efficient for all users.”

Better Careers Guide is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support to both job seekers and recruiters. The platform is continuously evolving and improving to meet the changing needs of the job market, ensuring that it remains a trusted and reliable destination for recruitment.

For more information about Better Careers Guide, or to get in touch with the team, please visit their website. Whether you’re a job seeker or a recruiter, Better Careers Guide is the ultimate destination for all your recruitment needs.