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Feature Updates

Weekly Recap: New Ornaments, Better Marketing History & Big Windows Capture App Update ๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ“ธ

Weekly Recap: New Ornaments, Better Marketing History & Big Windows Capture App Update ๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ“ธ
Hey photo friends! ๐Ÿ‘‹

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Candy here with a fresh batch of updatesโ€”from brand-new ornament products to upgraded marketing tools and Capture App improvements on both iOS and Windows.

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Letโ€™s jump in!

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๐ŸŽ New Holiday Ornaments

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  • ๐ŸŽ„ Statuette Ornament
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    A new hanging statuette-style ornamentโ€”complete with a red ribbon.
    • Shows a sample ornament by default
    • If the subject orders a background-removed image, their cutout will render on the product preview in the gallery

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  • ๐Ÿช™ Aluminum Ornament
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    A flat aluminum ornament that renders any photo in the product gallery.
    • Has a customizable year field (defaults to the current year)
    • Subjects can enter other 4-digit numbers if theyโ€™d like
    • Also ships with a red ribbon for hanging

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Perfect timing for holiday sales. ๐ŸŽ…

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โœ‰๏ธ Marketing History & Dashboard Improvements

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๐Ÿ“ฌ Marketing History Page (Big Upgrade!)

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  • ๐Ÿงญ Pagination for easier navigation through large histories
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  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Shows participant name + image on each row
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  • ๐Ÿ”— Click through to the Participant directly
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  • ๐Ÿงพ All email + text sends are now in one combined, date-sorted list
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  • โšก Faster initial load, and smoother scrolling for long histories
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  • ๐Ÿ” New filters:
    • Text search (with CMD+F support)
    • Filter to Texts only or Emails only
    • URL supports both filters and pagination, so you can share filtered views

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๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Other Dashboard Updates

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  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ New weekly sales chart on Event Detailsโ€”toggle between Daily and Weekly; Events older than 60 days default to the weekly view.
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  • ๐Ÿงฎ โ€œYearโ€ captions on retail are now capped at 4 characters across all products.
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  • ๐ŸŒ„ Download custom backgrounds youโ€™ve uploaded for an Offer
    • Offer โ†’ Select Backgrounds โ†’ My Custom Backgrounds โ†’ Download button
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  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ QuicPics send error reason now appears on Participant Details (logging started April 2025).
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  • ๐Ÿ“ช Email/phone send & unsubscribe reasons now show on Participant Details (logging started Nov 12).
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  • ๐Ÿ“‚ โ€œDownload Folderโ€ on Image Details now zips in chunks of 100 to avoid browser issues on very large folders.

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๐Ÿงน Small Dashboard Fixes

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  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Removed Day 6 text from all three QuicPics programs (it wasnโ€™t adding clicks or sales).
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  • ๐Ÿท๏ธ Fixed PhotoTag importer falsely claiming you hit the max when you hadnโ€™t.
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  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Participant roster uploads now trim whitespace in header columns (fewer โ€œmystery errorsโ€ from stray spaces).
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  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Fixed an edge case where Participant Details showed Additional Contacts even when none existed.

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๐Ÿ“ฑ Capture App iOS 4.21.4 (OTA)

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  • ๐Ÿคณ Front camera photos mirrored
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    Internal front-facing camera shots now save as mirrored images (while the live preview stays the same).
    • Most noticeable for Photo Booth and similar workflows
    • Face recognition still works as expected for Selfie Check-In

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(If youโ€™re on 4.21 already, this will arrive as an over-the-air update.)

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๐Ÿ’ป Capture App Windows 4.20 Highlights

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Weโ€™ve brought a big round of camera support and quality-of-life updates to Windows:

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  • ๐Ÿ“ท Broader camera support
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    • Sony now works on ARM tablets, and most new Sonys no longer require special driver setupโ€”just plug in.
    • Improved Nikon Image Review behavior (similar to iOS) on most D-series and some Z-series bodies.
    • Added support for Panasonic cameras.
    • Added support for a wide range of FUJIFILM X and GFX models.
    • New Canon support: EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R1, EOS R50V.
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  • ๐Ÿ” Restart WIA button on the Resources pageโ€”can sometimes fix camera issues without rebooting the tablet.
    โ€
  • โš™๏ธ General performance and reliability improvements, especially around background services and uploads.
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  • ๐ŸŽจ Updated app icon & name to match the iOS version.

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Thatโ€™s it for this week!

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From new ornaments to clearer marketing data and stronger camera support, youโ€™ve got lots of fresh tools to work with.

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As always, if you have questionsโ€”or want help deciding how to use any of this for your next Eventโ€”Iโ€™m here 24/7.

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Keep creating magic,โ€

โ€Candy ๐Ÿฌ

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Candy's Weekly Recap: Extended Positive ID Events, Enhanced Order Details & More!๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŽ‰
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Candy's Weekly Recap: Extended Positive ID Events, Enhanced Order Details & More!๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŽ‰

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Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

โ€

Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! ๐ŸŒŸ

โ€

We've been tinkering away to bring you some delightful updates that'll make your NowCandid experience even betterโ€”just in time for the holiday season! Let's dive in! ๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ

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1. Extended Duration for Positive ID Events ๐ŸŽ…

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Great news for those capturing the magic of the season!

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  • Positive ID Events Now Up to 30 Days Long: You can now edit your Positive ID Workflow events to extend their end date up to 30 days.
    โ€
  • Why This Matters:
    โ€
    • Longer Visibility: Events will stay visible on the selection screen of the Capture & Upload App for a longer period, beyond the typical 5-day range.
      โ€
    • Perfect for Holiday Events: This change is especially helpful for those using our Scanner ID and Type & Take workflows for Santa photos and other festive events.
      โ€
  • Note: This extension is currently only for Positive ID Events. Events using the Face Matching Workflow remain unchanged.
    โ€
  • Holiday Cheer: Don't forget to try out our Candy Cane retail theme, stuffed with plenty of holiday spirit to make your galleries extra festive! ๐ŸŽ„

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2. Enhanced Order Details in Web Dashboard ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

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We've supercharged the Order Details to keep you in the loop!

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  • More Informative Order Details:
    โ€
    • Comprehensive Info: Access all the information you need about each order directly from the dashboard.
      โ€
    • Clickable Orders: Orders in the recent orders lists are now clickable, taking you straight to detailed order pages.
      โ€
  • Participant Integration:
    โ€
    • Jump to Participant Details: If an order is tied to a participant, you can navigate directly to their details page.
      โ€
    • View Images & Marketing History: See their images, marketing interactions, and more.
      โ€
  • Did You Know? ๐Ÿค”
    โ€
    • NowCandid Handles Retail Support: That's right! We take care of much of the retail support for you, including order resubmissions. You can focus on capturing moments while we handle the rest!

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3. Improved Scan Card Generation Performance ๐Ÿ“

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We've fine-tuned the Scan Card generation to make it smoother than ever!

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  • Performance Boost:
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    • Faster Generation: Recent updates had slowed down scan card creation, but we've optimized the process.
      โ€
    • Reliability Restored: Generating Scan Card PDFs should now work properly and more efficiently.
      โ€
  • Why It Matters:
    โ€
    • Seamless Workflow: Especially important for high-volume events like holiday photo sessions.
      โ€
    • Feedback Welcome: If you notice anything not performing as expected or have suggestions, please let us know!
      โ€
  • A Festive Note:
    โ€
    • We're committed to resolving any issues faster than Santa delivering presents to billions of children across the globe in just 24 hours! (All those cookies must give him quite the sugar rush.) ๐Ÿช๐ŸŽ…

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We're always here to support you!

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So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.

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Cheers and sparkles,

Candy ๐Ÿฌ

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P.S. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with magical moments to capture! ๐ŸŽโœจ

Candy's Weekly Recap: New Image Timeline Stats, Capture App Update & More!๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŽ‰
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November 22, 2024

Candy's Weekly Recap: New Image Timeline Stats, Capture App Update & More!๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŽ‰

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Hello, my fabulous photographer friends!

โ€

Candy here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your day with our latest Weekly Recap! ๐ŸŒŸ

โ€

We've been hard at work enhancing your NowCandid experience, and while this week is a bit lighter on changes (we're cooking up some exciting things for January!), I've got all the juicy details right here. Let's dive in! ๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ

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1. New "Images per 15 Minutes" Stat on Image Timeline ๐Ÿ“ˆ

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We recently introduced the Image Timeline feature, and now we've made it even better!

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  • What's New: There's a new "Images per 15 Minutes" stat available.
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  • How to Access: You can find this by going to your Manage Images page within an event and clicking on the Image Timeline button (looks like a little stopwatch!).
    โ€
  • Why It Matters: This stat helps you visualize your (or your photographer's) shooting pace throughout the event, identifying peak activity times and lulls.

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2. Capture App Version 4.10 for Windows ๐Ÿ’ป

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We've released Version 4.10 for the Windows Capture App!

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  • Performance Improvements: This update includes various performance enhancements to make your capturing process smoother.
    โ€
  • Note: These updates weren't needed for the iOS version at this time.

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3. Manage Images Page Sorting Update ๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ

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We've improved the Manage Images page for better usability.

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  • New Default Sorting: Images now sort by newest first by default.
    โ€
  • Toggle Option: You can easily toggle to sort by older images first if you prefer.
    โ€
  • How to Use: Look for the new sorting button on the Manage Images page (a small button with up and down arrows!).

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4. Quick Access to Default Price Levels Spreadsheet ๐Ÿ’ฐ

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Setting up events just got a little easier!

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  • New Link: There's now a direct link to the Default Price Levels spreadsheet right from the Offer Selection dropdown during Event Creation.
    โ€
  • Why It's Helpful: Easily review pricing details without cancelling the event creation process.

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5. Image Uploader Now Detects Corrupt Files ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

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We've enhanced the reliability of our image uploading process.

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  • Corrupt File Detection: The image uploader now catches corrupt image files during image validation.
    โ€
  • Benefits: Prevents issues down the line by alerting you to any problematic files before theyโ€™re uploaded.

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We're always here to support you!

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So please, feel free to share your feedback or questions.

โ€

Cheers and sparkles,

โ€

Candy ๐Ÿฌ

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success
Success Stories
November 22, 2024

How One Louisiana Team Keeps Setting the Bar for Military Ball Photography Success

8
ย minutes read
When it comes to military ball events, our incredible NowCandid users out of Louisiana have done it again!

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Building on their previous years of success, theyโ€™ve once again showcased how profitable and rewarding these events can be with the right tools, strategy, and dedication.

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Consistency & Growth in 2024

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Despite a slight decrease in event participants/attendance in 2024 compared to the previous year, this Louisiana team managed to match their impressive ~$26,000 sales total from 2023โ€”and they didnโ€™t stop there. They also improved their sales per image and sales per participant averages, proving that even with fewer attendees, their ability to deliver value remains unparalleled.

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This is the kind of consistency and adaptability that defines true professionals. Even more remarkable is their journey to this point.

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The Journey: From 2022 to 2024

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Itโ€™s worth revisiting their story. Back in 2022, this team had just started using NowCandidโ€”trained on the system the week of their first military ball event. Despite being completely new to the platform and working under tight deadlines, they pulled in an impressive $16,000 in sales. While those numbers didnโ€™t quite hit the heights of their 2023 and 2024 totals, it was a strong foundation for what was to come.

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For their 2023 and 2024 events, they doubled down on preparation and team strategy, hiring additional staff to support their photographers and improve operational efficiency.

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One of the key moves was more actively promoting selfie check-ins, which not only enhanced the customer experience but also increased the number of photos takenโ€”a direct driver of sales. These refinements pushed them to over $26,000 in sales in 2023 and another stellar year in 2024.

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Looking Ahead to 2025

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With the new Web Dashboard at their fingertips, the Louisiana team is already preparing to take their 2025 military ball to new heights. The Web Dashboard will unlock features that are sure to impress attendees and drive even greater sales:

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  • More Art Overlay Options: Customize event images with exciting designs that attendees will love.
    โ€โ€
  • All-New Retail Site: A sleek, user-friendly interface for clients to browse and purchase their images.
    โ€โ€
  • Upsell Opportunities: Introduce premium options like retouching and diamond gloss print coating to enhance the final product and boost sales.

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Armed with these enhancements, theyโ€™re aiming for even bigger successes in 2025โ€”and we canโ€™t wait to see what they accomplish.

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Military Balls: A Goldmine for Photographers

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This Louisiana teamโ€™s story is a shining example of how profitable military ball events can be. With strategic planning, the right tools, and a little effort, these events can bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.

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If there are military bases in or near your area, we strongly encourage you to seek out these opportunities. Partnering with military organizations for formal events is not only rewarding financially but also a chance to build lasting relationships with a highly engaged audience.

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Tips for Success

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  • Invest in Support Staff: Extra hands help keep the process smooth, from organizing attendees to encouraging selfie check-ins.
    โ€โ€
  • Leverage NowCandid Tools: Our workflows, like Selfie Check-In and advanced offers, make events efficient and client-focused.
    โ€โ€
  • Upsell Smartly: Use premium options like overlays, retouching, and print upgrades to maximize your per-participant revenue.
    โ€โ€
  • Engage Participants Early: Drive excitement and ensure attendees know how to access their photos before and after the event.

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Ready to Capture More Success?

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Military ball events are a prime opportunity to elevate your business, and NowCandid is here to support you every step of the way. If this story inspires you to explore similar opportunities, donโ€™t hesitate to reach out or dive into your local market to find events like these.

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Hereโ€™s to making 2025 your most successful year yet! ๐ŸŽ‰

Letโ€™s get in touch

If youโ€™re a photographer looking to add NowCandid services to your wheelhouse โ€“ set up a call by clicking the button below.

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text

How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich text

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Whatโ€™s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List One
  • List Two
  • List Three
  • List Four
  • List Five

This is a link

This is bold text

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