Slack api send message jobs

I need a striking and insightful billboard design to feature my Scalp Micropigmentation business. The design should include: - Incorporation of our specific business colours, reflecting our unique brand. - Grey #282828 - Gold #c59460 - White #ffffff - Header Font - DM Serif Display (Google font) - Body Font - Quicksand (Google font) - Dimensions of 400cm X 300cm with ...Most importantly, before and after treatment images to showcase the benefits achieved (attached) Ideal freelancers would have expertise in graphic design, specifically for billboard advertising. Knowledge and understanding of Scalp Micropigmentation will be an advantage. A highly seasoned designer with a good grasp on brand identity and a knack for visual storytelling is key to getting the message...

I need a logo for my company, The Royal Guardian, that communicates trust and reliability. The primary color I'd like to see in the design is blue, but feel free to use other colors as accents. Key Specifications: - Company Name: The Royal Guardian - Primary Message: Trust and Reliability - Preferred Color: Blue

Please develop a Python script to retrieve restaurant data from Google Maps using the Maps/Places API. The script should specifically target restaurants that have a phone number but *without* a website. The inputs I need to enter are: - Location (latitude and longitude) - Search Radius (meters) - Restaurant Type (including catch all types in the "Food and Drink" category) Key Data to Retrieve, output in a .CSV: - Name - Address - Phone Number - Google Maps URL Ideal skillset: - Proficient in Python - Strong experience with Google Maps/Places API - Ability to deliver results promptly and efficiently - Attention to detail to ensure accurate data retrieval

I'm in need of a developer familiar with Google Maps API to create an interactive map feature for my website. This map should allow users to enter their street address. Once done, it should show an aerial image of their house and give an estimate of the square footage of the landscape without structures. Key requirements: - Users should be able to directly input their street address on the website to obtain the aerial image and square footage estimate. - The map should be interactive, but only for viewing purposes. No advanced interactions like drawing or area selection are needed. Ideal skills and experience: - Proficient in Google Maps API and integrating it into websites. - Experience in developing interactive elements on websites. - Strong understanding of front-en...

We have a laravel web API for a native mobile frontend. We need some fixes completed. Our code is stored on bitbucket currently.

...for a drawing. I have attached a couple of pictures to this message and have included my logo. This will be going on a white tee shirt. I would like it to be full of vibrant popping colors. I would like an old man sitting in the morning smoing a cigar, finishing his cup of coffee remebering his past love, a beautiful woman that he worked with at a cigar factory. The woman in his remberance would be rolling a cigar on her leg. I would like the memory to be coming out of the smoke that he is blowing out. I would like either burlop bags of coffee by his rocking chair with a coffee cup on it or on a barrel or rock or stool, something of that nature. I would like the background to be similar to the example picture i attached to this message. Mountains, clouds, birds, etc. I wou...

I have a design prepared for an app I'm developing and I'm in need of a skilled Flutter developer who is a BLoC expert. The main features of the app will include user authentication, push notifications, and in-app purchases. In addition, the app will need to integrate with external APIs. Key requirements: - Proficiency in Flutter - Expertise in BLoC pattern - Prior experienc...and I'm in need of a skilled Flutter developer who is a BLoC expert. The main features of the app will include user authentication, push notifications, and in-app purchases. In addition, the app will need to integrate with external APIs. Key requirements: - Proficiency in Flutter - Expertise in BLoC pattern - Prior experience with user authentication, push notification, in-app purchases - Strong A...

I am looking for a skilled freelancer to help me compile personalized information from a list of 400 Link...completed spreadsheet with the extracted information for all 400 prospects. - The information should be concise, relevant, and suitable for use in a personalized outreach message. *Opportunity for ongoing work. Skills Required: - Attention to detail - Strong research skills - Familiarity with LinkedIn - Excellent written communication Timeline: The project needs to be completed ASAP. Budget: Please provide your rate and total cost for completing this project. To Apply: Submit your proposal with a brief description of your experience with similar projects. Include an example of how you would personalize a message based on a LinkedIn profile. Looking forward to ...

I am seeking an experienced developer to build a web-based Forex trading platform. Key Features Required: - Client Trading - Integration of Trading View API Since the creation of live charts is a crucial part of this project, the ideal candidate will have strong experience in generating and embedding such tools in web platforms. Knowledge working with Trading View API is a must. The end goal is a well-designed, highly functional web-based trading platform that allows seamless Forex trading. If you have a prior portfolio in creating trading platforms, I would be more interested to review and discuss.

Look...includes choosing appropriate vocabulary, phrasing, and expressions that are familiar and natural to French speakers. Your job will involve adjusting the tone of the content to match the expectations and sensibilities of French-speaking learners. Whether it's making the language more formal or informal, friendly or authoritative, you'll need to strike the right balance to effectively convey the message. You'll be responsible for selecting examples that are relevant and relatable to French-speaking audiences, taking into account cultural references, contexts, and preferences. Experience that has been shown to be successful in translation and localization, especially in educational or academic settings, displaying your capacity to approach difficult subjects w...

...an experienced developer to create a custom API for the Quotex trading broker using Python. Specifically, I am looking for someone who has expertise in API development. The API should have the following features: - Real-time market data streaming - Trade execution - Account balance retrieval - Comprehensive error handling with detailed error messages - High-performance optimization for fast execution - API calls should be fast Ideal skills for this project include: - Deep understanding of Python - Experience in designing and developing APIs - Background in trading platforms or financial services - Strong problem-solving skills - Ability to optimize for high performance Your primary goal will be to produce a reliable, error-free, and fast API that ...

...sendMessageToClaudeChatbot(message) { this.Claude_question = "Claude Question"; const anthropic = new Anthropic({ apiKey: process.env.CLAUDE_COLAB, }); (anthropic); const anthropic_message = await ({ // mode: "no-cors", max_tokens: 1024, messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello, Claude" }], model: "claude-3-opus-20240229", }); this.Claude_answer = ; (); try { const response = await ( this.Claude_question ); = ; } catch (error) { this.Claude_answer(error); ("Error sending message:", error);

Overview: We are looking for a skilled Golang Developer to join our team for a betting app project. The app is partially built, so you will be working on integrating various features into the existing project. Requirements: Strong knowledge and experience in Golang Experience with sport betting apps Familiarity with bet API integration, order submission, and KYC integration Hosting into Google Cloud Nice to Have: Flutter skills (not mandatory) Project Details: You will be working on an existing project, not from scratch Long-term collaboration expected (a few months) How to Apply: Start your bid with "golang+flutter" to show you've read the job post. Great opportunity for long-term collaboration!

Hello, how are you, I have a very easy task in Angular for someone who knows about NgRx. popular a select to make the call to an api (store). It's angular 15 and you have to know about actions, reducers, effects, and everything about NgRx. This should take 1-2 hours and my budget is $14. If you complete it there will be more tasks later. Write the word ragnar to know you read this. Thank you.

Looking for an experienced professional who can help me with the Karate Framework and WebDriver IO with TypeScript. Your main tasks will be to: - Support me in API testing using the Karate Framework - Assist in validating response codes - Ensure data accuracy in the response body - Aid in testing API endpoint security The ideal freelancer should have a strong background and understanding of the Karate Framework and WebDriver IO with TypeScript. A good appreciation of API testing is a must, while experience in security testing will be a bonus. Kindly get in touch with me if this resonates with you. The payment is generous, with the budget extending to 40K/month. Please, do not contact me if you do not meet the above stipulations.

Create a bright and bold 12' x 40' billboard to effectively promote our B2B Virtual Assistant service. This design should turn heads, deliver a clear message, and drive results! Use the below information to craft the best billboard you can do! You may utilize some of the copy provided or create your own copy based on the information provided. Company/Service Information: • We are a US-based staffing agency that provides Virtual Assistant Services to micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. • Our Virtual Assistants come from all over the world. • We have been in business for more than a decade. Our services: • Admin Support • Business Support • Marketing Support • Technical Support Industries we serve: • Constructi...

I'm currently in search of a seasoned Django developer to assist me in integrating our project with Stripe's API. This is a crucial element of our application, and I'm looking for someone with a proven track record in this specific area. Key Responsibilities: - Develop a seamless, secure and efficient integration with Stripe's API - Ensure the integration is scalable and can handle a growing user base - Regularly test and monitor the integration to ensure its reliability and performance Skills and Experience: - Extensive experience working with Django, particularly on API integrations - Proven expertise in integrating applications with third-party APIs, with a particular focus on Stripe being highly desirable - Strong understanding of security pr...

I'm looking for a ready-made ERP cloud accounting system like that offers these key features: - Inventory Management - Sales and Purchase Tracking - Financial Reporting I'm specifically seeking a system that has a: - Modern and sleek design I plan to integrate this ERP system with other software via API. Ideal Skills and Experience: - Experience with ERP cloud accounting system development - Proficiency in UI/UX designing - Proven ability in API integration with other tools - Familiarity with inventory management, sales tracking, and financial reporting systems. I want similar to

Create API for App developer integrate. Estimated 2-3 API only.

I would like a script/bot or whatever it takes to accomplish this. I would like a pre-determined message automatically posted to a Skype group when either of two specific web pages is updated. I can give you the specific website in a private message. Ideal Skills and Experience: - Proficiency in automation tools and technologies, especially for Skype - Previous experience in setting up systems that trigger messages based on website activities - Strong communication skills to understand the specifics of my project and implement it effectively If you have experience with similar projects and the skills to take this on, please get in touch.

I'm in need of a simple Android application that's centered around offline data storage. Consider it an offline simplified Instagram app: Dashboard gallery - has a + button that creates a post (see screenshot) - displays rows of 5 thumbnails (similar to Instagram) (see screenshot) Post A post can take 3 forms: - static weight text (ie. 71.3, ^0.5...gallery adds a thumbnail of today's date before adding the actual post (see screenshot) Post condition static weight text - If the weight is equal to the previous logged weight (or if it is the first weight), give it an orange background color (see screenshot) - If the weight is lower than the previous logged weight, give it a green background color (see screenshot) Additional requirement - Android API level 34 - githu...

I'm looking for a skilled developer proficient in for front-end development of my website. This project will be heavily involved with API calls, as well as integrating a number of unique features. Key Requirements: - User Authentication - Responsive Design - Implementation of multiple pages - Working with AI APIs - Multiple backend Custom API calls - HTML Visual Editor Aesthetically speaking, I prefer a clean and minimalist design. At this time, there is no need for third-party service integrations. Ideal Skills: - Experience in - Strong understanding of API integration - Ability to incorporate responsive design - Experience with HTML Visual Editors - Ability to build interactive web apps, with interactive editors similar to that available on and Look...

We are in search of a skilled software integrator to help me integrate my personal deployment system with an IA/Chatgpt API. This project involves building and implementing a chatbot that's capable of: - Natural language processing: The chatbot should be able to understand and interpret human language, not just in a literal sense, but also in context. - Chatbot functionality: The chatbot should have the capacity to engage in meaningful conversations with users, along with the ability to learn and adapt over time. - Question and Answers: The chatbot should be able to provide answers to frequently asked questions and find relevant answers from PDF files content. Experience and Skills: - Strong understanding of natural language processing - Previous experience with developing ch...

...Key Features (I have API from CoinStats for these): - Real-time Price Updates: The dashboard should provide real-time updates on the prices of various cryptocurrencies. - Portfolio Balance Overview: I need to have a clear overview of my overall portfolio balance. - Transaction History Tracking: This feature will allow me to keep track of all my transactions in the crypto market. Additional Pages: - Indicator Tracking: An essential feature that should provide insights into various indicators for informed decision-making. - Project Launch Tracking: I want a dedicated page for tracking upcoming crypto projects that are yet to be launched. I will add the projects manually. - Watchlists: The dashboard should allow me to track Bitcoin, Ethereum, and various Altcoins. (API fr...

I'm seeking a Python developer experienced with web scraping. This job involves setting up a Python script that can scrape a popular review site. Key details to extract: - Review text - Star rating - Date of revi...Star-ratings for sub-categories - Review ID - Reviewed person - Reviewed product name The site does not use captchas, so it should be reasonably straightforward. All reviews for a given provider should be scraped. It would be good to have an option to start with the newest and stop at a certain date. The specific review site can be seen in the sample URL in the attached PDF. I can send further details in a private message including screenshots. Preferred frameworks would be Beautifoulsoup 4 / Scrapy if sufficient and Selenium otherwise. Please state whic...

I'm seeking an adept designer to create an engaging PowerPoint presentation for my business plan. The presentation will incorporate a Corporate and Professional style, which I believe will make the content more compelling. The structure of the presentation will be oriented around outlining a problem,...outlining a problem, proposing a solution, and discussing benefits. To succeed on this project: - You should be skilled in creating visually attractive, easy-to-follow PowerPoint presentations, preferably with a background in creating business plans or similar - A creative yet professional approach to deliver content - Ability to deliver a Corporate and Professional design without losing the core message If you have these skills and can deliver high-quality work, I'd lo...

...app will be for the photography service will provide photos of the apartment house or property. The photo app will have the following main functionalities: - Setting up a photo shoot job - Selection of a suitable photo shoot date - Selection of additional photo shoot services - Short-term storage of photos - Allowing the real estate agent to download the resulting photos via API - Everyone will see the photos they have permission to. He will be able to filter and sort them on a basic basis - Photographer rating system System users: - Broker ◦ Establishes a request for a photo shoot ◦ Selects the date and service ◦ Sees his orders including the resulting photos ◦ Evaluates - Photographer ◦ Sees assigne...

I am in need of an interactive affiliates page for my website that showcases sister radio stations globally. This page should have a map with icon markers pinpointing station locations, a search feature to find stations by name or zip code, and a list of station names accompanied by location information. Map should allow zoom and ...email, phone number, or website link for users to connect with the stations. I am seeking a skilled web developer who has experience in creating interactive maps, incorporating search functions, and structuring user-friendly affiliate pages. The ideal candidate should be proficient in front-end development, JavaScript, and have previous experience working with mapping libraries like Google Maps API. A strong eye for design and user experience is a defi...

As discussed, this includes the following - 1. Automated trading functionality in excel using the TWS API 2. Customization of entry and any other rules post discussion 3. Python codes 4. Deployment support and 2-weeks support for smooth operation

I'm seeking a professional who can create and manage a LinkedIn marketing campaign for my AI solution company, Smoomer AI. *** If interested, send me a sample LinkedIn marketing plan for review. *** This campaign's goals are to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive traffic to our website, smoomer.com. It is specifically targeted at Disability Law Firms. I will be using CloselyHQ () to manage this campaign. Familiarity with this platform is a huge advantage. The main message we want to convey to this audience is our expertise in AI solutions that can benefit and improve their operations. This should be done in a way that resonates with them, highlighting how our solutions can address their specific needs and challenges. Ideal skills and experience...

I'm a proud owner of 'Heartland Farms', an agriculture business that focuses on growing fruits and vegetables for both local and export markets. In need of a logo design that communicates the authenticity and sustainability of our products. Key points: - Logo Theme: It should reflect our business as an agriculture company. - Message: The logo needs to convey authenticity and sustainability. - Design: Simple yet effective, avoiding overly complex or ornate designs. - Color Scheme: Earthy, natural hues would work best. - Can incorporate an illustration of agriculture or farming Ideal Skills and Experience: - Experience in designing logos for agricultural or sustainability-focused brands. - Demonstrable portfolio of simple yet effective logo designs. - Ability to cap...

...(transmail) email automation, Zendesk and MailerLite Log-in: Site, Google & Facebook Domain name: Ionos (SSL) **THIRD PARTY APPS** These have been integrated: -Contabo or AWS server -AWS email -Braintree -PayPal -AWS email automation (all membership emails, notifications, requested reminders etc) -Zendesk (set up by Zendesk specialist in conjunction with web developer; API, macros, articles) -MailerLite (API syncing members for company newsletter) -Admin panel (custom) -Google Developer -Apple Developer -Facebook Developer -Userway (ADA) plug in -A few plug-ins text formatting etc. You will be required to sign an NDA. Chosen developer company will sign a monthly Service Agreement. This project is for hire. Completed project is our intellectual pr...

I'm in need of a talented designer to create a unique and catchy mascot for my brand. This mascot is vital for engaging with my audience and conveying the right message about my brand. Key Requirements: - Mascot Design: I need a distinctive donkey mascot design that's both attention-grabbing and memorable. It should be versatile enough to be used in various digital and print media. - Personality: The mascot should embody anger and rage, in a way that is still engaging. -The mascot design must be 100% original from scratch clip art is not acceptable! -The mascot must be rendered in Adobe illustratior Including all source file. -must have full commercial rights image will be copyrighted by us Ideal Freelancer: - Experience in mascot design, particularly with animal charact...

I'm looking for a Google Ads expert to help me increase leads for my car rental business, specifically targeting local customers. Key Requirements: - Proven experience in running successful lead generation campaigns on Google Ads - Strong understanding of loca...local SEO and how to target customers in my area - Experience in the car rental or automotive industry would be a plus Your main task will be to create and optimize Google ads that will drive potential customers to our website, where they can learn more about our services and hopefully convert into leads. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring we're reaching the right audience with the right message. In your bid, please outline your previous experience with similar campaigns and how you plan to approach th...

... I'm in need of an experienced individual/team that can help me with promoting a product/service through email marketing. The service should cater to a target audience consisting mainly of Non-Resident Indians, Indian corporates, and Businessmen. Key Requirements: - Conduct email blasts to a list of 10,000 - 50,000 recipients in 2-3 campaigns through their own server and domain - Tailor the message to resonate with the target audience - Ensure the email is designed to optimize open and conversion rates - Monitor and report on the performance of the campaign -Want a report of bounced mail, not delivered, delivered, and opened. - Also, want the final list of delivered emails so that we can use it in the future also i.e want the list of clear mail/valid mail Ideal Skills a...

I'm in need of an experienced ASTPP/Freeswitch developer to create an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for my project. The primary goal of this IVR system is to Play a pre-recorded message when a customer calls a DID, then route the call according to any routing rules configured on the dialplan. This means that the system needs to be designed to handle customer queries and direct calls to the appropriate department. Ideal Skills: - Proficient in ASTPP/Freeswitch - Experience in IVR system development - Strong understanding of customer support processes - Ability to design system for call routing The project is expected to be completed within a reasonable timeframe. A successful candidate will be able to understand the nuanced requirements of the system and develop ...

I am seeking a skilled PHP developer to assist with my project. Core tasks revolve around using CodeIgniter to develop an efficient User management system and a Custom API. Key Skills: - Proficient in PHP - Proven experience with CodeIgniter framework - Excellent in API development Other Responsibilities: - It's a requirement to integrate this project with external systems or APIs. Therefore, a successful candidate should be competent in API integration. Please, only apply if you possess the relevant skills and experiences.

I am seeking an experienced Full Stack Developer with proficiency in Springboot and Angular to create an impactful website with a REST API. The primary aim of the project is to provide a platform that assists employees in managing workplace shift. Key features required are: 1. E-commerce functionalities: The website will be more than a basic informational tool. It will include capabilities such as listing businessmen on call and posting guards for the workplace. Proficiency in creating robust e-commerce platforms is desirable. 2. Inclusive Database: The platform should be capable of maintaining a database for recorded guards. Experience in backend database development is vital for this role. 3. User Authentication System: The website should provide a secure username and passwor...

I'm in search of professional Sveltekit deve...components. - Integration: The components you create will need to be integrated with existing APIs. Skills and Experience: - Proficiency in Sveltekit: You should have a strong command of Sveltekit and experience developing custom web components. - UI/UX Design Understanding: While the design style is set, an eye for good UI/UX practices is appreciated for the development of functional components. - API Integration: Experience with integrating web components with APIs will be crucial for this project. I have attached an AI generated dashboard that meets our style and color scheme requirements for you. This project offers an exciting opportunity to work on a cutting-edge SaaS platform, and we look forward to seeing your portfoli...

I have a specific PDF file that I need to convert to React-pdf. Key requirements: - Convert a specific PDF file to React-pdf: I have a particular PDF file that needs to be converted to React-pdf format. Ideal skills and experience for the job: - Proficient in React: You should have a strong command of React, particularly...with PDF manipulation: Prior experience in converting PDF files to other formats, particularly in the context of web development, will be beneficial. - Familiarity with image retention in PDF conversions: Experience in preserving images during PDF conversions, especially in the context of React-pdf, will be a significant advantage. When bidding, please send me the works (e.g github) you have done with or your message will be ignored. Thank you!

...Design Inspiration 1. 2. 3. 4. These examples will serve as benchmarks to ensure the presentation meets high standards of visual appeal and effectiveness....

Full Stack .NET Core Developer Needed to develop our whats app api platform A basic requirement is that he has previously worked on the WhatsApp API platform. I can review it before starting work

I need a mobile app developer for android devices only. for more details send message. please serious developers only that has experience in developing mobile apps. share your offer with details please.

...animation - Prior experience in creating promotional content - Understanding of adult audience preferences and visual aesthetics - Ability to deliver high-quality work within a specified timeframe If you have a portfolio that showcases your previous 3D promotional videos, that would be an additional asset. I'm looking to hire someone who can deliver exceptional quality and drive the promotional message effectively. Workflow: In the video, we need wall with maybe 20 lockers like in an office. All lockers have a number and a qr code. That is also a small green or red light visible with 5 mm diameter (available or occupied) The user open the app in the phone and scans the q r code Of an available locker with a green light. He Press the bottom lock in the app, Opens The d...

I'm in need of a skilled audio engineer who can help me with sound editing, mixing, and mastering for my car show. The estimated duration of this project is less than 1 hour. Key Responsibilities: - Sound Editing: You will be required to edit the recorded audio to ensure it aligns with the feel and message of the car show. - Mixing and Mastering: Your role will also involve mixing different audio elements and mastering the final product to ensure it's of professional quality. Ideal Candidate: - Extensive experience in sound editing, mixing, and mastering. - Familiarity with the car show genre or a willingness to learn about it. - Ability to complete the project in a timely manner. Looking forward to working with a competent professional who can elevate the audio quality...

I need a skilled writer to paraphrase an article originally generated using AI. The current version of the article is being flagged as 100% AI-generated by various AI detection tools. Your task will be to rewrite the content in a way that ensures it passes AI detection checks, while maintaining the original meaning and quality. Requi...maintain the original context and intent of the article Experience with AI detection tools is a plus Deliverables: A paraphrased version of the article that can pass AI detection checks The final text will be evaluated using Turnitin to ensure compliance Special Note: Freelancer.com does not allow projects to be posted for less than INR 600. If anyone is willing to do it for a cheaper rate, please message me directly or write amount in proposal de...

Warning: This project is for advanced developers. Those that can read complex code structures - I mean it. You must be able to understand ReactJS but also understand a large existing project with little help from me. We're looking for a full-time programmer who is hard working, honest, and enj...experience do you have? Read this job description carefully, as it serves as an indicator to me if you pay attention to detail. The project consists of connecting to a Drupal project via REST endpoints. We're saving data to the PWA using IndexedDB, encrypting sensitive data, and by default refreshing the UI only when there's new data via push notifications (which come from the server using Web Push API), we're also using Android to load the PWA. Is this something you&#...

I am an MBA student in need of a dedicated and skilled freelancer to assist with the second part of my Scientific Research Methods assignment. I received a zero on the first part because the AI usage was detected at 82%. Therefore, it is crucial that this work is completed...communicate and discuss details privately Details: The project involves complex topics within Scientific Research Methods and requires a deep understanding of the subject matter. More specific information about the project and requirements will be provided once we've connected. How to Apply: If you have the necessary skills and commitment to help me succeed with this assignment, please send me a message with: - Experience with similar projects - Relevant samples of your work I look forward to c...

I'm seeking a skilled developer to integrate the stock of my WooCommerce website with a Warehouse Management System via API. Key Requirements: - Integration: Develop a seamless connection between my WooCommerce store and a Warehouse Management System. - Frequency: Implement stock level updates from the API to WooCommerce once a day. Ideal Skills & Experience: - Proficient in WooCommerce and WordPress API - Experience with integrating external systems, particularly Warehouse Management Systems - Strong understanding of real-time data updates - Ability to write efficient, secure and scalable code - Good communication skills to ensure successful integration and project completion I have a few files and documents from the warehouse which I can share with you....

I'm seeking a designer skilled in crafting logo...sense of professionalism, so the design must align with this core message. - It will be used across a variety of mediums, hence the need for vectorization. - While the specifics of the project's use are not yet finalized, it may see implementation on both online platforms and print materials. Ideal Qualifications: - Prior experience in logo design, particularly with a focus on iconography and conveying specific messages through design. - Proficiency in vectorization to ensure the logo is adaptable and scalable for various purposes. - Strong creativity and an ability to balance the desired professionalism with a creative touch. We look forward to your creative input and a design that perfectly encapsulates the mess...