Community
When the Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Seymour Buds
Why Some Cannabis Creators Are More Influential Than Their Subscriber Counts
In the digital age, popularity is often measured by numbers.
Followers.
Subscribers.
Views.
Likes.
These metrics have become the modern scoreboard for influence. To many observers, the assumption seems simple: bigger numbers mean bigger impact.
But within the cannabis community—particularly in regional scenes across the country—that assumption often falls apart.
Some of the most respected voices in the culture don’t yet have massive social media followings. Their YouTube channels might still be under a thousand subscribers. Their Facebook groups may only hold a few thousand members.
Yet when they walk into a dispensary, attend an event, or collaborate with a grower, everyone seems to know exactly who they are.
This phenomenon highlights an important truth about cannabis media:
Real influence often grows in the community first. The numbers catch up later.
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The Difference Between Influence and Metrics
Algorithms measure activity, not credibility.
Subscriber counts can indicate reach, but they rarely tell the full story of how a creator is perceived within their community. In tightly connected cultures—like cannabis—reputation spreads differently.
Growers talk to other growers.
Budtenders share recommendations with customers.
Consumers pass along trusted opinions to friends.
Before long, a creator’s name begins circulating through conversations long before it ever trends online.
In many ways, cannabis culture still operates through something older than the internet.
Word of mouth.
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A Regional Example: OG Strain
In New York’s Capital Region—commonly known as the 518—one example of this dynamic can be seen in the rising recognition of OG Strain, host of Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis) and contributor to The Plug’s Pages Magazine.
On paper, the numbers might appear modest. His YouTube channel is still climbing toward its first thousand subscribers, and his online communities remain relatively small compared to major cannabis influencers.
Yet within the regional cannabis scene, his name carries a surprising level of familiarity.
Dispensary workers recognize him.
Local growers collaborate with him.
Community members regularly engage with his reviews and commentary.
For those watching from the outside, it can seem puzzling.
How does someone become widely known in a region before the algorithms recognize it?
The answer lies in the way authentic influence develops.
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The Snowball Effect
Influence in niche communities rarely appears overnight. Instead, it tends to build gradually, like a snowball rolling downhill.
It starts small.
A creator shares honest opinions.
They highlight local growers.
They show up to community events.
They collaborate with other voices in the culture.
People begin noticing.
Someone mentions their content to a friend.
A budtender recommends their videos.
A cultivator appreciates the exposure.
Each interaction adds another layer to the snowball.
Over time, that momentum grows.
What started as a small online platform begins developing something far more powerful: trust.
And trust is the most valuable currency any creator can earn.
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Authenticity Travels Faster Than Algorithms
The cannabis community has always valued authenticity.
Consumers quickly recognize when someone is speaking from genuine experience versus chasing trends. Honest reviews, transparent opinions, and visible passion resonate far more deeply than manufactured hype.
Creators who prioritize integrity over quick growth often experience a slower climb online—but a much stronger reputation offline.
When audiences believe a voice is genuine, they talk about it.
They share it.
They remember it.
And slowly, the snowball keeps rolling.
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The Problem With Artificial Numbers
Another factor that often confuses observers is the illusion created by inflated social media metrics.
In today’s digital landscape, it is unfortunately very easy for a creator to purchase subscribers, views, or engagement. Entire industries exist that sell these numbers, allowing brand-new channels to appear far more popular than they truly are.
Sometimes you will see a channel release its very first video and instantly claim tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of views. To someone unfamiliar with how the system works, that may appear impressive.
But within media circles, the reality is widely understood.
Most of the time, those numbers were bought.
Artificial engagement can create the appearance of success, but it rarely builds real audiences or lasting credibility. Purchased views do not create conversations in dispensaries. They do not build trust with growers. And they certainly do not inspire consumers to follow recommendations in real life.
Authentic influence cannot be purchased.
It has to be earned.
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Why Authentic Growth Matters
This is one of the reasons why creators who grow organically often develop stronger communities.
Take the earlier example of OG Strain.
By all accounts, his platform has grown the slow way—the honest way. Every subscriber, every view, and every conversation surrounding his work appears to have been built through real engagement rather than artificial promotion.
Many of the people who follow his content are not just random internet viewers. They are members of the same regional cannabis community—people from the 518 who recognize his presence, appreciate his reviews, and trust his perspective.
That trust carries real weight.
When he recommends a strain, consumers often look for it. When he highlights a brand, people pay attention. When he critiques a product, the feedback is taken seriously.
That level of credibility only develops when audiences believe a creator has nothing to gain by misleading them.
Part of that credibility stems from a simple principle: maintaining independence.
Creators who refuse paid influence—who choose not to accept money in exchange for favorable reviews—protect their ability to speak honestly. They can praise exceptional cannabis when it deserves recognition, and they can call out disappointing products when necessary.
In a market full of marketing noise, that kind of honesty stands out.
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The Algorithm Challenge for Cannabis Creators
Cannabis creators face another obstacle that many other content creators never have to deal with: platform restrictions.
On platforms like YouTube, cannabis-related content is frequently age restricted or limited by moderation systems. When a video receives an age restriction, it is often removed from recommendation feeds, search results, and algorithmic promotion.
In practical terms, that means the platform itself stops helping the content reach new viewers.
For creators producing cannabis education or reviews, this creates a significant barrier to growth.
The majority of OG Strain’s videos fall into this category. Because they feature cannabis discussions, strain reviews, or related topics, many of them become age restricted shortly after upload.
Once that happens, the algorithm largely stops pushing them.
Yet there is an interesting contrast.
On the rare occasions when one of his videos or shorts slips past those restrictions and remains fully visible to the algorithm, the results can be dramatic. Some of those unrestricted clips have climbed toward 50,000 views, demonstrating that the interest clearly exists when the platform allows the content to circulate naturally.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of his age-restricted videos rely on something far older than algorithms to spread.
The community itself.
Followers share the videos directly.
Viewers send links to friends.
People comment, discuss, and pass them along within their own circles.
Once again, word of mouth carries the momentum.
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Four Quarters vs. One Hundred Pennies
Despite these obstacles, OG Strain has continued building his platform with patience and persistence.
He often repeats a saying that he credits to his son:
“I’d rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies.”
The meaning is simple.
Four genuine supporters—people who truly watch, engage, and believe in the work—are worth far more than a hundred fake accounts or inflated metrics.
It is a philosophy that runs counter to the obsession with numbers dominating modern social media.
But within tight-knit communities like cannabis culture, that mindset makes sense.
Real supporters participate in conversations.
They share content organically.
They introduce others to the creator’s work.
Over time, those few genuine quarters begin building something stronger than a pile of hollow pennies.
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Why the Numbers Lag Behind
There are several reasons why digital metrics sometimes trail behind real-world influence.
First, regional communities tend to be smaller and more tightly connected. A creator might become widely recognized within their local scene long before their content reaches broader audiences.
Second, algorithm-driven platforms reward viral moments rather than consistent credibility. A creator building relationships and community engagement may not immediately trigger the same explosive growth as viral entertainment content.
Third, cannabis creators face the added hurdle of moderation systems that restrict how widely their work can be distributed.
Despite those challenges, the audience continues to grow.
And eventually, the algorithms notice.
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When the Numbers Catch Up
History has shown that creators who build authentic foundations often experience a turning point.
One collaboration leads to another.
A video reaches a new audience.
An article gains attention.
Suddenly, the growth curve begins to shift.
The same reputation that spread through conversations and local communities begins expanding across digital platforms.
The snowball reaches the hill.
And once it starts rolling faster, the numbers begin reflecting what the community already knew.
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The Long Game
For cannabis creators building platforms today, the lesson is simple.
Numbers matter—but they are not the entire story.
Influence is built through relationships, credibility, and consistency. It grows through community engagement and shared passion for the plant and the culture surrounding it.
The creators who focus on those foundations may not always see explosive growth in the beginning.
But over time, their impact becomes impossible to ignore.
The snowball keeps rolling.
And eventually, the metrics catch up.
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Because in cannabis culture, real recognition doesn’t start with algorithms.
It starts with the community.
Community
KEEPIN’ EDIBLES YUMMY: THE WOMAN WHO LOOKED AT A PEACH COBBLER AND SAID… “YEAH, WE CAN INFUSE THAT.”
There are two kinds of people at a cannabis event.
The first kind walks around saying, “I’m just gonna look.”
The second kind walks past Key’s table… stops dead in their tracks… stares at an infused peach cobbler like they’ve just seen Bigfoot riding a unicorn… and quietly says,
“Well… there goes my paycheck.”
If you’ve been to a Crisxotics event recently, chances are you’ve already met Key—also known as Keoka, the woman behind Keepin Edibles Yummy. And if you haven’t… don’t worry. Your stomach will eventually lead you there.
I had the chance to spend some time talking with Key after she completely surprised me with one of the most generous gift bags I’ve ever received. I’m talking infused Milky Way bars, Doritos, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, gummies, peach cobbler pie… honestly, the bag looked like Willy Wonka opened a dispensary.
Needless to say, she didn’t have to do that.
But that’s exactly the kind of person she is.
She’s genuine.
She’s passionate.
And she really enjoys making people smile.
That same attitude is exactly what built Keepin Edibles Yummy into what it is today.
Ten Years of Turning Munchies Into Masterpieces
While many vendors only recently entered New York’s cannabis scene, Key has been perfecting her craft for nearly a decade.
She originally started doing product development and manufacturing for another company about ten years ago. As someone who already loved both cannabis and baking, combining the two wasn’t exactly a difficult career decision.
For most people, baking brownies sounds like a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
For Key…
It’s product research.
Over the years she’s helped develop products across New York and even into Massachusetts and Vermont before eventually stepping out on her own.
Ironically, she only started vending events in late 2025.
So while she may seem like “the new girl” behind the table…
She’s actually one of the veterans behind the recipes.
If It Exists… She’ll Probably Infuse It
When I asked what kinds of products she specializes in, Key didn’t hesitate.
Pretty much anything.
Honestly… I believe her.
Looking at her table feels like someone challenged her to walk through a grocery store and answer every item with,
“Yep… I can infuse that.”
Cookies?
Absolutely.
Brownies?
Of course.
Cakes?
Easy.
Candy?
Why not?
Peach cobbler?
Now we’re talking.
In fact, her infused cobblers have become one of her signature creations, and for good reason.
You don’t see infused peach cobblers everywhere.
Actually…
I’ve never seen anyone else doing them.
That’s exactly what makes Keepin Edibles Yummy memorable.
She’s not chasing everyone else’s ideas.
She’s creating her own lane.
More Than Just Getting High
One answer during our interview really stood out to me.
When I asked about memorable customer experiences, she didn’t talk about selling out.
She didn’t brag about potency.
She didn’t tell me how many products she moves.
Instead…
She talked about people finally getting relief.
Customers telling her they got the best sleep they’ve had in weeks.
People saying their bodies finally relaxed.
Those moments matter.
Cannabis isn’t always about getting blasted into another galaxy.
Sometimes it’s simply about finally getting a good night’s sleep.
Helping people feel better is what keeps Key excited about what she does.
And honestly…
That’s probably why customers keep coming back.
Crisxotics Feels Like Family
Ask Key why she enjoys vending at Crisxotics and her answer is simple.
The vibe.
Everyone is relaxed.
Everyone has fun.
Everyone leaves happy.
If you’ve ever attended one of Crisxotics’ events, you already know exactly what she’s talking about.
It feels less like walking into a business expo…
…and more like showing up at the world’s friendliest family reunion where everyone just happens to really appreciate good flower and ridiculously creative edibles.
Looking Ahead
Even after ten years in the cannabis industry, Key isn’t slowing down.
Her dream?
Growing Keepin Edibles Yummy to an even larger scale.
She’s hoping to eventually sell her recipes while continuing to oversee their production and development.
She even joked that she’s looking for investors.
So…
If you’re reading this while sitting on a pile of money wondering what to do with it…
I know somebody who makes a peach cobbler capable of changing your entire afternoon.
Just saying.
Advice Worth Listening To
When asked what advice she’d give someone wanting to enter the cannabis industry, her answer reflected exactly how she’s built her own success.
Start small.
Experiment.
Keep learning.
Find something nobody else is doing…
…then make it your signature.
That advice explains Keepin Edibles Yummy better than anything I could ever write.
She didn’t become memorable by copying everyone else.
She became memorable by becoming impossible to compare.
Final Hit
The cannabis community is filled with incredible growers.
Amazing extract artists.
Talented cultivators.
But every now and then you meet someone who reminds you that cannabis culture isn’t only about what’s in the jar…
Sometimes it’s about what’s coming out of the oven.
Key has spent the last decade combining creativity, experience, and a genuine love for making people happy into a brand that’s become one of the most unique stops at every event she attends.
If you happen to see Keepin Edibles Yummy at an upcoming Crisxotics event, do yourself a favor.
Stop by.
Say hello.
Check out the menu.
And whatever you do…
Don’t convince yourself you’re “just looking.”
Trust me.
That’s exactly how people accidentally leave carrying an infused peach cobbler… and somehow a bag full of snacks they never planned on buying.
Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…
Our social media link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18NoGdsAFa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Community
THE 5 WEEKS THAT DRIVE EVERY GROWER CRAZY! 🌱😳 Why July Is the Most Exciting Month of the Entire Season
There are only two kinds of people in New York during July…
People growing cannabis…
…and people getting tired of hearing about someone else’s cannabis plants.
Let’s be honest. If you’re growing this year, you’ve probably already shown your garden to at least ten people. Maybe twenty. Maybe the UPS driver. Maybe your neighbor who was just trying to check the mail.
“Hey… wanna see my girls?”
Every single grower says it with the same excitement you’d expect from someone showing off a newborn baby.
And you know what?
I absolutely love it.
I’ve had people proudly show me beautiful greenhouse monsters pushing through the roof, and I’ve had first-time growers proudly point at a three-foot plant with six leaves missing because a deer decided to sample the menu.
The funny part?
They’re both equally excited.
Sometimes I look at a beginner’s plant and think, “Well… it’s definitely a plant.” But I would never crush that excitement. Every one of us started somewhere, and that first successful outdoor grow is something you never forget.
That’s what makes July so special.
This is the month when hope is everywhere.
The hard work is mostly done. The plants are established. They’ve survived storms, bugs, hungry animals, curious neighbors, and hopefully a few overenthusiastic watering sessions.
Now everyone is waiting for the same thing.
The show.
Here in New York, most outdoor photoperiod plants begin revealing their first white pistils—the little hairs that appear at the nodes, right between the branches—during the first or second week of August. That’s Mother Nature flipping the switch from “grow bigger” to “let’s make flowers.”
Once that happens, the countdown begins.
Most strains need roughly 8 to 10 weeks to fully mature after flowering starts. For many New York growers, that usually puts harvest somewhere between October 15 and October 21, depending on the cultivar and the weather.
And here’s where patience separates good flower from unforgettable flower.
Every grower knows how tempting it is to chop early.
You walk outside every morning thinking…
“They look done.”
Then two days later…
“Okay… NOW they’re done.”
Then another week passes, and suddenly your buds have swollen, the aroma has intensified, and the trichomes seem to have multiplied overnight.
That’s why so many experienced growers pray for one thing every October…
A late frost.
That final week can make an incredible difference. Those extra days often allow the flowers to bulk up, the trichomes to mature, and the terpene profile to fully develop. Sometimes the difference between “pretty good” and “OH… MY… GOODNESS…” is simply giving the plant one more week when the weather cooperates.
Greenhouse growers get a little bonus here.
If temperatures only dip to around 31–32°F (-0.5 to 0°C) for a light overnight frost, a covered greenhouse can often protect plants well enough to squeeze out those extra precious days. It’s not a guarantee, but sometimes that little bit of protection is all you need to cross the finish line.
Of course, Mother Nature always has the final vote.
If a hard freeze is coming, don’t gamble your entire crop trying to squeeze out another couple of days. Harvesting around October 15 can still produce excellent cannabis. It’s when growers start chopping significantly earlier than that—before the flowers have had enough time to mature—that I’ve personally seen plants come out looking and smoking a little underdeveloped.
But let’s not rush ahead.
We’re still in July.
This is the fun part.
This is the month of backyard inspections, daily photo updates, endless conversations about nutrients, and that one friend who somehow measures his plants every afternoon like they’re children at the doctor’s office.
It’s the season where every grower becomes an amateur meteorologist, checking five different weather apps while somehow trusting none of them.
Sunny? Great.
Rain? We’ll manage.
Wind? Tie them down.
Frost in July? Okay… now somebody’s lying.
Whether this is your very first outdoor grow or your twentieth season chasing the perfect harvest, take a second to appreciate this part of the journey.
Because before you know it, you’ll be trimming until your fingers stick together, wondering why you ever thought growing one more plant was a good idea.
So enjoy the excitement.
Take pictures.
Show off your garden.
Celebrate every inch of growth.
And if Mother Nature is listening…
Let’s all say it together.
Dear Weather… please give New York one nice, late frost this year.
Our trichomes would sincerely appreciate it.
Community
THIS ISN’T JUST A FESTIVAL… IT’S A WHOLE CANNABIS CITY IN THE PINES | Summer High Fest Is About to Change NY Forever
Let me paint you a picture real quick…
It’s summer 2026 in New York. You’re not stuck on your couch scrolling through the same 12 people arguing in comment sections. You’re not watching someone else “live life” through a phone screen. You’re somewhere different.
You’re under the pines. Music is hitting from two stages. The air smells like food trucks, creativity, and maybe a little something sticky from the BudStock side of the world. Somewhere in the distance, someone just won the Home Growers Championship and is acting like they just got drafted into the NBA.
Welcome to Summer High Fest.
And according to Woodz Treez, this isn’t just another cannabis event trying to slap a logo on a flyer and call it culture. This is something built from the ground up with intention, experience, and a little bit of “we’re tired of waiting for someone else to do it right, so we did it ourselves.”
THREE EVENTS. ONE WEEKEND. ZERO CHILL.
Summer High Fest is not playing small.
2026 marks the first-ever Summer High Festival, but don’t get it twisted—this thing is built on serious foundation:
Summer High Music Festival (Year 1)
BudStock Cannabis Convention (Year 4)
The Home Growers Championship (Year 3)
So what you’re really getting is not one event… but three communities colliding into one giant weekend experience.
And yes—there are designated 21+ cannabis areas, but there’s also something you don’t see enough in this space: a family-friendly festival atmosphere outside those zones. Music, art, camping, food, vendors, workshops… the whole spectrum.
In other words: if you can’t find something to enjoy here, you might just be the problem.
WHY THIS WAS BUILT (AND WHY IT MATTERS)
Woodz Treez made one thing very clear in his interview: this didn’t come from a trend. It came from necessity.
After helping build festival experiences at another venue that eventually shifted, the vision didn’t die—it evolved.
Instead of folding it, they rebuilt it stronger.
And the mission stayed the same:
A safe, welcoming space where music lovers, artists, growers, cannabis enthusiasts, families, and first-time festival goers can exist together without chaos, ego, or division.
That’s a rare sentence in 2026.
WHAT YOU’RE WALKING INTO
If you pull up to Summer High, here’s what hits you first:
It’s the energy.
Not forced. Not corporate. Not “please clap for our brand activation.”
Just people.
Then everything else stacks on top:
75+ artists across two stages
Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae, EDM, Bass and live bands
EDM until 4AM
Live painters and artists
Laser shows and immersive visuals
Food vendors
Vendor village
Camping beneath the pines
Educational cannabis programming
21+ giveaways all weekend
And somewhere in the middle of all that… you’ll probably realize you just met five strangers who now feel like old friends.
That’s the point.
THE VENDORS AREN’T AN AFTERTHOUGHT
One thing that separates Summer High from the “pop-up and pray” events is the lineup of real community businesses involved.
Cannabis vendors include:
Ganja Pigs
Frost Kingz
Kine Buds
Highly Baked
Fatboyy Cannabis
Bucket Of Budz
Prada Pax
Squids
Mini Mart
Central Oddities
Best Budz
Woodz Treez
Food vendors include Uncle Mitch Munchies, High Hillz Hotdogs, Mrs. Sweets Bake Shoppe, Cosmic Creations, Food For The Homies and The Grovelink.
Artists and creators include Mushroom Girl, Do Not Feed The Art, Ashley In Wonderland, BDA, Crown City Curiosities, Rei Of Light, The LotShop and many more.
Even better, the lineup is still growing.
A LITTLE INSIDER TIP FROM OG STRAIN…
Since you’re already reading The Plug’s Pages, here’s something special.
Woodz Treez told me they’ll be representing at Summer High Fest all weekend.
If you stop by their booth, make a purchase, and mention that you read this article or simply tell them, “OG Strain sent me,” don’t be surprised if they show you a little extra love.
And while you’re there, don’t just walk away with your purchase.
Woodz Treez is planning to have a bong set up at their booth for adults in the designated 21+ area, so stop by, take a hit with the crew, and let them know OG Strain sent you. It’s a great excuse to meet the team, hang out for a minute, and become part of the Summer High experience.
I’m not going to spoil exactly what that “extra love” might be—that’s between you and them.
Maybe it’s something extra.
Maybe it’s a surprise.
Maybe it’s just some VIP treatment.
The only way to find out… is to walk over, take a rip, and say those magic words.
Then come find me later and tell me what happened.
WHY YOU SHOULD SHOW UP (AND NOT JUST “THINK ABOUT IT”)
Woodz said it perfectly.
This isn’t about spending another weekend staring at a screen.
It’s about disconnecting from everyday life and reconnecting with people.
Camping.
Music.
Art.
Cannabis education.
Great food.
Late-night sets.
Meaningful conversations.
Whether you arrive with twenty friends or by yourself, you’re walking into a community that wants you there.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT?
Most cannabis events focus on one lane.
Summer High combines them all.
A cannabis convention.
A growers championship.
A music festival.
An art festival.
A camping experience.
A community gathering.
Instead of choosing one culture, Summer High brings them together into one unforgettable weekend.
That’s what makes it different.
LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS
Just so nobody accidentally skips this part…
🎶 75+ Artists including THE BASEMENT CHRONICLES
🎺 Sophistafunk
🎤 Mula Monopoly
🎸 Sacred Medicine
🔥 Broken Harmony Syndicate
🔊 EDM Until 4AM
🎨 Live Art
✨ Lasers & Visuals
🍔 Amazing Food Vendors
🛍️ Vendor Village
And according to Woodz Treez…
They’re not done announcing surprises yet.
TICKETS
Use Promo Code:
SUMMER50
Offer ends July 4 at 11:59 PM.
Tickets are available online through the Summer High Festival ticket page.
FOLLOW THE FESTIVAL
For updates, announcements, camping information, vendors and everything else, visit the official Summer High website and keep an eye on Woodz Treez’s social media pages as they continue posting updates leading up to the event.
FINAL WORD
There was one sentence from the interview that really stuck with me:
“Summer High isn’t just a festival—it’s a community.”
People throw that word around a lot.
Community.
But after reading everything they’re building, it doesn’t sound like marketing.
It sounds genuine.
Music.
Cannabis.
Art.
Camping.
Education.
Families.
Growers.
Creators.
Everyone sharing one unforgettable weekend beneath the pines.
If Summer High delivers on everything they’re promising, this won’t just be another event on the calendar.
It’ll be the one people spend the next year talking about.
And if you decide to stay home…
Don’t blame me when your friends won’t stop telling stories about everything you missed.
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