Today, I cover several updates, including my first beta test of the Poshmark QR shipping code, thoughts on the Yale course on the science of well-being (aka the "happiness course"), The Poshmark Guide audiobook and a tech tip of the week. More at www.bemovingforward.com.
Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
October 2022 updates
Poshmark QR code shipping
Last week, I covered several Poshmark updates, including shipping by QR code. For more on this, check out MF 403. As an addendum, I can report back on the feature. Shortly after the episode aired, I got access to QR code shipping and decided to switch it on and try it out. On Sunday, we got a Poshmark order and sure enough, I saw the QR code pop up on both the app and in a confirmation email. Thus, I can confirm that in order to use the ship by QR code, you must have it switched on in your shipping label preferences before a sale.
[UPDATE: Poshmark now has a link for QR code access even if you have your shipping preferences set to label]
Another aspect is that there is still a link available to download shipping labels so you're not stuck once you switch to ship by QR code.
For safety, I went ahead and downloaded the label and affixed to the box, which I took to a USPS location with a 24-7 self-serve kiosk and package tumbler. However, when I tried to scan the QR code at the kiosk, it didn't take. As it turns out, the kiosk scanner only works on pre-printed label bar codes for shipping confirmation.
So, if you decide to try out the QR code, for now at least, you're limited to standard USPS office hours as you must have an associate scan it for you. Another consideration is that if you have multiple packages to ship out, you'll need to be extra diligent in keeping them organized so as not to mix up codes and shipments. One simple way to do this would be to write down the specific order number or the @Poshmark_username of the buyer on the box.
Overall, the ship by QR code is a nice to have option, especially for one-offs and if you're in a pinch and don't have access to a printer or suddenly run out of paper and ink. Just remember, you have to set it as a preference before using it for a sale. It's also worth repeating that you have a failsafe to print out the label with an accompanying link just in case you need to ship and confirm during off-hours.
Poshmark audiobook
As a quick update on this, I've started recording the audio version of the first chapters of The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses. As briefly mentioned on a prior episode, I had a tricky knot to work out when it came to translating this to audiobook, which I finally found a work-around for. I'll devote a fuller episode to discuss in detail later. For now, I anticipate having the audiobook completed by late December or early 2023. I'll keep you updated on that as appropriate.
In the meantime, you can learn more about Poshmark in my book: The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses, which is available in paperback and for Kindle.
Yale's Science of Well Being course (aka the "happiness course")
On MF 399, I talked about starting Yale's online Science of Well Being course, aka the "happiness course." I'm at the final stretch with week 10 as I record / write this. The last four weeks are mostly devoted to a rewirement challenge, in which the students choose one of the techniques covered in class on increasing well being or happiness. For my rewirement challenge, I've chosen "gratitude," which involves a commitment to write a gratitude journal every day for four weeks; listing five things I'm grateful for on each of those days.
So far, the challenge has been interesting and beneficial. Taking time out to devote to contemplating and writing down what I'm grateful for has helped with my overall mood. In the beginning it felt unnatural to think about, much less write down, five things I'm grateful for each day. Now, it's becoming more organic and I appreciate being proactive about this kind of reflection. I'm going to try to continue this beyond the course as many of my prior guests on the podcast have extolled the virtues of this practice.
"The Science of Well Being" is currently available for free on Coursera (with a paid option if you want to earn a certificate).
Tech tips
If you're a fan of the Peanuts holiday specials, traditionally, It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, airs this time of year to celebrate Halloween. In the past, it aired on network TV and on PBS. In recent years, Apple acquired the rights to the Peanuts catalog and as of this year, it is only available to watch on Apple TV+.
Fortunately, Apple is allowing people to watch all three Peanuts holiday specials, including The Great Pumpkin, for a limited time (Oct. 28-31) for free and without an Apple TV+ subscription. Details are below in several articles:
You can also purchase It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or the Peanuts holiday collection on physical media from Amazon using my affiliate link.
Finally, now is a good time to remind you that your library card isn't just for books. With Hoopla, you can connect your card to check out ebooks, audiobooks, comics (including graphic novels), music, and movies and TV shows in digital format. With Halloween next week and the holidays around the corner, you can find plenty of great content to celebrate with. For more on Hoopla, check out MF 290.
My books on Poshmark
The perfect white elephant gift or stocking stuffer is on sale now
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What I’m reading / read
Hellraiser Masterpieces Vol. 1 by Clive Barker (**)
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: The Dark Watch Vol. 1 by Clive Barker (**)
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: The Dark Watch Vol. 2 by Clive Barker (**)
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: The Dark Watch Vol. 3 by Clive Barker (**)
Audiobook narrated by John
Get the Audiobook of I Am a Professional Metalhead, by Angelo Spenillo and narrated by John for free with a trial to Audible.
Get a free trial to Audible and I Am a Professional Metalhead (Audible affiliate).
Support the Podcast
The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses -and- The Poshmark Journal for Individuals and Small Businesses are available on Amazon.
The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book: makes the perfect stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.
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