The Historical Sim

I don’t have issues with Sims CC creators desiring to get some kind of payback for the work they do.

I’ve dealt with ad.fly (grudgingly–it’s an awful experience and could infect others for barely any return)

I have tolerated and reblogged in the past those who want donations (again, not a huge issue, can be annoying if spammed

I support those who want to put their items on TSR and earn income by those who either download cc from there or buy a monthly pass.

And now there is Patreon. Which has seen an upsurgence in the S3 and S4 community.

While I have no inherent issues with people allowing others to support their work via any of these formats, I do have issue when it comes to gatekeeping content by means of putting CC behind a paywall.

And before I hear “people can do what they like”, yes they can, this is my opinion as a Former/ Retired CC creator and converter.

It’s alienating to many of the community, many young teens and adults. That demographic can maybe afford to support one or two creators, cannot pay $1-3/ avg per creator. It’s not feasible for many.

It’s also manipulative because it’s waving usually very popular content in front of others faces (by those that can afford it) and pretty much saying that unless you buy Into me ($1-2 for maybe one or two pieces of content) you’re getting screwed.

There is no way I’d pay $1-3 for one piece of virtual clothing/skin/whatever for any game, let alone Sims. Yet in this community exclusive cc, particularly clothing shared between friends or ‘popular’ simblrs brings status and further rebloggability for the simblrs they bestow it unto. It’s manipulative.

I have no issue with Patreon or giving money to creators. I have issue when it’s abused.

So the question can be asked, well what do you do instead to get more money in a less gatekeeping/paywall manipulative manner?

I will not say names, but one Simblr in particular has a good idea of how to encourage others to engage and participate in their Patreon but also not gatekeeping the creme Brûlée of their content: Timed Exclusives

Timed exclusives allows those who are willing to give a bit of money upfront to get the content sooner and therefore a slight advantage – the Patron still gets benefit. While those who are unable to pay but want to enjoy the content can still participate and download the content from their favourite creators.

I’ve never believed for myself that I deserved money for my creations (whether original or conversions) but I have tolerated and supported those when I could and support the choice of being able to be paid When it’s fair.

This message is not meant to shame but as a means of saying, Hey maybe consider the alternative of Timed Exclusives instead of gated content.

The only other alternative other than that is others taking your gated content and reuploading somewhere else – I’m old enough to remember the pirate booty during the S2 era.

Instead of leading people to desperation, keep an open mind and maybe consider this point of view

There is a message going around Tumblr that says something along the lines of ‘this blog said something about you’

If you get this message DO NOT CLICK OR PUT YOUR PASSWORD IN.

IT WILL HACK YOUR ACCOUNT AND LOCK YOU OUT.

If youve already put your password in CHANGE IT IMEADIETLY.

If I ‘send’ you one of these messages its not me.

The Sims™ 4 Cats & Dogs Life is Better with Cats & Dogs

Create a variety of cats and dogs, add them to your Sims’ homes to forever change their lives, and care for neighborhood pets as a veterinarian with The Sims™ 4 Cats & Dogs*. The powerful new Create A Pet tool lets you personalize cats and dogs, each with their own unique appearances, distinct behaviors, and for the first time, expressive outfits! These wonderful, lifelong companions will change your Sims’ lives in new and special ways. Treat animal ailments as a veterinarian and run your own clinic in a beautiful coastal world where there’s so much for your Sims and their pets to discover.

KEY FEATURES

Create Cats and Dogs – Use the powerful Create A Pet tool to express your creativity as you customize your Sims’ perfect cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens. Choose from a variety of breeds, give them distinct personalities, and directly manipulate their features. Easily personalize their coats with unique patterns to create your real-life pets, dream pets, or something more fanciful. For the first time, complete their looks with expressive outfits and accessories.

Bond with Your Pets – Experience the companionship and fun that furry friends bring to your Sims’ lives. Cats and dogs have minds of their own and form special relationships with Sims based on their daily interactions. Your Sims care for, train, and play games with their pets who all exhibit distinct and sometimes bizarre animal behaviors.

Become a Vet and Run a Clinic – Build a veterinary clinic, hire a dedicated staff, and further your career as the town’s most promising animal doctor. You’re in control of daily operations from the services offered to what you charge. Your Sims can diagnose and cure pets with critical surgeries or treat fleas and other afflictions with simple medications.

Explore Brindleton Bay – Discover the coastal shores of Brindleton Bay, a new world where your Sims and their pets can live and enjoy outdoor activities. Play fetch near the harbor docks, take a walk to the lighthouse, or visit a park to setup an obstacle course and meet other pet-loving locals. Be on the lookout for stray pets that your Sims can take in as their own.