Why did you stop posting the links to the mods direct websites? Although we appreciate what you do for the mod community, it is now more difficult to have to copy the name of an updated/broken mod and paste it into a google search in hopes for the correct site to the mod. And with multiple mods this is even more of a challenge. That and it is more complicated to read, clumped together, and difficult to find a thread with all the other pages. What was the reason for the switch from TheSims forum?
Hi @newbygg . The reason for no links is that this forum has rules that the previous one doesn't. When there's a mod that isn't easily findable by a basic Google search - which every Simmer who can access here can do - I add further information to make sure your search lands you in the right place. I get that it takes you more time to do searches, but it's saving me time that I was in desperate need of.
I'll be frank: I was seriously considering quitting the lists entirely, and I really doubt I'd have kept them going past this next EP if it hadn't been for the suggestion that I move them here. Saving the time means that I've been actually been able to play the game again recently without having to take that time away from increasing family responsibilities. The list isn't a burden now. Your alternative to taking the time to search for a mod now, instead of having links provided to you, is that there would no longer be a list that EA could send Simmers to (this list operates within Maxis guidelines).
The time savings isn't only from not posting links. It's also because other aspects of posting are faster here. Plus I can set up posts in advance so I don't have to restrict the intro and summary lists to 5 posts total; together with the thread being only my posts, that's make it much more manageable.
So what have I done with that time? Partly, I've been able to do mod testing to get reports out sooner. or get out at all (for, say, mods reported broken on Mod the Sims but the creator is inactive). I've also begun testing MTS-posted mods Simmers reported broken where the creator is inactive, then adding a comment so Simmers coming in will know if the mod is actually broken or not (many actually aren't). And i'm now doing some support at AHQ, focusing on people having issues with mods and CC.
The list is also easier to use here for Simmers in some other ways: One, you can actually follow the list to get notifications sent to you, and that system has been broken on the other forums for years, and never did send you email notifications. Simmers can now get the updates when I post them without having to come hunt for them. Two, AHQ doesn't go down nearly as often as the other forums. Three, it's best practice for support to keep all aspects of support in one place, and that includes the lists that EA was sending people offsite to. Four, Simmers who do come here just for the lists and are trying to catch up (because they choose not to get the email notifications) can pick up where they left off and read through the news without anything BUT news being there.
tldr: The links aren't permitted here. The notification system works here. And the time saving for me means the list still exists at all.
@luthienrising I‘d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for everything you do here! I only stumbled across your posts on the forum this year and before I always had to troubleshoot myself and well.., I didn’t know much about proper mod management and it was so stressful it took all of the fun out of it for me. ☹️
And of course every change is weird at first but personally I find having your reports here on AHQ much easier. Especially because I have noticed since the last update that you report DAYS before the creators themselves do on their patreon (guess because of bulk updates and further testing etc).
anyways I‘m not afraid to update my game anymore, I have no problems with mods and can focus on playing the game itself and enjoying it!
And my tip to everyone is to just keep a list of all links to the mods you use in a document. That way you literally just have to check here for updates, open your document and click on the links to get to your mods. Of course you can also google but I like to have organized lists lol
That’s what I used to do before too but without @luthienrising reports I was spending hours searching on creators sites for updates because some mod was broken (and I didn’t even know which one) 😢
now it takes 5-10 min max checking here & updating everytime before I play. 🙂
That reminds me to update my own "mods I have installed" spreadsheet 🙌
I keep all my mods in a folder called !ScriptMods (both package and script file). TwistedMexi has already done that work for BBB and T.O.O.L. It makes following the information here very easy. I suggest a list (document, spreadsheet, whatever is easiest) of the items you use with the links (as suggested above). I use a Google Extension called OneTab that makes keeping links really easy. Basically, if you are going to use mods and/or cc in your game, it is up to you to understand enough about them to keep track of them and ensure that you are always using the most updated versions. Luth, and the other amazing people who keep these lists going are doing all of us a favor; if it means we have to do a bit more work, then that is just what it means. They should get to enjoy this game, too. ✨😊✨
Frankly, I'm really glad you moved it here. I figured you wouldn't have links (because of the rules) but I was glad for you, because it was obvious that those links were causing you a lot of additional work (and hassles.) I'm also glad because the main list doesn't have all the questions from people who don't bother to read the first page. I don't mind them being separate in this thread, as it doesn't interfere with the mod list itself (the way it did on the main forum.) And I'm really glad that you *finally* have time to do something that doesn't feel like work when it comes to the game. I really appreciate the work you do for all of us!
Thank you so much for clarifying. I did not consider that you may have felt overworked beforehand. I apologize. We do appreciate what you do for the community. If it is helping you to be able to enjoy your Sims and your life now that’s what matters the most over. What you do is heavily appreciate and you don’t even have to do it for us. Again, I apologize for not taking other factors into consideration and a bit of selfishness on my part, and I hope that this does help you not feel overwhelmed and live better. Cheers
