Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
First Look: City-From Markers
Saturday, March 29, 2008
"Party Time!", Skill Speeds Raised
What is the cause of all this? Some speculate that this is some sort of minor compensation for the extended downtimes users have been experiencing lately. There is another promised timeframe for “Hyper skilling” later tonight with the possibility of more tomorrow. Be ready and keep an ear open as the sun goes down for another chance at increasing your skills at record speeds.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Scammed, Stolen, Trashed, Gone: The Bradleys
After a few minutes of investigation, Anon logged into another account and then caught someone else on the account she just got off of. Anon confronted them, but they logged off and then Ophelia IMed Anon. Anon then realized the situation and contacted EA staff. But it isnt the first time Anon contacted EA about the Bradleys.
Prior to the whole trashing and stealing situation Anon and a few other anonymous sims contacted EA devs about the Bradleys. The complaints ranged from being scammed to being harassed. Sources report that the EA devs have been collecting enough complaints against the Bradleys to justify a permanent termination of their accounts.
Along with the termination of the Bradleys, the Vontrells were also terminated for very similar reasons. Major scammers have finally been taken care of thanks to the players of EAL, Anon, and the EA devs.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Fixing Bugs and Exploits
We also asked about if there was someone working on fixing the roof bug and Parizad replied "Yes."
EA-Land should be up by 3PM EST.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
All Merged!
According to our poll, the majority of you would like to see all bugs fixed before EA hands out any other features. I hope they take note and fix it all. It would be nice to finally have a roof, the blue tarp isnt cutting it.
Already Merged: IH, JP, DC, MF, EJ, DG, CC, FF, AV, BV, BF
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Master In the Art: An Interview w/ Thrill
Thrill: hi Xander
EALH: How did you get your start in customizing Sims objects?
Thrill: well, i first started customizing Sims objects a few months ago, when Luc mentioned on his blog that he will allow us to upload those files
EALH: So prior to his announcement you had no experience in customizing sims objects?
Thrill: correct, i never did any customizing before that
EALH: I take it that it was easy to pick up? seeing how far you got today
Thrill: yeah, once you understand how the items work, it easy to make your own unique items
EALH: What made you want to make customizing a sim career?
Thrill: I had look forward to doing this since Luc first appeared again in TSO and offered to included custom content. At that time, I had been looking for a game to express my creativity online.
Thrill: *include
EALH: So I take it that expressing yourself drives you to create items?
Thrill: yeah, pretty much. Plus the challenge of creating new items that other sims find interesting and can add to their enjoyment
EALH: What's your favorite creation so far?
Thrill: i like the Tree Swing so far
Thrill: i'm looking forward to scripting it to make it move
EALH: Do you have experience in scripting?
Thrill: I'm a programmer in rl...
Thrill: and have done some UI work for Warcarft and scripting in Second Life
EALH: wow, so you pretty much know what you're doing
Thrill: pretty much, but everything has a certain learning curve to it
Thrill: dont mean that to sound arrogant lol.. cause i'm sure i'm not nearly as good as many others are at scripting
EALH: You said you played Second Life, how does TSO and SL differ on the creation of items? Is one easier than the other?
Thrill: TSO and SL are very different, SL has it's own in game tools where TSO you really on outside programs like 3D Studio Max and Photoshop
Thrill: *rely
EALH: What other CC uploader do you admire the most?
Thrill: there alot of CC creators that are doing cool things, some of my favorite so far are Toby Maxwell, Harley Ryder, and CntryGirl
EALH: Do you find yourself competing to create the "next big thing"? I'm sure the car chairs were a hit
Thrill: ah, yes and no... Thrill: i'm not really trying to compete with any of the other CC creators,..
Thrill: but I do try to "compete" with myself to continually try and create better objects
Thrill: I encourage all CC creators to make the best objects they can, and offer my if they get stuck. And also provide tutorials to aide with those who want to learn more
Thrill: *help
EALH: After being recognized by the TSO-e team several times do you believe the extra popularity helps your business?
Thrill: i think it has
Thrill: i find people like to stop by our shop to see what new objects we have to offer
EALH: What are your future plans for TSO?
Thrill: so far it is to just keep up with the new CC items that Maxis will allow us to create
Thrill: and try to make items that everyone will enjoy
EALH: Which future TSO feature do you look forward to the most?
Thrill: i look forward to the Scripting the most
Thrill: followed by Animations
EALH: Which current object do you look forward to the most for adding animation?
Thrill: probably sculptures, with that we can make cool fountains or aquarium type objects
EALH: I look forward to them
EALH: Thank you Thrill for letting us interview you
Thrill: ty Xander, I'm glad you had me to interview
Note: This was a "Flashback Article". Because of the recent move from one site to this one, we left behind a few articles. We still want those articles to be viewed so we're bringing them back. A few details in this article may seem irrelative or wrong. Please note that this article is old.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Custom Content Showcase 3/14
This lovely piece is a Mahogany Cabinet uploaded by Rayne Morgan which can be found at CC and Household. It is made with a deep, richly colored wood along with realistically displayed items complete with reflection.
This handsome chair was uploaded by xSweet-Viviex and is entitle “Bulk Arm Chair.” I found it at Shopping MallTWO while browsing around late at night. The texturing done to this chair is gorgeous and could be proudly displayed in many home decors.
Stay tuned for future Custom Content ShowcasesWednesday, March 12, 2008
Tonight Show with Ed: Premiere Show
If you didn't get a chance to check out the premiere show make sure you check for upcoming shows!
Monday, March 10, 2008
USG White House Releases Statement Regarding Bradleys
"To all Citisims,
The United Sims Government is aimed at protecting all of EA Land's citisims. In recent time, local residents have filed complaints of the property in EA Land known as, "The USG Capitol." The building run by "President Bradley" is a fake. Although our offices have been initially flattered by the imitations, we in this case are not. The imitating property is NOT affiliated with USG nor is its owner, President Bradley.
We warn all citisims not to enter this property due to numerous scamming concerns. We take our reputation and safety of EA Land's citisims seriously. Therefore we ask citisims to report any suspicious activity to the Police Department. If you have been scammed, know someone who has been scammed, or have any concerns please contact, Commissioner Peglin, head of the USG Police.
In regards to who are members of the United Sims Government and those who are not, please visit our website at www.usg.moonfruit.com, or visit us at the USG White House, located under the Welcome Category. Thank you and we hope you have a pleasant, safe, and a fun day in EA Land. Happy Simming!
- Alexander Hayes, Director of Community Affairs.
- United Sims Government White House."
Famously Infamous: An Interview w/ the Bradley's
EALH: How did the Bradley's get their start in TSO?
Mrs Ophelia Bradley: "Well... we started by doing a few other things. We got aggravated with the AVG. It was just.. you know, stupid.
Mrs Fiona Bradley: "Formality in a game, bad idea."
OB: "So we decided to start a counter to that - Operation Opposition."
FB: "Thus, the Royal Opposition was formed."
EALH: Bradley is a well known name in TSO, why do you think that is?
OB: "Originally when we started to play, we decided on Bradley. It kind of went in hand with us from then on. I think that it's infamous because of thing that have happened.. And it's always been a very respectable name in the game."
FB: "People just...know us."
EALH: Do you think people's perception of the Bradley's being griefers is misconstrued?
FB: "Sean, I would go as far to say it is outrageous. We have always been in The Sims Online to help others."
OB: "That's really an unknown fact."
FB: "Some people see it the other way unfortunately."
OB: "People dont like to make newspaper articles about how we help the game and love to help people."
FB: "If you ask some of the veterans of Alphaville, those who dont play anymore, most would say they loved us."
EALH: An example of how you help the game and people?
OB: "Well Sean.."
OB: "Im sure you have been to several of our properties throughout our lifetime. We use to give out money by the boatloads. Just recently, we gave out sex."
FB: "We actually had a boat once"
OB: "I was going to say that Fiona. Thanks dear"
OB: "Do you remember our house boat, Sean?"
EALH: Hm, can't remember.
OB: "We gave free cruises away all of the time."
FB: "Sean, let me ask yo a question. What is your fondest memory or our family?"
EALH: Well I dont think I ever really interacted with the family back then. I just knew of you.
OB: "Im sure some of your friends interacted with us, however."
EALH: Yes
EALH: What are the Bradley's up to today in EAL?
FB: "Well, actually we have exciting news. Mother has just received word she has been appointed President of the USG!"
OB: "Isn't that fantastic, Sean?"
EALH: Yes. Where have you heard that from?
OB: "It's all across the news."
FB: "MSN most recently reported it. We really want to change EAL."
OB: "The voter that I campaigned in front of told me they were tired of Mr Sim and Jack...the"self-appointed."
FB: "It seems that to be in a position in USG, you just have to think of a clever name! Be honest Sean, how ridiculous are those police officers? They aren't even roommates!"
OB: "I like how Jason Sim is also his secret service agent"
EALH: True mostly new sims. But you are President of USG cant you change that?
OB: "Ofcourse"
FB: "Have you seen the Star Wars trilogy, Sean?"
OB: "That's why you see some people living in this house that arent Bradley's. We are here for the people, Sean. You know that."
FB: "Mother will have royal imperial guards guarding her, not Secret Service agents!"
OB: "And to top it off.. I wont play as President and Secret Service Agents, like Mr Sim."
EALH: Do any of you have anything to add?
OB: "I would like to add.. I want to thank all the sims that voted for me as President. I want to invite everyone to the Capitol.. and.. I want to give Mr McKinley-Sim and Mr Whiterstien a message.. They know who runs this town..and if they aren't careful, they wont be in this town. Fiona do you need to add anything?"
FB: "Very profound mother. Yes. I want to send this message to all those who really arent familiar with us. We are a family that has earned its reputations through our trust. We encourage all of the newbies to experience us, first-hand. That is all.
EALH: Ok. Thank you both for letting me have this interview :)
Correction: EA Land Herald checked with the United Sims Government Founders and discovered that contrary to our interviewee's response, the the USG has not yet held elections. The USG Interim President is still Jack Whiterstien. They also add that elections will take place once all cities have merged.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
This is Why EA Land Will Fail
Bugs/Glitches. If you were apart of the TSO beta I'm sure to quite used to the bugs and glitches. But for us who joined a few months, or years, later this is something new to us. We never experienced these many bugs in our simmy lives. Roofs aren't there, lights give off a striped ambiance, random crashes to desktops, glitches that take away our items, and lags that could kill. There's no doubt that EAL is still in beta, but beta shouldn't always be hell. Beta is meant for there to be testing and a quick fixing of the game so it can go gold. Remember people, devs had 5 years experience with TSO, yet EAL is in "beta"? Sure, we know that the devs are doing "all they can" to fix our problems, but what impressions do these bugs make on new sims and especially returning sims? It tells them that this game is not a finished product so why waste anymore money? During the long break between moving EAL to the East Coast Server and merging EJ they should be quickly dealing with all of the bugs. In a recent town hall meeting, Greg told us that there's "No one working on roof bug yet."EAL will fail due to the lack of response by devs and the growing frustration from players.
New Economy. I'm sure that you know by now that there's a new "Dynamic" economy set up to mirror that of our real life capitalist economy. There's a system of "supply and demand" that raises retail prices of objects when alot of people buy them and decreases prices when no one buys them. The same "Dynamic" system is in play for real estate and payouts. It's been a little over a month now and we can clearly see that this new economy is not what we need right now. In EAL you're either rich from CC/Shops or just getting by. Sadly, not all of us can own a store or create Custom Content so what is there to do? Skill and make money through money houses! Grand idea, spending over 25 real life hours staring at our computer screen and then going to a money house to receive 52 simoleans a painting (on a good day). This economy is not meant for EAL. It only benefits the shop owners and their 20 accounts. Welcome lot owners have it the worst. We need an economy that rewards you for opening a Welcome lot and rewards you for cooking and giving advice to new sims. How can welcome lot owners benefit financially when their primary guests are newbies who have no game experience or job? This economy isn't even stopping botters from soaking up all the simoleans. Botters are still active and well. They may not be getting all the money that they were previously getting but 50k+ simoleans a day isn't that bad. EAL will fail due to the economy punishing sims with little to money and rewarding sims that use 3rd party programs to get money.
Botters. In EAL we refer to those who use 3rd party programs to gain simoleans as "botters". They've been around since the start of TSO. Always figuring out ways to exploit the system and succeed. During that time when EA abandoned TSO (2004-2007), which I will refer as the "Great Depression", botters ran rapid and we all thought they were ruining this game. When TSO's "savior" Luc showed up he pledged to restore TSO to it's full glory and get rid of the botters. A year later botters are still present and we're still paying the price for it. It seems as if the devs see the botters as clever, because in the 5 years TSO has been running, they have yet figured out a way to stop them. The devs thought the new economy would stop them, it only slowed them down. Now we're all waiting for the devs to present us with some unstoppable plan to defeat the botters. As we wait we're paying them 10$ and barely getting 3$ in payouts a month. EAL will fail due to the devs not being able to stop the botters. Today, we're still waiting...
ATMs. We've all seen these green blocks around on properties. They were introduced to give players a choice to buy simoleans with their real life currency, known as "cash-in". They're also designed to be able to transfer your simoleans into real life currency, known as "cash-out". I'm not saying that the physical ATM objects will make EAL fail it's the cash-in and cash-out. Ever since they introduced the idea on their blog there has been alot of controversy on the subject. Many think its a good idea for sims to buy simoleans to make a business of some sort and then cash-out to make a real life profit. While the majority of players believe that this system will only deepen EAL's grave. When people buy simoleans it isn't coming from EA's wallet, ATMs allow people to "buy" simoleans out of the economy. Not only do we suffer from this, but EA profits from it because they inject a ATM fee for themselves. With cash out, people are not putting the money back into the economy but instead putting it into their bank account. Win-win for EA, lose-lose for us sims. EAL will fail because of the burden of EAL's new economy and the ATM system.
EA Land. Yes, we all know the name is dumb and they could've been a litte bit more creative. Sims World, SimsVille, any thing but EA Land. But there is a specific reason why they chose EA Land. In the future they plan on bringing other EA games into EAL, a game mentioned by Parizad was "Need for Speed". Another reason is because they're moving EAL as far away from The Sims franchise as possible. TSO was huge for a few months and then turned out to be a major flop. The Sims franchise is known for having the top selling PC game and introducing a new brand of simulation to the market. There is no way they could continue to have TSO in their portfolio. That's why you'll see in the coming months the devs rename simoleans and will try to further separate The Sims and EAL. Ever since Maxis stopped having control over TSO in 2004, EA has ran TSO into the ground. EA has been against TSO ever since Will Wight introduced the concept. Don Hopkins, The Sims development team member, said in a past interview, "I recall that one of our most difficult accomplishments was convincing EA not to cancel the project". Luc was the one that let TSO live a little longer, but it seems as if that came to an end quick. EAL will fail because it's not the original concept of TSO.
In another quote by Dan Hopkins he says,"I don't think the lack of user created content is the only reason The Sims Online is a failure, but I think it's an extremely important one that EA went out on a limb and promised, but never executed on."
TSO used to be Will Wright's(The Sims creator) favorite game. A joyful game to played by all gamers. The good ole' days, remember? That's all we can do, just....remember.
Drop us a comment! Be sure to keep checking out the EAL Herald for "How EAL Can Survive".
Saturday, March 8, 2008
A New Beginning
Because of the USG's potential to become one of the largest organizations in EAL, we decided to cover any news and happenings within the USG that may affect the sims of EA Land. We will make sure to keep everyone in the loop as we always do.
If you havn't already, make sure you voice your vote in our weekly poll.
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Insider - EA Town Hall Meeting 3/5
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Street Fair a Success
Parizad began by putting out her inventory of cards and from there the trading happened naturally.
During the trading frenzy, Parizad did have this to say in regards to sims worrying about accidentally trading away rare lava cards.
If that is the case, this reporter has one question. What exactly is the point of rare lava cards?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Sim Government Possibility in EAL
Sims have been known for their love of drama filled, disorganized, and often times crooked governments. What causes the fascination involved with governments though? Is it the role playing, the feeling of power over others, or is it just the entertainment of ridiculous “wars” and conflicts with the mob?
No one may have better insight into this than EA-Land’s own Jack Whiterstien a veteran of the
EALH: Greetings Mr. Whiterstien and thank you for allowing us time for an interview.
Jack Whiterstien: You’re very welcome. Thank you for allowing me to be here.
EALH: Where and how did you get your start in sim government?
Jack Whiterstien: Well, that would be in
EALH: And how did you progress from there?
Jack Whiterstien: Well, I stayed with them for a few months until it started to go downhill. I started up another sim in MF and joined their government as Secretary of Defense.
EALH: Do you know what drew you to these organizations?
Jack Whiterstien: Hmm, in my earlier days in TC I had seen a house trashed. I can’t remember if it was by a mafia or not but knew that it was something that I would like to help prevent.
EALH: Do you think this feeling of public service and help is what generally brings people into a government in TSO?
Jack Whiterstien: I would say a few, but most would probably join just out of curiosity for it.
EALH: Have you tried to contact any previously involved high ranking government members to see what interest they might have?
Jack Whiterstien: I’ve spoken with a few from my time in the
EALH: What would be your intentions or goals for a government in EA-Land? Would it be for entertainment or would its purpose be a more noble endeavor?
Jack Whiterstien: I would like to see something that people can get behind and unify EA-Land. I hope for participation from every city in EA-Land. I would like it to be something people can have fun in but at the same time can have a serious role in helping others.
EALH: Thank you for your time Mr. Whiterstien and the EA Land Herald would like to wish you the best in your endeavors.
Jack Whiterstien: Thank you for this opportunity
EA Land Show of Lights Tonight!
"What will happen, with over 1,000 active players all turning on spotlights at the same time a massive fireworks show will be broadcasted on the city view!"
EAL Herald will be there to cover the event. Remember it can only happen if you participate. Tell a friend!Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Hot Lot: Jolly Pines Police
I also noticed that Officer Peglin was generous and helpful to those coming in and out. After looking at the great creativity of the house's design and the helpfulness owner and roomies, I knew that this was a hot lot!
I got a chance to sit down with UPD Chief Officer Peglin for an interview about the police station and the whole idea behind the police.
EA Land Herald: What was your reason for starting the Jolly Pines Police?
Officer Peglin: The UPD (Utopian Police Department) was established back in 2003 I believe, in Jolly Pines. It was started to maintain peace between mafia families. Crime as decreased extremely and now we are just around for general help and awareness.
EALH: Does it have the same functions today?
Officer Peglin: In EA Land, there are currently no mafia families that have been brought to my attention as a threat. But I do believe we are still helpful with general awareness
EALH: Does the UPD also deal with griefers and scammers?
Officer Peglin: There is not much we can do physically. But we plan on having information on scamming, who to look out for. And how to report it.
EALH: What kind of services do you offer at the Police station?
Officer Peglin: Groups are able to hold meetings at our Station. We also offer Call in services, If you have an emergency, call an officer and we will see what we can do to help.
EALH: Do you enforce any laws, or just try to keep the peace?
Officer Peglin: I have know real ability over anyone else. I just like to try and keep the peace.
EALH: What do you say to those who automatically see you as someone trying to take over and enforce?
Officer Peglin: Um, I would say that its obvious that I have no intentions of no such thing, and if I ever felt that I was out of line. I gladly get back to my boundries.
EALH: Have you ever encountered those who see you like that?
Officer Peglin: Not yet. I believe everyone see's it as role playing. If they do not like it. They Don't pay attention to Us.
EALH: What feature would you like to see in TSO in the future?
Officer Peglin: I would love to see exciting things that apply to each lot catagory, that will help people populate more than just Money and skill lots.
EALH: Thank you officer for this interview
Officer Peglin: No. Thank you!
Check out this Hot Lot located in Jolly Pines, EA Land!
Monday, March 3, 2008
EA Land, Get Ready to Rock!
You'll be able to hear the live performances through WinAmp, Windows Media Player, or Quicktime. Ictus Belford' will be the first musician to grace the stage. They're looking for other talented players who want to perform at their arena. The lot is called Live Concert Arena. If your interested in participating as a musician contact the owner, Carrie Laysan', or Ictus Belford'.
EA Land Herald will be covering the first live music performance in a special live blogging event this Thursday. Hope to see you there!