The Most Levelheaded Response To The Situation I Have Seen - Tumblr Posts
Hi, if it's not too much to ask, would you expand a little on what kinds of things help to create "an environment that isn’t actively hostile for creators?" Genuine question, I'm new to the scene and not aware of all the considerations.
There are definitely a few things the community can do to not be actively hostile towards creators. There are also things creators can do too (this is a 2 way street). I may not experience some of these now, but when I was starting out some were common, and also what creator friends have experienced in the past. I would say i am also quite observant so this is just things I have noticed while being a creator all these years. There are probably more things that can be done, but this is what i can think of right now. I will put it under a read more because i am chatty LOL
Don't expect content from creators. We are people too and have a life outside of the sims community (for example, if people have been following me they know what I have been going through but not everyone is as open with their struggles). Asking, and in some cases demanding more content from people is ignoring them as a person.
Suggestions are great, but don't be pushy about it. Your taste may not align with that of the creator you messaged, and hearing a no is not an invitation to message them again asking the exact same thing. Imagine multiple people doing this and it ruins requests and suggestions for everyone else.
Show appreciation. This is incredibly important for newer creators as they may just feel like they aren't good enough. Don't just click on that download link, click a like, comment and share that post if you love it. If you are able to support that's great too, but only if you have the willingness and means of doing so.
Be polite. You are talking to another human being, treat others like you want to be treated. This goes for creators too.
Actively sharing content around right after release can be quite disheartening. Yes, i get it, it's in early access and people are going to do it regardless because they believe "early access sucks". But this is also dehumanising a person and the effort they put into content. This will chip away at a person over time and is quite careless. You may be 'helping' one group, but screwing over another.
Don't actively use free creators against early access creators to prove a point. I get it, you hate early access, but don't use me or others to push an agenda. Everyone's situation is unique and they may not be able to do it freely. It's also not cool to pit people against each other, we are all in this together.
Support free creators and early access alike. Just because it's free that doesn't mean you shouldn't support the creator. Able to donate? See if they have a donate page or patreon. Unable? That's ok too. Leave kind messages, reblog and like the posts, even just clicking the little heart on the SFS link is nice. Next time you download from there, just check the discrepancy between downloads and the likes and you will see how underappreciated creators can be.
If you think a creator is being shady, don't support that behaviour. That is rewarding them for it, then others will just think they can get away with it as well. Don't let FOMO run your life. Sometimes it's just better to walk away.
Creators need to take a bit more of a hands-off approach to their content. If you want to actively limit the spread of your content to the point you are collecting people's information and sending out trackers to figure out who is sharing your content, maybe it's you with the problem and not the community. When you make content for the Sims you are accepting the ToU and that means your content can be freely shared. If you don't like this, maybe you are creating for the wrong game. I know from personal experience that it is hard to let go of that feeling, but don't embrace it.
User's shouldn't vehemently enforce Maxis' ToU themselves. Yes, it is there and should be followed but this is not the crusades. Use is as a guide to tell the good from the bad, but don't force it down the throats of others like you are some missionary trying to 'civilise the savages.' You are only going to look like a self righteous asshole.
Creators, you aren't entitled to people's money. It should be at their leisure and not forced. If you paywall stuff you really need to take a long hard look at yourself. Users really shouldn't encourage this either.
I think that's about it, or stuff i can think of now. Honestly, this does go in general for the community as a whole too. In short, Don't be an asshole and treat others how you want to bee treated. We all love this game so find some common ground and don't be dicks.