hazeonelove

Lol I'm not sure myself. I can see it being an issue, pushing outworld necessities. But I can also see the vast joy in being able to fully manipulate a prefab. Essentially, tweaking it and taking credit. Even possibly reselling. But I find it a little demeaning to the creator. If they are all for it, then go for it I say. But as an artist, I can't imagine creating a full sim prefab, only to have others minutely modify it and then resell it. But as you said, I don't know enough to make a decision lol.

So... They're giving you the "raw" file (no pun intended), so you can open it in your software of choice and edit it, as if you were the original creator? Even with that understood, why would the prefab HAVE to have that "installed" for it to work?

I thought the same thing. That's what got me confused. I have no idea why a RAW file would have any leverage on the prefab itself. The ONLY thing I can guess, if it's even possible, is that the creator put all the textures and shadows into one RAW file, and you must install that for the prefab to have any textures. But I'm not even sure that's a happening, or possible. But I definitely want to know everything I can about it before I buy it, if I do. I just don't want to get it rezzed, then somehow figure out that I can't make it work.

This is completely true. Before joining SL in late December, I spent weeks hunting the internet, downloading software and trying out multimedia outlets that CLAIM to be better or equal to SL. This is nowhere near truth. As stated here, the more cartoony ones are aimed towards kids/teens. That's not an understatement. Literally, built for kids. And the others that are "realistic" comparable (they say) to SL, are very watered down. We're talking, not even 40% of what SL is. Simply being an open world platform with minor customization abilities, does not make a game an "SL competitor". As said here, SL is literally your best best. It has everything, when most don't even come close. Hope this helps you in your search.

Probably the shortest thread I'll ever write... What exactly are RAW files? What are they for? And how does one go about installing them? I was searching through the marketplace and saw this really detailed and nice looking prefab set up. But it said in order for it to work, you must install the RAW file. The RAW file is sent through email after purchase (being sent through email and not directly downloaded with the product worries me. Especially when it states very plainly that the prefab WILL NOT WORK without it. All it would take is no email and you just wasted $L16,000). As always, your input is appreciated!

I totally agree. My general manager and I were just discussing how "skwatters" will be prevalent, due to the housing being free and there is no way to guarantee their hang out time on the sim. And we already have a couple skwatters. They pop up in their room, then either say hi then leave, or just leave. And I think you're right, setting a limit will help cute that. So far, I've tried to give people as many things to do as I can. Some say that I don't have a theme or focus; and they may be right. But, that's my point. To give EVERYONE something to do. Granted, I have nothing catering to the "adult" crowd, but that's not something I'd like to do anyway. So, this far, I have the sim itself pretty much full, with the club sectioned off in it's own parcel, deeded to it's own group. Then I have a skybox which is fairly small, but nice. It's a space station (for the scifi nerds like myself), and above that I have a full sim skybox, which is an entirely separate city with survival games and racing, for the gamers and or suburban role players. I've spent a lot of money this far and it's addicting. Always wanting to add or replace. For instance, I HAD another full sim size skybox, which was a full island. But it was a prefab, no copy. So I messed up somewhere, and in the midst of rezzing and derezzing, I lost about 15% of the prefab. And obviously can't get it back (the creator is a jerk and just assumes I'm trying to use the prefab twice, why? Lol). So I'm in the midst of tearing that down and replacing it. I'm not sure if I'm doing "too much" or not, but I want to guarantee something enjoyable to do, for anyone. As far as traffick goes, it's slow. And that's expected. But a few regulars already. So it's not a bad start. I've made friends with and got to know most of the kid avie designers. Not sure if I can name them without it being deemed as advertising. So I won't. But there's not that many kid avie designers. So I'm trying to get them to come over. I have advertisements in a few clubs and shops, and I'm always willing to exchange billboards, as I say, and promote each other. There's only one place like mine, with the same mentality, that I've come across. And I've made sure to get acquainted with them. Another idea I have, is to mutually help a low level club. For instance, letting them take over the club parcel I have, for free. They can run it, be in control, redesign it, whatever. As long as they send people wandering about. Right when you step foot outside of the club, you're in the sim. So, I feel it's not a bad exchange. Free rent, and we share visitors. I'm also thinking of turning the survival game sim I have into a full fledged RP. I don't have anything catering to RPers, and so far, that's the one place they all gravitate to (the RPers). So, why not. Also thinking about something dark or gothic. Like a castle or something. I don't have anything like that yet either. I just want to offer more than a beach, a club, and a few things. Hopefully it works out. But maybe my sites are set too high? Not sure.

You're absolutely right. But the plots were, I believe 500+. Also lots of open spots. Most of the tenants just bought skyboxes, and not use the actual land.

Very good to know. I'm going to look into that. I want to look into separating a part for my own living on the sim. I mean, might as well.

I'm at work, RL, and I'd like to know. But yes, I'll be checking next time.

Hahaha I said "prom allowance"... I guess that could work too lol. Prim allowance*

A friend of mine took me to his rental home today, to show me what a $350 a week, 305 Prim place looks like. Besides his skybox, yada yada yada, whatever. Like any other cheaper home, right? But, since I'm usually dealing in my full sim, I tend to zoom out, look at an entire parcel, look at it's details, etc. Sadly, I didn't have time at the moment to check the region details. But I did have a chance to cam around and zoom out. What... The hell... Was that??? Seriously, it was the size of about 4-8 regions (full sims), all split up into tiny tiny plots, as my friend is renting. So... What is this? Only things I can think of, correct my wrong-thinking, please... 1. Some person got lucky awhile ago on an auction and is now sitting back and relaxing while these tenants pay for his SL and probably RL. 2. A group of region owners moved their lands next to each other, then repeat number 1. 3. It's LL owned. 4. Something that has to do with Thor tickling Beetlejuice. Ok, so number 4 was just for giggles. But seriously, what is this? Renting land is not something I want to get into. But my friend said, and others, that they have FULL RIGHTS to these plots, even as small as they are. I've only heard of being able to split up your region into parcels, and only 4. Being 1/4 sim each. I'm just curious. I've never seen land like that before. And I've seen way more expensive homes, skyboxes, with less prom allowance. Way less.

Thank you for that. I made sure not only to do that, but also create other roles as well, with definitive abilities. Such as hotel manager, club manager, general manager, etc. Some roles don't require too many abilities. But the general manager will almost have my abilities, just not able to delete or harm the sim in any way.

I have major major trust issues in SL due to precious events. But... I really need a partner/manager. I have a hotel on my sim, a club (I just bought another one because it had shops in the back. But I removed everything but the shops. Reason being, I sincerely can not find any nice fully furnished buildings for just a mall setting. Every mall I see has a club and stuff. And all the stand alone shops just look really out of place on my beach), etc. And I'm seriously dumb lol. I'm not comprehensive with shoutcasts, setting up sales shops (for friends to advertise), I'm really not sure about all the tiny things I should have to. I know, it's whatever I want. But I want to do it right. And hiring someone that knows how to set up pose balked, radio stations, orbs for certain areas, setting up teleports, etc. I have a few teleports and can not figure out how to use them. But aside from all that... Renting a hotel out is pretty neat and I figured that out pretty fast. I can set the prices for each room, set the ratings for each room, tv in every room, etc. It's nice. But the business aspect of it is what intrigues me. But as I said previously, I'm not about making money. So I'm giving out rooms to homeless group members for only $L1 a week. I figured... Not a bad promotion. I just have so much in my head, the money to invest... But need a partner that knows a lot. And that's obviously trustworthy.

Damn... So you're stacking? Expanding upwards has been on my mind a lot too. Almost like another sim, right? Just... Floating? I'm not sure if there's a sky limit or something. But 5 levels is impressive lol.

So you're saying, don't physically separate them. Just use a security orb to block areas, correct? I have a security orb, but I'm still not 100% on how to use it to the correct respect. I've seen regions that have parcels rented out and blocked by a "yellow tape" visual, that informs you that you have such and such time to leave. But it does not let you pass that barrier. Is that barrier a different gadget? I have 2. The security orb, and something that is a "bounding box", but when I put all 5 orbs down, It said it was set... But I saw no barrier or difference at all.

So, it only affects the seats that DON'T have a pose ball to sit? Or does it affect all "touchable" ones as well? Only reason I ask is because i put a LOT of places to sit on the sim. So I would hate to render those useless and thus wasting my investment.

I know of a place/club that has what appears to be the illegal version as well. But haven't had it removed yet.

And since I'm supplying a full sim, on my own, plus all the fine details and building... I think something like that should be the least of my worries. Giving people free public housing I think is even stretching it. But we'll see. But ya, I'm looking for a community-based type enhancer. To bring like-minded people together. Sadly, the closest example I've seen if that is those trivia balls. Which, I actually enjoy myself. I think if I can find one that let's you manually input the questions, I'll definitely get that. And I think a friend of mine had a Sploder/Xploder script, if I ever want to try it out. I just learned about scripts and all that, so I've been messing around with those a little. Like making my own group joiner and greeter.

Thank you Amethyst, and I'm going to take your folks' advice. I won't use an xploder. You're absolutely correct, I would hate to attract THOSE types of people. And since I will have free housing coming up here soon, I really don't need those types around.

Thank you for that. Sounded like a good idea. But you're right. Even tho I can kick them or ban them, I would still like to avoid a situation like that ahead of time. So again, thank you. The number of visitors that come to my place on a daily base is increasing steadily. I'm just always up to try new things that attract people. Well more so, things people enjoy doing. I personally just enjoy chatting and creating things. So things like the club and such are mainly for the members. Well, visitors. I have a free gift that I give to every person that visits. From what I hear, it's something you can't get anymore. But it's a stuffed animal that emits hearts and has holding animations. I don't know, but I was told it's old and unseen nowadays. Given to me by a good friend. But I have it so only I can give it to them, so they HAVE to see me in order to get it. I think as a starting point, it's good to have that direct interaction. But I know later on I'll have random free gifts for everyone that they'll get through a greeter/gifter.

Very good info, thank you! I was wondering the difference, I've seen both types on the market. And the opinion I got before, about no one ever putting money in but the owner does, was obviously about the xploders. I'm not which is better for what. But if possible, I wouldn't mind having an xploder and putting in a thousand or more, just for the traffic increase. But IF the club gets rented or I hire a manager for it, I'll definitely put a Sploder in it. The lottery idea is kinda neat. And it's not a "required purchase", everyone pays it on their own will. Xploder seems like a good traffic enhancer tho. Especially if the explosions are an above average amount. No idea what an average amount is lol but ya.

I understand, and I appreciate constructive criticism. If the bill becomes too much for me to handle, then I will definitely split it all up and rent out what I'm not using. Then go back up when my funds are corrected. But as of now, I really don't have a reason to cut down. I'm essentially paying $300+ USD just for a hobbie. It's true. But I knew that from the beginning. I had/have a "business plan"... It's NOT running a business. I'm selling nothing, besides the arcade games and rides, which are $L1-$L3 each. So there's really no money there. And I also have donation boxes, if anyone feels like showing some extra appreciation. But that's never asked for or required. I know, it sounds completely insane... But I'm literally, and have made peace with, paying for something just to make me and others happy. I go to so many clubs and places where people beg for tips, spam the Sploder, just generally make you feel pressured to do something. And I understand, they have bills to pay, they need that $L, and that's why they do it. But in the same token, that's exactly why I'm doing, or trying to, what I am. Since my bills are handled, I can just let people relax, talk, enjoy whatever they like on the sim. It's like... What I personally wanted to see, a place I would enjoy hanging out at and meeting people, is this sim. Well, what I hope it will be. I'm also taking suggestions from group member, so in some instances, the members are building the sim. I just supply the necessary investments to make that happen. And as I said, I'm very happy to do so, all song as people enjoy it.

Thanks Venus, this was quite helpful. I'm not really trying to run a club. For one, I don't know enough, and two, I heard it's a huge hassle and can really get on your nerves. And the options you gave are spot on. And that got me thinking... Maybe I could rent out my club? As you suggested. Maybe separate that parcel and rent it? I don't know. But if I don't do that, yes, I would like to at least hire a manager for the club, and they can arrange things. But the region itself, I'm not trying to turn into one club-based area. A cool idea I went when I saw it on the marketplace; I put in an arcade and some theme park rides. I didn't know it at the time, but you can put a price on each machine. So I have some stuff set for $L1-$L3, depending on the ride or game. But there is still free games to play. The club part is actually really dead, considering I have no one running it. It's a nice full set up, lights and booth and whatnots. But no real entertainment coming from that area of the region. So I'm either going to hire a manager for the club area, or scrap the club and just put in more them park-like things. Food vendors, more rides and games, maybe figure out the whole ticket and reward system. I don't know lol sounds like fun tho.

I appreciate all your advice Sassy, thank you. And yes, expensive... And it worries me. But I honestly didn't see any other options, for what my plan and idea was. I essentially needed the space, the prims, the privacy, the rights, and the abilities. Could I have done it on my 1/4? Of course. But there's no way I could get the look and feel that I wanted. So, as I said, I don't really see another option. But if donations come in, I don't think I'd be too stressed. Just knowing people appreciate the sim. Good enough for me. But I can always go back down to 1/4 if I can't afford it anymore. 1. Is a Sploder necessary? Or at least, a good idea for the sim? I've heard many people say how much they dislike Sploders, they're annoying, no one ever pays them, blah blah blah. But I'm a businessman. If it attracts people, then I'm all for it. Same with a Contest Board, would you recommend that? The issue I'm having at the moment is confusion. Kinda like a panda with a suit on... Not sure where to go. My sim is literally everything in one. There's a fantasy "Alice In Wonderland" forest, carnival rides, an arcade, Queen of Hearts' castle, pools, a giant club, and outside dance floor, bonfires, a playground, 2 different regular forests, etc. It's just... Everything. And I'm not sure if that's a good thing anymore. A lot of people love it. I love it. There's something for anyone. But some people have said it's overwhelming. And thank you!!! I'm going to look for that object. Because, if I rez it and it's my entire 1/4 sim rezzed back into place, as it was.... I'm going to be one self-loathing panda lol.

Ya, it was mentioned. But it's appreciated! For an update... UPDATE: I went ahead and got myself a full sim. Crazy? Probably. But one, I can afford it (right now), and two, the 1/4 sim was just not big enough. Granted, it worked wonderfully. BUT... The things mentioned by Sassy, are what inevitably made me decide to suck it up and get the full sim. Having your own processor... Beautiful. I have absolutely NO lag. Neither does any of my visitors, even tho there's a lot going on. I have the max ability of 100 avatars at once. Again, beautiful. I tested it out with some friends and friends of friends... Had about 30 people roaming around, playing games, going on rides, swimming, one guy was building something (I'm allowing building and rezzing on my land, for the people that want to mess around with vehicles or planes or guns, etc. But damage and push are off.), one female was I think testing all the chairs and sits/cuddles, etc. And the ONLY people that had lag were the people running off of laptops and or obsolete internet connections. But still, no one got booted. Another thing is the prims. Holy hell... 3,750-15,000 is such a peaceful difference. I say peaceful becaus, now I never worry about prims. Ever. Also why I'm allowing building and rezzing on my land. But I don't have to check my prim count every day anymore. I can just... But whatever I want, put it wherever and already know that I have 11,000 prims still lol. It's seriously a load off my mind. Cuz I love building and creating sims. Well, arranging sims. So it's nice. I posted a new thread on General Discussion, asking a few questions and stating some things. If any of you are DJ's and or Club Owners/workers... Please go read that post. I need any info I can get on "club" things. Sploder, Contest Boards, Donation Boards, Shoutcast, etc.! I know nothing about any of that. Besides the donations and the contests, which are pretty self-explanatory to me. Thank you again!!!!