Ads, MTS2 Stats, 2008, Servers, Donation Drive and featuring a hippo in a bukkit!

[Delphy]

Hi All,

It's been a while since I've posted up any tech news here on the site, although that's not to say that I am not keeping an eye on the servers and site in general. In fact, I still haven't finished off some large projects that hopefully people will like, and I'm also tweaking and optimising behind the schemes. Hopefully some of these optimisations will come online in the next week or so, and (should) improve the speed of the www servers.

So, onto the first order of business:

:here: Ads:

You may have noticed a new "Ad Section" on the download browsing interface, as well as the download pages themselves, as well as a takeover ad. We've been running these almost a week now, and seem to have the kinks ironed out.

They hopefully aren't too intrusive, and though I know some of you won't like them, we haven't actually run ads on the site for quite some time, and have been essentially surviving on donations and leftovers from previous months, so the ads are, essentially, a long term solution for the problem of diminishing donation revenue, while still keeping the site working at it's current speed (or better).

This brings me onto the next thing to talk about:

:here: Future status of this site:

As I mentioned in the Retirement thread, I'm stepping back from actively running MTS2, and the two other admins will be doing more of the day to day duties. MTS2 as a site won't die until it is no longer feasible to sustain the server costs for a game that really only has a couple years left in it.

Essentially what will happen is this: As the bandwidth drops off becuase less people visit, I will slowly take servers offline as needed, and gradually reduce the number down to an absolute minimum. MTS2 grew generally gracefully with a few teething issues, and so it can hopefully shrink with as little issues as possible. Rest assured that downloads and threads and everything will still continue to work for as long as possible.

Don't panic! We're not disappearing, just anticipating our response to changing needs.

:here: Donation drive:

With regards to servers, you may recall that last year I bought new servers for the site, primarily to fix the download issues then. (How time flies...) The original thread is here http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=241617.

If you read the other thread, I stated that we wanted to do a drive for the year for one server, however, we actually got two new servers, instead of one, hence the need for semi-annual instead of annual.

To that end, we are doing the semi-annual MTS2 donation drive. The target this time is $3,887. This covers both of the 2 servers I got last time for another 6 months, and is slightly lower than the last drive becuase I got a slight discount when ordering 2 at the same time.

This may seem like a high figure, but when you consider that, on average, MTS2 servers shift a little over 21TB of data a month, and have 2000-3000 people on them at a time and approximately 30,000 average user visits a day... I think most who use the site would agree that it's worth it to keep things running.

Everybody who donates to the donation drive will get a little icon next to thier name (the little heart) and monthly donators get the faster server, the icon and the ability to turn the ads off if they want.

:here: Site Statistics:

Just to give you all an idea of some statistics, since it's interesting to see how big the site is:

Threads: 95,348
Posts: 1,038,056
Active Members: 673,840 (This is defined as members who have more than 0 posts and active in the last 6 months)
Members total ever: 1,646,045

Current number of download threads: 56,055
Actual number of attachments: 358,469
Size of attachments on disk: 111,940.09 MB
Total downloads: 251,079,167 (This does not include thumbnail or image views, only file downloads)
Database size: 8.3 GB
Avatar usage: 147.15 MB

Uploads in the queue since 21st Oct 2007: 5,511
Avg Uploads per day in the moderation queue: 70.6

Total creators: 7,638 (Defined as members having 1 or more upload)
Featured creators: 286
Percentage of Featured to Normal creators: 3.7%

Total thanks, all time: 6,194,270
Thread with most thanks: Downloading for Fracking Idiots, by HystericalParoxysm
Download with most thanks: The CEP project, by Numenor

:here: Final Thoughts:

2007 saw a fair amount of activity in the Sims community - new sites got started, others died. We had the Great Paysite Debates, and MTS2 itself underwent a number of changes: New servers, extra bukkit.. I mean bandwidth capacity, new improvements to the member profiles and download pages, as well as tools released here like wes' animation tools and the DDO. We've seen the help pages move to the Wiki as well as the tutorials section.

In 2008 we will see the last of the Sims 2 EPs: Free Time, where your hippo-looking Sims can do stuff in thier free time like go bowling or eat chocolate bears or wear gogglez zat do nothink. I know a lot of you are looking forward to another year in the community, and I also know that, for some of you, interest has waned. There are no longer any major challenges left - what comes now is more tweaking and refining and generally improving things, and we'll see this happening here on MTS2. I have only one major code project to release, and from then on you'll see small improvements, tweaks, fixes and just generally keeping your experience here as smooth as possible.

I'd like to thank everybody for participating in the site - not just those who leave comments, but those who only come here to download, but tell thier friends, and by word of mouth, quality downloads and a professional atmosphere, MTS2 has grown and hopefully will continue to do so well past the time the final EP is released.

2007 was the Year of the Creator, and 2008 is yet to be named. Our Mission Statement still stands, and we'll continue to strive to be one of the best sites in the community. So, here's to all of you - the staff, the creators, the featured artists, the downloaders, the thankers, the tireless help given in the various create and help sections, and to those who have left the community for one reason or another - I wish you all well, and hope you have a great 2008!

Edit: People who donated in the last drive wont see the banner, nor will MTS2 subscribers. If you still wish to donate you must use the donate page. :)

Edit: Look! Pretty graph: http://db.modthesims2.com/donategraph.php

Kind Regards,
Delphy

PS: This is for RGiles.

http://www.modyourpanties.com/images/080109135737-BUKKIT.jpg

Thanks to PETCHY14 for the picture.

[Bluemagikroo]

well said my friend, well said. xD

[missaaliyah]

:( I so wish I could help with this, but for me, I am in thousands of debt, if I thought I could do it, I would, this place has been the place, that keeps me playing my game, without it and you and the wonderful creators, I wouldnt want to play the game.

Its true, Sims 2, has become quite boring, I know whats going to happen, each time, but with this place and lovely creations, it brightens up the game.

Only recently did I get back into my game, and thats because of MTS2. For this I want to thank you. It had been a while and I always wanted to create something, but never got around to doing that.

I will see what I can do, perhaps, put a reminder on other sites, to help MTS2.

And with the last ever released Expansion Pack out in a matter of weeks, the last in the series of Sim Stories also weeks away and the immiment release of Sims 2 successor Sims 3, the game is certainly winding down. Its almost like the creators just dont know what to create anymore. They done it all. We finally had our weather, our vacations, walking between lots. 1 thing is missing - Apartments!

Anyway, sorry about my ramblings, its made me really sad your comments and your retirement. Once again, thank you Delphy.

Please donate if you can?

[pepperdawg]

All of this seems so sad! I remember thinking when I first got the game how there were essentially unlimited ways for creators to change and better the game. While there are still a couple things (like missaaliyah said, apartments) missing, creators have pretty much done everything there ever was to change!

I really wish I could donate, but I'm a minor and can't get a credit card, and my parents don't like the idea of Paypal. Just out of curiosity, do monthly donators that keep the ads going on their accounts generate more revenue than if they don't? I'm sure this has been asked before, but if it has, I've missed it.

Thanks for everything that you've done for this community! It's become my favorite website, and has made my game interesting for a number of years.

[Pandora3co]

Hey! Money's a bit tight after the holidays, but I'd like to pitch in a few bucks.
This site has improved the quality and enjoyment of my game so much and finally got me to download SimPE (just a few days ago) and start "messing" with it. :p

So... um where do I go to donate? I seem to remember a big shiny button or something you clicked on to donate during the last donation drive. Which, unless I'm having a dumb moment.. I can't seem to find.

So can someone direct me to a tutorial or something on how to donate? :D

Edit - Nevermind- found the donation page. :rofl:

[Corylea]

I've been a monthly donator for a year and a half now*, and I must say that it's absolutely worth it! Thank you so much for all that you've done for us.

Not only does MTS2 make the game better, but it helps to restore my faith in humanity when bad news in the real world shakes it. The enormous amount of creativity on this site, the enormous amount of generosity that all of our creators show in keeping their creations free and publicly available, the huge number of people who've learned to make and do things that they never thought they could make or do, the gratitude and enthusiasm of our commenters -- all of that helps me to remember the good that humans are capable of. Yes, it's only a game. But the creativity is real, the generosity is real, the learning is real, and the enthusiasm is real, and that makes all the difference.

Thanks to everyone who's made this possible.


*My subscription page says that I stopped subscribing in 2006, but I got Paypal receipts for a donation every month in 2007. Er, you ARE getting these, aren't you?

[bradyseitz]

Before I found MTS2, I was just a weekend player. I used to build like crazy and grew tired of it. I do not remember how I found the site in November 2006, probably from the EA site, but anyway. Once I became a member and could upload houses that other players could use, and the thousands of downloads to enhance my game, I could not stop playing.

It is sad to see such a great site slowly going by the wayside. I feel that no matter how many Sims are released, MTS2 will be the best modding site there is.

The Sims 3 looks interesting and hopefully those that have created the slew of programs that make modifications of the Sims 2 accessible will continue to work towards newer ones for whatever EA throws our way.

There are more and more people coming along that are just getting into the Sims 2, not to mention all those "techies", for lack of a better word at the moment (appologies to anyone), that are beginning to create other programs.

As long as there are fans in the world of the Sims 2, fansites such MTS2 will never die. They may shrink and there might be less activity daily on them, but they will still be around.

Sometimes I wish I was good enough at modding and coding and not a full-time, in debt college student to help out more. I shall see what I can do to help out. Donation is past due from me and I know it.

Thanks to Delphy and all the other staff members that have made this site possible. I know I am not alone in saying that if MTS2 suffers, we all suffer in one way or another.

Keep Simming, no matter what :up:
Brady

[firion2j]

MTS2... I hope that 2008 is a fun filled year. It's only because of the site and the sims here that I continue playing TS2. Even though I have to keep an old PC to play, so I won't play as much, I'll still come and lurk around here... kupo!

[cheapie]

where's the hippo in a "bukkit"?

[comedy711]

so here it comes. 2nd law of thermo dynamics plays even online. the escape is becoming thing to escape. safty is betraying itself. the synonyms are becoming antonyms! i'm having way to much fun with this.

anyways, too bad. but all is within the will of God. so best wishes for the future! your all in my prayers

[happysmiley]

where's the hippo in a "bukkit"?

Yeah, we want hippos and bukkits!

[jasonduskey]

How sad. Just when I'm really getting the hang of creating custom content, MTS2 begins its swan song. Maxis has had a good run with Sims 2, do they really have to phase it out?

[Phaenoh]

I had money AND a paypal account this time! This site is definitely worth donating to, so enjoy my Christmas money. Keeping this site alive and running is a far better present for me. Live out your days in glory, MTS2!

[khakidoo]

Delphy, you are really bad at retiring. I think you've actually been posting more since 'O8 started. :)

[Sophie-David]

How sad. Just when I'm really getting the hang of creating custom content, MTS2 begins its swan song. Maxis has had a good run with Sims 2, do they really have to phase it out?Well even Sims 1 has not really been phased out. The game and expansions are still readily for sale, and there are quite a few sites still supporting it with content. If you look at it that way, Sims 2 will be around for quite a few years yet.

I do not at all agree with the notion that everything has been done as far as creation goes. It is only just in the last few months that original animations have become more readily feasible, and for example only just in the last month that Sims are finally able to ride horses. From my perspective as a creator, I can see many basic and obvious things that need improvement, and whole areas of possibility that have been barely touched. But as it is for most folks, there's only so much time available to put into it.

I suspect that many creators will stop creating for the Sims 2 because the challenges and shortcoming inherent in the Sims 3 will be more interesting, and also, because the audience and the excitement will have moved on. I can see moving on for those reasons, but not because there is nothing left to do in the Sims 2 world. I also suspect that it will likely be quite some time before the new Sims 3 tools are available, so that it becomes practical for a large scale creative effort to occur.

[kaos_princess]

Yeah come on guys! Donate! Even broke old me has thrown in 5 bucks despite my bills (lawyers are evil overcharging thugs - bitter custody battle)

We have all been saving amazing amounts of money through MTS2. Imagine how broke we would all be if our hugely oversized download folders had all been filled from paysites!

I think even the brokest of us with a credit card can let go of a few dollars to keep the site we love afloat till its time to move on.

[edejan]

Thanks for everything Delphy! I did notice the ads but thought it was kind of funny!! They're OK if they'll keep things running!

Wow! I'm a slow starter. I collected all the Sims 1 eps and stuff packs but didn't play 'til Makin' Magic came out. Then I collected all the EPs and stuff packs for Sims 2 but continued playing Sims 1 'til Pets for Sims 2 came out. So I've only been playing Sims 2 for the last year and a half or so. I feel like I'm just getting the hang of it and everyone is hanging it up!!! Sniff...well, I've finally became a member a few months ago but I'm sad that things seem to be winding down! I hope it doesn't happen too quickly. I know I'll buy Sims 3 but not play it for years! I even gave my new computer to my hubby because it wouldn't play the sims and kept his old one. I know I'll hang on here as long as possible!! The creators on this site are the best and the variety is astounding!!

[bspearman37]

I'm so glad that this site has been around and all the people that have created the wonderful content that I have used and abused over the last few years! Ya'll are the best. I donated my $5 simoleans, plus purchased a couple of things from the MTS2 store, it's not much as I will be losing my job next month. I sure wish I could afford to be a monthly subscriber instead of just a downloader!

Anywho, thanks to all again!

[verenaheu]

Thanks for keeping an eye around and I want to wish you a great 2008 also!
MtS2 still has a loooong way to go! You don´t really think that TS3 will be out on time, do you? Thanks to the creativity of our friends here this game is getting better and better! And thanks also to all donators making this engine run, a good year to you! :)

[Delphy]

corylea: Yup, we should still get them.

pandora: I deliberately set it so that people who donated in the last drive do not see the message this time. As you noticed though you can donate using the normal donation page.

khaki: Hey, it's my retirement, I'm allowed to post more ;)

All: I'll try and keep MTS2 going as long as possible. The site is not dying and, as Sophie-David says, there is still a lot to do - especially in the realms of animations. I daresay we'll see things slow down somewhat, but that will make the really extraordinary breakthroughs that much more special.

Thanks to all who have donated so far! 15% overnight is very good going!

[exportdry]

All good things must come to an end eventually.
I finally made a donation which should have a quite a while ago. *looks down and shakes head*

Anyway people, whats to be sad about, you know there's going to be a Sims3.
EA can't just let that cash cow go by.
Lets just hope it's coded way way better and alot easier to customise right from the start, instead of having the community make modding tools for it.

I just have this horrible feeling EA is going to lie about system specs again on the box and there's going to be a flood of poeple asking why it doesn't work on thier PC?

But miracles do happen no?

[Simsane]

Well, I just sent a payment, but I forgot to add my screen name for this site -- so I guess it's just an anonymous donation. :-)

[joe_debock]

Man listen to all the doom and gloom.
The stoneage didn’t end because there were no more stones but we found something better.
We had and still have Sims 1
We have Sims 2 and MTS2
Tomorrow I believe in fall as US calls it, is Sims 3 release and I hope to see MTS3 there and that is up to us.
It’s called progress

[tgarciame]

Hi!
I have a paypal account an i would like to donate some money, but i don't know how to do it? Can anyone describe for me the steps, please??

[tgarciame]

Ok, no problem! The first time i search the link 'Make a donation', it takes me to Paypal home page and i didn´t notice anything about your site. So, i´ve tried again and i was able to make my donation.
And people, please... make your own donation. It´s a little money to us and it´s worth it. My game is full of mts2 creations.
Thanks for the site!!!

[larsson1970]

Are we talking about a end which is maybe faraway?

As many have mentioned here: There is still a lot of work!!!!

And with the knowledge that MTS2 will exist as long as the last will leave the sinking ship we can go on with our work.

But this is a good place to say thanks: Thanks to DELPHY, thanks to the ADMINS, thanks to the CREATORS, thanks to the DOWNLOADERS, thanks to the VISITORS, thanks to the DONATORS.................

I say thanks for the done in the past, but in first way i say thanks for doing in FUTURE!!!

[starcaller]

what an amazing site you have here.and now i am a member looking forward to learning so much :p my name is playerlorraine20 at thesims2.
i cant see modthesims going anywhere=noooo i have just found you
flowers to you .starcaller

[Delphy]

tgarciame, Just click on the Make a Donation button and login to your paypal account. :)

[Bagfran]

Yeah, we want hippos and bukkits!

Yeah, I only looked at this thread 'cos I was promised a hippo! ;)

But seriously, I'm more than happy to donate - should have done it a long time ago really. *looks bashful and shuffles feet*

I'm fairly new to Sims 2, so not bored of it yet, and will continue to support fansites for as long as they continue...

All good things come to an end, but we have MTS3 to look forward to, maybe????

[Nouk]

You have a good plan to keep things going smooth!
There's a small glitch: I've donated in the last drive, but the banner still appears.

[Mihura]

A good year to the site with a lot of good things ! MTS2 is really great and I'm sure it will stay like this in the future ! :beer:

About the Sims 3 ? We will see... :D

[Lokomotiv]

I'm not so good at paypal, but I think I made a donation!

[Inge Jones]

It's a bit weird, it only allows me to donate $5. Shouldn't I be able to fill in how much I want?

[Alitoni]

Many thanks to you, Delphy and the Admins for keeping us informed and for keeping things going here at MTS2.

Like Inge, I want to donate more also but didn't see a place to change the amount.

[Delphy]

Nouk, not a glitch. :) I temporarily enabled the banner for everybody, since there are quite a few people who donated last time and who want to donate again.

Inge, no thats not weird. The Make a donation button in the Donation Drive banner only allows you to donate $5. If you want to donate more, you can use the button on the actual Donate page itself.

[Nouk]

Ohhh smart. At least I don't have to search around now. I was worried you never gots the monies :(

[compaq2424]

well mts2 u have gave me and my friend a scare cause we thought mts2 was not going to be free eny more so stop posting these mesages if the say this on them (We are currently running a donation drive for server costs.)
this is realy bad so please make ur singe diferent and please put on it u can pay or downlode for free cause ur site is fab but we will NOT pay for a site were we can get the same stuff for free else were.so read what u right before u post it cause this mesage will make peopel leave here SO READ IT PLEZ :alarm: :deal: :alarm:

thank u for reading this from angel and tyler

[Inge Jones]

Thanks Delphy, I thought maybe the price just got stuck because I might have donated that amount last time and it remembered it

[$RaMRoM$]

I Really Really Really want to donate! but im a teenager! and my parents won't give me the credit card number :( but if i ever do! I will donate, I promise!

Thanks for all The work delphy....

[khakidoo]

compaq - You're so precious...

[SpazsGirl21003]

Thanks for everything you all do. This is my favorite Sims site. My husband just donated. Hope this site sticks around for a long time yet.

[reflects]

I've signed up with PayPal under two different cards, & each of those cards ended up with fradulent charges.

If there were any way other than PayPal, I'd be all over it. I love mts2. Couldn't live without it.

[gali]

Thank you for the wonderful site. I have now some admin problems with PayPal, but as soon as it will be settled, I'll donate willingly.

[Petchy]

Blarg!
Why must you infringe this upon us? :D
You know fine well I can't donate due to being only Small!

Acualy. I miht donate this time. Is worth it...
Oh yea, I don't have paypal. BALLS!

Is it right that I have a 'UGO' button opposite the MTS2 one? :blink:

[Petchy]

...2007 was the Year of the Creator, and 2008 is yet to be named. Our Mission Statement still stands, and we'll continue to strive to be one of the best sites in the community. So, here's to all of you - the staff, the creators, the featured artists, the downloaders, the thankers, the tireless help given in the various create and help sections, and to those who have left the community for one reason or another - I wish you all well, and hope you have a great 2008!!...

...Kind Regards,
Delphy


MTS2008=

THe Begining of the end. But how long will the end last? :blink:

http://www.modyourpanties.com/images/080109135737-BUKKIT.jpg THERE! HAPPY NOW? :rofl:

[missaaliyah]

WHAT :!: There is an ep coming out Feb 2008 :new: "Free Time" :new: or something like that

Yes there is one last EP (that has been confirmed)
http://thesims2.ea.com/about/ep7_index.php

And there is a possibly Stuff pack for later this year as well. There is no confirmation on this.

[Townieforsims]

I would like to donate but my parents won't let me. It's a "waste" of money supposedly! What would they know, both of them think the Sims 2 is a virtual dollhouse and take the mickey out of me for playing it! :cry:
I'd say I'll donate when I'm 18 but thats 4 years away so by that time I'll be playing the Sims 3! :bunny: (Maybe 4? - Who knows)

So all I can say is sorry. :( But I'll always support this site in my heart.

Shame bandwith doesn't run on loyalty. :!!:

[Delphy]

well mts2 u have gave me and my friend a scare cause we thought mts2 was not going to be free eny more so stop posting these mesages if the say this on them (We are currently running a donation drive for server costs.)
this is realy bad so please make ur singe diferent and please put on it u can pay or downlode for free cause ur site is fab but we will NOT pay for a site were we can get the same stuff for free else were.so read what u right before u post it cause this mesage will make peopel leave here SO READ IT PLEZ :alarm: :deal: :alarm:

thank u for reading this from angel and tyler

What on earth are you talking about? MTS2 has never been a paysite and never will be one. If we (or rather, I) can't pay for the servers, either through donation drives like this one, or through ad revenue, then simply put the site will shut down.

Everything on MTS2 is free and always has been... I suggest you go back and read the mission statement and, well, everybody else in the entire community knows that MTS2 is the largest free Sims 2 site... so I have no idea where you got the idea we where or where going to be pay...

Colour me confused.

[Delphy]

Is it right that I have a 'UGO' button opposite the MTS2 one? :blink:

Yes, part of the ads agreement.

[Delphy]

Petchy, ohh thats good. Is that a chocolate hippo in a bukkit? :D

[lisa113070]

I donated but,I didn't put in my login info didn't see that part until I hit pay...but,,,I donated..thanks to all the great creators!!!

[Autiep03]

All good things must come to an end at one point or another. Sadly, MTS2 will also reach its end. The Sims 2 game is reaching the end of its expansion packs. Eventually the Sims 3 will take over and we will forget about the Sims 2, like we did with the Sims one, hopefully not too soon though. I can only hope that there is a similar site for the Sims 3. MTS2 is the only site, in my opinion, that combined game content, support and the best collection of creators. All ran on donations! Anyone can join and anyone can create. The perfect site for the Sims 2. Don't get me wrong, this site still has PLENTY of potential in 2008. It just disappoints me, as it does to all of us, that it will eventually be no more.

[sunken-woglinde]

Oh my gosh. So are you saying that MTS2 is going to dissapear? And here I'm only just now getting good at creating!
There are absolutely NO sites that are as good as Mts2! All of the items here are fantastic, and there are so, so many that I just can't do without. As Autie said, it's definately the PERFECT site.

I would donate, I really would, but I'm certain that my parents won't let me. They don't like using Paypal on anything other than eBay...it also makes me sad that I haven't been able to download as much as I've wanted to because my internet is dialup! So much to download...so little time!

How soon are you expecting Modthesims2 to wane?

[Delphy]

I'd estimate the site has at least another year of life in it, perhaps a little more.

[missaaliyah]

I'd estimate the site has at least another year of life in it, perhaps a little more.

Also if you are worried about it, download it now, then back it up to disks or external hard drives. I have 2 external hard drives. One has 250GB and the other has 500GB, not that downloading what you want, would take up that much.

[Simsane]

How much has been raised in donations so far? How much more do you need? I donated once, but I will donate again if necessary. Could you put something up that shows the goal and how close you're getting? Seems to me that in the past, there was a way to find out, or am I thinking of a different sims website? I just know that people are worrying and I'd feel better if I could see if MTS2 is even close to what it needs. :-)

[missaaliyah]

How much has been raised in donations so far? How much more do you need? I donated once, but I will donate again if necessary. Could you put something up that shows the goal and how close you're getting? Seems to me that in the past, there was a way to find out, or am I thinking of a different sims website? I just know that people are worrying and I'd feel better if I could see if MTS2 is even close to what it needs. :-)

Its at the top of the site, in a big blue box, as of right now its got 2362 of a target of 3887

[Teresa3715]

I just made a donation because I know this is the Best Site Ever! Thanks Everyone!

[Delphy]

Its at the top of the site, in a big blue box, as of right now its got 2362 of a target of 3887

There is also an image at the bottom of the first post...

[Mihura]

Yes and the bar is progressing ! 62 % now ? Great !!! :up:

[RGiles]

I gotta insist that the hippo/bukkit picture be copied to the OP. You claim that the thread features a hippo in a bukkit, yet the image does not even appear on the first page. This is misleading and deeply disappointing. If we can not trust you with our hippos, how can we be expected to trust you with our bukkits?

RG

[Delphy]

Well, since you asked nicely... (and it's you! Hi!)... I shall do that. :D

[CynicalChick]

Is that..?? No! Halp! I'm caught in the MTS2 Wayback Machine!

[Petchy]

I'm caught in the MTS2 Wayback Machine!
Me Three!

:up: Urp the past! :up:

Delphy: Yes, You can't beat it! :king: I wish I had a heated hot-tub Buckkt...

Still waiting for the turtles (and/or sheep) :turtle: :sheep:

[whiterider]

Damnit, now I feel like a staff newblet again.... :P .

[RGiles]

Damnit, now I feel like a staff newblet again.... :P .

Not at all. I'm an ancient. :turtle: I haven't simmed since before Nightlife was released.
/me waves to CC

Thank you Delphy and Petchy for restoring my faith in your bukkits.

[Petchy]

Its only natural, You get one look at a hippo in a situation lik that an you suddenly get a
'OH MY! I SOOOO WANNA BE THAT HIPPO!'
feeling...

[daysies]

Not at all. I'm an ancient. :turtle: I haven't simmed since before Nightlife was released.
/me waves to CC

Thank you Delphy and Petchy for restoring my faith in your bukkits.
Wow, blast from the past! :) You've got a lot of catching up to do then. :D

[Petchy]

THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO INTRODUCE MY IDEA!

Why not add the history of 'The sims 2' onto the wikki??

There's already a page for histroy, why not add a bitta that?

IE: dates, EPs, SPs, People going from the community, Mesh tool, the big 'Switchover' ie. Maxis goes EA way, etc
This info isn't open to the public, Heck, I don't know a 6th of it! I joined in 2006, this site has been going since 2004! and for lots of '06 I was a 'D/L, Get memory pen, upload, Go upstairs,' rince wash repeat! And then we got wireless...

All the achivements and all the losses! WE WANT TO KNOW!

And yea thats my idea!

And If anyone can tell me where such information is already avalable, Pease PM me.

[Numenor]

*Numenor faints*

(after few minutes)

*Numenor recovers*

RGiles?? It's SOOOOO nice to see you online again! :D
Now finally the young creators will know WHO they have been crediting for so long for the CEP (and many other things) :lol:

[Vixenia]

would luv to donate but christmas funds went on simcity 4. which i had to re-install my computer and lose all my hard work just to get it to work. Evil hackers/virus makers... Anyways hope you have fun in your retirement and maybe (just maybe) if he/she/it creator of sims2graveyard could upload some famous (and some infamous but fabby) creations to he/she/it's server when eventually hopefully in many years time when mts2 waves bye bye we can still get faves stuff! :cry: the shame! hope u have a VERY long goodbye :lol:
ALL HAIL KING DELPHY :king: LORD OF OWNING A SITE WHERE BAD CREATORS CAN LEARN THE TRADE AND PEOPLE CAN UPLOAD THEIR CREATIONS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY AND HAVING TO SUFFER FREE STUFF COMMENTS :) i wished tsr would die before mts2...

[jasonduskey]

It's payday so I'm in for 50, brothers and sisters. It's the least I can do to keep the site alive. I've enjoyed MTS2 for a long time and been a regular contributor for a while. I'd rather spend it that money on the site and know what I'm getting than on a PC game and risk not getting my money's worth. I've bought 2 PC games since November, EA's disappointing Simcity sequel, and the crapfest called The Witcher (note: NOT Vista compatible) I really enjoy sharing my creations and being able to see other people's creations, too. So until MTS2's far-off but iminent demise, I'm in.

[Mar_ienka]

First of all: millions of big thanks to all of those enthusiastic people, who made a donation!!!!!

And now something for completely... laugh like a horse:
Maybe it'a a kind of my idiocy or I have a stupid credit card (with a silly bank account as well). I try to contact my bank first and ask someone if I have a possibility to make a donation. On the other hand, I am not sure that as a non-dolar country, I am able to send money to this wonderfull page. Probably, you will have no idea what to do with 200 Czech Crowns :-D ...and the meanless think that one PayPal transaction will cost me more than you want <lol>

[Numenor]

As far as I know, PayPal does everything without requiring anything on your side: you specify an amount in your currency, and that exact amount is taken from your account. Any possible transaction fee is paid by the recipient (MTS2).

[Delphy]

Petchy14, The "history" of the Sims 2 has been there for ages, on the wiki.

http://www.sims2wiki.info/index.php?title=Timeline

This page was last modified 22:29, 14 May 2007 by Sims2Wiki user Delphy

[whiterider]

The currency won't matter. :)

[kiwigirl]

I donated - thanks to all who make this such a fantastic site :)

[Samanthas Ideas]

I donated too. You all asked in such a classy way, I couldn't resist :-) Good luck!

[blackde]

i donated last time and still see the banner, does that mean you didn't get my donation?

[Delphy]

blackde, the banner shows up for everybody becuase it's coded that way. :)

[WesHowe]

Not at all. I'm an ancient.

* wes_h blinks

Well, some of the remaining olde phartes here remember you well, and this one wonders why you let 2-1/2 years go by between posts.

<* Wes *>

[Delphy]

Actually, ignore my previous post - the donation banner should not appear to those people who have already donated for this current donation drive. Can somebody who has donated confirm this? Thanks

[Rustavius]

Just a few thoughts...

It's been mentioned that some sites are still supporting Sims1. This is true. And in Other Games, some other sites are still supporting Unreal Tournament 1999 edition!!! The Sims2 still has life left in it.

Yes, The Sims 3 will be out in a year or so, but at least 30% of the people reading this will need to wait 6-12 months following the release to buy a computer good enough to handle the new game. And I'd guess at least 12% of the people who will have good enough computers will wait 2 months, just for the patches to be released!

Delphy, I'm sorry to see this great site go into retirement. It's been my primary site for downloading content for almost 2 years now. I found this place in March 2005, and by May this was always my first stop. What little custom content I have made has been posted here exclusively.

I'll put some cash into my PayPal account tomorrow, Delphy. I was out of steady work for a very long time and couldn't donate in the past. That's why I almost never posted for so much of my time on the site. I felt ashamed for being such a leech. Now that I'm back in the workforce, I want to make up for that.

[OwaizooDE]

Ads are no problem,i just wanted to say the ads are so well organized that i dont even feel like theres any ads!

[Simsane]

Delphy and missaaliyah, thank you both for responding to my question. I don't see a blue box on the Home page. I use Mozilla but when I opened IE and came here I did see the box, but only until I logged in -- then I couldn't see it anymore. I can see the box that's in Delphy's first post though, so thank you. I sent more to help, I get paid tomorrow and that'll be my treat to myself. :-) I have loved this site for three years now and have told everyone I talked to about the Sims2 about this site. I hope it keeps going long after the Sims3 comes out since I don't intend to buy the Sims3 anyway.

Also, Rgiles, I know you don't know me (I'm just one of the downloaders) but I do remember you! Welcome back! :)

Oh and Delphy, I never did see the donation banner, even when I forgot to put my screen name with my first payment.

[Delphy]

Rustavius, the site isn't retiring. I am, but I am not the site. It'll still continue running as normal :)

[Teresa3715]

the donation banner is gone since I donated.

[blackde]

Oh ok, I was just wondering because in the starting post it said

"Edit: People who donated in the last drive wont see the banner, nor will MTS2 subscribers. If you still wish to donate you must use the donate page. "

just made me nervous ya didn't get my donation last time. No worries.

[alchemist]

Actually, Sims3 getting out has it's advantages. It means that all the EPs for Sims2 will get a bit cheaper with time, and _that_ means I can finally buy them and use all the great CC that uses OFB or other EPs I don't have yet.

And I just love MTS2, and the whole community that develops around Sims. I love that people invest so much time into making modding tools or keeping a huge site like this one running.

I think I donated a bit some time ago, but I just threw in another shamefully tiny amount.

Here's to hoping modding animations will be easier on Sims3! I miss all the great new meshes and animations that were around on Sims1.

[pkstar]

I don't have much to give.. being in debt currently.. ^^;; But I did mage to contibute, and I know every little bit helps. This is.. the only site i've ever done this for, so.. oO Hopefully it's good. I just don't feel right taking and not giving back at least something. ;3 Here's to another year, and wonderful speech.

[kellygirl]

Hi, sad to here your leaveing.But i have a question. I just saw the items you have for sale. The thong was pretty funny. Does a portion of the money go to the site too? I wish i could donate.But currently i have no job.Currently looking too! wish me lots of luck.I've been looking for awhile. After you've had kids and no skills it's hard. So get a degree in something. Sorry i'm rambeling!I hope this site never goes claploowy. I love this site!

[bspearman37]

I have the same question as kellygirl above. I just purchased the MTS2 sweatshirt and long sleeved T-shirt. I hope a good part of that purchase goes back into MTS2. If not let me know and I will donate again.

On another note, I love to see the site is not too far from it's mark!!! This community is fantastic! :gjob: :beer:

PS. I donated again anyways. Didn't feel that only $5 bucks that was donated the first time truly reflected how I enjoy this site. But I would still like to know if anything of my purchase at CafePress gets back to MTS2. :llama:

[missaaliyah]

Thank you for the timeline link Delphy, its a blast from the past for me.

[bsett]

I was glad to see there was another method to donate besides paypal. I was in the process of making my credit card donation but the form would not compleat without entering my phone number. As I get way to many junk phone calls already I am reluctant to provide that info. I know for a fact that my phone number is not necessary for online credit card transactions as I do this all the time. If you make the phone number optional I'll glady donte :)

[Mihura]

No banner for me. I have donate this time, before and regularly and not yellow banner. :D

RGiles it's good to see you again ! I remember a kind answer about SimPe and genetic when I just beginning the game. :p

With the bar on the first page it's seems that just 500 § (sorry 500 $ ^^) is lacking. Bravo !!! :beer:

[rhi191]

Dam, I wish I could donate. I love this site to pieces and I love you Delphy. You are awesome and I wish I had even a tiny amount of your talent.

I hope a site like this springs up for sims 3 eventually.

*hugs mts2* You guys are all fantastic

The ads don't bother me and I don't mind having them to help keep the site running (since I cannot donate!!)

[tiggerypum]

Purchases from CafeExpress (or Amazon, if you use the link) give a small amount of $$ to MTS2 - and you get the goodies.

[gbreez]

I made a small donation through PayPal but I am still getting ads, requests for money, and no icon. I have been giving whenever I can and will probably give again soon, but, if stuck with the friggin' ads, would at least like to see the icon. Am I being too picky? Oh well.

:!: The first donation was made in mid-December. I just made another one and this time the banner disappeared when I entered the site. Hurray!!! I still get the ads and still have no icon, but what the hay! Love this place and do not mind a bit giving a few bucks whenever I can to keep it going. :lovestruc

[WesHowe]

Actually, ignore my previous post - the donation banner should not appear to those people who have already donated for this current donation drive. Can somebody who has donated confirm this? Thanks

Almost immediately after donating in this latest round, the donate banner disappeared.

Not a complaint, but an observation:

I still get the UGO button in the banner (which is OK). I'm not sure I understand the purpose of the site, other than being some sort of weird people celebrity oriented stuff.

But when I hover the mouse over thebutton, the cursor changes to indicate it is a link, but what it is linking to is not visible in the status bar in IE7. I usually don't go to sites that are linked this way because mostly they are pr0n sites or want me to buy something that is guaranteed to improve the size or efficiency of some vital body part or another.

Worthwhile sites usually don't cloak their identity.

<* Wes *>

[Nyx Skye]

Hello! I had donated yesterday, but I forgot to put my name in. I didn't realize I could until after I clicked to pay and was looking at the screen as it was loading the next page. Is there anyway to fix that? I just use paypal too much and click through it. >.>

[ClicknPsycho]

I love to donate to this site, this is the best and most used site by me.
I made this my home page. :gjob:

Although I have cut down my downloads 'cause I reach 12,000 CC's. :rolleyes:

Just wondering if the profile and uploads pages will update soon for teen style and the new EP freetime? :report:

[whiterider]

wes - we never said the ads were to anything worth clicking on :P .

*goes back to being non-constructive somewhere else*

[Delphy]

wes, it's done that way becuase of the way the navbar is constructed - if you'll notice the MTS2 logo in the left also does this, and has done since I redesigned the page.

[ldomeh0]

Congratulations! MTS2 is very close to goal!

I love this site. Tryed to donate twice but wasn't successful without much explanation from PayPal. Credit is OK and I recently used it without problem ...

I didn't see any Help link to contact Paypal. I will try one more time.

My game wouldn't be the same without MTS2.

Thank you MTS2! Big thanks to all Creators!

[Delphy]

I just want to say a big thanks to everybody who donated - you should all have your little hearts now. :) We reached the goal in only 3 and a half days which is very impressive!

Thank you!

[moonracer1313]

Glad to see people pitched in to keep the site going. MTS2 makes the game worth playing.

[Raven Dragonfire]

Hello, I'm a new member but I spent so much time on this site!
I think it's a great site, it's the best one about the sims 2. That's why I donated, I'll definitely keep on supporting MTS2!

I want to thank everyone (Delphy, the creators, etc etc...) who worked and works on MTS2 for bringing us such a great site, for all the cool stuff we find here! :king:


Btw, I also think that the Sims 2 is going to remain very popular even after the release of the Sims 3. I don't think many people will be immediately able to match the system requirements.

[sephiroth1]

Congratulations!
So MTS2 won't disappear for a while?
I love little heart. Very cute^o^

[Mihura]

Yes it's done and it's a great news !!! Bravo ! :beer:

[flakattack]

*Sigh*

It was a pretty good run, even though I never even got to make a full family tree in any family because I get bored to easily. I know I should've donated money, but I couldn't trust the credit card companies to shine my shoes...

On a side note, there may not even be a Sims 3 for a few more years. EA's biggest Will Wright-related projects are an online SimCity and Spore, which, in my honest opinion, will be a breakaway for the better.

[choccy94]

Sorry to rain on everyone's parade, but there's something wrong with the takeover ad.

I think it has something to do with the virus i have, but still. When the takeover ad comes on, the page just flashes and makes clicky noises (techincal term ;)) but when i click "click here to continue" it doesn't let me, it just flashes and clicks more. The only way I got onto here was by getting my friend to send me a link. But i can't get on the downloads page because of the ad.

Help!

[doram]

I was happy to donate - this is one of the best sites ever :) Thank you very much :)

[Lilym29]

How much money did the site receive, thus far, toward the goal?

[snapzit]

compaq2424: I apologize if you are children, however if you are an adult (18 +), could you please use a language we can all understand other than misplaced rage and ambiguous abbreviations? All of us are concerned about MTS2and its potential closing, free content, and the game we love. Remember, this is and has been a valuable and generous resource. But! All of us need to remember that the creators, managers and founders of the site don't need whiners.

Go out and create something to contribute or quit griping about having to help support the costs, a whopping 5 bucks. If you ain't got the cash, make something great and upload it for all of us, just like lots of other very generous and creative people do from all over the world.

If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

[fallonfunk]

Hello! I had donated yesterday, but I forgot to put my name in. I didn't realize I could until after I clicked to pay and was looking at the screen as it was loading the next page. Is there anyway to fix that? I just use paypal too much and click through it. >.>

I had that same problem too, but I pm'd Delphy about it, I was so annoyed after because of my being to clicky quick lol.

I still got the banner afterwards of course, but I never got a little heart, but as long as MTS2 stays for awhile I am happy :)

[WesHowe]

you should all have your little hearts now.

I never saw my heart from the first server drive... but that didn't stop me from donating again this time.

Still, I would like to see it there...

[DawnKeeper]

Delphy... Retired? What's the world coming to?

http://bitsofstuff.net/other/mts2BiggestFan.jpg

[migamoo]

I just want to say a big thanks to everybody who donated - you should all have your little hearts now. :) We reached the goal in only 3 and a half days which is very impressive!

Thank you!
I donated and never got a heart.

[Delphy]

cheapie if you can't post constructively, don't post at all.

migamoo, wes, anybody else: I fixed an error in the updatesingledonaters script so you should have hearts now. :)

[Hinoemasim]

Well, guess what? I've *hated* Paypal for years, but I went and donated (am a subscriber now, actually) because it's the least I can do to express my thanks for the wonderful people here and their amazing items and fine tutorials.

Also, if Sims3 is anything like Good Riddance... er, Bon Voyage, *lol* ... I'll pass, and content myself with learning how to create Sims2 content. (For example, I think the potential for binning has only been touched on.) I for one think this game has years of life in it! Go, MTS2!

[Simcoatl]

gbreez: I made a donation too and haven't got the icon either, maybe until the next maintenance will appear but as you've said: it's not the icon neither the ads, it's to keep this site running as long as possible :)
Hope more users will donate even if there isn't a donation drive.
Thanks to all (staff, creators, tutors) for making this great site :D

[tiggerypum]

If you did donate and did not get a heart icon, please send details of the paypal transaction to Delphy - he can verify the transaction and set things right on site. Just be patient once you've written to him, it might take him a few days to get to it.

[Simcoatl]

Thanks Tiggerypum, I'll do that. I'm more concerned about the donation didn't get to MTS than for the icon itself. I'll send Delphy my confirmation e-mail so we can check that out :)

[Mihura]

Lol DawnKeeper ! Lol shot ! :rofl:

[WesHowe]

Delphy fixed my problem with not having a heart... he's a wizard. :)

[Zuhra]

it would be nice if you put some ads on the site,i think it would help a lot with the budget!

[pfish]

it would be nice if you put some ads on the site,i think it would help a lot with the budget!

There are ads here already. :)

[d4nny]

I love this site and would donate if i wasnt to young

So instead i try my best to make great creations for people and soon hope to learn how to make great items for people!

and thxs to ever1 at MTS2 for such a GREAT SITE!!

[SocialWorkerSim]

http://www.modyourpanties.com/images/080109135737-BUKKIT.jpg

Thanks to PETCHY14 for the picture.

LMAO!!! I love the hippo/bukkit jokes!!! icanhascheezburger is an awesome site. :)

I'll be making a small donation as soon as I get a job. I just got called back for a second interview for the job I'm hoping for so everyone keep their fingers crossed! :D

[lucopo]

Hello Delphy!

Yes, I have seen the ads, and I personally don't mind them. Honestly, I believe that if you need them, you need them, and that's all there is to it.

Along with that, I wish you the best of luck on your retirement, and I'm sure the other admins will do an exceptionally good job in your stead.

Also, with the donations, I would most definitely donate, if I had the money. I don't have too much right now, nor do I have a credit card or PayPal account.

I can't wait to see those large projects you have yet to finish. ;)

Love & regards,
Lucopo

[Vertex]

The ads don't bother me as long as you continue to spell bucket, bukkit.
^__^.
I would donate, but unfortunately, I'm flat broke at the moment and need every single penny I can get.
Good luck for 2008!

[AML6349]

I donated but after I clicked to pay, I noticed that I needed to put in my forum name. So it was too late... is it possible to donate again so that I can indeed get my little heart?

[Dontehateme]

nice hippo

[Vertex]

ModTheSims2 is worth my money.
My money just doesn't seem to be around!

[beaverjones2002]

Please don't talk about this site ever closing it makes want to cry. This is the best cc site for sims 2 that I have found. I would donate if not for the surgery that I just had that is keeping me out of work for some time and I'm still trying to learn how to make cc so I can not upload anything istead.
THANK YOU every one that has created cc and spenttime to keep this site running.

[MissMeow86]

Y'know, I'm just now getting into the sims2, and I love it. And now that I've found this site, I love it even more. I'm going to donate with my next paycheck. The thought that this site might be fading away makes me sad. At least its still here now for me to download to my little heart's content.

[cantresist17]

That was a great read!

[Christineeve]

Last time I posted was in 2005. I didn't even realize that I'd never posted.

I love the site. I was a visitor that loved to read the posts, look at the great artwork, and download things.

I hope whatever you do in the future, you have a great time doing it.
Thank you for this site. You have made my Sims2 game playing measurably more fun.

Christine

[sherambles]

I'm really upset with the ads. The pages take five minutes to load. This thread took 15 minutes to load. I'm running business grade cable. :( I understand the need for funds, it just seems like you guys are getting cheated if you're having so many problems. The ads are intrusive. I just wish you didn't have to have them. I love MTS2 and it seems to be going downhill. I usually cannot download anything anymore. It took me forever just to post this because of the server.

I'm not being ungrateful...it just seems like ya'll are getting the short end of the stick. The server doesn't have to lag so much. The pages should not load so slowly...the ads are part of the slowness. I'm sorry I cannot donate anything because I live on a limited income. I really hope things get better because this is my favorite Sims Site.

[Delphy]

Ads have nothing to do with the site being slow. It's just busy.

[Mama Lino]

Thank you all for the time and effort you put into this site. I know how hard it is to run such a huge site.I hope my and all other donators money will help you a bit to pay for the server.You all did and do a fantastic job!