A question of guilt

[Neashaleigh]

Hey all

I've been noticing people comment quite a lot lately about how they like to limit the expansion/stuff packs and store items in their build because they feel guilty if even 1 person can't download their lot. Am I the only one who does NOT feel guilty about utilising ALL of what EA have to offer in The Sims 3? The game automatically replaces items a person doesn't have with a proxy anyway, so I don't really see the big problem. All that person then has to do is go through the lot and change what they don't like... something, I might add, they are usually able to do regardless.

I'm starting to feel a bit... hmm... I don't know. Frustrated? No, that's not the word. I think perhaps a little singled out as being a really bad and thoughtless person for choosing to use the beautiful things that come with expansions, stuffs and store in my builds. I have all of the EP/SPs and most of the store stuff, and I don't see any reason why not to use them and share what I've created.

But the comments I keep seeing here and there about how other builders try not to use anything except the base game so as to make sure everyone has an opportunity to download their house makes me feel like I'm the bad person for not doing the same.

Does anyone else have this dilemma? Or am I the only one? Am I a bad person for wanting to use everything that's available to me and sharing it? I realise that not everyone will be able to download what I create.

*Feeling a bit down*

[bubbles]

I never feel guilty. If there is an item in my game that I want to use in one of my builds, I will use it. For everyone to use your builds and not have proxies, we would all be restricted to the base game. Sometimes it can be annoying when you don't have a super awesome store set that has been used in a super awesome build, but we just have to get on with it and replace the proxies. I have very limited store content but that never keeps me from downloading builds. I think the only thing that doesn't work well is outdoor counters without Outdoor Living, but I tend to remodel the whole house anyway!

I've never felt bad with sharing builds with store content, limited edition content, etc. because most people will want to remodel the house anyway. I've never shared a house with only Base Game content because I just love all my other content!

[Neashaleigh]

I never feel guilty. If there is an item in my game that I want to use in one of my builds, I will use it. For everyone to use your builds and not have proxies, we would all be restricted to the base game. Sometimes it can be annoying when you don't have a super awesome store set that has been used in a super awesome build, but we just have to get on with it and replace the proxies. I have very limited store content but that never keeps me from downloading builds. I think the only thing that doesn't work well is outdoor counters without Outdoor Living, but I tend to remodel the whole house anyway!

I've never felt bad with sharing builds with store content, limited edition content, etc. because most people will want to remodel the house anyway. I've never shared a house with only Base Game content because I just love all my other content!

Hey Bubbles

Thanks for posting. That's how I feel as well, but lately I've been feeling guilty for not feeling guilty (if that even makes sense!) because I've seen more than once posts by people saying they try to limit the stuff they use in their builds because they are thinking of those who don't have what they have. So then I got thinking... maybe I'm a selfish person and should be thinking of everyone else more!?!

I dunno. I'm just feeling bad about not feeling bad about it..... O.o

[Twinmum]

I don't feel guilty for using items other than base game items in the builds that I share. In fact, in my latest upload (my houseboat) I actually say that I don't apologize for the heavy use of items from stuff and expansion packs. I am fortunate to own all of the expansion and stuff packs plus a number of store items and I use these things when I build. Apart from building contests, I very rarely build just for the sake of sharing. When I build, it's usually because I wanted that particular style in my game. So if I'm going to use a build in my game, then I will utilize the items I have. If I share the build afterward, then it's shared the way that I built it.

[Tigerskin]

I wouldn't feel guilty at all 

I don't personally upload anything but I certainly download beautiful houses etc.
I have all expansions and most store stuff so it wouldn't cause me a problem generally downloading anything. It's nice to be able to download stuff with additional items.

Saying that I also like base game houses too, very useful for starting a poor family with the small houses (can't remember the thread but it was small start up houses).

As Bubbles said, people tend to remodel the houses to a degree anyway.

So in summary, it's great to have a mix.

[saltpastillen]

I don't really feel guilty either. But like Twinmum I usually don't build to share, I build to enjoy myself in game. Sometimes I like to build with no store content, just to see how far I can push myself with a more limited selection.

You shouldn't feel bad just because you have more content than others. Like bubbles said, there is auto replacement. The only reason I don't share all my builds with store content here is because I don't want to go through the hassle of listing i all.

Take care and share more of you amazing builds!

[Neashaleigh]

Thanks all. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who builds and shares with store items and other EP's.

[Pam]

@Neashaleigh:

Have any of these comments been directed at you specifically?

[Neashaleigh]

@Neashaleigh:

Have any of these comments been directed at you specifically?

No not specifically, but it doesn't mean I don't feel any less guilty. I'm a pretty sensitive person and I try hard to please people (sad I know ) but at the same time, I really enjoy being able to use all the store stuff and stuff from expansions. And I didn't feel anything until I began to notice how some others were commenting that they like to build with only the Base Game so that no one misses out on the opportunity to download their house. If it was just the once, I'd have dismissed it, but I've seen it a few times now in various places on the forums. And it just got me thinking about it and starting to feel guilty is all

Please don't get me wrong... I'm not upset at anyone else! I don't feel discriminated against or anything like that at all, and I have no problems with what other people do! The whole thing just got me thinking and feeling is all.

[Pam]

No not specifically, but it doesn't mean I don't feel any less guilty. I'm a pretty sensitive person and I try hard to please people (sad I know ) but at the same time, I really enjoy being able to use all the store stuff and stuff from expansions. And I didn't feel anything until I began to notice how some others were commenting that they like to build with only the Base Game so that no one misses out on the opportunity to download their house. If it was just the once, I'd have dismissed it, but I've seen it a few times now in various places on the forums. And it just got me thinking about it and starting to feel guilty is all

Ok, I understand.  I just wanted to make sure nobody was being rude or ugly to you.  I don't know if it will make you feel any better to hear me say it, but there's no reason you shouldn't use anything you own in your builds.  We don't have any official or unofficial stance regarding this.  It's completely at the builder's discretion.  Personally, I think using specific items would make a house much more in keeping with whatever the theme is.  And, frankly, the items from the base game can be boring at this stage when we've had them for four years and so many wonderful new items are now available.  As already mentioned, the only way you could please absolutely everyone is to use just the base game.  I say phooey on that!  Make them the way you want! 

[Neashaleigh]

Thanks Pam

[Chuckles_82]

I love your builds Neashleigh! I like to do a cobmination of both, but only because i love to share. Take Cypress Lakes - that is in fact an endeavour to use everything. Its nice to use the new things. Otherwise i wouldnt be so incredibly excited for the Future EP, as i know so many of us are.

[pallyndrome]

I don't put some of my builds up here because I don't want to go through the building with a fine tooth comb and write down where I got each item - I make them for myself and don't feel like going to such an effort just to put it up here.

[Chuckles_82]

It certainly is tedious, but in a way it is also strangely satisfying having everything so nicely organised.

[ladybug53]

Neishaleigh , you shouldn't feel guilty on how you decorate your homes . You're one of our best builders on this forum . All your lots whether it be a home or commercial lot , they always shine . Your sense of decor just makes me so jealous . Use what you have that goes well with whatever project your working on . I myself , only use store items for my own houses . When I build to share with others , I only limit the amount of Expansions and Stuff packs as part of my challenge to myself . It all depends on what look I going for and what goes well with it . It's impossible to please everyone anyway .

Please do not take this personally . You shouldn't have to change your style to please others . I always enjoy looking at your buildings and admire your sense of style . You are extremely talented and creative . Continue doing what you do best .