On August 31, the Forum hit the 6-year anniversary, but I forgot to note it due to a death and major changes in the family that I'm working through (hence me not being here much at all this past month). But I have plenty to be thankful about in seeing this site continue to be popular among the Sims community. Many friendships have been made here this past 6 years, and I'm glad that some of our oldest members are still around. That's a sign to me that we must be doing
something right.
I was glad to get to turn ads off for all members this year, and it's a move I'm sure lurkers are pleased with.
I'm ever grateful to our staff and the help of Pam and Metro to keep the site going when I'm not able. Pam's departure as Forum manager has changed the place quite a bit, because she was always present on the boards (15k posts to those unfamiliar
), welcoming to new members, trying to help them when she could. She's left a void I hope to one day fill, whenever it's the right time. Metro and the challenge team continue to provide an unique experience via the tournament, and it's something we are proud of around here. Thank you to all of them for their hard work. A lot goes on behind the scenes that improves each competition, and it's a lot more work than you might think. I am happy to host the platform for each event that helps people to get more enjoyment out of the game, and hope they'll continue on with it throughout the Sims 4's lifespan.
In the next year, we have a lot more work to do on the guide, Expansions aside. I think they've changed some things since I published certain pages (particularly in regards to the earnings) and need to make quite a lot of edits now that I'm behind. People's comments on guide pages have definitely improved it and I'm glad I finally took the time to put them in.
Though the Sims 4 launch didn't seem to do very well and some people are still reluctant to take it on, I'm glad the site continues forward and know we'll see new and returning members in coming months. The game getting more content, period, is what always attracts people to a new Sims title. It is hard to leave all the gameplay the past title offers behind, after all. But the community has made it another year together and I am thankful to those of you who didn't leave
us behind. Happy birthday, Forum!