Archived conversation
Chat transcript
A calmer reader view for long archived conversations.
02:54 PM)
Hi everyone!
Hi everyone!
03:39 PM)
Let's start!
Let's start!
04:18 PM)
So let's me explain why I am interesting in getting Maxis to do some web hosting
So let's me explain why I am interesting in getting Maxis to do some web hosting
05:55 PM)
Hello everyone and thanks for coming. I would like to introduce MaxisLuc he is the General Manger here at Maxis
Hello everyone and thanks for coming. I would like to introduce MaxisLuc he is the General Manger here at Maxis
06:22 PM)
Hello everyone
Hello everyone
06:25 PM)
Today's topic of discussion will be about fansites
Today's topic of discussion will be about fansites
08:01 PM)
So what I would like to ask everyone to please only type something if you have a question.
So what I would like to ask everyone to please only type something if you have a question.
08:28 PM)
are you going to host web sites?
are you going to host web sites?
08:28 PM)
Yews we want to host user web sites
Yews we want to host user web sites
08:40 PM)
Is the hosting free??
Is the hosting free??
08:40 PM)
Yes the hosting will be free
Yes the hosting will be free
09:14 PM)
Is this exclusively for the Sims related fansites or all Maxis games' fansites, ie. SimCity 4.
Is this exclusively for the Sims related fansites or all Maxis games' fansites, ie. SimCity 4.
09:14 PM)
This would be for all Maxis products
This would be for all Maxis products
10:10 PM)
how do I sign up for this???
how do I sign up for this???
10:10 PM)
We will make it clear to everyone when this becomes available
We will make it clear to everyone when this becomes available
10:27 PM)
will there be many rules, like what kinds of content they can contain?
will there be many rules, like what kinds of content they can contain?
10:27 PM)
Yes it will have to be about Maxis Games.
Yes it will have to be about Maxis Games.
11:56 PM)
when will it be available??
when will it be available??
11:56 PM)
sometimes between now and christmas
sometimes between now and christmas
12:31 PM)
Will it be html, or will the site have it's own costom site builder?
Will it be html, or will the site have it's own costom site builder?
12:31 PM)
We have not figured that out yet. We might use an existing service we sponsor or build something new.
We have not figured that out yet. We might use an existing service we sponsor or build something new.
13:10 PM)
the hosting will have unlimited space and unlimited transfer?
the hosting will have unlimited space and unlimited transfer?
13:10 PM)
That's the plan
That's the plan
13:16 PM)
This is just a reminder, please only type if you are asking a question and keep the questions focused on fansites.
This is just a reminder, please only type if you are asking a question and keep the questions focused on fansites.
14:24 PM)
What do you feel are some of the benefits with allowing Maxis to host a site, as opposed to perhaps another host?
What do you feel are some of the benefits with allowing Maxis to host a site, as opposed to perhaps another host?
14:24 PM)
The goal is to provide free bandwidth and to provide a high level or service
The goal is to provide free bandwidth and to provide a high level or service
14:56 PM)
Can we have a chat on the site or is it strictly for news and stuff like that?
Can we have a chat on the site or is it strictly for news and stuff like that?
14:56 PM)
I am not planning on any restriction at this time.
I am not planning on any restriction at this time.
15:52 PM)
lets say i put somthing "bad" on, will you delete my privelages of making a fan site, or will you ban me from the site?
lets say i put somthing "bad" on, will you delete my privelages of making a fan site, or will you ban me from the site?
15:52 PM)
We will shutdown any site that goes out of control.
We will shutdown any site that goes out of control.
16:38 PM)
Is a Sims2 demo on any faz site now?
Is a Sims2 demo on any faz site now?
16:38 PM)
There is no Sims 2 demo anywhere. There will not be any. We will focus on custom content tools.
There is no Sims 2 demo anywhere. There will not be any. We will focus on custom content tools.
17:19 PM)
can the sites be about anything other than maxis products, or are cheese worship sites and the like forbidden?
can the sites be about anything other than maxis products, or are cheese worship sites and the like forbidden?
17:19 PM)
It has to be about Maxis Games
It has to be about Maxis Games
18:42 PM)
what happens if something happens by mistake?
what happens if something happens by mistake?
18:42 PM)
-)
19:15 PM)
We know it will have unlimited hosting and bandwith, what else is a major thing the hosting will have?
We know it will have unlimited hosting and bandwith, what else is a major thing the hosting will have?
19:15 PM)
One thing we might provide is strong Database support for custom content.
One thing we might provide is strong Database support for custom content.
19:50 PM)
this chat platform is far superior to one's used in the past
this chat platform is far superior to one's used in the past
19:50 PM)
Do you think Maxis should switch to that platform?
Do you think Maxis should switch to that platform?
20:16 PM)
will all hosted sites have to have a similar look?
will all hosted sites have to have a similar look?
20:16 PM)
nope
nope
20:36 PM)
will there be any age limits to hosting a site or can all ages do it?
will there be any age limits to hosting a site or can all ages do it?
20:36 PM)
minors will need to have a guardian sign something.
minors will need to have a guardian sign something.
21:52 PM)
What is Maxis trying to accomplish in offering this service? How do you think it will benefit the community?
What is Maxis trying to accomplish in offering this service? How do you think it will benefit the community?
21:52 PM)
one problem now is that users make sites, we have thesims.com point to those sites and they die because of the huge bandwidth it creates. This would alleviate that problem
one problem now is that users make sites, we have thesims.com point to those sites and they die because of the huge bandwidth it creates. This would alleviate that problem
22:19 PM)
if maxis hosted my site, would my visitors be bombarded with popup ads?
if maxis hosted my site, would my visitors be bombarded with popup ads?
22:19 PM)
no pop ups. no ads. unless you want to.
no pop ups. no ads. unless you want to.
23:32 PM)
what are some examples that would be in the "database support"?
what are some examples that would be in the "database support"?
23:32 PM)
Free big Oracle like database. Proper record structure compatible with Maxis.
Free big Oracle like database. Proper record structure compatible with Maxis.
23:51 PM)
What will the url look like? thesims.com/yoursitename?
What will the url look like? thesims.com/yoursitename?
23:51 PM)
My hope is to enable any URL.
My hope is to enable any URL.
24:19 PM)
where will people find out about my site?
where will people find out about my site?
24:19 PM)
liek any other sites. Plus we will point to them from theSims.com
liek any other sites. Plus we will point to them from theSims.com
24:31 PM)
will donations be allowed on these sites?
will donations be allowed on these sites?
24:31 PM)
I hope so.
I hope so.
24:49 PM)
What about people trying to charge or make money off of your free hosting? Will you allow that or ban them?
What about people trying to charge or make money off of your free hosting? Will you allow that or ban them?
24:49 PM)
My goal is to allow for that.
My goal is to allow for that.
25:19 PM)
will sites not on this service still get support from Maxis?
will sites not on this service still get support from Maxis?
25:19 PM)
Absolutely
Absolutely
25:33 PM)
Will Maxis consider the content of the fansites hosted on their server property of Maxis/EA?
Will Maxis consider the content of the fansites hosted on their server property of Maxis/EA?
25:33 PM)
Nope.
Nope.
25:56 PM)
is this open to everyone or just a few select people?
is this open to everyone or just a few select people?
25:56 PM)
Everyone is the goal.
Everyone is the goal.
26:29 PM)
is this just another step on the path to maxis's world domination?
is this just another step on the path to maxis's world domination?
26:29 PM)
absolutely
absolutely
27:36 PM)
How will we upload our site to the server? Can it be uploaded through FTP?
How will we upload our site to the server? Can it be uploaded through FTP?
27:36 PM)
We have not figured that out yet. We are in the stage where we are neasuring the level of interest from the users and the webmasters
We have not figured that out yet. We are in the stage where we are neasuring the level of interest from the users and the webmasters
27:52 PM)
what about the sims 2 website? can we start building site about sims 2?
what about the sims 2 website? can we start building site about sims 2?
27:52 PM)
YES.
YES.
28:16 PM)
could sites use this service just to host large pictures or files (because of the bandwidth), and keep the sites on other servers?
could sites use this service just to host large pictures or files (because of the bandwidth), and keep the sites on other servers?
28:16 PM)
Great idea.
Great idea.
29:35 PM)
I think to guage our interest, webmasters need to know if their sites' specific technology will be supported. Will this information be made available soon? We need to know something more substantial.
I think to guage our interest, webmasters need to know if their sites' specific technology will be supported. Will this information be made available soon? We need to know something more substantial.
29:35 PM)
Good point. I hope to have a proposal in the next 4 weeks.
Good point. I hope to have a proposal in the next 4 weeks.
30:45 PM)
From the success of this CHAT it seems that you are interested on the basic concept.
From the success of this CHAT it seems that you are interested on the basic concept.
31:23 PM)
How much is this going to cost Maxis? (Free hosting With unlimited bandwith? wow!)
How much is this going to cost Maxis? (Free hosting With unlimited bandwith? wow!)
31:23 PM)
It would only cost us a lot if it is very succesful which probably means we are selling a lot of games.
It would only cost us a lot if it is very succesful which probably means we are selling a lot of games.
32:55 PM)
Is this going to be only availible to US users? Or will it be a international thing?
Is this going to be only availible to US users? Or will it be a international thing?
32:55 PM)
This is an international thing!
This is an international thing!
33:15 PM)
When is the Sims2 coming out?
When is the Sims2 coming out?
33:15 PM)
in 2004. custom tools in 2003.
in 2004. custom tools in 2003.
33:49 PM)
How will Maxis keep people from signing up then running non-maxis related websites?
How will Maxis keep people from signing up then running non-maxis related websites?
33:49 PM)
I'll be watching
I'll be watching
34:31 PM)
p
34:31 PM)
no catch. if the community works better I believe we will sell more units
no catch. if the community works better I believe we will sell more units
34:47 PM)
D
34:47 PM)
you are starting to get it! great!
you are starting to get it! great!
35:20 PM)
What kind of custom tools for TS2 in 2003?
What kind of custom tools for TS2 in 2003?
35:20 PM)
Tools to make clothes, and skins.
Tools to make clothes, and skins.
35:54 PM)
How much is The Sims 2 Game?
How much is The Sims 2 Game?
35:54 PM)
I expect it to be a premium price game.
I expect it to be a premium price game.
36:33 PM)
Luc, you mentioned the custom tools for The Sims 2 will be released in 2003. Will these be available to download, or will players have to go buy these in the store?
Luc, you mentioned the custom tools for The Sims 2 will be released in 2003. Will these be available to download, or will players have to go buy these in the store?
36:33 PM)
as usual, it should be available as a download.
as usual, it should be available as a download.
38:07 PM)
will it be easier for people to make skins and clothes with the tools?
will it be easier for people to make skins and clothes with the tools?
38:07 PM)
That's the goal of the tool. We will focus on textures first.
That's the goal of the tool. We will focus on textures first.
40:41 PM)
I heard there is going to be a Create-A-Sim thing coming out before The Sims 2 comes out...Is this true? And when?
I heard there is going to be a Create-A-Sim thing coming out before The Sims 2 comes out...Is this true? And when?
40:41 PM)
I am not sure how we will call it, but that's a goal we have.
I am not sure how we will call it, but that's a goal we have.
43:16 PM)
will there be another chat where you address copyright and artist protection
will there be another chat where you address copyright and artist protection
43:16 PM)
The legal issue will have to be clarified.
The legal issue will have to be clarified.
44:05 PM)
Which url are going to have this future sites? somthing.maxis.com?
Which url are going to have this future sites? somthing.maxis.com?
44:05 PM)
no. I want to enable any URL.
no. I want to enable any URL.
45:06 PM)
what does "enable any url" mean? examples?
what does "enable any url" mean? examples?
45:06 PM)
examples would be any URL currently used by users websites
examples would be any URL currently used by users websites
45:14 PM)
When you say you want to enable any URL, does that mean www.something.com?
When you say you want to enable any URL, does that mean www.something.com?
45:14 PM)
yes
yes
46:15 PM)
can we reserve our URL so it doesn't get stolen before you get to make it? I already know what I want mine to be, but I don't want it stolen.
can we reserve our URL so it doesn't get stolen before you get to make it? I already know what I want mine to be, but I don't want it stolen.
46:15 PM)
the URLs would have to be registered like any URL onthe internet. This is the way most hosting occurs.
the URLs would have to be registered like any URL onthe internet. This is the way most hosting occurs.
46:57 PM)
how much will maxis support their fan sites as in giving them and news eairly
how much will maxis support their fan sites as in giving them and news eairly
46:57 PM)
That's the main way we expect to communicate information to our community about the sims 2. Through the fan sites.
That's the main way we expect to communicate information to our community about the sims 2. Through the fan sites.
48:14 PM)
When are you going to put up The Sims 2 official website?
When are you going to put up The Sims 2 official website?
48:14 PM)
soon. but that sites will be limited to links to the Fan sites about the sims 2.
soon. but that sites will be limited to links to the Fan sites about the sims 2.
49:51 PM)
Would the hosting be available for the Sims1 or the Sims2 fan sites or for both?
Would the hosting be available for the Sims1 or the Sims2 fan sites or for both?
49:51 PM)
for any Maxis game
for any Maxis game
50:27 PM)
What is soon? A day? A month? A year?
What is soon? A day? A month? A year?
50:27 PM)
The Sims 2 web site should go up in October.
The Sims 2 web site should go up in October.
52:50 PM)
Obviously, fans across the globe are benefitting from this service; but how do you feel /Maxis/ is benefitting from this? Do you feel this helps tighten the bond between the Fans and the makers of the game in a way?
Obviously, fans across the globe are benefitting from this service; but how do you feel /Maxis/ is benefitting from this? Do you feel this helps tighten the bond between the Fans and the makers of the game in a way?
52:50 PM)
Again, the goal is to enable more sites, and to make sure teh fans have a good experience.
Again, the goal is to enable more sites, and to make sure teh fans have a good experience.
53:10 PM)
cool, about 100 users in this chat
cool, about 100 users in this chat
53:25 PM)
and only 10 from Maxis...
and only 10 from Maxis...
53:55 PM)
Is the hosting just hosting. Or do you offer special features along with the hosting?
Is the hosting just hosting. Or do you offer special features along with the hosting?
53:55 PM)
What features do you want?
What features do you want?
54:20 PM)
what are the other 9 Maxis peole doing??
what are the other 9 Maxis peole doing??
54:20 PM)
moderating =)
moderating =)
54:27 PM)
what are the other 9 Maxis peole doing??
what are the other 9 Maxis peole doing??
54:27 PM)
not working on the game obviously!
not working on the game obviously!
54:32 PM)
LOL
LOL
54:52 PM)
CGI? Perl? etc.
CGI? Perl? etc.
54:52 PM)
that seems obvious.
that seems obvious.
55:07 PM)
who picks the questions we are asking?
who picks the questions we are asking?
55:07 PM)
Me. when I can read fast enough.
Me. when I can read fast enough.
55:29 PM)
get to work!! we want the game SOON!!
get to work!! we want the game SOON!!
55:29 PM)
yeah. the end of this chat is near,
yeah. the end of this chat is near,
55:49 PM)
are you a real person luc?lol
are you a real person luc?lol
55:49 PM)
I feel like it.
I feel like it.
56:18 PM)
Do you know when the demo for the sims 2 comes out?
Do you know when the demo for the sims 2 comes out?
56:18 PM)
No demo.
No demo.
57:13 PM)
When are more screen shots and news for TS2 coming out?
When are more screen shots and news for TS2 coming out?
57:13 PM)
I am trying to release some every week.
I am trying to release some every week.
58:03 PM)
will we be able to download off of fansites for sims 2 like we do now ?
will we be able to download off of fansites for sims 2 like we do now ?
58:03 PM)
Absolutely
Absolutely
58:14 PM)
We're getting close to the end.
We're getting close to the end.
58:32 PM)
Luc has one last question he's going to answer
Luc has one last question he's going to answer
58:47 PM)
I noticed that the feet of sims on The Sims 2 aren't as detailed as the hands. Are you planning to work on them?
I noticed that the feet of sims on The Sims 2 aren't as detailed as the hands. Are you planning to work on them?
58:47 PM)
I don't think that toes are as important as fingers for the sims. It does not seem like a good use of polygons.
I don't think that toes are as important as fingers for the sims. It does not seem like a good use of polygons.
59:26 PM)
Thats awsome. Do we have to have like paint shop or photo shop to make our own skins and objects?
Thats awsome. Do we have to have like paint shop or photo shop to make our own skins and objects?
59:27 PM)
Any bitmap editing program should be ok.
Any bitmap editing program should be ok.
59:49 PM)
Looks like we are getting to the end.
Looks like we are getting to the end.
59:58 PM)
Thanks everyone for your participation.
Thanks everyone for your participation.
00:26 PM)
Bye
Bye
00:32 PM)
Well folks that is all the time we have for today. We hope to do another chat with Luc sometime next week. Check the Sims.com for information on the next event.
Well folks that is all the time we have for today. We hope to do another chat with Luc sometime next week. Check the Sims.com for information on the next event.
01:54 PM)
The chat transcript will be posted on thesims.com.
The chat transcript will be posted on thesims.com.
02:56 PM)
Thanks for coming everyone! We hope you enjoyed the chat!
Thanks for coming everyone! We hope you enjoyed the chat!
04:13 PM)
Fansite publishers be sure to check thesims.com for upcoming tool that will allow you to submit your sims fansites to be listed on thesims.com
Fansite publishers be sure to check thesims.com for upcoming tool that will allow you to submit your sims fansites to be listed on thesims.com
05:36 PM)
Thanks Everyone!
Thanks Everyone!
Originally published on September 18, 2003