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The Pirate Ship => ARR! => Topic started by: Sonea on 2009 February 20, 16:48:18



Title: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Sonea on 2009 February 20, 16:48:18
I didn't find this information here, and since I was warned by a very scary figure, I didn't dare resurrecting the old Blacky thread from 2008...  ;) So forgive me for starting a new one.

I just read on blackpearlsims.com that Blacky's has removed all their pay sets and will transfer them to free downloads soon. I confirmed this directly at Blacky's where it is announced in their english forum section: http://www.blackypanther.de/include.php?path=forum/showthread.php&threadid=7095&entries=0 (http://www.blackypanther.de/include.php?path=forum/showthread.php&threadid=7095&entries=0)

Quote
No more paysets in the future!

The Zoo team has decided that as of immediately we will no longer offer paysets.

The paysets available will be moved to the Free download section bit by bit. You will be informed when exactly this is going to happen.

Our designers are allowed to use these paysets in their lots or to create sims already.


Your Zoo-Team

So this looks like they too have decided that going free is the better way!  :D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: calalily on 2009 February 20, 16:54:27
Well that is fantastic!  I'll be able to go over and have a look once it's free.  :)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: siberiansunset on 2009 February 20, 16:54:53
*golf clap* For deciding to set some of your stuff free!  It's a start I suppose.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Paden on 2009 February 20, 17:03:07
Huzzah! I'll be heading over to check it out once I get some other things done, but this is awesome! Freedom rocks!


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 February 20, 17:06:55
Wow, I never expected them to do this. Good for them! When all is said and done I shall write them a very nice email. Oh yes, I shall :D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Irish Wench on 2009 February 20, 17:25:03
Excellent news.

 :D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: rum nate on 2009 February 20, 17:53:58
Thats great news. The more sites to go free, the better it is. And it can help cause some pressure on other paysites to go free. (Unlikely for TSR, but some smaller paysties might pick up on the trend.)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Darqstar on 2009 February 20, 18:00:23
Well, good for them!  *cheers*


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 February 20, 18:10:47
That is fantastic news! Quite a sudden, unexpected change as well. Blacky had recently (well a couple of months ago..) said they would be closing due to lack of donations to keep them going. Am glad they have that sorted and are looking to go free :) They will be removed from the booty when all the paysets are released and the site is completely free  :D

Thats great news. The more sites to go free, the better it is. And it can help cause some pressure on other paysites to go free. (Unlikely for TSR, but some smaller paysties might pick up on the trend.)

Indeed rum nate. Simenapule went free recently as well. Perhaps we may see more going free in the months to come...well one can hope  ;D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Bad_Kitty on 2009 February 20, 18:45:25
Well, I think that they realized that parts of their "high quality work" is only shit, but I think it's a good sign for other sites...
Since some weeks http://www.sims4life.de/ don't offer anymore paysets, now, everthing there is for free  ;)
they are on the right way...  ;D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 February 20, 19:03:38
Since some weeks http://www.sims4life.de/ don't offer anymore paysets, now, everthing there is for free  ;)
they are on the right way...  ;D

All the past sets are free indeed, but she still talks about donation sets  (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?path=content&contentid=23&PHPKITSID=Y1Ir5xEJ90DASt4TYrVHucJBCgecyy7i)on the FAQ page so that would suggest that she will make more pay ones. Mmm.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 February 20, 19:28:00
Well, I think that they realized that parts of their "high quality work" is only shit, but I think it's a good sign for other sites...

Oh no, none of that now. They're free now, so they're okay by us  :)

All the past sets are free indeed, but she still talks about donation sets  (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?path=content&contentid=23&PHPKITSID=Y1Ir5xEJ90DASt4TYrVHucJBCgecyy7i)on the FAQ page so that would suggest that she will make more pay ones. Mmm.

Let's be positive and assume they simply forgot about that. Does anyone here know enough German to send them an email and ask about it?


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Bad_Kitty on 2009 February 20, 20:09:29
@ devilfish,
yes me, I'm from germany... that explains my bad english ;)
if you want, I coud translate the email in german


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: keirra on 2009 February 20, 20:15:53
Good news! Congrats to the Zoo team.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 February 20, 20:18:14
Devilfish and BadKitty: Yup, may mean she simply forgot to update the FAQ! Sending an email would be the best thing to do :) Good idea.

Am having one of those days where everything I post sounds like complete garble. Am going to stay away from the post button now  :D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: dusdeedawn on 2009 February 20, 21:02:05
This is very good news, indeed! Since Blacky's is something like the main German Sims site, it is really, really good that they're free, and I hope that they get many more donations because of it. CELEBRATORY RUM FOR ALL!


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: kenmtl on 2009 February 20, 21:06:20
 And there was much rejoicing (http://orangecow.org/pythonet/audio/grailwavs/rejoicng.wav)

(http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL646/2837408/20739150/345349141.jpg)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: ashantimania on 2009 February 20, 21:25:01
YAY!!!! Seriously, that made my day. Great news!!!! HUZZAAAAAHHHHH!

Oh, it's too good to be true. I better shut up before it turns out to.

But still, YAYYYYYY!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: SoggyFox on 2009 February 20, 21:52:27
Great news and awesome choice of movie quotage too!


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: minionsRmine on 2009 February 20, 22:39:49
Another one bites the dust!!
*throws confetti*


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: simsrocks on 2009 February 20, 23:10:06
Ah, that's brilliant!  ;D
I'm glad that they've seen the light and gone free.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Moonie on 2009 February 20, 23:44:59
It's wonderful that they have gone free, but I wonder why they did?


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Immortelle on 2009 February 20, 23:47:27
Probably found that they weren't making much money out of being a paysite.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: keirra on 2009 February 21, 00:03:19
Maybe they realized that they would get more support and more donations if they went free. The Pirates are well known for helping free sites.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Witchboy on 2009 February 21, 00:44:11
Or EA is slowly sending out Cease & Desist letters to sims 2 paysites. After all ts3 is right around the corner.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm........


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: siberiansunset on 2009 February 21, 01:52:36
Or EA is slowly sending out Cease & Desist letters to sims 2 paysites. After all ts3 is right around the corner.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm........

*daydreams* if only that were true :-\

Oh well wishful thinking can't hurt right?? lol I've come to the conclusion EA hates us. They just lurves our monies. ;)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 February 21, 01:54:02
@ devilfish,
yes me, I'm from germany... that explains my bad english ;)
if you want, I coud translate the email in german

That would be very nice of you! It doesn't have to be anything special. Just tell them that we appreciate them being free, but many people wonder why their FAQ still mentions donation items. Is this an oversight or does it mean more donation items will be up in the future? Something like that. I think you can contact them here (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?path=contact&PHPKITSID=3uE9528jA7B2dLHIa5V1dIt640bxoaoe). Thanks!

Oh, and your English seems fine, don't worry about it ;)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Sigmund on 2009 February 21, 05:03:03
I've come to the conclusion EA hates us. They just lurves our monies. ;)

Unfortunately, I don't think that's far from the truth. However, today is a celebratory day-- congratulations Blacky's Sims 2 Zoo! *throws confetti* I would also love to send them a congratulatory e-mail, but sadly do not speak German.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Bad_Kitty on 2009 February 21, 13:32:19
@ devilfish, I sent her an email today  ;)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 February 21, 13:49:24
Thank you :) Well, let's hope it was just a mistake. *fingers crossed*


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: redisenchanted on 2009 February 21, 16:07:20
Huzzah! I always liked a lot of their stuff, looks even better now.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Eskimo Pie on 2009 February 21, 16:14:23
Well that is good news! I won't mind taking a little look over there now and then.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 February 22, 19:49:08
I recommend reading this post by Magenta (http://www.simscave.com/index.php?topic=7179.msg79439#msg79439) (thank you to her) at SimsCave. Blacky will be moving the paysets to the free area, but are keeping the VIP sets. The VIP area is for donators only (correct me if wrong..), so they are not going completely free. It is a step still. A small step. Here's hoping they release the VIP area also


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: dusdeedawn on 2009 February 22, 20:05:13
What a waste of a celebration, eh? :P Oh well, you're right Jojoba, it is a step.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Moonie on 2009 February 22, 20:15:38
*sigh* And here I thought someone had seen the light. Hopefully soon the rest of the pay stuff will be released.
But the real question now is what are we going to do with the rest of the celebratory rum?


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 February 22, 20:26:44
I can just picture what happened in their head after making that announcement.

Wait, people are celebrating? Why is everyone happy? It's creeping me out.
Ooooh, you guys though we weren't greedy bitches? Haha! No seriously. Give us your money. Now.


<-- pissed off


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Paden on 2009 February 22, 20:41:11
Moonie, that is a silly question. We drink it, of course! Then we wait to see which way the wind is blowing, while consuming more rum and possibly some popcorn if Soggy Fox is around, cause she makes the bestest popcorn on site, and we eat some cookies if someone has been busy in the kitchen, and we hang out and do the normal stuff we pirates do here. :D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: rum nate on 2009 February 22, 20:48:40
Paden, I've got cookies, just made them yesterday. Chocolate chip with white chocolate chunks. Family recipe.

*Passes around plate of cookies*


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Moonie on 2009 February 22, 20:54:42
yeah, you're right silly question. Oh! and I have some apple tart if anyone wants it!  ;D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: calalily on 2009 February 22, 20:56:55
I'm glad I minimum fanfared it. XMSims has soured me on the whole "will go free" thing.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: keirra on 2009 February 22, 21:42:23
I recommend reading this post by Magenta (http://www.simscave.com/index.php?topic=7179.msg79439#msg79439) (thank you to her) at SimsCave. Blacky will be moving the paysets to the free area, but are keeping the VIP sets. The VIP area is for donators only (correct me if wrong..), so they are not going completely free. It is a step still. A small step. Here's hoping they release the VIP area also

Well, shit! I said alot of nice things too. I take them back now, and will save the fangirling for when they go completely free.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: SoggyFox on 2009 February 22, 21:44:00
Maybe they will notice we're ready to celebrate if they really go free, and get around to it.

And anyone got ice cream or something else soft?  Still can't manage cookies yet :)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Paden on 2009 February 22, 22:01:50
*hands over the ice cream to a worthy person well-deserving of the sweet treat* ;D I have some pudding, too. Cheese cake flavour!


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: SoggyFox on 2009 February 22, 22:03:33
Sounds tasty, and I don't even normally do pudding :)  And hopefully when my stitches come out tuesday I'll have more mobility.  I'm hoping.

*blush*


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: redisenchanted on 2009 February 22, 22:18:32
Well crap! Lame Blacky is lame. Maybe they'll be some kind of hybrid almost free site like XM-Sims.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: kenmtl on 2009 February 22, 23:07:19
Oh geez.  Ok in that case I would like to take my "Much Rejoicing" back and replace it with a "Meh, we'll see what happens".


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Paden on 2009 February 22, 23:17:11
I'll take my "Huzzah!" and change it for a "huzzah?" instead.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Lirael on 2009 February 25, 09:59:34
Well thats a pity, another half-assed effort.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 March 01, 18:43:11
@ devilfish, I sent her an email today  ;)

Any reply yet, Bad Kitty? Have just looked again at Sims4Life (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?) and shes removed the text about being a paysite. Looks like she has gone completely free to me now. Time to celebrate, do we think fellow pirates?


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Ash Redfern on 2009 March 01, 18:47:49
@ devilfish, I sent her an email today  ;)

Any reply yet, Bad Kitty? Have just looked again at Sims4Life (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?) and shes removed the text about being a paysite. Looks like she has gone completely free to me now. Time to celebrate, do we think fellow pirates?
I would think removing the text is a positive show that she has indeed gone completely free. It would certainly be a good idea to encourage her and support her transition and further endeavors. Celebrations would not be so bad in this case. ;)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Missbonbon on 2009 March 01, 18:52:32
@ devilfish, I sent her an email today  ;)

Any reply yet, Bad Kitty? Have just looked again at Sims4Life (http://www.sims4life.de/sims/index.php?) and shes removed the text about being a paysite. Looks like she has gone completely free to me now. Time to celebrate, do we think fellow pirates?

I think so Jojo.

Edit: Ack I tried to post the google translator part of her faq where she says all her downloads are free now and she would appreciate any donations. But I failed miserably.  ;)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 March 01, 19:09:33
She announced that the site was going free on Jan18th, so it has already been quite a while and no new paysets have turned up/she's not changed her mind..think it is time to move them out of the booty! It is fantastic when paysites go free (afterall, that is what this forum is about and what we wish to happen) and its great to see Sims4Life free. Hope she has much support now that she's no longer a paysite :D Time to celebrate!

Google translations and babel fish usually suck though Missbonbon (would you mind being called bonbon for short by the way?).  :P Nice of you to try though! Are there any German speakers here who could give an accurate translation? The general gist of it is that the site downloads are 100% free and any donations/support are appreciated, but will not recieve any downloads in return.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Missbonbon on 2009 March 01, 19:24:40
Google translations and babel fish usually suck though Missbonbon (would you mind being called bonbon for short by the way?).  :P Nice of you to try though!

Call me whatever you want. I can't guarantee I will answer to all of it though.  :P Yeah their translations do suck, but this is what came up for me though.

(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/miss_sabrina/ScreenShot001-3-1.jpg)

Sorry for the crappy quality. If I let it get any bigger it resized the phorum.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: kenmtl on 2009 March 01, 19:35:42
That does indeed appear to be the case. It would be nice if someone Germanish could  get a clear yes from them. *ahem*.

Then I think some guestbook congrats would definitely be in order.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Devilfish on 2009 March 01, 20:41:34
The translation Missbonbon provided is pretty much accurate (I do do speak enough German to understand that ;) ) and if you go to the donation page, it explains that you can donate as much as you want via Paypal. She asks you to keep in mind that Paypal does take a fee. There's no mention of any 'gifts' upon donation or anything of the sort. I'd say this is a completely free site :)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Jojoba on 2009 March 01, 20:59:32
Sims4Life has been removed from the booty as the site is free and we are pretty certain it will remain that way. They've not been moved to the Inactive folder as you can easily download the previous pay files from the site itself - items are free and are available, so we will not be hosting them. If anyone who speaks German would like to contact them to clarify then that won't hurt, but its pretty clear that the site says its free and there are no paysets, or mentions of them, visible..so arrr!!  :D

Call me whatever you want. I can't guarantee I will answer to all of it though.  :P

Ok bonbon  ;D


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: kenmtl on 2009 March 01, 22:52:29
*moonwalks back to page 2*

And there was much rejoicing (http://orangecow.org/pythonet/audio/grailwavs/rejoicng.wav)

(http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL646/2837408/20739150/345349141.jpg)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Ashbashtus on 2009 March 01, 23:17:46
Arrrrr! ;D Thats awesome news! Oh and the quoting of Monty Python and the Holy Grail twice in one thread makes me fart hearts in Kenmtl's general direction :-*.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: redisenchanted on 2009 March 01, 23:32:35
OK, I'll yoink my huzzah I gave to Blacky's Sim Zoo and give it to Sims4LIfe.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: SoggyFox on 2009 March 03, 04:23:08
I'll give huzzahs and much rejoicing [just watch out for that harmless little bunnyrabbit]


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Chinese_Dragon on 2009 March 06, 23:38:03
Its good that they are now a free site :D, lets hope Blacky doesn't change his/her mind.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: keirra on 2009 March 07, 01:22:19
Its good that they are now a free site :D, lets hope Blacky doesn't change his/her mind.

Actually, Sims 4 Life went free. Blacky's still has pay items.


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Roxelane on 2009 March 07, 15:54:11
Oh geez.  Ok in that case I would like to take my "Much Rejoicing" back and replace it with a "Meh, we'll see what happens".


by Blacky Pay-Account now VIP-Account 8)


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: Chinese_Dragon on 2009 March 09, 19:41:55
Its good that they are now a free site :D, lets hope Blacky doesn't change his/her mind.

Actually, Sims 4 Life went free. Blacky's still has pay items.

Oh :-[, well then lets celebrate that Sims4life went free :).


Title: Re: Blacky's Sims2 Zoo going free
Post by: SoggyFox on 2009 March 09, 22:31:52
*hands Chinese Dragon some rum* Let's.  And welcome aboard.