#and on the other side of this was a long download and technical issues but THEN there was dragon age

[thegeminisage]

i got less than 3 hours of sleep last night i wish i could stay up and play it til dawn but i LITERALLY can't hold my eyes open. LOVING it so far though. it really FEELS like a dragon age game. the score leading up to solas's ritual, the banter, the crazy ass locations, the poking around...i'm having a blast. i really do wish we could get a melee fighter in here though

[syninplays]

TS4? Conversion Dump

Uh just a bunch of stuff I converted and/or edited for my own game and thought about sharing / General note: everything is under 1k poly, with a few exceptions such as the ranger station and the ski lift/cablecar which are 1,4k poly.

All info is under read more (;

>DOWNLOAD< (patreon but free)

>Chairlift, pole/wire & Ski Lift (aka cablecar)

All of these are enabled to show up in edit town's catalog but also in CAW's object catalog tho personally I find it easier to place them in Create a World as you can freely move things around. / The chairlift itself is functional as a bench as long as sims can access it (aka if something is blocking it they won't be able to use it but if you move it up with omsp or CAW's tools, it will remain functional), the other two items are decorative and found in sculptures. / Note: the chairlift is not perfect, has a few transparency issues around the poles that go up and sims don't fit perfectly in one side of the chairlift, but looks good anyways (; / Recommended to use with >this< pole thingy converted by Sandy aka @aroundthesims <3

>Tourist & Fisher Boat(s)

Also found in edit town and CAW's catalog, otherwise find them under decor>sculptures. / Not much more to say about these, except that texture looks blurry even tho I didn't edit it at all. / Oh and you technically can't place these over water as they won't float, but omsp should do the trick (;

>Sturdy Ranch Fireplace

Kind of recolorable and functional, found under fireplaces

>Rustic Entrance & Park Sign & Ranger Station

More decorative stuff, also enabled for CAW and edit town.

>Nowhere Left To Hide Chair & Cormac Pine Bench & Gazebo

Bench and chair are functional, both are recolorable but the bench pillows not so much (sorry :p). Gazebo (don't know what its ts4 name was) is decorative and fully recolorable (;

Aaaand that's it, for now. I'll convert a few other thingies but as of now this is all I've got (;

[archangeldyke-all]

Modern au office sev has crush on reader Love you

before i answer, if you havent yet, you should check out @piscespetals they have a really sweet romantic long fic on this exact topic! it'll have you giggling like a school girl...

okay anyways! i have never worked (in an official capacity) in an office setting so forgive me if some of the terminology is wrong. (also i know nothing about IT)

men and minors dni

i think it goes like this: sevika and silco run a private security firm out of the office building you do IT work for.

the first time she noticed you, you were in silco's office cleaning out his laptop after jinx downloaded a virus while playing roblox on it. she nearly tripped over her own feet. she'd never seen you before, she'd have remembered someone like you. you were biting your lip, a little furrow in your brow as you clicked and typed away. she swears that image of you is burned in her brain to this day.

you were rarely on her floor, most of your requests coming from the customer service offices in the lower levels of the building. but after your first call up to silco's office, you mysteriously started to get more and more calls up to the 10th floor.

(it's because sevika started downloading viruses and smashing monitors in order to see you again)

you didn't notice sevika for several visits. she hid behind corners and in her office, stealing glances at you when she was sure no one was watching.

silco sees all though, and he quickly put the pieces together as to why they'd been having so many technical issues when he catches his business partner ogling you in the middle of their quarterly review. usually, sevika's even more tuned in and focused than he is, taking notes and humming along as their employees talk. but that day, she was doodling in her notebook, chin resting in her palm as her eyes tracked your movements on the other side of the glass wall.

he decided to give her a nudge in the right direction. that night he downloaded a virus to her computer and put in a request for IT support first thing the next day.

the first time you met sevika is that next morning. the request came through marked as URGENT, so you made it your first stop. you were still a little sleepy, rubbing sand from your eyes as you navigated your way to the sevika's office.

you perked up the second you saw the woman inside, furiously pressing the power button on her monitor. she was gorgeous, big muscles filling out her silk button up, thin glasses sliding down her broad nose.

you knocked on her open door frame. her eyes snapped up to yours, and in a flash she was out of her seat, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in her shirt, nervously waving you in.

sevika was shitting bricks. she'd never even been in the same room as you before, and now you were standing in her office.

"hi." you said. "i'm from the IT department."

"i know." she blurted. then, with a horrified look, "i mean i figured. not like we've met before or anything." you nodded along in confusion as you rounded sevika's desk. she backed away from you like you were contagious, cursing herself when you sat in her chair. she'd had a dream like that before, but instead of sitting in her chair, you ended up sitting on her face. with your attention on her computer, she was free to smack her forehead with her palm. "get it together." she whispered to herself.

"you say something?" you asked. she shook her head no, then fled.

after that, sevika was determined to never see you again, sure she'd ruined her chances with you. but fate has a funny way of bringing people together, and (with a bit of help from silco) her floor started having even more tecnhical problems.

you started showing up multiple times a day. she'd see you making small chat with her employees as you worked on their computers, and she'd melt over the way you'd attentively listen and nod along to boring stories about their kids and grandkids.

she'd see you in their break room pouring yourself a cup of coffee, and she'd try to pretend like she wasn't counting your sugars, just to make sure she knew how you liked it.

she'd even see you outside, eating your lunch on her designated smoking bench, admiring the same patch of wildflower she always watched while smoking. it was like she couldn't shake you.

you started noticing her too. each time you'd catch her eye, you'd smile and wave at her. she tried to pretend like it didn't make her lightheaded, nodding back at you with a casual smile, and you tried to pretend like her little smile didn't give you butterflies.

you bumped into her in the bathroom once. she had her shirt off and in her hands, scrubbing away at a stain on it under the running tap water. you tried not to gawk at her, but you're pretty sure you failed. especially since there were only two sinks and you had to brush against her naked bicep to get to the available one.

sevika started loitering around the IT department on the main floor. there's a little lobby for the whole building just outside your department where she started eating her lunches. when asked, she said she liked the couches in the lobby. (but really she was just there to see you walk in and out of the building, shooting her a shy smile each time.)

one night, you popped your tire before you got out of the building's parking lot. sevika caught you trying to change your tire on your own and offered to help. she did more than just help, she changed the tire all on her own while you tried not to drool at the sight of her grease streaked forearms.

she started to visit her smoking bench again, finally comfortable enough around you to sit beside you as you ate your lunch. the two of you started to spend your lunches together. on particularly stressful days, you'd bum a cigarette off of her. she'd laugh every time you coughed at the harsh smoke, but she never denied you. you started packing extra in your lunch box to share with her after noticing that she never brought anything to eat.

the more time you spent together, the fewer calls you'd get to her floor. you started to suspect that the two things might be correlated, but you never brought it up to her. just like you never brought up her lingering stares and stuttered words.

ironically enough, it all came to a head on valentines day. when you got to work you were surprised to find six URGENT requests from sevika's office.

"i fucked up." she said the second she saw you. "i don't know what i did but i fucked up." she turned her monitor around for you to see and you cringed. popups were crowding her screen, and in the background her files were being remotely opened and deleted. you quickly got to work typing away as sevika started pacing in her office.

"it'll be okay sev. you've got a backup for all this stuff. worst case scenario you need a new computer." you said, trying to calm her.

"worst case scenario i have to fucking resign." she muttered. you chuckled.

"what would you have to resign for?" you asked. "you didn't do this."

"not this time, not on my computer, but what if I fucking... let this one in last time somehow? and it was just laying dormant until now? it's got all our numbers and clients now... silco's going to kill me." she rambled, running her hands through her hair. you perked up in her seat, taking in her words.

"what do you mean this time?" you asked. sevika froze in her tracks. "sevika?"

"i." she paused. you waited. "i might have been downloading viruses on a few of our computers a few weeks ago to get you up here. maybe." she said. you blinked again.

"oh." you said, your focus shifting back to her monitor. it was a flashy virus, but nothing bad. you got it cleared away in a flash. "get me up here for what?" you asked, biting your lip to keep a smile from forming. you watched in amusement as sevika shrunk into herself. you kept your eyes on the monitor, but your attention was all on sevika as she shuffled in place, gathering her confidence.

"wanted to see you." she whispered. your eyes darted up to her face. she was glaring at her feet.

"why?" you asked, slowly standing from her desk. sevika huffed, kicking her shoe against the carpet beneath her. you rounded her desk, and her eyes snapped up to yours. "fixed it. not your fault. you're not gonna lose your job." you said, gesturing to her monitor. sevika gulped. "you gonna answer my question now?" you asked.

"i--"

"you gotta crush on me and were too chickenshit to be normal about it?" you butt in. her eyes widened.

"y-yeah, basically."

you grinned, then launched forward to kiss her.

the two of you made out in her office until silco knocked on the glass.

"ladies, as happy as i am to see my plan has worked out, this is still a workplace. let's keep it professional." he said.

[itsjaywalkers]

for the prompt game: ROSEKILLER 57 WITH BOXER AU IVE BEEN WAITING MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS MOMENT……….. (also i hope you’re having a fun day off laurie hi hi 🥺🤍)

HI HI SAINTS BELOVED <333 i actually didn't get the day off bc i'm an idiot and i couldn't say no when my coworker asked me to change shifts.. but at least i got home before 10pm which . is unusual for me lmao . and today's shift was actually kinda fun so !!

anyways, hope you're having a lovely day and that u enjoy this silly lil thing <3 first peek into boxer au rosekiller <3 (i went a bit overboard but they've been plaguing my mind and u don't deserve less)

57. "Teach me to fight."

It's been more than half an hour of hitting the punching bag nonstop when Barty finally decides to take a break. It's not even because he's actually tired, despite the sweat he can already feel dripping down his back and his face. It's because his bad shoulder—the right one—dislocated during the last combination he tried, and after Barty puts it back in place, he's gotta wait a little bit before going back to training.

This happens way too often for comfort, but it's not really painful anymore—it never really was, or maybe Barty has simply dealt with much worse. Besides, the longer he ignores it, the more serious it'll get, which means he'll have an excuse to go get another check-up.

His manager already warned him when he first got the injury after that stupid fight with stupid Potter. Barty began to grow restless during recovery time, and then decided his shoulder was fine when it stopped hurting.

Obviously, he was wrong. Except, it only dislocates when he goes too hard, and he's learnt how to put it back in place without issue, so really, technically, he was sort of right. What does his manager know, anyway? As long as Barty continues winning and putting money in that fucker's pocket, there shouldn't be any complaints.

He pulls up his tank top and dries off some of the sweat on his neck and the side of his face, while rolling his shoulder gently, testing the waters before he goes back to punching, when the hairs at his nape begin to stand up.

There's no noise, no sudden sounds. Barty doesn't hear the door opening, or closing, and yet, when he turns around, smirk already pulling at his lips, he isn't surprised to find someone standing right behind him.

"Hey, Rosie," he greets the other man, who blinks at him, completely deadpan. "I didn't know you were still around. Long shift today?"

"Yes, you did," Evan responds, that cool tone of his sending a pleasing chill down Barty's spine. "Know, that is. I'm pretty sure you've got my schedule memorised."

Barty takes a few moments to drop the hem of his shirt, because he notices the way in which Evan's gaze drops to his stomach and stays there for a handful of seconds. His expression doesn't change, there isn't even a flicker of something in his face, but the attention is more than enough for him.

"Well, you left your email open and your laptop in my near vicinity." Barty shrugs, eyes running up and down Evan's body. He's still wearing that sexy white coat of his, the shirt underneath it perfectly buttoned and tucked inside his jeans.

There's barely any skin showing, because Evan is a little weirdo, but there's some ankle peeking, since the pants are ridiculously tight on him and the legs keep riding up slightly.

Honestly, it's like he's doing it on purpose. Barty can't be blamed if he ends up hard under his sweats. He can already feel some blood rushing south just at the sight of that tiny sliver of soft brown skin.

"And you downloaded my rotas?" Evan guesses, tilting his head to the side.

"Nah," Barty says, crossing his arms over his chest, flexing a little. "Didn't have to. I've got a damn good memory. I read over them for a couple of minutes until they stuck."

Evan nods, not fazed in the slightest.

"That's why you only come in when I'm on shift," Evan states, and it's not a question. He doesn't seem surprised, or freaked out, but then again, he barely shows any emotions. Apart from irritation, that is, and that one's reserved for when Barty is being especially pushy. Or especially horny.

"I don't think I've ever seen any of the other nurses a single time in my life," Barty tells him with a chuckle.

"You have," Evan retorts, and his eyes narrow the tiniest bit. Barty feels a pull in his stomach. "You were talking to Betty three weeks ago, after your match against Black. The bad one. You let her check your shoulder."

Barty lets out an incredulous laugh, not sure on where to focus first, going dizzy with how badly he wants this freak of a man.

He's obsessed with the way in which Evan always seems to get the urge to clarify which Black he's talking about, as if it's not obvious, considering only one of them fights. How he's always so precise, never allowing any ambiguity into his sentences. How almost nothing seems to hold his focus apart from his experiments and medicine and his patients' injuries, and yet, here he is, remembering when Barty talked to someone else momentarily.

"Did I?" Barty asks innocently, biting the inside of his cheek to keep his shit-eating grin at bay.

"Yes," Evan responds, a little furrow appearing between his eyebrows. "She was touching you."

"Was she?" The corners of Barty's mouth are twitching so much he's sure he must look like an absolute maniac.

"Yes," Evan repeats, some exasperation slipping into his voice. "She wasn't even doing it right. She kept kneading the muscle in the same place, instead of checking the ligament, and she did this for more than five minutes, even though it takes seconds to find out about a dislocation—"

"Rosie," Barty cuts him off gently, watching, with no little amount of delight, how Evan's frown worsens. "I didn't even know her fucking name. I couldn't give less of a fuck about stupid Betty, or whatever the hell she's called."

Evan blinks slowly. "But you—"

"I was tired and sore after that match, my shoulder was bothering me, and she was there. My manager told her to check my shoulder, just in case I had fucked it up beyond solution, but if I had known you were around she wouldn't have laid a single finger on me."

There's a beat of silence, Evan's dead eyes searching all over Barty's face, assessing and determined. He smirks at him, which results in Evan huffing and looking away.

"Don't do it again," it's what he ends up mumbling, and if Barty didn't know any better, he'd dare to say Evan is close to pouting. "You're my patient."

Barty raises both eyebrows, a deranged smile splitting his face while he perks up like a goddamn dog. "Is that jealousy I'm hearing, Rosie?"

"No," Evan drawls, straightening up. "It's just the truth. You're not my only patient, you know? But if you're getting treated by me, then you're not allowed to see any other nurses."

"Damn, way to make a man feel special," Barty scoffs, but he does actually kind of mean it. Which he's aware might be a bit pathetic, but, well, he'll be whatever the fuck Evan wants him to. "Wasn't interested in seeing any other nurses, anyway."

"Good." Evan nods, almost to himself, and Barty has to make an active effort not to coo. "Are you done training?"

Barty blinks a couple of times, slightly taken aback, both by the sudden change of topic and by Evan entertaining conversation. Normally, talking to the other boy feels like pulling teeth—oh, man, Rosie would fucking love this comparison—which Barty doesn't mind because he finds it incredibly fun. Unless Evan is going on one of his medical rants, and yeah, Barty shouldn't find it as attractive as he does, but it's not like he's ever worked like he's supposed to.

But this? This is new.

"Not really," Barty answers, still feeling off-kilter. He shakes his head, forcibly pulling himself out of his mind. "Why? You wanna join me, Rosie?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

Barty snorts, assuming that it's a joke, even though he's more than aware that Evan doesn't do jokes, because his humour is way too dark, and rarely finds funny what others do. But Evan's expression doesn't change, and Barty nearly chokes on his own spit.

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"You've never been interested in boxing," Barty points out.

"That's a lie. I watch every match," Evan argues, lips pursed.

"Because you're job kind of forces you to."

"Also a lie. I need to be there when I'm on shift, in case they call for me, but I'm not required to actually watch."

"Yeah, but you still do, because your pretty little morbid head goes absolutely feral at the prospect of seeing some blood."

Evan scrunches his nose, as if disgusted.

"You're wrong," Evan lies, expression giving absolutely nothing away. Really, if Barty didn't already know the truth, he'd be inclined to believe him. "It's got nothing to do with that. I like boxing."

Barty huffs, the noise filled with amusement. "Sure you do, Rosie."

"I really do," Evan insists, always so ridiculously stubborn.

"I don't know who you're trying to convince, but—"

"Teach me to fight."

Barty sputters, brows almost reaching his hairline, and he gapes at Evan, who's still staring at him. He seems unaffacted by Barty's dramatics, but then again, he's unaffected by almost everything.

"The fuck?" he manages to spit out at some point.

"Teach me to fight," Evan says again, a lot slower, as if Barty is some kind of idiot. God, he wans to fucking devour him.

Barty isn't sure of what's going on right now. Evan barely interacts with him outside of their appointments, it's always him reaching out, so he doesn't understand what prompted this. What Evan is hoping to achieve.

"Why?"

"I told you, I like boxing."

"Yeah, okay. And the real reason?"

Evan's tongue pushes against the inside of his cheek, and it's so, so hard for Barty, not to make a very inappropriate joke.

"I'm testing something," he admits, albeit bedgrugingly.

"Ah, so you want me to be your guinea pig," Barty sighs a bit dreamily. "That sounds more like it."

"Sure," Evan agrees with unsurprising ease. "Will you?"

"All you had to do was ask, Rosie."

They get to work right after that. Barty doesn't even bother with suggesting a change of clothes, because he's aware of how well that'd be received. The fact that Evan chooses to take the white coat off is already more than Barty expected.

He tries to show him how to stand, how to do a basic punch. Evan knows most of the basic theory, mostly due to how often he deals with boxing injuries, but he's absolutely helpless when he has to act it out himself.

It doesn't matter how often Barty corrects him; he keeps slouching, stance all wonky. He lacks strength, and he takes a bit too long to protect his face after doing a jab.

The main issue, though, is his obvious lack of interest.

Evan seems to be distracted by something, too inside his own head, and when Barty is about to point this out, poke some fun at him in hopes of getting Evan to snap, the other man speaks again.

"That's enough," he declares, tone leaving no place for argument. "Let's spar."

Barty chuckles, disbelieving, but then Evan is sending a glare his way, and he raises both hands in mock surrender, giving in immediately.

He'll do pretty much whatever the fuck Evan wants him to, really.

They both get into position, and regardless of how much Barty is holding back, trying to give the other man a chance, is actually kind of laughable, how easily he overcomes him.

One moment they're exchanging soft blows, and the next Barty has Evan pinned to the floor, his legs and arms completely immobilised as Barty grins maniacally from above.

"Happy now, Rosie?" he teases.

Evan presses his mouth in a tight line. "Not quite."

"Oh, really? Because I'm starting to think this was all a ruse to get me on top of you."

Evan rolls his eyes so hard Barty worries they might get stuck inside his skull. "I'm afraid that's more your style. And anyway, I don't think it's wise to understimate your opponent like this."

"It's nothing personal, Rosie, but when victory is already mine, I—"

Barty never gets to finish. Evan raises his head so quickly his brain barely registers it, and then he's sinking his teeth hard where Barty's neck meets his shoulder. Until he breaks skin, until he draws blood, until Barty lets out a pained groan and his body goes slack, more in surprise than actual hurt.

A moment later, their positions are reversed. Evan is straddling him, mouth still attached to his skin, and Barty is lying on the cold ground, dizzy and a little bit breathless.

He doesn't know how long they stay like this—definitely not enough—but after a while, Evan lets go and sits up a little, lips stained red. It's dripping down his chin, and when he parts his mouth a little, panting softly, Barty finds out that his teeth are also crimson with blood. With his blood.

Barty groans again.

"You're hard," Evan comments, painfully nonchalant. It's that same casualness he used the first time Barty had an erection during an appointment, after Evan had pulled at the stitches on his leg and stuck his fingers inside Barty's wound.

"Yeah," he breathes out, half-delirious. "Yeah, no shit."

Evan hums, cocking his head to the side, analytical gaze running up and down Barty's body and making him twitch in his pants. The fact that Evan can feel it right under him, between his legs, forces Barty to swallow down a moan.

Barty is about to say something incredibly stupid to maybe, hopefully, alleviate the tension, when Evan leans down once more; this time, slower, more careful.

He's prepared to feel the sting of a bite again, toes curling in excitement, but it never comes. Instead, there's something wet and tentative and soft lapping at the open wound, gathering all the blood there that is still coming out.

It takes Barty a moment to realise it's Evan's tongue.

The knowledge hits Barty like a motherfucking bus. He can't stop a low moan from coming out now, or his hips from thrusting up, searching for something, anything, that Evan might give him.

Surprisingly, and instead of pulling away, the other man makes an odd noise against his skin, and Barty thinks he's imagining it when Evan presses down on him.

He freezes up after that, but only for a second, Evan's licking never stopping. But then Barty moves again, more purposefully, rubbing his erection against the apex of Evan's thighs.

The response is immediate, although definitely unconscious. Evan grinds back experimentally, with no coordination or finesse, dropping another sound into Barty's bleeding wound.

His eyes widen when his brain finally catches up properly, hands coming up to grab at Evan's hips and halt his movements.

"Rosie, are you..." Barty stops, swallows harshly. "Are you turned on right now?"

Evan laps at the blood a few more times before straightening up again, staring down at Barty with unblinking eyes and red all over his face.

"Fuck, are you—?" A laugh, strained and bordering on hysterical. "Are you wet?" He doesn't even need to check to know the answer.

Evans nods, almost imperceptibly. "Apparently so."

He has half a mind to turn them over and fuck Evan into the floor. Until Evan is a whimpering mess. Until he's crying, begging, unable to do anything but fucking take it. Until he's sore, and hurt, and full, but still asking for more. Until he can't say anything else apart from Barty's name, until he's—

"Bloody hell," Barty whispers, shutting his eyes tight and letting out another cackle.

Oh, he's going to die. He's absolutely going to fucking die.

[kitten-kokomo]

Can I trouble you for any Jhad ideas in these difficult times?

hehehehehehehgehehehehehehehehhehehehee

(whoops this got long and I don’t hate y’all’s dashes, shenanigans below the cut)

It takes J a solid week to realize that feeling fluttery and giddy every time Thad talks to her is not some virus she accidentally downloaded

V spent that week suggesting different antiviruses while laughing and texting Lizzy whenever J looked away

J figured it out in the middle of the night, flew to Uzi(the only worker drone she vaguely knows)‘s house and demanded that Uzi teach her sports.

WAIT WAIT HANG ON I HAVE THAT IN WRITING

I WROTE THIS SCENE AT ONE POINT

Lemme just…

“Do you…have a library?”

Uzi frowned. “A what now?”

“You know, a–“ J broke off. “N-nevermind.” She recognized the word, but the matching definition was just…gone. Weird. But also, there were much more significant issues that took precedence right now. Like Thad. And whatever football was.

Uzi stared at J for a moment, tugging the door a little closer to herself. “…right, I’m going to go now–“

“Wait!” J stuck her arm in the doorframe, claws suddenly poking out and leaving tiny dents in the wall.

Uzi let go of the door handle.

“Um,” J said, suddenly remembering that; A: she wasn’t meant to murder people; B: murdering people makes it difficult to ask them questions; and C: oh robo-god she had to ask the stupid emo toaster for help.

Uzi stared at her. “I’m too tired for you.”

“Teachmesports!”

Uzi stared at J for a moment, her screen buffering a little. “…what?”

J coughed. “I, um, I need you, to, teach me about sports?”

Uzi’s eyes widened, and she mouthed a silent oh. “This is about Thad, isn’t it.” Not even a note of questioning in her voice. Rude.

Rude and also technically correct but that wasn’t important so shut up brain.

Anyways. Here’s some more Jhad (with a side helping of Vizzy and Nuzi)

This conversation absolutely happened after the events of the pilot:

Lizzy: okay but the murder bots are hot tho Thad: oh absolutely

Also, Thad and Lizzy had an argument about who was hotter, J or V, so they went to find Uzi. Uzi made a noise, muttered something about N and then ran away

J, V and N regularly run into each other while sneaking into the bunker for Non Suspicious Reasons, and make up wildly elaborate and confusing excuses for why they’re flying towards the bunker

N believes all of them, because he is a dumbass and I want to throw him at a wall /affectionate

J and V are aware of the lying, they just pointedly pretend they dont so they’re not questioned on their own fronts.

Thad, Lizzy and Uzi have a similar issue, even more often, because there’s only one way out of the bunker. Lizzy says she doesn’t have to explain herself to them and leaves, Uzi runs away and yells Bite Me a lot, Thad is just confused

THESE👏TEENAGERS👏ARE👏ALL👏BLUSHING👏MESSES

Anyways, most of these will absolutely find their way into fanfiction one of these days, once I get done with Fictober (unless motivation tells me to go fuck myself, as it tends to do)

Thanks for giving me the chance to ramble about my sillies! I love them so much *smashes them against the wall*

[ivynivek]

Hi all, me and a few others have been busy with something OFF related.

This is OFF: Forgotten Dreams Translation. The intent of this project is to portray OFF's original text more accurately, fix technical issues, and add quality of life changes to the game.

I hope you all enjoy this project, it was certainly an experience making it. This will likely be the last OFF related thing I work on for... an extremely long time.

DOWNLOAD:

https://ivynivek.itch.io/off-fd-translation

To find out more, please visit the itch.io page.

Translation team: Ivy Nivek - Project lead, designer, programmer, music remaster Four Eyes - Translated art, playtesting and proofreading Lempereur - Main translator, actual baguette

See you on the other side!

[somediyprojects]

Free Palestine designed by Jacob de Graaf of Modern Folk Embroidery.

Today I want to share a pattern with you that uses Tatreez embroidery elements in support of the people of Palestine struggling through one of the most difficult times in their lives. I am aware that this is a highly divisive and contentious issue for a lot of people. Some people might be shocked or hurt by me sharing this design. I do hope on the other hand that by speaking out, others will do the same and will not be afraid of any backlash that might be there.  Sadly, the world has become more and more polarised – you are either this or that, and if you’re pro-this, you must be anti-that. The world is a more complex place and though I might be pro-this, it does not mean that I am anti-something-else. I hope you can see that side of me. We should not be scared to stand up for what is right, and to speak about such things without the fear of polarisation getting the better of us. For now, the text below as it appears in the booklet plus download links for the pattern.. Rotterdam, May 8th 2024 Lately, my great-uncle Jacob de Graaf and his wife Trijntje de Kroon have been on my mind. Three years ago, they were posthumously awarded the Yad Vashem award for bravery displayed during the Second World War by hiding Jewish citizens in their homes and saving them from certain death at the hands of the Nazis. I never got to know them as they passed just before and after my birth, but I admire their bravery in doing what they felt was right at a time when it was not only difficult but potentially life-threatening. They stood up for people they could help. I thought of it again yesterday when I saw a young man (@samih.madhoun on Instagram) playing a borrowed oud and singing songs in the refugee camp in Rafah, lifting the spirits of fellow refugees through his art. As I tearfully watched the video, I got angry at myself for not doing more besides weeping at my phone. For months, I have been shocked into a state of numbness by the genocide playing out on my TV, computer and phone. The annihilation of Palestine by the Israeli army is being broadcast to us live, and for too long, I have been struggling with how to express my fear, my anger, my frustration, and my support for the Palestinian people.We cannot turn a blind eye to what is currently happening. Our political leaders need to take action and speak out against the current genocide. I do not have the bravery of my great-aunt and uncle, but I can design patterns and share them with others—and hopefully inspire folks to speak out, too. My great-uncle did what was right during WWII. Will we do the same for our brothers and sisters in Palestine? ABOUT THE DESIGN This design uses Tatreez motifs found on traditional Palestinian dress. The central motif, called Scissors and Roses (Muqass wa Ward ), comes from Gaza. As the land is torn apart, I split the design into two, placing the question “Are we not their brothers and sisters” between them. On the sides is a rose border found on a dress from Ramallah. The doves at the bottom are found on many Palestinian embroideries. TECHNICAL DETAILS This design uses two colours: Black (2224 crosses) and Red (4226 crosses). It measures 113 crosses in width and 153 crosses in height. It features only full crosses and no specialty stitches. From the second page of the pattern onwards, you will notice a greyed-out area of 3 crosses wide — this indicates an overlap with the previous page to make it easier for you to continue stitching. The graph below gives size- and floss estimates for a wide range of materials. Floss calculations are based on working with 2 strands on 28- to 36-count linen (14- to 16-count aida). Higher counts use a single strand. You are free to stitch with as many strands as you like. The first floss estimate is for black, the 2nd for red. For instance, on 32-count linen, you would require 1.1 skein of black floss (standard 8 metre length skeins such as DMC and Anchor), and 2.1 skein of red floss.

I charted this in black and red, but feel free to choose your own colours. If you stitch on white, you could add some green to the design for instance to reflect the colours of the Palestinian flag. Thank you so much for downloading this free pattern and showing your support for Palestine. If you can, please make a donation to organisations who are actually doing amazing work in physically helping the Palestinian people. Two organisations that I have donated to are unwra.org and pcrf.net – but there are many bigger and smaller initiatives worthy of your support. Click on one of the links below to download your pattern. Feel free to share, print, and redistribute this design. When you do, I would ask not to change the booklet itself. Free Palestine – A4 format Free Palestine – Letter format With love, Jacob de Graaf

[simplyanjuta]

Gallery Issues after Maintenance

So it's been nearly 2 months now after the maintenance of the Gallery and as someone who used to be active and create for the community of people on the Gallery I would like to address the concerns and also link the current issues that haven't been resolved so far to my knowledge.

If you resonate and encounter the same issues on your side, feel free to press "Me Too" and/or add your voice in the linked AHQ threads.

As you probably know, there was a maintenance for the Gallery from May 30th until June 1st. What sounded like overall improvements has from my point of view rendered the Gallery almost unusable as a result and unfortunately I don't see much progress being made to resolve reported issues.

Admittedly I haven't been happy with the state of the Gallery long before this maintenance for a variety of reasons and have been gone now basically for years.

I used to love the Gallery though as a creative space where I could share my creations and follow & interact with other people that did the same. I miss that time and I was actually hoping that the maintenance would make some things better.

To some degree it did. In particular, I was happy to see the performance improvements. But looking at the vast amount of issues and how little progress has been made, I'm not sure what to think.

I feel like the Gallery in its current state is basically unusable. Not only was the social function abolished overnight - which has been completely disheartening for those who have a close social circle on the Gallery. There are also technical issues that make navigating and finding content on the Gallery highly unpractical.

Below a list of current issues in relation to the maintenance as reported on the AHQ bug report forum.

'Item Name' search results are not accurate Fixed Sep 5th

Stats are missing

Gallery: Followers & Followed People are gone

Follower Names starred out

Download Numbers Lower After Maintenance (June 2023)

Some Maxis favorites are no longer favorited

Uploads Are Shown Multiple Times Fixed Sep 5th

Uploads are not getting any new downloads Fixed Sep 5th

Also the News Feed has not returned yet. Although it was announced that it will be gone "at launch", considering it has been a while now, I'm linking this (feedback) report here as well:

Gallery missing News Feed

What makes it worse in my opinion is the uncertainty resulting from the lack of communication from EA to (proactively) address the concerns (besides the acknowledgement on some of the linked bug reports which I do appreciate). As far as I can tell, the issues that people encounter have not been anticipated pre maintenance and still the last official statement sounds like it was a success.

Below the original statement from the patch notes on May 30th and on Twitter about the Gallery maintenance. Two minor issues have been adressed in a patch on June 13th but the listed issues above still remain.

[plantify]

TOONTOWN HEADCANON/LORE POSTING

This post is based around TTCC, and is entirely about headcanons I have about Suits/Cogs, mostly about their physiology, how they're created, etc. I might write more at some point. (Also I am sorry if this is extremely long and incoherent, I tried to at least break it up into sections with big titles and colored text)

What are Suits?

Suits are a “race” or “species” of robotic beings within the world of Toontown. 

The ones seen within the game are Cogs, which is simply what employees of C.O.G.S. Inc. are called. Other businesses may have a similar naming formula, a different one, or none at all. (e.g: S.C.R.E.W. Ltd calling their employees Screws)

Considering that the world that Toontown is in, is in fact a cartoon/cartoonish world, this would by technicality make Suits a type of Toon. (I believe the term "Toon" to just be the characters that exist within that cartoony world or whatever) Therefore. they are still bound to the same wacky physics that Toons are, though they do not always interact with it in the same way. Think of it as two different kinds of cartoons interacting and living in the same world.

Toons would be more akin to rubberhose ish/Mickey Mouse/Ducktales style compared to whatever the Suits would be like, though that doesn’t mean the Suits don’t have some of those properties as well.

Most Suits probably wouldn’t even know what a Toon is, since they are scarce throughout the world, and the ones seen in the game are isolated within the area they live in. 

Life Details (Organs, Sustenance, Etc)

Suits are very much like humans (which do not exist in this world). They have distinct lives, personalities, traits, desires, etc. 

Unlike humans, they do not typically die of old age, though they can begin to weaken and die because of SIDE EFFECTS of ageing without maintenance that is usually easily attainable. Because of this, many Suits live for a long, long time. There is still a bit of a limit though.

Suits cannot catch viral or bacterial illnesses, (I mean obviously they're robots) but can get sick from overexertion, overexposure to temperatures they aren’t built to withstand, or physical damage. In very rare cases, malware can be an issue.

They have “organs” within their bodies, and require sustenance to survive. They CAN eat “normal” food, though more often than not their food would be stuff like coal, oil, paper, metal, etc. Stuff that vaguely resembles human food but is made of stuff like what I mentioned.

Their “blood” (if they have any) would likely be some form of fluid, or pure electricity in some cases. Nearly all would not cry or sweat the same fluid as their “blood”, as the human parallel would be crying or sweating blood, and that's just no. (Think how people sometimes draw robots as having oil blood, yet also crying that same oil) Much like how the human body has more fluids within it rather than just blood.

Some Suits may use “alternative” sustenance, such as plugging themselves into outlets or using other means to absorb pure electricity, though not every Suit can do this. Suits who can do this are rare, and a special kind of physiology is needed for this to be done without short circuiting themselves/otherwise hurting themselves.

Suits do not produce waste in the way humans do, other than sweat and tears.

Their brains are like processor chips. Though most Suits have to learn information like how humans do, some Suits have the special ability to simply upload and download data like a traditional computer. Suits who can do this are also rare, for similar reasons as the chargeable ones.

 Despite this, all Suits can have everything stored in their chips stored in real time to databases in the event that they perish or are irreparably destroyed, to be transferred into a new body. Despite this, it may not be the most common technology, and may be costly, so Suits still try to preserve their lives and bodies. The Cogs have this technology. How they're able to keep it up for so many Suits is a bit of a mystery. Something fishy's going on, probably...

Sleep/Rest

Most Suits have to sleep in a way similar to how humans do. They must get a healthy amount of rest. Stuff like insomnia and restlessness still exists for most Suits. It is necessary in order to preserve energy, prevent exhaustion, the wearing down of their parts, as well as being a quick way to cool off.

Just like humans, it is not necessary to have a bed to sleep, but it has the same benefits for Suits as it does for humans, though it's a bit more likely to see Suits falling asleep on the floor/standing up than it would be for humans.

While asleep, a Suit is merely unconscious, but they still function, much like humans. Same thing with comas and being unconscious. 

If their processes are completely stopped, they will die. However, Suits can last a lot longer with their processes completely stopped, compared to humans, as they aren’t biological, and won’t rot or whatever if that happens to them. If they can be reactivated, and their vitals weren’t excessively damaged, they can be resuscitated.

Suits that can absorb electricity do not NEED to sleep, as they can merely be charged back to full power. These Suits may or may not choose to sleep anyways, and may gain the other benefit from it, aside from energy regeneration. 

Injuries

Suits have to be maintained to keep themselves functional and clean. Especially when they get injured. They are unable to naturally heal in the way humans can. (Maybe some can with nanotech or whatever but that's getting into extremely sci-fi ish territory which isnt bad but I don't wanna go too in depth/thoughtful about that kind of thing, especially since a lot of things are possible in a cartoon world like this one)

Minor injuries like small cuts, scratches and dents are easy to repair, to the point where it can be done manually. 

Sort of like how first aid kits/bandages/etc are sold at pharmacies. Literally just patch yourself up with polishing kits/anti dent/spare parts or whatever

They can't go through healing processes like how humans do, but they're lucky since if a bone is broken or whatever, all they have to do is get it repaired and then they’re fine. (I wish it was like that for US!!!)

More severe injuries may require healthcare and/or more surgical reparations. Severe injuries are able to debilitate or even kill Suits if they’re bad enough. Injuries like gashes are still easy to fix, but stuff like loss of limbs is harder. In the case of limb loss, a replacement can be made to fit that Suit, typically within a few days. 

Internal injuries and extreme damage to inside circuitry and vitals may take longer to fix, but are still way easier to fix than with humans, for obvious reasons. Too much will kill the Suit, though :/

Life Details (Physique)

They are more often than not humanoid in appearance, though some Suits may have extra limbs or proportions less akin to those of humans. Some may not even be humanoid at all, like being centaurs or whatever, though said Suits are extremely rare. Some may be semi-humanoid, like the Cog Bosses. Suits may receive surgery of sorts to change body type, though it would be difficult to change a 10 cm tall Suit into a 20 ft tall Suit, for instance. There are limits, and crossing them adds extra risk of dying/ending up with psychological damage.

While most Suits have a discernible face, mouth, eyes, and have the usual set of limbs, some may not have a face, or have a face that does not vaguely resemble that of a human’s. (Like how Cogs in-game range from having human-like faces, to object heads, to animal heads, etc) Some may have entirely different limbs, other than just arms and legs. 

A Suit can have their face/entire head modified/changed, as well as the rest of their bodies. Some may want to get entirely new heads, though many tend to get attached to the one they already have. Think of it sort of like plastic surgery and actual surgery, except to a more extreme degree. Despite this, there are still limits, and extensive surgery may damage a Suit physically and/or mentally.

The most common type of Suits tend to range from anywhere as short as a few centimetres, to as tall as nearly 20 ft tall, though most fall within the range of 4-9 ft tall. Obviously there's height diversity among all Suits

Some Suits may be built to be specially resistant towards things compared to others. One Suit may be built to resist extremely high temperatures, while another might legitimately just start to melt in those same temperatures.

Life Details (Psyche)

Suits are not evil by nature. The reason why such a high number of them are very pro-industrialism, pollutive, toxic towards fun, etc, is because they were conditioned to be that way because of the way their society is structured, and the needs that they need to survive. 

Despite this, there are still Suits that may enjoy fun or even be Toony in nature. Some may enjoy nature, and dislike the pollutive, industrial nature their world is so full of. Toons tend to be very ignorant to Suit culture and the personality differences between Suits, and understandably so considering what it must be like from their perspective, being invaded and all. Still ain't great to be that way for obvious reasons, though. Many assume all Suits are evil and the same.

There would still be entertainment within Suitopia and other Suit cities/society, much like the many kinds that humans are familiar with. 

How are Suits created?

Suits are created, most commonly within factories, though some Suits may be skilled enough, either through innate knowledge or through learned skill, to create another Suit on their own, making them the “parent”.

When a Suit is created, they awaken already having some base level knowledge of themselves and the world around them, under most circumstances. As a byproduct, “child” Suits are not really a thing. They can exist, they just typically don't. (Being born into the world as an adult must suck)

Suits can be made without a specific purpose, and that is how many are created. They will find one on their own.

Those that are made for a specific purpose will usually already know how to fulfil said purpose. For instance, being built for a specific type of job will generally cause you to be naturally skilled at it. Meanwhile, Suits who are hired for that same job without being created for it may have to learn it. They typically have a form of fondness for fulfilling said job, but may lose it over time, or not have it to begin with, which may result in wishing to pursue something else.

What are these factories like?

It depends. There are many kinds. Some factories may build the base model of the Suit, some may build only the skeleton, some may even build the entire individual, appearance and all. Some Suits are built with the purpose of serving the owner of the factory. Big variety in purpose for these factories and whatnot.

Many factories are automated, run without owners, with the sole purpose of creating new Suit life. Other factories may be owned by a company or force, such as those run by C.O.G.S. Inc. 

What about all the clones of Cogs we see?

All the “Standard” Cogs (e.g: Pencil Pusher, Flunky, Cold Caller, Money Bags) are clones created with the sole purpose of serving C.O.G.S. Inc. Despite this, they are all created with their own individuality and personalities, and are all different.

They mostly identical while working for C.O.G.S. Inc. as it is a “dress code” of sorts within the company to dress and appear that way.

Their facial and body appearances may have slight/moderate differences between one another, whether it be a quirk with how they were built, or a change they chose to make. The Cogs seen in the game are all 1:1 identical because of limitations. Same goes for Skelecog skulls. (For skelecogs, an example I think of a lot is how I wish Two-Face skelecog heads were two faced as well) They typically fit the face.

They are allowed to change their appearances so long as it does not violate the “dress code”. (Still have to be able to tell what Cog they are. A Big Cheese can't get a head that is not in fact a big cheese. A Glad Hander can't make themselves look TOO much like a Hollywood, etc.)

(Speaking of Hollywoods, they're referred to as “Mr. Hollywood(s)” ingame, though they can go by Mr, Ms, Mrs, Mx, and more if they choose, or forgo having that title at all.)

Standard Cog models that appear very feminine/masculine (e.g: Mingler, Glad Hander, Corporate Raider, Name Dropper) can be the opposite gender of ““what their model would suggest””. Yes, we can have Minglers that are men, enbies, etc. They may or may not choose to slightly alter their appearance to match this.

It is possible for these creations to stop serving their creators and direct their own life. It would be inhumane (or whatever Suits call it) to create mindless drones, and not give them these opportunities. 

A Cog like this could end up changing their appearance or getting an entirely new head/body to compensate for the lack of restrictions to conform to.

If you made it this far and actually read the entire thing (without scrolling by to get to the bottom instantly) I profusely apologize for putting you through this. If this catches on and you're interested, I'm open to hear your thoughts on the lore, and suggestions, whether it also be for the lore, or for a better way to format this.

[natalieironside]

Masters of the World, part 1

Hey there, Age of Mythology fans! You can head on over to https://www.patreon.com/posts/77895021 and download the first map in a campaign I been working on (nothing is for sale, I'm just hosting it there while I work on my big-girl website)

Heyyy everybody, here's one of my side projects!  I'm making a custom campaign for the super great historical fantasy RTS game Age of Mythology: Extended Edition,which I'm pretty sure at least one other person on Earth still plays.  You can get it here if you don't have it:  https://store.steampowered.com/app/266840/Age_of_Mythology_Extended_Edition/  It's been a lifelong favorite since I was a kid and it's a great relic of the early 2000s RTS golden age; highly recommend.  Once you've got the base game plus the Titans and Tales Of The Dragon xpacks, you can just drop this bad boy into the "scenarios" folder in your game files and you'll be good to go.  More on the technical issues in a minute, but if you run into any problems try opening it in the editor and just selecting one of Player 1's units and that should fix it. 

First, a word on the production.  To put it bluntly the AoM scenario editor absolutely stinks.  A lot of stuff just straight up doesn't work.  For one thing, I've confirmed with other mapmakers that the campaign maker is irreparably broken and the only way to knit all the scenarios into a campaign is to manually write an XML document, which . . . I am not doing that.  Also, a lot of the text-based storytelling elements from AoE2 were cut and replaced with visual ones, and listen Ensemble Studios I love you but I am not going to sit here for hours and make an entire claymation movie one if-then statement at a time.

All this is to say that this scenario is not done, but it is as done as it's ever going to get, so I'm just gonna send it.

Masters of the World part 1 is a single-player battle royale (well technically it's 1v1v1v1v1v3 but who's counting) build-and-destroy map with 7 AI players.  Much like Swords of Outremer, I went a little wild with this one and as a consequence it's mad chunky.  I recommend playing with your video settings turned alllll the way down.  Also much like Swords of Outremer, I used an RMS for the skeleton; this one is Alfheim.  I'm planning on telling this story in about 7 or 8 single-player maps, and you can expect Masters of the World part 2: The Fields of Pentecost sometime soonish.

***

Masters of the World is a high fantasy scenario where you play as Ajax Ironroot, king of the dwarves, who has come south out of his mountains to deal with an ancient threat:  The Master of the World.  The Masters, a band of mighty and nigh godlike wizards, lorded over by the mysterious figure known only as "the Wizard," have long scourged the land and laid it waste as they vie against each other for ultimate mastery.  Ajax, afraid that this destruction may spread across his borders, will march forth to challenge the Masters on their own terms . . . But, to challenge them means becoming a Master of the World oneself.  

Featuring a robust cast of characters, including the vain and proud Lady Pentecost, queen of the elves, and the mysterious vampire lord Gretta, Duchess of Shadows, as well as various and sundry other original the characters (do not steal).  If you like protracted mountain sieges and massive endgame doomstack fights, like I do, this should serve; during playtesting I let the AI duke it out amongst themselves and they whupped on one another with no clear contender for like 6 or 7 hours until the game ran out of memory and crashed. 

Have fun and let me know what you think!  :)

[cloudworlds]

D7 World

=NO RESHADE, MEDIUM SETTINGS=

Large World Requires all Expansion Packs & Stuff Pack & CC

106 Residential Lots 30 Empty Lots 50+ Community Lots Populated

Lore:

There are 5 sections of the world: The Seven Families, Supernatural Happenings, Out on the Town, Uni Side, & The Residentials.

The Seven Families: Where the seven richest, most prominent families live. For their ancestors' deeds in the past, each family is cursed with one of the seven deadly sins. Every generation cannot escape their most vile traits. Because of their low profile, the townies do not know of their curse. And they like to keep it that way.

Supernatural Happenings: The old monsters that cursed the seven families still watch over their suffering from nearby. No one knows who they are. Unusual events often happen here. Yet, many townies are content to stick their heads in the sand no matter what.

Out on the Town: One side of town has all the hangouts, restaurants, clubs and bars.

Uni Side: This where you'll find more traditional lots. This family friendly area has a technical college, fraternity, and sorority.

The Residentials: The largest are on the map. Includes an Off-campus housing community, apartment buildings, and a nursing home.

Note: "Daiku Life" in the Out on the Town area is the criminal warehouse. Unfortunately, EA combines the movie theatre I used with that career. Just ignore the prebuilt one and use Daiku Life instead. There are two fire stations. Feel free to delete the one farthest from you…or if you're feeling chaotic, the closest.

Known Issues: -There are lines around the ocean of the world (This is possibly due to an improper terrain import and can be ignored, as it doesn't affect gameplay. It also shows up for other custom worlds, so it could just be my pc, or something else. Just keep it in mind.

-Some lots went through several versions of the map and therefore the terrain is not completely even. Most lots do not have this issue. However, if you choose to build, make sure the lot is leveled first.

-Sometimes the house icons won't show when you move in households. It does not mean they aren't available. Most of the available households are apartments & trailers. Hovering the mouse under the house will highlight the ones available.

Files:

*Updated 9/23/2024*

-If you don't have EA store content cc, download this and the additional cc list.

-If already have all or most EA store content, download only the world file, my cc, and the additional cc list.

Sunlit Tides Spa Pack, Magic Cauldron, Crystal Ball, & Toy Machine

*Alternative option* Sims3pack D7 World File

Additional CC:

Lpvinyl21: Children's Book Ledge, Pottery Barn Rugs

Around The Sims: Funeral Wreath, Plaque, Coffin, Coffin Stand, Room Divider, Plant Cage, Pergola 1, Pergola 2, Wine Bottles & Shelf, Painting 1 & 2, Yoga Mat, Groom & Bride with Rack, Spice Rack, Shopping Bag, Shopping Box, Pub Shelf 1 & 2

Teekapoa: Blooming Flower Room Merged File

Twinsimming: Tri Hard LED Panels (Right &Left) only from Game On Set

SeeMyu: Exotic Pole

Amarysauce: Lupin, Lantana, Hibiscus

PsychicPeanutKitty: Clock & Chair

MurfeeL: BGM Set, Okami Dogs(all 3 decor/no mirror),AMR Flora, Onibi as Mood Lamp

NynaeveDesign: Sonic Printer,

Severinka: Fairy Garden Set, Window Wallpaper, Sports Set- Football, basketball, shelf-balls, barbell, dumbbells, basket, & punch-bag only

SincerelyaSimmer: Toy Gifts v1 only

LaLaSimmer: ImaniHair, Up&Out, OkurrtHair

Misty's University Rabbit Holes: No Links. This is where IYKYK kicks in. I don't want any drama, so here is where we learn to use Google and external storage, my friend!

Granthes: One More Slot Please!

Porphyria259: Shrubs, Waterplants -Combined packages Only

Final Afterward:

First, I want to apologize for the amount of custom content I used. I use limited amounts of cc, plus my own. I never thought the list would get this long. I just built as I wanted and thought my ity-bity cc wouldn't amount to much. This is why I recommend users that have most/all EA premium content. I used Blam, which playtests well in game for me. I did include some of my unreleased cc in this world. This my first world, and I feel kind of proud that I managed to finish. While I enjoyed making this world the first few months, three restarts, one total loss, lots vanishing, CAW crashing, and countless other issues later, I am so glad to be done with it. This is technically still beta, but for now, consider it finished. I will never make another large world again. If you encounter odd glitches, shoot me a message in my inbox. Otherwise....

I need to rest. Pleaase!

[manonamora-if]

August Check-In!

July has been a bit more chill? I was kind of forced to slow down cause sickness (and other personal stuff), which made progress rather slow... On the other hand, it was nice to have a bit of a break.... and kind of needed, seeing how my body just didn't want to cooperate... I have honestly not written a thing in about a month (I don't count editing/coding/fixing), so I'm half-looking forward half-dreading getting back to it.

Long post ahead:

Start with what has been done this past week (hella busy).

Some other me and IF-me-related stuff

Some IF events to participate in

What I'm planning this month

A little re-haul of the templates and guides, getting some much needed TLC:

fixing typos/errors (mainly guides),

editing the credits with more resource links,

and some reformatting/re-organising the code (mainly templates).

Update your games with the latest version! Or re-download the guides!

ALSO ALSO, this was still technically last Sunday (late), but the SugarCube Guide has been fixed of its broken links, bad formatting, and explanation errors. But as a bonus, I've found some time to add some extra passages:

The other Engine API

Localization and Translation of a game

Events to trigger code at specific rendering moment.

Some of my older Coding In Twine asks, especially the CSS ones

(Version 1.1.0)

MelS finished checking my comments on the investigation part (still needs to add the missing part), and is processing the ones I left on the exploration side (there are a lot, he's doing his best).

Fixed some minor typos in the French version. BUT most importantly, the code is now available on my GitHub! Also will be shortly on the IFArchive.

Clarence Street, 14 est maintenant disponible en Français!

I've also added the source code to my GitHub, as well as sent them to the IFArchive.

I made some minor fixes in the UI for the title page and the Restart one (issue with text size). The source files are also now available on my GitHub and sent to the IFArchive.

Quick list on other IF-me related stuff:

I've finally started AND finished reviewing the Anti-Romance IF/VN entries. That was 20 new reviews (4 I had already done with the NeoTwinies, 1 was mine :P ). If you are interested, check out @manonamora-if-reviews, they are all there. Otherwise, play the entries! I'll prob go back to finishing replaying the IFComp entries and update those reviews... Or you can submit one for me to play!

@if-confessions closed last Monday - well, the asks box did. You can still read and interact with the posts. Just because I won't be answering for a while doesn't mean the discussions are closed.

Another player has been going through the @neo-twiny-jam entries, and gave me some some lovely reviews on IFDB ! That was a nice surprise!

Some IF Events:

The IntroComp entries are out! While voting is set to start out shortly, you can already check the entries (and maybe think of feedback for the author?). Note: the stories submitted were not complete games. Also I missed the deadline... I didn't have a working WIP...

There is still one month to submit your intent to the IFComp (@ifcomp). If you don't plan on submitting a game, you can already create an account to vote. I'm not participating this year, so you might see some reviews of mine this autumn.

Over at the @neointeractives, the Single Choice Jam will be ending in about 2 weeks. There is still time to add your story to the dozen already available!

If you are looking to make something a bit more NSFW, the Orifice Jam might be for you! There is a bit more than 2 weeks to add something hole-y!

THE PLAN (for August):

This is what I'm aiming to do, probably not what I'll end up achieving.

Play some more IF games. Maybe not 7/day like this week, but a few of them/week to add to my review pile. I'm getting closer to the top of the Reviewer List... I don't think I'll ever be number 1, but I need 137 more IF reviews to get to the front page (as of today - after the IFComp this year, probably will need more...). Also I want to be better at reviewing, so practice... Also I want to bring more attention to the French games...

I'd like to swing at least a jam entry for the SingleChoice. Something either silly, or related to one of my WIPs (toying with that...). Maybe testing a new engine for funsies. I have two weeks to think about it...

In the meantime, I need to fix my website. It's a bunch of games behind, and missing some important links too! Also been toying with having a more Web 1.0 vibe to it...

Maybe try to take one one of the WIPs and add a chapter or something (haven't decided which... the folders have been side-eyeing at my complacency).

Add more pages to the SugarCube Guide.

Code the update for TaTEH (dependent on MelS)

And if I can't write a single world, I can pick from the following pile pr probably not too much brain power needed:

translate Escape Goncharov! into French.

fix the bugs in EDOC + overall the French version to match

fix the bugs of TRNT + find a way to add the missing pieces (mayyyybe translate into French?)

fix the formatting of DOL-OS + translate into English

update LPM with the missing content + translate into English

The rest of the To-Do pile is (not month specific):

Finish The Rye in the Dark City (and maybe translate?)

Finish P-Rix - Space Trucker (and try to translate)

Finish Exquisite Cadaver (translation unlikely, current gameplay too complex to port for French)

Add a chapter to CRWL

Re-working TTTT to its originally planned state (lol, not likety)

Re-working SPS Iron Hammer (samesies)

Emptying my inboxes

Let's see what can be accomplished this month! I would like to check some more boxes of my new year resolutions.

[valmillion]

Found this reddit comment that was really interesting. It was from a thread on some cyberpunk board about what if AOL didn't give out tons of free trials of the internet and it stayed used and managed by like, students and geeks and the types of people who used IRC and BBS. Warning: long

It's been nearly 25 years since the Eternal September, and this makes me wonder what we could have done to preserve the purity of what the internet was back then.

For starters, the internet was built with the assumption of trust, that malicious users would never try to exploit others. Evidence for this was the lack of identity enforcement in mail servers, which can still make you receive email from yourself. How the hell does that happen? Is e-mail address spoofing that easy? Yes, it is! Also, there wasn't the need for https protocol, because who the hell would try to alter internet traffic? But you get the point.

I think, in a big way, that was an illusion to start with. The internet was created by people who were trying to solve technical issues no one had ever encountered, and naturally assumed people like themselves would be the ones using it.

They were trying to build a bridge, for people like themselves, who needed a bridge. The idea that someone would wait until rush hour and blow it up wasn't a part of their reality.

Fast forward to 2018, and we see forums filled with paid trolls from foreign countries using fake identities to disrupt online discussions in centralized sites that are solely financed by information trafficking disguised as online advertising.

Then someone had the bright idea to build Las Vegas on the other side of the bridge, to get more people to use it.

I don't like this internet ...

From here to go off to explain a different kind of internet from what we have, but not something I'd care to be a part of.

When I imagine an 'alternate internet', I start where I started, on a school computer, in the Library.

There wasn't a 'web', so it was all text, and I actually had an 'intenet phonebook', which gave you places to start with FTP sites that allowed anonymous access, BBS systems and of course, IRC.

If you hung out on IRC enough, people would share different addresses with you. Personal servers, BBS system numbers, things like that. Eventually I had a little black book of places to check when I got online for any new files, and I started running my own BBS, and figured out a way to get online from home.

So, 'The Internet' wasn't 'The Web', and it was like a huge library. I would tell people 'It's like the biggest library in the world, where people get together to trade information'. That's how I saw it.

When I imagine how the internet could have gone, I imagine it having continued down that road.

There was some porn, if you were willing to hang out on usegroups and download UUENCODED pics in collections labled 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc ... and since I was 13, I did. But, it was nothing like it is now.

So, what if instead of pushing people to buy and sell on the internet, we just continued to use it like a library? What if, instead of libraries having a computer in the back that had an internet connection, they started being used as ISPs? Then your local schools would connect to your local library, that was linked to every other library.

I imagine a backbone of information run by the people who've ALWAYS protected the freedom and sharing of information.

I use my public library to this day. Did you know you can get a library card from your local library and download tons of free books by 'borrowing' them from the library system to your kindle? You can go there and borrow and movies, as well as books and magazines.

It's a lot like the internet, except free, legal, accepting with no considerations of race, color, religion, or economic standing. We have a few homeless people in town, and they use the library to get online, and borrow books, just like everyone else.

What if THOSE people were running the internet?

I imagine a world where they hold 'network drives' to make money to add to the local wifi that blankets the town. I imagine a world where dedicated hobbiests run sites like GeoCities that allow highschool kids the access to create whatever kind of websites they want.

It wouldn't look anything like it does now. Nothing. That's either good or bad, depending on your point of view. I'm sure it would be slower, and there would be no Netflix ... though, maybe there would be some access to PBS? It's tough to say what people would do with the Internet if it were like free water that your taxes, and pledge-drives paid for.

There are people setting up meshnets, and free wifi even now. So, I think the anarchic spirit is still alive, somewhere far from the tech bros, Zuck and Bezos.

So, when I fantasize about a different kind of internet, that's where my mind wanders. Feel free to poke holes in that all you like.

[korshubudemycoursesblog]

Master Google Tag Manager with The Ultimate Google Tag Manager Course: Beginner to Advanced

Why Google Tag Manager?

Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a powerful tool that allows you to manage and deploy marketing tags on your website without editing the code directly. With its intuitive interface, even those with little technical knowledge can quickly master the basics. This makes GTM a must-have skill for marketers, analysts, and web developers alike. The tool has become integral for website tracking, data layer management, and enhancing digital marketing strategies.

What is The Ultimate Google Tag Manager Course: Beginner to Advanced?

This comprehensive course on Udemy is tailored to both beginners and those with some experience looking to refine their skills. It provides a step-by-step guide to mastering Google Tag Manager from scratch, progressing to more advanced topics.

Course Overview

Introduction to Google Tag Manager

Understand the basics of GTM and its importance in digital marketing.

Learn how to set up your first container and deploy basic tags.

Understanding Tags, Triggers, and Variables

Dive into the core components of GTM—Tags, Triggers, and Variables.

Learn to create and manage these components efficiently.

Data Layer Mastery

Explore the Data Layer and how it enhances GTM’s capabilities.

Learn to use the Data Layer to track custom events and user interactions.

Advanced Tracking Techniques

Implement advanced tracking techniques such as event tracking, cross-domain tracking, and enhanced eCommerce tracking.

Learn how to set up custom dimensions and metrics in Google Analytics using GTM.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Discover how to debug and troubleshoot common issues in GTM.

Use tools like GTM's Preview Mode and Google Tag Assistant for efficient debugging.

Integration with Other Tools

Integrate GTM with other marketing tools like Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Pixel.

Learn how to deploy and manage third-party tags effectively.

Best Practices and Advanced Features

Adopt best practices for organizing your GTM account.

Explore advanced features like server-side tagging and custom templates.

Benefits of Enrolling in The Ultimate Google Tag Manager Course: Beginner to Advanced

This course is packed with practical examples, real-world applications, and downloadable resources. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

Manage and deploy tags efficiently, reducing the need for developer assistance.

Optimize your marketing efforts with precise tracking and data collection.

Stay ahead of the competition by mastering a tool that’s becoming a standard in the industry.

Highlighting Top Keywords for SEO Success

When it comes to boosting your online visibility, keyword optimization is crucial. This section will highlight some of the top searches and related keywords to help enhance the SEO of your content.

Top Keywords Related to Google Tag Manager

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Why Choose The Ultimate Google Tag Manager Course: Beginner to Advanced?

This course stands out due to its comprehensive coverage, practical examples, and the fact that it’s designed for learners at all levels. Whether you’re a marketer wanting to enhance your tracking capabilities or a developer looking to implement GTM more effectively, this course has something for everyone.

Course Outcomes

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Enroll Today and Start Your Journey

With The Ultimate Google Tag Manager Course: Beginner to Advanced, you’re not just enrolling in a course; you’re investing in your professional future. The skills you’ll gain are invaluable in today’s digital landscape, where data-driven decision-making is key to success.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering Google Tag Manager through this course can significantly enhance your digital marketing strategies, improve your website’s performance, and make you a more valuable asset to any organization. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best and take your skills to the next level.

[alltheflair]

It's all Simlish to me

Collaboration with Emma Fringuelli

In defense of ‘The Sims 4’

Fringuelli:

I, unlike many players of the “Sims” games, hopped on the bandwagon pretty late.

The numbers on my Electronic Arts account might make you think I have been playing “The Sims” for years, since I have racked up more than 300 hours playing the game, but in reality, I have not even had the game downloaded for a full year.

My first time playing “The Sims” was after my family won an iPad in a raffle. My sister and I downloaded the free mobile version of “The Sims.” The limited version of the game meant less customization, fewer functions, and altogether less fun.

We deleted the app pretty quickly.

Flash forward nearly 10 years later, and I realized that “The Sims 4” was free — and available on Mac computers.

Once I downloaded the game, I got the satisfaction the mobile version lacked. It was everything I had hoped “The Sims” would be.

The graphics, though not lifelike, are enough to get me immersed in the lives of the silly little digital people I control.

At the end of the day, that is the point: losing myself in the game. 

I play “The Sims” not because I have a memory of the crunchy, harsh graphics of the 2000s. I don’t long for certain functions in the earlier games because I never played them.

I play “The Sims” because right now, I can control things in the game that I cannot control in my own life. You will not find me buying a giant mansion, becoming a secret agent, or risking my life fixing an oven in the real world. But in “The Sims 4,” I can do all that and more with little to no consequence.

And when there are consequences, they sure are funny. 

Picture my shock when I find one of my sims trying to repair a radio while standing in a puddle of water, only for him to be electrocuted and die. When pleading with the Grim Reaper to spare him failed, I turned to a trick: reloading the game and trying again. The sim returned to the broken radio and puddle, and he swiftly got zapped and died again. So I reloaded the game again — and gave up on the radio.

Electrocute me once, shame on you. Electrocute me twice, shame on me.

There is also the side of “The Sims” that lets me live out my fantasy of being an architect. In the real world, I have to bear witness to McMansions with gorgeous front facades and a hodgepodge of asymmetrically placed windows on the other three sides.

In “The Sims,” though, I can channel my frustration into something a scintilla more productive. I can make houses the way they should be: with symmetrical windows and shutters that make sense.

I also get to see the creativity of people who are somehow more into “The Sims” than I am and all the custom features that they create — often for free — for other users. From in-game furniture to whole new modified gameplay features, these people are way more creative and technically advanced than I am.

What my enjoyment of “The Sims 4” boils down to is the essence of the “Sims” franchise. I get to simulate a life that is more grand, more chaotic, and more outrageous than my own. It is an opportunity to focus on stuff that truly does not matter.

In a world that demands our attention at every waking moment, I know when I fire up “The Sims 4” that I can spend a while obsessing over decorating a kitchen, getting my sim that promotion, or trying to figure out why all the babies and toddlers look so weird.

I can get back to my real-world issues later, just let me marry Eliza Pancakes first.

The problem with ‘The Sims 4’

Valente:

“The Sims” franchise holds a very special place in my heart. The original was released in 2000, but I didn’t learn about it until 2001, when I would watch my older brother play on the family PC. To my young eyes, it was one of the coolest games I had ever seen. You get to create your own person, build your home, and control what they do in their day-to-day lives. It was like creating your own sitcom or movie. Although my parents did not allow me to play it for quite a while due to some of the violence and adult themes in it, that didn’t stop me from waking up an hour or two before everyone else in the house and sneaking to the computer to get my “Sims” fulfillment. After some convincing, my parents allowed me to play the game without having to go behind their backs. (Eventually, I was caught when the computer froze and my dad came downstairs before I could unplug the machine). 

A memory I hold dear is my birthday in 2003 when my now-late grandfather gifted me “The Sims: Makin’ Magic.” I’m sure I found it especially cool because Harry Potter was quite the rage at the time and I was a superfan of the franchise. 

In 2004, “The Sims 2” was released into the world. I can’t fathom how many hours I spent playing the game, and how much money my parents spent buying different expansion packs during the following five years of the game’s life. Although “The Sims” was quite innovative for the time, as it was really the first life-simulation game, “The Sims 2” further expanded the genre and you could tell the team that put the game together put a lot of work into it.

With the success of “The Sims 2,” Electronic Arts had to follow up with something big. In 2009, “The Sims 3” was released, and it was just that. Although I found the sims themselves to be ugly, even back then, the team took what was great about the first two games and built upon it. I was impressed with the innovation and advancements that EA had made.

Now, I don’t want to say I hate “The Sims 4,” but I’m not the biggest fan. When it was announced in 2014, I was thrilled by the prospect. With how much the games had grown and built upon themselves with each title, I was excited to see what EA would bring to the table. At the time, I was a junior in high school. I was only working during the weekends at McDonald’s and I wasn’t making that much money, but I decided to splurge and buy the Digital Deluxe Edition of “The Sims 4” out of pure excitement.

On release day at 12 a.m., I excitedly started my computer and opened up the game for the first time. I created my sim, built them a snazzy house, and began to play. Ten minutes into the game, I was sitting there and wondering… What is this? It felt lifeless, dull, and uninspiring. I exited the game and forgot that it even existed for the next three years.

Does the game look pretty? That’s subjective, but I believe so. Did they improve in some areas, like sim customization and lot-building? Sure. But the game was a big downgrade when it came to gameplay and overall entertainment. “The Sims 4” feels like a mix of the first “Sims” and “The Sims 2,” but without the charm and personality. I love those two games and go back to play them from time to time, but I don’t want the newest and latest game in the franchise to feel like it was released almost 20 years ago. A lot of long-time “Sims” players felt the same way and decided to stop playing the game altogether.

A lot of new players might enjoy “The Sims 4”, but a lot of them never got to experience the previous “Sims” titles, as EA does not make them easy to access. I feel if they were able to play them, they would realize how much of a downgrade “The Sims 4” truly is. I’m sure EA doesn’t care that much since the company knows a lot of “Sims” players are dedicated and won’t leave the franchise behind, instead hoping it improves. Not only that, but EA essentially has a monopoly on the life-simulation genre, as there is little to no competition to be had.

I still hold out hope that the “Sims” franchise will return to its glory — if not for the fans, than for the competition. One game in particular that is set to release in the near future is “Paralives,” a life-simulation game that has a lot of “Sims” fans wondering if it is time to leave the series behind. Perhaps a little competition will drive some innovation, and less laziness, to keep fans on the side of “The Sims.” Only time will tell.

[georgedonnel]

Why Your Zelle Payment Failed

Zelle began as a popular payment platform to make quick transfers to friends and family; in the wake of P2P success, Zelle business accounts have become equally useful for instant, no-free transfers between customers, businesses, and vendors. However, many users have reported that their Zelle payment failed at some point since they started using the service.

If this happens to you, there’s no need to panic. Zelle payments may fail for many reasons, and easy fixes are usually available. In this guide, we’ll look at possible reasons your Zelle payment failed and how to rectify each situation. We’ll also shed light on possible repercussions of payment failures and offer guidance on recovering funds when they disappear despite a transaction failure.

Top 6 Reasons Why Your Zelle Payment Failed & How to Fix It

A red X above the front and back of a pink credit card after a Zelle payment failed.

Failed payments are frustrating, especially when action from the recipient is dependent on the receipt of your payment, as can be the case with P2P (Peer-to-Peer) payments. For instance, suppliers often won’t release stock until they receive a payment from you, and some contractors won’t start work until they receive a deposit. This can present a setback in stock availability or delay projects.

In some cases, securing a property, booking travel, or securing a seat at a conference is subject to receipt of a payment. If your payment fails, you may risk losing out to someone else who snatched the last available spot.

The first step to fixing a failed Zelle payment is understanding why your (or your customer’s) payment didn’t go through. Here are six of the most common reasons for failed Zelle payments—and what to do if they happen to you.

1. Technical Problems and Glitches

As with any tech-driven solution, glitches and other technical issues can cause Zelle payments to fail. These issues might include server downtime, Zelle app bugs, or device or internet connection problems.

Server Downtime

The Zelle app depends on internal company servers to maintain communication between network banks. If Zelle servers are experiencing downtime, there’s usually nothing you can do except wait until Zelle resolves the issue on their side. You can check websites like DownDetector to see if there are any known outages.

Server downtime generally doesn’t last too long, as Zelle understands the impact these issues can have on its clients and reputation. Zelle thus aims to minimize server problems and sort out issues ASAP.

Application Bugs

If you’re using the Zelle app on your mobile device and experiencing payment failures due to a buggy application, try updating the Zelle app. On an Android device, open the Google Play Store, search for “Zelle,” and tap on it to open the app page. If updates are available for download, you’ll see an option to do so.

On an iOS device, launch the App Store. Tap on your profile picture, scroll down to “Available Updates,” and look for Zelle. Tap the “Update” button if available.

Device or Internet Issues

Sometimes, payment failures result from issues with your device or internet connection. Ensure your device has a stable internet connection, and try restarting it to troubleshoot any temporary glitches. Additionally, clearing your browser cache and cookies can sometimes resolve issues if you are accessing your bank profile in a web browser.

2. Closed or Suspended Recipient Bank Account

The reason your Zelle payment failed could also be due to a problem on the recipient’s end. Zelle will decline your payment if the recipient’s account has been blocked.

In this case, the recipient must restore their account to receive payments from anyone. They will usually need to contact Zelle support directly to address the issue. If they enrolled through their bank’s app, they may also need to contact their banking institution to get the account unblocked.

Once Zelle (or the bank) reinstates their account, try making the payment again. It should be successful this time round.

3. Incorrect Recipient Contact Information

Even if it’s just one incorrect digit or character, wrong recipient contact information arises as a frequent cause of digital payment failure. If your Zelle failed payment, check with the recipient to ensure you have the correct details.

Sending someone a payment request from Zelle is an easy way to ensure that the paying party uses the correct information. By issuing a payment request from the recipient’s side, the sender has to respond by authorizing the payment—instead of entering their details from scratch.

Zelle will decline the payment if you send a payment to an email address or mobile number that does not exist. However, if you send a payment to an incorrect mobile number or email address registered with Zelle, you will send money to the wrong person. As part of the user policy, Zelle will not reverse or refund payment once you have authorized it.

Always confirm that you have accurate recipient details. After successfully making the first payment, save the recipient in your profile to have the correct information for future payments.

New Recipients

If you are sending a payment to a new recipient, such as a supplier who recently signed up for Zelle, verify they are enrolled with the service beforehand. With US Bank, for instance, a purple “Z” will appear below the recipient’s name if they are registered with Zelle. This way, you’ll know you have the correct details.

A person holding their card next to an oversized phone, realizing their Zelle failed payment.

If the recipient is not registered with Zelle, they will get a notice after you pay. The notice will provide instructions on how to register and access the funds. They will need to do so with the mobile number or email address you sent the money to; if they don’t register within 14 days, Zelle will return the funds to you.

4. Insufficient Funds

If you try to pay with insufficient funds in your linked bank account, the payment won’t go through. You will receive an automated error message; the notification will usually explain the reason for payment failure.

In this case, the fix is pretty straightforward. You must transfer more money into your Zelle-linked bank account to ensure enough funds are available. Once you have done so, try again.

5. You Have a High-Risk Business

Zelle prohibits using its services for certain business types, often classified as high-risk businesses. This includes the sale of firearms and related products, pharmaceuticals, sexually oriented materials, gambling, cryptocurrency, and pyramid schemes, among others.

Zelle will suspend, freeze, or terminate your account if you are suspected of using the service for any prohibited industry activities—even if your business is legitimate. Most digital payment platforms and wallets, including Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, prohibit high-risk business transactions; however, all is not lost.

A merchant services provider can help find safe and convenient payment processing solutions for even the most high-risk merchants. They offer multiple payment methods, allowing your customers to pay in a way that suits them, and they won’t freeze client accounts since they’re equipped to deal with high-risk industries.

6. You’ve Reached Your Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Transfer Limit

Every bank in Zelle’s network sets limits on the maximum amount of funds you can transfer. Limits vary by bank and can apply to daily, weekly, and monthly transactions. When registering your Zelle business account, it’s important to confirm transaction limits with your financial institution—and plan payments accordingly to avoid payment failures.

Zelle will decline the transactions if you try to make any payments over the transfer limit. In this case, you’ll have to wait until a new limit period starts. For instance, if your daily limit is $500 and you have already reached this amount, you’ll have to wait until the next day to complete any further transfers.

What to Do if Your Zelle Payment Failed But the Money’s Gone

If your Zelle payment failed but money was taken from your account, check the payment status. If the payment is “pending,” it means the recipient has not yet enrolled with Zelle. They will, however, receive a notification with instructions. As soon as they complete their registration, they will receive the funds.

On the other hand, if the payment status says “completed” but the recipient did not receive the money, contact your bank or Zelle ASAP. They can investigate the issue and determine the reason for failure if it is not automatically returned.

Before contacting your bank, ensure that you have used the correct sender details and have not exceeded your payment limits. Zelle payments are irreversible and cannot be canceled or refunded if you make an error. Furthermore, Zelle does not offer purchase protection.

Given these caveats, Zelle may not be the best payment method for transactions in which you’re not entirely sure of the receiver’s safety or legitimacy. Consider using a credit card instead when purchasing supplies or services from new vendors—this way, you will at least have some purchase protection.

Payment Methods for Success Beyond Zelle

Whether it’s a frustrated customer, delayed arrival of stock, or overdue wages, failed payments can cause many complications and have numerous knock-on effects. Although Zelle offers free and fast transactions, its limitations can make it less than suitable as the primary payment method for a growing business. Its lack of versatility and business integrations makes it time-consuming for business owners to manage their finances and offers little payment flexibility or security.