Duncan's Poll: Cashout

[Guest]

DuncanMacCloud asked for a poll in this thread (and ChipsAhoy seconded), so here it is:

(I hope I got what you were wanting to appear write - the polls aren't editable after they are created.)

 

[imported_Danny Dots]

I really don't think there is any need for this feature to be instituted into our game and its just going to corrupt the way we are all use to playing.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I really don't think there is any need for this feature to be instituted into our game and its just going to corrupt the way we are all use to playing.

[/ QUOTE ]


Agreeds!

 

[imported_ChipsAhoy]

<blockquote><hr>

I really don't think there is any need for this feature to be instituted into our game and its just going to corrupt the way we are all use to playing.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll co-sign that!

 

[Guest]

Right, not write ...

*sighs*
*kicks poll*

I'm in the undecided camp. I can't picture what cashout would add of value to the game, except for maybe CC makers in their rls, but I don't get out much.

So I'm just going to wait to form an opinion until I have something real to base it on.

 

[coyoteee]

I don't feel like I have enough information yet to make a YES/NO decision...

I think the idea of cashing out my money is fantastic, especially if I could buy groceries or home decor with it in rl sometimes (lol) but at the moment, with the current payouts and now the bot-stopper code in place in TC3, it would take a while to generate money enough to amount to anything. I know the hope is to have the economy be stable and strong and mainly focussed on *user to user commerce*, but obviously we're not there yet. Hence why I don't think I have enough information currently to answer this fairly.

I say give the devs some time to continue working on our economy. We're at such an early stage. This new bot-stopping movement is just an early part of the plan... watch as they continue to give us more reasons to do *user to user commerce* and less reasons to do the inane tasks to make money from EA in game. Once the economy is stronger, the players are being more creative with each other and we have a ton more control over the look of the game - and the cash flow is more abundant - that's when I want to see this poll done.

I think I'd have my answer by then.

~Coy

 

[imported_CherryBomb]

I would say that my opinion on this is no big secret, lol! A game designed around a cash balance is fine and has its place, but TSO was def *not* designed that way to start with, and trying to make it into one is like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole. There is more to come, folks. You have to trash practically everything from TSO to do this.

CherryBomb

 

[YadaSc]

I was all for Cash out.. but now I dunno. IF its going to cause... low payouts and high prices making it hard to build or just to live comfy..NO I rather it went bye bye. Getting too much of an struggle to play the game anymore. Don't get me wronge I love challenge.. but come on.. lol

But, I too will wait to put in my dot on the poll when the game gets going better.

 

[imported_debslee]

I think its a brilliant idea and for all my hours of making CC, to get not only a great time in game, but a monetary gain too - wtg - I say bring it on!!!

 

[imported_Trudymac]

<blockquote><hr>

I would say that my opinion on this is no big secret, lol! A game designed around a cash balance is fine and has its place, but TSO was def *not* designed that way to start with, and trying to make it into one is like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole. There is more to come, folks. You have to trash practically everything from TSO to do this.

CherryBomb

[/ QUOTE ]*applauds*

This attempt to graft a type of economy that does not mesh, at all, into the established game mechanics and "infrastructure", is causing all these headaches.

Admittedly, I've taken a couple of hiatuses from the game at different times, so I have missed out on some public opinion -- were people asking for TSO to go this way?

 

[Guest]

I am not sure what is fueling the cashout feature. Perhaps its the successful games i hear about that do use it? i am not sure. The problem is this, i would hazard a guess that those other games had the feature from the beginning, it did not threaten their way of life so to speak.

As an on and off player for the past four years, i came back to the game after a friend of mine told me of all the great changes to come. Initially i thought the cashout feature would be one of them, until i along with others realized how the economy would have to be tightened near to choking to avoid everyone pizzaing their little hearts out and breaking the bank.

This makes the game way less fun. IMO they should put the payouts back to where they were a month or so ago, skip the cashout, and worry more about the new items, more CC ability, allowing people to script objects, in other words, put the fun back into the game. I and others will sing this games praises and bring others into it. The game will become profitable once again.

This game has SO much potential! And nowhere is there a need to cashout to make this game what it could and should be.

*gets down on her knees* I am BEGGING the devs to halt all plans for the cashout feature.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I am not sure what is fueling the cashout feature. Perhaps its the successful games i hear about that do use it? i am not sure. The problem is this, i would hazard a guess that those other games had the feature from the beginning, it did not threaten their way of life so to speak.

As an on and off player for the past four years, i came back to the game after a friend of mine told me of all the great changes to come. Initially i thought the cashout feature would be one of them, until i along with others realized how the economy would have to be tightened near to choking to avoid everyone pizzaing their little hearts out and breaking the bank.

This makes the game way less fun. IMO they should put the payouts back to where they were a month or so ago, skip the cashout, and worry more about the new items, more CC ability, allowing people to script objects, in other words, put the fun back into the game. I and others will sing this games praises and bring others into it. The game will become profitable once again.

This game has SO much potential! And nowhere is there a need to cashout to make this game what it could and should be.

*gets down on her knees* I am BEGGING the devs to halt all plans for the cashout feature.

[/ QUOTE ]

Princessrevna you took the words right out of my mouth!!

 

[Guest]

I agree No cash payouts.... just think if they decided not to have payouts we could have our casino's back since it was a legal thing with cashing in for real money which made it real gambling. So yes i vote NO NO NO to cash payouts

 

[imported_Gracie Nito]

There has been a cashin/cashout system in this game for years all run by botters on the black market. EA is only attempting to legitimize this system and make it more secure by handling it themselves.

Cashout would attract more custom content creators for sure. Even if they could only cashout the amount of money they cashin or invest, many would do it just to have their objects in game.

 

[Guest]

At first I was excited about the idea of making just enough money to pay for my accounts. With the current economy, and the low payouts, and implementation of the newest attempts to stop botters, I just as soon they just forget the whole thing. I just want to play the game, make enough money to build my houses, and decorate them the way I want, and maybe make a little to someday open my houses to the public. As it stands, with a 3k a week cap that may happen sometime in the next 5 years. I'm not afraid of hard work, I Know how to make money and I work 2 different sim jobs. I want to be able to continue to make the money I make now. It really sux, that they are threatening to penalize us because we are willing to work hard to accomplish personal goals in the game.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I think its a brilliant idea and for all my hours of making CC, to get not only a great time in game, but a monetary gain too - wtg - I say bring it on!!!

[/ QUOTE ]


Sorry, I am one of the 14 (at the time that I voted) that is in favor of cashouts. I don't have alot of enthusiasm about the CURRENT method of capping that they have, but I still hold out hope that it will get 20-30% better than it is now, in which case it might not be so bad, and besides there are things that ANYBODY can do right now even at this present state that will not go against their 3k......but like I said I will not lose faith that things will get better than they are in TC3 right now until I find out that they have published THIS version to EAL with no modifications.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

There has been a cashin/cashout system in this game for years all run by botters on the black market. EA is only attempting to legitimize this system and make it more secure by handling it themselves.


[/ QUOTE ]

Gracie the way I see it is that they get a handle on the botters then their cash-out feature will not be in jeopardy. Meaning that they won't be losing a fortune by them cashing out. There has got to be another way to get a handle on this w/o screwing those that play the game legitimately!

 

[Guest]

it would be great to make enough to get back my normal monthly charge, but that is NOT why I played this game to begin with. I have a job.

To me, it is letting particular groups, like botters, scammers, and those that do CC have an outlet to make money, but I'm an advocate for the normal player. Where do we stand it all this?

And besides, there are already plenty of people charging less than the ATMs for money for the game (makes you wonder how in the world they can afford it, but who am I to ask?), so my answer is a NO - not that it counts.

And yes, I'm negative. Give me something to be positive about and I'll be positive. CC and returnign players who are staying for less than a month and I'll listen to you.

 

[imported_Mavric]

I voted for the second one.
I'm an old-timer and I say NO! Don't need it, don't want it, didn't ask for it, no!

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I would say that my opinion on this is no big secret, lol! A game designed around a cash balance is fine and has its place, but TSO was def *not* designed that way to start with, and trying to make it into one is like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole. There is more to come, folks. You have to trash practically everything from TSO to do this.

CherryBomb

[/ QUOTE ]

That's it right there.

 

[Guest]

I am for cashout.

But I don't know if EA can pull it off.

It's difficult to change the foundation on which the house is built, without tearing the house down.

 

[imported_Qute Pi]

I decided to pick I don't give a rat's patootie.

The reason I picked it is because:
1. I make CC sometimes and if I can make that into rl money why not? I will take a 25 minute survey for $2, so making a little at a time is ok with me, and it adds up.
2. I enjoy the game, however if all these new measures are to limit how much people cash out, then why have the feature. I'd rather have FUN!
3. Since other online games that have cash out do so well I can only assume after development of cash out is introduced, many others will join (rejoin) the game. Those of us who don't want it will be the minority.
4. And because I see all different sides, I am tired of caring so much about it, I don't feel like we can stop it, so they can do whatever floats their boat. lol

I think I waste too much energy into freaking out about every change. I've decided I will either like the changes or I won't, but I'm not going to force either.

 

[Guest]

I say no... I don't know if they will ever get the economy under control and I've always been in favor of moving away from money based playing ie sandbox. I know my dream will never come true but still.

 

[Guest]

Not to rehash anything, honestly.

But I believe too many options make the poll a little inaccurate.

At any rate I voted that I was old and to bring it.

 

[Guest]

I mean other games have the cash-out feature like Second Life and to tell you the truth I would like to get $20 a month from this game so I can pay off my two accounts lol.

 

[imported_VeronicaV]

I voted no. It is not that I would not like to get something for my efforts, but I believe the availability of the cash out option will continue to stifle our money making options in the game. Given the choice of a couple of RL dollars, and seeing the game that I love take off again, I choose the game. By the way, I am a SIM dammit.

 

[imported_SimTripps]

Well, if the majority don't want Cash Out, then they should also do away with the ATMs and Cash In...

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

Well, if the majority don't want Cash Out, then they should also do away with the ATMs and Cash In...

[/ QUOTE ]

lmao

 

[imported_SimTripps]

Like, seriously lol...

 

[PHREEKESIM]

I just can't see much good coming out of the cash out feature. If they're really trying to get all the botters out of TSO (EAL) why put something in place that will have them running back??? I don't get that logic! Sure, not only botters will be taking advantage of cash out, but it seems like it wouldn't even be worth the time, unless it's on a mass scale (like botting can produce). I have been soooo very loyal to this game, I've never taken a break from it and it's scary to know that all of this is really having me thing twice. I would (like everyone else) like to see this game the way it used to be, FUN!, exciting, interesting, challenging, addicting, FUN!... a place I would rather be in than rl, sometimes lol

 

[imported_corpatortis]

I think people need to get the fact that EALand is based on TSO, but is not TSO.

That game died.

Every single MMOG has people buying virtual currency for real life cash. Who here hasn't sold or bought.. or complained restlessly about a lost item because it had so much value to them?

I'd rather have people, who want to, to be able to buy safely through EA. As opposed to dealing with potential scam artists.

If anyone thinks this will ruin the economy then they desperately need an eye exam because it's been going on behind closed doors on a massive scale and most likely - won't ever stop.

 

[Guest]

*TTL*

THANK YOU ASTER!!!!!!!!!!

I voted not to bring this feature to EAL because look what it has done to our game to prepare for it? Yes, this is also to stop botting, but I have to believe some of this has to do with getting the amount of simoleans in game down as much as possible. Cash out will not be good for this game...

 

[imported_corpatortis]

Oh I see. Players cashing out means less simoleans for everyone. But, if you can't trade simoleans for real life cash.. once you have the house and the rares.. aren't they worthless?

 

[Guest]

I don't think so. This game was never based on cashing out simoleans for real cash. Well, except for those on ebay but they don't count. I never bought simoleans online and I personally won't use the cash out feature. I just think it's a feature that won't do this game any good. Again, this is just my personal opinion.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I don't think so. This game was never based on cashing out simoleans for real cash. Well, except for those on ebay but they don't count. I never bought simoleans online and I personally won't use the cash out feature. I just think it's a feature that won't do this game any good. Again, this is just my personal opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

Duncan, with all due respect

There are a lot of things this game was never intended to be .. I could make a list, but the thing on the top of my list that this game was never intended for is failure.

And it did miserably
Part of that is b/c of no updates.

Part has to do with the screwed up economy. That comes from exploits and those Ebay guys who don't matter.

Why buy from cheaters, when we can buy from Ea. Why should cheaters make money off this game, when the honest players can not.

I think the ATM will go along way from preventing botters.

Want to know why?

EA won't take kindly to botters stealing their business, or selling back to them to make money.

I don't like to grind skill or money.

If EA lets me pay for skill locks, I'd probably do that too.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I really don't think there is any need for this feature to be instituted into our game and its just going to corrupt the way we are all use to playing.

[/ QUOTE ]

I do agree.....because of this we are getting caps.

 

[imported_Phoenix_Rising]

I'm all for cash-outs. Nobody has to use it, just like nobody has to cash-IN. Let those who want it have it.

 

[imported_corpatortis]

<blockquote><hr>


I'm all for cash-outs. Nobody has to use it, just like nobody has to cash-IN. Let those who want it have it.

[/ QUOTE ]

but then you'll have more money than me to spend your house will be bigger and the rares will cost more and i'll never get that hideous pink poodle who acts just like all the other dogs but i only want bc not everyone can have it

 

[Guest]

I don't understand how this will be a problem.

You get $3000.

You can earn more by doing EA approved activities like interacting and spending money.

Don't most real players do that everyday?

 

[imported_corpatortis]

<blockquote><hr>

I don't understand how this will be a problem.

You get $3000.

You can earn more by doing EA approved activities like interacting and spending money.

Don't most real players do that everyday?

[/ QUOTE ]

I hope you were not specifically replying to me because I was being all sorts of sarcastic. lol

 

[Guest]

lol, no I wasn't.

 

[Guest]

Just tagging the last one,

I honestly am beginning to believe that everyone who is for the cash out option, seriously thinks that at some point in time. EA is going to raise the payouts.

If they DO put the cashout feature in, how COULD they raise payouts without cutting their own throats? It would be entirely tooooo easy to at least pay for your own accounts if not make a little extra money as well.

Before they cut the pizza pays, i could make a minimum of 2k on a round of pizza with 4 AVATARS *chokes on the word* how long would it take to pay for those 4 accounts even if cashout was half of what cashin is?

And with these pay caps it ( or prolly even without them) it seems the only people that will make money in game will be those that make CC, and the only people able to afford that CC will be those that buy money from the ATM's.

Or maybe that is where this is really going. with the caps you can make a little cash, but if u want more the only way to get it will be the ATM. Pure speculation mind you.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I honestly am beginning to believe that everyone who is for the cash out option, seriously thinks that at some point in time. EA is going to raise the payouts.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're honestly wrong.

I operate a store, and I would like to be able to turn some of my EAL profits into RL gains. It takes me 4 accounts just to keep near the top 10 and keep my property exposed enough to sell anything. I can't keep up these monthly fees forever. Just a little bit of money to offset the cost of running the house would be nice.

 

[Krystal Bell]

<blockquote><hr>

I really don't think there is any need for this feature to be instituted into our game and its just going to corrupt the way we are all use to playing.

[/ QUOTE ]


I agree 100% we dont need this at all!

 

[Krystal Bell]

<blockquote><hr>

I agree No cash payouts.... just think if they decided not to have payouts we could have our casino's back since it was a legal thing with cashing in for real money which made it real gambling. So yes i vote NO NO NO to cash payouts

[/ QUOTE ]

OMG I agree with you there!! Say NO to cash payouts and bring back the casinos!!!

 

[imported_ChipsAhoy]

<blockquote><hr>

<blockquote><hr>

I agree No cash payouts.... just think if they decided not to have payouts we could have our casino's back since it was a legal thing with cashing in for real money which made it real gambling. So yes i vote NO NO NO to cash payouts

[/ QUOTE ]

OMG I agree with you there!! Say NO to cash payouts and bring back the casinos!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Whoooo hooooo
I miss casinos.

 

[Guest]

*TTL*

So OK, as my calculations show the votes stand at

<font color="blue"> In favor of cashouts 25.5% </font>
<font color="red"> In oppostion 67.5% </font>

With the other 17% represented by 1 vote in favor and two votes unrelated to the poll options (dammit Aster skewing results!

)

I don't understand why those three are registering as 0% when they are actually taking up 17% of the vote

Really the ace in the whole is this....this poll is not really *accurate* because I think it only allows one vote per ISP addy, am I right? The real question is the amount of accounts that the yay's and nay's represent and whether they would REALLY (and not just through declaration) be willing to 'take their ball and go home' as far as EA is concerned. It's strictly a numbers game where any corporation is concerned. They are trained to deal with irate customers ranting and raving and a certain amount of it just rolls off like water off a duck's back. What causes big change is changes in the numbers.....and not just in subscription rate but also in the bottom line of whether EA stays in the red or the black.

If a certain number of subscriptions drop, but more people buy from the ATM, EA's numbers are gonna stay consistent and the less subscribers they have means the happier the ones that are left are because less strain on the serve = LESS LAG which is the other #1 complaint. If however subscriptions drop *and* ATM sales don't make up for it, THEN the playerbase as a whole has a better chance of getting changes that EA hadn't already planned on making to begin with.

As for me, I fully believe that the cap situation is still a work in progress, therefore I refuse to say "DONT DO IT" based on what the cap is at this present state in time. If at some point EA says "OK, we've tweaked it all we can and this is the maximum we can give you and still have things be in our favor" *then* if its not enough I'll be able to make an educated vote of 'no, this isn't what I find fun'. We're still in week 1 though, so it is way too early for that, IMO and I think those that are jumping ship now are making a big mistake especially after proclaiming their dedication and love for the game.....why would anybody want to throw that kind of time investment away based on a first release 3 day old update? I just don't get it.

 

[SammiiBeta]

I just think cashout will give botters a reason to work harder because they can make more cash the real players want their "simoleans" Funds kept in the game to increase their fun for the most part


edited to add * unless they made it where the simoleans would just pay for your subscription so it was simply to pay your 9.99 a month. That would make it pretty much useless to botters because it would have no cash value.

 

[imported_TraciRK]

TTL

Not sure if this has been brought up before but why isn't EA cracking down on the outside websites selling the simoleans. These people are benefiting from a trademark and or copyright owned by Electronic Arts and that is illegal. Just as games, cd's etc... are illegal to sell over the internet without the permission of the creators, why wouldn't simoleans be?

Why not change the TOS to show this is illegal behavior and crack down on the ones doing it?

Mind you, I know nothing of legalize, so feel free to correct my assumptions.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Guest]

In response to the thread

I consider myself to be neither an old-timer or a new player. I've been playing a few years, long enough to have been here pre-exploit, but not long enough to have been here pre-payouts.

Regardless, I marked "I'm an old-timer and I say I could give a rat's patootie", because I like to think of myself as more old than new. I think the option should be there, because as it has been stated, it has always existed behind closed doors. There is no way to stop it from happening, so EA may as well benefit. I'm one of those people that believes if EA benefits, so are we. That statement alone is very controversial, so I'll just leave it at that.



In response to the person above me:
<blockquote><hr>

TTL

Not sure if this has been brought up before but why isn't EA cracking down on the outside websites selling the simoleans. These people are benefiting from a trademark and or copyright owned by Electronic Arts and that is illegal. Just as games, cd's etc... are illegal to sell over the internet without the permission of the creators, why wouldn't simoleans be?

Why not change the TOS to show this is illegal behavior and crack down on the ones doing it?

Mind you, I know nothing of legalize, so feel free to correct my assumptions.

Thank you for your time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure of the LEGAL aspects of this, but as far as the ToS go, botting has always been against the ToS. It has never been stopped, and even now with all of EA's efforts going into fixing the bot situation I foresee botters just figuring out the system and working around it. It is what they do. Taking this into consideration I don't think making the sale of simoleans against the ToS will do much good. The same people who find ways to bot will find ways to sell simoleans without being caught. Mind you, not all of the simolean sellers are botters (though the vast majority are), but they are still crafty enough to work around it.