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EA cracks down on modders selling their Sims 4 content

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Sims 4 can add all sorts of new features to the game.”/>

Increase / Sim 4 mods can add all sorts of new features to the game.

Last month, EA posted for update formalizing its policy that fashion is for Sims 4 “cannot be sold, licensed or rented for a fee.” But the publisher tells Ars that there is another important exception that should ensure that many sims modders can continue to earn significant income from their creations that expand the game.

new EA Modding Policy, first published 21 Julyquite bluntly says that Sim 4 mods “must be non-commercial and free” and that they cannot “contain features that support any type of monetary transaction.” According to the published policy, those who want to monetize their sims modding work is limited to indirect methods such as “passive advertising and donation requests” on their own websites (but not within the mods themselves).

Despite this recent formalization, this policy is not entirely new. In late 2017, former EA Community Manager Amanda Drake posted on the game forum that modders “cannot lock the content they create with our game behind paywalls.” But this post also created a special loophole for creators who wanted to offer an incentive to encourage donations through sites like Patreon:

As long as the content is available for FREE, we don’t mind these types of pages. People who have a Patreon page can give people “early access” incentives to their content, but it must be available to the general public within 2-3 weeks after it is given to people early.

Since then, dozens sims modders took advantage of this exception. Patrons get priority access to mods in development in exchange for monthly Patreon donations, and a few weeks later, finished mods are released for free to all players. This too can be quite lucrative; biggest sims modders can have , from patrons who pay up to $10 or $20 a month each, in part to get early access to new user-generated content.

The loophole was left open

However, with EA’s new policy update last month, many modders have been worried that a specific language about Patreon’s “early access” exclusion is nowhere to be found. Instead, the new text simply states that “all users should have full access to the mods for free, whether or not they make a donation.”

In the days since EA’s update, interested modders have reached out for clarification on whether it will impact their business models. Tumblr modder marylnsims posted a response received from EA support saying that “yes, you’re right, early access is not allowed for modders”.

Have you ever wanted to turn your Sim into a sorcerer?  Mods can do it.
Increase / Have you ever wanted to turn your Sim into a sorcerer? Mods can do it.

While some in the community doubted the reliability due to this response, the uncertainty has caused some modders to remove their Patreon early access content as a precaution. “It’s very frustrating that early access has been wiped out, but I hope you can all continue to support my work, even without the early access privilege.” – Modder JellyPaws. posted on patreon.

Others such as modder Maxis Match CC World, wrote that they will stick to the early access status quo “until EA announces whether it’s allowed or not!” Modder SimRealistically similar wrote that early access will continue for their backers “until I hear otherwise from EA… Unless otherwise stated in an official statement from EA, we will change our processes and continue from there.”

Fortunately for these modders, EA has clarified to Ars that the Patreon donation early access exception remains in place. While “all users should be able to access full mods for free… creators can still enjoy a reasonable early access period to their content,” an EA spokesperson said.

This will be good news for many sims the modding community, concerned that restrictions on early access patron rewards could affect their livelihood. “I’m not sure if I can continue to make mods if early access isn’t allowed.” – marlynsims. tweeted on the weekend. “For health reasons, Patreon is my only source of income for which EA is not responsible.”

“Early access to Patreon is the only reason I can afford medicine, food, pet care and an apartment so I can live above my disabled dad to take care of him.” — JellyPaws added.

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The Best Apple AirTag Accessories – CNET

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$10 on Amazon

Eusty Faux Leather Keychain (4 pcs)

Universal multipack

$10 on Amazon

Eusty Faux Leather Keychain Price Drop Alerts (Qty 4)

$30 at Nomad

nomad-keychain-for-airtag.png

Leather keychain Nomad for AirTag

Full leather keychain

If you have a history of losing things, you should probably buy Apple AirTag. They’re great for a little help if you’re notorious for losing wallets, phones, and other personal items. AirTag accessories like the best AirTag holder, key chain or collar are must-haves for anyone who wants to use Apple’s nifty tracking devices. Leading Tile competitor, Apple’s AirTag helps you keep track of important objects like bags, keys, wallets, and anything you attach your AirTag to. You can even use it along with a luggage tag to keep up with your belongings while traveling. Just open the Apple Find My app. This is a boon if you often lose things. A one AirTag costs $29 (£29, AU$45), although you can get a four-pack for $99 (£99, AU$149).

The main downside is that AirTag discs don’t come with any kind of holder. This means that depending on how you plan to use it, you will need some sort of accessory for what is also, essentially, an accessory. (Apple tends to encourage its own artisanal production of add-ons, even if they are originally accessories – AirPods are a great example.) However, you can find many AirTag accessories in a variety of styles to suit every budget, specifically designed to easily attach Apple AirTags to your belongings and keep your AirTag secure.

In some cases, you will be able to embed the AirTag in an item without a holder – just place it in a purse or backpack, for example – but some people like to store the AirTag with their keys or attach it to a backpack or backpack. Laptop bag. You can also attach your AirTag to an object and there are many AirTag mounts available.

Note that CNET editors have tried most, but not all, of these accessories. If we haven’t tried the product, we have tested other accessories from these companies, so we feel comfortable recommending them. We will add additional AirTags accessories to the list as we test new products.

read more: Practical evaluation of Apple AirTags

Key chains and straps

belkin-secure-holder-group-shot

Belkin

Belkin AirTags Secure Holder Introduced key ring or belt versions in four colors. There’s nothing particularly fancy about them, but at $13 they both cost less than the Apple-branded options shown below. You can also get a pack of two 20 dollars.

Durable Otterbox Airtag Case

David Karnoy/CNET

Although it was launched a little later than some AirTags accessories, the Otterbox keychain holder, which Otterbox calls the “Sturdy Case”, is made of hard plastic and really covers your AirTag (you unscrew the top, put the AirTag in the case, then screw the top back to secure the AirTag in the holder). It is available in black or white for $20.

cyril-airtag-case-cove.png

Amazon

Although nothing special about this faux leather keychain from Cyrill, a sub-brand of the Korean company Spigen, it is currently available in stone and black.

020-apple-airtag-2021

Patrick Holland/CNET

The Apple logo leather keychain costs $35 and is available in three colors: black, brown, and red.

You receive price alerts for the Apple Leather Keychain.

eusty-airtag-keychain-4-pack.png

Amazon

If you’re looking for a bargain, your best bet is to throw the dice at an unnamed brand on Amazon. This Eusty keychain case is available in a pack of four for less than $15. Often such versatile models are labeled as “leather” when in fact they are made of artificial leather (sometimes called faux leather or vegan leather). They are very similar to other simple faux leather AirTag keyrings and are available in multiple color options.

Dozens if not hundreds of universal AirTag holders are available. Most should be fine, but don’t expect them to wear as well as real leather over time.

You are getting price alerts for Eusty Faux Leather Keychain (4 pcs)

caseology-airtag-store-2

David Karnoy/CNET

Caseology’s AirTag Vault is another simple keychain option that’s available for $15 but could drop its price by a few dollars over time. (Caseology is also a sub-brand of Spigen.) It’s one of the few AirTag accessories that was available at launch and became quite popular as a result. It comes with a carabiner, but you can attach a standard key chain if you wish. He should be back at the warehouse pretty soon.

You receive price alerts for Caseology AirTag Vault

Spigen-Valentinus-airtag-holder

Amazon

Spigen also sells an attractively simple AirTag holder on a Valentinus key chain for about $18. It is made from faux leather. Alas, it is temporarily out of stock, but it should appear in the next few weeks.

You receive price alerts for Spigen Valentinus

pelican-airtag-stick-on-mount.png

Amazon

If you’re looking for a holder that attaches to an object (such as the bottom of a bike seat or scooter), the Pelican Stick-on AirTag Mount is designed to do just that. One mount costs $16 and a pack of four is $30. It is available in four different colors.

You receive price alerts for the Pelican Stick-On AirTag

apple-airtag-loop-polyurethane-red.png

Apple

The Apple loop for attaching the AirTag to your bag costs the same as the AirTag. But this is the official version of the Apple hinge, and this polyurethane version is cheaper than the leather one. $39 leather loop. (That doesn’t make it a bargain, but I’m just pointing it out.) It’s available in four different colors.

nomad-keychain-for-airtag.png

nomad

I like the Nomad AirTag’s leather keychain design more than Apple’s, which leaves the AirTag partially exposed. This AirTag hides it and looks more like a standard keychain. It is designed to “weather” over time, becoming darker (especially the brown version). It’s available in brown or black for $30, which is pricey but nice.

Nomad also makes a leather loop that is also a key chain and costs $20. I prefer the more expensive model pictured here.

spigen-airtag-case-strong-armor

spigen

Spigen, known for its inexpensive iPhone cases, offers the Rugged Armor AirTag Case ($16). It’s not as cheap as we hoped, but perhaps it will drop in value over time. It has a solid construction with a beautiful carabiner and carbon fiber elements.

You receive price alerts for Spigen AirTag Case Rugged Armor.

casetify-airtag-covers-2

David Karnoy/CNET

Casetify offers a wide range of AirTag holders. They are made of hard plastic and are quite simple, but have an attractive design on the back. You can also customize them with your own name, or choose from several emojis and other graphics. They are pricey at $38 but occasionally go on sale.

nomad-airtags-durable-keychain-for-pets

nomad

If you want to tie an AirTag to your pet, Nomad’s Rugged Pet ID Tag is the way to go (Nomad AirTag’s keychain is almost identical). It’s made from a molded TPU polycarbonate case and comes with two casing options, an IP67 waterproof backplate and a speaker hole backplate, according to Nomad. For an additional $20, you can buy a customizable stainless steel insert that can be engraved with your pet’s name and how to contact you. The package does not include a pet collar.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Apple states that AirTags are not designed to track pets. Your pet needs to be within range of the Find My network for AirTag to work, so running into the woods won’t help much.

Other AirTag Options

moment-hardshell-airtag-mount.png

moment

Moment, which makes and sells photo and video accessories for Apple products, including lens attachments, will have a housing that will allow you to mount an AirTag. “Made from a durable aramid fiber shell and backed by a super strong adhesive, you can stick the AirTag to any flat surface,” Moment says.

So now it has Stretch fabric attachment for AirTags ($24) designed to stick to fabrics such as the inside of a bag and other flat surfaces.

gorilla-montage-tape-squares.png

Amazon

If you don’t want to spend $15-20 on a mount, these Gorilla mounting tape squares are a cheaper $6 option and can be cut to size for AirTags. AirTags have an IPX67 waterproof rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes and are dustproof. So he can take some punishment without cover. Because it doesn’t have a screen.

You receive price alerts for square Gorilla mounting tapes.

Energizer-CR2032-battery

Amazon

The AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, which should last about a year. You can find a pack of 10 of these batteries on Amazon for less than $10. This is the right way to go, especially if you have multiple AirTags and other devices that use CR2032 coin cells.

Always keep coin-operated batteries away from small children so that they do not accidentally swallow them. If swallowed, they can cause serious injury.

You receive price alerts for Energizer CR2032 (10 pcs.)

airtags-v4

Look: Apple AirTags made a good little impression

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New York City’s Ideal Progressive Priorities

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There are no gas stoves in new buildings, and only a few new charter schools.

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TikToker Kat Abu is so happy Tucker Carlson got fired

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Two weeks before Tucker Carlson was fired, and I hung out with Abughazale and five of her media colleagues in their Navy Yard office overlooking the Anacostia River to watch them watch the Fox News evening line. The space is huge, with open seating and large conference rooms – and very few employees. (Most of the team has been working from home since the start of the pandemic.)

Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and petite, Abuzale could easily pass for one of Fox News’ talking heads. Indeed, Abugazale has a pretty good idea of ​​what it takes to be the darling of the right on one of the shows she watches daily. “Spell about canceling culture on Twitter, tweet ‘I support J.K. Rowling’, escalate it over and over again,” she said. “Complain, flush and repeat.

“It’s so easy and there’s so much money in it, which is why so many people are into it,” she continued. “All you have to do is whine and be a little racist. To be clear, I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out.”

Abugazale joked that she was born to be a “conservative sleeper agent”. She grew up in a “prosperous” area of ​​Dallas and attended private schools until her second year of high school. Her father is an immigrant from Palestine, and on her mother’s side she is a seventh generation Texan. Their conservative family tuned into Fox News regularly.

As a child, Abugazale also watched over her maternal grandmother – longtime member from the Texas Federation of Republican Women—worked on several GOP campaigns and listened to her enthusiastic descriptions of the party’s ideology. (After her grandmother’s death, Abugazale inherited the mink coat she wore to President Nixon’s inauguration.)

Abugazale was a Republican until her teenage years. She attributes her gradual political awakening to her move to Tucson, Arizona during those years. “At least my high school was low-income or illegal,” she says. “The bootstrap myth has dissipated before my eyes.”

She attended George Washington University in Washington, DC during the Donald Trump years, majoring in international security in addition to studying journalism. After graduating in 2020, she said: “I wanted to work in an organization that was on a good mission, a mission that I believed in, and I didn’t want to work where it was just a job – I wanted to take care of what I do.” The position at Media Matters suited her perfectly.

Media matters describes himself as a “progressive research and information center” dedicated to “comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative disinformation in the U.S. media.” The group’s website holds footage from both TV shows and online broadcasts, which it uses to track down false narratives or draw attention to how certain issues are covered.

Part of Abuzaleh’s job is to extract television snippets of Fox News moments from her assigned shows and send transcripts to her colleagues so they can follow what’s being said on a wide range of topics on the cable news channel.

Unlike some of his colleagues who use multiple desktop monitors, Abuzaleh does all his work on a laptop. She flips from one tab to another at lightning speed, sends out emails, posts clips on Twitter, and gives snappy replies to people she mentions.

That evening as I watched her work, one of the first fragments she grabbed was the Carlson.wildly racist tiradeabout Tennessee politician Justin Pearson. “You’re here to have a fun evening,” she said, exporting an excerpt from Carlson’s opening monologue. “Strong thing – today he is normal.”

Media Matters employees are sometimes criticized for creating problematic content by posting clips from Fox News. Abugazale sees it differently. “Fox is the most watched cable news channel in the country,” Abughazale said. “They already had a platform. And the fact that they go unpunished does more harm than good.”

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