TheSims2.com - Forum (BBS)



:: Log in :: Register

Search the Forum

Forum (BBS) Rules

Forum (BBS) FAQ

Forum (BBS) For Power Users

Now you can load the Forum (BBS) without the framework! Bookmark the link below for quick access to the most happening community around!
Let Me In!

The Sims 2 Forum (BBS) > Challenges and Contests > Game Challenges and Legacies > "Victorian Population Challenge CHAT"

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-15-09 10:08 PM GMT (updated Jun-25-09 12:27 AM GMT)

Subject:
Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

I wanted to check on the thread but when I clicked on it from my favourites an error message came up ...
was it deleted or something?
Original thread WAS here:
. http://bbs.thesims2.ea.com/community/bbs/messages.php?threadID=a15576004557a2fe1d544fa570da3c52&directoryID=128&startRow=1&openItemID=item.128,root.1,item.43,item.61,item.104,item.41,item.23 .
EDIT: It's been fixed. Thanks, Maxoids!

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: pattyheart - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-16-09 07:11 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hmmmm...I just searched for it..(search the forum thingy) ..thought I had found it and was also given the error message?
I recall that it was "stickied" at the top of the challenges forum for a while.
???

My Lots, Sims and Stories are now found at Nieghborly Sims2:
http://www.flyingacres.com/NeighborlySims2/index.php

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-16-09 09:03 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I've been getting the error message too. I signed a Maxoid's guest book a couple of days ago, but haven't had a reply. It looks like just a bug in the thread (it was fairly huge) rather than it being deleted.
I can start a new thread reposting the rules if you like, but it is such a shame if we have lost all the great stories and advice from everyone who was doing the challenge.

Author: JohnConnor 2012 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-16-09 10:21 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I subscribed and was surprised I wasn't getting regular updates over the last few days. Maybe we should petition to get it re-stickied, as it was immensely popular before this snarl-up.
BTW: lot of complaints about being unable to post stories to the Exchange too. Sure, TS3 is like-wow so totally all-important, etc., but a little effort to keep these boards working too would be appreciated.

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-16-09 12:37 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Was afraid it was only me. Partially glad it's not - partially with it was. I just emailed tech support - see what they can do.

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-16-09 06:51 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfb9cs8c_0c44k55cx&hl=en
For anyone needing reference, above is the link to the printable rules. Doesn't replace all the terrific ideas and feedback on the original thread, so I hope we have that back soon.

Author: pattyheart - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-18-09 03:43 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Thank you, Sebrina, I was wishing I had copied and saved the instructions when I saw them "sitickied" here. And I would very much like to join in this challenge.
Here's hoping that the original thread will be back working this coming week

My Lots, Sims and Stories are now found at Nieghborly Sims2:
http://www.flyingacres.com/NeighborlySims2/index.php

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-17-09 05:10 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I've had the same problem and I too, thought it was only me! I also signed a maxoid's guest book, but haven't heard anything. Really, really missing this thread, though, and all the fantastic comments, photos and stories from other VPC simmers!
I am nearly done my second episode of the Holly Hill Tales, but there seem to have been so many problems with the exchange lately, I am worried that I might have trouble uploading it once it is complete. Let's at least keep this thread going until the whole mess is sorted out so we can stay in contact!
Cheers, Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Starsaphire2 - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-17-09 10:05 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hey Bananas thank you for asking your question.
I just got back from another weekend get-away, jumped online, and then found that annoying error message. (I thought it was just me too.) I've been totally missing my VPC friends and the updates on their Victorian Simmies.
Vllygrls, I'm looking forward to your second episode.....after EA gets the kinks out of the exchange.
Last week I spent an afternoon growing my commercial area of New Victoria. I added some neighborhood decorations, more stores, and Thieves' Alley (a rundown narrow lot for runaways, pickpockets and charlatans in general). I didn't go to the creative efforts of Wolfie, but it was fun and this afternoon I'm going to surf for some grungy walls and maybe even some trash for the alley. Oh, lovely trash. LOL
Star

@>-->-----

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-18-09 03:33 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Well, no response yet other than a generic (automated?) response of "We're still working on it." Or something like that.
In the meantime, getting the eldest children all married off now and having kids. Haven't bothered with any wedding parties yet - was going to for the nobles, but didn't really feel like it at the time. I will, though, eventually.
Had a slight problem with the Onensky family (Trade family that became Professionals). Couldn't figure out why, after moving heir back home from college, he wasn't entirely there. I saw his pic on the left, as if he was living there, and could select him and tell him things like "Go here," but he wasn't there. Started moving all their items into an inventory to move them out and try moving them back in - when I found out that Mama was on the phone with him. So, after she hung up the phone - yep. There he was. Apparently, it got confused that he was on the lot but that someone had called him. D'oh!
Had a couple of pics I figured I'd share. Nothing exciting, but I figured I'd put them up here for something while we wait to see if they'll resurrect the old thread.
I found a slight glitch while doing a "swing me around" or whatever it's called. For whatever reason, there was a distance between the adult and child, as seen here.
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv343/Loghren/snapshot_d6b3408f_17117eea.jpg
Which was amusing. Then I timed it just right - not sure if this would count as "child abuse," but I can't see the child ever asking to be swung around again.
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv343/Loghren/snapshot_d6b3408f_b7117ef8.jpg

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-18-09 02:34 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi VPC friends,
I sure have missed you all this past week. I think we over posted our original thread. Maybe we can make this one our new Chat thread and maybe the old one can be used for the rules. I have been busy downloading a new wardrobe for my group B and C with AAS. I did not have much to choose from with the wardrobe I downloaded from the Sim2 exchange.
I have started playing my Gen 1 families in their Summer Season rotation. I will give you a brief score card.
I played my Poor, sub farmers, and Trades families so far. I lost 4 Senior men, Had 5 grandchildren, 6 kids into teenagers and 1 family move up a class level. I can not wait until the Autumn Season. lol
I had Group B graduate Boarding School, get engaged, married and moved into their own new homes. I ended up with 1 poor, 1 sub farmer, 3 trade, 3 professional, and 3 Gent farmers. Not included in this group is 1 sub farm, 1 trade, and 1 Gent farm from group A starting out. Playing these families feels like starting this challenge over again. lol New house and start up. It is a shock going from a busy multi-generational household bursting at the seams to just 1 couple rambling in a large house. lol I mixed it up a little by having a few teenage girls move in with their older brothers to make it interesting.
I have finally compiled my Group C match up list. I paired off the rest of the children from gen 2. I got lucky with the match ups I have an even boy to girl ratio with this generation. This last group are still children age or turning into a teen at the end of the Summer Season. The last ones will be the adopted Montgomery 3 who will catch up when I play them.
Insurance inheritance situation: I decided to keep the last teens (when they have a birthday) at home just in case the insurance inheritance puts the family into another class level. This was the case for the Pauper family. Joe left the family enough to bump them up to the trade level. I had the teen Fred move back home from the boarding school before Joe died. I placed Geneva in with her brother Benjamin. The inheritance stayed in the family. I had the rest of the boarding school kids move back home and will stay until both parents pass away. I will move them back into the boarding schools after the parents are gone. I might leave them with their older brothers (group B) to help out with the new babies being born. I already have them paired up, My only concern is they will not build their skills like they would living in the boarding schools.
Anyways, that is all from me. lol
Happy Simming,
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-18-09 10:19 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I'm jealous, Debs.
I'm matching up the rich families of my Group C list (A and B all matched up).
As it stands, though, I have 9 males who will remain single.
Yeah.

Apparently, there's something in the water.
I think I also have approximately the same number of females in the poor section of Group C who will likewise remain single. Really not sure how I'm going to approach this. I've contemplated either a house of ill repute or just having them move in as live-in servants with the single males and end up with a number of career bachelors.

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-19-09 04:49 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Do you a swap, Lars! I've got too many girls....
For the first time in ages I should have a couple of uninterrupted hours simming time tonight, and I'm hoping I'll get my first wedding completed - very exciting, but I can't choose who to marry off first!
I've
a) Algernon and Marianne (noble/professional = posh society wedding)
b) Charlotte and Ramsay (professional/CAS Gent farmer = small family wedding, as only relatives on one side)
or
c) Nat and Libby (poor = cheap 'n' cheerful - or maybe not so cheerful as Libby has fallen out with her father and everytime they meet there is a slapfest)...
My professional classes are thriving right now - Jonathan Southwick (Marianne's father) is now level 9 on the Law career track, and Charles Bishop (Charlotte's father) has just been made the first Mayor of Alburton
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh144/Sebrina01/snapshot_95f25966_b715b46d.jpg
Unfortunately, a small personality clash is affecting relations between the Noble and Gentleman Farmer groups - here's Annabel Lake and Genevieve Oldcastle being exceptionally unladylike in the marketplace....
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh144/Sebrina01/snapshot_95f25966_37185342.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh144/Sebrina01/snapshot_95f25966_371852c0.jpg
No idea what set them off, but I'm just glad that Annabel is leaving the Finishing School (to go to the convent!) before Genevieve arrives there, I don't think them sharing a dormitory is a good idea!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-20-09 01:38 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hey Sebrina,
I just had a brain storm. I think you shoud create another challenge forum page and call it Victorian Population challenge 2. This will create a continuation of the old Challenge thread and help others find it again. You could post the challenge information back to the BBS for the new players. So wadda you think?
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-20-09 10:27 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all!
Soooo great to have this second thread going, but like you, Sebrina, and I expect everyone else, really sad to not have access to the old thread and all the great tips, suggestions, info, stories and pics. Upsetting, actually, but maybe the maxoids can unlock it somehow?
Star: I love your idea of a Thieves Alley ? so perfect for a Victorian `hood and this challenge! I know I saw some downloadable trash, probably on mts2 ? anyway, hope you find some, because it sure helps the atmosphere!

Lars: I fell off my chair laughing at the ?swing around? pics ? too, too funny! Boy, if the social worker saw that one, there?d be (ahem!) to pay!
Debs: You are so organized! Loved the great tip on keeping hold of those inheritances ? very, very important when you?re moving up!
Sebrina: Congratulations on your first mayor! And wow, tough decision on which wedding ? they all sound so unique I?d be tempted to do them all and write a story . . . ! (I can?t resist a story ? he! He!) And that?s some drama you?ve got going on with Annabel and Genevieve -- Woot!
Also, Debs, Wolfie and Sebrina, thanks for signing my guestbook, but please delete my last comments on yours so I can sign your GB again!
Cheers, Vllygrls

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-20-09 10:28 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

And my story is almost done ? just a little polishing and it?s ready to upload, if we are able to upload! I had a horrible shock though when I went back to the exchange to look at my first episode and saw all those horrid question marks where the quotation marks are supposed to be!!!!
I finally figured out that I had used a different font on my last stories (where that didn?t happen) and I think the new font in the story exchange didn?t make the translation properly. So I had to painstakingly go back through every single frame in the episode 2 album and change all the quotation marks, etc. Needless to say, I have gone back to the previous font, and I will be doing a test upload to make sure that the problem is solved before I upload episode 2!
But it?s really annoying, this whole clumsy, clunky sims 2 storywriting interface. I am loving the VPC so much, that I probably will delay getting sims 3, but I do hope that the storywriting interface in sims 3 is more streamlined and user friendly. Sorry, little rant there!
Cheers, Vllygrls

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-21-09 06:29 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hey,
I've been checking this thread occasionally over the past week and I was wondering ... should we make this the *TEMPORARY* thread until the other one comes back (I'm hoping it will at least ... ) ?? do you want me to re-name it or something? Lol, I know it will get sorted eventually. But just in the meantime ..

Okay, now that the business matters are out of the way I want to say thanks to Sebrina for making up such a great challenge!!!! I was more of a lurker for the other thread rather than someone who posts.
I also enjoyed viewing everyone's pictures so keep 'em comin!! LOL I also really like the first chapter of your story, Vllygrls, so it's good to hear another one is on the way!
Haven't had time to play the Sims 2 lately, last time I played my VPC was almost two weeks ago! Maybe I'll start it up tonight, once I get my homework out of the way

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-22-09 05:25 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I'm happy to keep this thread going - I've got into trouble for posting multiple threads before - but if you want to change the title Bananas, that would be great.
Just a note to say that All About Style has added 3 new Victorian outfits in the Adult/Female/Formal category - useful, if like me, you've lots of weddings to dress for!
Very much looking forward to the new Holly Hill tales, Vllygirls!

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-22-09 10:09 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

It appears to be back . . .

Author: taliahneth - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-23-09 12:08 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Here you all are! *group hug* I was getting a bit worried about that other thread not working, it just isn't as fun playing without everyone else, and then this morning I discover this just as the other thread starts working again >_> Shows how much time I've had for simming lately.
I'm back to studying full time so not much has happened, poor abandoned sims. Some of my kids are all grown up and having babies~ Or at least getting pregnant, so just as I had small families again they're now full to the brim! Someone mentioned retirement homes before in joking I think >_> I may have to look into it, or an epidemic may have to go through the town that doesn't like the elderly. Oh speaking of, I can't remember how it started but one family got the flu and passed it around the community! It was a while before I remembered about "grandma's broth" and stopped it before it got too bad. >_<
I have some girls in the brothel, the convent and one boy in the military base (at last!) and just to add something different one of my Blackmore boys has been very very naughty and done something out of wedlock he shouldn't have that resulted in twins! *the horror* He's keeping it very hush hush *shhh!* I wonder what his parents will think >_> And my three new families are two trade and one poor. It's getting so busy in my neighbourhood @__@
Just curious - are we going to continue in here or go back to the other thread?
I think that was all for now~ ^_^

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-23-09 02:21 PM GMT (updated May-23-09 02:40 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all,
Maybe we can keep this one going for all our chatter and leave the other one alone for the rules and references. This way the other thread does not get any more glitches. It can be a read only post. Sebrina can put a last post referring to this thread as a the " next page" to let everyone know about it.
Wadda ya think?
Hey Lars, why not put the 9 upper gentry men in each of their own houses so they can be batchelors until the next generation produces girls and is old enough to marry. It was not unheard of to have a much younger wife in those days. Acutally, I think it was the norm for the times for the gentlmen to marry much younger females to bear the children. Look at Prince Charles and Dianna. He was 40 and she was bearly 21.
This way each gentleman can establish his own household and keep in the game instead of being placed in a boarding house or military base and left out of the game.
Hey Taliah, welcome back. Glad you can find us. It took me a week to discover this thread as well. lolI was so involved in downloading new clothes from AAS I was not paying attention.
Thanks to Banana for creating this thread.
Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-23-09 05:31 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

I think that's a good idea about the thread Debs....the other thread is taking a very long time to load and looks a little precarious, so I'll post on there to direct future traffic over here.

Author: mvignal101010 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-25-09 02:34 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

The old thread still works on my computer, but i dont know if you want me to save the old posts anywhere, or anything at all?

It's cool to watch a baby take it's first steps. It's even cooler to watch them have their first
fall!

Author: wolfspryte - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-28-09 11:07 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

OH MY GOSH! I found ya'll!! WOOT!
Good to "see" you all again.. thought maybe it was me or my computer... thankfully it wasn't and ya'll are here and happily simming away!
Things have been hectic around here, so not much simmng going on... will try to get back into it soon...

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-28-09 05:30 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all you VPC simmers!
Just wanted to let you know in spite of many attempts, the exchange as of last night STILL was not working, so Holly Hill Tales Episode Two is not uploaded YET.
I will keep trying, and will let you know when it works.
Thanks everyone, Cheers, Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: xxgreeboxx - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-28-09 11:42 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Just thought I'd give an update on my challenge.
My noble family hired a butler, to take care of the house and children during the day. Unfortunately, he has kidnapped both of their daughters to date. When they were babies he walked off the lot with them when it came time for him to go home. Anyway, they have got their two eldest into private school, their third is just a toddler.
My professional family had a mishap - the wife was pregnant and cooking chilli, but started a fire. I tried to get her to call the fire brigade, but she just kept panicking. Thankfully, the husband was just arriving home and ran to the phone to call the fire brigade, but just as he got there it started ringing. Even when I told him to answer it and cancelled out the action the caller kept talking. Eventually he was able to call the fire brigade, but I really thought I would lose his wife, especially as her hunger was very low.
It's a great challenge, though I haven't got very far yet.

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-29-09 05:39 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Welcome to the VPC simmers, xxgreeboxx! Glad you are enjoying it as much as the rest of us! There's a lot of great information, suggestions and tips on the "old" VPC thread, so be sure to check it out!
****Note to all VPC simmers: By the way, exchange is still not working! Ggggrrrrr! Ggggrrrr! Ggggrrrr! Maybe on the weekend.
Happy Friday everyone!
Cheers, Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-30-09 01:38 AM GMT (updated May-30-09 01:41 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Haha Vllygrls "ggggrrrr!" LOL..
yeah, I'm sure they will get it sorted out soon, not many people are happy with it. They must be all focusing on the Sims 3 site? Which reminds me, all of you will have to add me on the sims3.com! The link is in my siggy.
I won't be getting the Sims 3 until my next holidays (just 3 weeks! I can do it! lol) so instead I'll be focusing on my VPC. I am determined to keep it going!
Will everyone be staying here after the Sims 3 comes out .... ?

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-30-09 03:13 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Sadly, I'll likely be moving to Sims 3 when it comes out (have it on order from Amazon to arrive on Day 1 - we'll see if it does). That being said, I'll try and keep in touch on this thread. Not sure what I'll be doing on Sims 3 - not sure if this challenge would work as well, what with time always running in Sims 3 (rather than only running per lot).
However, chances are fairly good that I'll get pulled back to this challenge from time to time. It's just too much fun.

Author: Starsaphire2 - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-30-09 04:22 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Lars, I completely understand. I have to admit because of the amazingly good weather and the building excitement of the Sims 3 coming out, I've not played as much on my VPC as I was a few weeks ago. After remolding my town, I ended up with another family glitch and had to wipe them and restart them -- again (argh). It took forever to catch them up.
I'm kind of hoping that Sims 3 will release a an older styled neighborhood that I can download and use to restart my VPC. Or I can remodel the houses in the other neighborhood to the correct Victorian specs, delete all the families and create from CAS the correct 9 couples (with interesting traits). I may be stuck with newer styled clothing. I've no idea how to work the aging on/off scenario as yet. Hmm. And I'm a bit worried about the chance of having triplets.
Anyway, I was mulling over the idea of keeping the story builder off until gen. 3 and then turning it on. At that point it would be fun to let them do their thing and watch as gen 3 ignored class and customs and hooked up where they wanted.
In the meanwhile, my new game has been on order since December and I don't think I can ignore the shiny new box once it arrives.....so I'll be checking in from time to time, also. Besides, I can't wait to see Vllygrls next chapter - WOOT!
Hoping to keep the challenge going in Sims 3
Star

@>-->-----

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-31-09 12:56 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Actually, I think I remember reading somewhere that you can turn off the 'seemless neighbourhood' effect or whatever.
don't quote me on that though. lol
I hope its true...

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-31-09 05:08 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Thanks, Star.
Things are going fine - played for most of the day today. Got Group C set-up in their new homes. Some are married. Others are waiting for their future brides to reach adulthood.
Also, played my Amore (Poor) Family - after a day, got them moved up to Trade level (thanks to the big jewel heist). So, set them up in a new Trade home. Neither elder had died, but it was just in time for the heir to take over, so I had him open up the business. Between the heir, his parents, and his wife - as well as his youngest sibling - I was able to get them all the way up to $100k in just one season! (Didn't think that was possible). Definitely helped to be able to run the business for most of the day, just having them work in shifts. So, now I have them set up in a brand new Professional home. Not sure that I'll get to play that - but thought it was pretty cool to get them from Poor to Professional - and both elders are still alive to see it.
Alright, that's about it. Time for bed.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-31-09 12:50 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all,
Welcome all you new VPC friends, I hope you have fun playing this as much as I do.
To answer the question To play Sim 3 when it arrives or not? I think I will continue to play the VPC challenge until the end. I do not want to replace my Sim 2 copy just yet with the Sim 3 until I am finished here. I also pre ordered it way back in December for my belated birthday present. lol I already have Roller Coaster Tycoon and Sim Castaway Stories on my computer. I will also have a break for my Summer holiday coming up soon. I am planning to visit my Daughter and Son in Law for a week. I leave on June 10. I plan on taking my laptop to play Sims castaway stories but my challenge is on my desktop computer. sniff sniff. I figured I can play castaway on the laptop to keep the withdrawls at bay while I am away. lol
Here is my update so far:
I am currently playing my Group B families in the Summer Season who are newlyweds starting their new life after boarding school. I have all my Group C now grown up into teenagers and ready to meet and date or get jobs and learn their skills. Some are still at home or living with newlywed brothers and helping out with the new babies. I will soon be starting my Autumn rotation with my remaining Gen 1 seniors and have more funerals to attend. Sniff sniff.
I did find a glitch in my game. A few of my seniors were the same age and mortality rate. One passed away, the other had their life span increased a few more days. I do not know why this happened. One minute both Seniors have white lines to the end, the Grimm Reaper shows up and does hist thing, then the remaining senior has his life span meter pop back to the middle of the bar thus adding a few more days to the life span. I was hoping to get both funerals over with at the same time and have the family home make room for more babies. Oh well.
It feels weird playing a start up family again after the challenge of a full house with babies and all the drama, It is almost boring. lol I know it will pick up once the twins start popping back up. I have one set so far. The rest have only one at a time.
I hope you are having a great start to Summer. We are in the beautiful warm sunny mornings then thunderstorms and rain with high winds in the afternoon cycle each day. I find I play a little bit in the early morning then take a break to attack the weeds in the yard then play again in the blustery afternoons. lol I will also have to start getting ready for our Summer holiday soon.
Well, Im off to play until my morning walk and weed pulling.
Hugs all, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: May-31-09 04:43 PM GMT (updated May-31-09 04:44 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all, nice to hear what you are all up to! Haven't been able to play much recently - school half-term and relatives staying - but my first batch of heirs are married and expecting, woo!
The Andrews-Woodman wedding went marvellously - Libby and her father were reconciled into bestfriendship, which zipped the party score straight up to Roof Raiser, and even two threats from the Social Worker couldn't dampen spirits (one child was too hot from bouncing on the bed, and the toddler was starving because her elderly mother placed her bottle at the bottom of stairs, forgetting the child was at the top of the stairs! Silly sims!)
I won't be getting Sims 3 any time soon, for multiple reasons, but mainly because I'm still enjoying Sims 2 and I feel I have so much to still do in the game! It seems to me that the new game will be a completely new game, not really a follow-on game, so I can't see there being much carryover. It took me about 18 months to transfer from the original Sims to Sims 2, catalysed by a computer death, so I imagine it will be similar this time round. So, if anyone still wants to chat VPC, I'll still be here!

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-03-09 02:59 AM GMT (updated Jun-03-09 03:01 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Great to hear the updates, Lars and Debs! I am looking forward to hearing your impressions of Sims 3 and how it compares to what we have here. Have a great holiday, Debs! I am counting the days to my England trip (62!).
Great to hear you are still planning to carry on with sims 2 and the VPC, Sebrina! I think I will too, especially after what I've been reading about Sims 3. Maybe, once they get all the bugs worked out, get it patched, get some Victorian cc out there, maybe I'll take another look. But not at the moment.
Still waiting to upload Episode #2 to the exchange, (foot tapping impatiently, running fingers through hair distractedly), but no luck yet.
I was kinda frozen, not wanting to play ahead, foolishly waiting to upload this episode before going any further with my game, but now I realize I can go ahead, continue playing the challenge and work on Episode #3 at the same time and not wait any longer after all.
So tonight, I sim!
Will let everyone know once I get Episode #2 uploaded, in the meantime, happy simming everyone,
Cheers, Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: CelticGoddessA - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-04-09 05:27 PM GMT

Subject:
New to challenge, have some questions... Mood:

I just started this challenge about 3 or 4 days ago. I am having a blast. Funny thing, when I would play before (whether a challange or not), it would take days for my sims to get pregnant. My poor and subsistence farmer sims both have a newborn and one on the way. Aye yi yi! Happened fast. This is a hard challenge and fun.
Now, the questions: What have any of y'all done with the NPC's in the game? Are they wearing the clothes that they came with or did you download a hack or mod to change that? I have oodles of clothes for *my* sims but it seems weird to have my Professional sims wearing period clothing and have the maid and nanny come in wearing modern clothes.
Also, is there something I can do for the maternity clothes? I have great clothes for my sims but when they get pregnant, bam, modern clothes. I would appreciate any help!
K.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-05-09 07:58 AM GMT (updated Jun-07-09 11:27 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

Hey people,
haven't checked on this thread for ages, I've been too caught up with TS3. Mind you, I don't own it - 10 more days! I can do it!
I'm about to boot up my Sims game and play my VPC for the first time in about 2 weeks - woohoo! ... and I mean it, as my gen. 2 has just reached adulthood. Double woohoo!
Celtic, maybe this will help:
http://www.sims2cri.com/eng_squingemod.php
This will make your sims wear their regular everyday outfit instead of the regular so non-victorian maternity. I use this one. It's the squinge pregnant-sims-wear-anything hack.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Sebrina01 - Rank: Babblative BBSer - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-05-09 11:46 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

Hi CelticGoddess, glad you're having fun! I think the Squinge hack is meant to be the best at setting maternity wear.
As far as the NPCs go, there is a mod somewhere that allows you to change it. I don't use either programme, I just shut my eyes to the anachronisms and try not to get them in the pictures!, but I think it's something called Tom's Clothing Tester. That might let you set maternity clothes too.
Hope I'm not giving you duff information, but that might help your search anyway.

Author: ranhoze - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-06-09 07:59 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

If anyone cares I do have Sims 3 and I've tried to play it twice now and have reverted immediately to my VPC Sims in Sims 2. much more fun. There just isn't enough of what I want in Sims 3- not even a worthy hairstyle in the bunch - and what's up with having to go online to shop for things now. Don't we pay enough to have the game? must we now pay more just to have extra furniture and clothes. This taking of my money is getting ridiculous!!! I don't like it. And I like my Victorian Sims I don't want to move to some modern sunset something or other neighborhood.
So I'm glad to hear that some of you out there will still be here. Even if I very rarely post anything I still enjoy reading your posts.
I'm still on generation one as I don't get a chance to play often but the first borns have reached teenhood so the romance should be in the air soon even if it won't be spring. I know we were supposed to start the challenge in summer but I opted for winter, first of the year and all. I don't know if it made it harder or easier just more logical to me somehow.
Well, I'm going back to it now. first to uninstall Sims 3 then to enjoy so Victorian life. I'm thinking of starting myself a medieval neighborhood too. I have lots of stuff for that time period.
Alright, enough from me. Til next time.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-07-09 11:46 PM GMT (updated Jun-08-09 12:38 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

Hey people,
I have *expands game to count* 25 unique 1x1 poor houses up for grabs! Or, they would be if the dang exchange was working! 8 of them are occupied, but I was thinking of uploading 17 of them. They're pretty tight for space, but I think it adds to the challenge - maybe I'll upload them once the exchange starts working again (well, if it ever starts working again).
ranhoze: I like the sound of the Medieval neighbourhood. I may try that myself (once I finish up my VPC) if I don't get too sucked into TS3 hehe.
EDIT: Here is a picture of my lower class area of my n'hood
http://s720.photobucket.com/albums/ww209/x0dallas/?action=view¤t=Screenshot.jpg

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-11-09 10:44 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

Bananas - you know, I don't know why I never thought of putting more poor houses on there. Definitely makes things look better.
I've been playing TS3 for a while now. At least, when I can. There are parts of it I liked. I honestly didn't use Community Lots that often before, as the loading was just annoying. I use them a bit more now, but not as much. I've primarily been playing one family. Had kids in rapid succession - one boy, then another boy, then triplet girls. The triplets were h***. Even with a stay-at-home Mom, about all my Sims could do was care for the kids (it didn't help that they had the kids all in rapid succession - and the toddler stage lasts 7 DAYS!). Eldest just hit adulthood, though, so I gotta figure out what to do. I definitely am going to miss being able to play through all my Sims (which I never really did until this challenge). I'm still trying to figure out TS3, and my family is still fairly poor, but I kinda dig it. That being said, I miss what was going on with my Victorian Sims, so I may come back to it this weekend. This challenge is just too much fun to forget.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-12-09 10:48 PM GMT (updated Jun-12-09 10:51 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

OMG! Last night I went down to the store with my father and I bought TS3! Sure, I'm now $103.96 down the drain but really, time you enjoy wasting isn't really wasted.
I got the Prima Guide as well which I was reading pretty much all last night. I haven't played TS3 yet but I'm going to soon. It's installed and everything!
I'll report back on what its like later.
I haven't abandoned my VPC, though. It's on another computer but I still plan on playing it. My VPC families are like the best families I have ever had in my Sims 2 game so I won't be letting go of them THAT easily.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: LarsMarkeson - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-14-09 03:38 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: New to challenge, have some questions...

Yep. Back to playing the VPC.
Why?
Well, apparently, when it comes to my Sims, I'm a bit of a control freak.
I had the eldest children (Sims 3 now) move into their own houses and got them up and running. By the time I switched back to their parents, the triplets became adults and the parents became elders. ARGH! I missed out on the parents having one more child before they became elders. And, apparently, they stopped getting promotions (What the . . . ?).
Although it's amusing to see my elder go off to work as a lead guitarist wearing stretchy pants, I'm kind of bummed that he didn't get to advance.
So - back to the VPC! My other poor family, through simple hard work, determination, and stinginess (while still upgrading things around the house) got themselves up to the Trade level. However, this time, all but one of their children had already moved out. So, there will still be plenty of poor families once this next bunch gets going. Also, this time, my Trade family only had a couple days before the new season, so they didn't work their way to Professional yet. Plus, for some reason, they can't generate the same level of business. Not sure why.
Also, seriously? Shouldn't I have some elders dying by now?

Author: Starsaphire2 - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-15-09 05:24 PM GMT

Subject:
Challenges on Sims 3 vs. Sims 2

Hi everyone,
I enjoy checking in with this thread and seeing what everyone's doing. I love the picture of all the 1x1 poor houses, grouping them like that was brilliant.
My copy of TS3 finally came in last week, but I didn't have much time to check it out til this weekend. It's different enough from TS2 to be interesting, but controls are off enough to make game play slow while I'm hunting for the right buttons to click. Create a style is awesome and I can't wait until someone comes up with historical styled meshes for clothing and objects. I also really want to be able to create my own neighborhood....sigh.
I'm getting some ideas for a VPC3 challenge, but it would be better to wait for a couple of extension packs to come out, especially one for seasons and/or eras. (My fingers are crossed)
In the meanwhile, Pinstar is coming up with a new legacy challenge for TS3, so I'll give that a go.
Take care,
Star

@>-->-----

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-15-09 08:21 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Good to read all the comments from all you VPC?ers! Sorry, I haven?t posted in a while, my dad has been not well and I am in my biggest work crunch of the year, so I haven?t been able to play much lately either.
Obviously, as you no doubt know, the exchange (as of yesterday) was still not working, so sadly, I haven?t been able to share Episode #2 of The Holly Hill Tales with you, to my frustration. I think it is even better than Episode #1, but I am looking forward to you all telling me what you think! Like Debs and Star, I am thinking possibly that I could still play the VPC on Sims 3, but I haven?t bought it yet, mainly due to what I?ve been reading and concerns about the limited type of play (ie: ?legacy? style, rather than multiple family), although Riverview sounds like the neighbourhood I?d want to use for the VPCI was very interested to read your comments, Lars, Ranhoze, Bananas and Star, since you?ve played it. I am tempted, but I have found my playing style fits the VPC so well, that I am quite leery about giving that up. Not sure my comp can handle both games, but I am considering that option. Now that summer is here, I am about to have a holiday, so am hoping to get more stories up for you all, and some photos maybe, before my trip to England (46 days ? and counting!!!)
Keep on simmin?, everyone, and keep that VPC news coming!
Cheers, Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Starsaphire2 - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-16-09 05:57 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Vllygrls, I'm still looking forward to reading chapter 2. And I think for story purposes Sims 2 might be the better way to go for a while yet. When they release a patch to stop story progression, Sims 3 might be work fine for multiple family story lines....but not at the moment.
OMG, your England trip is only a little over a month away. WOOT!! I'm so excited for you. Hope your dad is doing better.
Star

@>-->-----

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-21-09 05:55 AM GMT (updated Jun-21-09 05:57 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Vllygrls: I hope your dad is feeling better as well. My step-dad has a lung cancer operation on Tuesday, hopefully he will be fine.
Yesterday I played my VPC for about hour, but other than that I was too busy with Netball and family things. Joy. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get in a bit of Sims 3 time, but then on Tuesday and Wednesday I plan on completing my holiday homework (I'm a good girl!)
I've been playing my Poor founders (who are elders) and I've just been waiting for them to die so I can fill up Lockford Graveyard. I know that sounds a little (very) cruel, but it's the truth. It will still be sad to see them go, though. I went through a lot with them I'm also experiencing a massive baby boom! So many children, toddlers and babies running around the neighbourhood! I'm beginning to run out of names!

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jun-26-09 07:17 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Hi all,
I have not been playing much since the summer warm days have arrived. I am now playing a few hours each afternoon to beat the heat. lol I am currently playing my Gen 2 heirs group A and having the remaining seniors passing along the torch. The insurance policy holders are benefiting with a huge jump in status social climbing. My Pauper family have moved into their new shop, Benjamin Pauper has moved into a Professional Townhouse with his family, The Cropleys have moved into their now shoppe, The Dunnigans are in a new shoppe, and I am currently playing the Sellers family. Oodles of new babies have been making an appearance in the neighborhood. Mostly all girls born in the families. I am now using first and middle names to keep the Gen 3 apart from the Gen 2 children. I am also using bible, nature, and precious stones names. I ran out of Victorian names the second generation. lol I am keeping with the spirit of the Victorian names, They used biblical, nature, novel characters, and gem stones, and virtues for names. I just added a twist by using a middle name also.
I hope to have my Group A Autumn completed and start the Group B by next week. I am now planning a extended traveling camping trip for the summer and will be away for over a month. I will let you all know when we plan to leave.
Hugs to you all,
Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jul-05-09 05:09 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Where has the Victorian Population Challenge gone?

Debs: I really like the idea of adding middle names. I'm running out of names as well, so I might just have to start on middle names too ...
I found a nice new challenge (the Build-A-City Challenge) which I plan on starting soon, but don't worry people! I'm going to back up my VPC files and start it up again once I either a) finish the BAC challenge or b) get bored of it. As much as I love building, I happen to have quite a short attention span when it comes to completing Sims 2 challenges (except my VPC! I am determined!)
Is it just me or has everyone left for the Sims 3? Bah, I don't blame you, I love the Sims 3.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jul-07-09 10:48 PM GMT (updated Jul-07-09 10:51 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Greetings and good news, all you VPC simmers! Woo Hoo!!!
I know I have been quiet for awhile, but that doesn't mean I've disappeared! I have been creating my own website for my stories, since it seems the exchange is still resisting all attempts to come back to life! I think the maxoids have not won the game with Grimmie!
So if you would like to reread Episode #1 and finally (be still my heart!) get to read Episode #2 of The Holly Hill Tales, my stories of the Victorian Population Challenge, please go to my shiny new website, called Vllygrlsims:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/
I would love your comments and look forward to continuing to build my website, play this challenge, and write more stories about it! I am leaving tomorrow morning for my dad's surgery, (fingers crossed!) and then on July 31st for England to hunt out all the Victoriana I can find -- can't wait! But in the meantime, I will be continuing to check for your comments and read this thread to hear news of all my VPC bbs buddies!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! It has been smokin' hot here!
Hugs & kisses,
Cheers,
Vllygrls26

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jul-10-09 09:42 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

It's winter in Australia ... and it doesn't even snow here!
Back to business, good to see your still hanging around, Vllygrls! Smart thinking for creating your own website, this one is just too unreliable. I will now check out your stories.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Jul-23-09 11:04 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all my VPC friends,
I am currently in the middle of my Summer Get away trip. I have missed all of you for the past few weeks.
I am suffering from VPC withdrawl, but I am having a good time discovering the wonderful state of Utah.
We plan on being home in mid - August and I hope to get back to my second generation families growing and third gen kids growing up into teens and getting married.
Well, Have a great summer, or Winter down under
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Aug-27-09 03:50 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Knock knock, anybody here?
I am now back from our travels and am wondering where everybody is?
I have been home for a week now and sorta kinda been playing a little of my VPC each day in between chores of umpacking and cleaning. I find it hard to get back into the swing of playing the game after 2 months off. lol
I have been playing my Group B families in the Autumn to Winter Season. I actually advanced several families up a rank. Now that I have the secret of the Trade advancement figured out, I have moved up Jediah Hawkins family from Trade to Gent Farmer, his brother Linus Hawkins in trade is also a Gent Farmer. Much to my surprise and frustration my Linus Hawkins family grew by leaps and bounds in just 2 pregnancies. They have 2 sets of twins. I had to move in the youngest sister Nellie out of the Hammersmith Vocational School and in with them to help out with the toddlers and infants. They soon earned the final cash reward and was able to move into their new Plantation. More room for them to spread out. I had Jediah Hawkins fetch his youngest brother Moses from the Vocational school to help him out in the shoppe until they moved to their new Plantation.
I had a wild idea. Why not have Group C live with the brothers to help out with the growing families. I ran out of brothers for all the younger siblings, I bang my head, I can have the rest move in with married sisters and their husbands. I immediately had Emma Pauper Sellers pick up her sister Geneva to live with them and work in the shop. I will have Hope Westminster Kensington pick up her brother Raleigh to live with them and Grace Westminster Montgomery pick up Robert. This way all the Group C are living with Group B and the Schools are empty for the 3rd Generation about to start.
Population explosion is perfect for this challenge name. I now have 57 children in Generation 3. I have every mother expecting again. I have to get busy and build more houses in my neighborhood. I will also have to get creative in the match ups for courtships. The families are advancing fast and up into the upper ranks fast now that they are inheriting the insurance money from their parents passing away. I am crossing my fingers I do not have the social worker take any more children away. So far the siblings living with the newlyweds are keeping her at bay.
Well, Back to my game and chores. We are heading out for the Labor day holiday the first week of Sept. but we will be finished camping for the year after that. I can dedicate my time and energy to playing VPC.
Hugs all, I hope to hear from you soon, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: wolfspryte - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-02-09 12:03 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hey all.. good to "see" you again...
Vllygrls... I just got done reading Episode 2 of Holly Hill.. most awesome!! Can't wait for episode 3.. and read "finding abby" too... another great start to a story! Looking forward to reading more.
Okay.. so... my computer took another dump,,, and I lost ALL of my stuff again... the shipyard... the abbey... all of it... Finally figured out it was the video card... sooo.. I ordered and installed a new video card, and by that time.. Sims 3 was here... I must say.. after playing it for a few months now... I'm quite unexcited by it. Perhaps when some of the wonderful artists are able to mesh some new furnishing and clothing options.. {hopefully Victorian}.. and a new pack or two comes out.. it'll improve... for now, I consider it a waste of money!!
Sooo.. I will uninstall it and re=install my Sims 2... and restart my VPC...
Will let ya know how it goes... keep simming!!
Spryte!

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-15-09 05:08 AM GMT (updated Sep-16-09 02:20 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all VPCers -- and long time no talk, eh?
Great to read your latest updates, Bananas, Debs and Spryte, amazed at your baby boom, Debs, and very sorry about your computer crash, Spryte. Although it is daunting to start over, it can be good, too, as I discovered, since I learned a few things the first time which I could apply the second time.
I have missed everyone, but I expect our VPC chat will begin to pick up again now that fall is here and as people get back into their regular routines after summer holidays. As for myself, out of the 8 weeks of summer, 3 were spent on our trip to England (more about that coming up!) and two were spent caring for my dad after his spinal surgery and during part of his rehab, so I've really only been at home for 3 weeks this summer, which explains my lack of progress with the challenge, The Holly Hill Tales, and my website. Needless to say, I am fired up to get back to all of it! Thanks for checking out my website and stories! I haven't had much time for it lately, but things are slowly getting back to normal.
Now -- the Victorian highlights of my trip to England!!! I was delighted to discover the many Victorian points of interest in and around Liverpool, which is where we were centered. Actually, our son and daughter-in-law live in an area which is covered with acres and acres of Victorian era terraces. Check it out:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=64+blythswood+street,+aigburth,+liverpool&sll=53.379796,-2.954164&sspn=0.012108,0.027509&ie=UTF8&ll=53.379137,-2.954928&spn=0.000757,0.001719&z=19&iwloc=A&lci=com.panoramio.all&layer=c&cbll=53.379059,-2.955015&panoid=jfobxeNOIMbdWy7Tz-rDCw&cbp=12,177.19,,0,4.46

I spent a fair bit of time trying to plan out a new set of Victorian terraces for my game based on the floor plan of their rented digs! Interesting that these terraces all had just a tiny paved "yard" off the back to hang laundry, basically, and a shared, cobblestone alley accessed by a wooden gate. At the time they were built, I suppose they would have had an outdoor loo, but all trace of that is now gone.
We also saw the beautiful, beautiful, Victorian glass greenhouse in Sefton Park called The Palm House:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5565583
And Sudley House, a beautiful home built in the early 1800's and lived in by a Victorian sugar merchant and his family which is filled with incredible paintings: http://www.allertonoak.com/images/SudleyHouse.jpg
We crossed the Mersey and went to the Wirral, where we saw Port Sunlight, recommended to me by one of our VPC simmers, John Connor. It was a fascinating site, with a very interesting story and the most beautiful cottages designed by several famous architects. The whole concept of improving the lot of the working poor fits the VPC perfectly! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Sunlight#Gallery
We had a great afternoon at the famous Philharmonic Pub which takes ornate Victorian interiors to a new level: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2706335350_cb54e936b0.jpg?v=1217151426
http://www.merseypub.com/pictures/pu1868.jpg
There was too much more to tell about here, but suffice it to say, the trip provided a tremendous amount of inspiration for my VPC plans!!! So, I will be firing up Holly Hill again, continuing to write episode #3 of The Holly Hill Tales, tweaking my website, and keeping my fingers crossed that my computer holds up to the pressure!
Looking forward to reading more about all your Victorian Population Challenge adventures,
Cheers, Vllygrls

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-16-09 02:27 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all,
Just a confession to make here!
I finally got so frustrated moving teens out with parents and then moving parents back home, that I hunted around and found this great mod to allow teens to move out on their own. It works great and reeeeaaaalllllyyyyyy simplifies the whole process. The mod is from Mod The Sims, by Pinhead, and is called Move Out Teens, link provided if you are interested:
http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=20309
Download the one corresponding to your latest EP. I downloaded the Seasons one, EP 5, even though I have all the EPs including Apartment Life, because that is the latest version of it.
I'm interested to hear if anyone else tries this one, works great for me!
Cheers, Vllygrls

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: wolfspryte - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-27-09 06:36 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hey Vllygrls.. hope you dad is doing much better!!
Thanks for the great pics... some interesting things popped into my head viewing those pics! Absolutely love the greenhouse!! :D
After the last crash, I've finally gotten all my custom content downloaded and installed... and last night worked for 4 HOURS trying to rebuild the docks.. although this time, they were derelict docks, complete with spiderwebs, and rotting decks... I had just finished and was getting ready to save and take pictures, when... the game crashed... I lost it ALL... lol When will I EVER learn to save save save save save!! Ohhh and SAVE!! while building. Oh well... will start over again... will post pics if I ever get it done and saved! ;) Also, working on new crypts.. hopefully will be even better than the last ones.
Hope ya'll had a wonderful summer, and will see you round the "village" much more this fall!

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-28-09 01:06 PM GMT (updated Sep-28-09 01:11 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

No!! Spryte! That sounds so terrible, game crashing after four hours of building! You have my sympathy!
I haven't played my VPC in some time now; I kinda gave up after everyone stopped visiting the boards, plus my computer lagged out too much when I did boot up my game for a play. I eventually uninstalled the Sims 2 completey (I kind of regret it, because I had so much going in my VPC ...) so I felt out of the challenge loop. In desperation, I rekindled my flame with Simcity 3000, on the rebound.
Earlier on in the month, you wouldn't guess what happened - I got a shiny new laptop for my birthday! Yay! It runs the Sims 3 like a dream so I have been playing that flat out during my Spring hols (Spring in Aus! Finally! Summer couldn't come faster ) and am contemplating whether to install the Sims 2 on it or not. If I do I will probably get back onto the VPC scene.
Man, I seriously thought that this thread had died completely, and I came to check on it just to make sure. It's great to see that you're all still here when I thought you had deserted it! Maybe everyone else is in Sims 3 hybernation?
Where has Sebrina been? She is out passed her curfew, we need a reply we haven't seen once since the start of June. SEBRINA! Missing others as well - Star, Lars (sorry if I missed you, you have permission to insult ).
EDIT: 1395 page views... this is turning into my most successful thread. Ever.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Sep-28-09 11:05 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Howdy Banana and Spryte,
I thought I was the only one still playing the challenge.
tears for you Spryte. I can relate. My old HP can barley chug along playing this challenge without the downloads and special clothes. I have learned to save, save, save out of necessity. I have to save my game each night (game time) or I have to play all 5 days again. I was out on a walk about for 2 months and now we are back and I am playing my brains out to catch up. My poor puter freezes up if I move the game along too fast. chug chug.
Hey there Banana, Happy Spring to you. I am grateful the Heat is over with. We have cooler weather now. 90's and 80's again. We get up to 104 continuous here in the high desert.
I am currently in my Winter Season and have all my second Generations married and having children. I also have my 3rd generation first born children of Group A (heir) turning into teens. My group A adults are 10 days away from becoming a senior and are all pregnant still. lol I think I can get another baby out of them once the teens move out to boarding school. I thought it was hilarious to have married children and the parents still having babies at the same time.
I have had much success with moving up my families without inheritance benefits. I have rezoned my Westminster Village to only have Nobility, Low Nobility,Gent Farms, Professionals, and the original Trade Shoppes. I moved all the others over to Hammersmith Borough.
I have 31 families going now. 2 poor, 2 sub farms, 6 trade shops, 9 Professionals, 9 Gent farms, 2 Lower Nobility and 1 nobility. I have about a billion babies in gen 3 now lol I am glad we only play until the first gen 4 baby is born. I would lose my mind having to play the entire 3rd gen through to adults. My Nobility family is breathing a sigh of relief that there are not that many poor and sub farms to have to give boxing gifts to this season. I still have 2 seniors still alive Edward Westminster (noble) and Charlie Farmington (gent farm) I suspect they will pass away very soon this Winter season. I guess having nice things and servants helps prolong life. I am still being bombarded with twins each family and decided to give up the training for the toddlers. Let them play is what I say. lol
I hope to hear how you are doing. I do have Sim 3, but no room on my ancient HP to download it yet. I wanted to finish challenge first before I deleted Sim 2 to make room. I already had to remove Sim1 to make room. lol
Happy simming to you,
Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-14-09 11:39 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Wow.
31 families.
How long does it take you (in real life) to do a single cycle of all of them?

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-16-09 06:56 PM GMT (updated Oct-16-09 06:59 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi Bananas
It usually takes me 2 to 3 families each day. I play them for 5 day season. I am averaging 14 to 15 days for a cycle. I also have to play 6 boarding schools now in the mix. I think this challenge might be over for me by Christmas. lol
I also punish myself by having them visit community lots each season.
happy VPC simming, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-18-09 01:12 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Good luck! You may be the first person to ever finish it!
I'm thinking of restarting my VPC with Pets, Seasons and OFB installed. Whaddya think?

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-18-09 03:22 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Good day to you Bananas,
It depends on how far you have come along in the challenge. If you are already on gen 2, then going back would be a long ways back. I am currently running all my EP and stuff packs but I ignore most of them lol. I only play the basic things i need to do the challenge. I did play one family Gent farmer Montgomery with 2 dogs and bread them for puppies to sell. the cost of the dogs and care was not worth the sales. I also get a little board using university sometimes. I created my own boarding houses and play my teens in there. Maybe my next challenge I will use all my EPs. I am also starting to get unmotivated with finishing this challenge. It was fun while there were other players to chat with and compare notes. It is a little lonely now that they all jumped ship and went to Sim 3. I actually own sim 3 but I have not installed it on my computer yet. I wanted to finish this challenge first.
Hope you have a great day, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: wolfspryte - Rank: Tongue-Tied Tourist - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-19-09 01:22 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hey all! I'm still lurking about! :D I'm just waffling back and forth between Sims 2 and Sims 3... building and building.. haven't really started the "living" part of the VPC... just the building part... which is really what I like to do... lol In all honesty, if you don't have Sims 3 installed yet... don't install it... it's a total disappointment... many bugs, and if you're used to running Sims2 with all your custom content, and you switch to Sims 3, well, there is just not a lot of anything to play with... I have both installed on my puter... and with my new vid card and 4 gigs of memory, they both run amazingly well... switching back and forth is a breeze... but Sims 3, well, without CC, it's boring! And, there are some really good downloads out there, but not like for Sims 2.
Well, I'm rambling I guess.... back to building...
VllyGrl... still waiting for your story to continue!! ;)
Hugs to all! Hope the fall and winter {summer down under} treat you all well!!

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-23-09 10:53 PM GMT (updated Oct-23-09 10:55 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

I wish Summer would hurry up! I love hot weather! Last Tuesday we had a 28oC day (approx. 82oF) which was kinda unusual, but still great! Our Spring has felt colder than our Winter.
I'm in the process of rebuilding and downloading CC for a new VPC neighbourhood, but I don't know how ready I am for building. I'm pretty crap at building when it comes to mansions for my Nobles, or farms for my Gentlemen farmers ect. - Wolf, do you think you could maybe upload one of your creations sometime? They sound awesome.
Ok, the reason I came to post was that I found this: http://chukhin.brinkster.net/Lynne/sims/themes/vicfurn.html it's a list of Sims 2 Victorian CC that's out there, and altho it's a bit out of date, it's still a nice indicator as to what can be found. I know, what would you do without me.
edit: for example, under hair, there is a link to SussisSoGoodsims, which it now non-existent, but her creations are uploaded to MTS. So yeah. Takes a bit of hunting.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-23-09 11:02 PM GMT (updated Oct-24-09 12:28 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Quoted from original message:
Good day to you Bananas,
It depends on how far you have come along in the challenge. If you are already on gen 2, then going back would be a long ways back. I am currently running all my EP and stuff packs but I ignore most of them lol. I only play the basic things i need to do the challenge. I did play one family Gent farmer Montgomery with 2 dogs and bread them for puppies to sell. the cost of the dogs and care was not worth the sales. I also get a little board using university sometimes. I created my own boarding houses and play my teens in there. Maybe my next challenge I will use all my EPs. I am also starting to get unmotivated with finishing this challenge. It was fun while there were other players to chat with and compare notes. It is a little lonely now that they all jumped ship and went to Sim 3. I actually own sim 3 but I have not installed it on my computer yet. I wanted to finish this challenge first.
Hope you have a great day, Debs

I just saw you post - yes, I can understand that you are unmotivated, that's what happened to me, so I DID jump ship. But I'm back now. I'll try to come here to update regularly after I've played (altho I don't always find heaps of time to play - wait until the Summer holidays that start in December, then you will see me here heaps more. But you might have finished the challenge by then). I would love to have everyone back like it was 6 months ago, but I guess that's just life ...
Thanks for the info on the EPs! I was thinking of having some dogs in the Poor family - guard dogs that breed incessantly with the other neighbourhood dogs, meaning more mouths to feed! I was going to download the 'unlimited sims/pets in household' hack too.
I may install FreeTime down the track, but who knows. I have to finish building the n'hood yet. I like building, but I'm a perfectionist, so it's such a chore.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-24-09 12:26 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

OK, third post today. I WAS going to upload a few pictures from my game up to photobucket for all of you, but for some reason, it only shows that latest picture that I took. Not sure what's up there, but I guess we'll go without until I work out what's wrong.
I got fed up once I finished the Sub. Farmers home and moved in the Hicks.
My Poor family consists of Walt & Minnie Hicks. Walt, a populatrity sim, just got a job in the Athletics career track, as it was the only job 'legally' availiable that day. Minnie, a knowledge sim, got pregnant right off the bat and I've set the chance for twins, triplets and quads all to 25% each (so there is equal chance she will have quads over having a single baby ). I haven't moved their dog in yet, but I will when I play tomorrow (if I get the chance... ).
I will edit my post about the other families I have created (Sub Farmers are Kildare; Trade are C-something, I forget; Professional are Powell) when I get the chance tomorrow. I'm too tired to reboot my game (after all the CC I've downloaded it takes, literally, like 8mins to get up. ) but I will be back ... after I have had my beauty sleep. It's almost 11:30PM here in Aus. (Well it IS Saturday... )

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-27-09 08:33 PM GMT (updated Oct-27-09 08:39 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all!
Wow! How exciting to hear everyone's news! Wolfie, I was gasping when I read what happened to your fantastic building projects! Omg! I would have fainted dead away -- I hope someone was there to pass you the smelling salts! P.S. I am so delighted that you have "resolved" your computer difficulties!
I have some news of my own: I have finished Episode 3 and Episode 4 & The Epilogue of The Holly Hill Tales! It takes a fair bit of time to upload them to my website, but I will let you all know once these last two episodes are up and ready to read!
In addition, I have discovered that writing stories about my VPC and playing the VPC are not all that compatible. It is really hard to follow a tempting story line and still maintain steady rotations and continue pursuing the challenge. Also, my game, as you may remember from some of my earlier complaints, has been getting more and more corrupted and just got to the point where there were so many problems that it was too frustrating to play. So, the inevitable has happened, and I just did a complete uninstall and reinstall, although I did not reinstall Pets this time, since I find it annoying, it doesn't really impact game play, and I wanted a little more "room" for lovely, lovely Victorian cc!
I will be starting a new Victorian Village called Wit's End for starting the VPC over from scratch. Of course, being a mad keen story writer, I already have a great new story line in mind! But I will have to find a way to write the stories and still play the challenge, which I haven't figured out quite yet.
Must go for now, more later,
Cheers, Vllygrl

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-28-09 02:24 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there Valley, I enjoy your stories and illustrations very much.
I think if you want to use the spirit of the VPC for story telling then do it instead of using it for scoring. These are just ideas to play the game. I do not think Sebrina minds at all, or anyone else for that matter. If stories are your talent, then go for it.
For me, this is a challenge in not using the traditional amusements to keep the families happy and career minded. I also did not build much of my own properties. I just followed along with the aspirations and tried to reach the top of each career or lifetime aspirations. I used the neighborhoods that came with the game and ep. This game inspired me to let the toddlers play with the toys and not have to learn how to talk, walk, or potty. I found out a farm can be successfully without anyone having a job to supplement the income. I had fun trying to juggle all the children and babies without always having servants do it.
This challenge has kept me entertained for months now and I am considering playing it over again with a few additions and changes. I want to use my Uni for the boarding schools. I also want to try to fit in Vacations into the mix. I can have the Uni students take a trip to the Far East after they graduate. The college students rack up so much Simoleons they might as well use it for a what did they call it? Tour abroad? Anyways, It would give them a little culture and polish with new skills and interests when they come back. I can even work in a camping trip for the poor kids if they earn their way by working in the cafeteria or student stores and tutoring. As you can see, I would play this challenge again. It is such an entertaining concept. I am not much for competition but like to chat with other players and help figure out solutions to problems and find new ways to do things in the game. I was not really in it for the points.
Well, keep up the great work and stories. I thoroughly enjoy them.
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-30-09 03:42 AM GMT (updated Oct-30-09 03:43 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hey, Debs, thanks for your inspiring words!
You are so, so right! I guess that is what I love about this challenge -- so much to offer in so many varied ways! And hands down, yes! -- I have really really enjoyed chatting with all the great VPC simmers!
I have to confess, I am a story writer at heart, so that is what I see when I enter this challenge, and I guess I am just incapable of separating myself from that. So, after reading your wise words, I think I just have to go forward, and enjoy the "story" of it!
Now, my big announcement:
The Holly Hill Tales -- Episode #3 -- now up! Click on link in my siggy!
Cheers, everyone, and enjoy your weekend -- I will be gone for the weekend, but will try to check in again on Sunday night.
Vllygrl

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-30-09 05:11 AM GMT (updated Oct-30-09 08:48 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hey!
I just got off school (FRIDAY!) and I figured I would come and check on this thread. Updates!

Vllygrls, I just looked at your website and read your stories and they are really good! But, I can't see the pictures at about the middle of Chpt. 3! I see you're off for the weekend so I'll come back to check another time.
I was wondering, how did you get the roads like this? http://thesims2.ea.com/sims2_exchange/story/99/265899/preview.jpg did you tile the ground to make it look like a road? It's really effective.
and Debs! It's interesting what you're planning on doing with Uni and BV - I might re-install Uni some point in the future, and FreeTime, but I'm still in the process of setting things up. If you haven't uninstalled already, can you take a picture of your n'hood?? I love looking at diff. neighbourhoods and seeing how people set stuff up!
I might come back for an update when I actually get to playing (if ever ).

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-30-09 07:44 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there Bananas,
I have a photo Album of my VPC in Photobucket. Here is the website.
http://s606.photobucket.com/albums/tt150/Debestfriend4u/
It has my first created houses, families, and neighborhood in the beginning. Alas I am remiss in updating it to include the changed neighborhood as it is today. I will try to get on it this weekend. It is kinda hard for me, because I play on one computer and have the Internet hooked up on my laptop. I have to transfer the pics from one to another using my thumb drives. I also keep a journal of my story in my Sim2 page blog. It tells how I either built my buildings from scratch or borrowed and customized them.
I wish I could upload them to the exchange, but I do not have that capability.
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-30-09 08:46 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi Bananas,
Thanks for your comments -- I am trying to check my website to see what happened, but may not be able to fix it for a couple days -- sorry about that! The roads are built into these neat lots:
Coppleston Village, The Set by Hatshepsut on TSR
She has also built a neighbourhood terrain for her lots, it is a very nice set! However, I won't be using it in my new village of Wit's End, instead I am using some of Elut's Backrow Lots (TSR) and the Dickensville lots from Sims 2 Real Estate as well as building my own.
I know you can get a mod to make all your streets cobblestone from ModTheSims, but I haven't done it myself as I have to use my downloads space sparingly!
Looking forward to hearing more about your new VPC hood!
Cheers, Vllygrs

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Oct-30-09 09:40 PM GMT (updated Nov-01-09 01:25 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Debs: I'm looking at your slide show right now. Here is a bene because I LOVE to see pictures. I really like the names you have for your Sims as well and your trade family have really creative shops! I wish I were that creative! I'll look up your blog later on.
Vllygrls: I *may* check out TSR, but I'm thinking that I'll just build my own. I hear bad things about TSR, so I don't completely trust them. Still, I'm tempted! I downloaded the coblestone roads from MTS but I didn't really like it because it overlays onto ALL roads in other normal n'hoods as well. It's still a great Mod - but it's easy to live without it. If you do get it I advise that you download it to a new folder within your downloads folder! It was a pain to delete...
I haven't played for a week (I don't play it on school nights) so I think I'll play TS2 today. Don't you think I deserve a bit of me time?
EDIT: I went into my game and took a few pics, but it's really annoying because each picture I take saves itself as 'Snapshot', so it over-rides itself. So I had to keep shrinking my game and uploading, then taking a new picture and shrinking again ect.
The album has my two Poor and Sub. Farmer families and their houses. Amazing, huh. I've finished building the Trade family home ("Conell's Tea Shoppe & Bakery") and am trying to finish off the interior of my Professional house. It's difficult.
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/yy187/bananas8338/?action=view¤t=Snapshot-3.jpg
The Kildares, my Sub. Farmer family.
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/yy187/bananas8338/?action=view¤t=Snapshot-2.jpg
The Kildare's cottage
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/yy187/bananas8338/?action=view¤t=Snapshot-1.jpg
The Hicks, my Poor family.
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/yy187/bananas8338/?action=view¤t=Snapshot.jpg
Pathetic excuse for a house that is known as the Hick household.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Nov-13-09 08:56 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi Debs & Bananas,
Loved your pics!!! So great to see some VPC pics and hear some news. And Bananas, I know, TSR is a little controversial in certain circles, but it wouldn't be hard to build your own version of those lots, I think, with a little planning on paper.
Sorry, I have been a bit behind in news and updates, but we moved my dad up here to live nearer to us about 2 weeks ago, and it has been exhausting trying to get him settled and get home care in place, etc. so I will try to catch up as the dust clears!
Really wanting to keep this thread on the front page, though, so thought I'd put a little note on here anyway!
Has anyone heard from Sebrina?????
Have a great weekend all,
Cheers, Vllygrl

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Nov-14-09 04:23 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there,
I am now playing my Summer season. I have played my Pauper, Cropley, and Dunnigan families. Group A is now becoming seniors. It is kind of Hilarius to see seniors toddling around with the toddlers.
I also have more teens heading off to boarding school. I am now up to 5 Upper class boys schools, 3 upper class girls schools, 2 low class boys schools and 3 low class girls schools. I know know my mistake when playing my original group A gen 2 teens. I aged them too fast. I played them all 15 days and had them marry instantly. The parents were still having babies. It will be a challenge to pair them up when the families are moving up the social ladder. The low class teens do not have many girls to choose from, they are either sisters or cousins. lol After I get the heir boys paired up proper, I can have the upper class paired up with the lower class girls. If I read the rules right, the only restrictions are with the heir boys.
I am going to play this challenge again with a new Neighborhood name and new characters. I will add pets. vacation, and university to the challenges. I think the family deserves a vacation after reaching the next social level after toiling so hard. They do not get to keep the Simoleons they earn sooo... Off on a camping trip or Islands for an adventure. Also, the students in boarding school earn all that money in their tuition or job while in school, why not a class trip for graduation? The college kids also earn scholarships each semester, Why not head off on a honeymoon after the wedding on a camping trip or kick around the islands with their bride before they settle into their married life?
As for pets, I think the upper class family can have a pet like a gerbil, fish, or bird for the children, as long as they can afford one. The Gentleman farmers can raise puppies for cash. Also the lower class can play with the strays. I will not have the pets get a job, that would not work with the Victorian Era. They can learn tricks and behaviors. I already have my boarding schools getting cats and dogs from the adoption agency. The non playable headmaster / mistress owns the pets. It gives them something to do in their idle time when the teens are away attending classes. I will provide a pet park that the family can take their pets.
Any how, that is what is happening with me. I am keeping up my Blog with seasonal highlights on each family group now. There is too much information to keep track of with each family.
Hugs to you, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Bananas8338 - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Nov-15-09 01:35 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Vllygrls: I've been wondering the same. I haven't heard from Sebrina either, and I think her last post was in June or something.
Debs: Tell us how it pans out with BV! I'm already using pets (I downloaded some hacks so that there are stray puppies/kittens that roam the neighbourhoods as well, so I'll have my poor adopt them) but I haven't had any pets move in with my families, yet. I think I might need to install Uni, it sounds like I'm missing out, and I'm tempted to re-install AL and FT... heck, I would just install ALL the missing EPs of them, but what if my game crashes? *shudders*
I have Monday off so I plan on playing TS2 then. I've also started a new neighbourhood (nothing to do with my VPC) where I've taken all the Pleasantview townies, paired them together, and started playing out their lives. It's fun, but it's taking up time from my VPC. So I think I'll need to focus on my VPC tomorrow.
Good to hear from you all again!

THIS WEEK'S WRAP UP: If your parents don't have children chances
are you won't either!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-02-09 09:44 PM GMT (updated Dec-04-09 04:50 AM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there VPC friends,
Well another season has come and gone. My Westminster Village has been exciting this Summer Season. I had several families move out of the slums and into the upper class neighborhoods. I also have my A group gen 2 turn into seniors. I also have a lot more teens and babies in the other groups. I am now starting to play my boarding schools. I ran into a challenge already. I only have 3 families living in Hammersmith, Paupers, Cropleys, and Dunnigans. The rest have moved up and out into Westminster Village. The problem is: All the teens are related. lol
I have 6 girls and 4 boys. I can match up only one couple from this group. Redwood Cropley to Ilene Pauper. The other challenge is I have a population explosion in Westminster boarding Schools. lol I had to add 3 new boys schools and 2 new girls schools. I now get to try and pair them up and move around the girls. I have a serious chart made up to make sure the relatives are not paired up. It helps to make a list of girls down the side and the boys across the top using X and O in the box. lol I got lucky with every family having a boy to carry on as an heir. I rolled the dice and ended up with 3 new students 1 girl and 2 boys. I paired them up the Spring season already. I suspect it will take me a few days to get all the students matched up and play all the houses. I also have to furnish each new school. I am making each school the same so I do not have a hard time switching around to each one. The only diffrence are the color schemes. I have a hard time switching around all the diffrent class houses as it is. lol
Well good luck to all,
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-03-09 07:20 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi VPC friends,
I just stumbled upon a neat trick. I was trying to find out how to create a yard in the back so the puppy will potty and not want to go out to the front yard sidewalk. I tried to look up an answer in the community forum. I found an item that says that a toddler will sleep in a pet bed. The toddler gets in it themselves if you direct ithe toddler to the bed and command it to sleep. This frees up the parents who are busy or sleeping. It also makes the toddler sleeep longer. I wonder if this would be considered cheating?
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: TishaCat007 - Rank: Overmodest Orator - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-05-09 08:11 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi, I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but I'm still playing although I've had to restart a few times. ;)
I'm currently still playing Generation 1 with the first generation transitioning to adults and the last of the babies being born. I'm excited and trying to decide how to pair up the teens.
I'm also trying to come up with a surname for my noble family. Their surname is currently Ashley (before that it was Grey). LOL. I don't know. I just can't come up with a decent name for them. The husband's name is Edmund and the wife is Catherine. I wish I knew how to attach pictures to show you what they look like.
Anyway, I'll try to keep you up-dated on what's happening in my game and try to figure out how to post pictures.
-Tricia

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-07-09 05:13 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi TishaCat,
I found my names for the families at Wikipedia.com. I looked up London Boroughs and used the name of my Professional, Gentleman farmers and Noble families from it.
It is my understanding that all of Great Brition is named for the founding families who owned the property and land in each area. My Noble family is named Westminster. I guess the queen of England game me that inspiration. She lives in the Westminster palace some to the time. I hope this suggestion helps.
We all started to use Photobucket to post pictures. You can find your pictures in your game files. I think there is a tutorial in the community bbs. Use the search bbs to find the directions.
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: Vllygrls26 - Rank: Loquacious Lurker - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-11-09 09:39 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi All,
Glad to see VPC'ers are still chatting, and I love reading all your news about your VPC families and villages!
Great to hear from you, TishaCat! Bananas -- how's your challenge coming?
Great to hear all your detailed play, Debs! I have used the toddler floor blanket -- I think I got it from ModTheSims -- just for my poor and crofter families, as it seemed appropriate. Children in those families would sometimes be a little neglected in Victorian times, and that would likely include sleeping on the floor occasionally! Once the families get larger, it sure helps with the toddlers if they can put themselves to sleep on their "blanky", then crawl off and play with a toy when they wake up. I've seen the toddler pet bed, but haven't used it as I like the grittier look of the floor blanket!
My new village of Wit's End and restarted VPC are going great! I have pretty much got the village itself finished, although I am working on the Villlage Skating Pond Community Lot right now (with Tea Rooms). I have my families installed, working through the first season (I started with winter this time because I wanted to enjoy Christmas with my simmies!!!) My Gentleman Farmer family right now is rockin' the hood -- two sets of twins!!!
I am writing from a slightly different angle this time, rather than the story series, as that is very time consuming and I just don't have the time I'd like right now to devote to it. I am working on the Wit's End Weekly newspaper, which has become a fun project which allows me to update village and family news, and also create the sense and feeling of a real village ticking along, village life in Victorian times, and intertwine the lives of all the families in the village. I will be publishing it to my website, but I want to try and create a better website for my stories and "The Weekly" before I do.
Anyway, happy simming, good to hear from you all! If anyone can pm Sebrina, get her to drop us a line! She hasn't deleted my last message, so I can't, but I'd love to know if she is still doing the VPC, or if she's on to a new challenge!
Cheers,
Vllygrl

Check out my shiny new website:
http://www.vllygrl.webs.com/

Author: ceeluvscouture - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-12-09 03:59 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi I just discovered te VPC challenge and I think I'm going to do it. I haven't made any families or anything yet but I plan to really soon.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-12-09 05:29 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there Ceeloves, We are glad to have you join us here in VPC land.
Our leader Sebrina has not been here for a while but a few of us are still plugging away at it. Some of us had to start over a few times due to equipment failure. lol A bunch of friends quit as soon as Sims 3 arrived. I actually own it, but never installed it yet. I figured I just got my Mansions and Garden stuff and Apartment Life, I have not even started to play Sims 2 to its full potential yet. I will keep Sim 3 on the shelf for now. LOL
I guess I am the most advanced in the challenge so far. I am working on my generation 3 teens in boarding schools and are one season away from them getting married and moving in with their parents. Heir apparent. I hope to get more teens from the second born sons married and into their own homes before the first baby arrives to complete the game.
I am planning on creating another VPC neighborhood and starting over again using the University, Vacation, and Pets with it. This was my trial run, so to speak. I have all the expansion packs and Stuff, but play the challenge with just the basic essentials to get them by. I want to expand the horizons a bit and use more of the expansion packs to have more of an experience. If my computer does not give me trouble again.
If you have any questions or want to chat, I hope you come back and give us updates. It is fun to hear how everyone is doing.
Welcome and hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: ceeluvscouture - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-14-09 03:36 AM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Thanks. So far I have finshed building the homes for all of the different groups. I plan to buld the home for Unmarried girls and guys either tonight depending on how I feel (I have been building for 3 hours straight!) I will update you all when I finsh making my families!

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-12-09 07:25 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all VPC friends, I just wanted to let you know I went back to the original thread and added another comment to it. I am hoping that I can get the challenge back up on top of the category again so other players can join us. Oh well it is worth a try.
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-23-09 02:23 PM GMT (updated Dec-23-09 02:33 PM GMT)

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi all VPC friends,
I just wanted to wish you all Happy Holidays and hope you stay safe.
Hugs, Debs
p.s. I have had some trouble with my sim page. I have not been able to post any new family updates for a few days now. It show an error message saying hidden. I do not know if I did something wrong and locked it up or if the sim2 site has crashed again. I hope it is resolved soon.

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: Stammering Sim - View MySimPage Profile

Date: Dec-28-09 08:18 PM GMT

Subject:
Re: Victorian Population Challenge CHAT

Hi there friends,
Have you had trouble getting into your MySimPage? I have been seeing an error message since Dec 23. It is driving me crazy not being able to update my Blog.
I have played my Pauper, Cropley, Dunnigan, and Hawkins families so far. I have moved up several families to the high class neighborhood and one into the trade shoppe. I am filling up my boarding schools with the last of the children in the A group. It feels strange not having babies and toddlers to care for in the houses. I guess I will be going crazy soon with the graduations and weddings from my Group D teens after this season round.
I hope you all had a great holiday. Happy New Year.
Hugs, Debs

[DeBestFriend4u Happy Holidays to everyone.

Author: DeBestFriend4u - Rank: