Considering leaving SFS hosting... need your feedback!
Added 2020-10-23 18:52:25 +0000 UTCPlease see the update to this post here.
So I woke up this morning to discover sims file share has now added ads to their site. Along with all the recent issues they have had, this is kinda my breaking point and I am considering moving to a different hosting site. I am hoping some of you might have good ideas for alternatives or any other feedback! Here is what I have considered so far and my thought process.
I love sims file share because its trusted by simmers, up until today didn't blast you with ads, its easy for me to update file revisions, I get good analytic data on my content, and there isn't file size restrictions/storage limitations. Also, if I ever stop creating etc, my cc will still have a home.
I think mediashare is garbage and I don't want to use it. It gives sketchy popups and all the ads etc. I just really don't like it.
Google drive links end up being buggy over long periods of time in my experience. And my google drive is already a hot mess and trying to organize all that content in there seems challenging.
Dropbox is okay. Their file storage limit is pretty limited and upgrading is fairly expensive. It's not that I so much mind paying for storage, but you don't even get any good features with the storage like tracking or ease of updating old files.
I spoke with my boyfriend about hosting my files on my website (he owns a company that builds websites - which is why I was able to build such a great ((IMO)) website). Hosting the files on my website would make my website extremely slow. And god forbid I ever stop making cc or something happened to me, my files would be lost if my site went done.
I can also just upload files to posts here but so hard to update and not easy to organize, update, or give you all a way to look at everything easily like I can on my website. I also like making all my patreon posts patron-exclusive so I can keep the comments just to you all. Some of my old posts are public and I get lots of random comments on there etc. I like to prioritize my communication with you all which is why I keep these locked down and do public released on my website.
So does anyone have any other ideas for hosting? Or can you live with the ads on SFS? Any other suggestions?
♥♥♥♥♥
Comments
Have you looked at wetransfer? That one is pretty straightforward from a user side. I don't know what it would look like on your side.
Alyssa Herrin
2020-11-03 15:34:20 +0000 UTCeven though there has been many issues with SFS, I dont mind continuing to use it until there is something better. I like how you attach files to the patreon posts. They download very fast and reliable.
2020-10-29 23:13:39 +0000 UTCI used to only download from here or SFS... since this last weekend, I've had so many problems with SFS, and it's been taking SO LONG for my downloads! I think now I like Google Drive the best. I hope SFS gets their crap together but I doubt it.
2020-10-29 19:40:17 +0000 UTCi have no ads
Audrie Heitz
2020-10-28 23:57:30 +0000 UTCI haven't seen any ads as of yet.
Shameka Stephens
2020-10-27 21:43:50 +0000 UTCI don't get ads on simfileshare. Also finally took the plunge to become a patron. i love all your work. i will increase my supposrt amount when times are a bit better.
Pepper6661
2020-10-27 05:56:21 +0000 UTCthe adds on simefileshare are NOTHING compared to the ads that other creators use on different sites. dropbox is kind of confusing if you dont know how to use it but its actually much more user friendly for if there is a zip you want to pick and choose from or if you want to download a lot at one time. my favorite way though is through patreon and just clicking the link from here because its just too easy lol. but thank you so much for everything you do to make our games better <3
2020-10-25 19:00:56 +0000 UTCI'm still good with SFS, but if you're going to leave it, what about wetransfer? I don't know much about it, truthfully, but I do know a couple of other cc creators use it. I just downloaded something from grimcookies and that's what he uses.
Jen Stewart
2020-10-25 06:17:59 +0000 UTCI am good with SFS. :)
2020-10-25 02:15:20 +0000 UTCI prefer SFS, most simmers that are downloading cc know to use ad-blocker and it doesn't hinder use of the website, unlike other cc websites
2020-10-24 22:56:55 +0000 UTCyou can also host downloads right here on patreon? I think that's pretty easy
asislavender
2020-10-24 22:25:51 +0000 UTCI repeat, SFS IS worth it because their claim is to keep everything ever added to their server FOREVER. That's worthwhile, IF they keep it up. :)
Larke Lockhart
2020-10-24 20:15:18 +0000 UTCbtw, Simsdom forces users to turn off adblock. And while I despise the site, some users ONLY use that site to d'l from.
Larke Lockhart
2020-10-24 20:14:13 +0000 UTCI prefer SFS and I understand if they need to put ads on their site to make ends meet. Users currently don't pay to use it. However, if SFS offered high volume or prolific cc creators an option to pay so their users do NOT see ads, maybe that might be doable. Or for users to pay to avoid ads even. Personally I use Adblock Plus and I rarely, ever, see ads until/unless the site forces me to disable it to view the site. Usually I'll just leave, but sometimes I need to see what I'm there for, so I'd turn it off. Anyhoo, surely SFS can come up with options for frequent cc creators and/or site users. Coz, frankly, while i understand they need help to maintain their increasingly huge archive of files (which I appreciate will be there forever), I will refuse to use them if they force me to turn off my adblocker. I would pay a small amount (no more then $5/mos) to avoid ads there though.
Larke Lockhart
2020-10-24 20:12:57 +0000 UTCI always loved SFS bc it's so easy, I'm honestly fine if it's going to have a bit more ads.
2020-10-24 15:29:35 +0000 UTCAtm not mind SFS. But if you wanna leave it maybe.... MEGA? Or Google drive?
2020-10-24 09:38:05 +0000 UTCI think even with the ads at the bottom, it's still minimal and unobtrusive enough that the convenience mostly outweighs the drawbacks. Almost all mediashare sites have ads, most have more than SFS adopted, so even though I saw it on there it didn't really register as unusual. If the service gets sketchier (more 502 issues or more ads than the one) I'd say revisit the thought and maybe start considering alternate hosts like your native site, etc, but I've not found it unbearable yet.
Spaceroxy
2020-10-24 04:20:29 +0000 UTCI'm fine with whatever is easiest for you. For myself, I use dropbox and box.com
ROSANNE PARKS
2020-10-24 03:04:38 +0000 UTCLove SFS. Definitely keep it.
Cdubs1992
2020-10-24 02:33:04 +0000 UTCI'm cool with simfileshare because I'm used to it. The ads don't bother me because they don't get in the way. If I get a 504 I refresh until it works. Usually once or twice is all it takes.
TurtlesWithTails
2020-10-24 00:49:22 +0000 UTCI think all the suggestions I know of have been mentioned. SFS has always had ads that I know of, but I usually have on an ad-blocker.
Hazel
2020-10-24 00:36:37 +0000 UTCyeah it can cause some issues, like the 502 pages >.<
Tami Driscoll
2020-10-23 23:33:33 +0000 UTCI still prefer sfs!
asislavender
2020-10-23 22:36:26 +0000 UTCSFS seems one of the better options, even if it can be a bit buggy at times. I use an adblocker so I didn't even realise the site had ads - I haven't seen any yet!
Digi
2020-10-23 22:10:20 +0000 UTCok cool, i love it too im just concerned about the experience you all have
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:47:27 +0000 UTCthey arent horrible you are right. i only started using them earlier this year so i must have just gotten lucky and didnt seem them till today. and i know tsr's ads are just... the worst. thats why i give you all my links on my website so you dont have to go there!! :)
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:47:13 +0000 UTCthank you for the feedback!! i love sims file share, im just more concerned with the experience you all have. so if youre okay, im okay
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:45:57 +0000 UTCthanks for the feedback, i prefer SFS too if you all are still ok with it. and it is possible to create links that automatically download, but for some reason they arent working anymore. on my patron only page, all of those links use to be one click downloads but now they arent working anymore - it takes u to sims file share. ill look into that
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:45:15 +0000 UTCok i love SFS. it being buggy doesnt impact me all that much, im more concerned with the experience you all have
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:44:08 +0000 UTCso weird! i didnt notice them today but apparently they have been there for awhile already?
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:43:41 +0000 UTCi know i was too. they were so great!! good to know thanks for the feedback :) also ive never understook ad.fly. when i first got into cc i looked into the return of using adfly cause it was so painful to use and i wondered what the benefit was. they literally make like 1/10th of a penny per click. i jsut dont get how its even worth it!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:43:08 +0000 UTCill look into it!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:40:37 +0000 UTCok good to know thanks!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 21:40:32 +0000 UTCI hardly have any trouble with SFS. Haven't noticed any adds but my maleware and antivirus blocks adds. Personally SFS is my favorite.
Shandra Beaver
2020-10-23 21:39:03 +0000 UTCSFS is great! I have an adblocker so I never get any ads.
Dakotah Reyes
2020-10-23 21:20:07 +0000 UTCI definitely remember them having ads before- I think they just stopped working for a while during all the server moves. They're still a lot less obtrusive/potentially-malicious than Mediafire or especially TSR's ads, so I don't mind them. (Besides, we all have ad blockers these days ;))
DC
2020-10-23 21:15:56 +0000 UTCUsually SFS is one of the best download options for me but there are others that are just as great but there is one, similar to the five second count-down one and I cannot remember the name. Like Heather said, as long as I am able to download your content, I am good with whatever is easiest for you to work with....all we do is just download. I am sure uploading can get kind of difficult sometimes. Thank you for all you do!
MsSimsin03
2020-10-23 21:01:26 +0000 UTCI always thought it strange that on the site there was a placeholder for ads but no actual ads. Perhaps they fixed that. In any case, as long as ads stay unobtrusive and not malicious, SFS seems the better choice for the moment. Also, it seems possible to create links that just automatically download, no need to visit site.
2020-10-23 20:37:55 +0000 UTCI prefer SFS but I'd understand if you left. As long as I have access to your content, I'm cool😁
Peru_queen
2020-10-23 20:28:47 +0000 UTCI'd deal with a few ads if easier for you to continue with. I just went there to download your newest set and no ads popped up.
Carla Bazhenow
2020-10-23 20:24:28 +0000 UTCSo sad to hear SFS is adding ads to the site. :( But honestly I would do whatever is easier for you! Your CC is so good. I'll be happy to deal with a few ads. Just thankful you don't use the really sketchy sites.
MissAmanda86
2020-10-23 20:09:40 +0000 UTCThere is simscloud, idk if you can sign up anymore or not though.
Marissa
2020-10-23 20:07:54 +0000 UTCI didn't even notice SFS had adds. I use an ad blocker so most of the time I don't see them. SFS is fine for me as well, especially since it is the best one for you to use.
2020-10-23 20:03:30 +0000 UTCI vote for Google Drive, I think it works well. SFS has been acting weird lately and the other day just didn't work at all.
2020-10-23 20:02:12 +0000 UTCI can totally understand. I was wondering what was happening to SFS cause it was running SO slow one morning while downloading CC. I personally don't mind using SFS cause I do see that it is easier to upload and keep old CC for basically forever (lol). In my vote, I don't mind using SFS but also whatever makes things easier for you to get your content out is top priority :) <3
AloofKat
2020-10-23 19:46:43 +0000 UTCPlease leave it. It has become terrible. I use Mediafire. I think it's a lot faster and more reliable. Google Drive is good as well.
Lynn
2020-10-23 19:44:55 +0000 UTCI hate the fact the SFS has been down more than its been up lately. I like the "we transfer" link used by Harrie, felixandre and a few others. No ads and a lot faster.
ImogeneOdessa
2020-10-23 19:28:00 +0000 UTCPersonally my life is full of ads. There is nothing I can click on these days without ads😅😅😅sfs is reliable(though buggy) and your content is amazing. I don't mind putting up with it. Do what makes things easiest for you. Especially with all of these patches coming you should be able to update easily without all the headache
Angel
2020-10-23 19:24:37 +0000 UTCHonestly I think sticking to SFS right now would be your best bet! Sometimes other websites have too many pop ups and want you to make an account, most people are used to sfs
2020-10-23 19:23:33 +0000 UTCHow about MEGA? (mega.nz) 50 GB for free accounts.
Anhaeyn
2020-10-23 19:17:14 +0000 UTCi will look into that thank you!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 19:16:41 +0000 UTCi have not! i will look into that!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 19:16:34 +0000 UTCHello, have you looked into WeTransfer?
K
2020-10-23 19:05:00 +0000 UTCI don't mind the ads since they do need a way to support their site and server but other options would be wetransfer. I've used them before and they do give you download counts. I believe some other cc creators use them since you can change the download background. My team’s website is hosted by Wix and they offer the ability to put the download on our pages but people were asking about donations, so we went with itch, which is free.
SimRealist
2020-10-23 19:01:53 +0000 UTCi know, thats the other issue. its just been down so much recently it sucks. which im like why are you adding ads when ur site is buggy! im pretty sure its hosting issues. which is maybe why they added the ads in order to pay for better hosting... that might be the only positive.
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 19:01:42 +0000 UTCok thats good to know. im pretty sure it started just today. im on sims file share just about everyday.
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 18:59:45 +0000 UTCi mean its not really an issue for me so much because i have access to all of the files on my computer. its just been slow and it keeps going down. im more concerned with your experience. with ad.fly and the ads on tsr and all other cc pages, i try not to be apart of that. ill never have ads on my site and loved that sfs didnt either
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 18:59:07 +0000 UTCObviously I do know that simfileshare has had lots of problems lately but I do think they’ve done a lot for the community so maybe it would just be best to have a second link or something?
2020-10-23 18:58:48 +0000 UTCin addition to the ads (which don't bother me, tbh) simfileshare is still really unreliable. I have an office subscription with microsoft and I get 1tb of storage with it. (5 family members use the sub, so it is worth it) dropbox is great if you can get the added storage by inviting a bunch of people. sims-cloud.com has a max storage of 2gb but is free. you have to sign up with non-hotmail type addresses. mega.nz? has 50gb i believe.
2020-10-23 18:58:26 +0000 UTCI don’t really have an opinion, personally I’m ok with most hosting sites as long as I don’t have to go through adfly. One note I did have is that I thought simfileshare had always had ads?? I was under the impression that that’s how it’s funded.
2020-10-23 18:57:28 +0000 UTCoh well i hope you join my discord or something to stay in touch!! ill miss hearing from you! and your perspective is still valued and appreciated cause all my website links also go to simsfileshare!
RAVASHEEN
2020-10-23 18:55:42 +0000 UTCPersonally, I have SFS white listed. They provide so much for us that I don’t mind. That being said, I’m completely unaware of any other issues people have with them so I could see where that may be the final straw if there is a history.
Rudy Huxtable
2020-10-23 18:55:07 +0000 UTCI don't mind the ads on SFS because they aren't in your face. I will have to see but I don't know when they started and clearly haven't even noticed. I would say stick to it. I know it's the one I trust the most when choosing where to download CC.
2020-10-23 18:55:01 +0000 UTCPersonally, I could deal with the ads on SFS. But sadly I won't be a patreon next month due to personal budget cuts :( but for the time being I'm fine with SFS.
whatavibe
2020-10-23 18:54:21 +0000 UTC