My Position
Hello Everyone,
I actually wanted to create a post today showing how I created an Azulejos wall for next month, I shared the WIP on insta last week, but It does'nt feel right just yet as the past days have been rather difficult.
I dont want this to come across as some kind of angry rant. The past days have been draining, and this is a culmination of thoughts.
A lot of misinformation and disinformation was spread about my stances regarding doxxing and tracking patrons, once and for all, I stand by my statement from Tuesday. I feel silly explaining where that comes from but let me tell you my point of the story:
Imagine you just posted a statement to reassure your patrons and community, there comes a person commenting with false allegations wanting a personal confirmation of what you just stated is genuine. I am wondering if your responds would have been welcoming and friendly or if you would have felt maybe slightly provoked or even insulted and how your reaction would have been like. I for myself was frustrated reading something like that, hence my reaction to that person ( who by the way was'nt a patron of mine). Now immediatly the person creates a tumblr post with a screenshot of only her innocent question ( without my statement post attached, some might call it misleading) and my answer, slandering against me how rude I am and that I am a close collaborator with one of the alleged creators in question. Let me tell you and I think you know, the only person I ever worked together with was HeyHarrie, so that accusation was purely made up to drive said persons agenda. The post and it's comments were rather uncomfortable to read and it saddens me how people dont question the integrity and ethics of someone who does something like that, let's just call it what it is, it's defamation, it's bullying, it's toxic behavior, it's not friendliness or innocence.
But the story does'nt end here, now another person trys to find evidence that I am involved in the drama and shows a screenshot of a conversation that talks about a screenshot of a conversation that apparently involved my name, that has yet to be found/ presented and again it saddens me to see how easily people think that there is evidence when there is non, it's all speculative. What is with the stance innocent until proven guilty, what happened to critical thinking.
Next the narrative of the personalized links and Wetransfer. I host my items on Wetransfer, it's a payed service that is reliable, it's never down and most important it makes it easy for you to download content and has no advertisment, used in many different industries and areas. You can't track people via wetransfer, I have 2 million downloads of my cc and not from a single person have I seen where they downloaded my content from, and to say it bluntly, I also don't care! I create two links each month, one for the unmerged and one for the merged package. I attach one of these links to the 20$ post which hosts all the links of my back catalog, everyone with that tier downloads my content from there. I send the merged and unmerged link to the 5$ tier to around 4000 people in the beginning of a month. It's a batch message that contains the new content, these are not personilzed links. I don't attach links to a post because not everyone wants the current month some patrons want a set from my back catalog. It's frustrating to see the misinformation spread about this, mostly from people who don't have patreon, who don't use wetransfer and who are'nt cc creators.
I knew from the beginning as soon as I publish cc there will always be people taking my content and sharing it elsewhere. I decided for myself that I need to focus on the people who are willing to support me rather then on the ones who have no interest in supporting. I was lucky that my patreon grew the way it grew even though my content had been shared on downwithpatreon and whatnot forever. It didnt hinder my growth, so why doing anything against it in the first place?! I create 25 to 30 objects each month, believe me I am busy enough with that :D.
Paywalls: I have the slight feeling im getting dragged into the latest drama because of this controversial subject. Ea has been vague about the monetization of custom content, we have the EULA, and we have two posts from former SimguruDrake that since their creation have heated up discussions in this community. I do know of the forum post that states that mods have to be shared with the public after a period of 2-3 weeks ( thats alerady not really precise, but in favour of the cc creator lets say 21 days) However, there has also been a conversation with SimguruDrake and a member of this community that states that if the item is not made from EA content you can do with it as you wish. These are two contradicting messages. Until EA gives us finally the clearity that we all probably need, part of my creations will stay exclusive as I create my content from scratch, meshes, high/low poly, texture bakes, material textures, colours and so on and it is solely up to EA to enforce it, but until now they havent done so. The whole topic is up for speculation and that is my view of it, as custom content creator. However I do understand that some people can't efford my cc, therefore I am creating the Collaborations with HeyHarrie, which are normally bigger sets on early access, 'Shop the Look' is going to be on Early access too and I will continue sharing content from my back catalog, by the way so far there are 600+ items already available either here on patreon or on houseofharlix.com.
As mentioned before, the bullying, the defamation and the slander of the past days haven't been really enjoyable and I wish the whole discussion of leaking patrons personal information would have stayed on topic. If you dont agree with someone dont try to drag them into something. And for the people who do enjoy my free cc but truely dislike me as a person, grow some backbone and take my content out your game, its strange when I see you using my cc but insulting me at the same time.
I will most likely not comment, I think you have seen my point of view by now. I am not open for further speculation.
Thank you for time and support, I'm looking forward to getting back to a normal state of mind.
Felix xxx
Comments (59)
Felixandre , todo es maravilloso , gracias por hacerme feliz .
That's so sad to hear i'm really sorry that you needed to go through all that
Welcome to my world felixandre :) People are rude unfortunately but just ignore and don't pay attention
This is such a beautiful community with beautiful and talented people. There are always going to be a few sour grapes in the bunch...When I eat grapes and get a sour one...I spit it in the garbage. Just saying! Felix...you are very reputable and wonderful. You have always answered any questions I have ever had and your content is top notch! To pay for it is something I am so happy to do because you work so hard at it!! Please do not let this get to you...us that appreciate you will not let people like that change anything!!!
Well Said, And I have been currently trying my best to sick up for the creators on this so called list! But they keep adding people to it when there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever! It brings me to rant and go on when I probably shouldn't , but I feel like this is bullying just as much as the private info they are talking about someone gave away! I hope that people understand your words and it gets better for you, none of the creators deserve this level of toxic behavior! Stay Strong!
I have no idea how any of this doxxing business even started, but I use Mac computers so it automatically-blocks all tracking and cookies, etc. Whatever people are experiencing or running into I hope it works out. As for the Patreon pages I subscribe to I'm just gonna continue as in and enjoying all the splendiferous content every one of you geniuses be making! <3
I've just become a new patron of both Felixandre and Harrie. I absolutely LOVE and ADORE your work. You have a gift! Just know that there many people that truly appreciate your hard work and will pay for the joy of using your CCs. Thank you for making the Sims 4 much better!
I have been observing the issues of the last few weeks. And to be honest I believe the whole thing is bourn out of Jealousy that some CC Creators are more popular / make more money then others. Which of course is just plain nastiness. And the other issue is that in the world we live in today people think they have the right to copy / share anything and not pay for it. I love your work and think that it is well worth the small amount that you ask here on patreon. I wish there was some magic wand that I could wave and take away all those haters who are abusing innocent and well respected creators like yourself and HeyHarrie. Please do not let them bring you down. Your work is a massive part of my sims building fun. Your work is unique, especially all the architecture items columns, arches, facias of which the game lacks.
agreed!
I'm sorry you've been accused of doxxing with no evidence - that doesn't sit right with me at all. Something that started with good intentions (keeping people safe) is starting to feel a little like a witch hunt. :/ Not gonna lie: I don't love that you paywall some of your CC but I do appreciate that you put a lot of work into it and it is very high quality. At the end of the day, how you distribute your work is your choice. I could be wrong, but I kind of feel making your CC early access would get just as much support as paywalling it permanently. Maybe not. I don't know. Again, though, it is your choice. Ugh - I do feel like I'm sitting on the fence here - I just don't want anyone (creators or downloaders) getting hurt.
I was sorry to hear about what you are going through. That whole "guilty until proven innocent" has been really rearing it's head in the past few years. It is sad when anyone has to deal with false accusations. I hope you are able to ignore the nay-sayers. I've been using your content for a long time and aside from a couple of footprint issues with older columns, I've never had the slightest problem. I can get your content for free, but I choose to support you, and will continue to do so. I actually like that you stay above trying to control who is sharing your content, and, that you make very good cc! Keep you head up, and remember, you still have plenty of good people in your corner. All the Best! :)
Felix, i have your composite package, i will always continue to support you! You are one of my favourite ever creators and I hate that you’re even having to comment on any of this! When i heard the awful things that were happening i never once doubted that i was safe with you, Keep being you and keep doing what you love 💚
I'm sorry that you're going through this. You are a talented CC creator and I love your collabs with Harrie. I also appreciate that instead of just posting here on your Patreon, you take the time to send emails out. Unfortunately, there will always be those few that have to tear people down so that they can feel good about themselves or get the attention they seem so desperate for. They can't create so they try to destroy. Just know that we are standing with you.
you all have my support your creations are excellent I have been following you for several years and I will continue to support you thank you FELIXANDRE sorry for my English
I've supported you for a long time. You and Harry's work was very cool I'm always looking forward to what kind of CC will be uploaded every month. I don't want you to be hurt by their noise. All I can do is cheer for you in the comments here, but I believe in you :) Cheer up!
Well said! some people thrive on drama and creating misery for others. It's a game that is meant to bring fun. Everyone who supports you knows the truth! xxx
pour ma part je n'ai rien à vous reprocher je suis satisfaite d'être l'un de vos contributeurs et j'apprécie votre sérieux et la qualité de votre travail gardez bon moral et continuez pour vous et pour nous
You put a lot of work into what you create, I don't think you should ever feel bad and self-questioning for asking that people support you to continue putting hours upon hours for making this stuff. We need to support artists in general.
I have no ears to hear gossip, idle or not, some people are just not worth the effort yet you find yourself having to defend self as it affects ts your reputation. I will continue to support yourself and Harrie and leave the few idiots to themselves. They have nothing better to do. Your work individually and jointly is outstanding. Onwards and upwards I say.
That sounds absolutely horrible. I've always been rather wary of paying for CC, but when I saw yours I knew I wanted to. The quality of your work is incredible and I don't regret my decision to pay you. You seem like a very respectable person and I'm very happy with the CC that you've made. People who speak such words aren't satisfied in life, it's not your job to give them that satisfaction either. Learned that in retail the hard way. Whatever the Sims will decide, I'm sure you will know what to do by then. :) And you have a great community that won't let you down just like that.
You are incredible, you're creations are perfection and I look forward to your content all month! I'm so sorry that anyone made you feel otherwise or any less then you are. You are the best (i'm sorry everyone else I follow) and my favorite cc creator. <3 sending love and good vibes to you <3
I love you and Harrie's work, you are both beyond fabulous! Your work make's building in the sims a joy rather than mostly a struggle for me. Super appreciative of all of your work and super happy to support your content on patreon. Jealousy is toxic and unfortunate, don't let it get to you, because you have a community that supports your work and loves it truly
have been your patreon since march 2019. I haven't played sims for months now but still have the membership just to show you appreciation. you have my absolute trust, your cc quality proves you don't even have time for all this drama. hopefully people will gain their senses back soon!
Just want to say I super appreciate you xx
I 100% support you and feel so bad for all my fav content creators who have been bullied, harassed and canceled over some allegations online. This community can be very toxic and you and Harrie don't deserve to go through this. The people who started this mess knew what they were doing and now everybody is jumping to conclusions. It's also so stupid that people are out there spreading fakes news and lies about trackers as if content creators are all working for the NSA or something! You can tell who actually knows what they're talking about and who doesn't. Ignorance and entitlement are truly bliss in this community... Stay strong you two! <3
It is your work - your time and effort - your choice. Hugs! 🌺☺️🌺
My personal stance is that if creators want to charge for their CC they have every right to do so. As an x developer of custom content for other 3D games I get why people charge for their CC. It takes work to create content and creators deserve to be paid for their work. I really don't get why there is drama surrounding paid CC. It seems to me that some people feel entitled to have CC because the CC was created to be used in game. Just because something was created to enhance The Sims gaming experience does not mean that everyone who plays the sims and who downloads custom content is entitled to it. It would be a completely different story if a CC creator collaborated with EA to make content that is specifically licensed to EA for The Sims.
Period!!!
I don't think it is fair for CC that is made from scratch to be considered an "EA" item because it is not. Now if something is a derivative of an EA item, then that makes the CC an EA item too.
ugh, i’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with this bullying! i find your communication and policies regarding your cc to be clear and fair, and i fully support you. AND your cc (and Harrie’s) is the absolute highest quality there is. I’m proud to be your Patron. 💖
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Take some time for yourself and get your mind back in the right frame. I'm sure all your fans will understand. You cannot create wonderful things if you aren't feeling your best. Hang in there and I hope things work out in your favor.
Sorry you have to go through that, Felix. Whatever this nonsense is, it's mirroring the wider scandals in the media, and that just sux.
There are people like this all over the Internet for different reasons. I'm sure none of them are good reasons. I think personally, the good, honest, talented Creators such as yourself, along with the good honest purchasers of such talented work need to stand up to those who look to bring it all down, and NOT LET THEM WIN. In other words, continue to create, & purchase & use such content for the good people who purchase & use it and appreciate it. They don't share, but purchase, use, and play the game with it accordingly. There has to be a way to shut out these toxic people without them affecting the rest of the honest Creators & users. Such a shame what is happening.
Hi Felix, Sorry to hear this is happening to you. Don't let the haters get you down. I'm happy to pay you for your work just as I am to pay EA for their work. Your (and HeyHarrie's) work is far superior to EA's so keep it up.
I've also been attacked online for something I said, it was retweeted to draw more attention to it, etc. I'm so sorry you are dealing with any of this crap. Just keep on keeping on and ignore the idiots. It's the only way.
You do not deserve the type of treatment you have received. I will continue to support you as you and HeyHarrie have only always created the best cc out there!
The EA terms of use it says that user-created content is still the property of EA because .package and the script files are theirs. It's under the User-Created Content bit of it. So therefore (forgive me if I'm wrong, I have Autism and things like this are a bit overwhelming and confusing for me) if EA are claiming to own the file types it would mean that the script and .package files would belong to them even if User-Created. This would mean that anyone using these file types to produce content would be subject to the EA TOU around paywalls. I think it's a bit hypocritical coming from EA as they are the kings of the paywall but it's like all businesses, one rule for them and another for everyone else. I'd take a look at the TOU, as everyone can interpret them differently because legal speak doesn't really make much sence. My concern is that now that a spotlight is being shone on the cc community, EA are inevitably going to get involved and I worry that they'll do a similar thing to the whole "pack" and "kit" thing a few months ago where the legal letters were sent to creators. It might just be worth as a creator sending them an email and asking them what their view of the paywall thing is so that if there is an issue it can be sorted before they start throwing their weight around and sending letters to creators. I hope that you're ok, I can imagine how stressful this must be for you as a creator Edit: Another benefit to asking EA is that if they say how your Patreon currently works is fine then at least you have the choice to show EA's email to anyone if they question you and you'd have a clear answer which could stop you worrying about whether what you're doing is right or wrong 😊
If .package and the script files are proprietary to EA, then yes CC using .package and the script files belong to EA, but not the original mesh if it is created from scratch and not derived from any EA item. So I guess if that is true the only way CC creators would be able to get around it is to sell the mesh itself and have people convert them to .package files if they want to use it in the game
I support the artists that I do BECAUSE they are treated as if they owe us their unpaid labor. You will always have my support Felix (as will Harrie) because I value both your time and your creative energy. Also, I can afford it so if this lifts the burden on you and on those who can't and allows you to continue to create amazing cc, I don't mind at all.
It is very sad to see that so many people enjoy bullying others. If they disagree with the process, they don't have to use your content. Nobody is force to subscribe. They obviously have a lot of time waste. Thank you so much for your work!
Cancel culture is extremely toxic and majority of people just start dragging in innocent creators without researching facts first, which is absurd on its own. I've been using your CC and never had any issues with downloading your content from Wetransfer as I know its one of the securest file sharing platforms. Majority of people will say hiding your content behind a paywall is "illegal", but as you mentioned in your post there are no definitive rules when it comes to original custom content. Harrie has been on EA creator's list and have done few collaborations with TS4 and they had no issues with her releasing her content the same way Felix does! That just proves your point, whatever these other creators are doing is on their own consciousness. I truly believe and know, you and Harrie value your patrons and work on delivering everything in a timely manner and provide us with professional and beautiful content for a fair price. Even TS4 kits can't match your content, there I said it. You do you and we will always be here to support you and your wonderful work!
I saw the negative post about you being a part of that whole situation and it really saddened me. Then it pissed me off and I had to unfollow some people on Instagram and Twitter. I can't tolerate people's spreading malicious gossip. The Sims is something that brings me joy and not DRAMA. Your content makes my game so much better and I appreciate all the hard work you put into the things that you make. Don't ever let this toxic community bring you down bring you down keep doing what you're doing. We love you.
FWIW, I commented on your original post, thanking you for addressing this issue and for letting people know that subscribing to buy CC won't put them at risk and the unacceptable behavior is coming from a few problematic creators who don't reflect the community's standards. I thought your comments showed good character because you aren't involved in the situation and you didn't have to say anything about it. Your comments were only directed at informing and protecting people from the bad behavior. Literally, right after I hit "post" the screen refreshed and a belligerent commenter had added a bunch of off-topic accusations. It was very weird and unpleasant.
Tbh that you felt the need to comment on this topic again, saddens me. All your cc is your creation and no one has the right to decide for you what you do with it! Why should your hard work not being payed for. We literally pay EA/maxis more many for less qualitative creations. And if someone can't afford it, there's as you said the house of harlix or other creators and other free cc instead. I am very grateful for what you and Harrie do for the community. As long as I can afford, I will support you even if my PC ain't happy about the amount of mods/cc I own. I just love your creations and the diversity it brings to the game. Please don't let all this drama drag you down. There's many like me supporting you anyways. We trust you!
I got attacked relentlessly too on sm for raising some of the issues you raise here, simply trying to clarify or gain nuance. There is a great deal of ignorance in the community about cc, how its made, how Patreon works, and more. Its a shame that education/discussion can' t be attempted because the tone is so aggressive. We as a community need to do better. I am a fan of your work (as well as many other creators) and I firmly believe artists should be paid for their work. You have always been totally polite in any communications with me. I would hope that some YouTube Game Changers will do some education in the community about some of these issues so there is more understanding.
I love yours and Harries cc, and I also love seeing your updates on instagram, and the the videos going through what’s you’ve created. You’re both so genuine, welcoming and love your enthusiasm. The culprits of this uproar should be ashamed of themselves, and you will win though, in time people if not already will see what they really are. I hope this clears soon, take care, And I look forward to your future creations
Some people are just dumbasses 🙂 Don’t let them get to you! Keep being great and knowing the value of your work! 🤗🍉🌷
I hope don't let this drama get you down too much. Your CC is my favorite 💖
I understand the whole issue of CC creation better now than I did a few months ago. I think your content is wonderful, and as long as I can continue to support your patreon I will, because it's of superior quality, and because you deserve it. You have always been a gentleman, educated and a being of light, who does not deserve these scandals. You have my absolute support. A hug! 💖
I remember seeing your first post a couple of days ago and was confused, so I didn't look into it further. It wasn't until I looked through my Tumblr feed yesterday that your previous post made sense. I don't understand why you and Harrie got roped into all this drama; you both seem to keep to yourselves and create beautiful pieces for us to use in our games. I do not mind paying for cc from either of you, in fact, you and Harrie are the only creators I pay for content. You are both clearly very talented and I do not see anything wrong with having exclusive content for your patrons. Especially since you create your own meshes!
LOVE your work, just joined your Patreon. Thank you for your amazing designs.
I'm so sorry that you are having to defend yourself to such lengths. Your work speaks for itself. It all started by outing one creator who was stealing meshes & passing them off as her own & now I feel as if its people who are not willing to support creators & just want them creators to be free. It has all got out of hand. Any true fan/supporter knows where they stand with You & will continue to support you. so try your best to ignore the bad things people are making up as no matter what you say or do there will always be people out there that will twist it. Try to focus on doing what you was doing before all this mess started ❤️
You have my support. These people feed of drama and “cancelling” people… embarrassing really. Best wishes and I appreciate the amount of work you put into original cc and it’s well worth the small monthly fee. X
I imagine it was hard to you to write this post, but thank you, I wanted to know your point of view. I stand by you. In my eyes, your work is on another level and I am here for it. You are too, Felix, so stop feeling bad because of people who does not understand and appreciate the value of art and work. Chin up and chear up, dear man, Grove is waiting for all of us! And maybe some new pinkish curtains? :D :D :D
I feel sorry for you. Please stay strong and focus on you work. I give all my support!
Hello, this post is for the purpose of giving some comfort, and support, to you and Harrie. I sincerely hope that this affair has not harmed you, and that you can find some peace! Stay strong, both of you, and as we say in France, after the rain comes the good weather! I hope my message is understandable, English is not my language, I am French! Strength and courage to you both!
It is terrifying to see that people adhere a thousand times more easily to lies than to the truth. I hope this controversy will end soon and that people (surely jealous of your work) will find a better occupation. All my support! 💚
Felix, i think you are a good person. You give us so much jou for the game an I support you for al the work you do. Sad to hear that there are people who like to cyberbully other people. Keep up the good work and enjoy the people who love your work 👍🏼😊👍🏼
I think your explanation was great ! Just ignore those people and let the drama die out, they are jealous of you. Keep doing what makes you happy