The Old New Babbage

[Rip Wirefly]

I’m not here to harp or complain, or anything of that sort, just bring something to everyone’s attention. Last night Greg Merryman led me into the beta grid and I was shown something quite amazing. New Babbage Square and Palisades, from around one year ago. The land was the same, as was the layout, but the builds were quite different then what is in babbage today.

The first thing that hit me when I teleported in, dirt, the place was far from clean, as an industrial place should be. I looked about, a few of the builds that are still here today were there as well, the Mason Horta hotel, the steam works, city hall, the Paleozoic Museum, though it was far larger than it is today. What struck me was not that those structures still exist today, but the ones around them that are not. So much industry, smoke was seen across the skyline, as should be in an industrial city. As well, the builds, they were not all the most detailed or well built, but what they all had going for them was that they all fit together. Builds did not look like they were different from the one next door, they went together, they fit. It did not look like a bunch of puzzle pieces from different puzzles thrown together. The stores were gritty, the atmosphere just felt like the air was dirty, the city appeared as if it was covered in a layer of dirt, and I loved it.

I am still relativly new here, in my opinion. When I came to babbage it was a completely different monster, the place was clean. Houses were everywhere, though there are no problems with homes in a city, but as well there were so many stores, and each one was pristine. The few factories remaining looked as if they were not in order. It was a different babbage then what I saw it had been. I think somewhere people stopped focusing on the concept of babbage and more on the commercial part of it. I am not saying we ban stores, and cafes, and houses, and bars, but instead attempt to try to recapture the essence of babbae. Learn what your sim’s purpose was, talk to the residents who have been around longer, and find out what babbage is really about. I have been chatting with some older residence as of late, and have been learning much more about what babbage is about.

There is a reason industria is in our motto.

[Mara Razor]

What??? Rivet Town is entirely pre-built. Nobody does their own builds there and it's enforced RP.

[Edward Pearse, Duke of Argylle]

Which is why all the builds are in "theme". It's got its grimy streets and buildings that are crooked and it all blends together because it's all been built by the same person.

Various people on this thread have suggested that the "coherency" of build or grime are the reasons people moved to Babbage. That doesn't make it true. Everyone has there own reasons for moving here.

I know for some time I despaired at the buildings in Babbage because every second building was using the same dark brown brick textures with the green metalwork (I'm sure you'll recognise the texture). Couldn't get more cookie cutter if you tried.

But the comparisons to Caledon are moot. There are sections of Caledon that fit together nicely, there are other parts where they don't. Hardly unexpected with 45 sims. New Babbage has 6. I thought they work together nicely but even here some people disagree.

As Doctor O has already said, it's all subjective.

[Ghilayne Andrew]

Various people on this thread have suggested that the "coherency" of build or grime are the reasons people moved to Babbage. That doesn't make it true. Everyone has there own reasons for moving here.

::laughs merrily:: The "coherency of build or grime" has utterly nothing to do with why I moved to New Babbage, if anything, I find it undesirable but respect wholeheartedly that if somebody wishes to live in a coal pile, that's perfectly fine with me as long as I am not expected to live there with them. For one thing, my maid would give immediate notice (and who could blame her?).

No, what defines the character of New Babbage for me are the friends I've made here... the events and activities people take the time to plan and run... the general decency, kindness and helpfulness nearly everybody exhibits towards everyone else. Even here on the message board, the nips and growls are nothing compared to the rough and tumble of other places. I like being able to take a walk from my house, and probably before getting to CeeJay's coffee house, meeting someone to talk to and interact with. When I'm standing in the front yard muttering imagry as improbable as it is lively about the grass textures I'm working on -- someone always stops by to say hello. I love that there are places to go and DO things. I love that New Babbage is a community of people, not merely a collection of very dirty but well-built structures. ::smiles::

The Aether Salon presentation that Red gave on Sunday is an excellent example of community, socializing and people just plain enjoying each other. The dances that Breezy holds every month are another. Dr. Dayafter's fencing center and pub are a favorite place for many people. These are the aspects of New Babbage that most appeal to me and why I pay tier.

[Edward Pearse, Duke of Argylle]

Actually I think you're one of the few people who look at New Babbage from the shiny end. It's quiet up here, but the company is nice.

[Softpaw]

Shiny is....shiny *tugs on her browncoat*

[ZenRascal Mandelbrot]

You express yourself well, Miss Andrew. The people here, the citizenry, and the activities in town that bring everyone alive are a huge part of what Babbage is now. And these "intangibles," this human component of the community, is something that's apparently changed from Babbage's early beginning (or so I gather from what I'm learning from the posts of those who know, the oldtimers).

My own sense of the draw that pulls me strongly to NB is more like 50/50, about half being the social side that you write about so well, and half being more a matter of the "look & feel" of the parts of town that most capture my imagination (this latter being very subjective, i.e. my own likes & dislikes regarding urban, industrial, grimy, working-class, etc. etc.).

[Moses Mureaux]

Indeed Ms. Andrew, I settled in New Babbage because it was the first place where the residents actually talked to me for no other reason than to talk. I'd toured many, many, many sims looking for a home, but the people of New Babbage were the ones who showed me a community I could be a part of and contribute to.

The theme is nice, but trying to impose it too aggressively would ruin New Babbage, in my opinion. I'm glad that there is a sense of balance and fairness in the discussions of the Covenant, and even the Building Guide (which is admittedly a series of suggestions). Instead of being, "This is what we want your build to be like.", we seems to have, "This is the ball park you should be in." I like that.

That kind of thinking will support and nurture New Babbage as it continues to change and grow. When the winds of change blow, that which is rigid will break, while that which is supple will hold true.

[DreddPirateBob]

bravo! wise words sir!

[Mara Razor]

It's also why it's boring as all get out as far as the builds.

[DreddPirateBob]

FLAMEWARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

:D

[Eggberta Echegaray]

@_@ *puts hands over eyes* someone tell me when it's over :P

[Mr. Tenk]

turn off the monitor, Eggy. you don't have to look.