Our Mini Earth

[ExiL3 10]

cute

[jcabassa 20]

Dude, this is the coolest idea ever! I love it. Can you make a mini Miami and a mini NYC?

[Vandy 110]

Hello, All.

Before you settle into your comfortable chair, you might want to get yourself a cup of coffee and a snack.  THEN, settle into that nice comfortable chair and starting reading this lengthy reply.

[iNTERPRETING COMMENTS MODE ON]

The comments I am making in this reply should be viewed and interpreted as coming from the following three areas:

1)  My personal opinions

2) As a proud member of the New Horizons Productions team

3) As a Moderator on the SimTropolis Staff

[iNTERPRETING COMMENTS MODE OFF]

[PRAISE MODE ON]

HabLeUrG, I have been following the production of your mini Earth map in our threads as well as I have been following the progress in this City Journal.

You are doing a fine job, my friend, and having fun doing it.  I very much like what I have seen and am looking forward to your continued development of this great region.  It will be very interesting to view how you end up developing and populating Spaceship Earth.

[PRAISE MODE OFF]

[MILD ADMONISHING MODE ON]

    [GENERAL COMMENTS MODE ON]

Comment #01

As is the case in any on-line posting environment, general rules of posting netiquette should be followed.  One of those rules is also a very good maxim to live by:

"If all you have to say about something is bad or negative criticism then it is better not to say anything at all."

Comment(s) #02

Comments such as the following examples could be better worded so as to become constructive criticism that helps the CJ author rather than tearing down his self esteem and sense of worth:

"I doubt that this won't work or be great."

Rather than stressing the negative, why not try a constructive comment such as this example:

I'm not sure how this concept will work out, however; I certainly will be interested in seeing the results.

"I have seen this kind of CJ's before. And bad results."

Again, the negative should not be stressed.  Rather:

This type of CJ has been done by others and their results were promising.  I will be very interested in seeing how your development is done.

"nice map of the world good luck with competition when collgab makes his world map debut"

A CJ shouldn't be about competition.  Rather, it should be the author's way of sharing their development skills with other members and showcase the various views of the region they are developing.

"First decent update and as I thought, collection of American skyscrapers. San Diego is only few towers in your mini-earth. Why didn't you make it larger? Too much nature, SD could have been larger.

Sorry if I say negative things, but this is "consturctive criticism. "

Constructive criticism is never negative.  Constructive criticism objectively offers an evaluation of something as well as offers ways to make it better.  The above comment isn't necessarily "bad" or "wrong" but could be wording in a much more constructive manner.

"I like it...especially the underwater effects in the carribbean. I think the Amazon jungle could use more trees though...it's pretty thick"

This is a good example of constructive criticism.  A comment on something the writer liked followed by something he felt could be done better and how it be done better.

"WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT GROUND HIGHWAY OVERPASS/INTERCHANGE????"

There really isn't any need to "shout" when posting a reply.  That is considered bad netiquette.  Specific questions for a CJ author could also be PMed to the author.

"Amazing work. The only this I suggest is when you do cities.. Try to smooth out the roads as best as the terrain will allow you"

Another very good example of constructive critisicm.

"Sorry but Lisbon just sucks,its looks everything except Lisbon,you have got some Lisbon's Bats in the STEX But the rest it's great"

I can possibly understand why the poster made this comment given the "Go Portugal!" signature.  Nonetheless, there is no call for using such negative language.  Please refrain from such strong tones in the future.

"I'm Portuguese and I don't see Lisbon like that. of course it would be easier to me, 'cause I live near it  so I perfectly understand the difficulty of doing this.

heres a few suggestions to make it better:

on the east side put the historical buildings with a plaza facing the river

on the west side beautiful modern offices and a another bridge.

on the suburbs and south side put heavy residential buildings.

industry in the eastern south side.

in the south side next to the bridge you got, put the statue of Christ if you got it. (its just like the one in Rio de Janeiro)

a large soccer stadium would be great. although there are 2 large stadiums in Lisbon 

keep up the great job! I'm enjoying the concept a lot! "

Now THIS post is an absolutely FANTASTIC example of constructive criticism at its best.  The poster stated the reasons Lisbon wasn't liked and then gave concrete examples of how to make it better.  Wonderful post!

        STRONGER ADMONISHING MODE ON

Comment #03

There are too many posts the occured to list them all in this section, however; I will attempt to post some of the worst ones:

"You should do a big rewamp of Europe in my opinion because as of now it looks extremely noobish as if it was made by a 10 year old schoolkid."

"Bad Europe, bad. "

"Go after Google Earth and some atlases instead so these mistakes don't get repeated, that kind of mistakes ruin the whole CJ in some people's opinion (like me). "

"I'm not saying his work is noobish, i'm saying his work in Europe looks noobish and crappy because of the many inaccuracies. Yes I could do it far better when it comes to Europe as i'm somewhat of an expert on geography (especially in Europe, but not natural geography) and my great interests are history and geography, national economics and similar subjects, i'm playing realistic grand strategy games since several years for around 5-6 hours a day on average, i'm also fascinated by maps, population and cities.... And when I do this kind of project's I usually look at the most accurate maps and sources I can find and go after it. I know exactly what i'm talking about when it comes to these subjects. I also believe many of the inaccuracies may be because of the original creator of the map."

I offer the above post in its entirety as it is completely inappropriate and a very good example of what SHOULD NOT be posted in a City Journal.  A poster should never "go off" on someone else nor should a poster ever make himself out to be somebody better than the author of the CJ.  This is egotistical and very debasing to the person who is spending so much of their free time to share something wonderful with us all.  Finally, I am absolutely furious about the comment in the last sentence.  There is NO NEED nor is it ever acceptable to make such as direct "slam" against an author of a CJ.  In other words, to suggest that the author is to blame for all inaccuracies (real or perceived) in a map that could never be to scale but is a mapping representation of a bigger whole is not only wrong but presents a very condescending attitude.

"you being "somewhat of an expert"" of geography should maybe check your facts before bashing someone's work."

"You don't complain, because you just happen to be in the same bat group with Hable. But as long North America is good and nicely done, everything is!"

"Can someone please ban krio? Like hes got nothing positive to say in chat or the forums. I would most love to see a work done by krio, but because of how he treats everyone, it will be the most flamed peice of work on ST."

I offer the above collection of posts to point out that this one of the reasons flame wars are started.  This type of posting has NO PLACE in a City Journal and needs to stop NOW.

        [sTRONGER ADMONISHING MODE OFF]

    [GENERAL COMMENTS MODE OFF]

[MILD ADMONITION MODE OFF]

[MODERATOR MODE ON

This City Journal has all the makings of becoming a classic and a CJ that will live on to entertain and delight its readers.

Offering the author positive comments and constructive criticism will end up allowing the author to develop a better region and guide him in adding the material and city places as he can fit them on his map.

Negative comments do nothing to help or guide this CJ.  I will continue to watch the progress of this City Journal and will be monitoring the comments made.

[MODERATOR MODE OFF]

Regards,

Vandy

SimTropolis Member

Proud Member of NHP

SimTropolis Moderator

[vab423 8]

Also...u forgot the gaint mormon Temple by the downtown of San Diego....quote>

HabLeUrG, don't listen to this guy; he's obviously geographically challenged (the Mormon Temple is roughly 25 miles north of downtown San Diego).  And while San Diego has many more high-rises than you have, as a native San Diegan I think you did a great job in creating the area downtown along the east half of the San Diego Bay.

HabLeUrG, you are doing a FANTASTIC job handling the critics and negative comments and I hope everyone can follow your example.  Can't wait to see where we're going next.

[2ch.net simplayer 180]

And also note that most of the negative stuff is from newbies. Let's show newcomers the proper way of Simtropolis :^P

[football_fever 6]

That is a problem with having members from every place in the world.

If someone starts a CJ of any one city, people from that city always say things are out of place or buildings are missing. I've seen it in every recreation of LA, Chicago or New York. Only people that are really great or really foolish will try London or Paris. Just imagine creating every city in the world. Like beskhu has stated, he's doing the world on a map essentially the size of Fiji. It's impossible to get it 100% accurate. Some cities have to be left out. Especially when Europe fits on a large city tile, and half of it is filled with the Alps.

I'm not upset that my city will be left out, and neither should you. Just chill, and enjoy his hard work

[jacqulina 162]

looking out for more my friend you are doing so well

[homeandaway 1]

Bring on the next update my friend!.

Looking forwards to see how you set things up!.

~Alex~

[Archangel9 28]

Sorry Vandy, ill watch what i post...I have no regrets for anything I have said though. If you dont understand why I said what I said, I would be most hapy to explain? Because the "flame wars" werent started by my post.

But anyways, back ON TOPIC (fever lol) uhh....oh there wasnt an update Ah well lessjust pretend there was.

Ooooh Aaaah, great work as usual. How about I take this time to say how much I love Cairo, how you did it.

Love archy9

[HabLeUrG 32]

Kippis05: Thank you, here you go mini europe, enjoy!

jacqulina: Here you go, enoy!

Cjah: I dont have enough space for make every city in Europe, im doing it by city famous or important landmarks or almost i found at STEX, but not by population, hope you like this pictures, enjoy!

frogface: Thank you alot!

2ch.net simplayer: Wow, thanks!! yeah i use to make first the idean then progress...

GreekMan: Of course Mini Moscow will be soon for you! thanks for comment!

kibblewitbit: I did it for this update, take a look almost at the end of the images and youll see a swiss city, but im not going to tell you what city is enjoy the pictures!

beskhu3epnm: wow, yeah youre right about the space, but is not the only problem, many other problems like forgive buildings, or cities, of courseI will recreate a mini size of blind river in Canada...

Caddielook: Thank you alot for the suggestion, I will make a remake of lisbon following those suggestions and thank you alot that you like this!

kibblewitbit: I did it, enjoy!

spa: Thank you alot! enjoy the pictures of mini europe

skyliner22: here you go mini europe!!! enjoy about that you saying youre right is hard to make those cities, I think ill have problems with Tokyo and Osaka for lack of space, maybe take some ocean space like japanese do, hehe

football_fever: Yeah and for Chicago too, also Texas combinating Dallas, Austion, Houston and San Antonio, soon will be a Mini USA!!

Samilou: Take a look closely to my maps in coparision with google earth and youll see the difference I cant make every citie and thats I do first, check google earth... im not making a city by population, im making it by famous places and stuffs, thank you for comment!

Krio: Those places are not in this map, are a bit far to the east in the next city map, youll see soon those cities, come back soon for more updates and make usefull comments, if im doing something wrong tell me exactly whats wrong and how i can do it better like Caddielook comment...

homeandaway: Thank you alot! enjoy Warsaw and tell me if that mini city looks like Warsaw if not tell me how i can do it better come back soon! and enjoy the next pictures!

patriots_1228: Youre right, thank you alot for comment!

ElectroClash: Thank you alot!

gshmails: Thanks!

Shanna: Thanks! here you go...

ThomasAH: Thank you alot! here you go Amsterdam hope you like it

GMT: Wow, here you go..

DanTso: wow you gave me a new idea of making middle east also mini jerusalem. thank you for comment and come back soon!

Archangel9: Thank you alot for that comment! what about if someone who want a request of a city, almost show a RL picture of it, showing the main theme of that city so I can know about that city and try to do it in a small representation. thats a good idea...

moganite: Thank you for comment! in that case i have to make BATs by my self like some african houses and jungle, etc... i think it will be amazing!

ExiL3: thank you, anything else?...

jcabassa: Of course i think mini miami will be for next update, not sure, thank you alot for comment!

Vandy: Than you very much for this important comment!!! this will help me out in many situations and make people understand how to comment at this CJ, thank you alot for take your time in doing this, its perfect...

vab423: Thank you alot, I know about those critics but is hard to complain.

Some of the comments are repetitive but here is a answe for every one, except to those who are asking for any stuff at this CJ.

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UPDATE 7! MINI EUROPE

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At this update I will not tell the name of the city, only the country that is located, enjoy the pictures

WARNING: long pictures gallery!

all the pictures are from the same city map.

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More pictures of other places will come soon! Thank you for visiting Mini Earh!

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[2ch.net simplayer 180]

Damn, I can't think of a word to describe this fascination!

I'm VERYVERYVERYEXTREMELY impressed!!!! Each countries represented with its distinctive taste, each snapshots makes me shout "France"! "England"! "Deutcheland"! and so on...!

Tellya, you are reaching somewhere that people always dreamed of but have never reached..... :-S

[belfastuniguy 18]

Fantastic, simply wonderful. I love this CJ and look forward to coming back.

I also want to thank you for the flag you created for me, very pleased with it, have it in my latest update, many thanks again.

[Krio 624]

MUCH better than I expected, though your Germany could have been better, looked like you build Germany in minutes and London was mostly highrise, but I understand that you needed a good CBC for that area and becauseI love Ill Tonkso's bats London was great. Hah hah. Paris was the best city in the update and Copenhagen was just that castle, but Denmark is lame and small, so that's ok.

Waiting your Russia and rest of Scandinavia.

[fukuda 351]

Holy bunch of pictures! Nice recreation work

[frogface 352]

looks great, each city has its own style

[doodlea21 31]

Incredible! Everything's there - Paris, London, you name it! Even the Channel Tunnel. It's such a unique idea, and well done.

[collgab 10]

Awesome, keep it up!

[homeandaway 1]

OMFG!, So cool and exhilarating!. Everything is there, Poland to UK, France to Demark!.

Fantastic!.

So cant wait for more my dearest friend!.

Do ask me / PM for anything my friend as it is a pleasure to meet you and view your magnificent CJ's!.

Take care

~Alex~

[gshmails 534]

Wow, what a wonderful tour through Europe. That was like looking through someone's travel pictures. Thank you for sharing with us!

[1dera3 28]

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.

Lots and lots of pictures. Verysuperawesomely awesome.

[Archangel9 28]

ooh

im speechless....

never happens......

[Schulmanator 5,787]

A truly impressive update. You have worked for ever to make somthing this spectacular. Congratulations - a wonderful effort!

[jcabassa 20]

Nice! Everything looks awesome. Truly unique. I can't wait for mini Miami!

[GreekMan 246]

that was a nice nice nice times infinity update. this is one of the greatest ideas in ST.i look forward to more cities!!!

[ilikehotdogsalot 308]

That was an AMAZING update, Wow, Everything I ever wanted to see in a Journal has just been posted, keep up the spectacular work my friend!

[kibblewitbit 0]

good job really liked venice and im so happy u added a touch of switzerland as well

[Cjah 15]

I saw London,France and even Germany....highly detailed and I can only echo how this update was far better then i could have expected...I love parts of Switzerland and its cool you made so much on such small,high and mountainous land.I was,however a bit thrown back(confusded) by the fact you had the palace thats in Vienna,Austria in Berlin,Germany,but none the less Germany/Berlin came out good.I also like England...but Paris is what came out great,the bats,monuments and the use of Simgoobers Canals,I hope you use simgoobers canals for Budapest because there are multiple bridges over the Danube.I like Austria,but it wasn't that high on the list.The part with the field in Austria/Hungary is probably where a bunch of villages are(probably 3 to 5).I know this cause my grandparents own extensive land and some farmland near the western border of Hungary.I think Holland looked the best tho...really amazing!

I hope Poland and Hungary live up to this update and look just as grand as its western twins....

do recall Budapest is the Paris of Eastern Europe...

Great update!

[ThomasAH 0]

Wow, it's amazing that you've managed to create so much countries/cities on such a small piece of land, great job!

[jacqulina 162]

wow i loved that tour i seen all the countrys and didnt cost me a penny lol,awesome work putting this all together,excellent building and layout,awesome pics

[bat 6]

a wonderful update! Great "recration" of these countries! excellent pictures!

bat