Tips for a City Journal

[Sim_Jesse 1]

Hi there!

Since I'm planning to start my first CJ soon, I wondered if you guys have some good tips, mods, programs or keyboard shortcuts for me to use.

I'd like to hear anything that pops into your minds!

Thanks,

Sim_Jesse

[N106 10]

My tip would be to head straight for the Omnibus, and look at any article that you might find useful.

[Raysfan16 5]

Please, please do not only post pics of your city. Add a storyline or extra info about it. For further info about that, visit the legendary Digby, currently in the CJ Hall of Fame.

[earwax_man 18]

Maybe add a storyline and put it in YOUTUBE format? look at mine for an example

[Jezus53 18]

Add info and a background to it. Make it seem like it's real, captivate me. Either make me want to live there or make it so it's something I can look at in awe. And it doesn't have to be elaborate. You can make a small town and still have people become awe struck. Do not just go' "This is my city. It is a 9x9 region of big tiles. It has 4.2 million people. Let's look at my first City. It's name is Blah. Blah is my industrial center. etc." Like previously said, make it a story!

[Sim_Jesse 1]

Nice tips Anyone got some more?

[Sim_Jesse 1]

nobody?

[Mikeaut1 261]

My tip I guess would be to look at other people's journals and see what they do. Look at the most popular ones, and ask yourself a) why do people love this journal?  b) what is it that the author does/what does the author use in the city journal that makes it fun and interesting to read?

Asking yourself these questions and looking at other journals is key for making a good journal of your own. And of course looking at the Omnibus and have cities filled with custom content and originality will garner a highly successful journal!

[Sim_Jesse 1]

Thanks for the help everyone. While we're at it, I have a question. How do I make photographs without the interface. What was the shortcut for that?

More tips are still welcome!

[Mikeaut1 261]

First, minimize the interface so that it doesn't show on the screen at all.

Secondly hit CTRL SHIFT A and that should launch the snapshot tool.

[Raysfan16 5]

For me it's Ctrl+Shift+S, but it may be different.

[SimHoTToDDy 2,939]

The shortcut to hide the interface is Number lock key.

MY best advice is to look at CJs, remember things you really like and try to replicate them, then add your own twist. Try something that is unique, that way people will remember it. Most importantly, have fun with it and do what you like to do!

-Todd

[mayorbk 66]

Welcome to Simtropolis and the world of City Journals!! The tips so far are very good!!

1.) I think it's been said a little, but descriptions and captions on photos are great. Some people have amazing city pics but no words to help the reader know what they're lookin at or why it's important

2.) it's a kinda basic tip: turn off the grids (at least for taking pictures), it only bothers me a little but some people find it distracting...

3.) Some tips have suggested the use of storylines, interaction with the readers/viewers is also fun! Some have built entire interactive CJs but that's not entirely necessary, for example my city has interactive updates every now and then, the most recent is asking for city planners an mayors (simtrop members) to help one of my cities deal with a congested rail junction...

4.)  maps charts, graphs, etc. can all be incorporated into CJs to help add realism and also give the reader a better general view of the city/ metro area. Even if your not a photoshop expert, a few colored lines on a paint program can give readers a good idea of what the subway system looks like.

5.) Probably the most important- Be creative and have fun!!

[Sim_Jesse 1]

Good tips I'm planning to finish my city (region) first and then take pictures and start a CJ. Would you guys suggest that as well or would you develop the city as the CJ progresses?

[krbe 193]

Finish the region and show the development of the city(-ies).

[mayorbk 66]

Originally posted by: Sim_Jesse

Good tips I'm planning to finish my city (region) first and then take pictures and start a CJ. Would you guys suggest that as well or would you develop the city as the CJ progresses?quote>

It's personal preference. Some like to start the CJ and city at the same time, let the readers share in the birth of a new city. Other CJs begin after the city is already established.

[heitomat 156]

For me, the most important thing is to have a plan of building. Do you want it to be realistic? Urban or suburban? Rural? European or Asian? There are a lot of amazing CJs here at ST, each with its own distinct look and feel. Download mods and lots to match your desires, but use them in your own way. Be creative.

Personally, I don't need long background stories to get amazed by a CJ. One picture says more than a thousand words, you know. But a little commentary to each picture is always nice.

Good luck!

[Sim_Jesse 1]

I also really wonder how some people make such good maps of their cities. Their maps look exactly like the ones on Google Maps for example. Any tips on that? I think that'll make a good addition to a CJ.

[Sim_Jesse 1]

Nvm, I'll ask that in a separate topic keep the tips coming