Episode 9 - Blogging Your Sims

Announcing Quick Tips

Pick a Service.
Blogger www.blogger.com That's what we discuss
Freewebs http://members.freewebs.com/
Word Press http://wordpress.org/

Why Blog?
Track progress of your challenge.
Keeps you going with your challenge.

Taking Photos
-In Game Camera
-Print Screen Button to do simple screen captures. Open a photo editing program and paste.
-SnagIt http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.asp?CMP=KgoogleStm -$39.95 has free trial
---www.jennthesimmer.com for a tutorial on using Snag It
Camera Mod to get a close up http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=97642
Hit Tab to remove the game controls. Hit it again to bring it back.

Find your sims photos
-If you use Snag It they are in your SnagIt Catalog
-If you use the In Game Camera they are in My Document/EA Games/Sims 2/Neighborhoods/ N0___/Storytelling

Managing Your Photos
Sort Photos
Edit Photos
-Paint Shop Pro - used by Wen $79.99
- Photoshop - used by Rachel $649.99
- Photoshop Elements used by Lynn $99.99
- SnagIt - $39.95
Label Photos
Rename your photos -Download the File Renamer freeware program from here http://www.webxpace.net/software/software.shtml
Upload your photos for your blog
- Photobucket www.photobucket.com
- Use the Flock browser available from Photobucket to easily upload photos and place them in your blog

Tips
-Find the voice for the entry
-Don't be afraid to use your photos out of order
-A Table of Contents page is helpful to your readers. Simply edit the date of your posts so it is always the most recent.
-It can be helpful to blog the lot right after you play it.
-Try blogging a short challenge first

Styles
-Follow a storyline
-Commenting on the photos
-Talking to your sims
-Talking about your sims



General Chat discussion links
this is funny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOW86C7x8oU
http://groups.msn.com/TheSims2Database/7moviemakeressentials.msnw has a thing about different cheats to help movie makers and such
http://www.insimenator.net/showthread.php?t=9544