Why downloading Sims mods from third-party (non-author's) sources is dangerous
Using third-party sources is undoubtedly the easiest and quickest way to download any mod with just a few clicks. However, there are several reasons why it's not advisable to do so, and it's best to manually find resources from the authors, familiarize yourself with the instructions, and only then install the necessary mod.
To third-party sources we refer to reuploading sites, authors of collections and packs with mods.
Moving on to the reasons:
Reason #1: Vulnerability
Sites unrelated to the content authors often re-upload mods to unverified file-sharing platforms, without knowing it, can introduce malicious software (viruses).
Reason #2: Lack of awareness of the need to update mods
Mod authors always inform users on their platforms about the necessity to update content by removing the old and installing the new. Third-party sites often do not notify users about the need to update mods and leave outdated content in their file-sharing platforms, or they do notify but forget to update the content themselves (also common cases). Mod pack creators may notify users, but there's no guarantee that all mods in the pack are updated.
Reason #3: High probability of game breakage
Based on years of observation, it has been found that installing mods from authorial sources minimizes the likelihood of encountering errors in the game, unlike installing mods from third-party sources. This was established through the reasons described above.
However, very recently the Sims community faced a serious problem: some mod authors fell victim to a viral attack through their accounts being hacked and their files infected with malware. In this case, it is necessary to be more vigilant, monitor any news related to this situation.
Reason #4: Copyright Infringement
Lately, there has been a rise in dishonest people who sell packs containing content they do not own, created by authors other than themselves. EA's new policy indicates that any additional content created for The Sims 4 automatically becomes the property of the company and should not be monetized in any way, even through donations (voluntary contributions).
There is another aspect to this injustice: any content created by an author is their intellectual property, and stealing such content is a breaking the law. It also devalues the work of the author who publishes their content for free, only to have it resold by others. It ultimately depends on the user's stance on mods: whether they prioritize supporting the author or convenience of use.
Where can you download mods from?
Mod authors most commonly use the following platforms to share their content:
- Patreon;
- Tumblr;
- ModTheSims;
- TheSimsResource;
- Simsfinds;
- Pinterest;
- Their own authorial websites;
- Conductor channels, the links of which lead directly to the mod authors.
Don't hesitate to spend an extra minute of your time to familiarize yourself with the content of mods from the authors, bypass third-party sites and avoid overpaying for nothing. These tips will help minimize the chances of becoming a victim of unscrupulous entrepreneurs or picking up malware from reuploading sites.
al_zhex:
