06-7-2013 at 10:05 AM

This is a trialing Sim. To trial a dog, the dog needs to be trained. And, to train a dog, you need a trainer.<br /> <br /> I voted yes. I personally think HAs would add a touch of realism this site needs. I always found it a little odd that you preformed all these activities, but it seemed like the dog was doing them his or herself. With HAs, you can make a trainer. You could make your dogs a new best friend. And that bestfriend could look any way you want! They can be of yourself, a loved one, or someone you wish you were. You could be ugly, or beautiful. You could be anything. And how can you say no to that? <br /> <br /> And to those who say they are creepy; how do you know they will be, before you've even seen the avatars linearts? This is Alacrity we're talking about! A site filled with simply incredible artists. They wont let you down. And that's a fact.

06-7-2013 at 12:08 AM

I'd been refraining from commenting but I figure I may as well add my thoughts. <br /> <br /> As some others, I do not care for HAs. I tend to quite dislike it when they are added to pet/animal sims because I feel they have no part in such a game. x_o However, I wouldn't quit if they were added. <br /> <br /> I would have more issues with it, though, if they somehow had the ability to affect gameplay (training ability or such things) as mentioned earlier in the replies to this. That would make me feel that I must purchase and utilize one as otherwise I would be at a disadvantage. While it would still technically be my choice, by them having game altering abilities, I would still feel that in a way it is being forced upon me. I also feel that it may devalue the perks that so many of us have invested in as someone else mentioned.<br /> <br /> Also, another thought. i know previously there was quite a bit of concern over the amount of space that image caching was taking on the server and they had to be purged. o_O Adding HAs (and all their decorations and as they spread) will add to that tremendously. As is, it is always increasing, but adding such a wide ranging feature would still cause a relatively large increase fairly quickly. Even if space is less of a concern now, unless things have improved a great deal, it may not be advisable to add such an extensive feature.

06-6-2013 at 4:06 PM

I don't like the thought of HAs. I am some what new to this site and joined because of the dogs.<br /> <br /> I do realize HAs could be fun, but I feel like some people could end up going too far with them and then complaining there isn't a lot to do with their HAs, which could end up messy and causing people to leave, not to mention, people could become so uptight with their avatars, they forget about their dogs.<br /> <br /> Having HAs just seems like a bit much.<br /> <br /> I would, however, like to see some more dog breeds. I was super excited to see how well the dog's photos were and the unique designs each has, but was disappointed from the small selection and the fact the body types were all the same. Fur length would be a fun add on.

06-6-2013 at 2:46 PM

I'm a little uncomfortable with HA's, as i don't like to spend money on things that i don't really need (and little human things creep me out sorta..). On Aywas, my HA is almost naked because i don't want to spend BP on buying clothes for it. I'd rather buy a pet.<br /> <br /> The same will happen here for me. I don't want to be forced to spend money to dress up a naked HA. <br /> <br /> As for the suggestion that HA's could carry items that benefit in trailing/whatever, i'm really against this. I spend 15 bones on getting perks, and to have something available that can have the same sort benefit but much cheaper (Assuming that an item won't be 15 bones :P) doesn't seem right to me, i'd feel a little ripped off.<br /> <br /> I voted no.<br /> <br /> If the HA's end up to be added, i would like to request a feature where you can turn off said HA :3 I don't want a naked HA on my profile, and if there's a function where i can simply switch it off, i wouldn't mind seeing them on other people pages. As long as i won't be forced to use/dress/spend money on it, it's cool with me.<br /> <br /> <br /> -didn't real all 8 pages of the topic, so excuse me for things that already got said-

06-5-2013 at 3:17 PM

I never said I would leave the site over HA's I said others would if HA's were added, some have stated on here as such. I simply do not like HA's and I would rather see new parts of the game added instead of simply useless cosmetics. People will leave this site with or without HA's. In my opinion I'd rather see something that will get new players to join and older players to stay.<br /> This is just from a strong opinion, I don't want to start a fight :) <br />

06-5-2013 at 11:42 AM

My opinion is that it's childish and immature to declare that one will leave the site just because HAs are introduced. I voted yes on HAs, does that mean i'll quit if they don't incorporate them? Heck no. I'm a grown up, and just because I don't get things my way i'm not going to threaten to leave. I don't believe making that statement is an opinion on HAs, it's a tantrum...<br /> <br /> And bobbie, ZJ has said countless times already that whether or not HAs are introduced, that it WILL NOT affect when new breeds come out....

06-5-2013 at 7:54 AM

I personally would like to see more breeds and items added instead of HAs. I mean HAs take a lot of art that could be used on the dogs.<br /> <br /> <br /> And yes I know that ZJ said it won't affect new breeds coming out. I was just making a point that I would rather have new dog items and breeds instead of HAs.

06-5-2013 at 6:54 AM

It's not about the amount I trust the admins, this is were you put your opinions. I put them.<br /> If someone feels uncomfortable with an HA which many people have stated, then they don't want to stick around to see it. Maybe if we could disable them it would work out but I doubt 'disabling' them would be possible.I don't know hopefully ZJ or someone will talk about this.

06-5-2013 at 12:03 AM

Well it seems like if they decide to go forward and introduce HAs, the HAs may have some perks when it comes to training your dog. An HA is not usually something that you need to have an upgraded account for, however that's not to say that upgraded accounts don't or shouldn't get even more bonuses (they are spending real money afterall).<br /> <br /> I'm not sure the admins and artists sole intention in adding HAs is to make the game "attractive". I think it was another outlet for players, players that actually LIKE having tasks, and something new that may make training your dogs more fun.<br /> <br /> Also as far as what attracted me to this site wasn't because it did or didn't have HAs, but because of the limited breed selection. It makes the game more personal and easier to focus on. Where as most sims similar to this just poop out every breed in the book. Yea it sucks not have your favorite breed ever in the whole wide world, but not everyone can look at a breeds name and picture what it looks like, let alone know anything about it at all, and that's not all that fun. Also Dogs are harder to sell and there are usually just SO MANY user trades that it's not even worth trying to start from scratch yourself. <br /> <br /> I seriously don't get the big deal in whether we implement HAs or not. Especially if they also make it so that you can disable your HA if you wanted. I think it's down right ridiculous that people are threatening to leave over something so trivial. Whether HAs happen or not it doesn't affect when great danes are released or any of the other things on the site that are being worked on. Or do you not trust the admins, who i'm love and this game as much as you or I.

06-4-2013 at 8:20 PM

Im not trying to sound selfish but ever since this game was created only upgraded members got avatars. It's a perk for upgrading.Anyway I'd like to add something.<br /> <br /> This site doesn't need cosmetics. I love this site and I hate to see it crash and burn just because of HA's. We need more dogs and to fix the games. These avatars will not help the site get any more revenue or new players at all. Like someone else stated, we have very few dogs when dogs are the focus of this site and yet we are worrying about how to make the site more attractive. We need more players not flashy new pictures.

06-4-2013 at 8:07 PM

I totally agree with Kalid! Dog avatars would be awesome! Especially if there were several different body tyes for each breed. You know, like the difference between confirmation aussies andherding aussies.

06-4-2013 at 7:40 PM

I think it's very silly to want to leave a site that you "enjoy so much" because of human avatars. So some people are in favor of having a personalized HA, so what? That really doesn't make the game any less about the dogs. Each person plays the game a little different. If someone wants to add something that makes them spend more money (real or game) or spend more time (whether it be 5 min or 30) fudgin' around with an HA really who are you to complain about that? Let them, it's not your account. <br /> <br /> On that note, I do think it should be something you can turn off. (For those people who find this idea to be some sort of black plague for Ala, and for the people who prefer the avatar they already have). <br /> <br /> And ON THAT NOTE, I think it's very selfish sounding that only people who have upgraded accounts should be able to have one. Not everyone can afford to pay REAL money on games. Some people have kids and bills and real life stuff they need to spend their real life money on, and use games like this as relaxation at the end of the day when all is said and done. I don't think it's fair to penalize them by taking away this feature completely. Do I think there should be special features or bonuses or whatever involving the HAs for people who are paid users? Absolutely. That's how these sites keep going, and that's fair. But to act like you're part of an elite group for being a paid user? C'mon people, it's still just a game. <br /> <br /> Be more open minded and accepting and show the creators and artists of this game that you have at least a little faith in them, and that they aren't going to bring on an apocalypse by adding HAs.<br /> <br /> I proudly voted YES,

06-4-2013 at 6:49 PM

I agree with Shadow, it really is a completely useless function that has nothing to do with the game whatsoever. <br /> My concern is more about who will be using these HA's. I know upgraded members wont be happy to see the icon they bought or picked out gets replaced with an avatar they may not even like. And what about new people? Will they be able to get avatars for free while the rest of us have had to pay for them?<br /> Plus the fact that people may not be comfortable with picking a specific gender. It sets a stereo type for males and females. It isn't fair to make players pick a gender and let the site know if they're a boy or a girl.<br /> I know for sure if it comes down to it, I wont be picking a girl avatar, or any if I can. you don't know who it might attract to this site. The last thing this site needs is adults to come and try and talk to the younger kids in an inappropriate matter.

06-4-2013 at 2:25 PM

I think it would take away from the focus of the site! This is suppose to be a <i>dog</i> game, so if anything, a dog avatar should be added, not a human. Perhaps an option to set any dog from the user's kennels as the avatar- <br /> Call it the Kennel Mascot, or Alpha Canine, or something.<br /> Again, humans would take away from the dog focus, and instead of bettering the dogs, people would be spending time and energy on clothing, hair, etc.<br /> <br /> So please, take into consideration a Dog avatar. This way, it would not take away from the dog aspect of the game, and people can see the accessories on your dog.

06-4-2013 at 11:43 AM

I'm not around much anymore mainly because I'm fighting my health issues. But I agree this site has been crawling along and needs other stuff implemented. Some stuff has been added which is good, but HAs is not one of the things that should even be in discussion. <br /> <br /> On the suggestion board are several well supported ideas, a lot of them very doable and likely very helpful to a DOG site. What about implementing those instead?

06-4-2013 at 11:28 AM

I can go either way. If they come onto the site then great, if not then great. I play on many sites and most of the have HAs. Some of them are extreamly adorable and other are odd. but I really can go either way if they are apart of the game or not.

06-4-2013 at 11:04 AM

I would like to see efforts in the improvement of the game, rather than creepy HAs.<br /> <br /> For example, the trial system is nearly broken. That needs fixing before adding something new! <br /> <br /> As was said below, I'd love to see additional dog games, dock diving, flyball, etc! And, for it to be more interactive. In other words, the player actually runs their dog through the course, and the winners based upon the score obained by the handler, for one thing.<br /> <br /> HA's take away from not add to, the site.

06-4-2013 at 10:25 AM

Toxic Dust and IOD, I agree with both of you. And yes, although I did come to get away from humans to, I like chatting with other players, but having a HA... It will ruin this Sim completely.

06-4-2013 at 9:02 AM

I respect your opinion Clay, so I'll sum it up and leave for another month in hopes that when I return there will be something on this site worth investing in again.<br /> <br /> I do not support HAs at this current state in time(or in the following months) where Alacrity is hardly the bustling place it use to be and so many players have been leaving. Veterans are hanging up their coats and selling their accounts, and new players aren't sticking around for long, I do not see a point in adding any such useless undogrelated functions. It would be a waste of Alacrity's time both artistically, financially and interactively.<br /> <br /> My faith in this site is wavering, though I am happy to hear that there are things in the works to keep Alacrity moving because lets face it, this site has been a pathetic crawl for months, the fact that HAs is high enough on the list to be mentioned and voted on makes me shake my head. The addition has very little benefit to the site and would be, after reading the comments below mine going back to the beginning, turning AWAY well paying players, and it is not a gimmick thats going to attract players. It'll be a function thats there, will get ignored by most, tinkered with by some, and taken seriously by a fair few who have some bones/money to waste. With so much else that the artists could be working on, I think HAs shouldn't even be remotely on anyones mind. Give players more incentives to donate than that. I personally haven't donated a cent to Alacrity since the departure of Hel, and with Rob leaving I've been only more hesitant, and I know I'm not the only one holding onto my money. Will HAs really add anything to this site now or in the near future?<br /> <br /> On Alacrity, a dog sim. A sim all about dogs and the amazing athletic abilities they posses, having a HA slapped onto my profile is going to look painfully tacky, no matter how amazing Xy is. It will make Alacrity look like its trying to fit into a genre it simply isn't part of. Leave HAs to social websites, Alacrites want to breed and train dogs. Dress up our dogs in crazy outfits and show them off. I don't think many of us came here to play Barbie with HAs.

06-4-2013 at 1:06 AM

I hesitate to use the word naked, because well, they would be slightly dressed. :P<br /> <br /> But thank you for your input Toxic. I myself wouldn't be bothered with a less dressed avatar but I haven't considered the fact that some people may feel that they have to dress their human up or else.