Introducing the Diamond Memorial Museum

by Alphaville Herald on 25/04/04 at 12:30 am

By Ian

This Saturday evening I decided to go to the “Diamond Memorial Museum”, which is located in the “SimArts” neighborhood. The owner, Craig Pierce, is brother to, David Pierce, the producer of many successful plays. I was pleasantly greeted at the door, and wanted to take a tour to see what this is all about. Craig, who is the Museum’s curator, showed me two different categories; the history of Alphaville and “The Jungle”. The history, includes how TSO Came about, How Religion Spread about Sims, The growth of Alphaville, Fun & Games, Money Objects, Gambling, What Alphaville was like Prior to the wipe, and briefly about founders. Craig explained the usefulness of each object that was presented throughout the historical part of the museum. For the “Jungle/Nature” part; Craig explained about domestic, wild, and exotic animals, and the water and land formation of Alphaville. A domestic house cat was used as one of the displays, as well as birds, fishes, and plants. At the end of the tour; I was treated with a *secret surprise*, which I will leave it up the viewers to find out! The set up of the exhibits make it look like a real life museum. All and all this was an extremely pleasurable and knowledgeable experience, and I suggest all of the citisims of Alphaville, come see the magic about it! After the tour I got the chance to interview Craig:

Ian: How long have you been playing the game?
Craig: I’ve been playing since the summer of last year.
Ian: Great.
Ian: Now you mean Summer 2003?
Craig: Yes, that’s correct.
Ian: What made you want to play the game?
Craig: Well, a lot of it had to do with my brother, David.
Ian: Pierce?
Craig: Yes, David Pierce runs Diamond Memorial Theatre, and Pierce Entertainment, LTD.
Ian: So, What made you want to make the museum?
Craig: Well, this game had such a rich history and tradition, I wanted a place where I could showcase the amazing culture this game had to offer.
Craig: So many Sims are unaware of this game’s history and influence.
Ian: So, you felt like it was needed for the sims to know, as in…understand what the game “had to offer” prior to what it is now?
Craig: Exactly.
Ian: When did the museum open?
Craig: Well, it was actually only a few months ago. The designing took quite some time, but the actual opening I believe was sometime in February.
Ian: Cool. Wow, I don’t know why I haven’t noticed it yet
Ian: Why did you choose to make the history rather then the current play of game?
Craig: Well, everyone knows about what’s happening now. New Sims don’t have any idea, however, what happened in the past. It’s about discovery- learning about what this game was and why it is the way it is.
Ian: I see; so in saying that; Do you think it is important for the citisims of Alphaville to know the history?
Craig: Of course! Understanding history is the key to understanding the present- it’s really the only way a Sim can understand their existence and heritage.
Craig: It puts meaning in our Sim lives, and I think that’s very important indeed.
Ian: That’s great.
Ian: Now, referring back to your earlier comment; about sims learning about the game…….
Ian: What do you think about Greifers/ (newbie) Scammers?
Craig: Well, there seems to be a lot of Sims who take this game and degrade it…
Craig: This game has so much potential, and such individuals only take away from it’s possibilities.
Ian: So your saying; this sims are a big cause of what the game is “right now”
Craig: Of course- good and bad, it all makes history. If another year goes by and these Sims are long gone, they too may be in an exhibit at Diamond Memorial Museum.
Craig: They are a part of today’s society, indeed.
Ian: LOL
Ian: So you expect they will eventually be in the history?
Craig: Yes, I’m sure they will.
Ian: *hopefully*
Ian: So, What made you set up the way it is like? … the museum that is
Craig: Well, the museum is set up in a modern architecture…
Craig: Which I feel captures the essence of modern design.
Craig: It is built with two wings, the East and West, a Central “dome,” and a first floor lobby.
Ian: Yes.
Craig: It is designed to contain all of the historical and cultural exhibits in an atmosphere which is modern and intriguing.
Ian: It looked really cool’ and a lot of time was put forth
Craig: Yes, it took quite a bit of time to design.
Ian: Okay…Well…
Ian: What do you think SimArts brings to the rest of the Alphaville community?
Craig: Simarts has so much to offer Alphaville. The properties we have in our neighborhood reflect a new cultural awakening in our city.
Ian: What type?
Craig: Well, a genuine one I suppose.
Ian: I see; so it is to present a more Classical type approach?
Craig: Well, I think it is to present culture in any form, regardless of “type.”
Craig: The beautiful thing about Simarts is that we give Sims “art.” We don’t focus on Money or Skills, but rather making our community more dimensional.
Craig: Not to say we don’t have money and skill lots in Simarts, but we just don’t put as much emphasis on it here.
Ian: I see; more on enjoyment?
Craig: Yes, exactly- enjoyment and fulfillment.
Ian: Cool
Ian: And with that; what does your house bring to the SimArts Community?
Craig: Well, my property brings perspective. I believe that history brings this game to a new level- it gives it a reality. By showing that Alphaville has a past, we can “put a face” to the city.
Ian: What makes you still want to play the game, even with all of these griefers, and the “money only” focus that is shown in the game?
Craig: Because I still believe that this game has true potential. What I do, what Mr-President does with Alphaville Government, what David does with DMT and Pierce Entertainment, this game has amazing possibilities.
Ian: yes you are right….I have been playing in alphaville since Feb 2003…and I have seen SimArts grow, and the Alphaville government grow significantly
Craig: Indeed. You’ll always find negative aspects, in real life and in game life- but, if you look at the positive aspects, you’ll begin to find what this game really has to offer.
Ian: Hehe; Yes…I am glad that this game is finally getting something good to offer rather then the same old – people
afking…but …surprisingly the other good thing the friendship web has done is prevent this a bit.
Ian: Anyways – Last question
Ian: It kind of has to do with what we just talked about…..
Ian: What do you think Maxis needs to implement to making the gaming experience more ‘fun’? Craig: Excellent question! I really think that Maxis has been focusing far too much on the “structure” of this game, and not enough on the actual game enjoyment.
Craig: I believe much more focus could be put on more creative objects and capabilities…
Ian: Yes; especially for plays.
Craig: Such as lighting changes, etc. to make this game more exciting.
Ian: Well since they basically ditched the idea of “user created objects”, I don’t know about that idea
Craig: Well, David could probably talk to you much more about plays than I…
Ian: Hehe; well that is a prime example for creative objects
Craig: Yes… and lighting effects, sound effects… the list goes on. I’m sure he could make several pages of suggestions
Ian: Haha, any closing remarks?
Craig: Well, I think the most important thing to remember about this game is that you, as a Sim, have the ability to make this game an amazing experience.
Ian: well you are a prime example LOL
Craig: You have the power to make your gameplay something significant- all you have to do is follow through.
Craig: Thank you
Ian: No problem….
Ian: ….Thank you for your time, and good luck on the improvements on your museum!
Craig: Thank you!