Okay, so some changes need to be made
I gather the problems mainly concern three things: the Map Vault, new members, and the site's organisation from a newbie perspective.
I just want to consolidate here the issues that have been raised in other threads. Thanks to everyone who has contributed ideas - many of them are reposted here.
Map Vault
The MV has a bit of an identity crisis ATM. TWHL is a beginner's site, y'see, so a "completed maps" section doesn't imply world-class, and when all you know is how to make a box, your first "completed map" will be a small square room - loads of fun, but not in the same league as some of the stuff that's posted there.
So, the plan is for a second "completed maps" category to be be created, ("my first map!" or something - need ideas for a name, perhaps not as condescending), and anyone should be allowed to post their most modest creations there. To restrict other completed maps section to good maps only (within reason, they shouldn't have to be brilliant), simple moderation should suffice. I'm sure people will tend to put their stuff in the right place, given enough choice. (If this doesn't work, posting to the good category could become a privilege you gain after some time (see next topic))
So, then you don't have to wade through rubbish to find the good stuff, but if you're feeling kind you can have a look through the newbie maps and make some constructive comments. Happiness all round!
Of course, the voting system needs to be rewritten so that the obvious rules apply. I also like the idea of having ratings always come with a comment...
Members
Currently new members have no way of knowing at a glance who the more experienced ones are. MoP's ranks idea is a good one, but it would probably work best in a simplified form. Perhaps a system where members who've been here a while are voted into a kind of sub-mod position for being dedicated and helpful and knowledgable, by other members already in that position.
Being a sub-mod would get you a cool little badge or something displayed with your nick on the forums and such, and may eventually give you other privileges (like the MV one if that's necessary)
Site Organisation
I'll reorganise the front page to help get everyone to the right places faster. The 'Where to start' page can get a redesign as well.
The tutorials are broken up into three skill levels, but they probably need to be reconsidered now. They are already associated with keywords for searching, but perhaps the first thing on the 'Where to start' page needs to be 'How to use the search'.
I'll do something to make searching the forums a more obvious first step. They also need to be pruned a little and made faster (they've grown quickly!)
Well, thanks for reading (if you didn't just skip down here ). Please comment and add any ideas I might have left out.