NEVER EVER release your first map
Good advice from Jobabob.
Do what I did, send it too a friend that you trust. If you get a reply like:
"Um, err, yeah... that was pretty good"
Then you can rest assured that it was complete rubbish and it's time you started again. Mapping is an ongoing process.
Most good mappers have one or two maps on their drives that they bring out and fool around with from time to time.
Time is everything.
It is really easy to spot something that has been done in a weekend and unless there is technical brilliance involved, most people walk away from the viewing with a distinct taste of bile in their mouths.
As I troll through the Vault, I amazed at what some people offer up as complete.
I am amazed at the audacity with which they present their masterpieces as wonderful additions to the major popular Mods.
I am Gobsmacked at their advertisements in the Shout Box, urging people to come and rate their maps......
And a true sense of bewilderment comes over me when those same people, feign hurt and outrage at the other members treatment of their work.
You will get good map ratings if you spend the time and produce something worthwhile.
Ocassionally there have been vindictive ratings, as was the case with jobabobs Overlord, but that was the last time something worthwhile was trashed by the members.Currently about < 2% of the Vault is worth downloading.
I think we should kill off the rating system and get a professional reviewer in, like the stuff that used to be done at the SnarkPit.... No punches pulled, the reviewer gives it the stars and the only comment.
That might slow the abuse of the Vault down a little
Sorry SlayerA and Seventh.. I know I said I wouldn't react... but ARGH!