Let me first explain a few changes that TWHL4 will have in terms of functionality and content:
- Universal BBCode - the same BBCode will work in comments, forums, wiki, vault, and everywhere aside from the shoutbox. There's options for lists (bullets, numbers, nested), tables, youtube embeds, images (with optional alignments), headings, font size/colours, and some other cool stuff. The syntax is a combination of BBCode and something I've invented which is loosely based on Markdown.
- Live shoutbox - the shoutbox is now a JavaScript widget that docks at the bottom of the page, basically like a Facebook chat. It refreshes every minute. It can be minimised or disabled if you don't want to look at it.
- Automatic MOTM - MOTM is automatically created every month, instead of requiring someone to manually do it. The MOTM will be chosen from maps in the 'completed' section that were posted in a month, and the winner will be the one with the highest rating. Each MOTM will be two months behind to give people time to vote (e.g. October MOTM will be posted on December 1st)
- Reviews - because MOTM reviews won't exist anymore, the review system has been merged into the comments on vault items. Any user will be able to add a review. The regular star-based system is still available.
- Vault - maps are the first thing you see on the home page, right at the top. The MOTM and the latest map come first, then 5 top-rated maps and the 5 most recent maps. There's separate sections for models and textures, and potentially applications and tools. The upload limit has been increased to 16MB.
- Vault - YOU CAN ADD MORE THAN ONE SCREENSHOT TO YOUR MAP!
- Wiki - Several sections will be merged into the wiki: tutorials, the VERC archive, and most of the static pages (servers, about us, etc). Wiki edits will get prime coverage on the front page.
- Competitions - I'll be trying to get more regular competitions running. The new system makes it much easier to have competitions that are judged based on a community vote.
- Private messages - PMs are now threaded and the discussion can include more than one person. New people can be invited to an existing PM conversation.
- Accounts - users can now reset their passwords via email
So that's what's already there. Now I want to ask you: what do you want to see in TWHL4? Suggestions about features or content both welcome.