Ad hoc groups/ CC maps

[decoulombe]

The bulk of the CC community do not use the forums and may never even be aware this particular post exists. Therefore, it is impossible to tell whether the majority of CC approves, disapproves, or even knows (or cares, if I may say such a strong word) whether or not the new classic map should continue or not. My statement is not to point any fingers at anyone; its just a fact of life which like it or not, we have to accept.

In marketing, whenever companies wish to sell a product, they would issue a so called "trial period" for such products to see whether or not they would sell to the general public. In the case of CC, I would make the same suggestion. For new maps, they should also make a "trial period" for these maps to see whether or not they play well to the CC public. Heck, maybe if they are up to it and with mod permission of course, a few lucky volunteers from all corners of the globe may be able to "test run" the maps before they even hit the trial stand. Hey, I think a spark just hit my head...lol What does everybody else think on this matter.

This was a suggestion I made a few days ago, but I feel it was covered with the merge and lock due to everybody else’s agenda over the weekend. As I was reading through the lines, it occurred to me that the mods are trying to get more players involved in the CC site. It also occurred to me that through these certain players, CC may be able to develop a better way of making and publishing maps so players would have a better playing experience.

This evening, I was reading the callouts for the “ad-hoc” groups made back in January (Yeah, I was slow to find out). It came to me that CC would greatly benefit with yet another “ad-hoc” group of willing individuals from around the world who would be willing to “Test Drive” new maps and the newer versions of older maps for bugs, colour problems, and dare I say it certain “circles” everybody was complaining about . This new group could give CC support by playing and studying with these maps, and then giving feedback to the Moderators and Cartographers for correction and improvement. Another words, they help with the solution rather then just complaining about the problem.

Once the testing phase is complete, as stated above, the maps can go into a “trial phase” to see whether or not it sells with the rest of CC. Things would be done orderly and smoothly to prevent arguments and division among the players. CC would instead be a place where our children and grandchildren can play and….(enough mushy stuff)

Anyways, my apologies, Twill, for my absence from CC. After Monday Tax Season, I will have more free time to help in any way I can.

Decoulombe

[TaCktiX]

Such a group already exists, it's called the Map Foundry. All the people complaining about the too-bright circles obviously didn't put their two cents in during the 3 months the map was in touch-up. Any member of CC, freemium or otherwise, can put in their opinion on any map coming through the Foundry. Right now, that's about 3 dozen in active stages of development. If they choose not to comment during development, then whine vehemently on the back end because the "good old map" isn't around anymore, I have no sympathy.

One thing that you're partially advocating that most mapmakers/commenters also want is a testbed area of the site where a mapmaker can upload a map and a select group of people can test-drive it with him. Haven't gotten a confirm from Lack on this, but we're crossing our fingers.

[decoulombe]

I'm hoping lack would allow some players to come in and try some of the maps. The Map Foundry is a select few that deal with the mechanics of the map(xml, etc.) as well as from time to time, give touch ups to make the map clearer on computers. The group I was suggesting could assist the Map Foundry, give it comments and suggestions, much like the colour committee had done when it was debating the CC player colours. Although Lack and Twill did not have to, they decided to open up the debate to more players. While we were there, we made friends, and finished the session with a game we all played. These people were pure volunteers, not wanting power, such as the mod "wannabes" but instead giving selfless service to be of benefit for their community. I'm hoping the Map Foundry, can do the same thing, opening their doors, and allowing new minds with new ideas to come in.

[cicero]

I'm hoping lack would allow some players to come in and try some of the maps. The Map Foundry is a select few that deal with the mechanics of the map (xml, etc.) as well as from time to time, give touch ups to make the map clearer on computers. The group I was suggesting could assist the Map Foundry, give it comments and suggestions, much like the colour committee had done when it was debating the CC player colours. Although Lack and Twill did not have to, they decided to open up the debate to more players. While we were there, we made friends, and finished the session with a game we all played. These people were pure volunteers, not wanting power, such as the mod "wannabes" but instead giving selfless service to be of benefit for their community. I'm hoping the Map Foundry, can do the same thing, opening their doors, and allowing new minds with new ideas to come in.

Decoulombe, it seems to me that everything you want already exists. Referring to each bold section of your post in turn:
(i) The Map Foundry is not a select few. It is a public forum.
(ii) All the people who would join the group you were suggesting are already free to join in the Map Foundry.
(iii) Everyone is free to join in the debate in Map Foundry and make friends.
(iv) The Map Foundry is made up of pure volunteers.
(v) The Map Foundry doors are already open.

I can't see that having a semi-private ad-hoc group to comment on a public forum would achieve much.

Cicero

[Kaplowitz]

People in the Foundry have been pushing for an in-site testing place anyway. Even if it was only used by the Map Makers themselves, im sure it would help actually playing the map before it goes into live play.

[Anarkistsdream]

It would also eliminate most bugs before release... I like it.

[Kaplowitz]

Its a good idea, and been suggested a million times in the Foundry. My only concern is that it is presented in a bad way with the post below...You obviously havent been in the Foundry in a while, right?

I'm hoping lack would allow some players to come in and try some of the maps. The Map Foundry is a select few that deal with the mechanics of the map(xml, etc.) as well as from time to time, give touch ups to make the map clearer on computers. The group I was suggesting could assist the Map Foundry, give it comments and suggestions, much like the colour committee had done when it was debating the CC player colours. Although Lack and Twill did not have to, they decided to open up the debate to more players. While we were there, we made friends, and finished the session with a game we all played. These people were pure volunteers, not wanting power, such as the mod "wannabes" but instead giving selfless service to be of benefit for their community. I'm hoping the Map Foundry, can do the same thing, opening their doors, and allowing new minds with new ideas to come in.