Map Voting - Any map voting procedure needs to address certain key issues. First it needs to allow members of Bravo and Charlie Squads to have control over the map they play on the -=[dMw]=- servers. Secondly it needs to make sure we don't include maps that do not support the TCS style of play. Thirdly it needs to be easy to understand and easy to make a contribution to. And finally it needs to be structured enough that it doesn't continuously change the rotation on any of the servers.
In previous years TeaLeaf ran a very successful map vote system, and so rather than re-invent the wheel, we are going to use that basic system with the inclusion of Homer as a test bed server.
Therefore the procedure is as follows:
- The new Homer rotation is fixed for a month in this first instance.
- A thread has been opened on the forum for each new test map, for reviews, critisism etc.
- Homer maps that are felt to be very good TCS maps will be offered for a vote to be included on Meathook as official dMw maps
- The vote will be private via PM to me and will take place at the end of July (due to possible summer vacations it will run for three weeks).
- Likewise a similar vote will be held for the removal of unpopular maps
- The results will be collated and posted back to the -=[dMw]=-community
- The Meathook rotation is updated accordingly with sucessful maps during the first week of August
- Bravo & Charlie members can then have the rest of August to nominate new maps for inclusion onto Homer
- The maps will go up on Homer replacing the oldest/least popular of the existing maps and those voted onto Meathook. This will happen at the beginning of September
- Three moths after the August update (1st November) we repeat the process and then repeat again every three months.......
In this way we all get to have some real imput into what we play on the dMw servers.
We get to test maps without disturbing the Meathook rotation.
We get to seriously check the maps for TCS compatability.
So as of Sunday (and especially on Test Tuesday) get onto Homer, have a look at the new maps and post your thoughts into the appropriate forum.
Have fun
Smilo :D
Cool - also, can we have some "stickies" at the top of this TCS Maps forum to show current (and subsequently updated) running orders for each of the three servers. Then just update as they change (like we do with the password forum).
Might as well be all in one, rather than three separates for Baldy, Homer, and MH (and CZ).
I know you have the running order in another of your stickies, so that would be fine if we kept it up-to-date, but might make more sense to keep separate if that thread is only temporary while it states the new system.
We also need to keep a list of maps which have been considered in the past so we do not keep getting the same old requests.
Chimpy,
Your wish is granted (not by me I hasten to add, but by boffin egghead Admin types :) )
BlueBall,
I'm keeping meticulous notes, fear not :)
Due to the recent issues with server lag and the resulting suspension of some of the -=[dMw]=-servers, I'm going to defer the map vote for a month. Please DO try out the new maps and remember that Tuesdays, where possible, are map test days so hit Homer in preference to Meathook for at least some of your evenings Counter-Strike fun. I'll kick off the first map vote at the end of August. :D
As mentioned elsewhere on the forum, the official map votes are suspended for the time being. With the imminent introduction of CS:Source there is a possibility that much will change between now and the end of the year. I'm not privy to any special insight into the future plans of the -=dMw]=- community, but it seems at least possible that we will move across to CS:Souce as our Counter-Strike version of choice. Whether we keep a CZ or CS 1.6 server running is not known. Also it's not certain what UKCSL and ED will do when CS:S is released. They may stick with CS 1.6 till the end of the season or convert right away (doubtful). Who knows? And as with all things related to Valve timescales are a complete mystery to us all.
With this in mind it seems pointless to vote for new maps etc when they might soon be obsolete. So until things settle down and we know what's what I plan to leave the rotations alone.
However if there are any map changes you would like to see on Homer, feel free to make suggestions and give reasons why etc. etc. Anything that looks really good could go up on Homer without too much trouble. But please make sure it's TCS compatiable and give a reason why you think it's worthy of inclusion. Something more than " It's rocks!" would be nice.
:D