If you've been busy complaining in one of the recent "ZOMG BLIZARD ARE TEH STUPID I HAIT SO MUCH!" threads you're an idiot. That's right, every. . . single. . . one of you. Idiots.
Thanks, you just called us all idiots for complaining that Blizzard is a idiot. Good start.
So what should you do about it? Work with me. Right now. Or else I will drive to your house and kill you. . . with a rusty spork. . . that's right. . . death threats on the internet. . . this just got serious!
Now a death threat and you want to be taken seriously.
OK fine.
ANYWAYS
Everyone is being dumb and depressing and whiney and mopey and emo and. . . and. . . . . . do I really need to go on? How you can fight the system! Step 1) Stop trying to get Blizzard's attention!
You are right, Blizzard does completely ignore us, but is that the reason to give up and just forgot to get their attention?
Bizzard doesn't play your map. Blizzard doesn't increase the popularity. Blizzard isn't your audience. So why do you all think Blizzard is the group you should be yelling and screaming at? Clearly it is possible to find and play your map, but your audience doesn't know it. Why? Because you are completely ignoring your audience.
Sorry for bothering but it might be right that Blizzard is not my audience but Blizzard is the key to reaching the audience since your map has to be on the fuck*ng 1. page to be playable.
I don't think that even one mapper who loves to evolve his map and using feedback he's getting is "ignoring" his audience. My audience doesn't even get the chance to play my map, because it's not on the first page on the Battlenet.
I messaged people if they want to play it and they even played it and some like it....but you know what?
Thats it! They can't play it again since they have to look for players now, because its on page 1337.
Step 2) Educate yourself (stop being idiots)
Now that you know you're all stupid and that yelling at Blizzard isn't the solution, what CAN we do? Stop being lazy! If you have a published map and you didn't make at least 3 Project Threads (each on a different site) a YouTube video and at least one other medium for getting attention (blog, website, forum, etc.) then you're doing it wrong. In fact, I'd even go so far as to say it's YOUR fault no one is playing your map. The times have changed and you need to adapt. There are plenty of people willing to help make proper advertising tools. Take advantage of this!
The times have changed yes, now you have to spam: Blogs, websites, forum so just people can play your map?
Of course you have to (with this system) but its not like we all have enough time to do these kind of things while developing a custom map, since it takes a lot of time to advertise it on different platforms.
Has the custom map community changed in a way where only hardcore mapper gets the chance to publish their map?
But there is one very important thing that needs to be addressed: your map might suck.
Yep, I said it. Your map might be a complete waste of your time. No amount of boosting or advertising or hacking will change that. Most of you aren't being honest with yourself. If your map sucks, you need to figure it out as soon as possible and do something about it. I don't care how much you love your idea, if it sucks, you have to be able to admit it. You can't rely on luck to get your map where you want it to be.
Most importantly, you need to have access to a second opinion you trust. You will NOT create a good map entirely on your own. If there are teams of talented mappers that are abandoning projects left and right clearly we all know how many abandoned solo projects must be out there. Step 3) Set your goals
At this point you are completely right, yes the map might suck and yes, you need to get feedback if you want to know what sucks, but if you can't get the chance to get feedback how will you improve it?
There is a reason why there are so many shitty maps on the first two pages, not because they listed to the audience and improved the map while getting a lot of feedback.
Btw. you are just talking mostly about basic mapping tips...they might work on a system with equal chances like in Warcraft 3, but the times are long over since Battlenet 0.2.
There was a time where you got popularity by creating a good map, now you get the popularity by creating a good advertisement. Even if the map is crap.
By now, I'm hoping the reality of the situation is starting to sink in: you're wasting your efforts in the wrong areas. I can help. I've been trying to do this for a while now, but obviously I wasn't direct enough.
I want to create 4 things: Collaborative Tutorials
I think by now most people will agree that I'm pretty good at making tutorials. While difficult, my tutorials are easy to follow. Why is that important? Because I want to make more and I need help. Obviously I don't know everything about the editor, but there are people out there who know many things I'd like to teach but lack the knowledge to do so. What's the plan?
I'm going to make at least 1 new tutorial a week for the Data Editor. I will start with 1 every 2 weeks while organizing these systems, but I want to get back to my old schedule.
THE CATCH: I will only do this if people step forward to help me create additional tutorials for Triggers, Terrain, Modelling and so forth.
I know most people don't like tutorials because they don't look forward to explaining to everyone how to do something, especially if you find it hard to teach others. I will provide tutorial templates that have all the pretty colors that I use in mine and solid structure that you will follow. This will cut down the work that you have to do.
But wait! There's more! I'll help proof the tutorial! All you have to worry about is getting the knowledge down in written format and then I'll make sure people can understand it. Not only will tutorials be less of a hassle to create if you work with me, but you'll develop an important skill that every major gaming company is looking for: Communication. Project Support Group(s)
I know there are already forum sections devoted to this, but I feel it could use more structure and attention. Most people drop their project in there and wait for people to tell them what to fix. They don't go to other projects and give back. That's a problem.
So basically we create more tutorials and give more feedback, while praying that Blizzard will eventually do something?
Of course its always a good idea to create new tutorials but there are plenty of them and there are others reasons why so many projects are unfinished.
1. Creating a unit is to much work (Data Editor)
2. After realizing how hard it is to get player it doesn't matter if your map is good.
I get a LOT of messages from people asking me to help them with this or beta test that. People like to know what I think about their map, especially how to make it cooler Data-wise. I'm sure there are other mappers out there who get the same requests that I do. So let's do something about that.
Once a week I'll go through the various forum sections and PMs I get with the sole purpose of helping people improve their map. This includes everything from testing the map to providing mini-tutorials on how to implement features I think might improve your map.
THE CATCH: I want at least 2 other people who will run through the maps with me. You need to be knowledgeable in at least one section of the editor (Data Editor excluded).
The idea is we hop in skype, run through a list of new projects that have been posted and give a rough impression, suggest tweaks and even explain how to implement some of them if necessary. With a well-rounded group we’d be able to cover all aspects of the project and stimulate the community. It’s also really nice to get feedback as a mapper.
A caveat: if you post your project without giving other mappers feedback, we’ll ignore your project. I support group efforts and selfish individuals will be left behind. It’s not that hard to spend 5-10mins helping your fellow mapper out. Review Panel
I’ve already explained this in detail here. A Reliable Community
This will mostly help mapper which are new to mapping and of course it could help a lot of custom maps created by checking them like that but it looks like a waste of time if you look at the main problem which is definitely the popularity system.
If you support this thread and what I want to do, apply here, through PMs, through any means you know of communicating with me.
After reading this, if you actually read the entire post, SHOW your support. Apologize to Blizzard, apologize to the community for your ridiculous shenanigans and let the community know you're better than the popularity system.
I still hope that you get a lot of guys into this, not because I think it might actually change something in the future but you wouldn't waste your efforts.
Another thing I would like to mention is, that Blizzard won't even more do not anything if the mapping community is being quiet about the mistakes in the actual system.
What we need to do is to reach Blizzard...
They have to get that we are the custom maps. A wise man once sad: Hoping is useless. If you want to change something you have to do something.
P.S. Have fun with your project (& nexus wars) I wish you all luck, I might look back here after I finished my project or a miracle happens on Blizzard Headquarters
No one said that the popularity system was bad at "getting known maps on page 1". (I hope so though)
What the most guys want to say is, that the system sucks at "getting unknown maps on page 1" (without getting on page 1, unknown maps don't even get a chance to be known)
And I think you understand this point well.
If Icefrog would release "DOTA" in SC2 it would instantly go to page 1 even if it would be a lot worser than "SOTIS".
I don't know how it is for you but I stopped playing Starcraft 2 mainly because there is no variation on the custom maps.
Its not like in Warcraft 3 where you see everyday a cool map, because someone hosts a game with a yet unknown map.
I won't buy a Blizzard game again!
I know that D3 will be a good game, but Blizzard will find a lot of ways to fuck up the fun of that game too.
Community is the last word Blizzard thinks about...
What I can't really believe is, that you guys actually have hope, that Battlenet/Custom-map Scene and the Poop-System will be good at one time...
GL&HF while waiting for this.
I will just release my unfinished projects and stop caring about this shit anymore.
The more I visit this site and the more I read about Blizzard failing, the more I get aggressive so really no point for me in here.
Hey, I'm sure it's a quality map. Just make sure there's a disclaimer and button saying "I agree and I am over 18 years old" at the beginning, just so when blizz bans it's even more lol worthy.
I already thought about that :D
It will be implemented.
I`ll be the first person to spam report this map when it is uploaded to B.net.
You have at least afforded me rare insight into what stupid people(You yourself mentioned this was stupid) do whence "offended" or "dissapointed" with "the system". An ill-placed backlash at Blizzard is extremely lame and foolish. Oh well, your $40 loss.
How did you go from making a Jurassic Park Survival map to this?
Reason 1: Well, the first thing I think about, when I see a raptor are sexy boobies.
Reason 2: Read the history at the top.
Reason 3: I just experimented with the editor and enjoyed the picture feature, so I thought about creating a map, and since Blizzard made me really angry, I thought why not making something offensive?
I would be losing 40$, so I already calculated it.
I just don't have fun anymore with SC2 and this Battlenet, so I just wanted do stop the game by doing something stupid like this.
If SC2 ever gets interesting again, I might be buying a new key. (If this one gets banned)
Till the project is completely finished some time will pass, so no rush at all.
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Say that again, when Tofu is creeping on the last page...
Btw, I couldn't see the irony in here... (Is it correct, that you didn't start the game for a while?)
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I'm writing this just so you can get feedback on what you wrote, just my thoughts about your supreme suggestion.
Thanks, you just called us all idiots for complaining that Blizzard is a idiot. Good start.
Now a death threat and you want to be taken seriously.
OK fine.
You are right, Blizzard does completely ignore us, but is that the reason to give up and just forgot to get their attention?
Sorry for bothering but it might be right that Blizzard is not my audience but Blizzard is the key to reaching the audience since your map has to be on the fuck*ng 1. page to be playable.
I don't think that even one mapper who loves to evolve his map and using feedback he's getting is "ignoring" his audience. My audience doesn't even get the chance to play my map, because it's not on the first page on the Battlenet.
I messaged people if they want to play it and they even played it and some like it....but you know what?
Thats it! They can't play it again since they have to look for players now, because its on page 1337.
The times have changed yes, now you have to spam: Blogs, websites, forum so just people can play your map?
Of course you have to (with this system) but its not like we all have enough time to do these kind of things while developing a custom map, since it takes a lot of time to advertise it on different platforms.
Has the custom map community changed in a way where only hardcore mapper gets the chance to publish their map?
At this point you are completely right, yes the map might suck and yes, you need to get feedback if you want to know what sucks, but if you can't get the chance to get feedback how will you improve it?
There is a reason why there are so many shitty maps on the first two pages, not because they listed to the audience and improved the map while getting a lot of feedback.
Btw. you are just talking mostly about basic mapping tips...they might work on a system with equal chances like in Warcraft 3, but the times are long over since Battlenet 0.2.
There was a time where you got popularity by creating a good map, now you get the popularity by creating a good advertisement. Even if the map is crap.
So basically we create more tutorials and give more feedback, while praying that Blizzard will eventually do something?
Of course its always a good idea to create new tutorials but there are plenty of them and there are others reasons why so many projects are unfinished.
1. Creating a unit is to much work (Data Editor)
2. After realizing how hard it is to get player it doesn't matter if your map is good.
This will mostly help mapper which are new to mapping and of course it could help a lot of custom maps created by checking them like that but it looks like a waste of time if you look at the main problem which is definitely the popularity system.
I still hope that you get a lot of guys into this, not because I think it might actually change something in the future but you wouldn't waste your efforts.
Another thing I would like to mention is, that Blizzard won't even more do not anything if the mapping community is being quiet about the mistakes in the actual system.
What we need to do is to reach Blizzard...
They have to get that we are the custom maps.
A wise man once sad: Hoping is useless. If you want to change something you have to do something.
P.S. Have fun with your project (& nexus wars) I wish you all luck, I might look back here after I finished my project or a miracle happens on Blizzard Headquarters
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@EternalWraith: Go
Ban me after "Sexy Game Quiz" please.
Still not finished, have no time at the moment.
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@Mozared: Go
No one said that the popularity system was bad at "getting known maps on page 1". (I hope so though)
What the most guys want to say is, that the system sucks at "getting unknown maps on page 1" (without getting on page 1, unknown maps don't even get a chance to be known)
And I think you understand this point well.
If Icefrog would release "DOTA" in SC2 it would instantly go to page 1 even if it would be a lot worser than "SOTIS".
I don't know how it is for you but I stopped playing Starcraft 2 mainly because there is no variation on the custom maps.
Its not like in Warcraft 3 where you see everyday a cool map, because someone hosts a game with a yet unknown map.
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!?"§%&$ Blizzards %&$!.
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@ProzaicMuze:
How was it?
Did you like it?
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I learned a lot in this 1 year with Starcraft 2:
I won't buy a Blizzard game again! I know that D3 will be a good game, but Blizzard will find a lot of ways to fuck up the fun of that game too.
Community is the last word Blizzard thinks about...
What I can't really believe is, that you guys actually have hope, that Battlenet/Custom-map Scene and the Poop-System will be good at one time... GL&HF while waiting for this.
I will just release my unfinished projects and stop caring about this shit anymore.
The more I visit this site and the more I read about Blizzard failing, the more I get aggressive so really no point for me in here.
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This seems interesting... Would love to see a updated version in the upcoming future if this is even the intention here hmm...
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Welcome back!
I missed you
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You forgot to mention Sexy Gamequiz!....the video is already banned though...
As for the problem itself: I understand your point, but I really don't see, how we can make the project presentation place better.
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I already thought about that :D It will be implemented.
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Cool story bro
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Reason 1: Well, the first thing I think about, when I see a raptor are sexy boobies.
Reason 2: Read the history at the top.
Reason 3: I just experimented with the editor and enjoyed the picture feature, so I thought about creating a map, and since Blizzard made me really angry, I thought why not making something offensive?
Just pick the Reason that suits you most.
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If the map gets banned, I will upload it, so everyone can play it privat.
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I would be losing 40$, so I already calculated it. I just don't have fun anymore with SC2 and this Battlenet, so I just wanted do stop the game by doing something stupid like this. If SC2 ever gets interesting again, I might be buying a new key. (If this one gets banned)
Till the project is completely finished some time will pass, so no rush at all.