The reason I say I can't do much here is because I don't have the original files. I can't change, for example, how opaque the army circles are because all I have is the flattened, 1 layer image. I don't have that kind of control over the image anymore.
It looks better and no one is disputing that. As for the extra BS, why should other map makers go through a process while you get a pass?
I was quoting the other guy's post here, sorry for the confusion I didn't use the correct syntax for making a quotation. In response to your response to the second thing I said - I have pointed out the reasons why I can't fix in other places - but will also do so in this post - so read on
You said that you have lost the old files, so to draw the above image you have created a new image on the old one. But this doesn't mean that now you can't change the map anymore. You need only to work on the new file/layers.
There may be a misunderstanding. I lost layered files for
this edition of the map (as well as the old one). Yes, to make this edition, I traced the old one - but then four years passed and hard drives crashed and now all that's left of this version of the map is what I posted here.
Sure, as I've said there are still some things that I can do, but many very basic things which I cannot.
Now, althought it's clear that the version of the map you posted is more pleasing than the current one we have on the site, the foundry has its procedures. These procedures are there to ensure that all maps are up to the CC standards. The fact your map was up to the standards when it was quenched the first time doesn't mean it is up to them nowdays; the standards are subject to changes through the time and, actually, our standards are higher than in past.
I understand that completely, and if I were starting from scratch there are a lot of things I would do a lot different, but I don't have the time for something like that. I agree that the original map's graphics wouldn't and shouldn't hold up to the standards you have now - that's exactly why I did this revamp 4 years ago. Perhaps what I ended up with still didn't doesn't meet the standards of today, but as i've said there is very little I can do to fix that. As i'm sure most people know, when you have a layered file, changing the width of borders or the boldness of a certain graphic is a completely trivial problem - doing that to a flat image is basically impossible and would require starting from scratch. So what i'm saying is that - for the most part (and again I acknowledge there are some things I can do) - what you see is what you get, and since the standards are much higher for graphics now than they were in 2006 when the original map went live, and "what you see" is according to most much better than what we have, why not swap? For me, it's not about me "getting a pass" on the rules as koontz says, it doesn't do me any good to get away with something here. I just think it would be better for the site and it would make people happy if one of the maps was better than it is. Ideally I would start over and make it even better, and with community help and the high standards that you all have, it would be really excellent - but I do not have the time for a project like that.. at all.
So it's not about trying to skirt the rules, I just think it's a shame that one of the earliest (and one of the uglier) maps we have has been largely re-done by its author and it's just sitting on the shelf for four years now.
With all of that said, let me respond to the specifics:
1. From a objective point of view, the sea could have some more love...it's not bad but I think you can do better.
2. I see borders are more clear now, but i think you can improve some sea connnections (e.g. andros/tinos is almost invisible)
3. Personally I would go with more trasparency on the army circles.
4. Redraw this mountain...it's terrible!
1. What do you mean? Keep in mind the restrictions I have - for example I can
add another graphic, but I can't remove anything, or tone down the effects or colors or anything like that. Like I was saying before, many seemingly trivial things are basically impossible for me to change.
2. This is something I
may be able to do something about. I won't be able to change the paths' shapes or the style but I can try to add some effect to make it a little bolder.
3. As I mentioned this is something I definitely cannot fix.
4. Good eye - that's an easy fix (as the mountains are part of a new layer).
I would suggest also to try to center the small temple (the one with the title) on the rectangle of the legend. I think you can easily move the rectangle to left and have the bonus numbers more close to their respective names. Also the signature can be moved to left to compensate the empty space. Or make the rectangle smaller, if you prefer.
Just to be clear - when I say I can't change something - it doesn't necessarily mean I disagree, just that I really have no power to.
In this case I have no power to change any of those things. If it was a layered image, I could alter the temple's dimensions, shape, position, etc., without effecting what is around/behind it. As is, I can't do anything like that.
Koontz, thanks for the input! Let me try and address your thoughts:
1. Army circles, remove or reduce opacity. They are very ugly at the moment and detract from the nice new map.
2. Sea routes, all of these could do with some love. Some are hard to see (Andros-Tinos), some look badly drawn (Argolis-Kyklades) and others could do with a single line and not three pasted together (Kyklades-Krete).
3. Names, why are some bigger than others? Get them all the aem size as the larger names do not have any game play importance. Reduce the glow around them. Some could be moved into the territ proper (Phrygia).
4. I love the mountains but the one nobodies pointed out needs some love. Also, blend them into the map some more.
1. As I said in response to thenobodies who had the same concern - I really can't do that :\
2. See my response to thenobodies note about this as well
3. At the time I was trying to use the space where I had it, and make the names in the "roomier" territories larger. I can see why that's annoying but this is going to be one of those completely unfixable problems :\
4. That little mountain shouldn't be a problem to fix - i'll see what I can do about making the rest of them feel more blended.
I appreciate the feedback guys - I'm sorry that I can't do this the "right" way. If I had the time I would rather just start from scratch (though honestly if I had the time I'd probably use it to make a brand new one.. :p Maybe "The Macedonian Question" showing the pre-WW1 struggle for power in the region?), but since this thing exists I feel like it would be nice to do what I can do to get it used. Just, as I said before, it should be noted that "what I can do" is almost nothing.