Map Incubator Experiment (Failed)

[oaktown]

I've been saying that gimil and I were kicking around an idea that we wanted to try out, and here it is.

Whereas: Division of labor in the Foundry does not address all mapmaker needs...
While the system that we currently have - staff responsible for stamps representing different stages of map development - is logical and easy to understand, it does not address the problem of maps going through long stretches of their development with little/no feedback. It is not the responsibility of the stampers to drive production of the map, nor should it be. Mapmakers would benefit from a system in which specific members of the community are committed to assisting and giving feedback on the production of specific maps.

Whereas: Division of the Foundry into multiple mini-foundries would be contentious...
The notion of breaking the Foundry into smaller, more intimate working groups has been suggested, but we feel it would lead to making the Foundry even more fractured and factious than it is now. Cries of inequity would be raised across the community.

Whereas: Novice mapmakers feel a lack of support...
A first time mapmaker with limited Foundry experience can find the Foundry experience frustrating and overwhelming. New projects are often ignored, overlooked, or harshly criticized. New mapmakers have nobody to turn to for support.

Gimil and oaktown propose the creation of a map incubation group.
A team of about eight members, with a balance of foundry regulars and those with little or no Foundry experience, will closely follow the development of a select group of three or four maps (to be determined) from start to finish. Each member will be responsible for following each map thread and leaving regular and constructive feedback. It will be the role of the members to help guide the mapmaker toward achieving their next stamp, though the job of stamping the map will remain in the hands of the CAs and Foundry Assistants. We aren't trying to replace anyone or rewrite foundry policy, just to add a support structure to the mapmaking process.

Membership will be on a volunteer basis and overseen by the incubation group founders. If a member is unable to perform his duties, a replacement will be found. The individuals making these maps will not be counted among the recognized members of this group, but will be encouraged to follow the development of the other maps in the incubator.

As this is a new idea, we aren't sure how it will go and we'll probably hit some snags along the way. An expectation is that team members will discuss the process as we go, and consider changes that could facilitate future group work. If this incubator group proves popular and successful we will encourage and assist in the creation of future groups.

If you are interested in taking part in the team please post here in this thread, and tell us in twenty words or less what you bring to the table. We will also be soliciting participation outside the Foundry. Keep in mind that gimil and I will be picking a very small group to begin with, and we will be trying to bring in a cross section of CC users that have different ranks, amount of experience, and foundry background (or lack there of).

[Danyael]

I think this would be a good experiment to see happen and partake in
having a dedicated group of people focused on certain maps would improve the foundry in many way
as a very colourblind member and graphically able person with mainly adobe programs
i think i could help

i hope this spans out nicely

[jpcloet]

Not a Foundry Regular
Innovative
Advises in many CC areas
Graphic Editor - Over 200 signatures created
Disappointed Mapmakers Guild Member

Overall, I can count to 20!

[captainwalrus]

This will work with the current system, not replace it, right? If I'm not in the group I can still post and comment on whatever maps I want, right?

[oaktown]

This will work with the current system, not replace it, right? If I'm not in the group I can still post and comment on whatever maps I want, right?

right on both counts... if you're not in the group nothing changes. Hell, if you are in the group nothing change except that you've made a commitment to help a couple of specific maps.

[Premier2k]

This sounds like just what we need!

[Twenty words...hmmmm....]
I bring experience as a new map-maker learning the process for the first time and moving through the foundry.

Premier2k

[sailorseal]

Hi my name is sailorseal (That's like 5 words already)
I already spend a lot of time here in the Foundry but could use a purpose. (Alright that's like 16)
I feel I am right in the middle of the group you said you wanted.

Well for starters I am making this post at 2:00 AM, I might just be flailing on the keyboard in some weird dream.
I think that I would bring to the table motivation and understanding.
I also have recently found a bunch of extra energy that I could devote to giving feedback.
Thanks

[sailorseal]

Also for the record, I came to this thread imagining a proposal for a Egg Incubator Map, posted in ideas!

[bryguy]

Also for the record, I came to this thread imagining a proposal for a Egg Incubator Map, posted in ideas!

So did I

Anyways

I think that this is a good idea, and should in the long run help out greatly with the foundry (:

20 Words eh? I think I can manage that.

Hello people of the Map Foundry, My name is Bryguy. I'm not always a foundry regular, due to the fact that if a map doesn't catch my interest, I usually won't comment on it. I have been working on graphics for 4 years now, but only the last 2 have shown any improvement. I enjoy giving criticism to graphics, and while most graphics that I have been commenting on lately are not those that are found in the foundry, I am sure that I can change my commenting style to fit for maps. One thing that I may have that other members may not is that I have been using GIMP for over a year now, and I have learnt to use it well, sometimes being able to make things just as well as if it were made in photoshop.

lol I think thats 139 words

[oaktown]

really, is it so hard to be brief? For example:

I've been around 3 years, made ten maps or so, of relatively high rank, CA for a year, post regularly.

[AndyDufresne]

Now, the trick is to get some of those General Discussion user and players that mostly play games outside of the forums.


--Andy

[whitestazn88]

foundry regular for a while, and mrbenn and andydufrense have pm'ed me thanking my continued support of the map foundry


20 words. plus that last snippet should count for something extra.

[lokisgal]

Id like to help - played all maps in here which I think would be helpful . And I don't bite

[lgoasklucyl]

Id like to help - played all maps in here which I think would be helpful . And I don't bite

Psst.... She bites

[s3xt0y]

ill throw my hat in the ring

s3x