Create, in the Cook's forum, a "call out" type system where NEW people and people who have never played a particular map can play either 1 vs 1 with a "mentor" OR a group of other players who will all be helped a bit by other players.
Specifics:
This will differ from the current cook's forum in 2 ways:
1. It will cover ALL maps, not just the classic.
2. The criteria for "helpers" will be much, much lower. These games will not be about teaching any real, in depth strategy (and participants will be told this, up front) it will JUST about understanding the basics of how to play. For the most part, this would be for new people. However, I can see opening it up to some experienced players for some of the more unusual or complicated maps. The basic criteria will just be that someone is tolerant and able to explain in the person's own language.
3. A further subforum specifically for non-English speakers, again, with the above criteria in mind (however, the language speakers will themselves have to monitor, in most cases).
4. EVERYONE who joins will get a pm suggesting they try games in this forum initially. (mod or some volunteers may need to keep games open so that there is always a selection) Now people will still be allowed to play public games, but this will be an option for those who are confused.
This will improve the following aspects of the site:
I see this as an alternative to the unworkable idea for automated trial games.
A big reason for people leaving is just the complexity. This will offer an easy, non-threatening way for people to learn. Again, this will cover just the most basic things ... how to play, so it should be pretty much limited to newbies.
Recruiting volunteers should be much, much easier than in current training program. This will NOT be a replacement by any means, just a minor supplement... this will be where those who are not ready for even the cook's forum might go. I, for one, do not feel qualified to teach in the Cook's forum (for one thing, I don't play classic), but can quite easily, do often, explain how to play various maps.
Because this area will be set aside for newbies, chances of them getting "pounced" upon by a farmer will be much less. This forum might well attract farmers, BUT, they will be used in a positive way. That is, if they are nice and help new people to really understand how to play, then points or no points, they are helping CC. I mean, let's face it. We all play to win. If you are going to leave just because you lose ... you don't belong here. The key is not whether you are beat in your first few games, the key is whether you learn, are offered help if you ask when you need it, etc. I don't mind losing to someone who says "hey, you know in this map you really need to ..." or "hey, you cannot take a region over with bombardment attacks, the last goes nuetral". I do get irritated if someone goes "naah, naah, I beat you" (for a cleaned up version
)The limit on who could join these games (something like 2-3 games per map or "map class" ) would help keep this from becoming abuse.
IN addition, I know that there are plans, eventually, to add in maps other than Classic. This might be a way to sort of head in that direction without requiring the full blown commitment of a new forum dedicated to special maps. It might also help highlight which maps might need their own forum (eventually).
I believe this will result in an overall increase in recruitment AND in playing more maps.
