OK here is a new twist to an otherwise already tried and true method. Each of us in the past has seen a map, or many maps that we thought to ourselves, "I would have done it this way" or something similar.

This contest would be open ended, meaning no real time limit. It would be set in such a way that if participant #1 took a week, and #2 took a month, that neither would interfere with the other because the participants aren't competing against one another, only themselves.

The idea is (and I use this as an example for the moment) that Gwil thought he could improve Juims new map. With permission of course, since Juim would have to cough up the map for editing. Gwil sets himself the task of putting his money, where his mouth is.

When Gwil is done, he submits his new version for us to vote on. If he made enough of an improvement, or a sufficient amount of changes to warrant it being "Original" then he would win. (note: changes and improving aren't necessarilly the same thing!) If not, he could continue to alter the map till he succeeds, or settle for what he has created and moves on to his next project.

My question: Do you think this a good idea, and one we need to cultivate?

I personally vote no. Not because I think its a bad idea, but because its already been voted on and didn't go over to well.

My thinking is this: Someone like me took Apex and fixed/finished it. I made it better. Some would disagree but IMO, I made it better. Otherwise, the map would have been consigned to the nether regions of the hard drive of the doomed.

See, Someone might think that Agent Smiths map needs improved. (The dam map) They can, or could request Master Smith to cough up the map and then this someone could prove their mettle.

Another person might think they could improve another map. It would be up to both parties to swap the map from the original author to the person whom thinks it needs fixing.

I think in this way 2 things are gonna happen.

1) You will see how the original author partakes in his creativity. His secrets so to speak will be open.
2) You will either succeed because you have a desire to prove yourself, or you will fail. BUT, you will learn which you have. A successful outlook or a failed one.

My point is, as long as you have any map in mind, and the author releases the map to you, the sky is the limit on what might happen afterward.

Hope that made sense.

Why?

In my first example, I chose Juim and Gwil. Juim because he has something recent, and it was in my mind, but Gwil because he has little released.

My thinking was, Juim might not mind, and Gwil knows I meant no harm so it was safe to use them as examples.

The point is, Gwil might not have enough time to ever finish a complete map but have more than enough time to restructure an existing one.

At least, its my hope to get people with little time to want to join.

Also, I know that there are maps out there that could be improved. There is always room for another version/outlook.

Look at it this way. I might do this too, and I have no HL2 maps under my belt either. I am more/less starting from scratch too.

Also, Since HL1 is still popular, some might feel more inclined reworking that engines maps.

I found all my old RMF's up to the time period where/when I worked on Apex_v2.

I have Deja_Vu, Thrasher, False_Accretion, Op4_False_Accretion, Deja_Vu_2, Apex and Apex_v2.

Thats the maps I released. I have an entire folder of unreleased HL1 maps.

With time, I might be able to locate ma latter maps as well.

Even though I admit that they suck owl s**t, I am willing to commit them to this project.

Personally, I am open to A*N*Y*T*H*I*N*G!

Just as long as we do something. Seriously folks. Lets do something. I waited. I waited a long time before I suggested this in the hopes that someone, anyone would step forward.

You know me. I do not relish a principal position here. At least not with regard to running anything. I would be perfectly happy for anyone to run some sort of a competition.

The good thing about this idea today is, it cannot interfere with any other competition because its just a personal betterment type of thing.

I will throw my support behind anyone who wants to run a competition, as long as that person sees it to fruition.

If the majority wants to have a comp, with everyone working from a base map, lets do it then.

I will be running back and forth between Conway and Chicago all week. Work it out amongst yourselves and when I get back I'll assist... Assuming you want assistance.