Staredit Network

We gotta break into this somehow. There's too much solo stuff going on, and not enough collaboration. It's not healthy (or efficient) expecting people to do all their own maps all the time, as SC maps, unlike other games, are relatively difficult to make and don't allow for the same degree of expressive freedom as easily (though in the right hands it certainly can). That, and without heavy knowledge of the game's workings already it becomes impractical for middle and lower level mappers to manage the same kinds of ambitious solo projects they strive for like the more advanced mappers (who've already been around long enough to learn the ropes) can manage. The learning curve and expectations are simply becoming too steep, frankly.

I posted a lengthy guide on how to organize a full-scale team effort for your typical Highly Ambitious Project (not for the faint of heart!), but ultimately it's kinda like riding a bike: You can't learn it from a book. I think we need to do a few practice runs, first.



Therefore, I'm proposing we set up an event to get some started: A Collab Contest. These would be month-long dealies where 2 or more people work together to make a single map. This would require learning both teamwork in general, and how to handle delegating mapping tasks effectively (which is actually quite doable, as I've learned).

I think this would could be the most useful thing we could learn, as it would mean not only that lesser mappers don't need to be boxed out of doing greater maps, but we'd also start to see an increase in finished projects for a change. That alone would be a godsend for the UMS community.



But for now, let's start small I say. What say you?

I actually like this idea a lot, because I'm sure I could learn more than I know already about map-making from other people, and my only major project is at 99% and rather basic in ideas. Maybe with a partner who does more than help me do some multiplayer tests, I could see a third map that I can enjoy easily.

Tuxedo for administrator?

ADDITION:
It's a solid idea. Doit.

Just remember, I reserve October for the Staredit only contest.

No hurries. This has to be something we'd all be willing to get into. I think now if we can refine the right methods to handle collab; particularly with things like terrain and triggers (which traditionally have been hard to delegate by coop), then we can definitely get some progress in this new realm.


This'll be as new to me as it is for you, honestly. I've done a bit already, but not related specifically to Starcraft, so my knowledge is only based on theory, cumulative mapping experience, and converted outside experience. This'll be new terrain for all of us.

Sounds like tux needs a friend... Aww..

Now to be serious. This sounds like a great idea, but I'm kinda busy with several projects. (One of which, surprisingly enough, is a collaboration.) I guess I didn't really have much to say on this topic. Thought I did..

I'll be tuxlar's partner

Good idea indeed. How are you planning to organize it all ? Give a theme to the contestants, or just order to create random maps ?

Real men go solo.

Actually real men realize they can't be an island, so they get good at leading others so they won't have to.


Anyway I'm proposing the idea, but I'm not yet in a position to be able to organize it. I was thinking instead that using it as one of the monthly contest themes later might be an idea, though. I could help with that, sure.



Otherwise you'd all have to wait awhile, until I'm open to host an event like that by myself.

exciting i would enjoy a well organised group project

Funny how some of the posts in this thread sound suspiciously sexual.






Exploring some new ground, are we?

Anyways, I know from experience that team projects tend to suffer from either a few or several lazy participants, and without someone capable of dealing out punishment (teachers, parents, etc.), teenagers tend to work hard only for a short period of time, pushing all the work off to the last second, until it's too late anyways.

Good luck to you, you'll need it.

I know exactly what you mean. I've been working on a simple RPG for months, and now I'm too lazy to find the time to test it. The only time I ever work hard on something is during a group project, because other people are relying on me. That's the main reason I support this too.. I'd have more and better maps out by now.

Peer pressure is a solution to laziness. Not direct pressuring or using force, but putting some stake in their ego. For instance, if someone isn't pulling their weight, you could ask or tell them to keep up until your face is blue, or you could say you'll have them replaced or excluded if they don't pick up the slack. Chances are, to avoid losing face, they'll either do just that, or else expose their unwillingness or inability on the spot. In the latter case, you know then that they aren't going to be useful to you anymore anyway.

Ideally, you shouldn't have to encounter that situation. But still, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Good idea.

Hmm I don't know who my partner would be for this or what map I'd want to make with him/her, but I'd love to give it a shot.

Hopefully this could be put into action sooner rather than later. I'm sure that if this was one of the monthly contests, about two weeks would not be enough time to fit around a bunch of peoples' schedules as opposed to a single person's.