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[Zorchenhimer]

1 star = plain cable modem server
2 star = cable modem with "special" maps from list
3 star = plain high speed server
4 star= high speed server with "special" maps from list

None of which are really that much of a reward...  The last one is the most appealing but in all reality the only true reward is having a Full server and if those maplists are forced upon us and don't attract players, you've defeated your purpose.

here's an idea:

have the players vote on the map/server, in game. then integrate that user rating into the server browser. that way the players (not just the forumers) vote on the maps and/or servers.

[PiCaSSo]

I like that idea more but how many would really take the time to utilize it and of those how many might abuse it...

[Zorchenhimer]

well, the people that play on a regular basis would then have a say in what maps should be on a given server, and if set up correctly it wouldnt take hardly any time.

abuse is something that is for the most part unavoidable. but you might be able to reduce it by limiting the amount of voting in a given amount of time. another possibility would to vote on clan sites. this would limit the abuse and encourage new players to get involved with a clan. or with the global login system, where only clan members can vote, or their votes are worth more.