This is the story: I was testing a DM map that I just compiled. I loaded it in HL2DM (which requires creating a server). I went to get a drink, and when I got back, I saw I was fragged.
Some dude entered the map.
He started cussing me so I banned him, trying to concentrate on my spot lights effects.
Then another dude came in, this time it was a really nice guy that made some commentary on the map. I asked him all sorts of things and he said what he thought. It was really helpful because I got feedback in real-time. Plus, we were able to communicate better since we both could move in the world and watch the same stuff together.
And the best advantage - if I didn't like what he said, I fragged his ass.
So this is what I'm suggesting - we can do this among each other. We can set up servers and join servers, helping other mappers. It helps a bunch, and it's really fun. You can also fight and get the feeling of how it's like to fight in the map... Does this or that work the way I wanted? Do I see this thing when I'm in the middle of a fight? Is the path well laid when I run backwards? How's the cover in the map? Does it feel cool to jump over this, and land here with a pistol?
A lot of learning can be achieved using this method.
Plus, another guy can always spot problems that you wouldn't. And the map looks waaaaay better than in pictures, so it helps too to watch it.
So... Start a server!
