Why would people download it eventually if servers aren't putting it up because initially it will have the effect of emptying their server?
Youme is getting direct feedback from server admins saying pretty much what I'm saying. It seems amazing that a bunch of people with no experience running a server all act like the ones running the servers are some sort of creativity squashing overlords.
Admins want great maps just like we do. Further, admins know better than us what makes or breaks a server. When one comes to a mapper and offers direct feedback we should be thanking them. Instead the tone is usually "omg they are stupid I can download that map in 30 seconds lol!"
I'm sorry but i have to respond to that.
Who said i wasn't a server admin? Just because i don't fluant my experience or status around like a lot of people have here, i'm merely a naive level designer? I've administrated several servers in my time, 5 DoD clan servers, not just my own, a public TFC server (my first admin role) and 2 custom content servers run by associates of mine that host HL2DM and DoD games. But administrating servers none the less. If you have players, regular players, that leave your server because a little over half your player base disconnected over a download, then that doesn't say much for your players general mentality. They sound like the type of people who disconnect over any map download, or because they get dominated by more than one person, or revenged etc. At peak time it doesn't take much for a server to fill at all, regardless of a custom map. As a player i've seen a server with say 4 players fill up within the space of a single game. But.. what ever the case you have, my point..
In my experience
as an admin, is that people sooner or later get the maps that are played a lot (hoodoo has to be up there in the top 5 atleast, it's certainly the custom map i see the most other than orange_x); as it has been stated already, the more times someone cancels the same download over and over per server (or even just the one) the more likely they are to put up with the download
for one session and continue playing on their favourite server without interuption, on a favourite custom map of many (i know i have). A map for which,
is played on a lot servers.
On a personal note i feel like i should say this:
If an admin changes the map because some (even most) of the clients disconnected because of a download then he has as little patience as the people disconnecting.
As a dedicated admin i made it entertaining for the small player numbers untill more joined. (If they were having a bad experience at all). Playing with commands, amusing the newbies, generally involving myself with the crowd. My advice to you as an ex DoD admin that got around, is get better admins; not remove great custom content. Then maybe your server wont wipe out when ever a half decent custom map is played. An admin doesn't just regulate the player flow, peaking server traffic via any means. An admin isn't an all high and mighty being of infinite wisdom and nor does he have to act like a police officer. As an admin i am truelly dissapointed to here this kind of thing happening.
Sorry to go off topic Youme. But i was baited by the slight.
Yes custom content can effect player activity on a server. Yes Youme has a large file size. Does this effect clients negatively? Some, probably more than others. I suggested he make every effert to reduce file size whilst keeping his maps beauty as much as possible. I don't see why you feel the need to discredit everyone's opinion other than your own, because you're an admin. Yes it gives you a view on the subject most people arn't privy too, but it doesn't make them wrong.
Each opinion has its flaws and draw backs. Which is why a compromise must be made. Atleast. That is what i believe, and have suggested.