Improved Map Rating System

I am just as excited as most of you about the upcoming introduction of custom maps. However, I know that while many players will put a great deal of time and effort into creating fair, beautiful, and engaging custom maps, just as many will create what is essentially garbage. As a result I have two suggestions.

1. An improved rating system
Currently the scenario rating system is satisfactory but nothing to be proud of. As far as I can tell most players don't take the time to rate scenarios and people essentially play scenarios based on those that are most played. For custom maps I propose that players are forced (at least the first time playing a map) to rate it when they are finished playing.

2. Incentives to make good maps
I believe that if custom maps are as good as they look like they will be, many players are going to take map creation just as seriously as some take competitive 1v1s/3v3s. We may even gain and keep new players because they are attracted to the custom map part of the game. Therefore I propose that we reward those who create great custom maps in the same way that we reward players who win Afterwind tourneys or clans that preform well for a season/overall. This can be in the form of medals on profiles or whatever.

Keep in mind that these suggestions are very open ended and that I'm just trying to get a simple idea across. In a nutshell, let's not waste an opportunity to play a variety of great maps that we can all enjoy. Custom maps create endless possibilities for Afterwind so pls no nipple city.

Rating system: I agree. Even make this for Scenarios too maybe, force a rating until you've rated it.

I'm not sure there's a need for incentives because people are really excited already, (and likely people will just farm votes for their maps to get the medals--rep anyone?) but maybe I am just a cynic and that's harmless too.

(Cmon you know we're getting nipple city/penis shaped map in the first few days this goes live...)

Good point, perhaps I am being a bit of an idealist with my second suggestion.

Perhaps a MOST PLAYED MAP of the day, weak, month? With a medal being awarded on a monthly basis?

Also the mods and admins could pick and vote on the best ones.

There will definitely be contests for the best custom maps and so on, perhaps even with the real cash prizes. And we're already thinking of redoing the rating system both for scenarios and for custom maps, since current system is not very useful.

Rating at the end of the game: absolutely!
I'm also thinking of separate ratings for fun/balance/design etc.

Awesome! Thanks for the quick responses.