For Newbies Guide ver2-

I will try to cover all the basics of AoK and the Map making. It is advised that you read all of the basic, for not reading them, you will probably not understand all of the advanced topics.

Starting Off

Getting Prepared
     You must always make sure you have the most recent update. It can help you a lot when you what bugs fixed, that may have bugged you in the past.
The in-game interactive tutorial is very useful. It has taught me when I got the AoK Trial version, way a long time ago. Always at least play the tutorials in games, no matter how boring they may be some times.
Making an account for online play is always easy. You can sometimes make up more than one account. But, for the sake of your associates, please stick to one name, or make your names sound similar: ex. "Benyuolmen", "Benyuolmen the VI", "General Benyuolmen".
     Print the manual of the game and read it when you can be on the computer if you have to. They don’t type those things for nothing.
If you get technical issue, always refer to the Read me, or Instructions document before bothering a professional at the company site. It annoys the hell out of them when you ask them simple questions, which created the FAQ questions section on most sites. If you can find an answer in the Read Me, THEN go to the site for Technical Help.

Playing the Computer Player

     God, I tell you people now. JUST BECAUSE YOU BEAT THE COMPUTER DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN BEAT THE ONLINE PLAYERS, EVEN IF YOU BEAT THE COMPUTER ON HARDCORE OR EASY.
     The computer player has a few advantages: Pre commanded orders so there is no wasted time, speed, knows where you are automatically, knows everything of the game, knows exactly how to attack. Computers are more advanced, but are very repetitive. They are predictable.

Playing the Online Players

     These players have been playing maybe for years, 5 hours a day. They know what they are doing. From Xperts to Newbies, and rooks, skills and styles vary. The online player is human, so therefore he has human qualities, remember that.
The Online Player has a few advantages over the computer: isn’t repetitive, actually has pity and remorse, emotions and can communicate.
Player’s hardware can either win or lose a battle, and possibly annoy the hell out of other players. Remember to never download while playing a game, or don’t run any applications.
     Online services like ZONE provides servers, or ROOMS where you can host and/or join games for people to play.
In The Forums

Behavior

     Yes, entering and participating in forums is like visiting a friend’s house, respect his mom and dad, don’t be mean to his younger siblings, and don’t trash the place. You have to respect ALL forumers, especially Newbies.
Required Qualities:
Honesty
Patience
Open minded
Good Grammar/Spelling
Respectful
Informative
Cautious
Thoughtful

     Don’t use bad language. If the people there know you pretty well, they probably won’t care too much. But on most forums, you aren’t allowed to use bad language.
DO NOT DEFAME! It is a lowly thing to do. If you have a problem with someone don’t post a topic that insults them. Don’t post topics about people at all.
If you say something, like if someone said something, then later on lied about saying it, quote it by searching for the Topics name, and copying. Always include the full statement, and the person’s name.
     I use this rule, only post two topics for every 30 on screen. Flooding is hated and called newbish.

6 WAYS YOU’RE SEEN AS A NEWBIE
*You flood by posting topics that are off-topic/questing.
*You start a team without joining one first.
*You’re new.
*You don’t know what someone means when they state a place on the site, like Blacksmith on AoKH.
*You ask very simple questions like "How do you make a Town Center?". I say that is a newbie, but not a bad thing. I even have a forum that helps people with their questions.
*Even the Officials have to tell you to shut up.
*You act immature

I am not trying to harm or insult you. This was made so you can see if you’re a newbie or not.

Bad Characteristics

Insulting others.
Flooding.
Always calling the officials.
Talking about something you made.
Going from topic to topic talking about something OT (off-topic).
Cussing too much.
Disrespecting innocents or officials.
Generalizing.
Disrespecting Newbies.
Making false statements.

Hints

    Never make false statements. Because if you do, people in the forum will criticize you over it, and ignore what you are even trying to say.
Be very clear in your posts.
People are very very very quick to insult you. So be correct, respective, and considerate. Follow the required qualities.
     Making interesting topics, especially with catchy interesting topic names catch attention. Making catchy interesting topic names will attract people better than boring names. Example: Good "Is AoK Dying! How?", Boring "Han’s Design Team Updates"
Remember Moderators have complete control over posts.

Map Making

Designer Qualities
Patience
Thinks ahead of time
Preplaner
Knows what he/she has to work with
Work Qualities
Is actually fun. Something you would play.
Time consuming.
Unique
Pretty. Has Eyecandy. Please read about eyecandy.
Totally Custom
Knows its theme
Interactive

Hints

Be creatives, and innovative. There are too many copies, and same-old-same-old things. Stand out!
Put time and faith in your work. Don’t trash an idea.
Work on two or more different things at a time. When you get bored of one, work on the other, never stay stuck to one thing.
Make DEMOs of your work, and post it on the site. Be very very attractive about it. Like why people would want to waste time and space downloading it. Advertise in a forum, only once!
Have it play tested by friends. GoD Playtests.
Its okay to put-off something, and work on another.
Get suggestions, damn near encourage and demand comments on your work.
Team Map Making
There is a certain process that should be followed:
Get Idea, build on it.
Discuss it with team
Assign each player their tasks
Make a demo of the very first, most informative SCN in your Campaign, and post it on a big site, better yet, three big sites. Ask for comments.
Depending on the feedback, continue or cancle the idea.
Work on idea if continued.
Playtest it till death.

Release it

     Don’t expect people to fall instantly in love with your project when you talk about it. You gotta capture their interest.
Stay in very tight communication with your team.
Always report of your progress.
Stay together.
Be organized.