FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that hopefully will make the TMU Blog easier to understand for newcomers as well as clear some things up for regularly visiting readers 
1. GENERAL
- What is the TMU Blog and what can I use it for?
- Does the TMU Blog have a staff?
2. SERVICES
- What are “services”?
- How do I use services?
- Why do some services require the payment of coppers?
3. TRACK REVIEWS
- What are Track Reviews?
- What is included in a Track Review?
- How does the rating system for reviewed tracks work, and what criteria are used?
- Can I see a list of previously reviewed tracks somewhere?
- What has happened to the TMX Track List?
4. CONTESTS
- What kind of contests are held by the TMU Blog?
- How often are contests held by the TMU Blog?
- Can I view results of previous contests somewhere?
5. BLOG TRACKS
- What does “BT” stand for?
- What are Blog Tracks?
- How many Blog Tracks are there?
6. TMU BLOG FORUM
- Does the TMU Blog feature a forum?
- What is the TMU Blog Forum used for?
7. OTHER
- What is TrackMania United?
- How can I help the TMU Blog?
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1. GENERAL
What is the TMU Blog and what can I use it for?
The TMU Blog (TrackMania United Blog) is a privately maintained blog dedicated to the computer game TrackMania United. The blog features articles, guides, track reviews, challenges, contests, games, in-game screenshots, and more - all aimed at TM fans.
Does the TMU Blog have a staff?
No. The TMU Blog is privately maintained by one single person - Jozii. However, there are two people - Alcator and DABH - who does a lot of article and track review writing. Also, readers can (and are encouraged to) send their own TM related articles, guides, track reviews, essays, real-life experiences, etc. to Jozii@pp.inet.fi. Most material will get published and of course you will get full credit.
2. SERVICES
What are “services”?
The TMU Blog offers a wide range of services, including Track Reviews and free advertisements of servers, teams, websites or any other TM related stuff. Some of these services are free, while some cost coppers to use. You can find a full list of available services through the Service page.
How do I use services?
How to use each individual service is explained at the Service page. However, most of them simply requires you to send an in-game message to “Jozii” explaining what it is you’re interested in, and, if the service requires a copper fee, including the coppers required.
Why do some services require the payment of coppers?
There are two main reasons for this:
- Coppers are used as prizes in future contests and challenges.
- Services such as Track Reviews cost copper in order to prevent a flood of readers requesting their tracks to be reviewed.
3. TRACK REVIEWS
What are Track Reviews?
Check the Services page for a simple description of Track Reviews or the Review Info page for the details.
What is included in a Track Review?
A Track Review (new system 20th of August 2007) rates a track on several sub-topics, then ends with a summary and a final rating. Additional quick information such as tags, difficulty, etc. is also displayed. For a complete list and detailed explanations, see the Review Info page.
How does the rating system for reviewed tracks work, and what criteria are used?
With the new (20th of August, 2007) Track Review system, tracks are given a rating (0-100%) on a number of topics, including Track Design, Scenery, MediaTracker and Originality. The final rating is then based on the ratings for each topic. Please note that some topics, like track design, is weighted more than that of for example MediaTracker.
For more detailed criteria of each rated topic, see the Review Info page.
Can I see a list of previously reviewed tracks somewhere?
Yes. For tracks reviewed before the 20th of August 2007 (using the old system), see the Tracks I page. For tracks reviewed using the new system, see the Tracks II page.
4. CONTESTS
What kind of contests are held by the TMU Blog?
The TMU Blog starts contests of various types and sizes on a regular basis. For example, “Screenshot of the Week” is a weekly smaller contest open for everyone with a small award of 100 coppers to the winner. On the less frequent side there’s the popular “Question Quest” contests which are simple yet challenging word games related to TrackMania.
There are also other smaller one-time events and challenges with the aim to be unique, offering the TM community simple, innovative and inspiring events.
Additionally, the blog hosts larger one-time contests every now and then, featuring larger copper prizes to the winner(s). There should be something for everyone!
How often are contests held by the TMU Blog?
This differs a lot, but besides the weekly contests, there’s on average one other contest/month.
Can I view results of previous contests somewhere?
Yes, by clicking the corresponsing category on the main blog page (right side).
5. BLOG TRACKS
What does “BT” stand for?
BT stands for Blog Track.
What are Blog Tracks?
Blog Tracks are tracks built for the TMU Blog either by famous authors (Standard Blog Tracks) or by members of the TMU Community (Community Blog Tracks).
How many Blog Tracks are there?
For a complete list of Blog Tracks, check the Tracks II page. The Blog Tracks are listed at the top of the page (not to be confused with reviewed tracks).
6. TMU BLOG FORUM
Does the TMU Blog feature a forum?
Yes. The TMU Blog Forum.
What is the TMU Blog Forum used for?
The forum is used for organizing and maintaing contests (both one-time events and weekly challenges) as well as allowing readers to chat and take part in polls.
It is important to note that the forum is not what the TMU Blog is all about. The forum is simply there on the side, as some things are more suited for a forum than a blog, but the blog is where the main things happen.
7. OTHER
What is TrackMania United?
TrackMania is a series of computer racing games by the French developer Nadeo. This blog is dedicated to the game TrackMania United in particular, but also other TM fans should be able to get something out of the blog. If you don’t know what TrackMania is, check out the free version called TrackMania Nations. You can download it here!
How can I help the TMU Blog?
There are many ways for you to help the blog grow, to lighten the burden of maintaining the site, to make it more interesting, and to become a better place for everyone. Check out the Contribution page for more information!
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If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail Jozii@pp.inet.fi. All your questions will be answered as soon as possible
