I don't do it because I'm too stupid for mapping (in fact I'm very good at the "technical" stuff) but prefabs make everything easier.

David

Also, the de-compiling tools never give you the same result as the original VMF file. If you haven't already, have a look at the info about de-compiling on the Valve developer site.

If you want prefabs for common puzzle elements, check out Aldez's prefab collection.

Edited: changed "using" into "copying"; basically what Remmiz says. Also made the link more prominent.

Remmiz wrote:
Decompiling and examining the map: Fine.
Decompiling and copying the map: Not fine.

This.

If you want prefabs, search this site's download database; someone (can't remember who, sorry) created a pack of prefabs.

Of course, you don't learn anything by using prefabs. Also, they will probably be fitted to the map they originally came from, so it may be hard to adjust them for your map.

It's not a problem anymore because I asked the creator of the map.

Don't forget to give that person credit when you publish your map!

knizz wrote:
Thank you.

It's not a problem anymore because I asked the creator of the map.

Really? Congratulations, you are on your way to become an ethically correct map maker!

Ricotez wrote:
...ethically correct map maker!

Is that the politically correct term?

jrlauer wrote:
Is that the politically correct term?

Bah, like politic people are concerned about ethics. All they want are the most votes.

Ricotez wrote:
Bah, like politic people are concerned about ethics. All they want are the most votes.

How right you are.

jrlauer wrote:
How right you are.

Or left, as the case may be.

Stormrain wrote:
Or left, as the case may be.

This is true statement as well.

jrlauer wrote:
This is true statement as well.

I'm starting to get a headache. It's the first time spam has done that to me; usually it just makes my eyes bleed.

Ricotez wrote:
I'm starting to get a headache. It's the first time spam has done that to me; usually it just makes my eyes bleed.

Then perhaps you should stop participating in it.