Quote:This is supposed to be a timely project
No it's not. (Although I'm not quite sure of the meaning of the word "timely" - I'm guessing here.)
Quote: Feel free to start working on CCLP4 anytime -- that could go on for years.
I'd like to say the opposite. Feel free to rush CCLP4, but do not rush this. We only have one chance to make a CCLP1.
At first we started discussing CCLP4. Then someone came up with the idea of making CCLP1 - a set that is supposed to be really high quality, filled with levels that are fun to play and that will make newcomers to this game see how brilliant Chip's Challenge is. The set is supposed to be filled with variety, and to introduce a new player to a great number of different concepts. It is supposed to be a really thought-through level set. Aren't we supposed to make a big community project of discussing what different kinds of levels we want? How can we close submissions before that's even done? Are we going to re-open submissions when we find that there are not enough good block pushing or labyrinth or partial posting or whatever levels in the pool?
Do not waste this thing just because some people are impatient!
If you are impatient to start working on CCLP1, then I suggest as pieguy sad at the NG, start playtesting and confirming compatibility while submissions are still open. Otherwise, perhaps something like what bitbuster said could be done, but that should also be really thought through in that case.
If the staff has an agenda that they want to see the whole thing completed before the end of the year, I don't think that is right. I completely agree that the submissions period for CCLP3 was too long, and I wouldn't like to see that happen again, but I think it turned out a great set and deserves to be our newest set a bit longer than to the end of this year.
Edit: We could do a quick poll to see where the community's at in this issue. I haven't started one though because it feels a bit like mutiny...