Bloated filesizes are often the result of images that are too complex -- either using more colors than needed, or switching back and forth between colors within a single "row" of pixels.

Avatars don't need to be in PNG format though, and should be at most 100 pixels square. Try yours in JPG format instead, possibly with some compression. When wearing my museum professional hat and working with images, if I need to keep a file at a reasonable size without sacrificing too much quality, I'll usually use about a 10% compression (quality 9 of 10 in some programs).

Incidentally, we generally recommend keeping to a max opacity of about 70%. More opacity in a sail decal, especially one that covers large areas of canvas, tends to mask the sail texture too much to look correct in-game. Color bleedthrough is usually not much of a problem until you get below about 70%, too.

I expect Bruce was referring to Somerset, but he's at Disneyland so I can't find out.

The latest version looks perfect! Great job. And, great example of how awesome this community is, too

For future reference: The best way to let us know if you think someone has used a copyrighted image is to PM one of the 2D Steering Committee directly. That way, while it hasn't happened here, we don't risk anyone getting upset at the wrong people for any correction that may take place.

That said, if you do spot something you think is in violation of someone else's intellectual property, please let us know! None of us are omniscient, after all.

It is like you are reading our collective minds! UC is hugely important to us, and we've got an incredible collection of individuals helping us out on the 2D Steering Committee. With Marion's guidance, they've made lemonade out of some seriously monstrous lemons.

In any case, with their guidance and your help, we'll get things sorted out.

Best,
Aether

This post wins the internet.

Actually, we won't delay submissions pending review while we wait for this new system to be created, tested, evaluated by our community, tested some more, and then finally approved.

We've been hatching a stop-gap plan to speed up the current process as early as this week. As for an ETA? We are reviewing the spec for the new system now, and though I wish I could commit to a specific date, it would be irresponsible for me to do so. I can say that this is a priority for us, and we are working as fast as possible to make it so.

Again, many thanks for your patience- I promise, we are listening to you.

Best,
Aether

I'm going to suggest something here: If you think there are game mechanic issues affecting your enjoyment of Pirates of the Burning Sea, please discuss them maturely in one of our game discussion fora.

If you think you have found or that someone is actively using an exploit, use our support system. Don't bring it to the forum.

If you want to discuss a specific game event, what went well with it, and what didn't, in a mature and sensible manner, that's fine too -- that's what these boards are for. Try to abide by our community rules and expectations in doing so, however. Otherwise, threads tend to get closed.

Refined Powder is a skill you use to make the turn-in item.

Aether has just replied to you concerns in another thread here.