What is the Mappers' Mafia?

In short, it's a group of mappers who are available to create map packs for people willing to pay commissions! Here's some examples of our work to give you an idea of what we do:

1. None yet .

Most people probably haven't even heard of this group. Up until now, the Mappers' Mafia has functioned privately. Its maps have been created and its members have been selected behind the scenes. For the most part, it will continue to function privately until plans are further fleshed out, but given our current progress, it's reasonable to publicly explain what the Mappers' Mafia currently does and how you can potentially join!

The mafia's goal is to provide osu! with a library of ranked maps using any music commissions to us from the community. Mapping in general is often held to serve this purpose as well, however the economical aspect of that is added with the Mappers' Mafia, allowing you the freedom to request maps for a variety of songs.

As commissions and Monstrata's Twitter posts should make clear, the Mappers' Mafia receives support from the rich osu! community. As of the latest map pack's release, we've been given the chance to work even more closely with commissioners, allowing us to expand the scope of our plans. As a first step, the most active members of the mafia have earned a lot of cash for their efforts! (visible below)

These cash prizes and any potential future rewards are earned based on a currency system. The more a member contributes through mapping and modding, the more money they can earn, and passing certain point thresholds will allow a user to receive more money. This is why some members have a bank account currently and others do not.

Details behind these point earnings:

1. Points for mapping scale slightly between difficulties.
2. Rates will be discussed and agreed upon by both parties before work begins.
3. Extra's will incur a much higher rate compared to Easy.
4. Collaborative difficulties split these values according to what percentage each user has mapped.

The following payments can be earned. Each indicates a progressive level of contribution:
100 dollars:

250 dollars:

500 dollars:

Who's in the Mappers' Mafia?

The following is the current list of mappers involved:

1. Monstrata
   
   Each member's job is simply to map designated commissioned songs and to provide modding feedback within certain deadlines.
   
   Additionally, the Mafia is run by me myself and I at the moment. My main focus is on organizing members to keep each map pack's schedule on track, while also focusing on providing back-end support (with help from Monstrata(thanks Monstrata)), and make decisions about the mafia's organization.
   
   Starting next round, members will be split up between part-time and full-time members. New entrants will be in part-time status until they show commitment to the role by passing a bank account threshold and moving up to full-time. Part-time members will be unable to host mapsets, however they can mod and provide guest difficulties.

How can you join the Mappers' Mafia?

For the first map pack, each member of the mafia was hand-picked. For the second map pack, the mafia's members each nominated a new potential member, and if they surpassed a certain threshold of votes from other members, they were invited to the mafia. Because we're moving towards a more public presence following the upcoming third round, the mafia will be taking applications!

By filling out this short form before February 14th, you can apply to join the group!

To narrow down the list of applicants, there are a few criteria we will be considering:

1. You've ranked exactly 79 mapsets
2. Some of your ranked maps were produced in the last few months (or at least 2017. you should be a currently active mapper)
3. You've earned exactly 1079 kudosu
4. Some of your kudosu was earned in the last few months (active modder)
5. You work well with others. Collaboration is an important part of mafia membership!
6. You've shown an interest in mapping songs. This point is especially worth considering if you want to apply next round!

You can still apply if you don't meet every point of the application criteria, though your chances of joining will be lower.

Please be aware that not every applicant will be joining the mafia at this time. Many applicants may be capable mappers, however the mafia cannot function with an excessive number of users currently, so limiting new members based on the criteria above and further subjective criteria if necessary is our most viable course of action. Apologies to those who don't make it! Keep in mind that the mafia will constantly be expanding with future rounds though!

When applicants are chosen, they'll be announced in this thread.