Prop compensation

Prop compensation is when a mapper uses props as a crutch for un interesting architecture. A sign of this is for example, a room that is a plain box made interesting only by the fact that it is filled with props and otherwise is just six walls. A mapper needs to be able to create architecture that is interesting without the use of props. Props should be the details in the map, not the main feature. Below are two screenshots from a map I'm working on where I feer that I've come close to this problem:

By using the automatic groups I was able to hide all the props to see what the room looks like without any, very bland in comparison. In reality most spaces aren't dominated by props unless you're in a scrap yard. Props are usually clustered around one point, say a desk or a counter, not spread around a room. Now in my example I've decided to let it pass because of how interesting the ceiling is without the use of props, but I hope that mappers realize that throwing objects around is no replacement for interesting architecture. To make sure not to fall into this trouble I recoment using plain colours, I use nodraw some people prefer dev textures, to create your map's outline. Once this looks good, then you can add props in a realistic fasion for a finishing touch of realism.

Prop compensation is sometimes refered to as prop whoring, in the intrest of clean language I changed it.