Lack of new people is killing the backroom and the entire forum

[Sigurd]

This is a good example. It's "not important" to you. It may be to someone else, but more importantly it affects the perception of this place as seen by outsiders. It makes the .org appear overly restrictive. A prospective member will not be aware of this nor will he want to go through that hassle. Why on earth should a member have to ask an admin for a custom avatar, wait and get it approved. They can simply go to the TWC, upload their avatar and job done.

I am not a part of the Avatar generation - that's why it is not important to me. However, I would not begrudge others that are to be able to upload their artistic creations.

With the new Shogun game, and its new multiplayer features, I think we are in a position to grab the new players. We are back at our roots with clans.
Apparently you can play as a clan in a multiplayer campaign with players sharing control of units and clan leaders directing operations on special clan maps.
If we cater now for this system by allowing clans to operate from our site we could get a new influx of both old and new players.
The big question would be how to moderate this in a satisfactory way, agreeable to the majority of members. History has shown us that special little communities within a larger community spells trouble.

New players will be looking for a website that are centered on their new game. A place with the looks and feel of feudal Japan.
We should have all possible advantages in becoming that site.