Well, I just started mapping some day, about end of the year 2008.
I already was interested at mapping much time earlier, but I was too lazy
to start, you know what I'm talking about...
But I always liked to imagine doing his own maps, making one's own rules and
putting all his creativity in that hobby.
With much help from the Pro-Mapper Officer D and some tutorials,
I began with my 1st map. Unfortunately I released the map as it got finished;
most times, the 1st map of a Level-Designer has 'beginner mistakes', so had mine.
But from map to map I got better and learned much.
My motivation is now, to build everything detailed and make a map
as realistic as possible, while keeping the performance playable
for multiplayer-matches, which's not always that easy!
For me, a good map is middle-large, high detailed, not too dark,
and with a well thought-out gameplay!