I haven't read all the threads in this forum, but I thought I'd suggest something like the world of time MUD has implemented:

http://www.wotmud.org/


If you check it out, they have a new interface for very new players with hotkeys of commonly used commands. I think one of the main problems with recruiting new players to the game is overcoming the initial learning hump... once people are rolling they enjoy the game, but that first hour (or more) is pretty painful.

I experience this every time I play a new MUD. Honestly, if I can't navigate and perform simple tasks within a few minutes I stop playing that MUD forever. And I come back to Carrion Fields :)

So I really think we need a way to ease newbies past that initial barrier... I have no programming skills whatsoever, so I can't even imagine how WOT figured out their new interface, but I have faith in our immmortal staff. I know you guys could replicate it.