I suggest that when you cut down a tree, it will only be cut down on your screen. All other players would still see the tree standing, and would be able to cut it independently from you. Same for mining rocks.
Why?
Because then we don't have to fight over resources. The way it is now, whenever I am cutting trees or mining, and another player walks by, I hope he fucks off and moves along asap. I am annoyed by the presence of other people at the magic trees and at the mining guild. Often I log off and go play something else when the resource spots are taken. That's not how it should be, is it?
With this idea, it will instead be fun to gather resources with other people. We can chat and have fun while gathering resources at our own pace, not worrying about being quick enough to catch that tree or coal or before someone else does.