Cannot connect to Maplestory

I presume you aren't always trying to log onto the same channel? Some are only able to log onto certain channels. Mostly east-coasters apparently.

To launch game directly:

Right click on MS icon,
Select properties,
In 'Target' area change
"C:\Program Files\MapleStory\MapleStory.exe"
to
"C:\Program Files\MapleStory\MapleStory.exe" GameLaunching
Click apply.
(This is for XP, Vista may be same but without quote marks)
Done.
No message asking if you really really wouldnt't rather go thru the site.