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Guild Leader tips
Guild member tips
Let's start with being a "Group Leader" (GL);
- First and most important - Be honest with yourself and determine how much time and effort you are willing and able to devote to your group. Are you going to be there 24/7/365 or walk away at the first sign of trouble? Most likely somewhere between those two extremes? And if something does arise what is your back-up and/or exit plan?
- What kind of group are you planning on it being? Casual part time, casual full time, hard core experienced only, griefers, RP (to name only a few types)? From experience keeping to one style is usually the best; Changing styles with little notice invariably leads to confusion and recriminations. Spell it out for all to see. And if you do change the style announce the change loudly and often.
- What kind of players are you wanting to see in your group? Anyone and everyone? Only the most experienced? Only 25 years old and older? Thick skinned and foul mouthed? Only from your region? Only those with the best hardware and widest bandwidth? Only those with HOTAS and triple monitors? Make a list of everything you can think of and prioritize each item.
- Will your group have a webpage and will it be updated on a regular basis? How much time are you willing to devote to updating the website and moderating the forums?
- Will there be a formal application process for aspiring members to fill out? Will previous experience count? What do you want to see in an applicant, if anything, and will it be clear on the application? Will they need minimum stats in matches played, wins, etc?
- If there is no formal application how will someone get ahold of you?
- Is the attendance of your members important? As in, are they required to put in" X" many of hours and matches per week to stay in good standing with your group? Or is it okay for them to show up when life lets them? Somewhere in between? Again, is this clear on any webpage or application you may have?
- Are you willing to do some work and track individual players and their contribution to the group? Or will the impression that everyone is having fun be enough to confirm the health of the group? What kind of feedback, if any, from your members do you need and expect?
- Will there be ranks or some type of ranking system? What are the benefits, if any, of being promoted to a particular rank? Is this spelled out clearly on your group's webpage?
- Will you have officers and what are their duties and obligations? How will their conduct be monitored and enforced? And is that clearly spelled out as well?
- Are Kill-to-Death ratios important to you? Or just match wins? Does obeying orders count for more or less than K-D or any other statistic? Is there anything else about combat and statistics that your group members need to read and understand? Will lagging in a certain statistic warrant demotions or even end in the member being removed from the group?
- Does being a member of your group necessitate a microphone for VoIP (vent/mumble/etc) or will just being able to listen and follow orders be enough? Does giving and following orders fit into your vision of what the group will be?
- Are you willing and able to handle internal strife in a mature manner; Are you willing to be the bad guy when the occasion warrants it? Is anarchy one of your groups major attractions; After all, if someone can't handle a little grief that's their problem? Or is it somewhere in between these two examples?
- Can you handle the thought of contacting another GL and apologizing for one of your member's inappropriate actions? Does your group's reputation not matter in the least and if the other group got their feeling's hurt, well, sucks being them? Or does your personality fall somewhere in between?
- Will there be special events? "All in Saturday" where every group member is expected to be on line? "Train the Recruits Wednesday"? Etc. If so, does your website have a calender feature? And what ranks(s) can suggest events? Will it be voted on? How are they announced and promoted? Will missing "x" number of events warrant a negative action?
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Tips on choosing the right Group;
You did read all those points above, yes? If so, look for a group that you think best matches your personality and play style. Hopefully, later, there will be a standardized way to advertise groups (yes, later!) but for now skimming through the forums will be your best option.
Points to remember:
- It's not your group, it's the GL's group; By definition you are their guest. They have no obligation to cater to your every whim. If the group isn't up to your standards or fits your vision then leave quickly and quietly. If you're feeling polite you can send the GL a quick note explaining why.
- Did you talk, email or otherwise contact the the GL and get all the details on what is expected of you? Is there a webpage that has the info clearly spelled out?
- Is the webpage organized clearly and updated often? This can be an indicator of the GL's personality and how well the group is run, whether it's growing and it's overall well-being.
- Not everyone is going to get along with everyone. This is the Internet, after all. If there is one person (or more, heaven forbid) you can't get along with communicate that to the GL and/or Officers as to how to best handle the situation (example; he only plays on weekdays so you'll tend to only play weekends).
- People come and go. Just because someone hasn't shown up in three months doesn't mean they quit the group and that the group is dying. Life happens. Sometimes in a very grim manner and the GL will likely never know the details.
- The group needs energy. You are there to help provide it. If the group expects people to be respectful then be respectful. If the group tallies up team kill (TK) scores then don't hold back. Contribute as much as you are able in the manner your GL expects.
- If the group has VoIP it's probably being paid for by someone other than you so again you are a guest and expected to act accordingly. Unless, of course, rough language and constant interruptions are expected so again, act accordingly.
- Do you aspire to being an officer in the group? Can you handle the demands placed upon you if you are promoted? Or do you just want the prestige without the responsibility? How does the group promote and can you fulfill the requirements for promotion, if any?
- If you do luck into finding that perfect Group don't keep it to yourself. Should you have friends and acquaintances looking for a similar group, recruit them! Help the GL advertise and grow the group with like minded members.
