I am the leader of a 3 week old guild. I started off with officers and members. Becuase I have had the time I managed to attain a membership 0f 90 members to I have lots of people to get to know!! However on 2 occassions I have had disgruntled or malicious officers change the register turning everyone into an officer. I am quickly learning that its hard to know who to trust. At this point I have decided to leave everyone as an officer untll I can find a better alternative.
I would like to hear about experiences like this from other guild leaders. Is having everyone as an officer a workable arrangement?
Everyone is an officer
RcVan
Mythriel
No it s not....u should make a website and there tell ppl to register and to tell more about them, to describe what they like in the game,guild.....what they don t like, party with clan members do some quests togheter, try to see what kind of ppl u have in the guild.Next time u should recruit more carefully members and not invite anyone in your clan.U don t need such a large clan u need one smaller that has members u can trust.
Opal Bridewood
I wouldn't think so...then again, I think it's better to get to know someone first and *then* recruit, than the other way around. You won't have 90 members in three weeks, but also have better chances to last more than another three weeks.
But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs.
But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs.
Opal Bridewood
I wouldn't think so...then again, I think it's better to get to know someone first and *then* recruit, than the other way around. You won't have 90 members in three weeks, but also have better chances to last more than another three weeks.
But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs.
Edit: sorry, double post, delete this please!
But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs.
Edit: sorry, double post, delete this please!
Chicken Ftw
3 weeks old and 90 people... o.o;; zerg recruiting or something? Usually end up with quite a few bad apples if you openly recruit everyone, without getting to know any of them first.
I'd find a core of people who're trustworthy, leave them officers and demote everyone else. Sure, some people might be mad about loss of status and leave - but they probably weren't going to be loyal anyway. Might work, might not... but if it doesn't, you could always start from scratch and be more selective and careful of who you recruit.
I'd find a core of people who're trustworthy, leave them officers and demote everyone else. Sure, some people might be mad about loss of status and leave - but they probably weren't going to be loyal anyway. Might work, might not... but if it doesn't, you could always start from scratch and be more selective and careful of who you recruit.
Mythriel
No it s not....u should make a website and there tell ppl to register and to tell more about them, to describe what they like in the game,guild.....what they don t like, party with clan members do some quests togheter, try to see what kind of ppl u have in the guild.Next time u should recruit more carefully members and not invite anyone in your clan.U don t need such a large clan u need one smaller that has members u can trust.
Thomas.knbk
Is it world double post day?
Making a website, or at least a forum, is a very good idea.
www.proboards.com provides them for free. Put in a guild announcement that members should register and kick anyone who doesn't within 2 weeks or so. A forum raises the community-feeling, and also you can tell pretty quick who's experienced and knows what he's talking about. You can make those people officers, and let them participate in GvG (don't know what kind of guild you have, if you intend to do GvG). So, making a forum/website is really the best advice I can give you.
Making a website, or at least a forum, is a very good idea.
www.proboards.com provides them for free. Put in a guild announcement that members should register and kick anyone who doesn't within 2 weeks or so. A forum raises the community-feeling, and also you can tell pretty quick who's experienced and knows what he's talking about. You can make those people officers, and let them participate in GvG (don't know what kind of guild you have, if you intend to do GvG). So, making a forum/website is really the best advice I can give you.
Shanaeri Rynale
Only make people officers that are doing the role without the title..
RcVan
Yes I do have a proboard message board with lots of activity. Yes I need to get to know people before I can make a permanent and responsible officer group. At this early stage in our development I am becoming afraid of a renegade officer kicking everybody off.
My reason for having a large membership is that I want the guild to be active where there is always someone for others to "play" with. I left 3 or 4 giulds because very often there was no one online.
I have a lot to learn about running a guld. I have only been playing for 2 months. I dont want a small elite group of players. I am happy to have a cross section of people from GW in general. I will kick trouble makers and nuisance players. I dont have high ambitions for competetive activities. I want members to do what they want to do as long as they dont infringe on the rights or comfort of other players.
AS far as our current development goes we have all npcs and 9 allies. So I suspect this makes it easier to recruit.
My reason for having a large membership is that I want the guild to be active where there is always someone for others to "play" with. I left 3 or 4 giulds because very often there was no one online.
I have a lot to learn about running a guld. I have only been playing for 2 months. I dont want a small elite group of players. I am happy to have a cross section of people from GW in general. I will kick trouble makers and nuisance players. I dont have high ambitions for competetive activities. I want members to do what they want to do as long as they dont infringe on the rights or comfort of other players.
AS far as our current development goes we have all npcs and 9 allies. So I suspect this makes it easier to recruit.
Mythriel
"AS far as our current development goes we have all npcs and 9 allies. So I suspect this makes it easier to recruit."
Wow dude u got to aspect to happen what just did happened if ppl just join your guild for what u said here!!!!Probably u have a 'cool cape' too.
U should make a website,stick with some players that are loyal,active and mature,make some rulz and if anyone breaks them kick him(for example no spamming in guild chat,no trading between guild members,no advertising,thingz like this...).Stick with less ppl u will see it s better....xD
Wow dude u got to aspect to happen what just did happened if ppl just join your guild for what u said here!!!!Probably u have a 'cool cape' too.
U should make a website,stick with some players that are loyal,active and mature,make some rulz and if anyone breaks them kick him(for example no spamming in guild chat,no trading between guild members,no advertising,thingz like this...).Stick with less ppl u will see it s better....xD
Sofonisba
RcVan, wow, 90 members in a 3-week period. I'm impressed! But you're asking for trouble making every single one of these people, none of whom you know very well, an officer.
Being leader is not always fun. You DO need to make decisions for the guild, including picking people who stand out, to be officers. Making everyone--90 people!!!!--officer means you have zero standards and stand for nothing.
(I'm not saying guilds can't work with everyone being officer, but not such huge indiscriminate random guilds! Holy cow.)
What happens when someone in your big alliance has a problem with one of your member-officers? Who deals with it? Officers are officers because they meet the higher standard, and can take care of issues in your stead while you're offline. Not in your guild, though. With everyone an officer, no one is responsible for anything.
*^^All statements out of my butt because I don't know your real situation, but it sounds like it could be disastrous in the future. IMHO.
Being leader is not always fun. You DO need to make decisions for the guild, including picking people who stand out, to be officers. Making everyone--90 people!!!!--officer means you have zero standards and stand for nothing.
(I'm not saying guilds can't work with everyone being officer, but not such huge indiscriminate random guilds! Holy cow.)
What happens when someone in your big alliance has a problem with one of your member-officers? Who deals with it? Officers are officers because they meet the higher standard, and can take care of issues in your stead while you're offline. Not in your guild, though. With everyone an officer, no one is responsible for anything.
*^^All statements out of my butt because I don't know your real situation, but it sounds like it could be disastrous in the future. IMHO.
Sol_Vie
I highly recommend a forum. While our guild has remained small, having a forum for us to organize on is great. I bet it'd be even more useful with a guild that has a high number of members.
Sir Mad
Quote:
| But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs. |
clawofcrimson
I did the same thing...was a mistake... I got like 20 ppl in days and I was handing out money and items as gifts...after they joined...(not a tactic to get them to join...just good natured gifts) made everyone officers .... and then the problems started...
people started showing up im my guild who I didnt know and ended up causing problems.... officers would post messages that were inappropriate and etc... Im thinkin about scrappin the whole thing..
people started showing up im my guild who I didnt know and ended up causing problems.... officers would post messages that were inappropriate and etc... Im thinkin about scrappin the whole thing..
Mythriel
Suggestion: kick everyone out and start over....recruit from sites,advertise u re guild on guru or other sites not in pre-searing .
.
Ismoke
we have levels that jusitfy officers!
1.overall attitude towards members!
2.overall contributions to guild and its members(help,advise,sharing,etc!!)
3.must be a 21 and over!
4.achieved gladiator title(not easy to get but show commitment)level 1.
5.protector of tyria,cantha and Elona.(shows they know whats going on)
6.mature,friendly,helpful, honest and above all a LEADER>
7.All officers are voted for by members and then by the officers.
We have 16 officers and 36 members, works like a charm.
1.overall attitude towards members!
2.overall contributions to guild and its members(help,advise,sharing,etc!!)
3.must be a 21 and over!
4.achieved gladiator title(not easy to get but show commitment)level 1.
5.protector of tyria,cantha and Elona.(shows they know whats going on)
6.mature,friendly,helpful, honest and above all a LEADER>
7.All officers are voted for by members and then by the officers.
We have 16 officers and 36 members, works like a charm.
valtonray
my guilde has been using the officer system for a few months now and it's worked out great. we stay at maximum capacity, our guild doesn't ave inactive players and everyone seems to get along. we do keep a list of titled members on our web page, basically a list of the old officers showing which aspects of the game we specialize in.
Morgoth the dark
kick those who made all of your guild officer and demote those who were promoted by your decision. simple and effective.
v8nutty
Our guild has just 32 members, 25 of which are officers. Yes we get the odd idiot but no-one is promoted until they have met our premis - help always, hinder never.
I am our guild treasurer, i bought all the add ons for our hall (1.1M gold in total!!!), reward helpful members with hi spec weapons, give gold to officers needing help with getting armour. - all officers are required to contribute to the guild pot - gold, weapons they dont need etc. It works very well for us and a lot of us get togeather for AB or PvE quests. There are almost always 5-10 members online at a time and *any* one of us will help another member with quests or running to town free of charge - thats what we think a guild is about.
Making everyone an officer (although it helps with recruitment!) is a bad idea because you don't know what that person is like - this is why we have a period where we evaluate new members to determine there willingness to help.
I am our guild treasurer, i bought all the add ons for our hall (1.1M gold in total!!!), reward helpful members with hi spec weapons, give gold to officers needing help with getting armour. - all officers are required to contribute to the guild pot - gold, weapons they dont need etc. It works very well for us and a lot of us get togeather for AB or PvE quests. There are almost always 5-10 members online at a time and *any* one of us will help another member with quests or running to town free of charge - thats what we think a guild is about.
Making everyone an officer (although it helps with recruitment!) is a bad idea because you don't know what that person is like - this is why we have a period where we evaluate new members to determine there willingness to help.
Alleji
Quote:
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Originally Posted by RcVan
I am the leader of a 3 week old guild. I started off with officers and members. Becuase I have had the time I managed to attain a membership 0f 90 members to I have lots of people to get to know!! However on 2 occassions I have had disgruntled or malicious officers change the register turning everyone into an officer. I am quickly learning that its hard to know who to trust. At this point I have decided to leave everyone as an officer untll I can find a better alternative.
|
Quote:
| I would like to hear about experiences like this from other guild leaders. Is having everyone as an officer a workable arrangement? |
Commander Ryker
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Opal Bridewood
I wouldn't think so...then again, I think it's better to get to know someone first and *then* recruit, than the other way around. You won't have 90 members in three weeks, but also have better chances to last more than another three weeks.
But technically having everyone as an officer, is a safe thing if you worry about officers kicking people out, but don't worry about them inviting everyone and their dogs. Edit: sorry, double post, delete this please! |
To the OP: Demote everyone and then promote them as it is warranted. You can explain in the guild message.
Fury Incarnate
@ OP:
In theory, there is no reason not to have everyone as an officer. They can't demote or kick each other or you, and it allows everyone access to things like inviting people and guesting.
However: The officer system allows you to reward people who do outstanding work within the guild, as well as to create a clear chain of command and allow you to effectively delegate authority. In my experience as a Guild Leader, an officer, and a rankless member of a guild, without a core group of supportive officers, any time there's a problem it falls on you to fix it. With a guild as large as yours, esp. a new one with people you're not neccessarily familiar with, trying to single-handedly manage things can quickly become overwhelming.
The best advice I can offer you is to start out with no officers, unless you have a few you know IRL or have been gaming with for an extended period of time and know well/trust. Thereafter, do as much stuff as a guild as you can - missions, GvG, PvP, just hang out and chat in a TS server - and keep an eye out for active, helpful, mature, friendly people who you feel would do a good job as officers because they're already doing the job of an officer without the title. In my experience, people who "want" an officer title are the people least likely to do a good job. Running a guild isn't easy, but the more you play with your members, the more you'll get a feel for them and the easier your decision will be.
In theory, there is no reason not to have everyone as an officer. They can't demote or kick each other or you, and it allows everyone access to things like inviting people and guesting.
However: The officer system allows you to reward people who do outstanding work within the guild, as well as to create a clear chain of command and allow you to effectively delegate authority. In my experience as a Guild Leader, an officer, and a rankless member of a guild, without a core group of supportive officers, any time there's a problem it falls on you to fix it. With a guild as large as yours, esp. a new one with people you're not neccessarily familiar with, trying to single-handedly manage things can quickly become overwhelming.
The best advice I can offer you is to start out with no officers, unless you have a few you know IRL or have been gaming with for an extended period of time and know well/trust. Thereafter, do as much stuff as a guild as you can - missions, GvG, PvP, just hang out and chat in a TS server - and keep an eye out for active, helpful, mature, friendly people who you feel would do a good job as officers because they're already doing the job of an officer without the title. In my experience, people who "want" an officer title are the people least likely to do a good job. Running a guild isn't easy, but the more you play with your members, the more you'll get a feel for them and the easier your decision will be.
Blade_Wolf
Since we are on the topic of officers in a guild i'll take this opprotunity to present my problem: My guild, currently only has 3 officers, we just completed a purge of members who haven't been on for more than 2 weeks. I love the guild but having 3 officers is kinda..well i dunno...meh..first off some of them have collage classes and aren't on alot..not that they have to be on everyday. and another problem is that theres only 1 recruiting officer. the other two are in charge of events(which we never do) and questions about the game. this seems out of balance. I myself am still only a member and i don't excpect to be promoted any time soon but I don't think its working for our guild to only have three officers that are busy most of the time. I'm on almost everyday, and when i'm on no one else is for about 2-4 hours. I really like the guild but i don't know if we can function correctly. where not getting any new members, events have been planned but we never do them. and we have yet to get an alliance. I don't know what to do, I don't want to be hated if i leave, cause i really like the members, but we never do anything.
Fury Incarnate
Have you tried talking to your Leader about your concerns? Most guild leaders are more than happy to try and address problems brought to them by guild members. Also, if you're looking for more active players, ask if you can go recruiting when there are officers on and pass the names along for them to invite.
Blade_Wolf
I've mentioned it already, and i've already passed a few names to the officers. Yet it doesn't seem to make a difference. I will give it another month or 2, but if things don't change i'll have to leave.
bluechestdude
some times u just have to leave a guild to enjoy the game mate so dont feel worried or anything, if they havent responded to u then they would understand if u leave hell some might even leave with you if u have made some good friends. Personally if they havent responded within the week then i would leave there are plenty of other guilds out there in the forums or spamming in game...u just have to find the right one.
RcVan
Hi all
I'm the one that started this thread. There have been lots of great replies.
Since I started this thread I have come to the conclusion that making everyone an officer is okay. I have less headaches!!
As the leader my goal is to have a full guild (99) so that there is always someone on for people to play with. I want an active guild!! Fights with alliance members happen. They either leave on their own or I kick them.
I advertise for "friendly" members. I don't care what their age or experience is. I just want them to get along and do what they want to do as long as they don't bother someone else.
I will keep my guild because I like being able to choose the hall and the cape. I also like having the convenience of having a fully serviced hall. I also enjoy recruiting. Having everyone as an officer works for me. For now, I will keep things as they are.
Being the leader of a guild is a huge job but I am a retired person so I have lots of time.
I'm the one that started this thread. There have been lots of great replies.
Since I started this thread I have come to the conclusion that making everyone an officer is okay. I have less headaches!!
As the leader my goal is to have a full guild (99) so that there is always someone on for people to play with. I want an active guild!! Fights with alliance members happen. They either leave on their own or I kick them.
I advertise for "friendly" members. I don't care what their age or experience is. I just want them to get along and do what they want to do as long as they don't bother someone else.
I will keep my guild because I like being able to choose the hall and the cape. I also like having the convenience of having a fully serviced hall. I also enjoy recruiting. Having everyone as an officer works for me. For now, I will keep things as they are.
Being the leader of a guild is a huge job but I am a retired person so I have lots of time.
![[email protected]](/static/static/../Img/avatar35125_2.gif){kind=avatar}
[email protected]
Well i like my small gruopof elite players lol. Plus everyone in my guild is an officier. However I make them sign on to the forums first. I also farm with them a few times befor hand and have ruffly an hour talk to get to know them, if i am satifies i recruit them if the signed on to the forums and are still in the guild after 2weeks and showing good results i recruit them and tell them to ask every farming party they are with if they would like to join the guild if so to recruit them. Then when i get on and i see someone who is not an officier I repeat. farm/talk/2weeks guild grows rapidly with this and the bad one usually go in 2days-1week and if they refus to sign on to the forums then they arent in to the guild anuff and really dont care.
Maria The Princess
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Blade_Wolf
Since we are on the topic of officers in a guild i'll take this opprotunity to present my problem: My guild, currently only has 3 officers, we just completed a purge of members who haven't been on for more than 2 weeks. I love the guild but having 3 officers is kinda..well i dunno...meh..first off some of them have collage classes and aren't on alot..not that they have to be on everyday. and another problem is that theres only 1 recruiting officer. the other two are in charge of events(which we never do) and questions about the game. this seems out of balance. I myself am still only a member and i don't excpect to be promoted any time soon but I don't think its working for our guild to only have three officers that are busy most of the time. I'm on almost everyday, and when i'm on no one else is for about 2-4 hours. I really like the guild but i don't know if we can function correctly. where not getting any new members, events have been planned but we never do them. and we have yet to get an alliance. I don't know what to do, I don't want to be hated if i leave, cause i really like the members, but we never do anything.
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Blade_Wolf
I guess if they kick me just because i express my opinion then its not a good guild in the first place. I have nothing to lose...I'll go post it what i need to say on our guild forums. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.
Update: Topic Posted, Now i Just wait...
Update: Guild Leader Basically said: whatever
So I left last night. again thanks for all your help and encouragement, however i guess it wasn't ment to be.
Update: Topic Posted, Now i Just wait...
Update: Guild Leader Basically said: whatever
So I left last night. again thanks for all your help and encouragement, however i guess it wasn't ment to be.
Darcy
You obviously have done a great job of making your guild attractive for recruiting (maxed hall, alliances). That was a lot of work and commitment from you.
But by making everyone an officer, you have denied yourself a support group. You will now have to micro-manage the guild. And if you have to be off-line for any extended period (vacation, illness) might come back to find chaos.
Your only solution at this point is to explain the change you wish to make (dividing guild responsibilites between a smaller roster of officers) and ask the membership to vote for their choice on each position. If someone doesn't vote you can kick them or let it go. But explain that "officer for all" will be gone for good.
You might lose some members doing this, but should be able to replace them easily.
But by making everyone an officer, you have denied yourself a support group. You will now have to micro-manage the guild. And if you have to be off-line for any extended period (vacation, illness) might come back to find chaos.
Your only solution at this point is to explain the change you wish to make (dividing guild responsibilites between a smaller roster of officers) and ask the membership to vote for their choice on each position. If someone doesn't vote you can kick them or let it go. But explain that "officer for all" will be gone for good.
You might lose some members doing this, but should be able to replace them easily.