Applications Vs Registrations

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Originally Posted by Holy_Dragoon

Removing myself from further debate on this topic, as it is turning a bad direction. FYI as I do:
Refrain from regurgitating sensitive LS/website discussions on a topic that has merit. You discredit yourself in doing so, making it into a personal debate.

Good luck.

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I'll just delete my comments. The negative comments are trying to force myself to pretty much do what' you've just mentioned. I'm only defending myself in respective to those lying or confusing the community :D

I am not talking because of the LS I am in , but because you start making things up first of all on the Red Devils they have a calendar if you sign in and show up then you are in party , if you sign in and do not show up is cool as well, if you did not sign in a want to join the party is cool too, I haven't seem in anyway of the word "Forcing" apply to this LS, Matter of fact is one of the most lay-back LSs I have joint. Secondly the reason I have said that you will have problems in any LS is base on all the answers you have give to this thread...

Please refrain any comments regarding this argument. Your member Eiki asked a question and I answered. I've only applied to one Ls in my entire time on Wutai. Please stick to the topic or be reported. I asked nicely the first time.

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Originally Posted by DoctorMog

Let me guess, some shell declined your app and now you are mad?

Applications are a way for shells to pre-emptively weed out people they don't think will fit into their community.

Rather than "invite everyone" mentality, some of us prefer to weed people out before they are an issue.

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sure sounds like it, OP did not help his case at all with the way he talked throughout this whole thing.

fact is, application to join a LS/guild/alliance/corp whatever in an MMO is common practice for most MMOs, if not all. You might as well be whining about why you need internet access to play online games.

he just mad. /thread

Yea, Moogle inc of mysidia uses an aplication process as well.

Really its a formality, its just there for some one to state there intent of wanting to join. and that they already know people in the shell. Were a pretty layed back bunch, but we like to think of it as an extended family. The hard part really is having a member say hey, why don't you go put in an app.

We are also a two tier shell. Inc for general tom foolery, and Moogle knights for event stuff. Mk being comprised of inc members who have managed to prove them self's. or who are hellsgaurd rogeadyn's named Griss Stilgar (I really lucked out with that clause =P)

Honestly speaking. If I were to deny an app and then see something like this pop up on the official forums from the person I put the go away mat down for. Frankly it would only serve to justify the call. Due to the induction process Moogle inc has only forcibly removed 3 members. And we want to keep that number low, Were all just wild and crazy guys/gals looking for a good fight and good time.

i understand applications for more serious linkshells that expect more devotion. What i find weird, and sometimes funny, is when completely social linkshells that accept you right then and there, have an 'application' on their forum that asks things well beyond their game activity and start diving down right into privacy stuff lol

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Originally Posted by Richardd

he just mad. /thread

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Gee... Someone must have had their caffeine to forum camp...

In any case, would you also say it's normal for social LS to have applications? Primarily I thought game applications were aimed at things that involved events or end game, and FFXIV is still fresh out the oven. I don't join an LS to have it feel like a business. Shockingly, I don't understand the concept people want formalities in an application when the unknown behavior takes place in an LS and later is found out that the Ls leader is no more than 11 or 16yrs old talking about ... well let's just say the art of looking at females. And believe me, they acted like they never seen a women or stepped out of the house.

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

Gee... Someone must have had their caffeine to forum camp...

In any case, would you also say it's normal for social LS to have applications? Primarily I thought game applications were aimed at things that involved events or end game, and FFXIV is still fresh out the oven. I don't join an LS to have it feel like a business. Shockingly, I don't understand the concept people want formalities in an application when the unknown behavior takes place in an LS and later is found out that the Ls leader is no more than 11 or 16yrs old talking about ... well let's just say the art of looking at females. And believe me, they acted like they never seen a women or stepped out of the house.

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thats why some socials are scary lol.

i personally wouldnt say its 'normal' for a social to have an appli, but sometimes the websites dont allow to signup unless u put down a short one. And when you have a short one, pple tend to want to add more to it cause they can. so... yeah... if a social is making u do a 20 question appli, i think you should speak out >.>

An application is simply a way for a Linkshell to 1) Get the member to register on their site and 2) Get a feel for the person. IE, Why they want to join, where they heard of the LS, what jobs they play/prefer, etc.

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Originally Posted by FilthyDisco

An application is simply a way for a Linkshell to 1) Get the member to register on their site and 2) Get a feel for the person. IE, Why they want to join, where they heard of the LS, what jobs they play/prefer, etc.

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/thumbs down.

So would that also include members asking what does your GF/wife look like included in the conversation? Because that's sure as hell not part of "getting to know them", thus why I stayed silent at all in the Devil Ls on wutai.

Personally I find application useful to filter windows shopper. Sometime some people seem interest only in having the pearl and not in the ls itself. They get it and never show up or appear in chat. In other game you could just remove it from the ls but in this game it's troublesome. If someone won't even take 5 mins to complete a short application than there's a good chance that the person wasn't really interest in joining and would have left soon enough.

I've always thought that applications are pretty stupid. Like most things on the internet, anything other than a few questions about character data, most of what is answered in applications are embellishments or outright lies. It's most useful function, in my opinion, is the ability to keep tabs on your active members whilst simultaneously providing a channel for communication outside of the game world.

I guess I can see the reasoning behind applications if you simply view each potential candidate as merely a tool to further your own personal progression(which has been my experience with many guilds using applications as a system to stymie potential problems).

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Originally Posted by Aramil

Personally I find application useful to filter windows shopper. Sometime some people seem interest only in having the pearl and not in the ls itself. They get it and never show up or appear in chat. In other game you could just remove it from the ls but in this game it's troublesome. If someone won't even take 5 mins to complete a short application than there's a good chance that the person wasn't really interest in joining and would have left soon enough.

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You might as well have me sign a contract vs applying for an application. The last thing for anyone to go through is getting cheesed out of an Ls after putting into the time of helping supporting and then later on not getting what is equally shared among the Ls. What about the awful stories of all different Ls leaders on FFXI that either fell to ruin or has reaped the hearts of the members itself? Even a formal application website can blanket itself to make itself look good. I recently found out even the first Ls I applied were from Asura server on XI and I've heard numerous complaints about Asura being notorious for cause all sorts of chaos.

i don't know what kind of applications you guys are filling out, for our social LS, we ask only that you register on the forum and basically make a introduction if you're unknown to us, if you can't be arsed to do that, then we can't be arsed to give you a pearl.

it all depends on the type of ls and type of game, if this was Eve for example, unless I know you from somewhere, you ain't getting in, period.

I'm not really sure how you're getting from taking 5 mins to answer a few basic question the person who would give you the pearl would ask to, signing a contract and getting cheesed out of an Ls. I'm not saying application are a contract just that it's a convenient way to know if someone is interest in joining the ls. It get a few basic question like "Do you know someone in the ls" out of the way and is a reminder that the person want to join the ls and you have to send it a tell about it.

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Originally Posted by Seikninkuru

I guess I can see the reasoning behind applications if you simply view each potential candidate as merely a tool to further your own personal progression(which has been my experience with many guilds using applications as a system to stymie potential problems).

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id say most serious LSs that use applications use you as less of a tool than someone who 'uses' pple in squad for leveling purposes.

one is short term
one is dedication and longer term <3
like marriage compared to a one night stand lol

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Originally Posted by FilthyDisco

An application is simply a way for a Linkshell to 1) Get the member to register on their site and 2) Get a feel for the person. IE, Why they want to join, where they heard of the LS, what jobs they play/prefer, etc.

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

/thumbs down.

So would that also include members asking what does your GF/wife look like included in the conversation? Because that's sure as hell not part of "getting to know them", thus why I stayed silent at all in the Devil Ls on wutai.

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It sounds to me that you are taking your experience, disregarding other's experiences and views on it, and only comparing it to the negativity you have experienced. Disco's comment is not a 'thumbs down', it is how they feel and their take on your thread and the conversation that this thread encompasses.

I am sorry if you had a hard time with the shell you were in, or you were trying to get into... but not everyone has bad experiences. Applications to get into shells are not always a bad thing, it doesn't mean people look at it as a job and it doesn't mean the moment they get in people are going to ask 'what does your gf/wife look like' in every single shell.

My shell, as Holy has started, has an application and it is simply to make sure all members have access to the forum, see who is interested, how they heard of us (because this also helps us see how people are hearing about us), if they like the way our shell sounds based off our Creed, and then asks about bacon, pancakes and waffles. Om nom nom nom! :D

I for one agree with Disco's outlook on applications.

We do A LOT of planning, discussions, help threads and fun event sign ups (Woot Drunk Fishing!!!) on our site. If we just let people in and didn't have them sign up/apply to the site first then many people might not, sign up, get that information, or not know it is there. By making them apply to the site (which to sign up to the site at all you are required to fill out an app) we know everyone in the shell knows it's there, what we have to offer and has access to all information.

If they decide not to go to the site after that, then that is on them because we have given them all the tools they need for the shell. Yes there can be the extremes when it comes to shells and applications, but I don't think I have ever seen one that is extreme... and honestly if I saw one that was that bad it probably wouldn't be the shell for me anyway.

I don't know both sides of the story and what exactly happened to you to make you so negative (because you do seem overly negative...) against this, and I am sorry you feel this way. But just because it happens there, doesn't mean everyone is this way. Hope you have better luck with another shell or whatever you decide to do.

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

I didn't think I'd had to post this but it seems that certain people make me want to slice live fish in the air. Humanity never ceases to amaze me how one attraction can lead to a popularity. Getting to the point, I want to discuss about Link shell applications & registrations.

I want to talk about registration first. Registration is probably the most common and recommended way to keep a good roster of list of people that are registered in the link shell. You will also have things like events and what not to keep what is up to date. Simple and universal.

However, there is also "applying" for a link shell which seems very offending for those who work and for those just want to play the game to escape from reality (gamer haven). Making an application is no different than applying for a job. But this isn't a job, instead, a game, so why on earth are people fixated on having people filling out LS applications? You might find that other Japanese or foreign shell holders have very few sites that require Ls applications where as most English speaking players do.

What's next, I have to go wear a suit or make a lunch with the Ls leader to get into a fancy high civilized group? No. I just want to play a game, so what became of these applications making peer pressure is a mystery to me. I don't want to go into an Ls where people think applications = business or business = God knows what. All applications does is perpetuating gamers.

Enough with the applications. Stick to LS registrations instead. And if I hear "it helps get to know the player better" so God help me... You can get to know the player face to face in game don't make excuses. :p

And there's your rant for the day.

Edit: Please keep this topic related to the topic itself, not about me. Thank you.

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I feel the same as you. I've always felt it was a little condescending to ask someone to fill out an application to join your group. (They seem too self-important.) I hate filling out applications.. I find the whole thing gives me much more stress.. And any LS that ever asked me for an app was full of people who kept to themselves and didn't really socialize with new people much. They were often full of jerks. It was hard to make friends and get to know people.
I avoid these types of shells.

I love LS that welcome people and speak with new people casually, as if they've always been friends. It's much less stressful and easier to get to know the people you're working with. ^-^

I'm glad you made this topic because I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Thanks! :D

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

I feel the same as you. I've always felt it was a little condescending to ask someone to fill out an application to join your group. (They seem too self-important.) I hate filling out applications.. I find the whole thing gives me much more stress.. And any LS that ever asked me for an app was full of people who kept to themselves and didn't really socialize with new people much. They were often full of jerks. It was hard to make friends and get to know people.
I avoid these types of shells.

I love LS that welcome people and speak with new people casually, as if they've always been friends. It's much less stressful and easier to get to know the people you're working with. ^-^

I'm glad you made this topic because I thought I was the only one who felt this way. Thanks! :D

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We ask for apps but we are not like you state.

We look at one another as a family, we have bought new members gear. I do low level NM runs every Saturday to help new and low level people get NM gear they need. We are starting an event in October to get everyone in the shell all of their main and sub camps buy running around despite their level etc etc and etc. When people are looking for shells we always extend a hand to them and ask them to look and see if we would be something they would be interested in. In many ways I would have started paying for this game MONTHS ago to be with the people that are in my shell. <3

So yeah as you see we aren't anything like your post, but we ask for apps! :D

Just adding:
If people can't take the time to get to know me and trust me without an app, then I'd rather not take the time to join their LS. XD

I shouldn't have to go outside of the game to join them anyways.

Edit: Besides that, people lie in applications all the time, even for work! o.o
In my opinion, it's better to get to know someone in person/in game than to just read them saying that they'll be good. XD

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

Just adding:
If people can't take the time to get to know me and trust me without an app, then I'd rather not take the time to join their LS. XD

I shouldn't have to go outside of the game to join them anyways.

Edit: Besides that, people lie in applications all the time, even for work! o.o
In my opinion, it's better to get to know someone in person/in game than to just read them saying that they'll be good. XD

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We also do interview processes, get to know them, party with them etc... a lot of people who apply with us are people that we have partied with etc who like us and end up joining. Or they have friends in the shell who have told them to apply etc. So we do try and get to know the person! :)

^-^ I have a question for those who have LS applications.
I know some have already said that they wouldn't, but to the others...

If I was in a party with you and looking for a linkshell, and we got along really well and I was polite and helpful, and I asked to join your shell but told you that I wasn't comfortable with LS applications (when you mentioned them), would you make an acception for me if you thought I would fit your linkshell nicely? Would just talking to me (or an interview if you MUST call it that lol) be alright?

(Thanks for answers :x)

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

/thumbs down.

So would that also include members asking what does your GF/wife look like included in the conversation? Because that's sure as hell not part of "getting to know them", thus why I stayed silent at all in the Devil Ls on wutai.

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LMAO Pot meet Kettle, one could even go as far as saying "Do as I say not as I do." Your crying about a bad experience with linkshells on your server. From your posts it seems like you might be the source of those experiences. Keep your story straight, stop changing it around to suit your needs.

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

Please refrain any comments regarding this argument. Your member Eiki asked a question and I answered. I've only applied to one Ls in my entire time on Wutai. Please stick to the topic or be reported. I asked nicely the first time.

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My LS's application requires you to submit a funny picture. Based your sense of humor, we decide if you are a good fit or not.

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

^-^ I have a question for those who have LS applications.
I know some have already said that they wouldn't, but to the others...

If I was in a party with you and looking for a linkshell, and we got along really well and I was polite and helpful, and I asked to join your shell but told you that I wasn't comfortable with LS applications (when you mentioned them), would you make an acception for me if you thought I would fit your linkshell nicely? Would just talking to me (or an interview if you MUST call it that lol) be alright?

(Thanks for answers :x)

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If I were the leader of the linkshell and decided to make that call then sure. I've run end-game shells/guilds where we have an application process but wave it based on personal interactions.

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

^-^ I have a question for those who have LS applications.
I know some have already said that they wouldn't, but to the others...

If I was in a party with you and looking for a linkshell, and we got along really well and I was polite and helpful, and I asked to join your shell but told you that I wasn't comfortable with LS applications (when you mentioned them), would you make an acception for me if you thought I would fit your linkshell nicely? Would just talking to me (or an interview if you MUST call it that lol) be alright?

(Thanks for answers :x)

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We have let in people like that before I believe... but unfortunately with the new site and the way it was set up all people have to fill out the application to get onto the forum, it's part of forum registration. lol even I had to redo the app when I moved over to the new site heehee... I filled out every answer as bacon! XD

So even though we might say you have an auto in due to people supporting you to entering the shell because you are a great person and we get along with you. You would still have to write something on the app just to get it to go through, since it's set up that way on the site, so you could have access to the forum and all of our information, help threads, events etc... :)

Its funny ppl say we do apps so we wont get rude random ppl, but ppl start ls by them selves and will accept anyone @ the start... so whats the difference down the road?

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Originally Posted by Firon

Its funny ppl say we do apps so we wont get rude random ppl, but ppl start ls by them selves and will accept anyone @ the start... so whats the difference down the road?

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Not necessarily all the time, I know when our leader started our shell he was part of a FFXIV fan forum. He knew some people on there that were very nice and they all got along. They were the core group that started the shell, and since they had already been talking with one another for quite a while from the forum they knew one another well. I knew the core group of my shell long before this shell started and I joined so I knew what I was getting into with them. :)

Also some shells are actually groups of friends that decide to start one together, and then add more people as they go.

Also some shells are actually groups that knew one another from FFXI and they moved over to FFXIV when this game started, so are not strangers to one another either.

But yes, some shells are started by one person who doesn't know anyone and it is started that way. Question is, do they have a forum and do they have applications? Heehee

:)

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Originally Posted by KaiKatzchen

We have let in people like that before I believe... but unfortunately with the new site and the way it was set up all people have to fill out the application to get onto the forum, it's part of forum registration. lol even I had to redo the app when I moved over to the new site heehee... I filled out every answer as bacon! XD

So even though we might say you have an auto in due to people supporting you to entering the shell because you are a great person and we get along with you. You would still have to write something on the app just to get it to go through, since it's set up that way on the site, so you could have access to the forum and all of our information, help threads, events etc... :)

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That's great and not stressful in the least. hehe ^-^ I'm happy that you would at least consider someone like me.
My lack of wanting to do an app has nothing to do with lazyness as some suggest. I've always been one for excellent attendance to LS events, required or not, just because I enjoy them so much. I've been LS secretary, keeping track of all sorts of info in a few linkshells. It's not fair to be so quick to judge and assume about someone who dislikes apps. :3 Some of us are good people! XD (I wasn't saying you were judging Kai, I was referring to some other posts ^^)
Your LS as you described it earlier sounds very fun and full of nice people. I don't have a linkshell in FFXIV yet, it's a shame you're not on Besaid cuz you sound like my kinda people! :D
If I had to do an app, to register but knew I'd be in anyways I could relax a bit and have more fun I think. :3

I hope I find a nice LS like yours on Besaid Kai. ^-^/

video games are serious business

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

That's great and not stressful in the least. hehe ^-^ I'm happy that you would at least consider someone like me.
My lack of wanting to do an app has nothing to do with lazyness as some suggest. I've always been one for excellent attendance to LS events, required or not, just because I enjoy them so much. I've been LS secretary, keeping track of all sorts of info in a few linkshells. It's not fair to be so quick to judge and assume about someone who dislikes apps. :3 Some of us are good people! XD (I wasn't saying you were judging Kai, I was referring to some other posts ^^)
Your LS as you described it earlier sounds very fun and full of nice people. I don't have a linkshell in FFXIV yet, it's a shame you're not on Besaid cuz you sound like my kinda people! :D
If I had to do an app, to register but knew I'd be in anyways I could relax a bit and have more fun I think. :3

I hope I find a nice LS like yours on Besaid Kai. ^-^/

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Yeah to be honest we try to be nice about it... if someone applies and we don't know who they are and have questions then someone contacts them and tries to get to know them/hangs out/parties etc. You can't really judge someone off an app so you have to get to know them! But like I said, many of the people who apply are people who we have partied with or have friends/family in the shell already. :D

I know you weren't saying I was judging etc... I was just trying to show that every shell that asks for apps aren't bad people, or don't want to help, or don't treat people who get in nice. I really really love the people in my shell and enjoy being with them, we are a big family. Even now we are chatting on mumble, doing parties and helping, crafting and laughing at the conversation we are having while chatting. XD

It is a shame that you aren't on Mysidia, but I do wish you the best of luck on Besaid! I hope that you find a nice shell and enjoy the game! Best of luck and stay happy!!! :D

<3

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Originally Posted by KaiKatzchen

Yeah to be honest we try to be nice about it... if someone applies and we don't know who they are and have questions then someone contacts them and tries to get to know them/hangs out/parties etc. You can't really judge someone off an app so you have to get to know them! But like I said, many of the people who apply are people who we have partied with or have friends/family in the shell already. :D

I know you weren't saying I was judging etc... I was just trying to show that every shell that asks for apps aren't bad people, or don't want to help, or don't treat people who get in nice. I really really love the people in my shell and enjoy being with them, we are a big family. Even now we are chatting on mumble, doing parties and helping, crafting and laughing at the conversation we are having while chatting. XD

It is a shame that you aren't on Mysidia, but I do wish you the best of luck on Besaid! I hope that you find a nice shell and enjoy the game! Best of luck and stay happy!!! :D

<3

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Yeah, I'm really rooted into Besaid already. X3 So I couldn't leave here. I really love the RP community too. I think I'd like to join a non-rp LS though. :D I hope I find a group like yours.
Suddenly I feel motivated to find a really nice shell that fits me. >:3

Thanks for talking about your LS a bit. It's nice to see a more casual and friendly/family-like LS with apps. As I said, all my "app linkshells" have been anti-social towards new members, and full of jerks. XD I wouldn't judge all app linkshells like that, but I like hearing about the opposite since I've never seen it.

Thanks a ton and good luck with the shell! :3

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Originally Posted by Technolust

LMAO Pot meet Kettle, one could even go as far as saying "Do as I say not as I do." Your crying about a bad experience with linkshells on your server. From your posts it seems like you might be the source of those experiences. Keep your story straight, stop changing it around to suit your needs.

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Notice the bold? That's plural. You're wrong. I applied one Ls. You need proof of my email too to prove this or are you just attempting to making me look bad making faulty claims? Again, I'm not sure I understand what you're talking. I'm a free lancer, not a controlled number being thrown at NMs. You're more than welcome to visit the youtube channel (MrFouluryu) as to see what went on to begin with before you start blindly defending a group unknowingly.

But in any case, it's just as the previous poster has mentioned. People can lie in applications. In game interview or what I like is Ls one week/two week trial based on performance, social conversation, & getting to know them. Now that's an application, that's showing an Ls leader that has compassion for its members, and not reading an app online who drinks coffee at work bragging about making 70k a year.

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

Yeah, I'm really rooted into Besaid already. X3 So I couldn't leave here. I really love the RP community too. I think I'd like to join a non-rp LS though. :D I hope I find a group like yours.
Suddenly I feel motivated to find a really nice shell that fits me. >:3

Thanks for talking about your LS a bit. It's nice to see a more casual and friendly/family-like LS with apps. As I said, all my "app linkshells" have been anti-social towards new members, and full of jerks. XD I wouldn't judge all app linkshells like that, but I like hearing about the opposite since I've never seen it.

Thanks a ton and good luck with the shell! :3

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Good luck to you too!!!! :D

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Originally Posted by Fouluryu

In game interview or what I like is Ls one week/two week trial based on performance, social conversation, & getting to know them.

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I prefer this! ^^
Being accepted into a LS on a trial basis I totally understand. Keep me for a week or two and if people don't like me, tell me I'm not right for your shell and kick me then, (but do be nice about it please! ^^; lol)

I understand XIV's kicking options are terrible right now though. ._. I really wish they'd fix that, so you can kick someone who isn't online if necessary. (Come on SE! >:3)

I suppose what I'm feeling is... it's good to make applying/invited members feel comfortable and welcome. An app can make a person stressed and feel like they have to prove themselves. So if it must be done.. be creative and friendly about it! :3
Try to be social to us new members instead of only talking with those you already trust. ^^/ We'll appreciate you and respect you all the more for it! :D

(Thanks to those who have differing opinions not attacking my opinion. :D I prefer when we can get along.)

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

[COLOR="purple"]I understand XIV's kicking options are terrible right now though. ._. I really wish they'd fix that, so you can kick someone who isn't online if necessary. (Come on SE! >:3)

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I honestly think this is one of the reason why so many people do the app thing and not the trial thing. The Leader of the shell honestly has no real power over the shell and have so many complications:

-Person has to be right by you to kick them.
-Can't kick them if they are in game but you don't know where they are.
-Can't kick them if they are offline.
-Etc...

It kinda sucks, and it's not really fair to the shell/leaders to have so many difficulties and so little power over their own shell. So I think people make up for that by trying to make sure the people they are getting in are going to work (as well as they can figure that out) by getting to know them and having apps to get a feel for them before letting them in.

That's why we try and get to know the person and I can honestly say we have had a really good run with the members he have gotten and have had very few problems in the year we have been around in game. :D

Also... No one should be rude to someone for having a differing opinion. Just because someone doesn't agree with another doesn't make that person wrong, it just means that we all have different views. Nothing wrong with differing views... it's just when people are being rude to others for having diffing views that I get annoyed. (Not towards you in any way!! :D )

You seem really nice, I wish ya the best of luck! :D

Make an application with carefully composed questions.

Read application submission to get an idea of the player.

Confirm player's class levels. (if required)

Speak with player if their application is satisfactory. Get to know them a bit.

Have the player join an LS party for a trial run of some sort of event.

Invite player into LS with some confidence that they won't end up:

• leaving the game 2 days after joining
• logging on at all the wrong times that don't match your LS events schedule
• causing drama and breaking LS guidelines and - despite not being welcome -not bothering to leave the LS and essentially requiring an officer to hunt them down to oust them from LS since the management options are horrible at this point.

@ OP: Have you ran a Linkshell in this game? I don't mean a social one - even though it can be an issue for them too. If you haven't, then don't attempt to judge Linkshells that decide to use applications like you know anything.

I like how the OP brought up his personal issues, then begged for people to talk about the topic instead of him, and then proceeded to elaborate on his personal issues some more, and then threatened people with the report button if they talked about his personal issues. That observation aside...

Guild leadership isn't always easy, especially in this game where every new member is likely to quit without saying a word within a few weeks if not days. Unless you're running a completely open LS (which is almost certain to fail spectacularly) some sort of pre-screening is going to happen. In my opinion invite-only using personal experience to selectively recruit is the most effective pre-screening, but for some people that doesn't provide a large enough pool of applicants. If someone wants to use applications and/or casual in-game interviews to pre-screen a larger pool of applicants, that's their choice.

But I can already hear your fingers tapping away on the reply, "oh my god, 'pre-screening', 'applicants', that sounds too much like a job I just wanna have fun!!!1" Proper pre-screening is essential to actually having fun in an LS. Do you really want to end up with "that guy who logs on every few weeks to complain about how much the game sucks" or "that guy who stops showing up to anything after he gets the loot he wanted"? How about an LS where you actually have to blacklist your own LSmates because they become a constant headache in LS chat? Those people spoil everyone's fun.

Of course, there are always going to be LS founders who have no idea wtf they're doing and simply attempt to copy what they think successful LSes do (website/forums, applications, DKP, ventrilo) and make Forgettable Generic LS #348. That's another story...

Anyone on Selbina is ok to join my LS "JerseyBloodshore" we do lots of GTL(gym/tan/laundry) and FPC(fistpumps/pushups/chapstick). You must be a douchebag, have greasy hair, wear smeedium wifebeaters, like to sleep in filthy stained sheet beds, drink on the job or in the game, leveling worthless culinarian like me and be in The Maelstorm Grand Company. No need to fill out an application you can tryout in the smash room with me. I give out one free First Response w/ every smash and chocobo fair. Must show I.D. NO discrimination Equal Opportunity Linkshell to people in the clique.

I feel like this anytime someone asks me to join a LS then fill out an application thank God for being in a Japanese only ls in ff11 for 8years.