Democratic Free Companies?

[Disrupter]

Hello Final Fantasy XIV Community!

Having been in several Guilds/Companies/Charters/Whatever in various MMO titles over the years, I have become curious as to whether any choose their Officers/Leaders via democratic methods? In my experience, there is often a council of sorts making decisions, or a single Leader doing the same. But I haven't heard of any other Companies where a democratic process is utilized.

If you have experience with a Guild/Company/Charter/Whatever using democratic processes to choose their leadership, please let me know! I am very curious, thanks!

[Lexxuk]

My FC is a democracy, one man, one vote - mine. Works perfectly!

[Dannythm]

It's not very common, since there is usually a founder, then he invites people and as such the FC/Guild is formed. Also guild masters/leaders are usually the ones designing and managing the web page, forums, etc... and have the time and will to do so.

However, in the ones I've managed and formed, I've always let the members freedom to do as they wish, and the raid leaders are usually selected between themselves, not needed to force any role in someone who doesn't want it, neither forcing people to have to listen to someone they don't get along with.

It's not democratic, but somehow similar.

[Codek]

I would imagine that it would take far to much effort to establish and support a true democratic system within a guild. To create a rule structure to follow as well as setting up a means of enforcement (hardest part) just doesn't really seem possible. Far to much can go wrong when it comes to disagreements arising between the members. Also since it's only a game, some people will always find ways to break the system just for the hell of it.

Just doesn't seem worth the headache.

[AlmaMalma]

We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. Coil in 30 minutes.

[Yurikitty]

Democracy doesn't work. If you want proof please look at the United States. Democracy on paper works fine, in practice its a whole nother boat. That being said, our FC has a council of officers, majority is all that is needed to pass things. We do give our members options to vote on when we can. It works pretty well. If you plan on going democracy for a FC I wish you luck, cause its going to be a massive headache.

[Radacci]

We were going to vote for where to have FC housing...and well, the problem is there's 3 nations, so whichever wins will be a minority, cause 2/3 chose something else.
It's only democracy if everyone agrees...which is unrealistic.
The more ppl voting, the less democratic it becomes, cause everyone has their own opinions and wants.
This forum is a perfect example of how shitty democracy is; the community can't agree on a single thing. And even in a FC, ppl can never unanimously agree on anything, no matter how nice and friendly everyone is.

[Molly_Millions]

Democracy isn't about things being unanimous, it's about doing what the majority wants. That being said, it would be an interesting experiment. Good luck OP, if you actually go through with it.

There will be certain difficulties with running an FC or LS democratically. For one, I see getting everyone to actually vote on things being a major hurdle. Just as with any other vote, if a minority of people actually vote, how can you be sure you know what the majority of members want? Secondly, would you agree to give up your seat as leader if voted out? If so, how can you be sure things stay democratic after being voted out?