What can you possibly do?

[Lokean]

So I guess this is more of a question to the community and a plea of help that I know I'll get a few trolls here and there(it's the internet, I've come to terms with that), but I'm stuck. You see, my FC has lost some active members to just, life. Things happen, also they just lose interest with the shiny game. I'm okay with that. I still enjoy it, but now I'm left with the task of trying to get more and more members to fill in those gaps and more with new members. Yet I see almost no new members and trying to advertise about your FC gets you nothing but hate from other players as they accuse you of being just as bad as the Gil Sellers(I would only shout every minute or so). So, help on ways to recruit new members? I don't know where to go from here. A lot of my members are talking about the option of just splitting, which I would rather not happen at all. I want to go out fighting at least.

[ZohnoReecho]

Maybe just advertise on http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/forums/820-Coeurl ?
Or try sending a tell when you join a party finder and see anyone with no FC.
The same could be done by your FC memebers even if they cannot invite directly.

[Mazi]

I've seen people using the Party Finder to advertise for FCs, might be worth looking into.

[Zfz]

I've seen people using the Party Finder to advertise for FCs, might be worth looking into.

I will try to stay away from that kind of FC, though. The party finder is for finding parties, not for advertising---and that is my opinion; however, if the FC is doing something that in my opinion isn't right, it's likely they simply aren't a good fit for me, hence I won't join them.

One way (which is the good old fashioned way) is to use the party finder to do content as you normally would, and when you find a good player (in terms of skill or chatting or whatever your criteria) that isn't affiliated to an FC, ask them. Better than advertising and getting a bunch of people who just want perks and don't really interact with your FC at all.

After all, you really only need 10~12 to have a healthy roster for current content.

[Kaelah]

hmm, when you party with people who arn't in an FC ask them if they would like to join? Partyfinder adverts are also an option. (Though some people find this annoying like the shouts.) Put up an advert on the forums here. Do you have a FC website or facebook group? Put a link to it in your signature.

[MStowastiqVahlshdeh]

Perhaps you can still get into the FC recruitment contest before the Jan, 14 deadline?
Link:
The Free Company Recruitment Contest Entry Deadline Draws Near! (1/10/2014)

[Lokean]

I can't get a decent video done. I can't shut my hud off, and it would be mostly just me as my three other actives right now are actually busy with something in life(One just got back from vacation). So, while it's a good idea, I don't have the manpower/Time to do the contest.

I did not know you COULD try and recruit in the server forums. Thought it was just in the Company Forums. I'll try that. And there is almost no one left with no company. Honestly, those that are in Coeurl, are those that do not want one. I've tried going to the lower areas, around Sastasha, to see if there are groups trying to do that, but, no one. Any low dungeon is just higher levels doing the Duty Roulette and the Party Finder is just full of Hydra/Primals/Coil.

[Miiu]

The most common approach I noticed is fc members asking non fc players after they successfuly played together using PF if they'd be interested in a Free Company. Like others said using the forum for your server is certainly a good idea. Otherwhise try to shout in Mhor Dona once in a while that your fc is looking for members. But don't spam it once every minute that will only get you negative attention.

[Lokean]

Thanks for all the advice so far people. It does help! I'll try and just say it in each city ever, hour? Would that work? It isn't super spammy at all(though I don't think once a minute would be either but...)?

[Aegis]

Run Free Titan HM services.

Any person you carry through who is a decent player, ask them if they want to join. There are lots of decent players stuck in not so decent FCs. If you guys come across as both friendly and competent, you will get new members.