Applications Vs Registrations

[Fouluryu]

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.

/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.

[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.

[Seikninkuru]

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).

[Fouluryu]

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.

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.

[Aenarion]

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.

[Aramil]

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.

[Deceptistar]

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).

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

[KaiKatzchen]

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.

/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.

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!

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.

[Nabiri]

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.

And there's your rant for the day.

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

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!

[KaiKatzchen]

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!

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!