Advice on forming a guild

[Meow9000]

I'm going to be forming my own guild soon and would just like some advice from people who are in successful guilds or run them or have run them or just wise words. I have been through have a million fc's and am finally gonna run my own. I know recruitment is hard especially without an FC house... but a tight-knit small fc is my aim. So anything you could tell me would help!

[Risvertasashi]

Accept that there will be turnover, ie, people will leave. Even those that have contributed a lot and been a while; sometimes people just get restless or, for their own reasons, pack up and leave. Just keep at it, keep a steady supply of new blood, and lead by example (ie try to be the first to volunteer to help people, etc).

[Obysuca]

I know recruitment is hard especially without an FC house...

>_> Just to tell you from experience, it's still hard with a house and airship lol Most people look for big fcs to join and when they see you only have ~5 people on, they tend to shy away from it :/ I made my first fc back during 2.0 release and it was incredibly easy to get people. One shout and I'd bring in 3-5 people lol Though, like most fcs, half left by 2.1, eventually dropped down to under 10 by 2.3. Lots of drama happened, fc broke up, remade one without those people who caused said drama near the end of 2.3 and have been trying to recruit since. We've gotten a few here and there but they're either people on alts or new people who end up quitting before their trial month is up, so we're stuck with about 4 active members.

Wise words? Sure, you can help people as often as you can, but given how this generation of gamers are anti-social and play mmos like single player games, they'll have no problem taking your help, then up and leaving at any given point.

Expect to get a bunch of members who will never talk, then leave because "no one was talking", even though you and a few others were, but that person wasn't lol I can't tell you how many of those I've gotten. You'll also run into a few who will try to take all your stuff from the chest, so make sure you have it locked to the lowest rank. You'll also end up with those people who join, talk a bit, leave the next day or within a few hours. Don't forget those people who join and expect you to jump at them with tons of events, getting them into endgame and everything the second they join and if you don't (because you're still trying to recruit more so you don't have to pug), they'll leave shortly after joining.

[Risvertasashi]

Sure, you can help people as often as you can, but given how this generation of gamers are anti-social and play mmos like single player games, they'll have no problem taking your help, then up and leaving at any given point.

Turnover is definitely a thing, but if the leader doesn't make an effort, don't expect the gems to stick around either... even if they would otherwise be pretty loyal.

Expect to get a bunch of members who will never talk, then leave because "no one was talking", even though you and a few others were, but that person wasn't lol I can't tell you how many of those I've gotten.

I feel like this and some of the other issues depend on the recruitment method...

[FizzleofHyperion]

Excalibur is a legacy server so you might have to drop the WoW mindstate of having a guild since most endgame ls on legacy servers got static linkshells they do events with. Its disturbing to see how infested this community is getting with all these non FF or FFXI gamers in general that are enforcing their gaming mentality on the legacy servers
Fc is meant to be a fun thing with your online friends for the buff. Keep your friendship circle small so everyone can make a change and contribute. Eventually someone will always be better than another person so make sure to keep a static LS for the endgame. Since this is a casual friendly game make sure to focus ont he casuals and not the hardcore thats my advice to you. Get a group of friends and start a social ls aside to represent the group so your behavior and personality can reflect on more people so that they will eventually join your ranks aswell If you get a few people that get along with eacother people from other fc that are in your social ls will eventually see that and might have a change of heart. Please do for myself as a legacy player and everyone else on a legacy dont call it a guild. Legacy servers is a holy place with FFXI players and 1.0 don't kill the vibe.

[Kahnom]

Just be careful about fc chest authority.

[AlphaFox]

Offer cookies. How they got me.

[Teppie]

Have a dedicated focus and stick to it. So many fc's want it all and strive for an everything approach but that always stretches people too thin and nobody is happy.

[Kalsam]

-snip-

Being on Excal, I actually find the majority of end game raiders are part of FC groups. In fact, a lot of them demand you join their FC to be part of the static. o.o

As for starting an FC, there is a few key things to keep in mind. Some were mentioned here, but allow me to elaborate, and add to.

Have a GOAL
Is your goal to be a social FC? A raiding FC? Or a mix? Make sure to emphasize the point of your FC so people don't get the wrong idea.

Patience
My friends and I have tried to recruit a few times to get a full amount for a static, and even opened our doors to newer players wanting the buffs. But nearly each and every one has left because they didn't have patience, which can in turn be trying to yourself.

Be Prepared
If you're planning to be a social FC, this won't be as necessary. But if you plan to raid, have everything needed; Schedule, Website (or other form of non-game contact), Leaders, etc...

Rank Priviledges
Make sure the rankings for members are set ahead of time so that you can control how much someone may effect the FC. This includes actions, company chest, gil, ranks, housing, garden, etc...
Keep in mind when making the ranks that the third rank (in default) will be the rank that people join on. So if you want this at the bottom of the ranks, rename it and move it down.

Be Active
Everyone seems to think the FC master is the ONLY one who can handle anything in a minor FC. So make sure you're able to be contacted, and be approachable. IF you happen to expand to the point of needing/wanting officers, then make sure every officer understands their role, and that the members of the FC know whom to go to for what.

Make Connections
While building, don't underestimate the power of alliances with other FC's. This may be the best way to get enough people to run stuff. Use shared Linkshells to communicate regularly.

above all...

Have Fun and Keep Yourself in Mind
Everyone will notice if you're stressed. So if you find things are getting rough, take a break, or step down for a while. You and everyone in your FC will be grateful.

[CocoLacour]

What Kalsam said + get ready to buy a FC House. FC without a House where You can meet with mates and have fun is a sad FC