Officers' Quarters: How a guild dies

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-11-2011 @ 2:07PM

Evi said...

As a guild leader of a pretty decent sized guild that is celebrating its 3rd birthday next month, I can definitely say I have been there. Our guild (I don't say "my" because it is not a guild of just one person, if I didn't have the wonderful officers I have we wouldn't be here) has been through a server transfer, mass exodus (several times), serious drama, burnout, etc. Each time it felt as if it would be our last. Each time I have considered the alternative of dealing with it.

Recently I almost had a breakdown, too much stress in real life evolved into too much stress in game which made more stress in real life and so on. Finally we had an officer meeting and I explained to the officers what I was feeling, and what I needed from them. I was amazed at how much they stepped up to do. A few of them were very excited about their new responsibilities and started going above and beyond the minute our meeting was done. A few officers are still kind of lingering for the lack of a better word and haven't stepped up the plate whether it is because they feel they "deserve" officer status for being around so long or whatever.

I have decided to implement a "Veteran Officer" rank for those who have been around and do deserve some recognition but do not take up a responsibility to assist with running the guild. We will see how this pans out.

The biggest thing I think I have learned is to talk to people, be open with your officers, don't fear letting them know what you are feeling and most of all delegate. It will save your sanity and make your guild stronger!

I am sorry to hear that your guild did not make it Scott! Your article has helped my guild through many, many tough times. I was shocked the first time I read Officers Quarters and saw that everything my guild was experiencing were the same things others experience. We had many of the same views and goals in our guilds. I'm sure once you have a break you will be ready to jump back in it full force and be an even better leader from your experiences. Best of luck to you!!! =)

1-12-2011 @ 1:51PM

Priestess said...

Evi, grats on your guild's upcoming birthday! I enjoyed reading your story.

I have a suggestion about your "Veteran Officer" rank. My guild has also been around a long time and we recently reworked our ranking system. We have all the appropriate lower ranks, and then for those who, as you say, "have been around and do deserve some recognition" we created a rank of Honored Veteran. We've defined our ranks, but basically, Veterans are stable, long-term guild members, and the Honored Veterans are those who, by merit, or having been around forever, or due to overwhelming respect for them among the members, deserve some kind of notice. They also get slightly more access to the guild bank. Then the title and rank of "Officer" can apply to only those people who are actively participating in the guild leadership. Just a thought for you since you seemed a little unsure about how that was going to "pan out". Hopefully, your guild will remain strong and you will always have great officers and veterans to enjoy it with.

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