I would add that once you took the guild over from Dan, it became your guild, not simply you running his guild. When you look back through the memories you have, they are memories where you were calling the shots. Maybe Dan would have done things the same way, maybe not, but you were there, not him.

I read that you have a successor picked out. I think the best thing you can do for him/her is to let him/her lead. They will make decisions you wouldn't but as long as everything they decide is for the good of the guild, it will work out. You can't be second guessing what decisions they make when you turn over leadership. You simply need to back them up. That might mean the guild goes in a direction you never anticipated. Unless you want the leadership role back, supporting the new guild leader and his/her officers will make you that much more appreciated.

You aren't walking away. This is a transition. You need a full guild meeting where you wax poetical about all the guild has done. Bring up the fun times, the bad times, the downright ugly times and how the guild has survived and persevered because it's the people that make it strong. Talk about your upcoming transition and how you anticipate it's going to cut down your hours of play time. "And so, because of this, I feel the best course of action is to promote X to guild leader. He has graciously agreed to take over and lead this guild to new heights and new adventures. I know you will all follow and help him as you have followed and helped me." If your guild is as strong as you indicate, they will follow the new guild leader.

Promote X in front of everyone. Cheer him or her and then step away, referring the questions you would have handled to your new leader. Discourage grousing and encourage working together as you have in the past. I have a feeling the guild will go on and will be better for a change in leadership to someone with enthusiasm. Who knows. You could really enjoy WOW again when you don't have to run a guild.

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