by Stigma Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:18 pm
My feeling is that a "guild" or "clan" or whatever should first and foremost be a casual social organization. Leave the "1337 gaming" and "powerraiding" to the kids. Sure, you may never be at the top of the list of "best guilds of XX game", but is that what gaming is about? For some, sure, and that's perfectly fine. Some people view gaming as a contact sport, and that's fine. But for me? I spend my daylight hours convincing corporations to spend millions (or billions) of dollars in ways I suggest; when I get off work I'm not looking to compete - I'm looking to unwind. To me, unwinding means playing a game at my speed, in the company of people I would be happy to share a beer with in real life. I don't need some knucklehead half my age screaming commands at me over a Vent server. And I don't need a guild leader telling me I need to be online at 2am my time because the guild wants to do some @%$#ing mission/quest.
My "agreement" with guilds is usually pretty simple. I'll promise to always represent the group in good fashion; conduct myself respectfully and within any rules set forth. I'll pay whatever dues (within reason) are asked of me, and I'll always keep an eye out for opportunities (be they items, in-game advantages, or new recruits) that I think will bring greater success to the group. In return, I expect that you'll respect that I'm a normal guy with a regular job and regular life. I won't be here 24/7, and you'll understand that I'm here for me, not for you. I'm a big fan of the "all for one, and one for all" concept, and you'll never find me shirking opportunities to back my posse up. But in return, I damn well expect that you'll treat me like a valued individual, not some friggin' cog in the machine.
So sayeth the Dao. (Who, for the record, is kinda drunk right now. Expense accounts rock!)