Please forgive the double post here, I just wanted to update and expand the main post to this thread and it didn't fit well with my previous post...
As Kate/Molly pointed out, we are not yet a monster guild. We have roughly 35 members now. We are actively seeking new recruits and try to keep the maturity level a little higher than most. The big difference is that we usually have someone online at all hours the server is running. On an average evening, we will see about 5-10 of our guildmates on and we are a very sociable lot (not sociopathic).
We have recently implemented the use of Ventrilo for the guild and have a paid hosting setup, which I can expand, as we get more people using it. For those that are unaware (though there have been numerous threads on the subject) Ventrilo is a voice communications system which is great for Team Gaming. Unfortunately D does not like us to give out the information on their server, so if you are a guild member, you will need to PM one of us to get the setup instructions. Everyone that uses it, thus far, has behaved in a mature manner. We will not tolerate topics that are not "family friendly" if minors are logged into the chat. We have a private channel for that.
Our guild is quite organized. We host many events like Boat Races, Fleet Plundering, Guild PvP, and Treasure Hunts to create a feeling of camaraderie within the guild (and those we compete against). Oh... The prizes help too. We have Officer Meetings at least once per week and hold actual elections for the staff positions. Of our officers, we usually have at least one online at all times.
The PiratesOnlineForums.com website is the primary point of communication for all events, scheduling, complaints, ideas, or questions. We will begin requiring all prospective members to have an account here, even if it is simply to lurk and communicate with the staff. Most decisions that the Officers and GuildMaster make are well thought out and considered, but we may not explore every caveat of an idea and often times ask for guild input about different subject. So, ultimately, the guild members, are not invisible space fillers like you may have experienced in other guilds.
We do have a few basic rules to the guild, that we feel are quite important and will not sway from them:
- Members must have unlimited status and be at least level 7 Notoriety.
- Members needing assistance with a quest or task must first try for themselves. If you are unable to complete it on your own, an officer or higher member will be more than happy to assist you.
- Maturity is a must. Please save your OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! for elsewhere. We understand excitement, but not the type that would make someone with ADD say "Dude, calm down."
- No bickering. We have no time to settle disputes (though we seldom see any). Fix the problem with on your own, in private, with the person. If we must intervene, each person involved will be given 5 minutes to state their case, then we will meet for a decision. All decisions made in regards to removing members are final.
- Glitching is our hobby. We love finding them and love exploring them. Any glitch you are shown by a member is not to be shared outside the guild. Yes, there are a few private ones we have reserved.
- Have fun! Believe it or not, this is a really important one to us. When someone is a downer, it tends to spread like a virus. If your glass is half empty, ask one of the officers and we'll fill it back up for you.
- Lastly, and most importantly, we will not tolerate any sort of slander or biggotry. Your personal opinons on race, creed, color, religion, orientation, gender, or political affiliation is your own and we wish for you to keep it that way. Any violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal and reporting to D.
That is pretty much everything about us. As Kate/Molly mentioned, if you are interested in meeting with us and chatting about joining, PM one of us and we will be happy to meet up with you.
For those of you who are currently members, please post a single "Here" and Pirate name reply to the thread so we can account for your presance. Thanks in advance, and...
Loot Hard!