How do you create an active guild?

[JM Ohara]

When I started We Are The Night it was just 3 of us, myself and two good friends. We are all late night players, and have a dream of creating a late night community. The three of us together formed the core, and started attempting to build. We got just a few new members here and there. In fact, we are still only at 13. However, in a 6 month old guild, 4 of the new players were added in the last 3 weeks alone. Of those, 2 are old friends I trust beyond a doubt. Both I officered right off. These 2, along with my 2 original officers, I consider my core group. As we continue to grow, slowly, yet surely, these 4 people remain my seconds in command. These are the 4 I would absolutely trust to keep things going should I not be able to get in game for any period of time. So, create an inner core of officers you trust implicitly.

We Are The Night has a serious and clearly defined rules set. Our biggest, and the one that is absolutely unbreakable or unbendable, is that all guild members MUST be 18 or older. We all know the rules, we all respect the rules. So, know what the standards for your guild are.

Why do you want to be a GM? Is it about power? Helping people? Some other reason? What defines best what a majority of your guildmates believe? Know what you stand for.

Most important, realize that the unlimited tag is no guarantee you will ever see a player again. Just because a player is basic, doesn't mean they will never return. Remember to never define players by the state of their accounts. Be open to all levels, all players. Talk before you guild. You're more likely to get good players. And yes, be persistent. A great guild takes time.