I'm the leader of a full, active, and fun SG on the villain side of Victory called the Murder Men. With the help of my girlfriend, we have managed to get it off the ground fast and keep it going with a few easy guidelines. Its not the only way to get a group going, but if you find yourself on a server without a lot of people you know, this might be helpful to you.
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1. Name
Come up with a short, powerful name that will attract casual interest. This sounds shallow but characters are going to be hanging the SG name under their own and will want it to representative of something they can connect to.
2. Focus
Before you invite one player to your new SG, figure out what the groups goals are. Are you interested in PvP? Do you intend to make a raid base eventually? Will you accept a players alternate characters or only his main? Do you want people around your own age/maturity level? Are you about hardcore leveling or enjoy spending as much time hanging out as you do fighting? Do you accept and help new players? Do you routinely Power Level SG mates or do you frown on the practice? There is no right answer to these but you need to be ready to turn people away that wont fit well in the group of people you are gathering.
Some policies that have been helpful to me have been a 10 day trial period for new members, mandatory SG Mode, a limit of 2 characters per player, 10k Prestige as a minimum criteria for full membership, and generally inviting characters in at level 6+.
3. Advertizing
You need to get characters into your SG fast so think big and advertise. Despite many players objection to open recruitment, mainly on the grounds that the quality of player is not guaranteed, dont hesitate to make a macro and let people know who you are and what your SG is about. Note, Use the Request Channel instead of Broadcast and dont spam it every 30 seconds. Here is an example macro you can modify and use:
/macro sAD request SG RECRUITING: Death Squad is a new SG seeking all levels and archetypes. Friendly and PvP oriented. Will SK but not PL. Send a tell for more info.
Once you get going and have a base, you can use that as a way to interest more members:
/macro sAD request SG RECRUITING: Death Squad is an established SG with 50+ members and functional base with teleporters and worktables. All levels and archetypes. Friendly and PvP oriented. Will SK but not PL. Send a tell for more info.
Dont expect a huge response to your advertisement. A few will send you tells on a busy evening and ask you some questions about your SG. Be prepared for questions about how many members you have, how much experience you have in the game, and if you accept new players. (a lot of new players expect to be turned down and may become very loyal advocates of the first SG they join if you have enough patience to train them and answer their questions.) You will also get the occasional player that despises random SG invites. Tell him the truth: You want an SG up and running and youll deal with the problem players when they crop up.
4. Recruitment
Advertisements are helpful but by no means the only way to get new members. Essentially, you will have to be proactive and approach as many players as you can that dont have an SG. Of course, by level 10 every schmoe has created his own single-member SG for no better reason than to give himself color options for his costume. So recruitment begins in Atlas/Mercy Island and The Hollows/Port Oaks where you are surrounded by Characters level 2-9. I cant tell you how many times I got someones level 4 alternate in the SG and wound up with his main a few days later. The lowbie gives the recruited player a chance to check out how many actives you have in your SG, what your base looks like, and what kind of people you are. Note: Don't poach another SGs characters. Its okay to ask someone if their SG is active and if they like it, but trying to convince them of your own SGs superiority is morally reprehensible. Here are some macros to help you speed up your efficiency while recruiting:
This mac adds a character to your friends list to avoid spamming someone with multiple sendings by mistake and prompts them to respond if they want an SG.
/macro sASK "friend $target$$t $target, SG INVITATION: Hello $target! We are the Death Squad, a friendly SG interested PvP. If you are interested in joining on a trial basis send me a tell."
This mac sends an SG invite to the target and gives them a basic message that you want them to know about the SG.
/macro sINV "sginvite $target$$t $target, Welcome to the Death Squad! You are currently the lowest rank, but promotions are granted for those that frequently log on, team up, and have a good time!"
Recruit some place where there is a lot of lowbie traffic. Trainers and early contacts are great spots to hang out for an hour and get a handful of players. And the most important thing: as soon as membership drops below 60-65 members, start recruiting again. Keep it at about 70 members if you can so that special invites and member alternates can join if its allowed.
5. Communication
Its a good idea to send out an email giving members information about (1.) getting promotions and what each rank has permission to do; (2.) who to turn Salvage into and/or what they can make with it; and (3.) what the SG goals and requirements are concerning Prestige, the base, teaming, PvP, and use of audio software (Teamspeak and Ventrilo). Note: You can make a form letter and send it to yourself. From then on, you simply need to Forward it to each new recruit.
Also, use the Message of the Day to communicate with everyone logging on. This is an easy way to make event announcements, inform the group of the Prestige goal for next base upgrade, and to congratulate members on important level plateaus like L20 and L30.
Another important issue is establishing Coalitions with other SGs to mutually benefit one another with Salvage trades and filling teams. It is therefor important to establish a raport with these other groups and share a certain amount of solidarity when a CO mate needs help.
Lastly, establish an SG channel and invite all the members to it. If the payers add the channel to all their active characters they can hear when your SG is forming up or when a member needs special assistance even when they are logged on another server. This is a great way to let everyone know when people are logging on to avoid the login-and-then-logout-when-no-one-else-is-on Syndrome.
6. Dropouts
Provided you give the members the kind of SG you have advertised, you will get a ratio consisting of 1 Dedicated, 1 frequent login, 2 occasional logins, and 1 that never logs on again (A costume idea and nothing more), of those 5, several will move on to other SGs, start playing other non-member characters, or drop off the game for extended periods of time. Even if you really hit it off with a player, dont get down over their disappearing. With blind invites you are separating the wheat from the chaff and you get a lot more chaff then wheat. Spend an hour a day recruiting and as much time as you need talking with new recruits so they feel at home. If members dont have the personal connection with the group you dont stand a chance of keeping them.
7. Booting
Set a limit for inactivity with your membership. A week or 10 days is a good amount of time to let members log in again. Make sure everyone that joins knows the requirement as soon as they are a member. If they do log in regularly, then you have an active player. If they dont log back in, boot them. Its that simple. You can send them a friendly email letting them know they can get a re-invite once they are active again if it feels right. You might also want to give more leeway for members with seniority or that have informed you of an extended return date. Note: Beware of the inactive player that logs in for 30 seconds to hold their place in the SG.
8. Promoting
To avoid favoritism set some concrete standards for giving early promotions. 10-20k Prestige for full membership is a good standard. Later promotions may be dependant on higher Prestige levels, the players ability/desire to assist other members, or some other appropriate criteria.
9. Bases
There are a lot better architects out there writing guides on base design and Ill leave it to the experts but I will say one thing. Make your base appealing to the new member. Spend some prestige for decorative items so the place has the proper feel. If there isnt a place to hang out or draw the eye, the players will be disappointed. Treat the base as a showcase for your SG and its accomplishments.
10. Events
Once you have enough members logging on to make events possible, start doing them. Establish one day out of the week when Task/Strike Forces are encouraged. Make a day for PvP. Make a day to do anything special that enough of your SG is itching to do. Listening to membership needs is extremely important because something brought up casually once or twice that is ignored may actually be very important to the player and can lead to his finding another SG that can cater to his needs better.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, I hope this quick-startup info has been helpful to you in your endeavors as an SG leader. I would love to hear other peoples experiences and comments, so post away!
I'm the leader of a full, active, and fun SG on the villain side of Victory called the Murder Men. With the help of my girlfriend, we have managed to get it off the ground fast and keep it going with a few easy guidelines. Its not the only way to get a group going, but if you find yourself on a server without a lot of people you know, this might be helpful to you.
[/ QUOTE ]
1. Name
Come up with a short, powerful name that will attract casual interest. This sounds shallow but characters are going to be hanging the SG name under their own and will want it to representative of something they can connect to.
2. Focus
Before you invite one player to your new SG, figure out what the groups goals are. Are you interested in PvP? Do you intend to make a raid base eventually? Will you accept a players alternate characters or only his main? Do you want people around your own age/maturity level? Are you about hardcore leveling or enjoy spending as much time hanging out as you do fighting? Do you accept and help new players? Do you routinely Power Level SG mates or do you frown on the practice? There is no right answer to these but you need to be ready to turn people away that wont fit well in the group of people you are gathering.
Some policies that have been helpful to me have been a 10 day trial period for new members, mandatory SG Mode, a limit of 2 characters per player, 10k Prestige as a minimum criteria for full membership, and generally inviting characters in at level 6+.
3. Advertizing
You need to get characters into your SG fast so think big and advertise. Despite many players objection to open recruitment, mainly on the grounds that the quality of player is not guaranteed, dont hesitate to make a macro and let people know who you are and what your SG is about. Note, Use the Request Channel instead of Broadcast and dont spam it every 30 seconds. Here is an example macro you can modify and use:
/macro sAD request SG RECRUITING: Death Squad is a new SG seeking all levels and archetypes. Friendly and PvP oriented. Will SK but not PL. Send a tell for more info.
Once you get going and have a base, you can use that as a way to interest more members:
/macro sAD request SG RECRUITING: Death Squad is an established SG with 50+ members and functional base with teleporters and worktables. All levels and archetypes. Friendly and PvP oriented. Will SK but not PL. Send a tell for more info.
Dont expect a huge response to your advertisement. A few will send you tells on a busy evening and ask you some questions about your SG. Be prepared for questions about how many members you have, how much experience you have in the game, and if you accept new players. (a lot of new players expect to be turned down and may become very loyal advocates of the first SG they join if you have enough patience to train them and answer their questions.) You will also get the occasional player that despises random SG invites. Tell him the truth: You want an SG up and running and youll deal with the problem players when they crop up.
4. Recruitment
Advertisements are helpful but by no means the only way to get new members. Essentially, you will have to be proactive and approach as many players as you can that dont have an SG. Of course, by level 10 every schmoe has created his own single-member SG for no better reason than to give himself color options for his costume. So recruitment begins in Atlas/Mercy Island and The Hollows/Port Oaks where you are surrounded by Characters level 2-9. I cant tell you how many times I got someones level 4 alternate in the SG and wound up with his main a few days later. The lowbie gives the recruited player a chance to check out how many actives you have in your SG, what your base looks like, and what kind of people you are. Note: Don't poach another SGs characters. Its okay to ask someone if their SG is active and if they like it, but trying to convince them of your own SGs superiority is morally reprehensible. Here are some macros to help you speed up your efficiency while recruiting:
This mac adds a character to your friends list to avoid spamming someone with multiple sendings by mistake and prompts them to respond if they want an SG.
/macro sASK "friend $target$$t $target, SG INVITATION: Hello $target! We are the Death Squad, a friendly SG interested PvP. If you are interested in joining on a trial basis send me a tell."
This mac sends an SG invite to the target and gives them a basic message that you want them to know about the SG.
/macro sINV "sginvite $target$$t $target, Welcome to the Death Squad! You are currently the lowest rank, but promotions are granted for those that frequently log on, team up, and have a good time!"
Recruit some place where there is a lot of lowbie traffic. Trainers and early contacts are great spots to hang out for an hour and get a handful of players. And the most important thing: as soon as membership drops below 60-65 members, start recruiting again. Keep it at about 70 members if you can so that special invites and member alternates can join if its allowed.
5. Communication
Its a good idea to send out an email giving members information about (1.) getting promotions and what each rank has permission to do; (2.) who to turn Salvage into and/or what they can make with it; and (3.) what the SG goals and requirements are concerning Prestige, the base, teaming, PvP, and use of audio software (Teamspeak and Ventrilo). Note: You can make a form letter and send it to yourself. From then on, you simply need to Forward it to each new recruit.
Also, use the Message of the Day to communicate with everyone logging on. This is an easy way to make event announcements, inform the group of the Prestige goal for next base upgrade, and to congratulate members on important level plateaus like L20 and L30.
Another important issue is establishing Coalitions with other SGs to mutually benefit one another with Salvage trades and filling teams. It is therefor important to establish a raport with these other groups and share a certain amount of solidarity when a CO mate needs help.
Lastly, establish an SG channel and invite all the members to it. If the payers add the channel to all their active characters they can hear when your SG is forming up or when a member needs special assistance even when they are logged on another server. This is a great way to let everyone know when people are logging on to avoid the login-and-then-logout-when-no-one-else-is-on Syndrome.
6. Dropouts
Provided you give the members the kind of SG you have advertised, you will get a ratio consisting of 1 Dedicated, 1 frequent login, 2 occasional logins, and 1 that never logs on again (A costume idea and nothing more), of those 5, several will move on to other SGs, start playing other non-member characters, or drop off the game for extended periods of time. Even if you really hit it off with a player, dont get down over their disappearing. With blind invites you are separating the wheat from the chaff and you get a lot more chaff then wheat. Spend an hour a day recruiting and as much time as you need talking with new recruits so they feel at home. If members dont have the personal connection with the group you dont stand a chance of keeping them.
7. Booting
Set a limit for inactivity with your membership. A week or 10 days is a good amount of time to let members log in again. Make sure everyone that joins knows the requirement as soon as they are a member. If they do log in regularly, then you have an active player. If they dont log back in, boot them. Its that simple. You can send them a friendly email letting them know they can get a re-invite once they are active again if it feels right. You might also want to give more leeway for members with seniority or that have informed you of an extended return date. Note: Beware of the inactive player that logs in for 30 seconds to hold their place in the SG.
8. Promoting
To avoid favoritism set some concrete standards for giving early promotions. 10-20k Prestige for full membership is a good standard. Later promotions may be dependant on higher Prestige levels, the players ability/desire to assist other members, or some other appropriate criteria.
9. Bases
There are a lot better architects out there writing guides on base design and Ill leave it to the experts but I will say one thing. Make your base appealing to the new member. Spend some prestige for decorative items so the place has the proper feel. If there isnt a place to hang out or draw the eye, the players will be disappointed. Treat the base as a showcase for your SG and its accomplishments.
10. Events
Once you have enough members logging on to make events possible, start doing them. Establish one day out of the week when Task/Strike Forces are encouraged. Make a day for PvP. Make a day to do anything special that enough of your SG is itching to do. Listening to membership needs is extremely important because something brought up casually once or twice that is ignored may actually be very important to the player and can lead to his finding another SG that can cater to his needs better.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, I hope this quick-startup info has been helpful to you in your endeavors as an SG leader. I would love to hear other peoples experiences and comments, so post away!