Notes

Officers' Quarters: Leveling as a Guild in Cataclysm, Part 2.

A player wrote last week to inquire about the rules and regulations of being an official in a guild while a character is leveling. Although we are focusing on Cataclysm, many of these suggestions can be applied to any expansion that has a higher level cap. Part 1 offered four suggestions:



Create a plan.



Group activities can be organized.



Don't be rushed by anyone.



Create a date and time for the final game.



This week I've got five more.



5. Keep it light.



For an instant, think about GearScores and progression bosses. Also, think about wipes. Think about arena ratings, comps , and counter-comps. Did you feel any stress? For the majority of players, these are not stress-free topics. Let this serve as an encouragement to all officers out there that the initial leveling phase of an expansion is typically the only time that players aren't required to think about such issues. Don't cause stress during this time. Instead, concentrate on having fun and enjoying the leveling process.



Finding a balance between keeping this attitude and motivating people to level efficiently should be the main aim.



6. Keep in mind that your guild is leveling, too.



Celebrate milestones as they occur. Honor players who have made exceptional contributions through achievements and/or activity. These reminders help players to feel like they are part of a community.



A scheduled event or bounty is also a way to foster a sense of shared purpose and promote a sense that everyone is connected.



Remember that at minimum, at least four members in a dungeon group must be part of the same guild for the run to count as a guild run. Encourage your group members to run together whenever possible. Given the anticipated difficulty of Cataclysm's dungeons, you may not have to twist any arms. It'll be smart.



7. Recognize Rerollers of level 1.



Some members will be lured by the new races or race/class combinations and will choose to level up to a completely new main. It is important to know ahead of time who's planning to do so. If the majority of guild members are starting over, you're going be required to prepare for that by reducing expectations for the initial few weeks. It's possible the rerollers could beat some of the players from the 80s to maximum level, based on the speed at which players play. However, you have little control over this and your best option is to manage expectations of players by collecting information and tracking their progress.



If players do not reroll, they might be frustrated if they are unable to do anything as a guild for a few weeks. At the very least, you should ensure that you have a 10 players team for battlegrounds and raids. wowdad If that's not possible, a 5-player dungeon or arena team can at least provide guild members something they can collaborate on if they can coordinate their schedules.



If the amount of rerollers in your guild is likely to create a huge issue, you can invite players to upgrade their 80s first to help with guild activities , and then switch their mains later. If your guild relies on points-based loot, you might offer to allow such players to transfer their points to the main once they have raided speed.



All that said, the fact that a player would like their to make changes to their mains does not mean they must be given an opportunity to play. If you have to get aggressive with people to make sure you still have a competitive group at 85, then you'll need to be tough. A tank and a dozen DPS will not be enough to take on an employer at 85.



8. Do not dwell on losses, learn from them.



Despite all the steps, you could be losing players. Many players view an expansion as a fresh beginning. They may use the opportunity to join a guild of a friend on another server or reroll with the opposing faction to change the pace. There's nothing you can do about these things.



The real problem is when you lose members due to their desire to join a "better" guild -- whatever that means to them. The only way to find out the reason why members left even if they're not open about it, is to inquire. In private, talk to them. Inform them that you aren't angry over the situation (unless you truly are) however, you just want to know why they left so you can better understand the guild's possible failings. They may not provide a clear answer however, some will and that information can help you improve the guild to prevent similar losses in the future.



9. Start recruiting early if you think you'll need to.



There will soon be a large pool of fresh 85s itching to play the game and searching for a guild to join. Your guild's benefits will be sought after by other players. As soon as the expansion hits shelves the process of recruiting will be simpler than it was for the past six months, so make sure to take advantage of it. Beware of freeloaders!



It's impossible to please everyone but if you've completed your job well and created an engaging, successful community, then you'll be able to carry most members through the leveling process and even into the final phase. Leveling through Cataclysm will be one of the most exciting moments in the history of WoW. Don't be overly concerned and let yourself enjoy it!



/salute Email Scott your questions, concerns or ideas about guilds at [email protected] Your question could be the subject of next week's Officers Quarters!


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