Sign In
Register
Help
If you wanted to advertise your clan, I would post the name on the runescape forums, (don't post a URL there though, it's against the rules), or use other forums like scapeboard or runevillage. Just don't do it here, we ourselves are a clan after all.
Guide To Starting A Clan Finalized
MultiQuote
#17
Dragonman 
- Senior Member
-
- Group: Super Moderator
- Posts: 6,890
- Joined: 11-November 02
- Location:Everywhere!
Posted 27 January 2004 - 01:42 AM
Just updated your guide Cspace. Now all of the emoticons are up-to-date! 
"Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow."
--K
#19
Bmatt
- Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran
-
- Group: New Member
- Posts: 1,149
- Joined: 09-April 04
- Location:Everywhere!
Posted 17 July 2004 - 04:29 PM
great guide, but the ironic thing is it really sets in if your soundtrack starts playing queens 'one vision' while your reading it. it really fits in with the tone
#20
Serenarocks
- ^Prof.'s Favorite Passtime^
-
- Group: New Member
- Posts: 1,117
- Joined: 13-June 03
- Location:Everywhere!
Posted 19 July 2004 - 04:24 AM
I'd also like to add that cool web sites help the amount of recruiters 
right cspace?
right cspace?
Fremennik name: Rakrak
Doesnt everyone agree that i look better as a... Combat Lvl 78?! omfg, It's GROWING!!!
"You try and feed the rock, Your rock doesn't seem hungry."
"You stroke your rock, Your rock seems much happier."
"Who's a good rock then? Yes, you are...You're such a good rock...Ooga Booga Googa."
Doesnt everyone agree that i look better as a... Combat Lvl 78?! omfg, It's GROWING!!!
"You try and feed the rock, Your rock doesn't seem hungry."
"You stroke your rock, Your rock seems much happier."
"Who's a good rock then? Yes, you are...You're such a good rock...Ooga Booga Googa."
#21
Cspace
- Previously Cspace
-
- Group: Administrator
- Posts: 9,756
- Joined: 03-August 02
- Location:Everywhere!
Posted 05 December 2004 - 08:12 PM
I have completed the final update to this guide. It has been almost a year (maybe more, not sure) since the last update, but I have just finished it with what I found during this time. The following is the section that I added:
QUOTE
Final Points For Runescape Clans
My final section in this guide includes some knowledge for new clans which has been attained throughout SeeD's existence to this date (2001-2004). Some of these points will relate to any clan, some only to certain clans and situations, and some only when a clan reaches a large size. They are sincere and accurate to what we have gone through, as well as important in my mind; I am only going to mention what some will actually find important for their clans. As always, as a leader of a clan you need to be creative and be able to take any situation that comes your way, but hopefully these final points will be helpful.
- People are ruthless, lol... Especially when you are a clan leader. In general they are not so "ruthless" to others and often don't even think what they're doing is harmful for the clan. For the clan as a whole, they really don't hurt much. For the leader(s), however... I will just say that one who is friendly toward everyone can be borderline hostile to a leader without even knowing the person (and sometimes without even seeing what they're actually saying). It is just the way things are in many groups, not just gaming clans. If one member insults someone, the leader could be blamed. If one member says something about another community which isn't true, the leader could be blamed by an entire community. If a war doesn't turn out well, you better believe that the leader will be blamed. A few mods do something a little "off", many could rally for a new mod team (and for us once, even the abolition thereof). Even if over a thousand dollars and many hours every week are put into it, members will still treat you the same. Anything that is done in the clan's name or "seemingly allowed" in the clan will ultimately come down to the leader(s). There is no way out of it, and it is not recommended that you make your only (or really any) qualifications time and money if applicable. They have no correlation with ability.
Along with that, there is one law which will always remain constant in any clan. For the clan, not always a bad thing. For the leader(s), it is very tough... This law is that there will always be a subject for complaints. You will never be rid of all subjects for complaints. The complaints will tend to move down from the most important to the nitpicky stuff (though not always, sometimes it is flipped for some reason and the big picture cannot be fixed due to a little unrelated aspect which members find annoying). Lacking strength in one aspect of the game? Activity lacking? Something not right on the site? A few troubled members? A bug on the forums? New members not coming in? Desire for new or improved features? Events not happening? Periodical inactivity due to real-life reasons? Activity lacking on the chat? Leaders need to sign on a messenger more? An increase in "spam"? A heavy atmosphere? A lack of seriousness? Need new mods? Are promotions necessary? Is fairness an issue? Is an alliance profitable? Is another community attacking our image? Does the organization need reformation? Is the site dated? Is the history up-to-date? Are submissions all being added? Are banned individuals staying banned? Was a ban necessary? Can the server handle the site? Are all private messages being answered? Do you check your email often? Is there a security issue on the site? If you have an undercover group, is it hurting the atmosphere? Were any topics wrongly deleted? Can the mods be trusted...
Now if any of the above could be problems, members could without realizing it cause you a lot of stress. But you shouldn't push them away. Remember, in order for your clan to improve, problems need to be pointed out. Only the members really know what would be best for them, remember that. However, you need to classify what is nitpicky and what is a real problem, then prioritize what needs to be done. Only stress about what is most important, not everything. If you are leading a clan of any size and you stress about every single complaint, you will give yourself a nervous breakdown. Seriously, if you let everything get you down you will be threatening your clan with new issues which definitely are from your direction. I have seen clans fall because leaders got tired of the nitpicky complaints, because they're everywhere. Don't ignore them, but when the time comes for them to be fixed then worry about fixing them. Not when something else needs to be dealt with.
However, if a problem will increase as time goes on, prioritize it just below what is immediately necessary. Remember, it is best to fix the roof when the sun is shining.
-------------------------------------------------
- This is a minor suggestion for your sake as well as those of your friends... If a member of any rank is a friend of yours in real life, think twice about making it public. You could treat your friend exactly as you do with others, but everyone will always be more critical of the friend of yours and ultimately your fair treatment of everyone. If even the slightest hint exists that you may be favoring your friend then many will jump on you. For example you can let one person who you do not know get away with a major offence, and let a friend get away with a minor negative remark, and many could jump on you for lack of "fair treatment" due to your friend. Even though it actually isn't true in that example, members will always say it is. Don't let it get you down, they are just trying to find something about which to complain. If that's the best thing they can find, then you are obviously doing a good job at leading your clan.
But, still if you want to prevent the hassle, think twice about making these things known.
-------------------------------------------------
- Luck plays as much a part in a clan as a leader's ability to lead. A clan could be going great, then something happens and there is a huge mess that needs to be cleaned up. SeeD has gone through more than many clans during much of 2004, but we got through it. In any clan, all it sometimes takes is the wrong thing to happen to the wrong person at the wrong time and you could have a major problem to deal with. In our case, things were going great then a couple members got angry with a few mods. Then a rebellion started and broke away, factions started within the clan as a result, and a huge mess had to be cleaned up. Above all though, the worst enemy of a clan is unwilling members. The worst thing in the world can happen to a clan, but if the members still want to go on by all means the clan will go on. No matter what luck throws at you, remember that things will turn out better in time. Don't let them get you down.
-------------------------------------------------
- The best clan in the world would be one which can run well even without a leader if given the situation. A leader should be there for guidance, the clan should actually make the clan go. The clan is the engine, gasoline, steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and sometimes even the boot on the accelerator (inside joke ). The leader is basically the GPS monitor and the periodical repair guy. If things are going well the leader should basically just be throwing goals (destinations) out there for members to grab, as well as making things interesting of course so the place always seems new (perhaps the leader is also the "new car smell" 
). When something happens to the clan or a problem arises, the leader should be the one to direct the process of fixing it. In the case of a clan though, the "repair guy" can be a little sneaky... Often, disabling the brake pedal isn't such a bad thing in the world of clans, for that, too, is under the control of the clan. 
-------------------------------------------------
- Have fun! A clan with a disgruntled leader will always have issues. A clan with a friendly (and sometimes entertaining
) leader will be fine. Don't let anything get you down and just look toward the future when bad situations come up. Don't dwell on past mistakes... Everyone makes them. There is nothing wrong with a mistake unless it stops you. Just be optimistic and friendly, trust me, it will spread.
My final section in this guide includes some knowledge for new clans which has been attained throughout SeeD's existence to this date (2001-2004). Some of these points will relate to any clan, some only to certain clans and situations, and some only when a clan reaches a large size. They are sincere and accurate to what we have gone through, as well as important in my mind; I am only going to mention what some will actually find important for their clans. As always, as a leader of a clan you need to be creative and be able to take any situation that comes your way, but hopefully these final points will be helpful.
- People are ruthless, lol... Especially when you are a clan leader. In general they are not so "ruthless" to others and often don't even think what they're doing is harmful for the clan. For the clan as a whole, they really don't hurt much. For the leader(s), however... I will just say that one who is friendly toward everyone can be borderline hostile to a leader without even knowing the person (and sometimes without even seeing what they're actually saying). It is just the way things are in many groups, not just gaming clans. If one member insults someone, the leader could be blamed. If one member says something about another community which isn't true, the leader could be blamed by an entire community. If a war doesn't turn out well, you better believe that the leader will be blamed. A few mods do something a little "off", many could rally for a new mod team (and for us once, even the abolition thereof). Even if over a thousand dollars and many hours every week are put into it, members will still treat you the same. Anything that is done in the clan's name or "seemingly allowed" in the clan will ultimately come down to the leader(s). There is no way out of it, and it is not recommended that you make your only (or really any) qualifications time and money if applicable. They have no correlation with ability.
Along with that, there is one law which will always remain constant in any clan. For the clan, not always a bad thing. For the leader(s), it is very tough... This law is that there will always be a subject for complaints. You will never be rid of all subjects for complaints. The complaints will tend to move down from the most important to the nitpicky stuff (though not always, sometimes it is flipped for some reason and the big picture cannot be fixed due to a little unrelated aspect which members find annoying). Lacking strength in one aspect of the game? Activity lacking? Something not right on the site? A few troubled members? A bug on the forums? New members not coming in? Desire for new or improved features? Events not happening? Periodical inactivity due to real-life reasons? Activity lacking on the chat? Leaders need to sign on a messenger more? An increase in "spam"? A heavy atmosphere? A lack of seriousness? Need new mods? Are promotions necessary? Is fairness an issue? Is an alliance profitable? Is another community attacking our image? Does the organization need reformation? Is the site dated? Is the history up-to-date? Are submissions all being added? Are banned individuals staying banned? Was a ban necessary? Can the server handle the site? Are all private messages being answered? Do you check your email often? Is there a security issue on the site? If you have an undercover group, is it hurting the atmosphere? Were any topics wrongly deleted? Can the mods be trusted...
Now if any of the above could be problems, members could without realizing it cause you a lot of stress. But you shouldn't push them away. Remember, in order for your clan to improve, problems need to be pointed out. Only the members really know what would be best for them, remember that. However, you need to classify what is nitpicky and what is a real problem, then prioritize what needs to be done. Only stress about what is most important, not everything. If you are leading a clan of any size and you stress about every single complaint, you will give yourself a nervous breakdown. Seriously, if you let everything get you down you will be threatening your clan with new issues which definitely are from your direction. I have seen clans fall because leaders got tired of the nitpicky complaints, because they're everywhere. Don't ignore them, but when the time comes for them to be fixed then worry about fixing them. Not when something else needs to be dealt with.
However, if a problem will increase as time goes on, prioritize it just below what is immediately necessary. Remember, it is best to fix the roof when the sun is shining.
-------------------------------------------------
- This is a minor suggestion for your sake as well as those of your friends... If a member of any rank is a friend of yours in real life, think twice about making it public. You could treat your friend exactly as you do with others, but everyone will always be more critical of the friend of yours and ultimately your fair treatment of everyone. If even the slightest hint exists that you may be favoring your friend then many will jump on you. For example you can let one person who you do not know get away with a major offence, and let a friend get away with a minor negative remark, and many could jump on you for lack of "fair treatment" due to your friend. Even though it actually isn't true in that example, members will always say it is. Don't let it get you down, they are just trying to find something about which to complain. If that's the best thing they can find, then you are obviously doing a good job at leading your clan.
But, still if you want to prevent the hassle, think twice about making these things known.
-------------------------------------------------
- Luck plays as much a part in a clan as a leader's ability to lead. A clan could be going great, then something happens and there is a huge mess that needs to be cleaned up. SeeD has gone through more than many clans during much of 2004, but we got through it. In any clan, all it sometimes takes is the wrong thing to happen to the wrong person at the wrong time and you could have a major problem to deal with. In our case, things were going great then a couple members got angry with a few mods. Then a rebellion started and broke away, factions started within the clan as a result, and a huge mess had to be cleaned up. Above all though, the worst enemy of a clan is unwilling members. The worst thing in the world can happen to a clan, but if the members still want to go on by all means the clan will go on. No matter what luck throws at you, remember that things will turn out better in time. Don't let them get you down.
-------------------------------------------------
- The best clan in the world would be one which can run well even without a leader if given the situation. A leader should be there for guidance, the clan should actually make the clan go. The clan is the engine, gasoline, steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and sometimes even the boot on the accelerator (inside joke
). The leader is basically the GPS monitor and the periodical repair guy. If things are going well the leader should basically just be throwing goals (destinations) out there for members to grab, as well as making things interesting of course so the place always seems new (perhaps the leader is also the "new car smell" ). When something happens to the clan or a problem arises, the leader should be the one to direct the process of fixing it. In the case of a clan though, the "repair guy" can be a little sneaky... Often, disabling the brake pedal isn't such a bad thing in the world of clans, for that, too, is under the control of the clan. -------------------------------------------------
- Have fun! A clan with a disgruntled leader will always have issues. A clan with a friendly (and sometimes entertaining
) leader will be fine. Don't let anything get you down and just look toward the future when bad situations come up. Don't dwell on past mistakes... Everyone makes them. There is nothing wrong with a mistake unless it stops you. Just be optimistic and friendly, trust me, it will spread. 