WoW - GWJ Alliance - Guild Matters
Thursday, September 7th, 2006 - 3:32pm
Now I have the POWER! Mwhahahahah! KNEEL! KNEEL Before DEEP!
Ok, my hubris doesn't quite take me to those levels but I just thought it would be fun to say. That was always my favorite Superman movie; "KNEEL before Zod!" It's even worthy of a new (albeit temporary) avatar.
Anyways gang; needless to say I'm not going to be making any major (and unnecessary) changes to our guild. I'm making this post more to highlight some of the things that I will be paying attention to and to bring out some of the issues that need to be said. So let's get into it!
We all play this game to enjoy ourselves and get away from things for a while. Playing this game should be a pleasant experience and our guild should only serve to amplify this by providing a community to enjoy the game with. I'm going to try and ensure that our guild continues to provide this experience for all of our players – casual and hardcore alike.
On to specifics.
Questions / Comments / Complaints
My mail box is open. If you have concerns, voice them. Complaints, let me know. Questions or Suggestions – Say something! Contribute something to our guild and be proud of it 
Behavior Within The Guild
We're a guild that is primarily made up of working adults. As such we are all expected to act like adults (even though we're all playing a fantasy role-playing game). I absolutely will not tolerate public arguments and generally anything that will ultimately lead to guild drama. I have a very limited tolerance for drama these days. Don't cause any, and don't participate in it and we can all enjoyably explore this game together.
I have ZERO tolerance for harassment of guild members in any form. If you are harassing someone in the guild I will find out about it. I will warn you. If it continues I will kick you. It's that simple. If you feel like someone is harassing you (and they are ignoring your requests to stop) I want to know about it as soon as possible. It can remain completely confidential.
New Members
If you meet someone in-game that inquires about membership with GWJ, or you feel they'd make a great addition to us, feel free to refer them to our website. If they like what they see and they become members of the site I or one of the guild officers can extend them a guild invitation. It is important that the guild officers and I are informed of who is recommending this new member and who they are. There shouldn't be any new people popping up in the guild without an explanation of how they go there.
Additionally, all new members will be subject to a MINIMUM of a 2 week probationary period. During that time we want to ensure that these new members fit in with our guild. If there are problems the guild officers will discuss it and the member will likely be thanked for their participation but they're continued membership is no longer desirable.
The SGA
We have been members of the Small Guild Alliance for a long time now. We've shared in some of their biggest successes to date and we will continue be contributing members of this well led organization. We will NOT be entertaining any other alliances for the 40 man raid content and we will NOT be entertaining any discussion thereof. It is not appropriate for anyone to enjoy the successes of the SGA without having any loyalty to the organization as a whole. GWJ Alliance will be a participating member of the SGA.
Membership with the SGA has never been, nor will it ever be mandatory for anyone within the guild. If you desire to see 40-man raid content then you will want to pursue membership within the SGA. Membership is not a given. If you want to participate you must be recommended by one of the officers within our guild and I'm going to want a heads up from you personally if you're applying. My recommendation is to get involved with them early and often. Join the NewSGA channel in game and make attempts to meet people in the affiliate guilds. Do not get into your mid-50's and just begin to introduce yourself. You will be disappointed. If I go to recommend your membership and I receive a general feeling of "who the heck are they" then it looks bad to me and the guild as a whole; Read: I won't recommend you. If you are 60 already and you want to get into the 40-man raids I suggest you join the channel and get into some 5 man groups within the SGA. Get to know some people.
The Twists of Fate
Recently we have organized an agreement with the ToF in order to facilitate the 20-man raid content for both of our guilds. This has been a very successful group and I think we will continue to see good things come out of our affiliation. Please understand that this is separate from the SGA and is geared towards giving us all a chance to see the 20-man raid content and let's face it, phat loot. There are no membership requirements within this organization but if you have the desire to ultimately attend these raids you will want to introduce yourself to the ToF members and get to know them in-game.
Guild Bank
I'll be sorting our bank today and I'll post what's available. The guild bank character is going to be my Pally – VILLHELM. Most of the MC crafting materials are going to be reserved for people who are raiding and intend to share some of the crafting costs. There are other things that the guild provides to members. Any and all donations are appreciated. Off the top of my head the things that are very desirable for fellow guild members include the following:
Runecloth (for bags)
Rugged Leather (bags)
BOE Blues (regardless of level)
BOE set pieces (dreadmist, valor, etc)
Dark Iron Bars/Ore
Crafting recipes (generally the Artisan level variety)
Cheers! See you in-game 
P.S. - The official GWJ uniform is now pirate outfits. Dress accordingly
"Fault always lies in the same place...with those foolish enough to lay blame"*
-Cort
*Unless you're Amazon or Funcom, in which case, SCREW YOU.
Deepsea - if you don't have a tailor send the RC and rugged leather to bounce and I'll convert them to RC bags and mail back.
WOW: Bounce
Arrr! I be a loyal but scurvy dog fer the Gilded Goodjers! Yo ho ho and a bottle of milk!
...RUM! I meant RUM!
In case we're taking stock of crafters in the guild, Thurgarn (my paladin) is a weaponsmith, intending to become a Hammersmith once I am able to run the required quest(s?). Farscry, my warlock, is taking the alchemy/herbalism route.
I don't know if I'll ever be "hardcore" enough for the SGA. While I'd love to see the 40-man content, I'm not going to start the application process or anything just yet. I just recently hit 50, and it'll likely be a few months before I reach 60. I don't know if I'll have the time to be a regular raider or not, so I'll have to wait and if the interest is there at that time, then I'll check into it. If the SGA is too hardcore for that approach, well, I'll probably have to unfortunately take a pass. On the classic MUD evaluation scale, I'm an Explorer/Achiever, but heavy on the exploring. I've also got enough going on my life and things I want to do that I just couldn't see myself being a weekly raider; it'd be more like every few weeks or so.
This is by no means an insult to the SGA, just my thoughts on myself and whether I'd fit in or not.
I'm just glad that there's a solid 20-man alternative with our Zul'Gurub and later on the 20-man Ahn'Giraj runs.
That, I expect I'll eventually be able to join in on.
I very much like that the GWJ guild has worked to create good relationships with both a raiding alliance and with another small guild for smaller-scale casual-friendly raids. I really like the way the guild is so accepting of various playstyles.
As a semi unrelated note, I picked up http://thottbot.com/?i=13650 . I was gonna contribute it to the guild bank, but if you'd like it, you're welcome to it .
Note the insane mats.... 18 DI BARS? Who the heck would spend that much DI on a lvl 50 weapon?
Skriss: lvl 70 undead mage - Bloodhoof
Kyrator: lvl 63 night elf rogue - Blackhand
Thadryn: lvl 70 draenei mage - Blackhand
I'm open to making Runecloth Bags for people. Just send me (Saladen/Balinor) a mail letting me know how many you need (please keep this reasonable as I'll be flipping most of the bills) and I'll get back to you within a couple of days.
"In the depth of my soul there is a wordless song." -- Khalil Gibran
Have you played wow? They are called twinks and there are everywhere!
WOW: Bounce
But I don't wanna be a pirate!
Seriously, good to see we've been left in capable hands for the time being. I doubt I'll ever join the SGA (would never be able to set a weekly schedule, as my computer days change every week), but ToF sounds interesting. I might introduce myself and start making aquaintances.
Also, up and coming alchemist here (decided to stay alchy as it's more of a support trade, and I see my character as a support character), so if you want something made, send me a message (either here or through in-game mail), and I'll see if I can make it. If anyone needs greater firepower potions, those are easy enough (as I gather up firefin snappers). Other potions coming as I get more recipes off the AH.
IronClad Online: PurEvil
Well, yes... but EIGHTEEN Dark Iron Bars?
That's just nutso.
Of course, most of those Dark Iron "Blah" weapons have insane mats.
Skriss: lvl 70 undead mage - Bloodhoof
Kyrator: lvl 63 night elf rogue - Blackhand
Thadryn: lvl 70 draenei mage - Blackhand
/kneel
Thanks for stepping up Deepsea.
- Blastoff (Human Warlock Level 70 - Blackhand)
- BoogieKnight (Dranei Warrior-still grinding - Blackhand)
-Niptuck (BE Rogue Level 16 - Baelgun)
"Does anyone still remember laughter?"
You're the man, DS!
Skriss: lvl 70 undead mage - Bloodhoof
Kyrator: lvl 63 night elf rogue - Blackhand
Thadryn: lvl 70 draenei mage - Blackhand
Actually, I ran across that recipe dirt cheap on the AH once and promptly snatched it up. So auction it away or see if someone else needs it, it's all good.
And apparently dark iron must be more valuable than I realized; I'm level 50 and have almost enough mats to make that weapon; Monorr and I both would like me to craft it, it would be a nice upgrade for each of us.
I'll do my best to pick up my rugged leather farming for the guild.
Congrats Deep!
Gamer Tag -- Edgar Newt
Maybe it's just more common than I realized. At one time, it was exceedingly rare.
Skriss: lvl 70 undead mage - Bloodhoof
Kyrator: lvl 63 night elf rogue - Blackhand
Thadryn: lvl 70 draenei mage - Blackhand
Dark Iron veins appear in the following places:
Searing Gorge
Black Rock Depths
Molten Core
possibly other locations, this is just where I have found them.
Wannabe priest with a sword....
Yup, I've gotten all my dark iron as seemingly semi-rare spawned veins in the Searing Gorge.
In reference, my concern is we have maintained being a relaxed and open guild since day 1 by having open and forthright conversations Deep. I have to say I've been there, and when Certis stepped down, it was Leap and Storm and I moving on...and we've kept it relaxed without a lot of rules. I know the conversation you speak of, and trust me, we don't want to get in the particulars of this or previous conversations, because I, like many, am sick of the drama.
Again, I don't think we should say "don't discuss something or you're gone"...what sense does that make. If you want to prevent it from guild chat, no harm there, and I applaud that - but here on the boards should be wide open. We know Z and Dusty read what we write here, so I don't foresee any blasting, not to mention they are doing, and I've told them this, a helluva job keeping things running and moving and progressing (and I'm hopping in now to find what I need for BWK attunement).
I continue to maintain that the harsher words should be for whoever ran to Z with blatent lies within 5 min of me mentioning in guild chat we should keep open discussion for months down the road - the intent being do we ever plan to have enough for MC solo, or do we see things going smooth, or do we foresee breaking into two SGA raid groups as our numbers grow, or anything else to make sure our membership are content...I can name 4-5 members that have moved on with part due to the drama over SGA - we've wished them well, and the same happened with about 5-7 moving on many months ago. Thats our success formula I think. I again clarify never did I infer or say 'lets hop over to run MC with ToF'. No sense in moving from a good thing, ToF is solid in a new alliance, as our our folks like Storm and Peec and Duc that moved on - and personnaly, I know that SGA has gotten me 10 purples, and my son 4-5, and they've welcome him with open arms, and I'll carry his smiles with me from the night they let him pull all the mobs and bosses
...so I will state that my loyalty lies with the SGA, and my time as well. I want that in print since other untruths have been said.
Other than that piece out in the open, I think you pretty much put down what was implied over the years, and I know Leap has had such conversations with me and others as time went on. So that can never hurt. Lets keep adding members, and I look forward to many more fun runs as we continue on and the expansion comes out!
'Ding on aisle xx!'
Unless you're running out of mana overhealing is the most worthless stat in the game. Underhealing is effectively known as "wiping".
so sayeth the Bear...