Reminders For 2018
Another year has passed for Stormwind University, and it’s been a pretty fulfilling one at that.. We’ve had an amazing time and have brought in some very promising new members into our guild and with new ideas for both the new year and beyond afoot. However, with another year of coasting, comes a few things that pop up that I believe everyone needs to be reminded of. Even me, in some cases. We are a great guild with many things to be proud of, though we do have some things that have been continuing amongst our own ranks that we should really try to work on for 2018. I’m here to give some friendly, and at some points, not-so-friendly reminders about how we run things here at Stormwind University.
It is required to read through all of what’s listed below, and respond that you understand.
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OOC Reminders:
1) Real life comes before the game. As always, many of our members have real life things going on at different points through the year. It is completely okay that we have different things going on and a person shouldn’t have to worry about real life affecting their good standing in the guild. If you are worried, tell an officer that you’re going to be gone for a while so that we can assure you that there’s no problem, and wish you well on your time off. So long as we know you’re still a part of us, then you have nothing to be afraid of. If you cannot play, don’t be afraid about what other people may say about you having to deal with real life. Someone will step in and make those people stop.
2) Everyone in this guild is an equal. We must remind ourselves that there is no talking down to other members unless they actually deserve it. Ranks mean little in this guild, and just because you’ve been here for a longer period of time, does not make you entitled to being rude to others! Sometimes, we joke around, but there are times where a joke can turn into hurt feelings. So please be aware that everyone is equal here, and it shouldn’t have to be reminded. If you cannot respect everyone as a comrade and a friend, then perhaps this isn’t the guild for you.
3) Passive-Aggression. This has been a giant problem with our ranks, currently. Though it’s been eased somewhat due to recent events, I still hear and feel as though it needs to be something that should change. When a person logs online, they shouldn’t have to feel as though someone is going to be snarky with them if they open their mouth. This isn’t directed at anyone specifically, but it is a reminder to treat people as you’d like to be treated, but in-game and over skype, and even in call. If you hear yourself muttering under your breath, acting a certain way towards a person, or making assumptions, then please take a moment to step away and reflect on how you may be making that person feel.
4) Remember that everyone in this guild has feelings. What you say to them, about them, or the way you treat them IC or OOC may change their interactions and want to be a part of the guild. Whether it’s active or passive aggression, it’s something that’s been going on for a while that I’d personally like to see stop. If someone annoys your character, fine. In character and out of character are two different things! But please do not take the feelings in character, and complain to or about the person out of character. I’ve been witnessing too many sly comments made by different members, and instead of calling out one or two people, I want to make a general reminder that if you aren’t going to treat people with love and respect, then perhaps you should find yourself at an exit.
5) Touchy subjects and the word: Stop. When a person tells you to knock it off, please take that as a hint to stop talking about whatever is making them uncomfortable. We do not have strict rules when it comes to people having fun, cursing, making dirty jokes, etc...But if a person doesn’t like it, then don’t ride on the edge and tease them or mess with them because of something. You don’t know why that person doesn’t like what’s being talked about.
6) Recognition. All of us do our part into making this guild great. Not one person is better than the other, nor are their ideas. Everyone has the right to share their ideas and do what they want to help the guild. No one should get more credit than the other if they both worked on something. Make sure include everyone, and credit everyone that’s trying their best to make this guild great.
7) Fighting. We’re a guild, and we’re a bunch of friends. Do not make a disagreement more into that, or perhaps something that can ruin the mood for everyone else, plus yourselves. Behave and, once again, respect one another. If you agree to disagree, it makes it easier on you and everyone else around you. If you start a verbal brawl over something, there will be consequences.
8) Saying hello. This is something I’m a little bit more than just irritated at. Myself being one of these offenders, and also someone who has had this happen to them. Greet people, when they come online. If someone comes online, try your best to greet them onto the game and welcome them into the evening instead of ignoring them. If you’re AFK, then greet them when you return. It doesn’t take that much energy to hit the “Officer” tab and let someone know that you’re happy to see them online.
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IC Reminders:
1) If you have the tag over your name, act as though you’re part of the guild. Simply put, you are part of an academic guild in good standing. So please acknowledge that and how your actions show the public how we are. We want to impress people, not drive them away. So make sure that you’re acting mature, respectful, and know what you’re doing is reflecting the rest of us as well.
2) Public ERP. This isn’t something that has been a problem for a very long time, but this is a reminder… We have Garrisons for a reason. Do not unclothe your toon and emote things in /say or /party. If your character is with someone and romance is to ensue, please take it to a private area. (i.e: Garrison) ...Otherwise, do not do it.
3) If your character is someone that likes to start fights, hang around shady people, or get drunk and make a fool of themselves, make sure they don’t have the tag over their head. Your actions reflect the rest of us, as mentioned before.
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There are some things that I haven’t mentioned that I may edit to include later. But I think that everyone needs a reminder sooner than later, before things get out of hand. Hopefully we can change things for the new-year, instead of letting behavior bleed into it.
Overall, I think everyone simply needs to be reminded of simple manners and how to properly talk to your fellow human, and fellow guildies. So please reflect on your actions and what you may be doing, and change them so we can move as a group coming the next year.
If you have anything that you’ve thought about and think needs to be addressed, let me know. I will speak with you about it and then put it on the list.
As well, if you have read this and feel as though you owe someone an apology, please personally message that person and let them know that you’re sorry, as well, as to have an open heart and so there’s no hard feelings or fear between any members as we move into 2018, and beyond that.
If you agree to this, please say so below. I will be asking for everyone’s signature on this, to make sure it’s been read and remembered. If you refuse to sign it for whatever reason, you and I will have a talk about it.
With the coming new year, I will take the responsibility on becoming the guild's civil dispute officer, if need be. People may come to me if they have any problems, and we'll work it out logically. That being said, I will also be enforcing this and if I see certain things, I'll be pulling people aside and speaking to them about what they need to work on.
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Garry Bache (Garryb)
Read and signed, fully agreed with what's been stated above.
Let's work together to make 2018 our best year so far at Stormwind University!
~ Amara ~
I've already signed and agreed above, but I thought I'd take the opportunity to bump this.
I'd also like to commend everyone on taking much of what Garry posted to heart and making sure that we start 2018 off right! Granted, the people who might've been causing said issues above are now long gone, but we also need to ensure that existing members keep to these positive tenets, and make sure that all new incoming members adhere to them too!
Lead and demonstrate by example!
Go Gryphons!
~ Amara ~