Renegade66
03-02-2011, 05:38 PM
Now that we have had some time to work out the kinks, I would like to take a moment to introduce you (or make a clean reintroduction) to the Thelanis Conglomeration (aka The Congo).
FAQs:
1. What is the Congo?
A: The Congo is an alliance of guilds and individual players that hold themselves to a high quality standard with regard to skill and experience.
2. Why did you create the Congo?
A: Whether DDO is in a lull period for new content or players are focusing on TRs or you are simply a small but talented guild, there are times when it becomes tedious to form Epic parties and high-end Raids. This can be especially frustrating during off-peak times when fewer of your guildies and friends are online. Relying on LFM roulette with random puggers and pile-ons can often lead to wasted time and frustration. Frustration can lead to less willingness to run the gauntlet of party leadership. Less people running high-end content leads to less end-gamers logging in and perpetuating the downward spiral.
The Conglomeration offers increased communication and visibility to like-minded players, so that you may fill quickly with solid players and oftentimes without the use of LFMs.
3. What are the benefits of the Congo?
A: There are many. Here are quite a few to consider.
- Increased communication and visibility between end-game guilds. We share a Congo user channel, but more importantly, we share a common Ventrilo with general access channels and private guild channels
- Faster forming parties, with solid players and often without the need for LFMs or MyDDO
- Avoiding unruly, pile-on, and unprepared players (poor builds, under geared, no consumables, etc.)
- Avoiding players who cannot (language) or choose not to (noob) communicate
- Faster completions with a higher success rate and less resource consumption
- More loot per minute (e.g., items, scrolls, shards, seals, plat, etc.)
- Direct access to a greater number of skilled players during off-peak hours
- Increased social network of like-minded players
- Freelancers and small guild gain the most as they retain their individualism yet with the benefits of a large and skilled organization
- Freelancers get to taste various end-game guilds to find one that best meets their personal needs
- Guilds get better access to skilled players for recruitment purposes
- With increased access to end-game players, member guild leaders will be less likely to be held hostage by personality flawed, ubers
4. What is the downside?
A: None for Congo guilds. There is no cost and to-date, we have received nothing but positive comments from our member guilds and freelancers.
There is always the potential of running into a bad apple be that skill or attitude driven. The leaders of Congo guilds have each other’s personal emails and can quickly work through any issues that arise. Freelancers will most likely enjoy a personal discussion with me that may or may not result in being booted on the spot. Guilded problem members will be addressed by that particular guild leader. Not that we’ve had anything of the sort so far and we’ve been in business since January.
5. Doesn’t this hamper development of new players?
A: I would say that it does not. Being relatively new to the game and joining a TR XP train with 3 people zerging the quests won't result in the majority of new people learning the game at all. Newer folks need to group with newer folks and move at a pace that is comfortable for them in order to figure out which tricks work and which do not as opposed to being carried around as a soulstone until the next rez shrine.
6. What are the requirements for guild membership?
A: Not many.
- Must be able to communicate in English. English as a first language is not required
- Willing to only provide direct Congo access to guildies who have reached a level of experience, maturity and skill to contribute versus hamper
7. What are the loot rules and bylaws member guilds have to abide by?
A: None. Guilds have their own internal rules and being a member of the Congo does not change that or put any stipulations upon guild loot rules or other policies and bylaws. I will say though that typically you will see loot go first to guildies and then to Congo members before being sent out to puggers. Not a rule, just an observation. One that makes sense considering the friendships developed as a result of spending so much time in Vent and parties with Congo members outside of your own guild.
8. Will Congo guilds be brushed aside when new content is released?
A: The beauty of the Congo is that it is always about the guild first and Congo second. If new content lures in more guildies to play, all this means is less reliance on non-guild Congo members to fill your parties. We still enjoy all the social network benefits, plus it is very rare that you can consistently fill within guild during off-hours.
9. What is a pile-on?
A: A player that joins your group and contributes nothing or hampers your ability to successfully complete your party objectives. “Pile-ons” can actually be elite players that choose to stand at the door while you finish the quest. This is the definition of “pile-on” in a good sense, assuming you know this going into the arrangement. “Pile-on” in a negative sense is synonymous with “noob”, which is often incorrectly used in place of “newbie” who just happens to be new at the game. According to the Urban Dictionary, a “noob” is not only inexperienced with - or lacks knowledge about - a given subject, but also steadfastly refuses to learn from those with more experience and knowledge. A newbie is simply ignorant, a noob is a PITA.
10. Which of these player types is the Congo trying to avoid?
A: Pile-ons, noobs and newbies, all of whom hamper the ability to achieve our personal in-game goals.
11. Is the Congo exclusive?
A: Yes, by nature it has to be. Most of the gaming community does not share our like-minded pursuit for fast loot, successful raiding, and quick and painless completions. Those who play more casually or do so for the personal interaction at the expense of efficiency happen to not share Congo goals. Therefore, we would not be a good fit for them and vice versa. This is just the same as Congo members not being a good fit for Thursday night tea parties in the Leaky Dingy. To each their own and exclusivity is not always a negative thing. I don’t hold it against the role players that they would prefer not to have a bunch of zergers in their midst mucking up their fun. I hope others would give us the same consideration.
12. Can a guild join, yet not have all their members participate?
A: Absolutely! This is very common. The leaders of member guilds will manage Congo participation by providing their guildies the information when they feel they are ready to contribute at an acceptable level for the Conglomeration. This actually provides a sense of achievement for newer players when they get promoted to Congo status.
13. Doesn’t this exclude less experienced members from participating in guild activities?
A: Actually, it does not. Here’s how it works.
1. Party leader types in Guild chat and fills with all available guildies, Congo or not. Guildies are always first!
2. If the party is not full, the leader will type in Congo chat and fill with all available Congo members.
3. If still not full, the leader will ask if anyone has a non-Congo guildy or friend available to join.
4. If still not full, the leader will put up an LFM.
14. Can I join even if my guild does not?
A: Yes. As long as your guild leader is okay with your participation in the Congo, then so are we. Please get the nod from him/her prior to signing up. We’re not here to step on the toes of the other fine guilds on Thelanis.
15. What do I do if I really want in, but my guild leader says no?
A: I’m not sure why your guild leader would want to interfere with you making the most of your limited, personal game time. However, if you are in this boat, then you really only have three options, that are; 1) rally your guildies to convince the officers to approve Congo alliance, even if in a limited sense, 2) drop guild and join the Congo as a freelancer (we have many), or 3) join a guild that cares more about your personal enjoyment than their own guild politics (again, we have many).
16. What’s in it for you?
A: Myriad reasons, such as; good karma by providing a service to the community, meeting new like-minded players, and finding good homes for skilled individuals looking for a guild. Also, even established guilds such as Legion can benefit from faster groups during those off-hours.
17. How do I and my guild apply for membership?
A: Very simple.
Freelancers: Send me a PM with your interest. Please include basic information, such as; how long you have been playing, your alts, past guild affiliation, etc. Whatever you want to share to help us evaluate your application is appreciated.
Individuals who are part of non-Congo guilds: Make sure your guild leader is okay with your participating in the Congo then send me a PM same as a Freelancer.
Guilds: Have your guild leader send me a PM and I will answer any questions he/she has prior to joining.
Individuals who are part of Congo guilds: Contact your guild leader for access information and internal guild requirements.
In closing, since the Conglomeration is now well-established, I would ask that we not clutter this thread with further debate about its merits. At this point, either the Congo is an opportunity for you or it holds no personal interest for you. If you have any questions, please PM me. I will post the question and answer if I feel it will be helpful for others.
Please PM me if you would like to join or learn more. Keep in mind that once in, you are not locked in by any means. You are welcome to join and give it a test drive. The Congo is meant to be a service to benefit your personal in-game needs. If you find that it does not deliver then it’s very easy to unplug.
Ren
FAQs:
1. What is the Congo?
A: The Congo is an alliance of guilds and individual players that hold themselves to a high quality standard with regard to skill and experience.
2. Why did you create the Congo?
A: Whether DDO is in a lull period for new content or players are focusing on TRs or you are simply a small but talented guild, there are times when it becomes tedious to form Epic parties and high-end Raids. This can be especially frustrating during off-peak times when fewer of your guildies and friends are online. Relying on LFM roulette with random puggers and pile-ons can often lead to wasted time and frustration. Frustration can lead to less willingness to run the gauntlet of party leadership. Less people running high-end content leads to less end-gamers logging in and perpetuating the downward spiral.
The Conglomeration offers increased communication and visibility to like-minded players, so that you may fill quickly with solid players and oftentimes without the use of LFMs.
3. What are the benefits of the Congo?
A: There are many. Here are quite a few to consider.
- Increased communication and visibility between end-game guilds. We share a Congo user channel, but more importantly, we share a common Ventrilo with general access channels and private guild channels
- Faster forming parties, with solid players and often without the need for LFMs or MyDDO
- Avoiding unruly, pile-on, and unprepared players (poor builds, under geared, no consumables, etc.)
- Avoiding players who cannot (language) or choose not to (noob) communicate
- Faster completions with a higher success rate and less resource consumption
- More loot per minute (e.g., items, scrolls, shards, seals, plat, etc.)
- Direct access to a greater number of skilled players during off-peak hours
- Increased social network of like-minded players
- Freelancers and small guild gain the most as they retain their individualism yet with the benefits of a large and skilled organization
- Freelancers get to taste various end-game guilds to find one that best meets their personal needs
- Guilds get better access to skilled players for recruitment purposes
- With increased access to end-game players, member guild leaders will be less likely to be held hostage by personality flawed, ubers
4. What is the downside?
A: None for Congo guilds. There is no cost and to-date, we have received nothing but positive comments from our member guilds and freelancers.
There is always the potential of running into a bad apple be that skill or attitude driven. The leaders of Congo guilds have each other’s personal emails and can quickly work through any issues that arise. Freelancers will most likely enjoy a personal discussion with me that may or may not result in being booted on the spot. Guilded problem members will be addressed by that particular guild leader. Not that we’ve had anything of the sort so far and we’ve been in business since January.
5. Doesn’t this hamper development of new players?
A: I would say that it does not. Being relatively new to the game and joining a TR XP train with 3 people zerging the quests won't result in the majority of new people learning the game at all. Newer folks need to group with newer folks and move at a pace that is comfortable for them in order to figure out which tricks work and which do not as opposed to being carried around as a soulstone until the next rez shrine.
6. What are the requirements for guild membership?
A: Not many.
- Must be able to communicate in English. English as a first language is not required
- Willing to only provide direct Congo access to guildies who have reached a level of experience, maturity and skill to contribute versus hamper
7. What are the loot rules and bylaws member guilds have to abide by?
A: None. Guilds have their own internal rules and being a member of the Congo does not change that or put any stipulations upon guild loot rules or other policies and bylaws. I will say though that typically you will see loot go first to guildies and then to Congo members before being sent out to puggers. Not a rule, just an observation. One that makes sense considering the friendships developed as a result of spending so much time in Vent and parties with Congo members outside of your own guild.
8. Will Congo guilds be brushed aside when new content is released?
A: The beauty of the Congo is that it is always about the guild first and Congo second. If new content lures in more guildies to play, all this means is less reliance on non-guild Congo members to fill your parties. We still enjoy all the social network benefits, plus it is very rare that you can consistently fill within guild during off-hours.
9. What is a pile-on?
A: A player that joins your group and contributes nothing or hampers your ability to successfully complete your party objectives. “Pile-ons” can actually be elite players that choose to stand at the door while you finish the quest. This is the definition of “pile-on” in a good sense, assuming you know this going into the arrangement. “Pile-on” in a negative sense is synonymous with “noob”, which is often incorrectly used in place of “newbie” who just happens to be new at the game. According to the Urban Dictionary, a “noob” is not only inexperienced with - or lacks knowledge about - a given subject, but also steadfastly refuses to learn from those with more experience and knowledge. A newbie is simply ignorant, a noob is a PITA.
10. Which of these player types is the Congo trying to avoid?
A: Pile-ons, noobs and newbies, all of whom hamper the ability to achieve our personal in-game goals.
11. Is the Congo exclusive?
A: Yes, by nature it has to be. Most of the gaming community does not share our like-minded pursuit for fast loot, successful raiding, and quick and painless completions. Those who play more casually or do so for the personal interaction at the expense of efficiency happen to not share Congo goals. Therefore, we would not be a good fit for them and vice versa. This is just the same as Congo members not being a good fit for Thursday night tea parties in the Leaky Dingy. To each their own and exclusivity is not always a negative thing. I don’t hold it against the role players that they would prefer not to have a bunch of zergers in their midst mucking up their fun. I hope others would give us the same consideration.
12. Can a guild join, yet not have all their members participate?
A: Absolutely! This is very common. The leaders of member guilds will manage Congo participation by providing their guildies the information when they feel they are ready to contribute at an acceptable level for the Conglomeration. This actually provides a sense of achievement for newer players when they get promoted to Congo status.
13. Doesn’t this exclude less experienced members from participating in guild activities?
A: Actually, it does not. Here’s how it works.
1. Party leader types in Guild chat and fills with all available guildies, Congo or not. Guildies are always first!
2. If the party is not full, the leader will type in Congo chat and fill with all available Congo members.
3. If still not full, the leader will ask if anyone has a non-Congo guildy or friend available to join.
4. If still not full, the leader will put up an LFM.
14. Can I join even if my guild does not?
A: Yes. As long as your guild leader is okay with your participation in the Congo, then so are we. Please get the nod from him/her prior to signing up. We’re not here to step on the toes of the other fine guilds on Thelanis.
15. What do I do if I really want in, but my guild leader says no?
A: I’m not sure why your guild leader would want to interfere with you making the most of your limited, personal game time. However, if you are in this boat, then you really only have three options, that are; 1) rally your guildies to convince the officers to approve Congo alliance, even if in a limited sense, 2) drop guild and join the Congo as a freelancer (we have many), or 3) join a guild that cares more about your personal enjoyment than their own guild politics (again, we have many).
16. What’s in it for you?
A: Myriad reasons, such as; good karma by providing a service to the community, meeting new like-minded players, and finding good homes for skilled individuals looking for a guild. Also, even established guilds such as Legion can benefit from faster groups during those off-hours.
17. How do I and my guild apply for membership?
A: Very simple.
Freelancers: Send me a PM with your interest. Please include basic information, such as; how long you have been playing, your alts, past guild affiliation, etc. Whatever you want to share to help us evaluate your application is appreciated.
Individuals who are part of non-Congo guilds: Make sure your guild leader is okay with your participating in the Congo then send me a PM same as a Freelancer.
Guilds: Have your guild leader send me a PM and I will answer any questions he/she has prior to joining.
Individuals who are part of Congo guilds: Contact your guild leader for access information and internal guild requirements.
In closing, since the Conglomeration is now well-established, I would ask that we not clutter this thread with further debate about its merits. At this point, either the Congo is an opportunity for you or it holds no personal interest for you. If you have any questions, please PM me. I will post the question and answer if I feel it will be helpful for others.
Please PM me if you would like to join or learn more. Keep in mind that once in, you are not locked in by any means. You are welcome to join and give it a test drive. The Congo is meant to be a service to benefit your personal in-game needs. If you find that it does not deliver then it’s very easy to unplug.
Ren