(03-12-2015, 11:46 PM)Kou Wrote: Some people are power-hungry megalomaniacs that need a good clonk on the head. Note: This isn't an attack on anyone, simply a statement designed entirely for humourous purposes.
I had to laugh at this, because it is both sad and true.
That being said, some of the best FC/ Guilds that I have had the pleasure to be a part of or interact with were run IC and OOC by the same leader. In each case the player and their primary character shared good leadership qualities and sought to actively include and promote their members before themselves. In my opinion it all comes down to the individual leader (and weather or not they have the first clue about how to actually lead).
Now for the question.
1) A Guild Concept Based Around the Leader's Character: While I won't automatically disregard an FC because the OOC leader also leads IC, I will definitely run the other way at the first sign the company revolves around him/ her.
2) An Over-scripted Plot Line: I hate finding my character in a position, where they continue to attend event after event but their actions have no discernible impact and their voice is never heard. If I make an event suggestion and am whispered "I'm sorry that isn't in the plotline" or worse, when my character reacts in a certain way and I am told "That isn't what we had planned, please try to follow the storyline" it kills the RP experience for me. Sadly I don't generally realize this trend until after I've joined a group.
3) No IC Interview: This tells me right away that there will be little RP quality control in the guild. I think the interview is important to get a feel for the new member and ascertain at minimum that they are not disrespectful, wildly lore-breaky, or solely there for ERP.
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4) No FC website: I realize that this may be a big turn off for some, but I really love writing and having an online space to post stories, thoughts and journals is important to me. I would never insist that everyone use it but I do like to have the medium available.
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5) No Effort Made to Engage the Rest of the Community: When the FC Rp solely with itself, things are bound to grow stale. This isn't always a deal breaker, as long as I am permitted to RP outside on my own, but it is definitely something that I look for actively.
6) Too Big: This is purely personal preference but I prefer a smaller and closer group, with plenty of community outreach. I like to get to know the other members well both IC and OOC, but find it impossible in a very large group.
There are a few other things that turn me off from a free company but I will tolerate if needed. For example if the FC lacks a running storyline but has obliging officers, I can always help it get going. Cliques are another annoyance that I put up with, mainly by reaching out to others and working consciously to open things up. I don't consider these to be deal breakers, because they can often be changed or worked around.
