When we wanted to put our Free Company together. We had to do some important research to see how many ranks you could have, what features was available and the pros and cons over a linkshell. We decided to use our similar structure model concept from another game to assist with it. First of all, you have 15 ranks, easy to use for a group that has non-roleplayers and roleplayers, so you could set up ranks easy enough so people knew where they stood oocily. Secondly, the guild hall and other features is just too good to pass up for in character. The guild bank, its something everyone can use.
After weighing the pros and cons, we decided the best choice was to use the FC for OOC chat, questions, etc and use the linkshell for roleplaying if we're not all together. Reason is based on the structure, the amount of folks etc. There was quite a bit of thought in this regard, so I can't consider the FC a full ooc one based on certain components being used. That's why I agree with Asyrian and Freelance to a point, because the FC just has so much great stuff in it for RP and it does take a certain structure to make that work. (The fact guild halls do so much is amazing)
The other big thing about us, having a good chunk representing roleplaying and end game is also vital in my opinion. I will admit, we are not casual for end-game, I consider us more softcore in understanding the class, figuring out mechanics and being dependable during a raid. But not everyone a part of us will be softcore, they may be in it for the family and the rp. That's also why I like having an LS for Alliance chat too, it makes us stronger for end game and out of rp activities. Structure is just so important to me.
I can say one thing about us, we are a family above all else and we do put aside things like religion, politics and stuff of the real world. Because many of us enjoy having a family to belong to and be supportive. I remember when my hardrive had a melt down, one of my guildies drove 3 hours to meet me and help bail me out. Can't really get much more awesome than that.
After weighing the pros and cons, we decided the best choice was to use the FC for OOC chat, questions, etc and use the linkshell for roleplaying if we're not all together. Reason is based on the structure, the amount of folks etc. There was quite a bit of thought in this regard, so I can't consider the FC a full ooc one based on certain components being used. That's why I agree with Asyrian and Freelance to a point, because the FC just has so much great stuff in it for RP and it does take a certain structure to make that work. (The fact guild halls do so much is amazing)
The other big thing about us, having a good chunk representing roleplaying and end game is also vital in my opinion. I will admit, we are not casual for end-game, I consider us more softcore in understanding the class, figuring out mechanics and being dependable during a raid. But not everyone a part of us will be softcore, they may be in it for the family and the rp. That's also why I like having an LS for Alliance chat too, it makes us stronger for end game and out of rp activities. Structure is just so important to me.
I can say one thing about us, we are a family above all else and we do put aside things like religion, politics and stuff of the real world. Because many of us enjoy having a family to belong to and be supportive. I remember when my hardrive had a melt down, one of my guildies drove 3 hours to meet me and help bail me out. Can't really get much more awesome than that.
