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GUILD HEADQUARTERS - When joining a guild, one of the first things a lot of
people look at is whether or not a council position is available. Why is this
coveted role so important to potential guild members? In this article, I hope
to make this clearer as well as explain the Dos and Don'ts of becoming a council
member. With my help, you may be able to become the greatest council member
in the history of Neopia.
Why are council positions so desirable? Council members play a big part in
whether or not a guild is successful, or runs smoothly. It is just within some
people's personalities to enjoy helping others have fun. Many people also desire
the power of a council member. As a council member, you can create polls, remove
people, run contests, and delete messages, among other things. It doesn't seem
like a lot, but it feels good especially when your power benefits other people.
If you want to be a council member, there are a lot of things to consider before
you click that "Submit" button.
Rule #1: Don't join just for the position.
When selecting a guild to join, do you look to see if a council spot is open?
And if there is, do you automatically apply? If you do either of these, you
are way ahead of yourself. You must get acquainted with the guild. A guild is
a community, and you can't help organize a community if you don't know the people
you want to represent. It is also very likely that many people have applied,
so you want to stand out. If you make a name for yourself within the guild,
you are more likely to be chosen, especially if the others see you as trustworthy.
For example, in my guild, recently a council position opened up. We received
several applications, some from people who had never even posted before. These
applications were basically ignored after having been read. We had no interest
in someone who no one knew and who (at least it appeared so) just wanted power.
On the other hand, we also received applications from some of our most active
members, and they were instantly thrown into the running.
When trying to become known in your guild, there are a few things you can do.
First of all, you can try an initial post that explains a little about yourself.
If someone sees that you have similar interests, they may start up a conversation.
This helps your appearance as a likeable and friendly person. Once you have
established a few friendships in your guild, you will automatically feel inclined
to be active. Having friends anywhere seems to always help people feel more
sociable.
Another option is to be helpful to existing council members. Donate items or
Neopoints if you can. When the guild has to purchase less smaller prizes, there
are more funds for exciting, more expensive items. You can also answer simpler
questions that other members might have. It lightens the load for the council
members. They will be appreciative, and that's definitely a plus.
An approach others like to take is to be involved in contests, as well as suggest
some of their own. If there are contests, take part in them!!! They are there
for your fun anyway! When you take part in guild activities, it helps your image
as a satisfied member. Enjoy yourself in the guild. That's what guilds are all
about.
Rule #2: Know what you're doing when you apply.
Okay, so now you're the wonderful, active member. You've done everything you
can to show that you are worthy of having your name next to that Roman numeral
and under that spiffy logo. The time has come to fill out an application.
The first thing you need to do is get out a piece of paper and a writing utensil.
You should list everything you think you can bring to the guild. This list should
include ideas, as well as some personal traits. If you're trustworthy and have
the time to tend to the needs of a guild, say so!
Once your list is written out, you have to put it into coherent sentences.
Not only do you have to make sense, but you must also be polite. Here's is an
example of what NOT to do.
HEY YOU COUNCIL MEMBRS I WANNA BE A COUNCIL MEMBR TOO AND I WILL DO A GOOD
JOB AND IF YOU DONT LET ME I AM LEAVING.
Not only does it not make a lot of sense, but it is very rude. Would you want
to give those powers to someone who doesn't even have the decency to use common
courtesy? Of course you wouldn't!
Here's an example of what TO do.
Hello. I believe I am qualified to be a council member because I am organized,
helpful, and able to be online frequently. I am also very trustworthy. I have
a lot of ideas for the guild like (insert ideas). I appreciate the time you're
taking to review my application and I hope you consider me for the position.
It isn't the only way you can approach the application, but it's a start. When
you apply, you should be respectful and present yourself in the most mature
manner. Now, I'm not suggesting that you rush over and look up the biggest words
in your dictionary and insert several *bows down to kiss the feet of the council
members* into your application. You should simply reach out to them in a way
that presents yourself as the great person you are.
Rule #3: Wait PATIENTLY.
I know it is really hard to be patient when you want something very badly.
I am extremely impatient. But this is a scenario where patience is important
to your cause, for it can make or break you. If you are constantly hounding
the council members for a decision, it will only annoy them. An annoyed council
member can immediately just toss out all of the hard work you have done to get
up to that point.
Your patience is necessary because this is an important decision for the council
members to make. Not only are they deciding who to welcome into their fold,
but they also have to think about what is best for the guild. Personal feelings
are often placed aside in order to do what will help the guild out the most.
If you start to get really antsy, I suggest you talk about it with a friend
through Neomail. This way, you can vent your feelings without ruining your chances.
Friends are also really good at calming you down when you're so anxious that
you can't sit still.
Rule #4: No matter what the verdict, be gracious.
Alright kiddies, hold on to your hats. The council has made its decision. This
is the moment you waited an eternity for (or so it seemed). There are two possible
scenarios. You can make it, or you can miss the cut.
You've been chosen!
You want to scream and celebrate and tell all of your Neofriends, right? Of
course you do! It's a natural feeling. But there is a slight hitch. You should
not do this on the message board. On the board, all you should do is express
your gratitude, and make some small "speech" to your fellow members that pledges
what you plan to do for them. Then you may take your CAPS LOCKED SELF to Neomail
where you and your friends can type in capital letters. Keeping such things
to a private group is only a courtesy to those that also applied, but were not
so fortunate. The point is not to rub it into someone else's face. You wouldn't
like someone to do that to you, would you?
You didn't make it...
This is a bit trickier than the above situation. More than likely, you're feeling
a bit down. You may even have feelings of anger. But for the sake of others,
you must keep this off of the public board. Your friends can console you privately,
and also help you think it over before you decide, in your fit of anger, that
you're going leave. On the board, it is your duty to congratulate the member
chosen. Sour grapes will only hinder you. If you show your anger and self-pity
on the board, it will only rain on the other person's parade. That simply would
not be fair to them. It is their moment to shine and be happy, just like you
would want for yourself if you were in their shoes.
Also, if you happen to not be chosen, despite your effort, don't give up or
slink off into the shadows. Your chance may come again, and now you'll be all
the wiser. Maybe there were some qualities the guild needed that you couldn't
offer. You will have plenty of time to hone your skills and really wow them
the next time around. :)
Now what? What to do when you've made it.
Lucky you, you have now become your guild's newest council member. You have
a lot of duties and responsibilities to take care of now. You should immediately
start working on following through with your promises to your guild. Perhaps
you should start some sort of contest. Just go out there, have some fun, and
make some changes for the better. You're in the big leagues now. ;)
Author's Note: This is article is entirely full of suggestions. Each person
can choose to do what he or she would like. By the way, I'd really love to hear
from you and what you thought of this article. This is something that is near
and dear to my heart. :)
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