Welcome
Hello everyone...
Over the past few months, we've seen quite a few new faces join our ranks. I'd like to take a minute to welcome everyone to ClanDestine and to reiterate what this linkshell is all about and how we operate. If we're all on the same page, this linkshell will continue to grow and do things beyond any of our expectations.
As we all know, no one can accomplish things in game without the help of others. To that end, the success of ClanDestine is the collaborative effort of each and every member. Individually, we can only do so much... but together, sky's the limit...
With that said, please leave all LS classifications at the door... I know many of you have had plenty of past experiences with various types of linkshells... chat LS', Social LS', end-game LS', etc... some good, some bad. But ClanDestine is not to be classified... It is what it is. We are none of these types of LS'... and yet, we are all as well. When people classify an LS, there tends to be expectations as to how the LS should operate and the direction of the LS as well as how it should be managed. Classifying an LS also tends to dictate the expectations and rules of conduct for members. ClanDestine does not operate under such pre-defined classifications... And will go against the grain of general acceptance when it is in the best interest of the LS as a whole. Consequently, I simply wish to say that all preconceived beliefs of what an LS is or isn't should be left at the door. ClanDestine is a work in progress and constantly changing, morphing, and adapting to the needs and desires of the LS as a whole.
So... what is ClanDestine all about? ClanDestine is about providing a mature and respectful environment where people can spend time ENJOYING the game, helping each other progress, and accomplishing great things. To accomplish this, we hold a high standard for ethical and mature conduct and behaviour. I, for one, do not wish to spend my time adventuring with asshats. And i believe this is a common feeling throughout the LS. It has no place here. So we require that members ALWAYS remain respectful towards each other and maintain a mature demeanour when dealing with issues that may arise. This truly is the golden rule of this LS. We don't have to agree all the time... but we MUST all agree to maturely disagree^-
As many of you will note, ClanDestine does NOT have any hard and fast rules regarding what you can and can not do... This is somewhat intentional as this LS is not here to make anyone conform to a specified set of rules. And to be quite frank, the longest set of rules could not possibly cover every conceivable circumstance that may arise. So we don't bother with it. However, we expect that each member take it upon themselves to regulate their own behaviour and conduct with the highest degree of maturity, respect for others and tolerance of differences. And when members do not display an acceptable level of maturity and respect for others, they are asked to leave the linkshell and dealt with swiftly.
With that said... with a large group of people, all from different backgrounds, experiences, etc... the threshold for acceptable levels of maturity and respect varies greatly from member to member. There are some people who have a very high threshold for tolerating various behaviour.. while others have a much lower tolerance level. IMHO, neither are right or wrong... However, all must respect the tolerance level of each member. Please be aware of and respect the wishes of your fellow linkshell members. It is every members responsibility to know their audience when in LSChat. When its quiet in the LS, with only a few friends that you know very well, etc... conduct may tend to be a bit looser and more liberal than during peak times when there are many people. So please be aware that conduct and behaviour should be adjusted accordingly. Please know your audience!
Now... With the size of the LS growing at a substantial rate, I've found the need to implement a procedure for when issues arise between members or questionable conduct occurs within the LS. Since there are no specified set of rules of conduct, i feel that this is proper.
Basically, if a situation should arise or inappropriate behaviour is seen, it is very likely that a sack will send people a /tell to chill out or what have you. Please do NOT interpret this as a sack telling you that "You're wrong" or something... they are simply trying to alleviate the situation before it escalates into something bigger. Every sack has been in this LS for quite some time... and as a result, knows very well the tolerance level of different people which a newer member may or may not be aware of. Consequently, please view such a /tell from a sack as simply a warning that things will likely escalate if their advice isn't adhered to. Please listen to the sacks as it is an attempt to keep a situation under control.
From there, we've run into incidents where /tells do not stop a member from continuing to act disruptively in LSchat... Each sack has now been asked to publicly (in LSChat) ask a person to unequip their pearls in such situations. Failure to unequip a pearl when asked by a sack to do so. under any circumstance, will result in an immediate and permanent removal from the LS. Unfortunately, i do not have the patience for people who willingly and knowingly try to escalate a situation, whether right or wrong, even after someone tries to mediate.
Should anyone ever be asked to unequip their pearl, please do so.... simply to calm the immediate situation. You will, as a matter of policy, have a chance to discuss the circumstances with me directly within a day or two. However, if unequipping is refused and a member is thereafter removed... i will not take the time to discuss the matter with that player. So please unequip a pearl if asked to do so... right or wrong can be discussed with me at a later time^^
Also, once again I'd like to reiterate that my door is always open for complaints, rants, questions, etc.... just email me.
Once again, please note the importance of maintaining a mature and respectful environment within the LS... this is the golden rule. We all are here for a pleasant experience.
Happy adventuring.... where ever your adventures may take you^^