- Importance of Guild forums to insure the continued survival and success of our guild:
- 1: We are going on our third year.
2: We have survived the failure of numerous private servers (Private servers don't seem to last for as long as we'd like).
3: We implement suggestions from players all across the world; we get to know them quite well in the forums even if we rarely see them in game.
4: Suggestions for Guild improvement can be submitted any time - by anyone - and the entire guild can easily see what is being suggested.
5: Events are easy to plan (in advance) using our calendar Event Sign up system; and/or the forum.
4: We have a convenient way to get to know each other outside of the game.
5: We have a place to go when the server (or the servers Forums) are offline; we have an arcade, a gallery, and many other features available through the Navigation Menu.
6: We avoid a lot (if not ALL) in game 'Drama' because all issues are worked out here in the forums; NOT in guild chat. The forums almost guarantee that when we log in to play the game; we can just have fun!
- 1: Verify that you have selected a forum name that matches your Main characters "Game name" so that we know who to promote.
2: Learn how our guild operates. The FIRST thing you should read is this 'all in one' "FIRST THIG TO READ; Learn how things work in this guild!: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2
3: Take a few minutes to read all the topics here: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=1&st=0&sk=t&sd=d&start=0 Pay special attention to the Stickies that are designated with the word [Everyone] in their title. Some have other labels (such as [officer] ) Quickly skim through the information in those posts so you have a strong idea of how we do things. The 'Helpful Guides / Tutorials' area is not required - BUT you should be aware that our guild strategies for end game raids are kept there in tutorial format; you SHOULD read them before going on those raids with us. (found under 'instances and bosses'
http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=6
4: Visit your user control panel ( http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/ucp.php?i=167 ) to choose which group you want to belong to (your server - guild - or rank). *Some of these groups are by invitation only. (Your GROUP= in game rank or status your 'forum rank'=how many posts you have made).
5: Post an introduction / application. Simply go to the Introduce yourself forum( http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=2&start=0 ) and create a new topic. A form will load; answer the questions and click submit then check back the next day to see what the officers have to say to you. Our officers tend to read these at least once a day and will promote you in game (this is why using your in game name on the forums is so important)!
6: Make use of these forums to improve your in game experience. This web forum has over 150 modifications installed to make it a really exciting and fun place. You will find your own personal gallery - downloads - arcade - an AMAZING raid planing calendar with a great sign up system built in - chat room - shoutbox - so many things I can't list them all. The most important feature here would be all the other great guild members who share in discussions. You can get help and support IN GAME by asking IN FORUM.
7: Set up your Portal Page and choose your favorite forum style. Keep in mind that the Portal page ( http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/portal.php ) is a one stop location to get ALL important information. You have full control over how your portal looks - the blocks are customizable simply by clicking and dragging them around. You can also collapse them or close them completely. This ability - plus the styles changer ( http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/stylesdemo.php ) make the forum very user friendly and easy to customize.
8: We don't expect you to read all the thousands of posts here; in fact the easiest way for you to handle these forums is to click this link (it will mark ALL forums as 'read' - so that if you click 'new posts' you will only be shown things that are posted from this day forward): http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/index.php?mark=forums Alternately from the 'board index' you can click "Mark forums as read" to do this in the future.
9: Refresh the Nightmare Portal page daily (before you log into the game) to see whats happening and you will be adequately informed about guild progress goals and events. The Shoutbox is as much your tool as it is ours; if you make an important post on the forum feel free to share a link in the shoutbox to get peoples attention.
10: EVERYONE must download the #1 addon pack that is located here: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3448&start=0&hilit=addon+pack I have four addon packages available (each one signifies a higher level of gameplay / involvement) The #1 pack requires ZERO configuration and includes tools that ALL guild members will require in their every day lives.
- Joining the Guild: You should have been interviewed prior to joining.
Sometimes our officers may be to busy for us to properly interview new members. We have a guide for this process, please familiarize yourself with it:
Recruitment Policy: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3045&start=0
- Forum Portal: It displays all the info you need on one screen!
Our forums are built around a Portal; the portal displays all the information you need.
- 1: Navigation menu: it has a lot of links there can help you; try each link out to see what you get; start with the Styles Demo so you can choose the best style for your needs; (remember that 'merginine' has a few bugs in it - just report any problems you have to an Admin; include any error message or web address and it will be fixed.)
2: The Shoutbox is available to all guild members; use it to bring attention to important things.
3: Announcements from all over the forums are displayed on the portal page; no need to look all over for important info!
4: The Calendar is a great tool to use for planing an event; people can sign up and leave a comment; plus its simple to use.
5: There is a Gallery Scroller which will pull random images from our built in gallery. You have a personal gallery in your UCP and there is a public gallery also.
6: The login/out panel has your shortcuts to show New posts - private messages and more.
7: Visit the Arcade and try out a few games; some are a lot of fun! (great for when the server goes down for a couple minutes)
- Important Information: (links and misc):
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As of today I am activating a new Introduction Ticket system that should help streamline our process. All the information in this area will be edited out in the near future.
- 1: Ideally a new member will make their own forum account and activate it .
2:They will log in and read their first private message which will lead them HERE.
3: They will put themselves into the correct forum group; find and read the guild rules on their own. (So they understand our rank structure and more...)
4: They will make their own introduction / application using the new posting system. [url][url]http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=2[/url][/url] We have compiled a large list of questions from our officers and guild members. Some are required - others optional. If you have any questions or suggestions please contact someone on Nightmare Staff.
5: Within 24 hours you should expect an officer to read and reply to your post - editing your topic title to say 'promoted' if they have time to log into the game and promote you. That officer will add a Public note (stating on your main toon: the professions you have, and on your Alternate toon: the name of your main toon) and the officer will add an 'officer note' stating their name, the date, and your rank.(Drac 4-29 honored)
6: As you progress through the ranks in the guild it is your responsibility to update your forum Group; or request that your group be changed once you get to the higher levels in the guild.
7: Places to learn about our ranks are:
7a: current rank info: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=3746&start=0 (updated Jan 2010)
7b: Guild Rules, Regulations, & Punishments: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=3508
8: Future promotions will happen based on our Rank descriptions guide; please read it to get an idea of how you can be promoted to the next rank. Of course each future promotion will have that officer updating your officer note with his/her name - date -and rank - and looking for any of your other characters using the public notes (to make sure all your characters have the same rank)
9: How to get promoted to the officer position: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=976
10: About the old intro/application system: (same idea - just without the semi-automated system) Read this so you know what to post there. [Everyone] Introduction & promotion process: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3
- 1: Our vault is maintained by the higher ranked Guild members; it is filled with DONATIONS given freely by our members - FOR our members. Our guild ranks have descriptions on 'who can get what' and 'how much'.
2: To simplify things here I will explain that we have an official method of getting items out:
http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=1505
3: We also have an UN official way... Occasionally you will find an officer organizing the bank; giving away stacks of expensive materials or gear that we have too much of; or you may simply ask / barter in game to exchange one item for another of comparable value.
4: Occasionally the officers may send a guild mailer (in game - to every guild member) requesting certain types of donations; try to lend a hand in keeping our vault stocked.
5: The important thing to remember is even if you are a low ranked new member; you have a CHANCE to get things out of the vault; remember to OFFER something in return... ' Can I have that epic item from Tab 6 if I tank / lead a raid to ________ for the guild'? (make something up that you can offer to do or make)
- 1: We have NUMEROUS Raids & Events per day (Most now are /coalition raids where we team up with our friends in other alliance guilds); most not planned (though some ARE planned with a 7 day sign up in forums); you need only have Friendly rank - appropriate gear and the correct Class to get invited.
2: If we do not have room for the entire guild to join - we invite Higher ranked members first (as we know we can count on them)- then we invite the other guild members of lower rank; followed by inviting OTHER coalition guild members to join us.
3: If you want to plan a raid; discuss one, or request one; First check the Forum Calendar; something may be planned that you can Sign up for -- otherwise please visit this area of our forums: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
4: We have guides and tutorials on how we do Guild Raids. Please be sure to read the step by step guides BEFORE signing up.
Some guides are missing / incomplete for one reason or another; some of our most complete guides include Naxx - SWP and soon Ulduar.
Raids Dungeons & Bosses: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=31
- 1: I have installed a LOT of mods. You can see many of them by clicking on your navigation bar. http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/portal/portal_mods.php
2: We have a 'Guild Armory' that is just as nice as Blizzards. **Currently down due to programming issues related to the WOTLK patch. You need the addon 'character profiler'. (once working) The password to update the guild profiler is: password As long as everyone just uploads their character data; and no one tries to mess around with the settings... I will leave the password open for all to use.
The link is on our main page... - here is a shortcut http://www.nightmareguild.org/roster/
You will find very detailed instructions built into the Roster website page
3: If you want to plan a raid; discuss one, or request one; First check the Forum Calendar; something may be planned that you can Sign up for -- otherwise please visit this area of our forums: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
If I have forgotten to mention something feel free to reply to this topic and I will add it.
If you refer to any other posts in this guide -- PLEASE edit that other post and put this info into it... (so in the future if we consolidate info again we can be sure to get any related posts cleaned up)
This info is linked in our main guild guide: http://www.nightmareguild.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2 Please do not delete this information without updating the main guide.
