I'm tired of the neverending cycle of APPS!

Apps, noobs, grunts, soon-to-be-corpses, no matter what you call them, a one point everyone joins a guild in EverQuest. These people are introduced via a plethora of different options, but usually they have to go through some sort of "test period". But somehow it seems that my guild is always full of apps! Why? Because once you get done with the app period, you start the first day of the rest of your life with a guild... or the rest of your life that you'll be in a guild!

Let's go back to the view of the app. You are an app, you just joined your new guild. As you join there is a rush of excitement, and an onslaught of new people to meet and learn about. Just like a family, most guilds run with some sort of moralistic code of ethics. Of course, this code of ethics was designed by Joe Guildleader and will probably be full of really weird rules. But, since you have agree'd to join this guild (in hopes of fun, fortune, or friends (the f's)), you promise to follow this code of ethics.... right?

During the app period, you will always run into the guy that thinks it's his job to give all the new guys shit. "The App Bully" is a typical role for a senior member in a guild. The idea it to weed out the emotionally weak, and the temperamental from the guild while they are still in the app period. But to the App the Bully is really just some asshole that gets his kicks by treating the new people like shit. Let it be said, there is a good reason to allow the bullies, but if a bully is too rough, you'll find that people get the wrong impression of the new guild's atmosphere.

I always suggest that apps be ready to devote a large amount of playtime to EverQuest when they decide to Apply to a major guild. What is a major guild? Right now a major guild is defined as any guild that has defeated a Solteris event (except for Club Fu... they don't get to qualify). Major guilds usually have the strictest of guild guidelines. Also, major guilds expect a high volume of raid attendance, so apps need to demonstrate that they can attend/pay attention to raids that last long periods of time. Once an app demonstrates their ability to show up, most guilds will accept the app... regardless of gear/skill/class ... the key to getting into a major guild is totally attendance.

Another major important skill for an App to demonstrate is their ability to pay attention. Many players start off in guilds that are WAY ahead of the player's ability level. Don't worry, just pay attention, find someone who DOES know what is going on and politely ask for help/tips. There are always "App Mentors" in guilds. The mentor is the opposite of the Bully. Mentor's keep an eye on apps and make sure they are learning the guild's ways. Mentors also keep an eye our for the morale of the Apps. The mentor provides the motivational support for Apps while they suffer through their trial period. But the mentors must be careful, apps that receive to much support tend to be "baby/pussies/weaklings" and no major guild wants to worry about the weak apps. Just like fish, we toss the small fry back.

If an App can demonstrate their ability to show up and pay attention, then more than likely they will earn a full member status in the guild. But that is just the beginning of the guild life. The app phase can be painful and frustrating, but it comes with the "f's."

Now, if I could only figure out how to keep those full members in my guild so we don't have to keep getting Apps! I guess that is an article for another day!

-Funk