World of Warcraft
Rank System:
Why a Rank System?
mAc has returned to it's long abandoned rank system. It was an inevitable move perhaps, as the guild mechanism provided by Blizzard certainly promotes it, and we've already been nudged in this direction by the clan management systems supported in Warcraft III. The extensive support in World of Warcraft has let us develop this idea fully.
Rank, and therefore rights and privileges, are to be handed out according to merit and subject to a specific criteria explained below. Previously, it was decided arbitrarily based on popularity in the old hierarchy of exclusion that mAc has since abandoned, but we operate much more seriously as an organization than we have before.
Originally proposed as a six tier system, a seven tier system was accepted instead to appease members of Keepers of the Damned, a guild that mAc had merged with in WoW. Though few of their members actually remain with us, we don't forget our history.
The Ranks
Peon: These are our new recruits. Observed by members as potential applicants and interviewed by officers, these players are found to be competent in their class, friendly people, and industrious guildies.
Grunt: These members may have been around for a few weeks, and have proven themselves to the guild to be a commendable players and good quality members. All the tenates required as a peon have been built upon and the potential to become an active strong contributor to the guild has been recognized. They have become aware of the expectations and nomenclature of the guild either through this document or have had them explained by an officer. They have been introduced to the "Clan Proper" via forums or IRC, and have read the Clan mAc Manual. Their climb in mAc has begun.
Sapper: These members are very familiar with clan expectations and goals, and very active playing, while also building relationships within the guild. They've attended one of our weekly clan meetings but most importantly, these members are an obvious cut above. Quite simply, they've begun to show their clan pride. All the criterion that are expected of a grunt and peon are still there, and have been improved upon.
HeadHunter: These members are dependable, reliable, and generally clutch players. These are members who've been around for a while and have really become role models for the guild. They've met all expectations for exceptional membership (active, friendly, helpful and mature, in both the "Clan Proper" and WoW guild). They aid their newer guild-mates in familiarizing themselves with the clan, and have begun to recognize desirable traits in non-guild and un-guilded players for recruitment. In often communication with the "Gentry" and the "Clan Proper".
Raiders: This is the first rank considered to be the part of the mAc "Gentry". Raiders are members who've gone above and beyond in the Clan. They have expressed a desire, through either their words or especially through their actions, to become involved in the decision making process of day to day affairs. While all members opinions are valued, Raiders are involved in officer chat, and are regularly polled as a sounding board for decisions.
Shamans: How else can we put it? Shamans are representatives in the highest function for mAc. They are students of group dynamics and confrontation management. Frankly, these guys are Grade A five flavor fusion fucking fantastic. Involved heavily in both the guild and in the "Clan Proper".
Chieftain: The highest tier in this rank system. If anything deals with WoW and mAc at the same time, this person is involved with it. Currently Dan (Lightbul).
You'll notice these ranks value activity and good attitude a lot more than pure playing skill. Interaction with the "Gentry" of the guild and the community of the "Clan Proper" is also encouraged. The simple purpose of these ranks is so that we have a clear measuring stick for what we desire of our members. Privileges, rewards, rights and eventually responsibility are all a part of this system. As stated, these are awarded based on merit and ability only. Thinking you should have a rank has no regard. Based upon your actions, you'll have it or not.
mAc believes in outgrowing ranks, not growing into ranks. If you want to move up, take stock; where do you stand in the system? Do you think your rank accurately reflects your actions? If it does, this doesn't mean an automatic promotion. Look at the expectations of the rank ahead of you and ask yourself if you meet them. If you want a promotion, talk about those expectations with an officer. In the same way that you're expected to grow as a member and a person in order to gain rank, officers are expected to recognize this growth before you do. Once you've set clear goals to meet or surpass those expectations, accomplish them. I do have to stress though, talking about your rank with officers is expected but begging in guild chat is not.
All this being said, ranks only have as much weight as you grant them. If you find the psuedo-militaristic make-believe of Clan mAc childish, and if it just isn't your thing; don't sweat it. Bottom line, we're all in this together to have fun. The rank system in it's entirety serves only as a mechanism to promote the growth of the clan community. If you're uninterested in ranks that's fine too, you don't have to be. You will still be in the system regardless as a standard measure. Your disinterest will affect your placement, but not likely not in the matter that you would probably expect. A system based purely on merit works better when unknown, but we've made this all as clearas we can in an exercise for incremental improvement and transparent policy.