Town Hall Meeing 12.18.11

 As we are on the brink of Christmas, LOSTies held its town hall meeting thousands of miles away from home base in the Frozen Sea.  Here is a recap of what we discussed:


New Raiding Changes:

If you would like to join us for normal Cata raids (BWD, ToTFW, BoT), the following is required:

• equipped average ilvl 347+
• pull 10K+ deeps if you're a deeps role
• mostly pve gear
• most gear pieces enchanted and gemmed
• ventrilo (at least be able to hear us) 
• watch all anticipated boss fights or read the text based guides (links provided on right-hand side of guild blog under All things WoW, titled "Icy-veins text based raid guides")

If you would like to join us for normal Firelands raid, the following is required:

• equipped average ilvl 355+
• pull well over 15K deeps if you're a deeps role
• absolutely no pvp gear
• ALL appropriate enchants, gems and reforges according to askmrrobot.com, this includes the exalted shoulder inscriptions from Therazane's Throne and whatever helm arcanum is appropriate for your class
• ventrilo
• watch all anticipated boss fights or read the text based guides (link provided on right-hand side of guild blog under All things WoW, titled "Icy-veins text based raid guides")

If you would like to join us for normal Dragon Soul raid, the following is required:

• equipped average ilvl 375+
• pull well over 18K deeps if your'e a deeps role
• absolutely no pvp gear
• ALL appropriate enchants, gems and reforges according to askmrrobot.com, this includes the exalted shoulder inscriptions from Therazane's Throne and whatever helm arcanum is appropriate for your class
• ventrilo 
• watch all anticipated boss fights or read the text based guides (link provided on right-hand side of guild blog under All things WoW, titled "Dragon Soul Text Guide" and "Icy-veins text based raid guides")

* IMPORTANT ~ One thing I forgot to mention during the meeting is that the deadline for all guild mates getting the Therazane's Throne shoulder inscriptions and appropriate helm arcanums is Wednesday, January 11th at 12am server time.  I have been far too lenient in allowing people to come on raids without these really cheap yet powerful enchants.  This deadline gives you more than three week's time to farm reputation with Therazane and the other faction necessary for your class.  It is worth noting that if you have already reached exalted with the appropriate faction for the helm arcanum you need, their arcanums are BOA (bind on account) so you can purchase their helm arcanums for any other 85s you have.  However, for Therazane you must hit friendly on each character for a weaker inscription then hit exalted on each character to unlock the powerful inscription for your shoulders.

We like to keep our raids chill, fun and respectful.  We harbor no elitists in our guild.  All guild mates are welcome to join us for raids so long as they are geared and know the fights.  If you need help getting geared for normal Cata raids and Firelands raids, I've created two guides.  On the right-hand side of the guild blog, under the "QUICKies" list of links, click on "getting geared" to be directed to the guides.  I will be posting a brief guide/checklist soon covering how to get geared to join LOSTies for Dragon Soul raids.

LOSTies Raid Teams:

We've reached the point where we are just shy two people of being able to do 25-man raids.  The only problem is getting everyone's availability for raiding and getting others geared.  Also, a couple of the guild mates have experienced lag in 25-man raids. We will perhaps give it a go and if it is really bad, we will stick to having two separate ten-man raiding teams.  At the moment, both teams are just shy of two guild mates.  Team #1 will raid on Fridays and Sundays while Team #2 will raid on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Even if there are no raids scheduled on the calendar, always anticipate at least one or two raid nights to fall anywhere between Thursday and Sunday, between 6:30 and 9:30 pm server time.  Having two separate raiding teams raid on two different days out of the week works out nicely because if you are unable to make it to one of your team's designated raid nights, you are more than welcome to join the other raid team on either of their raid nights should they have an opening for you on any other geared 85 characters you have. 


To find out which team you have been assigned to and for more info on the two raiding teams, please click on this LOSTies Raid Teams link.  For future reference, you can also find a link to it on the right-hand side of the guild blog under QUICKies, labeled "LOSTies Raiding Teams."

Raid Checkups:

If you feel you are ready to join either of the two raiding teams on any of their two raid nights and know that there is an opening, you must meet with any of the officers responsible for leading a particular raid night.  Raid checkups entail:

1. A gear check to make sure you have all proper gems, enchants and reforges.  Officers will pull up askmrrobot.com and click the optimize button for your character and compare it with your currently equipped gear.  
2.  If you are a deeps role, you will also undergo a five minute dummy trial to make sure you are pulling well over 18K deeps.  
3.  Test questions.  The officer will ask at least two random questions to make sure you know the fight.  Or they may ask you to give a brief summary of the fight such as explaining the different phases.

To find out which officer will be leading which raid, look on the guild calendar and pull up whichever day you are interested in signing up for.  Officers will schedule a "guild event" for the raid night(s) they will lead, so all interested can sign up.  Notice!  Signing up for this particular guild event will not guarantee you a slot for that raid night.  It is only a method for you to find out which officer is leading what specific raid and know who to consult for a raid checkup.  After a successful raid checkup, the officer will schedule an "event" for the actual raid that way they can invite only those who have completed their raid checkup and are given the OK to join.

• Because our raids fall between Thursday and Sunday, if you'd like to join for a raid you must meet with the designated officer for whichever raid night you prefer before Wednesday at 7pm server time.

• Also, the instructions for raid checkups apply to everyone, including those already assigned to a raid team.  That way those assigned to a raid team who are missing a couple of the requirements can give their slot up to someone that is prepared for a particular raid.  The only difference is that those assigned to a raid team already must join their designated team.  However, if their alt 85s are prepared for the raid, they are free to join either raid teams. 

 LOSTies Holiday Events

Secret Santa

deadline to submit name for entry:  Tuesday 20th @ 7pm server time

actual event:  Saturday 24th @ 6:30pm server time

Let's all take this opportunity to show each other just how much we appreciate the true sense of camaraderie that's set our guild apart from all others!  There is no minimum amount of gold/time necessary in purchasing/crafting/farming for that perfect gift for whoever you are assigned to be Secret Santa for.  Just be creative!  I trust everyone will be fair in thinking of what to gift their fellow guild mate.  If you get stumped and need some tips as to what to get for your partner, feel free to ask me.  Some ideas might be expensive enchants or a bundle of gems or nice companion pets.  Look up their character on askmrrobot.com and click the optimize button to find out what they could use for raids.  Also, Nicky aka Ace brought up a great idea:  On the guild roster for your character's public note, offer a hint as to what to get you for Christmas in-game.  Another tip:  Gift wrap can be purchased from the goblin holiday vendors in Stormwind's Trade Districe or in front of the Ironforge Bank. 

 If you are interested in joining us for Secret Santa, you must mail Sadcap an in-game mail message before the deadline.  Include your name in the message and be sure to greet him a happy holiday!  Sadcap is a non-guild mate but a trusted friend of LOSTies and has volunteered to help us organize our Secret Santa event.  Be sure to thank him in your message.  Shortly after the deadline, Sadcap will mail you the name of who you have been assigned to.  I understand many of us may be traveling or spending time with family in RL, so if you are unable to make the Secret Santa event this Saturday, you are free to either meet with your guild mate before the event or you can leave the gift with me so they can open it with everyone else at the event.  Merry Chrissie, LOSTies!

Christmas Photo Shoot

Friday 23rd @ 7pm server

Everyone welcome, the more the merrier!  Let's get as many of the guild mates in on this one so we can get a huge LOSTies Christmas picture!  I will be handing out Red Winter Garb suits and Winter Boots.  If you would like to help, I need all the Wool Cloth, Rugged Leather and Copper Bars I can get and would greatly appreciate any help you could offer!

  Let's make this a professional and great Christmas photo by:

• removing all gear except for the winter suits and guild tabard
• dismissing all pets
• removing the title in your character's name (so we can see everyone's name, only fair)
• refraining from using magic abilities that will result in an unclear picture

 I'm hoping to submit our Christmas picture for the WoW community site's screenshot of the day feature.  Think of it as a special Christmas gift to me and all your guild mates!

Caroling in Stormwind and Orgrimmar

Friday 23rd immediately after the guild Christmas photo shoot

Let's show the alliance on our server that we can out-best them in Christmas spirit! We will not be caroling in ventrilo, so don't worry.  All we will be doing is standing together professionally and typing a few lyrics to Christmas Carols in Stormwind Trade District.  After a few minutes of that we will go to the gates of Orgrimmar and present ourselves in the same manner.  We may die to them cos let's face it, Horde on Kalecgos server are just plain jerks.  However, even jerks deserve to be treated kindly during the holidays.  Think of it as our gift to them.  Also, I'm sure many of them will think we're nicer and most def more kickass compared to the other Alliance guilds on Kalacgos.  We will die honoring the Christmas spirit!  Merry Chrissie, LOSTies!

LOSTies "Spirit of Christmas" Contest

deadline for submissions:  Saturday 24th @ midnight

Who says there isn't any room for competition during the holidays? I welcome it as long as it fosters a true sense of camaraderie and helps bring joy to others!  Your objective in this contest is to travel Azeroth and Outlands in search of the Christmas Spirit.  Do your best in capturing the Christmas Spirit in ONE screen-shot!  Be creative!  Do you see it in a bustling crowd of players in a city?  Or perhaps it's in the form of a creature?  How about a humble abode with a meager family enjoying Christmas the best they can?  Preferably, try not to include your UI (user interface) in your screen-shot.  Ask guild mates in-game if you're not sure how to hide the interface.  Include a caption with your screen-shot describing what the Christmas spirit means to you.  Email your sumbission to Tides at wowlosties@gmail.com before the midnight deadline!  Everyone's submissions will be posted onto the guild blog and the winner's submission and caption will be featured!  G'luck and Merry Chrissie, LOSTies!

• 1st Prize:  Your choice of x1 mount and x1 pet from the Blizzard online store (or x2 pets if you already have both mounts) 

• 2nd Prize:  Your choice of x1 pet from the Blizzard online store

• 3rd Prize:  500 gold and a random companion pet (not from online store)

 

Town Hall Meeting 7.10.2010

I want to thank everyone that could make it to our town hall meeting. I've a feeling that all the people who signed up and didn't show up forgot that it was scheduled for server time. Remember, all guild events and raids are scheduled at server time to avoid confusion. Also, whenever you're doing an instance/heroic, you're doing it on another server, so the time shown at your mini map clock will most likely reflect the wrong time. Again, I'd like to thank those of you who did show up; some really great questions were asked and insightful input offered as well. Here's a brief recap of what was covered at the town hall meeting for those of you who weren't able to show up:

Guild Ranking System -
We have a special guild ranking system in effect that is used to determine one's dedication and loyalty to the guild. If you would like to read more about the guild ranking system, at the top right hand side of the guild blog, there is a list full of labels that link directly to blog posts of important subjects. Just find label entitled "guild ranking system" and click to be redirected to the post about the guild ranking system. Everyone new to the guild must undergo a 48 hour initiation period, and after this period of evaluation, an officer will rank you up from Flight 815 to Survivor rank. Too many of you have been at the Survivor rank for much too long, and it doesn't take much to rank up to Kahana rank. Please read up on the guild ranking system by following the instructions above in order to find out what you need to do. The more rank ups you get, the more you are able to withdraw from the guild keep!

Or you can click on this link to be redirected to the guild ranking system post:
http://wowlosties.blogspot.com/search/label/guild%20ranking%20system

Guild Keep Rules -
The LOSTies Guild Keep rules are simple and just. The gist of it is that all I ask of you is that if you are going to withdraw something, please deposit something of equal or greater value, or a fair amount of gold based on what you withdraw. The guild keep is a great way for us to help each other out and improve our professions or durability out in the battlefield. Whatever is put in there is donated by your fellow guild mates to ensure that you are being helped. Please keep it fair by giving back to others. I'm not asking that you deposit equal items right away, but please do so in a timely manner. Various officers scan the guild keep log and can see records of what is deposited or withdrawn. Also, I'm not going to hound everyone to start donating. Just keep in mind that if you enjoy being a LOSTie and have a vested interest in this guild, please give whatever amount you can, and regularly. I can tell you now that I've noticed a certain guildie that donates 50 silver every now and then, and I honestly appreciate that just as much as a donation of 100 gold from a guildie once in a blue moon. Here's a tip; when I was in a former guild, I made sure to donate a small amount of gold every Friday just to show my appreciation and to show that I cared for my fellow guildies.

Guild Ventrilo -
We do have a guild vent, and for more info on our guild vent, please find the label at the upper right-hand side of the blog titled "guild ventrilo," or simply visit this link: http://wowlosties.blogspot.com/search/label/guild%20vent . One important thing I'd like to note about our guild vent is that I as Guild Master, pay for our guild vent. I'm a college student, so I like most college students struggle to scratch a living in the real world. One aspect I love about our guild vent hosting website is that it features a "Group Pay" method that allows other guildies to help pay for our guild vent through one-time payments. You don't need to sign up for monthly recurring payments; you can at anytime help me out whenever you can by clicking on this link to pay just once at a time:
https://cp.light-speed.com/group-pay.php?SID=MDAxMTIwODA6MDAwOTc1ODg=

Mind you, I'm not asking you to pay at all, it's just if you think I'm a worthy guy deserving of your help, I'm not going to turn away help from a fellow guild mate. Currently, I pay $33.60 every six months for our guild vent. So if you feel like offering me help whenever you can, just click on the link above to be redirected to our guild vent hosting website to make a one-time, secure payment toward our guild vent. It doesn't have to be as high as $33.60, you could just make a one time payment of $7 for one month. Let me reiterate that it is just a one-time payment, you won't be signed up for automatic payments every month; that's the burden I have to bear as Guild Master.

Just a bit on the guild vent rules:
1) Absolutely do not give out the guild vent information to non-LOSTies. Doing so will get you banned instantly. The ONLY person allowed to do that is Tides, and he'll only do that when hosting a raid and some non-guildies are PUG'd (Pick Up Group) into the raid. For the most part, Tides will host raids consisting of LOSTies only.

2) I pay for the second lowest monthly package, which allows 15 LOSTies to be logged into the guild vent at one time. So if there is a raid and we need more spots for members in the raid, please give your spot up if you aren't raiding.

3) We're all adults, so minimal cussing is allowed. However, if you're a salty pirate and you feel the need to go berserk and all out with the cussing, or utter words that are offensive to others, either drop down to the vent channel labeled, "Tender Bar," or don't say it at all. Just a guideline, if it's something you have to ask yourself if it is offensive or not, then it is offensive to others!

4) There are many chat rooms in our guild vent with a variety of labels to help you determine their specific function. If you plan on being in one of them, please be respectful of the appropriate label designated for that room. For example, if you are in the Library Room, use inside voices and don't disturb the other LOSTies with excessive noise.

Guild Social Events -
As we are a social guild, Tides and the other officers will try their best to schedule social events regularly, at least once every other week is our aim. My goal is for our guild to be a close-knit guild where one is able to log on to a guild where they can view the guild roster and see everyone's names on the guild roster and treat them like neighbors, not strangers. There are more ways to enjoy this game aside from questing, pvp-ing and raiding, after all, and it is Tides' sincerest wish to show you the many possibilities to enjoy in other gamers' company in a world of 3-D graphics encased within your very monitor screen. Come take a break every now and then, and have a good time with your fellow LOSTies. The purpose of these guild events is to foster a true sense of camaraderie, and ensure team work and fun over all. We will try our best to schedule these events a week in advance, and they will mostly be on weekends. If you're really interested and would like to participate in these social events, be sure to keep checking the in-game calendar and the guild blog to keep updated. Some examples of past and future guild events include: Tree Huggers Unite!, meet and greets, Open Mic Night, Book Club (Tides is an English major after all), The Transporter, Paintballing, and LOSTies Expo. This is just a taste of all the LOSTies madness that we wish you could be a part of!

Guild Facebook -
Yes, we have a guild Facebook! Wouldn't it be great to see the faces behind your fellow LOSTies? If you're interested, just look Tides up on Facebook by searching for Tides Royale or by email: wowlosties@gmail.com. You'll not only get to see Tides, but many of the LOSTies as well. Come join us!

LOSTies 10-man Raiding Team -
If you are of level 80 (or close) and would like to become a part of our very own 10-man raiding team, please let the officers know through guild chat and send a message in-game to Tides, including your character name, class, spec (Tank/Heals/DPS), and current availability. I for one know all too well how hectic RL (real life) could be, so I am very understanding of your available raiding schedule. Don't worry, I won't enforce a strict raiding schedule upon you. All raids for the most part will be lead by Tides, and it is his foremost goal to make it as stress free as possible. Should anything go wrong in raids, he will see to it to ensure a chill and fun environment. He won't allow pointing of fingers, yelling or cussing. It's a game after all, and if anyone can't acknowledge that fact, they will be asked to leave.

LOSTies PVP Arena Teams -
Yes, we like to PVP as well! If you are of level 80 (or close) and would like to be a part of our own LOSTies created arena teams, please contact Julian (Claman) through guild chat or in-game mail. He is our first designated PVP officer, and if you have any questions about PVP or need tips on arena fights, he is the best we've got!

Recruiting -
For now, a temporary level cap has been placed for all new recruits. Brand new recruits must be at least level 70 and up. Right now, we would like to focus on gearing up our raiding and PVP teams, and helping the lowbie LOSTies as well. If we keep recruiting lower levels, it would result in less time offered to help lowbie LOSTies. However, if you have a really close buddy you know we could trust, or you have alt characters of your own, by all means, ask an officer to invite them.

Contacting Tides -
Should you ever need to contact Tides personally, the best way to do so is to send him a message in-game. Other options include sending him a message on Facebook or by e-mailing him at wowlosties@gmail.com. The best and surest way to get a response quick-like would be to send him a message in-game.