So there's a long back story behind this post, but I'm just going to cut to the chase--player accountability and what constitutes it.
If there isn't anything that causes me to go on a panda punching rampage more, it's not holding players accountable for their actions. I'm not just talking about repeatedly standing in the fire, I'm also talking about other aspects of the game where everyone involved is affected.
/sigh. If only things were that simple these days.
I'm going to be 100% honest here, I haven't been exactly the happiest camper on the RV, but I've put aside a lot of my frustrations for the greater good and sucked it up. But after last night and my meltdown of near Sue Sylvester proportions, I feel compelled to at least define what player accountability is and how a lack thereof can even make the most tolerant and patient guildie leave in a firey blaze. And for those of you who can't envision what this could look like:
Yes, I'm video happy today.
So player accountability, what is it? In short, it's holding every single player in your raid force, or guild, responsible for their actions or lack thereof. This could be something as simple as reducing a member's rank for not showing up to a designated number of raids, or even as involved as reprimanding members for setting up rival alt guilds and then spamming recruiting messages on trade.
When does holding players accountable matter? Simply put--always. There is no easy way around this. Yes, we all want to be everyone's friend, but if the goal of the guild is to be a high-end progression guild instead of a casual social guild, then unfortunately this isn't plausible and people have to be held accountable. If player X decides they are going to engage in Y behavior and it causes issues within the guild, then player X needs to be held accountable for it. Furthermore, this goes both ways--for players that go above and beyond in their endeavors, then they should be rewarded for their efforts.
Where would accountability apply? Granted this is a situational basis, but there really are few instances where a gray area exists and it's best to leave things be. However, in most cases, the actions are so obvious that something needs to be done to ensure that the environment of the guild is sound. Here are the most common examples:
When a player:
1. Doesn't show up. Ever. Especially on progression nights.
2. Rarely shows up when they do.
3. Shows up late repeatedly.
4. Shows up late repeatedly without giving prior notice or having a really good reason for not being there.
5. Shows up intoxicated.
6. Frequent AFKs...also usually without telling anyone or a legitimate reason.
7. Shows a clear disinterest in being present or participation.
8. Performance is lacking--not just limited to standing in the fire, but also ignoring certain game mechanics that are vital to success.
9. Under performing or just doing the bare minimum required.
10. Having a lackadaisical attitude.
Actions should be taken in these instances. Personally, there is nothing more frustrating than raiding with someone with a piss-poor attitude that repeatedly fumbles around simply because they can. Or even worse, being benched to take that person instead because they don't want to piss that person off. Really? Like placating the wrong person is going to make anything better?
And finally, for the dedicated few that really go above and beyond--reward them for their dedication. Best way to do that? Show them that their efforts are not unappreciated or in vain, and more importantly--also show that as a guild, we do not reward bad behavior.
If there isn't anything that causes me to go on a panda punching rampage more, it's not holding players accountable for their actions. I'm not just talking about repeatedly standing in the fire, I'm also talking about other aspects of the game where everyone involved is affected.
/sigh. If only things were that simple these days.
I'm going to be 100% honest here, I haven't been exactly the happiest camper on the RV, but I've put aside a lot of my frustrations for the greater good and sucked it up. But after last night and my meltdown of near Sue Sylvester proportions, I feel compelled to at least define what player accountability is and how a lack thereof can even make the most tolerant and patient guildie leave in a firey blaze. And for those of you who can't envision what this could look like:
Yes, I'm video happy today.
So player accountability, what is it? In short, it's holding every single player in your raid force, or guild, responsible for their actions or lack thereof. This could be something as simple as reducing a member's rank for not showing up to a designated number of raids, or even as involved as reprimanding members for setting up rival alt guilds and then spamming recruiting messages on trade.
When does holding players accountable matter? Simply put--always. There is no easy way around this. Yes, we all want to be everyone's friend, but if the goal of the guild is to be a high-end progression guild instead of a casual social guild, then unfortunately this isn't plausible and people have to be held accountable. If player X decides they are going to engage in Y behavior and it causes issues within the guild, then player X needs to be held accountable for it. Furthermore, this goes both ways--for players that go above and beyond in their endeavors, then they should be rewarded for their efforts.
Where would accountability apply? Granted this is a situational basis, but there really are few instances where a gray area exists and it's best to leave things be. However, in most cases, the actions are so obvious that something needs to be done to ensure that the environment of the guild is sound. Here are the most common examples:
When a player:
1. Doesn't show up. Ever. Especially on progression nights.
2. Rarely shows up when they do.
3. Shows up late repeatedly.
4. Shows up late repeatedly without giving prior notice or having a really good reason for not being there.
5. Shows up intoxicated.
6. Frequent AFKs...also usually without telling anyone or a legitimate reason.
7. Shows a clear disinterest in being present or participation.
8. Performance is lacking--not just limited to standing in the fire, but also ignoring certain game mechanics that are vital to success.
9. Under performing or just doing the bare minimum required.
10. Having a lackadaisical attitude.
Actions should be taken in these instances. Personally, there is nothing more frustrating than raiding with someone with a piss-poor attitude that repeatedly fumbles around simply because they can. Or even worse, being benched to take that person instead because they don't want to piss that person off. Really? Like placating the wrong person is going to make anything better?
And finally, for the dedicated few that really go above and beyond--reward them for their dedication. Best way to do that? Show them that their efforts are not unappreciated or in vain, and more importantly--also show that as a guild, we do not reward bad behavior.
