• Contents in Detail

  Page IX

• Acknowledgments

  Page XV

• Introduction

  Page XVII

• Author's Note: GM vs. GL and Other Acronyms

  Page XXI

• + Chapter 1: Forging a Guild Identity

  Page 1

  • One Size Does Not Fit All

    Page 2

  • The Hardcore/Casual Issue

    Page 6

  • Set Your Focus

    Page 9

  • Standing Out from the Crowd

    Page 12

  • The Guild Identity Flowchart

    Page 17

• + Chapter 2: Humble Origins: Foundations of a Successful Guild

  Page 19

  • Your Paperwork

    Page 20

  • Your Guild Name

    Page 21

  • Your Policies

    Page 23

  • Your Tools

    Page 27

  • Your Officers

    Page 32

• + Chapter 3: Nonhuman Resources: Recruiting Players and Evaluating Recruits

  Page 35

  • Recruiting Fundamentals

    Page 36

  • Server Presence

    Page 40

  • Guild Applications

    Page 43

  • Beware the Eedies!

    Page 49

• + Chapter 4: Dramatis Personae: Dealing with Guild Drama

  Page 55

  • People and Personalities

    Page 56

  • Drama Is Natural

    Page 62

  • Dealing with Drama (Or Not)

    Page 63

  • Drama Solutions

    Page 66

  • Rewarding and Punishing

    Page 68

  • Removing a Member

    Page 69

• + Chapter 5: Epic Encounters: Raiding as a Guild

  Page 73

  • In Harm's Way

    Page 74

  • Preparation Is Key

    Page 75

  • Raid Leadership Is Not Guild Leadership

    Page 78

  • The Raid Leader's Handbook

    Page 80

  • Why Lead Raids?

    Page 92

• + Chapter 6: The Protocols of Plunder: Loot Distribution

  Page 93

  • Loot Causes Drama

    Page 94

  • Choosing the Right System

    Page 99

  • Loot Systems

    Page 100

  • Exceptions

    Page 114

  • Faith and Fairness

    Page 116

• + Chapter 7: PvP and Roleplaying Guilds

  Page 119

  • Player Killers

    Page 120

  • Leading in Character

    Page 127

• + Chapter 8: The Burdens of Command: Managing Officers

  Page 135

  • Promoting Members to Officer Rank

    Page 136

  • Officer Roles

    Page 140

  • Officer Discipline

    Page 145

  • Burnout

    Page 148

• + Chapter 9: The Long Term

  Page 151

  • Morale

    Page 152

  • In-Game Events

    Page 156

  • Ethics and Server Reputation

    Page 161

  • The Big One

    Page 165

• + Chapter 10: IRL: Dealing with Reality

  Page 169

  • Online Gaming Is Real

    Page 170

  • Life Is More Important

    Page 171

  • What You Can (Sometimes) Help With

    Page 172

  • What You Shouldn't Help With

    Page 176

  • Meeting Face to Face

    Page 178

• A Look Ahead

  Page 185

• Index

  Page 187

Who said dragon slaying was easy? Leading a guild in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games like World of Warcraft is more difficult than most players think. Your members look to you to solve problems, plan raids and battles, and lead them to riches and renown.

In The Guild Leader's Handbook, you'll learn how to create, build, and maintain a successful guild. Author Scott F. Andrews, a longtime guild leader and guild advice columnist for WoW.com, will show you how to guide your guild to glory. Whether you're trying to confront a monstrous threat, conquer your rivals, or simply reign supreme as the wealthiest traders in the galaxy, The Guild Leader's Handbook offers invaluable guidance to help you achieve your goals.

You'll learn how to:

* Plan successful raids, player vs. player battles, roleplaying sessions, and contests
* Deal with problem players and keep a lid on guild-fracturing drama
* Solve loot issues and choose the best loot system for your guild
* Boost your guild's morale, reputation, and server presence
* Promote and motivate an effective officer corps 

Whether you're an established guild leader in need of sage advice or a dedicated player seeking to form your own community, The Guild Leader's Handbook is an essential guide to managing a guild successfully in any MMO game.