It has been an interesting few months as I learn to make things happen in a guild. Being raid leader has definitely been a stressful "job" and not to be taken lightly. I think I read on wow.com that if you are thinking of starting a guild... don't. I think that's pretty good advice for the most part if the raiding is your eventual goal. Well, that is, unless you are a "glutton for punishment" as the old saying goes.
The larger a guild gets the more "issues" you have as people are all unique. Player A can't come on early, player B can't stay up late, player C can only attend x days per week. As raid leader, it took me a while to learn that I cannot solve that equation. I can only provide the activity and see what happens. So, the basic plan is this.
Axiom 1: Schedule raids and schedule them consistently. That is, have them regularly scheduled and at the same times. What this does is setup an expectation from the members. They know when raid is, they know when raid will be even if they don't sign up to go.
Now, this does not mean you will get full attendence or full subscription. However that brings us to the next Axiom.
Axiom 2: The show must go on (or at least attempt to go on). If you don't get the numbers, fill in the gaps. It's a skill to know what you need and how to get it by trolling the "looking for group" channel or trade channel. I try to build up a list of acceptable fill-ins.
But why not just call it? I know I read Big Bear Butt once say his guild just calls a raid rather than PuG. This is completely dependent on the group, though. If you consistently are short, you won't be raiding much and there will be resentment. I sometimes get the feeling that even though my guildies are nice and like me and also wouldn't take a moment to help fill my shoes, they would politely just wisp away and find another leader that will satisfy their itch. So, you can wait until they leave, I suppose, or you can just give them what they silently want. Believe me, I much prefer the quiet players than those that nag.
So, I think a good college try goes a long way compared to benching.
Axiom 3: Don't wait for folks to be ready. Well, this one is kinda situational. However, if your guildies are all goofing off at raid time, it means you aren't laying down the law. They expect no raid or they are holding out on the good spirits of the other guildies. I am more frustrated by the person saying, "let me finish this daily" just before a raid than anything else. People are waiting and its difficult to make progress when 25 people all want to piddle about. If someone isn't ready, you give late comers 5 minute warning and then replace them. They will know. Now, I don't hold it against them... at least not in a hard way. They make their choices and I make mine. Ce la vie. But, if they know you want wait, if they REALLY wanted to go, they'd be ready.
I am sure I have more to response later.
