Recruitment TipsFollow

Why hello there, person(s) reading this! I wanted to assure y'all that I am, indeed, still alive and kicking. Kicking **** that is! Bwahahaha! No, I don't mean hitting mobs until they stop moving. Give me a break, I'm a white mage. EPs solo me with no trouble. I'm talking about when it comes to recruiting folks to play. But, that's the end of the story. Let me start at the beginning.

/em makes Wayne's World-esque wavy hands and sound effects.

Flash back about three years ago. It was the spring quarter of my senior year at college. Final Fantasy XI was all the rage with my friends. Knowing how much of a Squeenix **** I am, they tried to convince me to play.

"Oh come on Phyree, you know you want to!"

"Look, chocobos!"

"Arent't the graphics beautiful?"

All of those were true, but I still had reservations. I had never played a MMORPG before and the whole concept of paying to play really had me lift an eyebrow. How could I be sure it was worth it? It seems like a lot of money, and all my other Final Fantasy games are "free" to play. But finally, under the communal support of my friends, I gave in and bought the game to give it a try.

Three years later...

Haha, it's been a helluva ride. Sadly, I am now the last one of the original group left playing. Most moved on to WoW (and are fruitlessly trying to get me to convert there, haha) and a few quit because of other players. For instance, my good friend Davidthorne was a paladin, but one who weilded a great sword. People weren't convinced he could do his job and his invites dropped. This disenchanted him and he eventaully left (R.I.P. Green Gryphon Mercenary Corps).

But that's a side note. I was tired of being (essentially) alone in playing. So I got a little aggressive. With my love for this game I started talking to friends in my social circles here outside of college. At first they too were hesitant. But, being familiar with the same objections and empowered with why I love this game so much, I recruited one. Then we were playing together. Soon after I recruited another, and the first one I hooked started talking to her friends as well. Now we have a few folks and it is growing with more and more in our circle interested as it is a in-group activity we can do together.

By the by, I do have to mention that playing with friends who are newbs renews your love and interest in the game again. You get to "rediscover" Vana'diel, so to speak. That and the beanie caps are cute.

So yes, I wanted to let you all know that it isn't impossible to get folks to play. This game was made to support and encourage community. If you find your interest starting to wane, or if you need an infusion of fresh ideas and energy, talk to your friend and family. Talk to folks in your different social circles. To coworkers. To those who go to your local game/hobby store, video game store, or even a church/temple!

You all got involved in this game for your own reasons. You know all of the objections. You know why this game is fun. Spread the world. Let's grow Bismarck's population, and even more than that, let's deepen our community.

I know this was a long one, but I hope this renews your spirit in the game and helps encourage you to get more people involved in it!