I've been clanned for a LONG time now - 2 years and 900+ levels - and I've seen my share of applicants and interviews. Trust me, it's easy to make it into that clan, but even easy to screw up. So pay attention now.

5 easy steps to joining a clan
1. Decide on a clan.
2. Find out more about the clan.
3. Apply to the clan.
4. Get past the interview/tests.
5. Collect your clan portal, and donate it to Pooh.


Step 1: Deciding on a clan

See the previous page, if you haven't decided yet.

Make a realistic choice.
   You may think you're the greatest level 16 mage to set foot on this mud, but it'll be an uphill task to convince the Hook captain of that.


Step 2: Finding out more about the clan

This is IMPORTANT!
   In all my years, this is what sets the good applicant apart from the rest. It's very obvious when people don't know what the clan is about, and it delights us when applicants show they know what they're getting themselves into. It's not that hard either!

Find out the Joining requirements/process
   NEVER apply without finding these out. And not just the min. level. It irks us no end to find the app on the wrong message board, or the applicant is of the wrong class/alignment/qp earned/warkills/etc, or when people apply when we're closed.
   Trust me, here's no easy way to announce you're a moron, and we'll remember that sort of announcement. :P

Help <Clanname>
   This gives a good introduction to the clan theme. Note the main points, but forget the details, since not all clans adhere to their theme, and you don't want to sound like you specially memorized the clan helpfile for the interview.
   Note in particular the requirements (see abv).

Claninfo <Clanname>
   Interesting info here, in particular the leaders and the tax rate, but most of all, note the webpage address (or go to my links page :).

Visit the clan website
   More info here than can be put in the helpfile. Not as necessary as the two above, but nice to do.

Talk to friends in the clan
   Get insider info about what the clan is like, the better to impress the clan leaders with. :P

Step 3: Apply to the clan

Pay attention to the format!
   It's really nice to get the app in the format we request. Otherwise, we might even miss it, and you don't want that! If we say board upgrades, put it there. Don't be a smart alec and post it on personal. If we say post it to certain people, post it to them. Whatever you do, DON'T post it to "DOH LEADERS". (That goes to all of Doh, AND all clan leaders, simultaneously telling everyone who's anyone you're a moron)

Put yourself in the reader's shoes
   Think about it. Your isn't the only app. You want to stand out, yet not bore our pants off (why do you think Pooh doesn't wear pants?

This is letter I recommend.
 1)Introduce yourself
   - "I am a lvl 80 good align warrior who wishes to join Imperium."
   - "Hi, this is a lvl 60 female ranger who's really impressed with Amazonites"
   - Do NOT go "Hi, can I join your clan?". That bugs me.
 2)Let them know you've met their requirements
   - "I've read your requirements of XXX and YYY, and I've worked hard to meet them."
   - This (a)Tells us you read our page (b)solves the question of requirements.
   - Don't list out every irrevlevant bit in WHOIS.
 3)Tell them more about themselves
   - This sounds stupid, but trust me, this is where you shine.
   - "I've joined your poetry readings and I love it!"
   - "Thanks for always helping me, you really live up to your theme!"
   - Don't list generics, like, "I think you guys are great!". Duh.
 4)Say why you want to join
   - Link it with the above, if possible.
   - "I'm itching to join the best raiders on the mud now that I'm a 5-time SH"
   - "I think you guys have a great database on the web, and I'd like to add to that"
   - Try not to say you're joining only for the eq. But don't blatantly lie.
 5)Sum up
   - Round off by saying when you're online for an interview.

Your actions before joining
   Even BEFORE you apply, culture a good reputation. Be a nice newbie. I'm a helper, and I *DO* have an "idiot newbie" list, as well as a "nice newbie" list. Guess which list automatically gets my veto, and which gets an easy interview/quest?

Don't apply to more than one clan at once!
   This may sound obvious, but trust me, it has been tried more than once. Definitely not good if you're found out. And leaders DO talk (they even have their own channel!). If they find out, I'm sure every clan will know. Most not good.

Step 4: Interview

Clans are busy(lazy?) things
   The well-run clans will bother to contact you, but even sometimes they fall short. So REMIND them, but don't HARRASS them - it's a fine line. The leaders, higherups, or recruiters(if any) are good people to ask about the status of your app, but remember: bugging them is a good way to get a NO. :P

Sound knowledgeable
   Essentially consists of repeating their help file and webpage back to them. Now you see why it's so important to do Step 2 above.

Prepare answers to common questions.
   Common questions are: Tell me about yourself, why do you want to join the clan, why don't you join XXX clan, why did you quit YYY clan(don't blast them), what do you think you can do for the clan, what do you do in real life, do you have an alt (rare, but scarey).

Ask more about the clan is like
   Just because you've made it so far doesn't mean you can't change your mind about joining. Remember: to quit now is free, to unoutcast later is both expensive and relationship-ruining. It also demonstrates your interest in the clan.

Solving puzzles/tasks
   Some clans set item quests, trivia quizzes, area tours, etc. Keep your search engine, eq page, etc. open. If there's a deadline, stick to it, or politely ask for an extension. If you're going to violate rules about not getting help, at least keep it discrete.

Put yourself in our shoes
   Once again, vitally important. This may be your first interview. It isn't our first for sure. We're tired, we're bored. Impress us, FAST. Let us know the important points. Don't waffle. On the other hand, don't sound too slick. :P

Step 5: Getting in

Congrats!
   If you've made it in, congrats! Most clans don't give out all the goodies (like clan portals) to freshies these days, so don't start demanding them.

Learn the clan rules
   Some rules are common to all clans. Don't auc clan eq. Don't unlock the jail. Don't bring strangers home. Some rules are unique. Like answering clan trivia. Eq runs for the public. Helping out clannies. Learn them ALL. Unoutcast fee is $$$. Plus don't you want to get promoted?

Pay attention on the clan tour
   Most importantly, you don't want to be wandering into the clan maze. It's not good for your image. Try not to get overwhelmed, although you will be. :P

If you're rejected.
   Don't blow your top. A graceful exit leaves the door open, both to this clan, and allied clans. Find out your shortcomings and try again later, or another clan. 2nd time is always easier.


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To join or not?

Choosing a clan

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