Captain's Log: Building a successful fleet
Captain's Log, Stardate 65093.1...
Hello, computer (and players)! In the Star Trek Online universe, fleets are the foundation that ensures ones' in-game (and even out-of-game) experience is one that is active, social, and fulfilling. Whether you enjoy PvP, Special Task Forces, role play, or a combo of all the above, there should be a fleet out there for you to call home. But, what do you do if you can not find one that suits your warp core? Well, you start your own! That's right! Gather your friends (or make new ones), visit the fleet contact on Earth Space Dock, think up a clever name, and click that "create" button.
Okay, okay — I make it sound a lot easier than it actually is. Building a fleet takes a lot of work, time and dedication, but is possible with the right spirit at the helm. Then, just when you have it built, successfully running it becomes an even bigger challenge. During this week's Captain's Log, I am going to take you on a tour of duty as we explore a possible structuring to your future fleet. Based off of one of the most successful fleets in-game, Stonewall Fleet, which has had over 1,400 members sign-up for membership, let's take a look at the roles they have in place to make it all happen.
Ensign, warp 10! Let's help our readers create the perfect structure to their fleet...
Fleet Admiral
The Fleet Admiral, as you can guess, plays the most important role in the entire Admiralty — they set the pace of the group, delegate tasks, communicate the vision, and are ultimately responsible for everything that goes on in the fleet. To be a successful Fleet Admiral, this person must be strong in character, interpersonal skills, talent development, leadership, and motivation. It is important to note that this role is not for everyone — even if you are the "founder" of the fleet, you may not be the best person to take on this position. While it may be hard to give up the reins, it is sometimes necessary if you want a successful group.
We caught up with Nick Swinford, Fleet Admiral of Stonewall Fleet, for some words of wisdom on what the position means to him:
Leading a guild isn't about the position or the power; it's about laying the seeds of a community, nurturing them and helping them grow. Too may people start guilds for the sake of running one, not for the desire to serve others. To be successful at starting a guild and running it, it needs to be a selfless act for there will be many thankless nights of work, worry and stress. Though, in the end, watching your community bare fruit will make it all worth it.
Boldly going where no one has gone before, Brandon Felczer transmits Captain's Log through Subspace right to your PADD every Thursday. Join him as he discusses the latest news, gossip, and dev interviews about Star Trek Online. Hailing frequencies are always open to his bridge through brandon@massively.com.
