CLEAN
Communities

So you think you're ready to start your own clan? Is it as simple as creating a name? The answer is no. If you wish to create a long lasting clan, there are a few things you will need to line out before you even start. You have to decide first what type of a clan you are wanting to lead. Are you looking for a powerhouse clan that is nothing but high KDRs? Perhaps you just wish to make a clan where like minded players can play together. Either way this is something you'll need to decide before you even create your clan. Have you thought about age? Many clans only accept 18 year olds and older. This is a decision you must also decide before you begin. Let's did deeper into all the things needed to create and run a successful clan.

The first step you'll take is to create the name of the clan. This will be the beginning of your clan and the way it is perceived in the legit gaming community. It is important to create a name that in no way reminds players of hackers. Keep in mind that most hackers use names such as "Ikillu"or "Uwilldie." This step is not easy as there are several clans already around. Use Google to search for the name you wish to create to be sure you aren't stepping on another clans toes. Once you find your name, you can create the clan.

You have a name and now you need to take that name and create a website. Your website is the face of your clan to the world. It will make recruiting easier and make managing your clan a lot easier. Will you use free service or will you pay for a hosting solution? There are several free services that are available which work well as clan websites. A few of the popular ones are enjin, clansitemanager, gamerDNA, or Ucoz. Should you wish to build your own site you can use a good CMS solution such as Joomla or Mambo. If you use this solution you will have to find free hosting somewhere or you will have to buy hosting. Hostgator offers reasonable hosting at a cheap price which works well with all CMS solutions.

Voice communications are a very important part of a clan. Combat Arms does have voice communication but it will prove lacking when it comes to clan management. You will need something dependable and open even when not in Combat Arms. You will have several options when it comes to this. If you have a computer not in use, you could install a Teramspeak or Ventrilo server upon it, for your clan, and it wouldn't cost you anything. If you chose this option, the computer must remain on and connected to the internet at all times. If you lose power then your server goes down along with all communications for your clan. You can choose to rent a server for a small fee a month. Using this option you will guarantee that your voice server remains active at all times. If you choose this option, Gamespeak offers servers at a low cost and also offer team pay so you can allow your whole clan to help pay too.

You now have a clan with a website and a voice server. You should create a clan charter. This will be the rules that all members are required to adhere to. A few examples are, "all members must consent to random teamviews" or "members are expected to remain active in game and on your voice server and website." There are more that you can add but it depends entirely on what type of clan you wish to create. Make sure that you have your clan charter visible on your website for potential members to read. No true gamer wishes to join a clan without rules.

Your next step is recruiting. Your clan is a reflection of you. If you recruit hackers then you too will be perceived as a hacker. If you recruit childish trash talkers then you to will be a childish trash talker. You need to define what your looking for in a player. A certain age, a certain maturity level or a certain KDR level. Make sure there is a spot on your website for them to apply. I recommend having all new applicants apply on your site first. This gives you the option to speak with them on your voice server before accepting them in game.

You must decide the avenue your clan will take to remain legit. As a new leader you may not know how to teamview. You may want to have your applicants get teamviewed at the LGC until your able to complete the C.L.E.A.N. program here. Once you complete our program you should then train a trusted admin or two on how to properly teamview. This will be the beginning of random teamviews for your clan.

Anyone can create a clan but only a few can actually lead one. Be fair but be consistent. It is important to collect opinions from your members when making major clan decisions. Don't try to run the clan alone. Promote your trusted members to higher ranks within your clan and designate responsibilities to them. If your clan members don't respect you then how can you expect the legit community to do the same? To lead is defined as "to go before or with to show the way." Simply set an example and lead them.