FFXilicious

It’s true - getting a successful linkshell going is no easy task. While it at first may seem to be going well, it can all just crumble up before your eyes. Here’s just a few ways you can keep yours going strong.

1. Pick a good name

A good name is essential. Would you want to join a linkshell with a stupid name, or a cool, bad ass name? Make sure your name has originality and creativeness, don’t name your linkshell something you saw on another server or in another game. Also, try to make the name of your linkshell represent what you’re about. You’ll always see big shells for endgame events named after those events. For example, you could name a shell simply “Assault”. It’s straight and to the point (but will most likely be taken).

2. Get some friends to help out

Starting a linkshell on your own, with no help to start it off, can be a daunting task. You should find some friends who wouldn’t mind joining - at least for a short while - and have them join to increase the starting member base and community. No one wants to join a linkshell that has one member in it, and that member is the owner of the linkshell. People will be much inclined to stay in the linkshell, and come onto it more, if it’s active right from the get-go.

3. Recruit wisely

Now that you’ve given your linkshell a good name, and gotten some friends to join (if you have friends), then you’re ready to start recruiting more people. This can be really easy, or really hard. Generally if you’re starting an HNMLS or other end-game event LS, getting members won’t be too hard. Getting members for a social LS can be very difficult though, as a lot of people use their HNMLS as a social LS, or already have another LS for socializing. New players generally don’t have a social LS, recruit in the starting nations.

4. Get a website set up

While this isn’t too important for social linkshells, it can help out in the case of an HNMLS and social LS. For HNMLS’s, a website is vital, as it is your main center for organizing and planning events. For social linkshells, it can be another place for your members to chat and schedule their own events. If you can’t or don’t want to set a website, you should at least check out the FFXI Linkshell Community.

5. Establish a set of rules

Whether your LS is social or event, you’ll need a set of rules to keep your members in line. If people are confused about a rule, getting a solid set of rules set up will get rid of any confusion, and you won’t have to deal with problems as much. For an HNMLS, a set of rules is vital, as they dictate all your guidelines for things such as lotting and attendance. Make sure your rules are clear, simple, and not too strict.

While there’s more to setting up an LS than what I’ve listed above, it’s a good start. If you’re going to start an LS, be prepared for trouble and frustration, especially if you’re going to make an HNMLS, as they generally die off within a few weeks. The last piece of advice I can give you - is to be dedicated.