- AlexZander
- |
- Exalted Mythic Member
I'm not that active, but never dead.
Due to some re-org during April, there was no Chapter Spotlight. However, there is a new one now!
This fourth installment of the TCC Chapter Spotlight goes to Knights of the Old Republic(KOTOR). KOTOR is still a fairly new chapter being not even one year old yet, but it has shown an amazing ability form growth and has adapted to new members very well. Based mainly on the Star Wars Universe, KOTOR is a place for Bungie.net members that also enjoy Star Wars a place to talk, discuss, and just hang out.
The Chapter is very active, with Weekly Updates by the Admins, and in-chapter caption contests, among other interesting things to do. They have some fantastic Articles ranging from Theories, to a FanFic and The History of the Sith.
We managed to contact Muno for an interview and here is what he had to say in reply to our questions:
Interviewed by: Gods Prophet
1] Could you explain a little about what KOTOR is all about?
KOTOR is about game discussion, having fun, and meeting other fans of the game. We follow the theme of the game, which is choosing your path of destiny. Our ranking system has three sides, the light side, the dark side, and the grey side. This gives the feel of the game in a sense, and most members like it. Of course this does mean less chances for promotions because each level has three different ranks. This makes it difficult to rise in rank, which seems to be a greatly desired thing these days.
2] Do you have strict rules within the chapter or are you reasonably liberal in what forum users are allowed to do/say?
Well, we give two warnings before the "seven week vacation." I'd have to say that we are strict in most cases, well, at least our version of Shishka (Noge) is. We have three different spots in which our rules can be viewed from (Link on Home Page, Forum, and Articles), so I suppose this is why we are strict. I guess it sort of depends on what happens. Don't think that we're a bunch of meanies though... we like members who read and follow rules!
3] Are you pleased with how KOTOR has turned out?
To be honest, I didn't think we would come this far. I am very pleased with how things have turned out. I really thought we'd stay small, but remain active for a long time because of our good friends in the group. We've had some very great things happen, and some things that weren't. It's a credit to the Staff of KOTOR and the members for our success.
5] Is there anyone who really helps out a lot with this chapter and its running or is this a one-man show?
KOTOR is the farthest thing from a one-man show. We only have one Full Control user, and that is Imfrikinbad. Our group is run by four Master Moderators (Noge, x Lord Revan x, Stupidi T, and myself), and three of our five Moderators (Natedogr, Halo Bug, and So_Not_Zer0.) Imfrikinbad is busy with sports, so he handed the group over to the staff while he is away. We will have our full staff team back this summer, and I cannot wait to see us all together again.
6] What makes your chapter unique to others?
The way it is managed. We only have one full control user, and that person isn‘t active right now. We manage the group with four master moderators and three moderators. We also let our members take control of some of our games and contests. I understand that some things cannot be handed over to just anyone, but each chapter is bound to have a contest or game that can be managed by their members. KOTOR is a sharing group, and it doesn't matter what your rank is, you may still help out and voice your opinion. The other thing that makes us unique is our ranking system. Three different sides to choose from makes things interesting.
7] How do you see KOTOR in the future? Anything you would like to change?
I see more activity, and a better experience for the members. I would like to get our whole staff active again. It'd be great, and our group duties would be completed much smoother.
8] Would you prefer to have activity or a high member count?
A high member count, and I will tell you why. There are two types of activity: The activity of a small group of friends, and the activity of many people who don't know each other. Both types can keep a chapter running, but the second one is what keeps things interesting and allows for growth. And it just so happens that with more members comes more activity... most of the time.
9] What advice would you give to any budding new chapter founders out there? Any tips for success?
Dedication to your group is what counts the most. If you put the effort into your chapter, it will go far. Take advantage of everything available to you, like the News and Resources especially. Make interesting Forum games, and try to make a strong base of friends who will stick with you through thick and thin. Don't be afraid to take ideas from other more successful chapters as well... it's always nice to ask the founder of that group if it's OK first though.
10] Are you secretly a Star Wars fanatic who likes to dress as a Jedi and claims to be able to use the Force?
*laughs* Oh no, I am far from that. Although, back when Episode III was released, I bought a toy lightsaber. I like Star Wars, sure, but I'm pretty far from the fanatic type. I have the movies on DVD, but don‘t watch them much, KotOR II: The Sith Lords for Xbox, and Star Wars Battlefront II for Xbox. Apart from some old Episode I memorabilia, that's as far as my Star Was collection goes.
What KOTOR has doesn't stop there though. This Chapter also has:
* A Frappr Map,
* A detailed FAQ,
* An impressive Links Page,
* Weekly Polls and contest, etc, and
* An active member base.
So, if you're a Bungie.net Member that owns any Star Wars game or enjoys the movies a lot, you might consider joining KOTOR.
May the Force be with you.
Finally, we at The Council Chambers would love to take your Chapter nominations! You can PM them to myself, just another fan, Pimp at Sea or join the Council Chambers and post them in the stickied thread.
-MAZ
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Knights of the Old Republic was choosen by members of The Council Chambers because of it's unique system of ranks, large base of active members, well organized contests and activities, its mastery of resources, and its admin team's passion for the chapter.
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Previous Spotlights:
Mjolnir Battle Tactics
Games in Action
Body Politic