There are some concepts that apply so very well to the nature of clans that its success can not be rivaled. A medals and awards program is that concept. This program can create an enormous ideal of pride in a team, it can encourage member activity, and can provide the pat on the back that makes members loyal. This is a program that can be set in place regardless of the game you play, the size of your team, or the nature of your clan. Here is how this works…

Basic Concept:

The idea is to award members with medals, ribbons, and awards for any set of standards you choose. Medals can be given for game performance, help with clan functions, donations, or longevity. The actual merits for the awards are completely customizable as well as the amount of awards or number of them.

This is a few of the awards I had made for previous ventures.

Specifics:

As you can see from above, the exact medal or award should be focused on what you want to achieve in your team, but you do not have to make images yourself; there are plenty of images out there that are actual military medals and ribbons. You can use anything you like, the only rule is to create as much of a sense of accomplishment in the bearer as possible.

You not only want to reward your member for a job well done, but you also want to ensure your standard for receiving the award is high enough that that person feels like they have accomplished something special.

Program Abuse:

Nothing will kill this idea faster than dishing out medals like virtual candy, or making each reward so hard to achieve it is impossible. Additionally, if the clan leader has all or most of them with no effort you will sabotage the program before it ever gets started. It is up to you to understand that a program like this works best with honesty and reserve.

Display of Awards:

This program does have some dependency on display, and you should make every effort to place a members earned awards with the profile on site/forum of your member. It is also necessary to provide a detailed list of requirements for each medal or award and be upfront and true to that description. I would suggest placing this list on the site for all to see, as well as on the forum. Let your guests imagine themselves earning these awards, your recruiting team will thank you for it.

The complexity of this program is up to you, but you should be able to see a step-ladder effect in that there are some awards that are pretty easy to get, some a bit harder, and more still that are very special. Let your needs and imagination govern what you want to provide your members.

- Hedge

© 2009 tribehaven