Players' Survey~

[Furionstormrage]

1. Name?
Furionstormrage

2. How long have you been playing?
3 or 4 years, I forget when I started.

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
Small Endgame event LS, social LS.

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
I started the endgame LS because I wanted to do a few endgame things but not devote a large portion of my playtime to it. The social was created by a friend and it's a place to hang out and talk.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Endgame was formed in Nov 2007, social I have been in for about 2 years.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
1 Social that broke when the pearlholder quit.
2 Sky LS's that broke when the leader got what he wanted and quit playing.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
No, just my main and 2 mules to store armor/sell things on AH.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Limbus, Sea, Sky, Zeni NMs are our main focus right now.
We also do misc. things such as KS, ENMs, poppable NMs.
One person in the LS runs a Salvage group, one runs an Assault group.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I love it, it's very small and very laid-back. Very little drama.
The only things that I don't like are probably what most leaders don't like, having people come and go, any drama over drops, things that happen in the course of leading.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Basically we take attendance, and people create their own lists of what they're after.
We use that list and their attendance to determine lot rights.
I like the system, of course any system will have it's ups and downs, but this has worked well for us with only a few problems here and there for almost a year now.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
Leading the LS takes quite a bit of time, but I also have been Campaigning lately and I like to go after oddball NMs when I have the time.
I don't really have a goal, I just enjoy playing the game and hanging out with the people that I currently do events with.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
As in content?
I would probably say Limbus. A variety of zones to beat, good gear from Omega/Ultima, very easy to move through the zones and get some tangible rewards every time you enter.

[Natallon]

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1. Name?
Natallon

2. How long have you been playing?
Since the ps2 release, so I think about 5 years?

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
I am in an HNM LS. Also an Einherjar LS.

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
I joined the LS when is started as a salvage shell. Eventually, we started to grow and focus on small numbers but consistently doing hardcore HNMs.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
I have been in this shell for about a year.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I have. I have joined roughly five shells. The first were social. All of the shells I have been in, I have stuck with until they broke.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
I only have a coking mule.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
We consistently kill all the ground kings, wyrms, Ixion, etc. We basically do it all.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I love how we maintain small numbers, ad I really know everyone in the LS.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
We basically have a system where a player picks an item they would like to lot @1 and an item @2 and we go from there.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I am working on leveling blm to 75 and then maybe dnc. Also would like to finish out merits on my whm.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
I love the missions. They bring a story to an MMORPG and this is something not a lot of games have done successfully.

[gandorf]

1. Name?
Gandorf
2. How long have you been playing?
3-4yrs
3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
Social ls my friend made to help lower lv players.
4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
A good friend made it and I like helping people.
5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
2-3weeks I think
6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave? I been in over 20 different linkshells. I leave because they either break or I get bored of the same old thing.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not? I used to have a second account and yes they were in the same shell as me.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
My social ls we do stuff like helping ppl on missions like 5-1 lb's coffers and small stuff like that.
9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
It has a lot of nice people in it, all still at the part of the game where you play for fun and for friends. One thing I don't really like is when I have to break someones dreams and explain to them why they can't do certain job combos.
10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
My goal is to have fun and to have whm blm rdm thf war mnk all 75.
12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite part of the game right now is crafting and my linkshell. They both keep me busy and help keep your mind off things.

[Auspice]

1. Name?
Auspice

2. How long have you been playing?
Since October 30th 203

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
Endgame/HNMLS

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
My previous endgame LS broke after a few years and I was bored as hell not doing anything in game.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Been in my current HNMLS about 3 1/2 months.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I've been in 5 endgame shells. I've stayed with them until the dire end, leaving when they either broke or turned social.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
If you mean alts, I don't really have any. I'm borrowing a friend's character while he's in Iraq but I don't personally have any endgame leveled characters.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
We do everything; kings, salvage, nyzul, einherjar, dynamis, KS99s, etc

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
Honestly there isn't anything I don't like. We do events almost every day and the leadership is great.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
We don't have a point system perse; the leaders call out drops to whoever they think is deserving of the drop. The leaders talk over the drop and decide who gets to lot.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I've been working on upgrading gear and merits. I periodically change my goals in game to keep things fresh and to renew my interest after I finally reach a goal. Currently my goal is to put the last few merits I need in my Red Mage since they raised the group 2 cap then I'll work on my Corsair's merits again.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
The story and the community. Without the great storyline and the friendships to complete the various trials and obstacles there is no way I would have stuck with the game. The reason I bought it in the first place was because I love the Final Fantasy series and was interested in how an online version would work. It was my first MMO and honestly probably my last; I only play it because it's an FF game. I can't imagine running around somewhere else without red mages, chocobos, and moogles.

[Ryany]

1. Name?
Ryan

2. How long have you been playing?
4 years and 9 months

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
My own linkshell consisting of my 6 characters

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
I would have no free time in game if I joined the more skilled linkshells between work and ls events. The less hardcore linkshells are full of shitty players that wipe to stuff with a full alliance that good players can solo.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
3 months or so

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I outgrew many smaller social ones early on where I would be the high level in the linkshell and everyone would want me to get them coffers/limit breaks/etc. My first HNM LS ended up going downhill when our shellholder got banned for arguing with a JP player that camped on top of us. That linkshell ended when quality players kept leaving the linkshell because they didn't get along with the new shellholder. My other linkshells were mainly aery linkshells that had too hard of a time branching out to do other things because too many members wanted to do other things with other linkshells and just put the pearl on for the aery making it almost impossible to get anything else done.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
I have 5 other characters that I 6-box with my main character.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
I'm leveling them up right now to be able to do stuff, but I'm going to see how well I can six box mid-level hnms and maybe things such as limbus or salvage. I want to test my limits when I get all the right jobs for the task leveled.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I like having everything 100% by my schedule. I like it that I can actually work for the right jobs combinations where as in other linkshells people would be stubborn and not level the jobs that would best benefit the linkshell. I don't like that I'm limited out of doing some of the events that require more people or aren't easy enough to be 6-boxed.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Since all 6 characters are mine, all loot goes to me.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I don't have 20 75s yet, so I'm still leveling jobs. I've found multiboxing the useful jobs on another account at the same time provides more assistance than just having all the jobs on one character, so I've branched out a lot more and have 3 more 75s between 2 other accounts, and soon will have 8 75s between the 5 accounts other than my main. My goals right now would be to try to find a way to 6-box my characters through CoP Missions. I also would like to see how many of the mid-level HNMs or events I could multibox successfully at.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
I guess it could be that the game is easy enough that I can do a lot of things without having to rely on other people.

[RicheyDL]

1. Name?
Richey
2. How long have you been playing?
4-5 Years
3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
HNM
4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
Knew a few members long time, received pearl almost a year ago.
5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
About a year or so on and off
6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
Yes, About 3-4, I left Ra/Ex b/c couldn't keep up w/ all the events and they were on arab times so events were at weird times. Left PointofEvolution b/c it was pretty much a new HNM who lacked skill/jobs.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
Yes, Yes, b/c why would i be in another LS?
8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Salvage, Namis, Sea, Sky, HNM, Limbus, all of the above.
9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I like the people(most of them) and laid back atmosphere most HNMs lack.
10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Pass.
11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I level more and more. Help people out, get gear every now and then but for the most part i like to help ppl out.
12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Building relationships w/ people that can last a lifetime.
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[Ferien]

1. Name? Ferien

2. How long have you been playing? November 2003

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in? Social, Assorted endgame events

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in? Long story. Still in them because the people are awesome.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)? At least a year

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave? 3 HNM shells, 2 socials. Socials dissolved, HNM shells folded into each other until I was kicked due to the leader's incompetence.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not? Yes, and it would be if I spent enough time on it to warrant a pearl.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group? Dynamis, Sky, Sea, Limbus, Salvage, Assaults, Nyzul, Einherjar

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in? Love the people and the lack of pressure. Have gotten used to the disorganization (compared to the HNM shells I'd been in previously)

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements? Sea: points. Sky: points, hand of god. Salvage: hand of god. Dynamis: points. Nyzul: hand of god. Limbus: points, hand of god. No system is perfect, there's always a flaw or someone who's going to complain.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level? Events. Lots and lots of events. Goal is now to finally enjoy myself after the 4.5 years I've spent on this thing.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite? Social interaction. Without in-game friends or ventrilo, I'd have quit years ago. It's one of the few ways to make friends with people halfway across the world, all while sitting half-naked in my bedroom.

[Mrdude]

1. Name?
Mrdude

2. How long have you been playing?
4 years, gameplay is around 430ish hours last I checked.

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
a hnmls (eden)

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
I wanted to join eden ever since a good in game friend joined, about the same time I hit 75, the first attempt at applying I was turned down, warrior only and lack of experience. I joined 2 linkshells prior to that for endgame, one being a sky shell and the other a olde/semi retired hnmls. When the second linkshell broke I applied to eden and was accepted.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Abut a year and a half now

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I've been in 2 prior end game linkshells, Justice (sky, small events like Bomb Queen) and Unlimited Power, which at the time I joined was on its downfall, we camped some hnms but didn't do too much, great group of people though, and some close in game friends for years before I joined Unlimited Power.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
I have info for 2 of my friends characters, they play this game, but I sometimes hop on a friends character for shits and giggles, 2 boxing things like Tiamat can be fun. Both in the same linkshell as me.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Sky, Sea, ground king camps, long windowed hnm camps, salvage, just about every end game activity.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
What I like is that close friends who I've known since I started playing this game are in this linkshell, and some others who I've made good friends with. On the other hand, there is also a fair bit of "It doesn't benifit me? fuck that, afk."

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
We have tiers for each drops off hnm/sky that really matter, other small things are called on sight. Leaders call the lotters etc. While I think this works well, it also leaves some people to be easily looked over or some drops being biased.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I started doing dyna immediately after dinging 75, and I've been in an hnm shell for almost the whole time I've been at endgame.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite part of this game could be broken into 2 parts, I guess, my favorite activity to do in this game, and my favorite way to play.

I personally love tanking just about anything, I recently finished paladin and I am enjoying it a lot, I've had ninja for about 3 years now.

My favorite activity in this game is definitely salvage and assaults with a close group of friends, I've known 3 of them since I began playing, the others are also good friends.

[Kayu]

1. Name?
Kayu

2. How long have you been playing?

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
HNM all round ls
4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
endgame with an application
5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
no more than a month
6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?

yes and normally time problems but some of them drama.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
yes and yes they are in same ls why because its a mule

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
salvage, dynamis, HQ kings, long term HNM pops(tiamat, cerb Darixion sandworm etc)
einheriar meebe i miss something XD

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
no complains or likes for the moment

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
points,no its ok.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
finish it merits and gear then lvl another job and wait until SE adds new content to kill

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
beign a thf, you touch the mob you can go afk most of the times because there is a lot of meeles and you only contribute TH XD oh and also my favorite part is getting something you worked hard and you deserved.

[[Vax]]

1. Name?
Vax... Now Azron

2. How long have you been playing?
A bit over four years.

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
Sea/Limbus/Salvage - 1 shell

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
I picked it because of the mostly CoP related content. I found it by meeting an officer in a Dynamis shell I was trying out. I joined by applying on the website and getting accepted.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
I've been in it for about 8 months now.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I've been in many linkshells. The reasons for leaving were mostly the shell breaking.
I can't remember the exact #, but probably about 5~10 endgame shells and 10+ socials.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
No. My mule was going to be leveled but then I decided against it...


8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
We focus on Sea, Limbus and Bahamut mostly. A few of us dabble into salvage now and then.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I like 99% of it. The only things I don't like are for selfish reasons.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
We use points. Every monster is worth a certain # of points. T1-2 jailers give 3, jol and baha etc give more. Limbus = 1 point per run, omega/ultima worth 3. Items have a base cost depending on rarity... but if 2 people have over that price, it goes to the one with the highest. I like this system and it's been working out fine.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
Post max lv... lv another job hehe. Also focus on gearing up the max lv'd char.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
I love sea... I don't know why. The color and the mobs are just fun to me

[Katalya]

1. Name?
Katalya

2. How long have you been playing?
NA Release, almost 5 years

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
HNMls/Endgame

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
Created with a RL friend of mine after old one fell apart.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
My current one will be 1yr this Oct.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I have been in 4 other HNMls other small chat/event linkshells that I don't count. I never left 3 of them, but quit due to shitty leadership in last LS. All 4 have been pretty much from the same group of people just rotating leadership.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
Only have 1 account.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Sea/Limbus, Sky, Dynamis, Pop NMs, Salvage Occasionally.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I really like our unique Point system. There is absolutly nothing I don't like about our LS.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Our point system like I said is pretty unique. Each player gets 5 participation points for every event they attend to accumulate points to "bid" on any item their job(s) can use. Say player 1 has 125 opints and player 2 has 130 points... Bayakko's Haidate drops?! OMG player 1 can start bid at 5 ponts and player 2 can up the bid to 10. They can battle it out till one player gives up. Player 2 can bid 130 and automatically outbids player 1 and wins the item. So it is up to each player how much they value a particular item rather than the LS sacks decide like other systems. Theoretically it is possible to get a Byakko's Haidate for only 5 points if NO ONE wants to bid for it... which obviously doesn't happen with that item but you get the idea. For more details you can check out our policy here!

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I have been a 75WHM for nearly 4 years and I am one of those over achievers that wants to experience all quests/missions and event type things.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
The endless content and building while getting attached to your character. The social aspect to hang out with friends is a plus as well.

[tymora]

1. Name?
Tymora

2. How long have you been playing?
Since Feb 2003

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
HNMLS, Salvage, Dynamis, Einherjar, Mercenary LS

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
HNMLS (Caffeine) - Originally joined to do Sky pops and Kings. Expanded to do Sea and other HNMs. Nowadays, we twiddle our thumbs while doing instanced events.
Salvage (Excavators) - I made it to get my Morrigan...Mostly Caffeine people but some only joined me later.
Dynamis (Hydracorps) - Joined its original incarnation but it broke, reformed into Hydracorps since Nov 2003. To get AF2 and upgrade weapons of course.
Einherjar (Decaffeinated) - Sub-section of Caffeine to do Einherjar with some additional help
Mercenary LS (Kaboom) - Originally formed with a group of fellow BLMs. Most original members have since left. Formed to reap the benefits of KS99 back when everything was super-inflated.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Caffeine (~4 years), Salvage (1.5 years), Dynamis (Almost 5 years), Einherjar (2 months), Kaboom (4 years)

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
Can't remember. Some broke, but I never left any.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
2 crafting mules.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
HNM hunting, instanced events like Salvage and stuff and meriting.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
Relaxed - everyone has work and studies so we only do events once in a while. Perfect for a working individual. But the same plus point becomes negative when you try to organize an event...lol

Everyone in the shell has been around for a long time so people know each other well.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
A standard point system for most of my shells. Down thing about points is people hoard them, which makes it hard for newcomers to get stuff after a while.

Kaboom uses a "sell everything, distro all gil" policy. No drama there, except when someone ran off with the distro, which thankfully only happened once.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?

Gil-making for more relics. My goal is to discover the non-existent secret to HQ crafting and be THE BLM on server

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Multi-racial community (with all it's interesting racial flames). I get to practice my Japanese quite a bit. My favorite and you can't get this in any other MMO pretty much. Nightmare to coordinate time zones and language, but it is fun in its own way.

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[Dohorehn]

1. Hanzorehn (Dohorehn)

2. Since October 2003, coming up on five years.

3. A social/do everything type linkshell, and a dynamis shell.

4. I was pretty lonely for the most part, spent most of my time online solo. So, I thought maybe it'd be a good idea to get into a linkshell. I asked a friend and he got me in. The dynamis shell is strictly business, lol. Nah, just kidding they're cool too.

5. About 4 years I guess.

6. I was in a newb linkshell back on my old server, I guess I outgrew them.

7. Sometimes I dual box on my friends character, but that's pretty much it. Yeah, he's in the same LS.

8. Limbus, Nyzul Isle and other assaults... basically, just a lot of assault, lol.

9. We need some people, so we can be as bad ass as we were before.

10. Not anymore, nope. Our point system was spot on before though.

11. Mainly just chilling with friends. And my goal would be just that, chilling with friends. It's surprising how very little I care about the actual game anymore lol

12. BALLISTA. Because you get to punch people in the face.

[Jkun]

1. Name?
Jkun, JDizzle, lolpup, faggot, pedokun

2. How long have you been playing?
Since UK PC release. It came bundled with RotZ and unfinished CoP.

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
HNMLS

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
Moved from Fenrir to Fairy in order to achieve more things with a bigger LS.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
6 Months almost.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
I started off in social shell that also did Dynamis, Limbus and Sky in seperate sister shells. They broke due to leaders leaving the game in the end. Oh, and lootwhores. I then joined an HNMLS for about a year, before it broke due to drama, as always. I then joined a Sea LS where I stayed for a long time before my server switch. It was like a second family to me, but didn't do enough new events to keep me interested in the game. I still keep in touch with them through forums and vent. Nothing can break the ties I had with them.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
No. I was given my ex-gf's account, but cancelled it because I wanted to focus only on my own character. Plus doing CoP twice is fucking retarded.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Dynamis, HNM, Einherjar, Bahamut v2 are all done as one group. I lead a ZNM static, and smaller events like Salvage, Limbus, and Assaults are split into "Morning" (GMT) and "Night" (EST) runs, each with players from their respectable timezones.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
One could say I'm still new to it, 6 months isn't enough to grasp the 3 or 4 years it's been around, but I know a lot has changed since the old days. Fitting in was hard at first, but I feel like I'm part of the team now. I dislike the ocassional drama and drop decisions, but I love it when everyone throws childish bickerings out the window when something needs to be killed right there, right now.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Dedication = Drops. Turn up enough and you'll eventually get it. I love this system and it's incredibly fair to old and new members who are always nice enough to pass if you attend events as a certain job more than they. Some people like to be lootwhores, however, but that's out of my hands. If they've been there longer, in my eyes they deserve it.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I must cap all merits for that job before starting a new one. I think I have OCD. I also need to be at 43,999/44,000 or I break into cold sweats. I'd like to get WW at 100 sometime too. I'm at 88+3 atm. I've not got much else to do except get a few more pieces of gear for each job, but I believe in skill and experience being much more important than gear to "perfecting" a 75 job.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Trying to do what people say you can't do is a big driving force. It's the reason I levelled PUP, actually. I also like exploring and achieving. Little things like getting maps and titles are things that flesh out the game more than getting any piece of gear could ever do.

[ClassicRed]

1. Name?
Classicred, Classy, cat, Crassy

2. How long have you been playing?
March/May 03 (it was an M word :3)

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
Light/Social Endgame Shell - Magitek
Dynamis - SecretCowLevel
Ein - HelloSeventyFour

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
Magitek - Why: To be surounded by friends and fun. How: Friends made me do it~!
SCL - Why: AF2! How: Again with friends made me do it!
H74 - Why: Moar fun & gimme gd Zenith feet~ How: uh o.O

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Magitek - 2.5 yrs
SCL - 2 yrs
H74 - 6 mnths

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
Yes, all social mostly ~ Wanted a new 'home', think i've been in 4 total including tek

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
All in same shell ~ Cause I collect mules~

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Sky/Sea/Slavage/Bahav2/Ouryu/Cerberus/Khim/Hydra/Nyzul/ZNMs
Dynamis
Ein

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
<3 all three ~ Surrounded by friends, even done several RL meetings including 1 magitek vacation and another planed for Feb 09~!

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Magitek - No point system, Rule - dont be an idiot, most part everything works out right but human error does happen in a non point system~
SCL - Points/Dont be an idiot/works great
H74 - Points/Dont be an idiot/needs work

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
Level more jobs to 75, Merit, Missions, ENMs, BCS, Craft, Make gil!~!

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
My friends, being able to be outspoken(Im REALLY shy IRL), being able to challenge yourself with different missions/battles :3 so much to list ~ Such fun

[Eddard]

1. Name?

Eddard / Raquell

2. How long have you been playing?

December 2003

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?

Social/Mild Endgame

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?

Group of friends I met in a Linkshell last year and stuck with through thick and thin. Except Ayrlyn. Long time friend.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?

Since we left our last shell.

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?

NotToSeeTheSun- Broke, Papajohns-Disbanded/Broke, Ethereal- Left, ElementRush- Left, NoGutzNoGlory- Left, Chartreuse-Leader became a jackass and the shell ditched him, xShortBusx- Leader turned out to be a psycho then jumped server, NoGutzNoGlory- person who didnt want to be a leader decided to change that and act like a fag along with his bitchy g/f, and finally PalaceOfProphets- where I'm at today.

(I guess apocalypse but i dont have time to 100% dedicate to endgame)

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?

Raquell.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?

Limbus, Dynamis, ZNMs, Salvage, Sky and Sea farming, Nyzul (very profitable )

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?

Like everything, miss camping HNMs, Ground Kings, Wyrms from time to time. But i get over it by watching Poisoned kill them.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?

None

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?

No fucking clue. Guess i've been helping newcomers to sky/sea/endgame in general as a merc. tank.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?

Watching LOLdrama at King Vinergaroon. "OMG YOU SUNK MY SCORPION!" But seriously the drama does bring a smile to my face, other than that just killing NMs and shit with my close friends in game

[6souls]

1. Name?
- Greatgod

2. How long have you been playing?
- Since NA ps2 release, 1 1/2 months of ps2 beta before hand

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
- Social

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
- Friends

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
- Year+

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
- A few, i leave them when they break

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
- Used to have one on the Garuda server, but I didn't find it worth my time to keep it on there

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
- Missions, quests, pop NMs

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
- People I know and can converse with easily. LS dies out @ 10pm EST

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
- No

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
- Level another job

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
- Campaign, because I don't have to join merit parties

[Yuri-G]

Hi Everyone!

I'm currently doing a research on MMO in game communities (a.k.a. Linkshells) and I need to take a survey from players like you!

So if you got some time and would like to volunteer please answer the following questions, feel free to pm the answers too if replying isn't your cup of tea.

Thanks alot! Your replies would be a great help!


-Akathos of Ragnoark-

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1. Name?
Corin

2. How long have you been playing?
On and off for 2+ years

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
One, and it's a crappy social that never does anything.

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
Haha, there's a story behind this but I ain't telling. Let's just say I met some people on a website and it went from there.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
I dunno, a year and a half?

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
Maybe one or two, they were all crap. This one is crap too but slightly less so. One of them I left because "WTF" was considered swearing and you could get kicked from the linkshell for saying it, that was pretty funny.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
Not really, I only have one really good friend on FFXI, which is probably why I play so rarely. I used to know another person but ending up blowing me off completely after we met in real life (long story), and once he stopped talking to me I kinda didn't know anyone on FFXI anymore.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Umm lately they've done a Carmine Dobsonfly run, they usually do stuff like that - nothing major, just small events for ra/ex items.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
They're all friendly, but they're hardly motivated and don't do much.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Nope.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I haven't yet because I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate XPing with a passion, it's so goddamn boring and it feels like I'm throwing my time down the drain. I will get there eventually, and then I'll merit, and then I'll never XP again - I'd like to do some endgame stuff, nothing hardcore, Sky has always interested me and I'd like a Tamas ring someday. For some reason, I have absolutely no desire to do anything ToAU related except maybe Einherjar.

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Either big alliance fights or soloing. Big alliance fights because it's just a great feeling to cooperate with 18+ people all with the same goal, and know that everyone is doing their part to take down a mob no one could touch individually or even in a party.
Soloing because I play RDM and it's just plain fun totally shutting down and dominating a monster with crowd control when in a one-on-one physical fight you know that mob would wipe the floor with you. Also because it's hard to get groups for shit sometimes so it's nice to know a lot of missions and stuff I don't need to shout for because I play RDM.

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[Pergatory]

1. Name?
Pergatory

2. How long have you been playing?
5 and a half years

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in?
General endgame/social shell (does all the aspects of endgame and is a fulltime shell)

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
When my previous linkshell sputtered out of existance, I flew solo for about 3 months. I began to miss endgame content and Remedy had the most friends in it at the time so I joined.

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
Almost 2 years

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
Yes, let's see... Bloodwolves, TheCollective, CrysOfValour (which changed to Rain then Reflect), then Remedy. So four LS total. Bloodwolves I left because it was just a social shell which had no real aspirations and I outgrew it. The others I only left as they died out, I'm usually one of the last stragglers to stay in the shell.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
I do have one that was given to me which I very very rarely use. It has a pearl to Remedy, as I'm the only person who uses it.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Sky, Sea, Dynamis, Kings, Einherjar, KS99, HNMs, and various other hard-to-kill stuff.

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
I like the variety of events we do and that our players have a good general understanding of game mechanics so that our fights usually go very smoothly. I don't like that our members are arrogant and self-centered, although to their credit, it's usually only revealed through their mouthes and not their actions which is why I tolerate it.

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Yes, we use a point system that awards approximately 2 points per hour of participation. Drops are awarded based on tiers divided into 10% chunks, so if a person has 53% of the points of the 'tier leader' then they are on the same tier as anyone with 50-59%. Certain drops which are more useful to certain jobs have 'tier modifiers' which adjust peoples' tiers based on their jobs. In general, I like the system. It's very indescriminate which is the best you can hope for.

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
I've levelled two jobs (white mage and summoner) and both have been at max level for several years now. I've focused on perfecting their equipment/merits and honing my skills at effectively playing them. White mage specifically is a job that is very reactive by nature and so I often say it's a job you cannot master, only continue to learn more about. I believe strongly in specialization in this game rather than the more common versatility stance (very few people have just two jobs anymore).

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Helping people. Nothing beats helping people in this game, especially if I get to apply the equipment and skills I'm so very proud of! This game absolutely relies on the help of others, if you were to play on your own the game would move rediculously slow and so the very mechanics of the game encourage players to help each other out. That's the reason I love this game so much! Most online games reward the most clever and selfish players, while FFXI more often rewards the helpful and dedicated.

[Saithorx]

1. Name? Saithorx

2. How long have you been playing? Since November 2003

3. What kind of linkshell(s) are you currently in? Limbus/Social, HNM, Dynamis, Sea/Sky

4. Why and How did you join the linkshell(s) you are in?
-Limbus/Social: was once an HNM shell that I joined by shouting to join an HNM shell in Lower Jeuno a few years back.
-HNM: Applied on the LS website
-Dynamis: Asked a member who i saw wearing a Dynamis pearl if they were recruiting
-Sea/Sky: Knew leader from Dynamis and just asked him over ventrilo. I still made an application on the website for kicks

5. How long have you been in the linkshell(s)?
-Limbus/Social: 3+ years
-HNM: since around september 2006
-Dynamis: July 2006
Sea/Sky: February 2008

6. Have you been in other linkshells in the past? If so, How many have you joined? Why did you leave?
2
I was in an LS on my first server and left due to server switching to play FFXI with RL friend
I was in a social LS and it got to the point where I wanted to do HNMs and left the shell when I was accepted into one.

7. Do you have other characters that you play with? If so, are they in the same linkshell? Why and why not?
I have a bard that I use mostly to just PL myself and friends.

8. What are some of the things your linkshell(s) do as a whole or in a group?
Social/Limbus: Limbus/Salvage/Nyzul
HNM: HNM/Einherjar/KS99
Dynamis: Dynamis
Sea/Sky: Sea and Sky

9. What do you like and not like about the linkshell(s) you are currently in?
Knowing a majority from other shells. Camaraderie

10. Are there any rules or systems (i.e. point systems) that your linkshell(s) use? If so what are they? What are you opinions about them? Do you think it need improvements?
Social/Limbus: We use point system for limbus, but usually we just let items go to whoever it is most useful for in nyzul/salvage.
HNM: Point system
Dynamis: Point System
Sea/Sky: Point System/Bidding

11. What have you been doing after you reached the high level/max level on your character? What’s your goal in the game after max level?
Killing Big NMs, Meriting
Next goal is DRK to 75

12. What is your favorite part of the game? Why is it your favorite?
Doing things with your friends and discussing random crap on ventrilo. I remember what it was like without vent, and vent made it 10x better.