I'm awake already!

Seriously, though, people keep saying our Guild system is "socialist". I'd argue that it is not. What it really is comes from the Technology Industry of Capitalist countries: A Startup Company.

Think about it.

1. We all get paid a minimal amount to get by with huge bonuses when we do well. Example: Everyone has an amount of money we keep them up on depending on their duties just like people in a startup get paid different amounts depending on their job. Further Example: When I went through the whole Quest of Tears, and got 10million gold for the Guild, I got a bonus that Semp bought and gave me as a gift.

2. When the company (Guild) does well overall, we all get more pay. Example: Look at the way we have been working our way through flutes and eggs so each member of the guild will be getting more armour and weapons. When the Guild has done well (more money) we use it to buy more eggs and flutes and then we turn those into parts and the parts are given to members so all members benefit.

3. Startup companies frequently have a driven, aggressive CEO who has a strong vision of where it is going and how to achieve this in an ethical, productive manner. Example: Duh! Semphere...;-)

4. New Startup Companies usually have unorthodox methods in which all members of the company jump in and help however they can to insure that the task gets done regardless of their standing in the company. Example: The way all our members chip in and do a lot of mining/harvesting/absorbing in order to satisfy our needs for raw materials. I haven't heard of another guild where the whole guild will go into harvest mode to satisfy a need.

5. Successful companies have cross training programs to bring all employees up in skills and abilities. Example: The way Semphere helps power level people or the way Melanne will help SP farming.

So, yes, next time someone calls us Socialists, think about it. We're actually a Capitalist Startup with an eye toward creating a niche market for ourselves! ... ;-)