After reading about some issues other guardians have had forming fireteams and running raids (as well as my own experiences), I felt the need to start a discussion on raid/fireteam etiquette. If I miss something, my apologies, I will add more when I get the chance.
#1 Honor any and all commitments made, be it the starting time for the raid, composition of the fireteam, and/or decisions on stopping points and when to resume, if needed. Don't screw someone out of a slot they were promised, don't take an impromptu hour break, don't screw around if others don't have as much time, and don't be late if at all possible. Keep. Your. Word.
#2 Nobody is perfect, neither you nor the new guy that had instructions regurgitated into the mic by three different people. Talk one at a time, be understanding, and don't be an asshat. Putting someone down, death threats, and refusal to cooperate are NOT ok!
#3 Do not eat in the mic. Do not open bags. Do not gulp drinks like you just survived a week in the Sahara. Do not play your crappy music. If something is currently or about to make an unpleasant sound, mute or unplug. On the otherhand, don't be an ass and mute someone for being a "squeaker" or having a mic that isn't absolutely perfect. Don't be that guy (or gal).
#4 Patience and Time. Don't rush for a chest and screw someone out of rewards. Wait and help those that are taking a bit longer. How can someone learn a platform puzzle if you never help or let them ? Things take time. Respect everyone's time allotments. Take your time, if needed, but always move forward.
#5 Recognize everyone's strengths and weaknesses with respect and dignity. This not only is the nice thing to do, but also smart, as it helps in forming strategies and deciding who does what.
#6 Communication is key... 'nuff said.
#7 Guardians are people, too. Things come up that change plans and that's ok. However, it's not ok to treat your fellow guardians as stepping stones to the next rank or level; they're not a means to an end. If you have a close-knit group, honor that, but if everyone agrees you're all free agents to raid with whom and when they please, that's fine, too. Use the Golden Rule.
#8 Try to keep chat relevant to the task at hand, but also don't be a total stick in the mud and never have friendly small-talk. Chatting with a roommate the entire time or joining party chat to yell about what just happened in the crucible match you're in is a party foul. Also, don't randomly join in on a friend's chat when it's obvious they're in a full fireteam raiding - that's what texting and private messages are for.
#9 This applies to real life, as well, but keep in mind that every time you help a fellow guardian, aside from it being the nice thing to do, it also helps you out in the long-run. It's better to build bridges instead of burning them...
That's it for now and thanks for reading that long-winded mess lol. Good luck and I hope this helps at least a few guardians out there.
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Totally agree!