I'll give you an example. When I first started Planeshift, I was new, foreign and generally looked down upon as being a total noob. But, I happened to go to one of the guild members and ask if he had any spare change to help me buy an rock pick to start my mining career. He responded by giving me 1000 tria and asking nothing in return. I thanked him, bought the pick, and started my life. I might add that there was no recruiting on his part.
A few days later, I was searching around for a guild, and I believe I told a few people. The same previous player sent me a /tell asking if I would be interested in their guild. When he described it and its general atmosphere, I decided to join. When I first entered the guild chat, I was welcomed by at least 15 players. I proceeded to ask many dumb questions about the game (for I am a noob as you may remember
). They answered them all as they were able and didn't flame me at all.
I was impressed by the guild when I first joined it and still am. Even the guild leader was kind enough to answer questions that I had.
Success may not be shown in numbers, but it is shown through stories like mine. And I'm not the only one. As Odisseo said, just ask my fellow guild members. I'm sure they all have a story similar to mine.
Valoram Kryton
PS. If you see me in game, feel free to stop and talk or just say hi