First let us define the responsibilities of an elder. An elder is expected to represent the guild in what they do and how they act. Furthermore, they get to make the tough decisions, taking the blame when something goes wrong and praising others when they go right. (Doesn't sound fun? Then you might want to re-think this) Basically what being an elder is about is serving the guild. You are responsible, do your job right and your guild will prosper and outlive you, do it wrong and it'll die a horrible death at the hands of attrition, strife, and thousands of other things that can go wrong.
Currently what I do (and feel free to define your own style) is keep an eye out for how the guild is doing, are people wanting to be part of this group? Or are we losing people, what does it take to motivate members? What are our needs? I am constantly asking these questions and working to correct small erroneous directions we are headed.
Get to know members, what they do, how they play. Encourage them. Provide for them.
Currently those who are allowed to interview for admission is Kir, Kemisi and I. If we are falling behind on this feel free to use the cattle prod and we will discuss with you one on one that process. The interview is very important. RARELY has anyone ever been forced to leave Bubastis and that's because we are very selective with who we let in.
That is not to say that there is nothing you can do with the member lists . . . if you think there are promotions needed . . . talk to other elders if you can and do them. Go over the member list periodically and expunge quit or expired players (use your judgement, that's why you are an elder, we trust your judgement)
(Kir nods. If there is time, talk things thru with others, Elders or just other people, but if something needs to be done right now, use your judgement, that IS why you are Elder instead of Patriarch, because not everything can or should go to a vote.)
Build what we need, tear down what we don't (I personally try and keep the clutter to a minimum but it's hard sometimes)
If we can make it public without many ill effects do so.
Permissions . . . public what we can . . . initiate what should be a little more controlled . . . member things that people can hurt (for example killing the last camel) . . . project chests and other higher security items should be Kinsman . . . only things eldered will be the elder chest.
We have few rules, but if chat is getting out of hand (this RARELY happens) Please inform those involved to take it elsewhere. If it becomes extremely personal use your judgement, it's a fine line between enforcing our few rules and driving people away because we are being heavy handed . . . err on the side of letting people do what they want, that's what we are about. EXCEPT: Racist or Sexist slang/etc. This is one thing we wont tolerate. Make that clear and do what needs to be done.
(Kir nods. Hopefully you would want to speak out now anyway, either on channel or off, being Elder just gives it some weight, as does being right.)
(Kir nods. Also, try hard not to judge newcomers based on their names, even KombatMonkeyOne could become a dear friend. Remember it was just a free download, they didn't know what they were getting into.)
As far as ranks, initiates are new players and trials, if they have passed an init or two and are paid, move to member. Only other rank besides Elder is Kinsman and that's reserved for Mentors. (also I have written up a Mentoring Guide for mentors, new and old - Rhyddereh)