Right here is the reason I started this site. In my short travels in and about the D3 community I found a lot of discussion concerning newbies. How to treat them, talk to them, work with them, help them stay in the community. Very commendable ideas that I'm sure will be continued. However, nowhere did I find anything about organizing them. It seemed we would always be alone and isolated in a community where there exists a lot of organization. Hey, there are numerous clans out there, but what newbie has a chance of being accepted into a clan? One of my first good encounters was with a member of the [Von] clan. He helped me at a time when I was very close to hitting that uninstall button. I will always be grateful to [Von]Elvis and he will forever top my list of those who have helped me. I communicated this to the Von website and they acknowledged him by posting it on their news board. I think all the clans share this type of attitude. I know of no rogue clan at this time. Should I find any, you will be advised. But sorry, I ramble. Let me get back to the point.

I have formed Team [NuB], a place where we can come to communicate, practice and fight. You'll notice I call it a Team, not a Clan. I don't necessarily want you to stay. I want to see you become good enough to either be invited to join a clan or stay independent. But good enough to no longer be called a newbie. Funny, I wrote that back in December of 2000. My, how things have changed. We have grown, evolved, prospered and earned a reputation in the community to where some don't want to leave. They're proud to be [NuB]s.

The requirements for membership are simple. EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO APPLY. However, there are some requirements that must be met. I'll outline them below. The team is organized in Flight Squadrons, each with it's own Squadron Leader whose job it is to set up training and practice sessions. We pretty much do our own training, although we do get guest trainers to work with us from time to time. You won't have to worry about flying with a bunch of n00bs. We have some very good pilots on this team and many of them fly the [NuB2] tag. [NuB2] denotes a pilot who has demonstrated a commitment to the team that goes above and beyond the average. Not all can carry the tag as it requires a greater involvement in the team and community than some can give. You see, it's not just handed out. It has to be earned.

Another advantage to joining is that with the [NuB] tag in front of your name you will be immediately identified in chat. This just might lead to an invitation for some one-on-one training. Now wouldn't that be cool? Not having to hop around levels asking for some? You're also assured that, when flying with us, you're among friends. No one is going to try and take advantage of you. There are no "newbie hunters" on our team. Keep in mind, however, that our main objective is learning. And no one learns to get better in this game by flying others with equal skills. You have to fly better pilots and take your lumps. Of course we're here to train and help you, but when we fly open games, it's every man for himself. So don't start whining that you're being beat up on. It's going to happen.

Of course there's a down side to carrying that handle too. It can lead to some of those "not-so-nice" people taking advantage of you. But that doesn't happen too often. We usually fly on Shiva's SOD server that allows administration rights. I just love that ban button. Or sometimes we gang up on the clown. Makes for some good team flying practice. We also have a couple of team servers run by members and I'm looking into setting up a system of dedicated servers for the team. Ok, enough of my rambling. You want to join. GREAT! Here are the requirements for applying I spoke of earlier.

When you click on the "Join" button you will find a form to fill out giving us some basic information. All fields are required. You are also required to take a little test to make sure you have read and understand what this team is about and how we expect you to behave. Upon receipt of your application you will be instructed to meet us in the chat Rookie Area. From there you will be taken for a checkout flight so that we can assess your flying skills. I suggest you become familiar with the Stadium level. Once evaluated, you will be contacted regarding your status with the team. If accepted, you will go through a two week Team Trial during which time you will be required to read and study certain material. (Hmmm, sounds just like school, doesn't it?) It will also be mandatory for you to fly in games with the team. At this time you will be assigned a Wingman who will be your personal link to the team and community. It's the Wingman's job to see that you get up to speed as quickly and easily as possible. During this period you will fly with the [NuB-T] designation.

At the end of the trial period you will again be evaluated by all team officers and assigned to a squadron. At this time you will be allowed to remove the "T" from your tag as you are now a full member. If you feel this sounds too rigorous just try joining some of the clans.

Note: Prior to this point everything I've said about ethics, conduct, etc. has been pretty much general rules of behavior that I feel should be followed by anyone playing this game. However, please be advised that this team flys under a strict code of conduct. The use of profanity or vulgarity in chat, games, taunts, forums, etc. will not be tolerated. This also applies to flaming or fighting. If you have an issue with another individual take it up by private message in chat or by e-mail. Type and spawn killing or the use of hacks in a game will also be grounds for immediate dismissal. In short, any behavior that discredits the team will be dealt with in short order.

One last thing. This team is all about participation. We are very active in the community in the forums, games and match play. While our main objective is to help those of you who are new to the game, we are not about to carry a roster of people who only come around once a month or so. About every 90 days I review the roster and, based on input from my Squadron Leaders, I cut those members who are not active enough. Now, I realize everyone has a real life to lead and that D3 is just a game, but Team [NuB] thrives and prospers on actve members. It's those kind of members who have earned us the reputation we so proudly carry.

So, the bottom line is it's my team and I make the rules. If you feel you can live with that, please join us.

Click the "Join NuB" Button to go to the join page, send your request from your browser.