A channel isn't being used because it'd open us up to abuse (ie, people could join and just soak whether they are available to play or not, and I'd have to constantly deal with autojoins to the channel etc). That's why everyone is required to reach the RAID NPC, as indicated in the MOTD. Then follow the same procedures for requesting a raid invite etc.
In addition however, I'd recommend players create a GTT for the
MOTD: call. That way it'll alert when the next target is called, and the player can move to the related NPC etc.
Also, I use the following /raidsay call once groups are formed and anyone left in Group 0 (ie, not in a group, but in the raid) is part of the bench:
Groups formed -- Bench players in group 0 please drop raid so we can get DZ -- Watch for channel announce for spot(s) or next target call.'
One could make a trigger for "
Groups formed -- Bench players" portion for example, and then if they are in Group 0, they know to drop the raid at that point.
Bench details are covered in the
Freelance Loot System sticky post in the Upcoming Events & Strategy area:
Raid Bench
A Raid Bench is established if/when we experience an influx of players who wish to participate in our raids, but due to raid instance limitations, we reach capacity. Any extra player(s) make(s) up the Raid Bench.
Players on the raid bench are still subject to FL minimum requirements et al.
Raid Bench Procedure
On raid gather call and/or between raid targets, a Bench Invite call is made. Players who wish to participate in the raid must be at the indicated NPC and request an invite via the normal /tell procedure.
A related /raidsay call is made when bench swaps are completed. Any player(s) in Group 0 (zero), are part of the Raid Bench for that target. As the /raidsay call suggests, the player(s) will drop the raid so that an Instance/DZ can be obtained.
Raid Bench Selections
Please understand, that due to time constraints; no explanation will be given to player(s) who end up on the Raid Bench for any given target. Benched players may be swapped/selected according to one or more of the following criteria
- Flags - Player(s) in need of x flag for y event.
- Attendance - Player(s) present at one raid may be alternated out the next to allow a greater number of participants.
- Class(es) to Event/Setup demand - Player(s) exchanged for one or more class in need for the given events success.