I completely understand your clique concern. So far, my site hasn't had a clique problem, but I also make sure I (as founder and primary example on site) don't act cliquey either. Anyone can grab my want-ads so long as they can fill the OOC requirements (basically level of activity) that I ask for, along with stay true to the IC reqs I ask for. Other members do the same, and quite a few new members have taken on want-ads from the start. I think it's because they want that immediate connection.
With your site, it sounds like they can also form this contract via RP rather than it be enforced straight from character creation as well, and I personally find the aspect of forming a contract via RP to be interesting character development. I would also suggest to include certain behaviours being unacceptable on site, such as cliquey behaviour, threatening others, throwing tantrums, among others, so if cliques or other behavioural problems do become an issue you can PM them promptly and nip the issue in the budding stage by enforcing your rules.
Overall, I think you can largely prevent the clique issue being a prominent presence on site and constantly setting an example on the forums as well as in the chat. Talk to everyone, plot and thread with everyone, make sure you finish your threads, encourage others to do the same. If someone is looking for plots, ask what they're looking for and then set them up with another member by going "oh, maybe you should thread with X," etc. This also helps spread your members out.
I think you just need to give them options, observe, react, and guide with a gentle hand (or a firm hand when necessary). Also, a forum will never be perfect from the start, so if you find X isn't working, then make changes. You will probably make a lot of changes in the first 3 months. After that, you might have the occasional change. Give it a shot, see if it works, and if it doesn't try an alternative.
|