One of the issues with running either a W-space corp or a division of a corp with W-space assets is “when do we move onto greater things?”
Granted, as your W-space inhabitants gain more confidence in running sites, they will naturally always want more. You have that natural progression from C1 –> C6 that goes with time. While my original decision to inhabit a C4-C2 may have been a contentious one, in effect it serves as a training ground for my men. C2’s are easily soloable when not enough people are online. Then we figured out we can effectively though slowly grind out C4 sites with an ECM battleship backed by a DPS battleship. Well, that sort of messes up the 3-4 man RR gang it typically takes to efficiently rock a C4. With that ECM battleship, we’re able to take out effectively 50% or more of the Sleeper DPS, making even those tough C4 sites easy peasy.
So where do we go from here?
There are a few things I have in mind that will allow us to continue to live in the current system, whilst recruiting more W-space members, beefing up security, and saving up ISK for a proper move to a C5/6 (meaning at least 2 faction towers). One of the benefits of having Directorship in a multi-national corp is the global footing of the corp. We always have people online. Some TZ’s might not have as many people, but there are always people to banter about stupid shit with, distraction allowing. Per our corp setup, trust is a major issue. Taking lessons from the old null-sec alliances I used to serve out my early EvE career in from 2004-2009, divisions, partitions, and trust management is a huge thing. Who do we trust with tower manager roles? Who do we trust period with being able to access tower arrays? Faulty logic and thinking in most carebear corps, and even large alliances have allowed discontented people to initiate large corp heists before leaving. The divisions and partitional nature allows us to fine tune the trust management, but at the same time, it removes many potential members from more “secure” projects that involve a ton of ISK. So the strength build-up is slow, but necessary.
Now, with ~25 members manning our Project Valhalla, there are some things I feel that needs focus on:
01.) Increased PvP patrols; i.e. gank everything that is alive, sending them back into the clone vat, questions asked later
02.) Accept the C2/3/4 grind to generate ISK for future W-space endeavors
03.) Utilize the nature of W-space to raid null-sec for some more PvP fun
04.) Increase our science abilities
05.) Make sure more pilots are capital ship capable; this means dread, carrier, Orca, Rorqual pilots
All in all, my pilots have been more than gracious. Granted as a leader, I provide and encourage a lot of leeway. I believe in the school of thought that pushes for a firm hand, understanding, fun, but also sternness in reaching for our goals.
We continue to evaluate our risks. Once you pass the 60% mark on surety, it’s probably a good bet to throw everything you have got at the situation. This goes for PvP, PvE, market stuff, all that good shit.