The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

I understand that the title had a very lycanthropic feel to it but feel free to contort that to fit your own persona and preference.
Most every person on the planet seeks a group of like minded individuals with which to bond, socialize, support and rely on, the questions i have for each of you are 1. Does having that tight knit group limit your potential for personal growth? 2. Is it truly possible for a group such as the forementioned one to function without an alpha or leader? 3. are the failures of the individual reflective upon the pack or group, or is that something to be dealt with on a case by case basis? and 4. Does it make one weaker to want to belong to a group, pack, or coven?

I used to run with a couple close knit groups(more like a group and a sub-group within that group that broke away from the group), no particular distinction but we were a family of sorts. Now to answer your questions. 1. Sometimes, really depends on the people within the group but as a hard-line characteristic of tight knit groups, no. 2. Yes it is possible. 3. I tend to lean towards case by case, however one thing to keep in mind. Doesn't matter how close you are to each other at some point you will be let down. 4. No, I do not think it makes one weaker.

1. My friends seem to limit my growth only slightly as it is interpreted in this situation. 2. One word, Bolsheviks. Everything went to a vote and whatever that majority was, that was what happened. The majority on the matter were the leaders, that could be one way of interpreting it. 3. It is a case by case basis, one's weakness and or wrongdoing/ failure does not and should not reflect upon the pack/coven/group unless another member from that group was involved in the "failure." 4. It does not make one weaker for one to want to belong to a particular pack or coven or group, unless they don't care which one they join. Its all about standards, and when you don't care about what group you join, you're setting your standards low. Choose a certain group you want to be with based on their successes and failures and set your personal standards to match their standards. My friends may limit my growth, but they make me much stronger. One of my friends, I would do anything to protect her, despite the fact that she has a boyfriend.

I Love the feedback i've received thus far, this is exactly what i was looking for. I suppose that my overall purpose with this particular thread was to force anyone who makes a reply to make a more detailed analysis of the group and or pack mentality and how it applies to each and every one of us, please keep them coming i'd love to hear from others keep in mind i will probably document some of these responses for my personal studies.

I've hung with young scientists, bikers, goths.. etc.

they all seek acceptance from their peers.

Me? I took enough from each, to become who I am.

I have a pack. Yes they are important to me. I'd die for them. I think they have helped form who I am. The weak of the pack are lifted up to make stronger and help them gain respect. The strong become stronger as to push forward and protect. The alpha is needed to bring order and discipline the alpha or leader is like the god or goddess of the pack. Their word is final and will always be followed so as to help the pack as a whole.

1. Does having that tight knit group limit your potential for personal growth?

It depends on the group. If they encourage growth and empowerment, than no, you wont be limited. If they are oppressive and discourage free thinking, then yes. Your personal growth will suffer. This is where having a mind of your own really counts. To be able to tell the difference.

2. Is it truly possible for a group such as the forementioned one to function without an alpha or leader?

Not really. People need direction or an agreed motivation.

3. are the failures of the individual reflective upon the pack or group, or is that something to be dealt with on a case by case basis?

I think some of it is a case by case thing. But its very common for one person to create a reflective image of the entire group. When that happens, it is up to the group to prove society wrong and to show outsiders that not ALL in the group think or act the same way as the offender.

4. Does it make one weaker to want to belong to a group, pack, or coven?

It depends on why they want to join. If they want to join because of what the group can give them, then yes. If they join because of what they can bring to the group, then no.

Only tight knit group I've ever been in was my family as a child and they weren't very good people. Without their "leader" they were just as mean and nasty as ever and did nothing to help each other really. Sure if one got in trouble elsewhere with someone else they all stood up but other than that they'd do anything to get ahead if it meant stepping on each other. I've always wanted to be a part of a family that loved me. I don't have any such close group to be a part of and even though I want it I don't think I ever could. Too many personalities clashing, fights breaking out, no secrets, everyone shares in the drama and you end up hearing stuff you want no part of. It's just not for me. Some can be good, I guess, but I haven't seen it. Even the good groups end up full of nothing but bullies that rally together to pick on one person when they offend someone in the group. It takes away the fair fighting and apparent ability to handle your own fights. I want to depend on myself, not some group. And I don't want some group to have to depend on me or get pissed when I won't stand up for them because my views don't match theirs exactly. I like my independence. I don't think wanting to belong to a group makes others weak though. We're very social creatures so it's only natural that people would want to belong to something bigger than themselves.

me myself and i... ever since i can remember i never stayed with one group. i sir am a nomad i will jump between groups... no not a poser but more like everyone likes being around me aand i cherish that so much that i am friends with anyone and everything until they break my trust then they are dead to me. so im not disagreeing with pack mentalitty but i am saying i must have a big outlook on my pack cuz i feel like i understand everyone and i know where they come from.

Limiting changing growing. It cant happen alone. To fight whether it be enemy or friend what we learn wouldn't have happened without that second party.