Finding new members is difficult, especially if you have some standards you'd like to keep, the biggest being, I think, that they are active. It was mentioned that one should check out every potential recruit on elvenstats.com, and I think that's about the best advice you can take. I did that the other day and checked out all the players not in fellowships over the span from rank 850 to 550. There were just over 40. Of those 30 were not active. The other 10 were sent msgs asking them if they were interested in a fellowship and telling them about the "not drama" and "steady play" of our members. Of the ten 2 have responded, both thanking me for my contact and saying they are content to play as they currently are doing. Thus, out of fifty potential, so far, 0 acceptances. I don't find that bad at all, I find it normal. Of the four player I have recruited in the year I've been AM, one is still with us, and of the other three, 2 have quit playing, and one decided he didn't play enough to justify occupying a spot in our fs. All three left on great terms. Replacements were found by our members more than by me, and I think that's the reason we have such a steady and reliable group.
What does all this history tell me about recruiting? First, it's a process. In most cases my recruits are the people around me or one of our members. I encourage them to consistently visit those around them and with whom they consistently trade. I believe you have to build relationships and demonstrate your own reliability and steady hand before you can expect people to join you. That takes time. Second, I think it means you have to be consistent in your treatment. Treat the people around you as you would like to be treated (I've heard that somewhere before...?? LOL) and eventually, if and when they are ready they will come. Finally, in recruiting you should always be positive. After all, a "no" today may be a "yes" next month, next quarter, or even next year, and if you end your communication (after being 'rejected') on a bad note it's unlikely they will think of you in the future.
Well, that's my advice anyway.
AJ