Mentors - What is expected really?

[Violet_Galaxy]

Sooo I'm pretty much on a good pace to be a mentor by the end of December as I'm only 200 some odd dungeons and 26 levels away from becoming a mentor. Now I'm already quite aware of the lore surrounding mentors but I've seen quite a few mentors that not only play very well but give solid advice as well. I'm sure I'll find my way eventually but if you are a mentor, could you spare me a few pointers ^-^

1. As a mentor, do you tend to focus on one particular area in this game or do you try to broaden your horizon? For example: Some mentors specialize in raids while some have never touched that type of content and only focus on dungeons; some even specialize solely in crafting and other non combat roles.

2 Do you tend to point out if someone is not geared properly? I ask this because I had an instance where I as politely as I could suggested that the tank get better gear after the instance we were in. Well to say he didn't "appreciate" that would be putting it rather lightly. This to be honest has been hit or miss so far and I really only pay attention to this when I roll healer.

3. Do you watch/read guides and try to somewhat "memorize" different instances so that you can better coach our lovely sprouts?

4. Are you level 70 on every job including crafting/alchemy?

I just want to be the best mentor I can be and not fall in line with the current stigma attached to that crown. Also if there is a guide or something, feel free to link that as well. Ok thanks ^-^

[Rhus]

You're going to be in for a shock when you get that crown

Also you don't need to be a mentor just because you got so may dungeons etc. Your opening reads like it's some automatic thing that happens in 200 dungeons time. Relax and go with the motions. See how you feel and do what you want to do.

[Rosentretter]

I personally don't raid, and suck at crafting, so I'm more focused on mentoring the content like dungeons, extremes, etc. I stopped pointing at people's low gear, because they seem to not like to hear the truth and the reaction is pretty bad. I just deal with it, only if they can stay alive with said gear. I don't watch or read guides. I rather learn stuff by going blind to it. The only moment I watch a video (the shortest and straight to the point possible) is when I'm kinda behind in content. When I learn the mechanics, I always try to explain them the best I can. And I have all DoW/M at 70, leveling Crafters now. In the end, you can be a Mentor without wearing the crown. That icon is just a fancy thing every player can get, not necessarily being good at the game.

[Kallistra]

1. As a mentor, do you tend to focus on one particular area in this game or do you try to broaden your horizon? For example: Some mentors specialize in raids while some have never touched that type of content and only focus on dungeons; some even specialize solely in crafting and other non combat roles.

That's completely up to you and how you want to play. It doesn't hurt to dabble in everything, but there's nothing wrong with focusing on what you like/do best.

2 Do you tend to point out if someone is not geared properly? I ask this because I had an instance where I as politely as I could suggested that the tank get better gear after the instance we were in. Well to say he didn't "appreciate" that would be putting it rather lightly. This to be honest has been hit or miss so far and I really only pay attention to this when I roll healer.

I don't really check gear unless it's effecting the run. If it's an issue, I will absolutely point it out and I will even do my best to direct them to where they can upgrade their gear. If they decide to have a fit over it, then oh well. If they don't want advice, they don't want advice. As long as you aren't passive aggressive about it, then you did nothing wrong.

3. Do you watch/read guides and try to somewhat "memorize" different instances so that you can better coach our lovely sprouts?

I only really watch guides when the content is fresh and there's a mechanic I don't understand. Everything else I have memorized through experience.

4. Are you level 70 on every job including crafting/alchemy?

No. I've only really leveled jobs that I like to play. I'd like to have my battle jobs done by 5.0, but I don't know if I'll actually do so.

I just want to be the best mentor I can be and not fall in line with the current stigma attached to that crown. Also if there is a guide or something, feel free to link that as well. Ok thanks ^-^

Just be the best you that you can be. As long as you're friendly, positive, and applying yourself as best you can, then that's all it takes to be--not just a good mentor--but a good person. That's what everyone should be striving for.

[AppleJinx]

Very very few people playing this game deserves to be a mentor imo. There are three types of mentors: pve, pvp, and crafting/gathering mentors but once you unlock mentor through meeting either the pve or the crafting requirements, you get access to all three mentor crowns beside your name for whatever reason.

Unless you are an experienced mmo player and regularly partakes in the high end content in every other mmo you played before this one, or you are the kind of player that actively do out of game research to learn things about the game and the jobs you play on, otherwise if you don't have minimum, in-depth savage raiding experience and a somewhat long raiding history (at least 3 raid tiers), you DO NOT have what it takes to be a good PvE mentor.

The reason for this is quite simple. Savage and ultimate raids are the only content in the game that pushes your understanding of the gameplay system and jobs to the limit of their capabilities. In turn, you will need to know the ins and outs of your job like the back of your hand in order to beat these content (most of the time). Once you have done this, you will know how to be efficient at playing the game, therefore, you will also know how to give out good advice to new players before they develop any bad habits on their own.

If you are actively grinding towards unlocking the mentor system, then I think you most likely do not have what it takes to give out good and effective advice to new players just yet.

[Valkyrie_Lenneth]

The expectations of a mentor really is that you will not be proficient at your job, the content, or the game, because a lot of people went after the shiny and don't actually know how to play.

For real tho, I've been playing this game since it released, and re-released. I have nearly every mechanic memorized, and the ones I don't, quickly come back. (except more recent raids, I've only touched 3 raid tiers since Heavensward released.)

I have everything at 70, but I don't claim to be proficient at every job, but I do know how the role mechanics work, and I know most of the little things in fights each role can do to make them easier.

Most people in my experience, however, do not like advice on their performance, and are happy to be carried through content oblivious to their shortcomings.

[TyrTry]

The one piece of advice is that be aware that their is a stigma towards Mentors and it is NOT unwarranted.

Many players have proven to put on the crown just for show, but in case of actual mentoring greatly lacks. That doesn't mean there aren't good mentors mind you:

1. Mentors are people too. They have a certain amount of patience, and each varies depending on the individual. Be kind, respectful, and if things still seem bad, at least you tried.

2. Mentors do not know everything. They are either still learning, new, or just rusty. But be prepared for some (a small some) of players to give you flack for failing a mechanic.

3. If you don't want to be a mentor, I suggest removing the crown. Take a break every now and then and put the crown aside. It is more than just a shiny.

4. Don't be upset when people don't take your advice. It happens more than you think. Simply saying it nicely doesn't always work either.

5. Let people try and learn on their own. If they keep failing, then give them some advice. Don't get angry, call them out, then either leave or try to kick the person (I saw a mentor do this)

For each bad mentor I've run across, I ran into a couple of good ones. Have fun and although people give it flack, the crown is rather shiny. :P

[Freyt]

Rule #1 of being a mentor is do whatever you want. It's just a symbol showing that you fulfilled some requirements and you likely at least have more than a rudimentary knowledge of the general game. You aren't expected to be anything more or less than that.

There's not really much more than that, but I can give you advice. Just don't make a big deal of it. You aren't a big shot just because of the crown, and you shouldn't act like you're special. Most players like to tackle the game without too much outside input, letting the game present itself to them as they go along. Let people make mistakes. Let people screw up. Don't make a big deal out of it. Let people learn on their own, and if it seems to you that a player might not learn on their own, or may appreciate your advice, then that's when I would suggest providing your input.

I can't tell you how many healers I've had that didn't do any damage for the entire dungeon, and guess what I did about it? Nothing. When I was a fresh healer in 2.0 I barely did any damage either. Unless it's a problem, which it usually isn't, then I'm content with the result even though it takes more time. Especially with the introduction of level and story skips, more players than ever are doing higher end content without having a proper understanding of what it is they should be doing, but the best way for them to learn is from experience, and not someone bickering at them. At the very least, whatever you do, try to be as nice as you can about it. It's just more advice, but I think it'll get you farther with much less stress otherwise.

I keep the mentor crown on basically at all times. On Gilgamesh there haven't been many new players for a long time, so I haven't had much to utilize it with outside of instances, but it's always there to let people know that I may have answers to any questions they may have. It's not something you have to actively use, and I really wouldn't suggest thinking of it in that way.

Rule #2, pretend the Novice Network doesn't exist. It's hot garbage. Stay far the hell away from it regardless of what server you're on.

[Alestorm]

I don't really PvP, am a noob at crafting, and don't raid. I will always be up to offer some advice to new players, help speed up their queue times so they can progress whenever I can, and just be friendly to everyone in the NN.

[Kurando]

Nothing changes just because you have a Mentor crown, if you decide to help people or give them tips then do that, but don't think your obliged to because of having that status. Some of the most friendly players aren't Mentors or don't have their crown active so it goes to show how overrated it has become. Like others have mentioned, just be yourself and treat others as you would treat yourself and you'll be fine.