Printable View
The mentor system is working just as it should be. New people asking for help in the Novice Network get help all the time. I've see plenty of "thank you" and "I'm glad the mentor system exist" in the chat. After SE did away with the auto join of the Novice Network it became more friendly and people talk about all kinds of things. The mentors that sit in the network help everyone out even mentors that have questions get help. So its working as it should.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greydor
Honestly, any kind of reward is just asking for people to flock to it for the prize. Sure some mentors really wish to help people but a vast majority of them are just in it for the reward and have zero interest in helping others. I don't know if its possible but it wouldn't shock me if some would be willing (or have attempted) to kick the newbie as well.
I will admit the Mentor system could use a touch-up and improve on certain aspects. I've also had people join the Novice Network: Mentor and New Adventurer alike just to troll the chat and be a nuisance. While it isn't the WORST system, it could use work. I've seen people get helped pretty often from mentors despite a bit of drama every now and then.
Problem also is, if a Mentor kicks someone (According to a GM because I had a friend talk to one) there's nothing that they can do unless the player that got kicked submits a report and makes a complaint.
So all that nonsense about GMs monitoring kicks? Seems pretty moot especially since they don't plan to do anything in an abusive kick situation unless the kicked player reports it.
They don't seem to care if anyone else reported it, just the one person affected. Did this revoke them of their mentor status? Of course not. Some mentors I feel need to be re-evaluated and if they don't live up to their position of being nice and helpful, they can't be a mentor anymore.
When they tell me to do 2000 mentor roulletes how should I feel?
I knew this was going to fail before it even went live the moment they announced the requirements to become a mentor. It is far too low and all they created is another way to stroke your epeen. Personally if you want to help someone then you shouldn't need a title or icon to do it. It's one of the reasons I'm not a mentor.
The system cannot account for personality traits. The commendation system is the best approximation for eliminating bad people, but even then it's not the best filter. The sad truth is that not all of us are cut out to be teachers. I am working on my Ph.D., and while I've set myself down the research path, I have 6 years experience working in a children's museum, and TA experience that I did for free as an MA for the love of teaching. Some of my peers, on the other hand, are very vocal about how teaching and dealing with undergrads is a complete waste of their time, and that they resent the requirement to do so.
The fact is, many people in the position to help and educate are not cut out for it. Many mentors end up being trail blazers (First to beat a raid), like dedicated researchers, and some people are dedicated teachers. Few of us have the ability to do both. Plus, you have to realize that there are just a lot of shitty people out there, and they tend to be noticed. When you have a negative experience, you on average tell about 10 people, while when you have a positive one, you tell about 3 people.
In my personal experience, having never done Mentor Roulette, I have seen hundreds of mentors, 90% of them are silent, 80% of that 90% do not know how to play their job. The last 10% speak, 7% of that 10% are jerks or bullies. So I'd say about 5-10 mentors tops of the 100s actually mentor people. Seems like, at least in NA, people just want a cool crown by their name & to feel superior over others. Silly humans.
In my personal experience, a mentor should be able to do exactly what their title means...mentoring. At the same time, many have different ways to teach and some won't always be as nice as others. At the same time, I believe they should be able to assist where a newbie might /need/ it. I don't think it would be right if they simply spoon-fed a player everything (In the long run, that'll just spoil them when they get closer to end game) but they should be able to help point someone in the right direction when said lost player requests help. If a mentor isn't completely perfect at what they do however, don't peg them too much. They're only human.
That Crown by a player's name is like a sign for the newbies that if they require guidance, there's someone to help and all they need to do is ask. At least that's how I see it.
....Also my apologies if I might sound like I'm being condescending possibly. >_< I don't mean for it to be that way.
A good point was made in that Mentors are only human too.
There is, in fact, a weight that comes with the crown. Automatically, just for wearing it, there are people who will give you a hard time. There are people who will assume you're just there to lord over them. Some players won't listen BECAUSE you're wearing the crown, and should you make a mistake, you're going to be named and shamed. This is terrible behavior on their part, and entirely independent of whether you are a good mentor of not.
The best way to handle it is through patience and calm. If they are so convinced you're bad because you're a mentor, then simply say nothing and do your part as best you can. They may see how wrong they were, but some likely won't change their opinion no matter what. Don't be concerned with them. Know when to lead, or when to follow, and be ready to step up and do what must be done, regardless of skewed perceptions.
Silent Mentor here (well not with this toon, but you get it) and I agree as it basically improves nothing: people still kick "newbies" for lacking experience - without allowing them to learn - and crownies are still the same as before: elitistics as always. I just stopped showing my crown as it basically means nothing to anyone else. Sure I help out new players when I can but, to be honest, do we need a crown to help players?
...well this is an mmorpg so, I guess the answer is probably yes....