\o\ Finding your Sweet Lover (Or Nightmare) /o/

[Cleftobismal]

Based on a lot of findings inside and out of the thread. I'm going to share a more in depth view on a potential buddy system.

Benefits of a Pairing System

We know the mentor system exists and it can provide support for both new and older players exploring unfamiliar content. Yet, the mentor system is literally a pool of ambiguous individuals with separate motives and expertise. It's inconsistent to receive a different mentor; everyone has a different view on what is X that should be done first, and how do we come up with Y to form a Z.

While the first thought would be to add that Mentor as a friend and solely communicate with them. It's not that practical to always have the same log in times, and the chances of that becomes dismal when you're just paired with anybody without prior information of that individual.

There is also a problem of bonding, which is essential in a buddy system. The mentor system is designed to mentor at free will. Which is great that a fellow Sub payee isn't obligated to always be helpful. Yet, more than likely the individual will run into "Sorry I'm raiding with my FC right now! Try talking with someone else!" "Can't! I'm busy trying to craft an item right now. Maybe later." "Sure! But can you wait a few hours? I'm in the middle of something. Thanks!"

That's where a more intricate system comes in. The Buddy System.

Players will be having the option to raise their chances of pairing with an individual that's compatible with their game play by filling out a Drop down box style application. Where everything is pre-set and is based on the selections provided.

Questions such as 'Time zones' 'How active are you?' 'Morning, Evening, Afternoons, Nights' [Can Multi-Select] 'Role Preference' 'Role player' 'Dungeon runner' 'Raid clearer' 'Crafting' 'Of the land Gatherer' 'Mission Hunts' 'Golden Saucer' 'PvP' and yes even 'Eternal Bonding'.


You may argue a Free Company and the Mentor system itself will provide these things.

I agree. They do. But how effective are they? And does it work for everybody? What about everybody else it doesn't work for?


Things to consider about having a buddy system is: Is this significant enough to warrant the attention of the developers? Is this something that will attract a larger pool of players to subscribe to the FFXIV? Will this be a positive boon to the FFXIV community and break down social barriers including the ones that divide the community?


I answer yes. It does. Anxiety plays a big factor in this community.

"Am I good enough to try Raiding?"

"Will I incur losses on our team?"

"I'm a PvE player first and a PvP player second. I wan't to test the waters a bit in PvP but I'm afraid of being chastised in a competitive environment"

There is a phrase called the "Ladder anxiety". It's when a player feels immense pressure or hesitation to hit the play button. Fears, worries, and doubt begin to take over the mind and can result in a player tilting; making sub-optimal plays due to confusion, frustration, and doubt. However studies show an one on one buddy system provides a remarkable fortification against symptoms like Ladder Anxiety.

Take for an example in a school setting during the critical development phases of a child, the district often places a buddy system for a younger child to be paired with an older more experienced child. The youngest will have a very welcoming experience in their first days of school. While the oldest will gain a sense of responsibility. Believe it or not this forms a bond and it can be very tactical in a competitive environment like PvP and Raiding. Communication becomes apparent than ever, and the need to be a lone wolf in the den is ever less.

You may argue that players should be communicating anyways for a successful PvP/Raid, such as setting macros in the chat on what to do. Who to focus, where to go, and what not to do. The problem is, rallying individuals who have little to no trust in you or knowledge about your expertise is at a all time low success rate. Actions speaks more than words; when those solo players see you and your friend performing well, it actually creates an inclination for them to band together to you for the win.


In all playing with someone you know and chat with will create an enjoyable experience in all your endeavors. While a Free Company and Link Shell can provide the same, there are instances where it's not as effective like a buddy system. Don't get me wrong, there are good Free Companies out there that go above and beyond than what's expected. It's just, players tend to divide themselves, especially among in Free Companies or any formed group for that matter. The highly skilled is prioritized while the lesser and still developing are left to fend for themselves or find a good Samaritan who will help them.


There is so much more I would like to talk about, but I am running out of time. Plus this will be a good opportunity to stir the pot a bit. Bringing in all sorts of ideas.

Also I would like to remind everybody:

What I said about anyone's behavior in my posts is not up for debate. Everything I quoted was written not by me. I've clearly expressed I'm not interested in anybody acting like a saint on my topic.



That is all. I'm not responding to anymore posts irrelevant to the point of this thread.

Personal attacks, notes, whatever you may call it are not welcomed here. I will be sending out reports despite the many warnings.


Thank you.


Sources:


The Buddy Sytem
http://www.mmorpg.com/world-of-warcr...0008120/page/1 - Article By: Reza Lackey

Hughes, C., & Carter E.W.(2008). Peer Buddy Programs for Successful Secondary School Inclusion. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company. http://products.brookespublishing.co...sion-P292.aspx

Dealing With ladder anxiety
https://tempostorm.com/articles/deal...they-handle-it - Article by: Grace Naces (SylvanHunter)

The Buddy System
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/buddy-system.pdf - Centers for Disease Control NOISH Fact Sheet