What is Novice Network chat REALLY for?

[Doozer]

So I recently became a mentor because I want to actually help new players (and have no desire to get the 'incentives'), so I entered the NN chat and it was full of mentors who were standing around together in the same area just chatting about their glamours (and saying some adult-themed things I probably can't post on the forums). I asked if that was a good idea and that maybe the channel shouldn't be full of stuff they could say to each other in party chat or /tell, and they all started yelling at me and patting themselves on the back about how they help people every other time.

Anyway, I'm asking for clarification on what is and is not allowed in the NN chat, and what qualifies as a good reason to kick someone from it or otherwise take action. I want to improve it instead of saying "oh well it's either dead or full of people ERPing so who cares". In-game it just says "inappropriate mentor behavior may be reported" but that doesn't feel specific enough for me.

I want to help.

[Matrinka]

A quick snip of that conversation for you:
"Conversations in the Novice Network
We have received feedback saying that there have been instances where discussions relating to high-level/endgame content and perhaps even spoilers for the main scenario, which has nothing to do with an advice to beginners, take place on the Novice Network. Since the mentor system was recently introduced and there are large number of players who became mentors, there tends to be times where the conversation may stray a bit.

However, I imagine that mentors are also getting used to the chat channel and there are times where they may be trying to make the Novice Network look active by holding various types of conversation. So for now, we will continue to monitor the situation, but we’re not thinking about applying any strict guidelines or rules.

With that said, there may be a lot of beginners who are looking forward to experiencing the story for themselves, so we ask that mentors please try and avoid conversations that may lead to major spoilers!"

[MomomiMomi]

Conversations are fine. As long as it doesn't lead to anything like insulting others, racist remarks, etc..

[Doozer]

A quick snip of that conversation for you:
"Conversations in the Novice Network
We have received feedback saying that there have been instances where discussions relating to high-level/endgame content and perhaps even spoilers for the main scenario, which has nothing to do with an advice to beginners, take place on the Novice Network. Since the mentor system was recently introduced and there are large number of players who became mentors, there tends to be times where the conversation may stray a bit.

However, I imagine that mentors are also getting used to the chat channel and there are times where they may be trying to make the Novice Network look active by holding various types of conversation. So for now, we will continue to monitor the situation, but we’re not thinking about applying any strict guidelines or rules.

With that said, there may be a lot of beginners who are looking forward to experiencing the story for themselves, so we ask that mentors please try and avoid conversations that may lead to major spoilers!"

Well that refers to general chatter which can be fine, but I'm asking what clear things are definitely not allowed. Not a vague "eh I guess this is okay" thing. People have different standards when it comes to "inappropriate" so I'm looking for official clarification.

[MomomiMomi]

Well that refers to general chatter which can be fine, but I'm asking what clear things are definitely not allowed. Not a vague "eh I guess this is okay" thing. People have different standards when it comes to "inappropriate" so I'm looking for official clarification.

The only official clarification you're going to find is the ToS.

[Doozer]

The only official clarification you're going to find is the ToS.

Unfortunately the only thing I found was "Profanity and Offensive Language. You may not use profanity or any language that a reasonable person would find offensive. The Game is for players aged 13 and older. You agree to behave accordingly."

It's unclear what a 'reasonable person' is by their definition, but just going by that, there was at least a handful of people in the chat that could've been reported or kicked from the channel.

EDIT: Ah but there's a Support Center FAQ titled "Prohibited Activities in Final Fantasy XIV", so that may help.

[Vidu]

Well that refers to general chatter which can be fine, but I'm asking what clear things are definitely not allowed. Not a vague "eh I guess this is okay" thing. People have different standards when it comes to "inappropriate" so I'm looking for official clarification.

Taken from the ToS - and probably the only thing that you'll find/that matters:
3.3 Profanity and Offensive Language. You may not use profanity or any language that a reasonable person would find offensive. The Game is for players aged 13 and older. You agree to behave accordingly.

The NN isnt different in that regard - that goes both ways though: Its obviously not a place to be obscene, but its also not a total safe-space for each and every thing (and personally I dont believe it should be since that would kinda feel like treating sprouts like little children...)

[Moonfish]

To put it very simply, NN is supposed to be whatever the majority on your server says. AFAIK, GMs hardly step-in when it comes to chatting in NN. If you don’t like how your NN is being used I suggest you leave the channel and find sprouts using the search option if you have the desire to help. Using your power to remove folks talking about glamour is a good way to get on NN-veterans shit lists.

[Doozer]

Using your power to remove folks talking about glamour is a good way to get on NN-veterans shit lists.

I wasn't? And I literally have no idea how you came to that conclusion. I mentioned that they were cluttering it with talks of things unrelated to mentoring (and not a single sprout was included in the conversation), and how there were some other things being said that were definitely inappropriate. So I was wondering what was and was not acceptable use for the chat. I didn't say I wanted to kick people for talking about glamours. Maybe read what I said again.

[Rongway]

If the channel regularly derails from the scope of "help channel", and the mentors go on for a while without any novices or returners asking questions, you could say something like

"Any new adventurers or returners, if you have any questions please feel free to ask and don't feel like you're interrupting. This channel exists so we can answer your questions about the game."

Not directed at anybody who is participating in the occupying conversation, it's a gentle (and sometimes necessary) reminder of why we're (supposed to be) there without pointing fingers and telling everyone to shut up.