Mentor program, wherefore art thou?

[Elim]

In this case the mentoring system would benefit that because those who would seek out a mentor aren't the same as those receiving it without seeking.

If there are benefits to the follower/apprentice/whatever outside of simply getting help from their mentor, that may not hold true. So as long as there is no extra benefits to the follower then the program might be appealing.

EDIT: For example, in some games, if you have a mentor you get a 5% experience buff. Some newbies might want a mentor JUST for the buff. Not for the actual guidance. And if the mentor tries to give them guidance they'll give him attitude. If the mentor refuses to accept them as a follower or un-mentors them, the newbie will give him attitude. All-in-all it can be a very unappealing program.

[ShinkuTachi]

If there are benefits to the follower/apprentice/whatever outside of simply getting help from their mentor, that may not hold true. So as long as there is no extra benefits then the program might be more appealing.

That's one thing about it I hope they keep from FFXI. Mentoring is something you're willing to do out of the goodness of your heart. There should be no tangible reward, other than the future friendships you build.

[Kinseykinz]

I get kinda maybe why people would want a 'mentor' tag. But really, if you want to be a mentor, make sure to recruit newer folk into your FC and assist them there. I am helping out my FC mates, new and old all the time. So I think it's more so helping new players find 'new player friendly' FC's and linkshells than handing out mentor tags....especially when you consider we can't /t in duties etc anyway.

[ShinkuTachi]

I get kinda maybe why people would want a 'mentor' tag. But really, if you want to be a mentor, make sure to recruit newer folk into your FC and assist them there. I am helping out my FC mates, new and old all the time. So I think it's more so helping new players find 'new player friendly' FC's and linkshells than handing out mentor tags....especially when you consider we can't /t in duties etc anyway.

You make some good points.

However, to clarify, the point of the Mentor Tag is to make the people who are willing to be helpful, easier for people who need help to identify. A lot of people are pretty nervous about asking questions, even in an anonymous online world. Also, some people can be really harsh with newer players. I haven't personally experienced this on Hyperion, but I've heard some horror stories. These Tags serve to show players who they can take their questions to without fear.

(and of course, Vets also like to test the knowledge of people with those tags to make sure they aren't a farce. Though, this comes with the territory of choosing to be a mentor).

[Aarik]

A lot of people are pretty nervous about asking questions, even in an anonymous online world. Also, some people can be really harsh with newer players.

I can't agree more. Although I hate to admit it, my server (most likely due to it's legacy status) is packed full of elitists who will bite your head off if you so much as get hit once during an EX fight. If you have to ask something during a party, you may very well be kicked without warning. Sounds ridiculous, but I've seen it happen too many times for my liking. I would absolutely love for there to be a system in place that lets new players know that there ARE people to ask questions to; people who do so simply because they want to. While getting the latest and greatest loot is nice and all, I personally find far more satisfaction in helping other players and knowing I helped make this game a better experience for them.

[Leowilde]

I'd sign up as mentor with no reward whatsoever, even. Maybe I'm the odd one out, but I actually fint it enjoyable to answer peoples' questions. :/

[Ryuko]

I remember when the mentor program was first introduced in FFXI... a lot of players put it on because they genuinely wanted to help others... buuuut, there were some people who put on mentor status just because they liked the way it looked. It was a status symbol to them. So, while I like the idea, I'm not sure how effective, as a whole, it would be. I always try to help out new players if they ask for help. Unfortunately, a LOT of players do not speak up... and the reasons for this vary. One example is the player who HAS spoken up before asking for help, but was treated rudely because he asked. Another example is the player who prefers to 'learn by doing' and doesn't want fights 'spoiled for them' with explanations. Other people just don't speak up because they believe they can 'fake it until they make it'. Either way, I get REALLY frustrated if I ask, "Does anyone not know the fight?" and no one answers only to be met with a wipe due to someone CLEARLY not knowing the fight.

So what do we do about this? As a community, we should be kinder as a whole to people who DO speak up and ask. And, when you see someone being rude to someone else for asking a genuine question, speak up. When I see someone trying to bully people into skipping cutscenes, I speak up and say... "No, enjoy your cutscene. We'll clear trash while you are watching it." I'm already 'wasting' my time playing an MMO... what's two more minutes to foster a friendly community through encouraging people to enjoy the storyline?

I always try my best to say things in a non-offensive way. Most of the time, I do not impose and simply give advice if asked. Buuuuut, there are times people will get defensive and jump into the "do not tell me how to play" mentality. That helps no one. As nice as I can be, I fear these people jump into this mentality because of the way they've been treated. So, just be kinder as a whole and people are more likely to be honest. One example I can think of with this situation.. I was doing Titan Hard, way back in the day. Someone was parsing and pointed out that one of the summoners in the group was doing less damage than the tank. I tried to offer the summoner some friendly advice, and I found out he was not using fester. At all. I explained why fester is good, and how you can maintain MP without ever having to use energy drain (he believed he would go OOM and fester wasn't worth it). While I was trying to explain, other players jumped in and teased him for being 'so bad at his job'. This really frustrated me because I was trying to help this guy, and their reaction to him talking honestly with me was probably making it so he wouldn't speak up again. Not only that, but it also sort of painted me as a jerk because they were all insulting him while I was also trying to teach him.

[JemC]

FC's should adapt a mentor attitude. If SE ever does get around to a mentor program I don't see it happening soon. Just because they have so much on their plate.