The Mentoring Requirements... *Rant Style*

[Kaurie]

Wouldn't people just post the answers on the internet though? I mean, they couldn't design a test with an infinite number of questions, so it would likely be pretty easy to get around this.

Well I mean a test in various ways. It could be a performance test where you need to show your skill. It could be multiple choice, could be both.

If people are cheating to become a mentor then.. 0.o

[Waeksyn]

All this discussion on whether the requirements for mentor are too high or not. Fact is, if this is anything like FFXI, you avoided anyone displaying a "mentor" flag as they were invariably all ego and no ability.

FFXIV doesn't need a mentor system. Really, how many new subscribers are they getting that would need this feature? It's being added not as a benefit to new players but as more "content" for existing players. That is why the requirements are set as high as they are - keep those subscriptions sticky!

[MilesSaintboroguh]

All this discussion on whether the requirements for mentor are too high or not. Fact is, if this is anything like FFXI, you avoided anyone displaying a "mentor" flag as they were invariably all ego and no ability.

FFXIV doesn't need a mentor system. Really, how many new subscribers are they getting that would need this feature? It's being added not as a benefit to new players but as more "content" for existing players. That is why the requirements are set as high as they are - keep those subscriptions sticky!

Ok, and why shouldn't this game have a mentor system? If the mentor system was only to "keep" veteran players around, then why are the rewards not given out at the same time to keep those players in? I'm also guessing the new content coming like more story content, more dungeons, and more Alexander raids weren't designed for veteran players either.

[Waeksyn]

Ok, and why shouldn't this game have a mentor system? If the mentor system was only to "keep" veteran players around, then why are the rewards not given out at the same time to keep those players in? I'm also guessing the new content coming like more story content, more dungeons, and more Alexander raids weren't designed for veteran players either.

The purpose of updates is to add more content, primarily to to keep existing subscribers busy. The mentor system is no different. It's a new, grindy goal that existing players can work on. Get that third class to 60!

I'm not saying that some new players may get good advice from a mentor, which will make their game experience better. I still think, though, that the real reason for the feature is not to benefit new players but to give more content to existing subs, and thus keep the money flowing.

[MilesSaintboroguh]

The purpose of updates is to add more content, primarily to to keep existing subscribers busy. The mentor system is no different. It's a new, grindy goal that existing players can work on. Get that third class to 60!

I'm not saying that some new players may get good advice from a mentor, which will make their game experience better. I still think, though, that the real reason for the feature is not to benefit new players but to give more content to existing subs, and thus keep the money flowing.

You could say that for all updated content though and even I'm not that jaded to say it's ONLY about the money and subs. People were wanting a mentor system for some time and only now we are getting the results.

[MeridaQ]

I know there is a lot of back and forth here but I think a key point that was made is that it's only 40 hrs. After that they are cut loose! The ideal is the mentees keep in contact with their mentors for later game help, but that might be atypical.

So! What I would suggest is create a LS that could be for mentors/mentees after the 40 hrs. Those that want to continue and help can and the mentees will be exposed to people on the same level and vets that are ready to help. I have already created that for crafting/gathering on Ultros and helped lead the original beginners hall. Now I just have to create the DoW/M. If you're interested in helping it is in your hands.

[MeridaQ]

If anyone is interested in this or how to get it started let me know and I will try to set up a Reddit or forum post. Good luck everyone do your best!

[Jamillion]

Not to be argumentative or piss in your cheerios OP, but how would you have set the requirements? I'm genuinely curious.

[ThirdChild_ZKI]

As far as the newbie network chat channel goes, the idea is of course that after 40 hours into the game, any new player would (and should) by then have a solid grasp of basics of their given class/job(s), and more importantly, have made friends and connections with other players. From there, the natural flow would be to join an LS or an FC if not already in one. The network chat is designed as a default direct line between new players and mentors, but not meant to be permanent or replace linkshells or the like.

[ThirdChild_ZKI]

Also, there's of course always going to be a way to game the system, which isn't cool, yes, but it speaks in volumes of a "mentor" who'd take up the mantle through less-than-wholesome means.

Consider it a morality check: are you in it to help uplift new players and possibly cultivate a new wave of skilled players that you know can be relied upon thanks to your positive influence? Or do you just want compensation for a new type of grind? I'll take the former over the latter any day.

Lastly, the requirements for DoW/DoM are very good in the sense that while knowing one job/role very well is a good thing for playing, knowing all roles is very good for teaching purposes, and no one can really say otherwise. Being well versed across multiple roles in a game you've played for a long time isn't a punishment or a restriction. It's qualifying experience.