Customer Support Policies and the Novice Network

[Nixxe]

Square Enix needs to change their policies pertaining to reporting players, at least in regards to mentors and the Novice Network, if not generally. There are numerous mentors who really have no business being a mentor, which I'm sure is not new information to anyone who is even basically familiar with the channel. While I will tolerate the ones who simply do not contribute, there are even worse mentors, mentors who not only do not contribute, but who typically only antagonize other players with words or the kick function when they do make their presence known. These are absolutely the wrong type of player for the Novice Network, especially when they're mentors. The attitude of these players drives novices out of NN and can even drive people away from the game.

The problem is that in reporting these people, the response from SE customer service is that because I wasn't the one who was kicked, they won't take a report from me. It shouldn't matter though. The report isn't about me. It's not even about the person who was kicked. It's about bringing to SE's attention mentors who have no business being mentors or reaping the rewards that come with it. It may sound stupid, but I take NN and being a mentor kind of seriously and I signed up because I wanted to help people. I do what I can to try to keep it a friendly and at least cordial environment, despite having no real tools to do so, and that SE will not only not take action, but not even hear me out except in very specific circumstances is extremely frustrating. If you guys want NN to reach its full potential, you have to have policies in place to help support it.

[Llan]

I agree with Nixxe.
And I'll add that I have been kicked from NN by another random Mentor for merely asking for a reason why every now and then am I not able to have a fun chat with novices and other mentors alike in that chat whilst not ignoring other questions.

Now the argument was that some people might be shy to ask questions in the chat if others are talking there already. I mean, seriously? I respect being shy but kicking me for the sake of not having to explain to me as to why shouldn't we be able to keep it a fun environment whilst answering questions? I do believe people should not have this kind of power in that chat. A warning perhaps, but a kick that god knows how long it takes for it to be lifted when the explanation was "drama seeker"?

Am I to understand that we live in such a safe-space catering community that if one shy person feels unable to ask a question then everyone should be silent or else they are removed for the sake of that one person's safe-space?

[Blonde_Huntress]

This is why I'm so thankful to have a great support system with my FC. I tried NN when I first started and quickly found it to be rather pointless. The mentors weren't "mentoring", or even taking the time to explain mechanics of dungeons for first time players. This is not saying all are alike, but I can confidently say the majority that I crossed paths with were.

But to see act like a blatant contradiction to your "title" regarding regular MSQ content? I was in a dungeon a few weeks ago (Baelsar's Wall) and saw a tank kicked BY 2 mentors. The tank was new to the dungeon (bonus for the run). We wiped on the first boss, and the tank had asked what he/she could do to improve. One of the mentors responded with "Nothing really" and next thing you know a vote to dismiss him/her popped up. I was like wow REALLY? This person is doing this dungeon for story purposes! I called them out on it and then I was dismissed after.

I really wish I'd have reported both of them.

[Jim_Berry]

I agree with Nixxe.
And I'll add that I have been kicked from NN by another random Mentor for merely asking for a reason why every now and then am I not able to have a fun chat with novices and other mentors alike in that chat whilst not ignoring other questions.

Now the argument was that some people might be shy to ask questions in the chat if others are talking there already. I mean, seriously? I respect being shy but kicking me for the sake of not having to explain to me as to why shouldn't we be able to keep it a fun environment whilst answering questions? I do believe people should not have this kind of power in that chat. A warning perhaps, but a kick that god knows how long it takes for it to be lifted when the explanation was "drama seeker"?

Am I to understand that we live in such a safe-space catering community that if one shy person feels unable to ask a question then everyone should be silent or else they are removed for the sake of that one person's safe-space?

I saw a few people get kicked as an "lol" moment (which most of us did not find funny). Moments later, I was kicked, and never went back. I find myself unintentionally helping Sprouts, so I guess I don't need the Novice Network to spread the love.

[Aethaeryn]

I saw a few people get kicked as an "lol" moment (which most of us did not find funny). Moments later, I was kicked, and never went back. I find myself unintentionally helping Sprouts, so I guess I don't need the Novice Network to spread the love.

I've never been kicked before, but lately the NN chat on my server feels more like yahoo/AOL chatrooms from 15+ years ago. >_>

[Llan]

I saw a few people get kicked as an "lol" moment (which most of us did not find funny). Moments later, I was kicked, and never went back. I find myself unintentionally helping Sprouts, so I guess I don't need the Novice Network to spread the love.

Yeah I mean, I've been doing this helping thing since way before the Mentor system was implemented.
I think the NN is a very small percentage of what it means to be a Mentor and thus I think being more relaxed on that chat is quite alright.

It's more important for mentors to be patient and helpful during dungeons and such. FAR more important I dare say.

[Nixxe]

I agree with Nixxe.
And I'll add that I have been kicked from NN by another random Mentor for merely asking for a reason why every now and then am I not able to have a fun chat with novices and other mentors alike in that chat whilst not ignoring other questions.

Now the argument was that some people might be shy to ask questions in the chat if others are talking there already. I mean, seriously? I respect being shy but kicking me for the sake of not having to explain to me as to why shouldn't we be able to keep it a fun environment whilst answering questions? I do believe people should not have this kind of power in that chat. A warning perhaps, but a kick that god knows how long it takes for it to be lifted when the explanation was "drama seeker"?

Am I to understand that we live in such a safe-space catering community that if one shy person feels unable to ask a question then everyone should be silent or else they are removed for the sake of that one person's safe-space?

The answer is that you're actually allowed to chat in NN. The mentor who kicked you was in the wrong. As a matter of living up to your role as a mentor and also avoiding controversy and drama, I would generally recommend trying to keep the chat friendly and positive and at least mostly game related, but there's no actual rule against chat in NN.