Mentors - What is expected really?

[Hakuro89]

You really can just change your status off of the mentor icon. That's all that is, like /busy or /afk. No one will be able to know you're a mentor without the status.

It was deeper reasoning than that. There really was no point whatsoever to me in even being one at all. I didn't feel that the experience I possess dictated that I should be one or act as such, so I removed it.
I unfortunately found myself in the same boat as many other existing mentors and realized I was only attracted to it because it was a crown that looked neat, which many use as a status symbol to say 'I have seniority' rather than 'ask me for help'. That's not what it was for, so with 2 reasons to not be one, I decided to... not be one.

[Aristotle]

In my experience, the best way to find and help new players is to do the mentor roulette. There is usually a sprout or two (or a returning player) in every run. White Mage is great for this. Instead of explaining mechanics, just let them experience it themselves and learn from their own mistakes. As a WHM it's very easy to keep the party alive. If they ask for help or are really struggling, then you can start volunteering advice. I don't generally say anything about playstyle or gear unless they've forgotten their tank stance or are wearing glamour by accident or something. If they can clear the content they signed up for, they are on the right track.

As for Novice Network, sad to say, but I rarely see it used for its intended purpose. As others have stated, mentors like to use it as a general chat linkshell. New players are generally shy and don't want to ask for help in big chat channels. They seem more receptive to talking and asking for help in instanced content.

[Zeldert-Castiel]

If you don't mind me to give my response ^^

1. As a mentor, do you tend to focus on one particular area in this game or do you try to broaden your horizon? For example: Some mentors specialize in raids while some have never touched that type of content and only focus on dungeons; some even specialize solely in crafting and other non combat roles.

It's up to you! But keep it relevant with your crown, like if you choose PvE mentor new players may think you're good at dungeons, trials, and raids ^^

2 Do you tend to point out if someone is not geared properly? I ask this because I had an instance where I as politely as I could suggested that the tank get better gear after the instance we were in. Well to say he didn't "appreciate" that would be putting it rather lightly. This to be honest has been hit or miss so far and I really only pay attention to this when I roll healer.

It's nice for you to remind politely ^^
Some new players can act rude, either they're naturally hard-headed or it's their alt.
If needed, just state that you're not angry or upset, you just want the run to go smoothly OwO

3. Do you watch/read guides and try to somewhat "memorize" different instances so that you can better coach our lovely sprouts?

Most people will expect that from mentors, so get ready with ignorant veterans XD

4. Are you level 70 on every job including crafting/alchemy?

It's not required, but if you want to help every problems the new players encounter, feel free!
Story time: Once I was at my alt as a scholar with irrelevant undergear accessories. I asked on the Novice Network for help since I wanted to buy something level-locked. One kind mentor approach me and buy me one set of it and insists me not to pay her. She asked me about my current accessories and kindly made me an HQ set of healer's accessories. Still refused to be paid, she told me to help another new players. That's the kind of mentor I'd like to be c:

My additional suggestion (but not a must) is for you to join Novice Network. Most new players felt safe to ask there for help because they may join a busy raid FCs or they don't join any. Be friendly, and if needed ask to the channel once in a while ^^

[Thatusernameistaken]

If you don't mind me to give my response ^^


It's up to you! But keep it relevant with your crown, like if you choose PvE mentor new players may think you're good at dungeons, trials, and raids ^^


It's nice for you to remind politely ^^
Some new players can act rude, either they're naturally hard-headed or it's their alt.
If needed, just state that you're not angry or upset, you just want the run to go smoothly OwO


Most people will expect that from mentors, so get ready with ignorant veterans XD


It's not required, but if you want to help every problems the new players encounter, feel free!
Story time: Once I was at my alt as a scholar with irrelevant undergear accessories. I asked on the Novice Network for help since I wanted to buy something level-locked. One kind mentor approach me and buy me one set of it and insists me not to pay her. She asked me about my current accessories and kindly made me an HQ set of healer's accessories. Still refused to be paid, she told me to help another new players. That's the kind of mentor I'd like to be c:

My additional suggestion (but not a must) is for you to join Novice Network. Most new players felt safe to ask there for help because they may join a busy raid FCs or they don't join any. Be friendly, and if needed ask to the channel once in a while ^^

By chance, was this on Faerie? Just the other day I did this very thing for a Novice, crafted a full set of healing accessories and insisted they were free. Would be quite the coincidence!

[Keddera_StormMoon]

You've already taken the first steps to being a mentor - you are questioning what info is useful to pass on. It shows you recognize you might not know everything and are willing to reach out and get that info, and you're not in it for shiny.

Frankly, the best Mentor's I've had in this game don't wear the crown....

[Sylvina]

I wear the crown so I can be easily identified as someone new players can turn to for help, free low level HQ crafted gear if needed, and advice. That's what mentors are about, mentorship. the existance of mentors who are jerks does not change this.

Nothing more is required to be a mentor than to meet the 1000 dungeon requirement and 300 player comms (and class level reqs) and be willing to be a great nice person to newbies who always is helpful. and that is as it should be.