Are there penalties for mentors treating sprouts badly?

[ravy_nevermore]

I'm a new player, started playing in July or August, just started Stormblood content, have a handle on most things but still learning others. I only recently joined my server's Novice Network, but I've run into a handful of issues that have left a bad taste in my mouth but don't seem like outright reportable offenses, such as mentors making fun of sprouts for not knowing things or using NN chat to discuss ShB spoilers. On another server, I was even told to "shut up and heal" by a mentor because I dared to tell the tank I was ok with healing bigger pulls.

If I spent my days reporting every incident like this I'd probably be on a first name basis with all the GMs and also spend too much of my playtime writing reports for behavior that is questionably reportable at best. I don't want to be that person and I also don't want to spend my time like that. Yet it also seems like people who feel inclined to bully sprouts shouldn't be mentors, so I'm wondering if there actually is any sort of penalty system in place or if it's just "tough cookies" and if you don't want to be bullied by mentors then you need to not talk to any.

Incidentally, it seems that a lot of max level players use the NN chat to discuss max level content with other max level players because they know there's a large number of other mentors in that chat, which seems to run counterproductive to the point of having a chat channel for helping new players who are by definition not at max level content yet. So could there maybe be a different public chat for max level players to communicate with one another so that NN can remain reserved for its intended purpose and actually useful to novices who don't want end game spoiled for them?

[DrWho2010]

this is why you never should join the novice network.

[MitsukiKimura]

I'm sorry you've had bad experiences from mentors. If you feel harassed by any in whatever sort of way there is a report option available and the GM's can go over chat logs. I personally as a Mentor stay out of Novice network. I've ran into a similar issue with a mentor before that was disrespecting people and I had them removed from the Novice Network, only to be removed by them from an ALT account they had still in there. It's not shocking but if you ever need questions answered, novice network is not best option to use.

[EveK]

There are penalties for any people treating any other people badly. Mentor or otherwise. These penalties are not automatic. Someone has to actually report them to GMs.

As for spoilers ... spoilers themselves are not actionable by GMs just for being spoilers. However, if you politely ask the Novice Network or wherever to avoid them and then they do it anyway to spite you, THAT is actionable harassment.

[Chyro]

In the end, mentors are just players that fit some criteria and decided they want to use the novice network chat.

Some really are in it wanting to help players, others are just in it for the chat, or just like having the crown icon.

I don't think this can be changed, so it's up to you if you want to be part of that chat or not. From my experience, whenever I saw a novice asking a question, it did get answered.

There is a lot of casual chat in the Novice Network, also discussions about higher level content. It is as it is. I do think it's a nice way for the game to seem less lonely when starting out, if you don't have a FC yet and like to have a place to chat with others and get help when you need it.
Just have to deal with it that mentors are players, players are people, and people have all variations of personalities, behaviors and attitudes. It may differ from server to server, or even just depending on the daytime - whoever is online at the time and actively using the chat.

As was mentioned already, harrassment is reportable - no matter if it's a mentor or other player. Up to you when you feel that a player has crossed the line and should be reported.

Hope you can enjoy the game either way and find your place among the players - and hopefully meet more kind and friendly players than those with a bad attitude. ^^

[Kraniel]

The NN doesn't really bring anything to the table in my opinion. I've been a returning player with Stormblood, and now with Shadowbringers, and both times i opted out of it. The community here is great so i really don't feel like you need a dedicated channel for helping new players.
I would definitely recommend finding a small FC. People in FCs always help each other, and especially new players, and since it's a private clan, you don't have to deal with the trolls.

[MaGicBush]

I am a new player, and am currently at level 10. The Novice Network had been a great help for me personally. I have asked some questions and had them answered quickly, as well as some nice small talk last night. Obviously that experience will differ server to server, and the time of day, etc. If someone gets rude ill just ignore them or report them. It's part of online gaming.

[Ingus0nionKn1ght]

In the past I've had some crazy issues with Twintania's novice network... Stupid things like having a mentor being irritating over how I spelt a certain job, or that time I made a joke when people kept posting "WC" (wrong chat)... Or randomly getting aggressive towards me down to the fact that I have multiple alt characters...or just basically saying hello.

Recently I've decided not to use novice network (well untill I reobtain my crown) and I defo won't be using Twintania's again now that I've transferred. Best thing to do is to ignore players that cause issues for you on there and only use it if you really want/need to.

On a brighter side I've found NN to be quite helpful and made quite a few in-game friends.

[Silisko]

Not even sure why mentors are a thing? Just about every group I have joined that had mentors in it they were completely silent. I'd asked about the dungeon and the mechanics of the boss and they would say nothing. It's other sprouts that would toss me tips and info.

[Saefinn]

When I was a mentor I would find novice network to be pretty toxic and the kind of place to leave a really poor impression on what the community is. The mentor system is not fit for purpose because its more of a glory title than an indicator that this person is a good voice for mentoring and helping new players.

Normally the people worth listening to or communicating with don't have the mentor status.

My advice for new members would be find a good linkshell, FC and/or fellowship and don't bother with mentors or the novice network. A good FC or linkshell will give way better help and advice.