Quote Originally Posted by Fyrebrand View Post
I mean, I've never engaged with the Novice Network or Mentors, and every anecdote I've heard about it has been negative or toxic in some way. Do we really need this system at all? I think people are perfectly capable of figuring things out, using Google, or just asking around in game. We have plenty of friendly players who are willing to help out newbies, and I'd wager most of them aren't even Mentors or seek to become one.
Google search only works if you know the right keywords to use and if the sources it directs you to are current and reputable. I just started a new FC and one of the new players who joined was talking about how they were working hard to get Archer to 15 so they would be able to unlock Black Mage once their Thaumaturge reaches 30. I closed my eyes, internally sighed "oh no" then said "stop, you don't need to". "But this guide I found online said..." "It's outdated. The game has changed."

A player resource to turn to is generally going to be better (assuming you don't end up with a troll). Active players have current information and frequently can bridge the terminology gap through shared game experiences. They can also recommend things the new player may not even realize exist and so wouldn't know to search.

The idea behind the Mentor system is great. Theoretically, having the Mentor icon enabled means "Hi, you can come to me with your questions about the game". New players can talk to those individuals instead of filling up shout chat or bothering someone who doesn't care to help.

The mentor system isn't working well because there are people who are joining for the rewards, not because they're interested in helping others. Some like to say "I'm helping fill queues" but the reality is that roulettes are filling the queues for everything but EX trials and the ones who are "filling queues" will drop if placed into an EX via Mentor Roulette.

Remove the rewards from the system and those who enjoy helping others will continue to join, while it will rid the system of those clogging up the system who only care about the rewards. The rewards can always stay in the game through other means. The mount could be moved to completing 4000 roulettes in general instead of 2000 Mentor Roulettes, as an example. That way those who have already been working toward it will still get credit from the Mentor roulettes they've already completed. Leave the crown attached to earning 1500 commendations since commendations are more about vanity than anything else. It's very fitting with the number of players who want it solely for vanity's sake.