[ feature suggestion ] Player Mentor Program

[rothimar]

It certainly seems like a valid use for the channel to me.

When I do craft, or dog (currently) I am usually close to Yrkanis, and would be more than willing to show newer players around. I've got some choice hunting spots for solo and teams flagged on my map for levels 40-80, and would be more than willing to share their loc's.

The eventual addition of a mentoring system might help keep the chatter down, and even open the use of /universe for more chatty types without fear of reprisal. Of course... that's something to consider if an alternate method of support like the mentoring concept is introduced.

nothing can ever beat being shown around by a helpful homin, no doubt about it. I think a lot of people will do just that from requests made in region, the downside is not many hang arond in the starter area's so it can be counter productive for such an idea

maybe asking for a bit of mentoring in universe would be ok? I dont see why not

[johntf]

I suppose it would let players know who's more likely to have the time or inclination to help as not everyone in universe at that moment in time is free to answer sustanied questioning.

The ability to flag mentor on and off, to let people know your availability would be good but I don't know part of me likes it that people have to make their own way and friends, instead of having absolutely every answer instantly available to them...

Plus what happens when you'ev flagged yourself as a mentor and get a cretin or an annoying moron you'd rather cut your own hand off than help. it wouldn't be good for the mentor status if say I told someone to take a flying jump and think for themselves or at least not annoy me while I'm helping lol.

[cygnus]

Sounds a good idea and one I would definately get involved in. My only fear would be the constant whine for new uber gear which is ever present with some unfortunately.

So if any of you new players want some help, general advice etc, send me a /tell, on the otherhand if you just want sup la and jools go bug someone else

[rothimar]

I suppose it would let players know who's more likely to have the time or inclination to help as not everyone in universe at that moment in time is free to answer sustanied questioning.

Very true... and you wouldn't have two people asking different questions in /universe getting answers from multiple people, and then trying to figure out which answer goes to what question.

The ability to flag mentor on and off, to let people know your availability would be good but I don't know part of me likes it that people have to make their own way and friends, instead of having absolutely every answer instantly available to them...

It definitely is good to have people make their own way, but there are a lot of people who get into the mainland, and don't find anyone for a few days. Region chat can be empty at off times, and /universe can be intimidating for a newer player. Remember, other games don't have the same helpful community we do. In EQ2 for example... you had a 50/50 chance of getting flamed in /ooc (would be /region in Ryzom) for asking a newbie question.

Plus what happens when you'ev flagged yourself as a mentor and get a cretin or an annoying moron you'd rather cut your own hand off than help. it wouldn't be good for the mentor status if say I told someone to take a flying jump and think for themselves or at least not annoy me while I'm helping lol.

Well... lol ...I can certainly understand this. In EQ2 I got someone once in a while that would request assistance simply to ask me rediculous questions intentionally to "get a rise" out of me. I would simply /report them (which sent the last 20 lines of chat log to the abuse people... at least that's what they say) and put them on ignore. As for someone who suffers from "huh?? what do I do again for the 37th time??", I would refer them to the manual, and recommend them to another mentor who may be better able to answer their question as I am unable to properly explain it.

The best part of the whole /mentor thing... it's optional!

[rothimar]

hehehe It will happen...

BoneCruncherGodPants says: Can I have some money to buy a horse??!?!!!?
[Mentor] Andarr says: We don't have horses here, they're called Mektoub Mounts. There are a variety of ways you can earn dappers (money)...
BoneCruncherGodPants says: dewd just gimmie some money so I can get me a phat ride
[Mentor] Andarr says: I'm not giving you any money. I can tell you how to earn some, if you want.
BoneCruncherGodPants says: OMFG!!! WTF DEWD??!!??!
You have ignored BoneCruncherGodPants.

Sounds a good idea and one I would definately get involved in. My only fear would be the constant whine for new uber gear which is ever present with some unfortunately.

So if any of you new players want some help, general advice etc, send me a /tell, on the otherhand if you just want sup la and jools go bug someone else

[jurism]

Good idea there. Having a regular player able to assist you definitely is a good thing for someone just learning the basics of a new world. That said, I am not sure what the exact purpose of guides is in Ryzom at the moment, so it might be a bit overlapping. Other than that, good idea. Something I'd love to see implemented in any MMO these days.

[truce1]

Good idea there. Having a regular player able to assist you definitely is a good thing for someone just learning the basics of a new world. That said, I am not sure what the exact purpose of guides is in Ryzom at the moment, so it might be a bit overlapping. Other than that, good idea. Something I'd love to see implemented in any MMO these days.

Ok, Seems we all agree this is a good thing.

So ill play devils advocate here.

1. Will this program happen even IF the developers do not add or support anything?

2. How would this "Flag" be displayed? A [Mentor] next to your name?
A small flag icon next to where the "looking" at icon is?
a special item in game like the staffs the GM's use on the island?
Other?

[jennaelf]

When I have time (or the attention span to spare from the other handful of things I may be doing), I tend to take questions from Universal and answer them in tells to the individuals. I do the same thing with Region questions where I can.

This has been drastically reduced for me, since coming to the mainland from Silan. Sometimes the silence is deafening, if you know what I mean.

I think that being able to be pulled up with a /who type command would be great. Turn on the mentoring flag, and a new player who might be too shy to ask in region or universal (there are more than you might think), could send a tell to someone instead of risking 'embarrassing themselves' in the public channels.

I also like the mention Acridel made of the thread of those willing to help.