The International Incidents Mentor Program!

[Sedgistan]

Some of the potential mentors, existing mentors, and interested onlookers may want to remind themselves of the fact that 'tag' posts are considered spam Use the bookmark/subscription features instead.

[North Defese]

Some of the potential mentors, existing mentors, and interested onlookers may want to remind themselves of the fact that 'tag' posts are considered spam Use the bookmark/subscription features instead.

That feature is broken and innefficient, I sometimes get 5 emails about the same thing and don't particularly like my inbox being spammed, but if I'll get in trouble using tags I guess I have no choice.

[Sedgistan]

The subscription feature sends you emails, but bookmarking the thread just saves it in a list you can view here: ucp.php?i=main&mode=bookmarks

[North Defese]

The subscription feature sends you emails, but bookmarking the thread just saves it in a list you can view here: ucp.php?i=main&mode=bookmarks

Oh that's much more useful, I've always thought they were interchangeable Thanks.

[Leistung]

I have a proposal for the new emblem of this elite appointed cadre of RPers -- two stylized white I's on a field of black.



I object to this in the strongest possible terms. Jenrak claims to be creating a corps of "helpful people", but these people were obviously already present on the forums to begin with. Membership in this little club doesn't make them inherently more capable writers, or more caring people. Thus all he's really doing is giving them a coloured name and title, and with them, the incorrect assumption that the acceptance of the mods means they have the right to represent the entire II community and to settle disagreements between players in said community.

[New Azura]

I have a proposal for the new emblem of this elite appointed cadre of RPers -- two stylized white I's on a field of black.

(Image)

I object to this in the strongest possible terms. Jenrak claims to be creating a corps of "helpful people", but these people were obviously already present on the forums to begin with. Membership in this little club doesn't make them inherently more capable writers, or more caring people. Thus all he's really doing is giving them a coloured name and title, and with them, the incorrect assumption that the acceptance of the mods means they have the right to represent the entire II community and to settle disagreements between players in said community.

I couldn't disagree more with you, mate. I began the day looking at the Mentors in a similar manner. I thought to myself internally, "Some of these nations aren't as experienced as I am, or as good a writer as I am," etc. I had myself a little pity party, thinking that these guys were the "cream of the crop", and that I was basically outta luck, passed over, the works. I even got a chip on my shoulder to prove my worth, so to speak.

But in the end, I came to realize something very important. The Mentors, they're not being placed on a pedestal as the "best of the best". That's too much of a gray area for anyone to strive in. That's not what the titles are for, to be honest. I honestly believe this now—the titles, the special accents that the Mentors have... they're not really for the Mentors at all. They're merely signs for new players that say "Yes, you can ask me for help, that's what I'm here for."

We can't look at this like a chance for people to enjoy the God Complex. I'm sure some will view it that way, but a lot of Mentors will come to appreciate just how difficult their roles will be in the next few months. The roster will change, grow, differentiate, but this isn't about being superior or having an elitist edge over other players. This is about a group of people that stepped up to take on an admirable task. And whether we're upset about being passed over or whatnot, if we truly want to help as we suggested we did by applying, then we should give these guys every bit of support that we can.

That's just my two cents, though. I feel like I've preached enough today.

[Leistung]

Apologies if that seemed as though I was upset at being passed up or something. I did not, and would never submit an application to join this group.

New Azura is honestly an excellent example of why this is useless -- he is one of the most helpful people on II by far, but because he doesn't have a nice little coloured tag, he's not considered a "mentor"? NA, you claim that these tags identify people as being "willing to help", but the associated problem is that people without tags are then passed over as being "just other players" instead of members of some elite helping team. I just...idk, I absolutely do not see the point to this.

Moreover, I'm happy to see that we've revived the old NST idea, since it has a long history of success and efficiency.

[ViZion]

I really don't get the "Hey, this Mentorship program is bad. It's just elitists making themselves feel good!" type mentality. We aren't anything special. I know I'm not. I know I'm not the best RPer out there. We aren't elitists, and anyone who actually takes the time to get to know any of us, or does know any of us, can vouch for that. Just because we've got a shiny new extra green title doesn't mean any of us are better. It doesn't make any of us elitists.

I don't know, or have limited exposure, to a number of you guys who've been rather critical of this program and us. I don't judge you. I'd hope you've give me and the other IIM people enough respect not to judge us because we have that title. Get to know us first, will you?

New Azura summed it up perfectly right here...

I honestly believe this now—the titles, the special accents that the Mentors have... they're not really for the Mentors at all. They're merely signs for new players that say "Yes, you can ask me for help, that's what I'm here for."

It isn't any special privilege. We aren't any better than anyone else. We aren't overly special. We ain't perfect. But we're here - and I'd hope every other veteran in NS is too - to help people improve. This title really is STRICTLY to make it easier to find help for new players. Really, it's that simple. Give this program a chance. It ain't favoritism. It's isn't elitism. It's helpism, if it's any sort of 'ism at all.

[New Azura]

Apologies if that seemed as though I was upset at being passed up or something. I did not, and would never submit an application to join this group.

New Azura is honestly an excellent example of why this is useless -- he is one of the most helpful people on II by far, but because he doesn't have a nice little coloured tag, he's not considered a "mentor"? NA, you claim that these tags identify people as being "willing to help", but the associated problem is that people without tags are then passed over as being "just other players" instead of members of some elite helping team. I just...idk, I absolutely do not see the point to this.

Moreover, I'm happy to see that we've revived the old NST idea, since it has a long history of success and efficiency.

Meh, it's not a perfect system. But then again, I don't think there will ever be a system that's gonna solve every problem 100% of the time. The effort I think is where the value here lies. There will always be nations without the Mentor tag that produce guides or make themselves available publicly to new players. And again, at least with the current program, there are now more visible sources of help for new players. It's not a complete package, but it is a start.

What I'd like to see is the impetus for those who are not Mentors to make themselves more visible by sheer willpower. Do a guide like I'm doing, or create training threads where you show new players the ropes by breaking down roleplays—how to avoid creative bankruptcy, inventive ways to tread over commonplace themes, etc. Hell, Deus (a mentor) and myself (not) are working out the idea as we speak. And I know of tons of people that will be motivated to try and prove themselves with this.

Think not of what the limitations are, but what the possibilities could be. At the end of the day, it at least deserves a shot, you know? But I do appreciate the kind words about me—I'll take the self-esteem boost whenever I can get it.

[ViZion]

Apologies if that seemed as though I was upset at being passed up or something. I did not, and would never submit an application to join this group.

New Azura is honestly an excellent example of why this is useless -- he is one of the most helpful people on II by far, but because he doesn't have a nice little coloured tag, he's not considered a "mentor"? NA, you claim that these tags identify people as being "willing to help", but the associated problem is that people without tags are then passed over as being "just other players" instead of members of some elite helping team. I just...idk, I absolutely do not see the point to this.

Moreover, I'm happy to see that we've revived the old NST idea, since it has a long history of success and efficiency.

It doesn't mean that because you don't have a tag you aren't helpful, or worthy of being helpful. Anyone can give help. The tag simply makes it easier to FIND help as a new player when you don't know where to turn to get it.

Think of it from a new persons standpoint...
You come onto this big forum with seemingly a gazzilion people. You want help but don't know who to ask. Then you see someone with the II Mentor tag. "There! I can ask him for help!" And you're now able to find someone quickly and easily to get help from instead of getting confused and either doing the "I decalre w4r on evry1!!!!" type thread, or just get overwhelmed and end up leaving. It isn't, and should never be, about anyone but the new guys who need help. It's not about you. Not about me. Not about Jen. Not about some other veteran or Mentor or mod or anyone. It's about the guy newer guys who need help.

[Leistung]

We aren't any better than anyone else.

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

HEY NEW PLAYERS I'M WILLING TO HELP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

[Vortiaganica]

Question:

How does the title II Roleplay Mentor mark someone as being someone one would TG or contact for roleplay assistance?

It's a minor detail, but II is sort of a cryptic acronym...besides the fact that Lyras, ViZion, Anemos, and others on your list are all experienced in GE&T, II and also Nationstates.

The title could do without the II prefix, in short.

[New Hayesalia]

We aren't any better than anyone else.

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

HEY NEW PLAYERS I'M WILLING TO HELP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

Any good possible mentor, tag or not, would have that in a sig. Speaking of which, It's time to edit my sig.

[Milograd]

I'd go ahead an make a good old wall of text response. But, I don't feel that in this case that it is necessary, for the sole reason that the International Incidents Mentorship Program has been around for not even two days. How can judgement be drawn so quickly, with any accuracy at all?

ViZion explains it quite well, as I see it, and it must also be noted that once again, this program was announced a mere two days ago. Lets at least give it a chance first, before bashing it or drawing judgements. And to be honest, I think the mentor program has done pretty well for its first few days, as I have already seen some of the said mentors provide help to multiple players across the board.

However, I also agree with the position that you do not need to be an II Mentor to help other players out. You just need to be willing to help, determined, knowledgable, patient, and generally kind at that.

[Unilisia]

I find this idea wonderful. The next generation of NSers will finally get some proper RPing help.

[Jenrak]

Question:

How does the title II Roleplay Mentor mark someone as being someone one would TG or contact for roleplay assistance?

It's a minor detail, but II is sort of a cryptic acronym...besides the fact that Lyras, ViZion, Anemos, and others on your list are all experienced in GE&T, II and also Nationstates.

The title could do without the II prefix, in short.

Yeah, that was kinda a mistake. We're trying to get that fixed.

[ViZion]

We aren't any better than anyone else.

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

HEY NEW PLAYERS I'M WILLING TO HELP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

You can call it how you will - however I'm asking you not to judge or bash it, or anyone who's simply trying to help. If you've got a problem with us simply trying to help people, then that's your thing. But if you ask me, it seems as though you're attacking us for simply doing that. To which I don't see the point of doing that. So take a deep breath, settle down, and if you have a problem, stop trying to attack it. That won't help anyone. Go forth and help the newer players too - we aren't prohibiting you from doing so, and going and doing that would be far more constructive than sitting here complaining about IIM. We're at least trying to help NS here. Soooo... I don't see your problem.

[Cyrupe]

I don't think Jenrak quite anticipated it being as successful as it has been when he/she (srsly, watru Jenrak?) planned it. International Incidents was the test bed, but the interest seems to go much further than the single sub forum. It's good, just a bit confusing until the usergroup gets remained.

We aren't any better than anyone else.

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

SNIP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

No one is saying the fancy new color is the exclusivity for helping newbies. It is merely a more official channel to go through instead of searching for a long period of time for a specific person to help them. It isn't preventing you merely because we're listed differently. Dedication to the community > Title with pretty colors and fancy usertitle

[Lyras]

I find this idea wonderful. The next generation of NSers will finally get some proper RPing help.

If we do our tasks well, of course. I intend to give it a pretty good crack, for what the assertion is worth.

[Unilisia]

I find this idea wonderful. The next generation of NSers will finally get some proper RPing help.

If we do our tasks well, of course. I intend to give it a pretty good crack, for what the assertion is worth.

Knowing you, you'll probably turn everyone into micro-Titans

[New Hayesalia]

If we do our tasks well, of course. I intend to give it a pretty good crack, for what the assertion is worth.

Knowing you, you'll probably turn everyone into micro-Titans

Is that a bad thing, though?

[North Defese]

We aren't any better than anyone else.

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

HEY NEW PLAYERS I'M WILLING TO HELP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

You seem intent on being as obnoxious and rude as possible without adding any form of constructive criticism. The system isn't perfect, but it's at least a stab to try and help the newbies on II and NS in general. I've tried quite a bit to aid newbies with their roleplays, and I can tell you they're a lot more willing to listen when they see that you're an official channel they can go through instead of doing guesswork.

[Jenrak]

Man, this is getting into dangerous territory...

[Unilisia]

Knowing you, you'll probably turn everyone into micro-Titans

Is that a bad thing, though?

No...

[Leistung]

No, you're not, but green tags and titles certainly give that impression. We already have stickies. We already have helpful people on these forums. If you want to give new players some sort of indication that you're willing to help, I suggest

HEY NEW PLAYERS I'M WILLING TO HELP

in your signature. Having some sort of mod-appointed clique is absolutely ridiculous.

You can call it how you will - however I'm asking you not to judge or bash it, or anyone who's simply trying to help. If you've got a problem with us simply trying to help people, then that's your thing. But if you ask me, it seems as though you're attacking us for simply doing that. To which I don't see the point of doing that. So take a deep breath, settle down, and if you have a problem, stop trying to attack it. That won't help anyone. Go forth and help the newer players too - we aren't prohibiting you from doing so, and going and doing that would be far more constructive than sitting here complaining about IIM. We're at least trying to help NS here. Soooo... I don't see your problem.

No one has a problem with helping people, and no one needs to "settle down", least of all myself -- I'm afraid you've seriously misread my posts if that's what you got from them. You don't see my problem, so I will lay it down very clearly for you: I object to the manner in which we've somehow just come up with an appointed clique of "helpful" people, with the implication that other, non-clique people are less helpful.

I have not heard a single convincing argument that this II mentor program will actually do anything other than give a false sense of entitlement to a small group of people who seem already hell-bent on maintaining their position, logic be damned. You want to help new players? Go help them. You don't need a title to do that more effectively, as you have all agreed. The entire thing is pointless.