Mentor tag

How hard would it be to place a "mentor" tag on members who have been here a while and want to help newbies?

New people wouldn't have to search.

They'd just see the "tags" and we could answer any of their issues.

Not to take away from mod duties, but maybe those of us that have been around a while can help the new folks.

a reply to: beezzer

That's a nifty idea!

I imagine that the moderators already busy with their existing roles, that the title of 'mentor' status would be a welcome addition to the freshman's forum - in helping new members. Besides, we all know how large ATS is at times, doubly so for newcomers. I think it's a great idea.

- Daas.

a reply to: beezzer

Brilliant idea beez

I'd be up for that

Cody

I've seen several "old" ATS members become (newer) moderators. And I've seen some "veteran" moderators, just become "ordinary" members. Is this a "changing of the guard" so to speak?
It would be nice to announce such changes in the front page.

Best regards,

Kratos

Well done Beezzer. That's a great idea IMO. ATS is one of the largest forums on the net and can be a bit daunting to newbies. I remember being slightly overwhelmed when I first got here. I know newbies can always ask mods, but sometimes that makes folks feel a bit like raising their hands in class... kind of embarrassing if you're the new kid. Not so much if you've been here for a while.

Regular members may be a bit more approachable.

Flag for you whether it can be done is another question all together.

Stellar idea Beezer !

I sure would be up for helping folks navigate the boards or answer any questions .

I'm not new, but I AM a slow learner; I could use a mentor. I pick Beezzer!

( I could make you sorry you ever said anything.... )

I'm not sure a mentor tag would help as much as people interested in helping just ..well, helping? lol...

Okay, I don't mean to sound like a fortune cookie, but before I was invited to join staff, it wasn't all that unusual to drop another member an unsolicited U2U if it looked like they were having post issues or some other problem and perhaps...just didn't want to ask or know where. I'd privately offer a solution for something like tags or a Youtube or Avatar..whatever was an obvious 'they are having troubles' at the time thing. Not official sounding, but member to member offering some help.

After all, we aren't all just here for the amazingly intelligent discussion in the public square or the philosophical debates that would make Socrates .........drink faster, eh?

We're a community, right? Be neighborly on the simple stuff and help add another satisfied customer to our little Hotel California. (innocent smile)

a reply to: Wrabbit2000

To be honest wrabbit when I was a newbie

seeing something like a mentor tag would have

helped tremendously. I'd have thought "Ahh there's an

experienced member I can ask" without being worried

about intruding.

Cody

a reply to: cody599

Well, I just share my opinion of course.. Other staff may have other views on it.

originally posted by: cody599
a reply to: Wrabbit2000

To be honest wrabbit when I was a newbie

seeing something like a mentor tag would have

helped tremendously. I'd have thought "Ahh there's an

experienced member I can ask" without being worried

about intruding.

Cody

Even you could benefit from a mentor, as that individual would guide you through the intricacies of formatting a post.

a reply to: Wrabbit2000

It's just that ATS can be quite intimidating, it would be

nice to see "Mentor" and know that a member is there for you

and willing to help. Just my opinion

Cody

a reply to: BestinShow

I'll take my 9552 posts against your 24 anyday Lol

Just kidding it's the way I post when I'm on my phone

Cody

I have to agree that this is a cool idea. Being new here can be overwhelming,intimidating,and can be embarrasing to approach another member with questions regarding the site. Many feel it silly to bother the mods with what they feel may be trivial issues. Even to u2u another member,makes some uncomfortable if you are unsure how questions are received or whether they are willing to help. A mentor tag will easily identify all members willing to aid,and imho this is a fabulous idea. I wish this had been in place years ago when I became a member and surely drove many crazy with my site navigation questions.

a reply to: AccessDenied

Very eloquently put AB That's exactly what I wanted

to say but I only had 5 minutes and I'm on the dreaded mobile

Thanks

Cody

a reply to: cody599

No excuses Cody- I posted from my mobile...lol

a reply to: AccessDenied

Want to be my mentor I also put AB instead of AD

I turn into a muppet on Fridays

Cody

a reply to: cody599

I'm not mentor material. But would thoroughly respect those who would volunteer to do so. Cody, friday should officially be "all thumbs day". Too distracted with thoughts of weekend plans to focus properly.lol

Thanks for the positive remarks, folks.



It was just a thought, but I think it'd be a good element to add.

originally posted by: beezzer
How hard would it be to place a "mentor" tag on members who have been here a while and want to help newbies?

New people wouldn't have to search.

They'd just see the "tags" and we could answer any of their issues.

Not to take away from mod duties, but maybe those of us that have been around a while can help the new folks.

Hi Beezzer:

I would love a mentor!

I have spent my few first few months on ATS reading and exploring both new and old threads, rather than posting...trying to learn the ropes.

My research has led me to the conclusion that much more thought and effort went into the OP's from 2 or 3 years ago than say the OP's from the past year.

One or two sentences and maybe one source seem to be the norm for the current OP posts.

Maybe with a mentor to help and critic thread ideas, the newbie OP's would be more substantive and produce more stimulating discussions...rather than members coming out with fists flying and "troll and shill" accusations tossed around by the fourth post on the thread.

Wonderful idea. I hope it can happen.