Temporarily restricting new memberships?

[Vekseid]

So, I've been getting this impression, but someone said it to me outright, so I figure I'll put this out here for people to consider.

The influx of new members was a bit on the young end, and given the increase in activity on the site, a bit of acclimation time may be desired. Help new members out, point them in the right directions, that sort of thing, so that they're comfortable here and learn a bit more of what this place is intended to be.

Basically, it would be like this - the introduction forum would remain open, but until we were ready again, people who aren't going to bother writing good paragraphs, and have a clear sense of good writing are going to be put on the wait list, until we're comfortable with opening things up again.

Hopefully this wouldn't be too long of a period (a month or two), but it will let things settle and a lot of things that are currently problems will likely filter out naturally.

Thoughts?

[OldSchoolGamer]

I would see nothing wrong with standards being raised just a little bit, at least for now.

[NightBird]

I totally concur. Age is not the sole measure of maturity, but I've been a little iffy about the trend in applicants lately. I just didn't want to seem un-neighborly to the new arrivals or come across as overly fussy, even though I do have tendencies that direction. *wry smile*

[Sherona]

Have to agree with Night bird's post. Age is not a sole measure of maturity, but I too have been iffy...I just figured it was me being snarky again...:)

[OldSchoolGamer]

I have seen some newbies whose writing ability is questionable.

Of course, some leeway should be granted to those to whom English is a second language. 

[Jefepato]

With exceptions for people who don't speak English natively (or have other legitimate reasons for mistyping, like dyslexia, etc.), it wouldn't exactly break my heart to see such a policy.  Even for longer than a month or two, honestly.

[OldSchoolGamer]

Any use of leetspeak, outside the chat box, should be grounds for immediate banning by IP.   ;D

[Aelfric]

Agreed; we should let some of the dust settle.

While length of post should not be the sole contributor in my opinion, expressing their answers, thoughts and questions should, I think, be in a more thorough manner than some have of late. A level of maturity should be established, and one-line or evasive answers makes it difficult gauge.

[Greenthorn]

Or in the very least, perhaps make it a wait of one entire week before they are approved?  I've been shocked to go to bed and come back the next day only to find a bunch of new members approved.  *blinks* And there have been two or three who I didn't think were really 18 either. 

If it's a requirement for an entire 7 day waiting period (or whatever length) and they continue to converse and answer questions...it may also help people get to know the newbies!!

[Moondazed]

At the risk of sounding like an elitist bitch, I would be happy to see the writing quality of applicants watched a bit more closely.  I know I'm an age snob, but there's a reason for it :P  It was much harder to be accepted as a member when I joined.  I'm not saying that was ideal, but it did assure a higher quality of writing from the members.

[Trieste]

I'm all for this.

Considering we ask for elaboration and tell people flat out that the eloquence of their answers determines membership, those who respond to each question with a single, short sentence immediately make me feel like they just don't care. It puts them on my personal watchlist and means that they really have to impress me elsewhere before I'll consider writing with them. Plus the influx of teenagers (18 and 19) makes me a tad uneasy. We are not a cyber site, and I worry that some of the newer stuff I've been seeing ... well, anyway, you get the point.

I'm glad, seeing the posts above, that it wasn't just me.

[Sherona]

We are not a cyber site, and I worry that some of the newer stuff I've been seeing ... well, anyway, you get the point.

Indeed, I have notice a trend where people who were posting introductions tended more to speak about wanting to "Chat Sexy" or even going os far as to state that they do not really write stories they are just "Horny and love sex"...

[Vekseid]

Well, for a while, I figured, people would get acclimated or driven out of the site, as needed, when they were being sub-par. That's sort-of worked, people can learn readily from others, become better writers and role players, and, in the end, Elliquiy is better for someone we gave the benefit of the doubt to. I personally know at least four such members, and it makes me feel warm and fuzzy and I like that.

Of course, this only works when we aren't being overwhelmed. I'd certainly admit to having a bit of frustration myself >_>

I think we've passed the point where everybody can know everybody. It's kindof sad, but simply a human limit.

Ideally, I'd like Elliquiy to be a place where membership is bragable. Getting more well-known helps that, that's sort of the reason I'm setting up the blogs.

Anyway, once the Sirens cast their votes on this (assuming they agree), I'll put up the restriction notice, and additional rules for members who seek approval as needed.

[The Great Triangle]

I actually don't particularly like this proposal, as I feel it might scare away some of the shyer people.  The applications process was actually something that drew me to the site, so I understand the concept, but I think its better to err on the side of approving once they've proved their maturity.

I would like to see some kind of mentoring program to get new members into the swing of things.  Personally, I really enjoy PMing new members and directing them to some examples of good writing to get them into the swing of things and perhaps inviting them to a game.  Some kind of official support or bennies for experienced members helping new members would be very helpful in my opinion, as it took me several weeks to really get into some games, some of which died before I really go a hang of getting a game.

An automated PM or email sent to new members that explains what all of the adult roleplaying forums are would also be helpful, since it's an extremely frequently asked question.

[Trieste]

Maybe make a kiddie pool sort of area? Only don't call it that, because a section on an adult site called the 'kiddie pool' is kinda of creepie. Maybe "Newbie wading area"... I don't mind getting to know people a bit and watch the interaction, but showing people around the site and whatnot... wouldbe nice if there was a trickle instead of a flood, y'know?

Or, alternatively, we could set up newbie helpers... I don't know if you want to do that.

[Greenthorn]

perhaps volunteers who will answer PMs from newbies

[Moondazed]

I get that making the process more involved may scare away shy people, but the fact is that you can't please everyone.  I'll be the bitch who says I'd like a more stringent approval process in place.

[NightBird]

While I'm for being a bit more stringent than has seemed to me to be the case lately, I'm also very much in favor of a mentoring connection. It would also say something about the maturity of the new member how that person behaved with the mentor.

[Vekseid]

Mentorship is an awesome idea... hmm....

[NightBird]

My schedule is such that I'm mainly on in the evenings GMT-5, but I can usually check in off and on. I'd be happy to volunteer to help one new member at a time.

Also, to move one of my comments from the flirting thread debate, I think a more comprehensive FAQ/Guide about site layout, purpose of various threads, even something of the philosophy of the site would be a good idea, especially if it were emailed to all new members and reiterated to everyone on occasion. I'd also be happy to help with that project.

[Greenthorn]

I can answer newbie PMs  ;D God knows I'm always all over the newbies!

[Vekseid]

Also, to move one of my comments from the flirting thread debate, I think a more comprehensive FAQ/Guide about site layout, purpose of various threads, even something of the philosophy of the site would be a good idea, especially if it were emailed to all new members and reiterated to everyone on occasion. I'd also be happy to help with that project.

Yeah, I tried to get one made before but no one wanted to help : (

Make a new thread for it, hopefully you're not the only one who wants to help with it : )

[The Great Triangle]

I can answer newbie PMs  ;D God knows I'm always all over the newbies!

Woot! Newbiephiliacs! 

*gives high five*




that sounded wrong...

[Greenthorn]

Yeah, I tried to get one made before but no one wanted to help : (

Make a new thread for it, hopefully you're not the only one who wants to help with it : )

Not that I am a fountain of E knowledge or anything but I'd be more than happy to help in whatever way is needed...keeps me busy ;D

*GT gives GT a high five*

[Dingo]

Mentoring combined with a slower admittance is likely a very good idea.

So instead of actually getting in people all in a flood, there's going to be Probationary Members, who are being mentored by someone more ... experienced.

When the mentor agrees (of course this has to be done reasonably) the probationary member becomes a full fledged member and can mentor him or herself (if that person wants)

[NightBird]

Sorry, V, hon. It had to have been during one of my hiatuses, or I'd have had my hand raised. *offers Greenie a high-five* Looks like that's two right now, and maybe, Vekseid, m'dear, you could do something attention-getting to ask for other volunteers? I'll get a thread created... where? In this forum (Bugs and Suggestions)? LMK and I'll kick the project off!

And Golden... I don't think it did at all. ;)

[Greenthorn]

If nothing else..I am friendly *bats lashes*

And newbies are just so much fun ;D

[Elvi]

Some of us mentor already, as some of the new members naturally gravitate towards older members who have spoken to them in their introduction threads.

Perhaps we need more of the mature, (as in have been on the site for a while), members to actually speak in the introduction threads?

If we are going to ask people to talk to us in sentences, then perhaps we should stop the current trend of asking the same either or questions which often only gets a one word answer.

OH and actually read what they have put and answer a question if they ask it. Several times I have gone onto a thread where some one has said something in their introduction that answers the following post or has asked a question and the following post has been 'Hello bat or ball'....

[Cherri Tart]

*nods* i agree with Elvi - from time to time, i've spent a little time sort of taking an interest in someone new on a whim or intuition or whatever and sort of getting them through the rough spots - i think if everyone took that inititive once in a while, it would be a friendlier place... that said, lately it's been hard with the intros coming so fast and sometimes, i miss being on a day and suddenly there's 8 new faces who are full members that i don't even recognize - i like to be welcoming, but it's hard when you don't even know who is who at times.

[Caeli]

Actually, I think a temporary "buddy system" for new members would be really neat. Older members (well, volunteers, as well) can be assigned new members (or new members assigned to volunteers), who they will be instructed to maybe go to them specifically if they have questions or want to know the lay of the land, or something. I suggest this instead of just generally having people available to  mentor, mostly because some might be too shy or a little intimidated to just randomly ask questions or PM somebody, especially if they are new to this community or are new to the arena of adult roleplaying.

There are some who are all right with asking questions, but I would have been among those afraid to PM my questions to a siren, or even to an older member. If there were enough volunteers, or people willing to take on more than one newbie, I think assigning new members to one specific person for a couple of weeks would ease them into E. After a certain established period, we can wish them luck and release them into the fray.

Or something like that. It's just an idea. ^_^;

[Elvi]

Yes Cherri, I have been away for a matter of hours and have come on to find some immediately approved, even with a string of unanswered questions under their origional post.

[Aelfric]

Although one voice among clearly many, the idea (not sure who first forwarded it) of mentoring is very appealing. Having already done so myself, I would have no problem mentoring other new members into the site. If you are looking for a show of hands Vek, please consider mine raised.

[Hunter]

Actually, it sounds like a good idea.  Given we've had people before who weren't actually of the age they originally state, it might be appropriate to have a reduced level of access until new members settle in.

However, I have a few concerns.

It could easily create a caste system (i.e. new members being looked down upon by people who've been here a while.   And there aren't many that have been here as long as I have.  I can probably count on my fingers who's been here as long/longer and still active.)
It will definitely lead to more work by the Sirens and Vekseid (and do you really have the time?).
What standard are you going to establish for volunteer moderators (and how do you plan on choosing them?).

[Kalen]

Shadowz and I were talking about this influx yesterday, and she had an insanely good idea... she was just shy about suggesting it.  Well.. I'm not shy, so I'll bring it up for her.   In addition to mentoring, what if we add another stage to the application process?  At the end of the list of questions, we list 1-10 scenarios, and ask the applicant to choose one, and write a paragraph or two.

We could even link to prewritten examples, in various styles, of what Elliquiy is and isn't looking for, writing wise.  Is it snobbery?  I hope not.  I would like to think of it more as trying to give applicants a little more guidance.

I think that it would certainly help the Sirens with the application process.  The best writers would sail straight into E... those that need a bit of help, are steered to the Mentors, who will help them shape up their writing a little before they reapply. 

[Caeli]

It could easily create a caste system (i.e. new members being looked down upon by people who've been here a while.   And there aren't many that have been here as long as I have.  I can probably count on my fingers who's been here as long/longer and still active.)

This kind of thing will happen everywhere, even if not everyone feels that just because they've been a member longer, that it makes them "better" somehow. It's extremely easy to tell who is and isn't a new member - having the sort of mentoring system Vekseid and others have mentioned here won't change that. That 'caste system' that you mentioned could come into existence regardless of whether or not there was this type of mentoring system or buddy system in place.

We list 1-10 scenarios, and ask the applicant to choose one, and write a paragraph or two.

We could even link to prewritten examples, in various styles, of what Elliquiy is and isn't looking for, writing wise.  Is it snobbery?  I hope not.  I would like to think of it more as trying to give applicants a little more guidance.

I actually really like this idea - it's similar to my requirements for entrance or admittance into a multi-player roleplay that I GM, that a "writing sample" is given, and I think it REALLY works, in terms of weeding out who is and isn't suitable for a roleplay.

Still, instead of asking them to write a certain amount, I feel that if this idea were implemented, it might be better to ask them to simply respond to a scenario as they normally would to a roleplay, with their usual length and quality. There are some who might simply be more comfortable or enjoy more the writing of a longer post (for example, myself), rather than shorter posts.


However, there is a problem with this. As I've already mentioned, there are a wide variety of post styles - long and detailed, dialogue-heavy, short and simple. I personally don't have a problem with those who prefer the short-response style of posting - but it would be difficult to separate a roleplayer who typically posts with short responses, and one whose writing abilities are not quite on par, but whose abilities are disguised by a shorter-length post. Plus, it might create the rift / stereotype / image that Elliquiy only accepts roleplayers who post a certain length.

And then, this might create the whole other problem of what qualifies as a good post and what does not... or, as in another forum that I frequented several months past, an "advanced literate" post was one that was long, creating the general assumption that if a post was short, then it was automatically not "advanced."

[Elvi]

Shadowz and I were talking about this influx yesterday, and she had an insanely good idea... she was just shy about suggesting it.  Well.. I'm not shy, so I'll bring it up for her.   In addition to mentoring, what if we add another stage to the application process?  At the end of the list of questions, we list 1-10 scenarios, and ask the applicant to choose one, and write a paragraph or two.

We could even link to prewritten examples, in various styles, of what Elliquiy is and isn't looking for, writing wise.  Is it snobbery?  I hope not.  I would like to think of it more as trying to give applicants a little more guidance.

I think that it would certainly help the Sirens with the application process.  The best writers would sail straight into E... those that need a bit of help, are steered to the Mentors, who will help them shape up their writing a little before they reapply. 

Unfortunately, good idea that may be, but ...well let me quote from the post of a 13 year old, who managed to get herself on here and fool everyone...

"Jade stared out of a side-hole in the carriage, observing the lush green forest that the carriage passed as it rode along the dirt road. She was about average height, with long brown hair that went from straight to slightly curly near the ends that hung to her mid-back. Her bangs hung over one eye cutely. She had thrown on something quickly. A simple, white gown with asian styling. It was pure white, with slits down the sides that showed off her long, perfect legs. The sleeves were long and extended down to the middle joints of her fingers. All of it had elegant gold trims. Simple, yet it reminded others of her princess status on the Eastern Kingdom. Her skin was smooth as silk and flawless, and although her breasts were smaller than average, Jade made up for it with delicious curves, a flat and toned tummy, and a tight ass. But aside from all this the most prominent feature of Jade's was her neon green eyes that almost seemed to glow."

Having said that, however, I can't really give any solution at all to this problem...*sighs*

[Caeli]

Unfortunately, good idea that may be, but ...well let me quote from the post of a 13 year old, who managed to get herself on here and fool everyone...

-snip-

Having said that, however, I can't really give any solution at all to this problem...*sighs*

I don't think there is any real solution to preventing pre-18 people from attempting to join Elliquiy, really. But, the requirement for something like a "writing sample" would definitely solve the concern regarding new members (or new potential members) who might give off a red flag because they don't give much of a response in their introductory threads towards questions, or even in their introductory post, despite the fact that elaboration and details are specifically asked for in the RULES thread.

[Trieste]

I like that idea, Kalen. *nods to Shad* Although Caelie is ight about post-length. Maybe we could ask for some sort of writing sample?

For mentoring, I'd love to help but I don't know if I have the patience to walk someone through whose writing skills are needing work. Explaining things and showing people around the site is one thing, helping out with writing is another. I'm not sure if you're talking about one, the other, or both ... so I'm reserving judgement on the newbie mentoring 'till it's figured whatall it'll entail.

For intro threads, a mix of 'real' questions and silly either/or questions seems to work well, which is why I personally go about it that way. It helps people at least to understand that not everyone treats Elliquiy as Serious Business (tm?) all the time. It's the way it goes.

I guess that'd make my hand sort of hovering somewhere around theback of my head in a position that could be raised or could be feigned off as a stretch...

Added: Damnit! Ninjad again! Curses! *shakes fist and posts anyway*

[Captain Maltese]

People could get the title 'Newbie' or 'Temp' above their avatar instead of the usual ones. Even if id didn't involve any extra sceening it might make the new ones more on their toes, and after say fifty posts the Mentors could take a look at the output and either say Great Work and here's your permanent membership, or suggest some improvements and let another fifty posts go by before the next consideration.

It's going to be a long while before I stop feeling like a newbie on Elli, either way...

[Elvi]

Yes, you're right Caeli and Trieste, there is no sure as hell way of knowing, there never really can be.
Problem is that there are many who have posted intro's and have not done it in the way it was expected or given the full info before they have been accepted.
'We' make the rules and then we don't adhere to them....

*sighs*
I think I'm wandering off track here....

Calico, I hessitate to answer this, as it may be taken as patronising, but I hate the term Newb/noob/newby and wouldn't want to see anyone labelled as such.

[Captain Maltese]

Ok, it was just a suggestion. I tend to look at the number of posts made to judge how new the players are.

Which didn't help me yesterday as I clicked on a nick I didn't recognise, and who had only made a single post...then I saw the join date was from 2005 ;D

[Caeli]

Out of curiosity, who is it that does the accepting? Vekseid, the sirens, or both?

Besides, don't we have something of a label of that sort already, according to number of posts? I believe that little title directly above the colorbar (on Elvi, it reads "Carnite", for myself it reads "Seducer") changes according to post. It's not perfect, but there isn't really a good solution to all of this.

And I don't think it'd be a good idea to have a kind of "halfway" sort of membership. You're either a member or you aren't. It's just be too complicated to have some members "in training" with a different label.

[Vekseid]

Doing a halfway membership would be a royal pain... sorry, but no thanks : /

Yeah, there's at least one 2005 girl with her single post still lurking about, and a guy too, I think.

Regarding castes, I have a beat stick. Castes started forming awhile back, and Lilac tore that apart, very intentionally. I'm ready to do the same thing if I have to.

As for mentors, mentors would choose based on the needs of the mentee. That would allow us to cut down on the questions (hell, even make them mostly what gender / sexuality of mentor they wanted, if they liked >_>)

Actually, rather than mentor, I think I'd rather call it a buddy system. The idea is mostly to show them around once they've been approved, after all.

[Elvi]

Quote snipped from the 'and what we want' itnroductory thread....

From this point forward (March 1st, 2008), Elliquiy is going to run on a pseudo-invitation system. This isn't that it's going to be more difficult to get in, rather, instead of me being an increasingly poor judge of things, the other members of the site will determine your admission.

If another approved, non-castrated member decides they like you, they can ask that you be accepted. For the sirens, doing this is actually a part of their job description - we really are quite open, here. Be patient and don't worry overmuch, but feel free to keep our attention.

From what I believe happens, the Sirens 'vote' on whether an applicant is suitable and Vek does the authorising.


I have never looked at a new member and said "They aren't good enough for me because they are new."
There are many new members here that I have enjoyed talking to on their threads and have had PM's from, but they simply do not want to play what I want.
Nothing would stop me from starting a game with a new member if I beleived we were compatible.

So really, I believe that a member is a member, once authorised, whether they have 20 posts or 20,000 and just can't see the point of having new 'tags' for them.  

[Hunter]

A volunteer buddy system would probably be good.  I've been asked the way around a few times, myself.

As for the rest of Vekseid's post, I'm quite satisfied with what he has in mind.

[Caeli]

Thanks for the explanation, Elvi. It's a lot more clear how the process of acceptance goes after you clarified it.
And I agree with you on that point, Elvi - a member is a member, regardless of post number or join date.

And I concur on all those points about the buddy system. Perhaps, have a list of volunteers that you (Vekseid) or the sirens have approved to act as buddies, and then assign these older buddies to new members, so they can have someone specific to PM about questions, or to ask about where they should start and how, and so on.

[Sherona]

Yeah, I tried to get one made before but no one wanted to help : (

Make a new thread for it, hopefully you're not the only one who wants to help with it : )

I would be more then willing to help.

[Moondazed]

I think that a buddy system would be great.  It wouldn't have to include writing help, there are literary threads for that :)  I'd be willing to help show people around, even if my posting rate to my threads has been pretty abysmal lately  ::)

[Cherri Tart]

*nods* i wouldn't mind taking someone under my wing now and again - sort of like on scrubs - you could have an intern for  week to sort of show the ropes - it would be a good way of meeting new people and a good way to help them become part of a community and sort of draw everyone together a little more - i think my issue lately - and it's not a huge one, but it's been niggling a little bit, is that i sort of feel like we all getting a little too... well, out of touch with each other here and losing a little of the spirit of E and i think that's mostly because all of a sudden there's all these people running around and i don't know half of them - and one of the things i really liked about being here, was that even those i wasn't super close too, i knew who they were enough to say hello -  now, i even have to ask (when in chat) if someone is actually a member or not about half the time. 

[MagicalPen]

Vek - might it be a good idea to have 'unapproved' members be able to view the other parts of the site and not post in them? Lately, i've noticed them posting game ideas etc before acceptance...and since acceptance isn't always guranteed, it would be ashame for some one (or them) to agree to a game before they're even a member of this site.

[Greenthorn]

I'm going to be an ass here and give another idea about new members...

How about a voting system?  If you converse with them in their intros, then vote on their acceptance into Elliquiy.  Surely something like that could be added...why not make it more of an entire community decision instead of the Sirens and Vekseid? (ugh I know I'm going to get heat for that one) Of course the Sirens and Vekseid have final say..

It -is- the community into which they will need to fit...

[Sherona]

The only issue that I can forsee with that Idea GT is that the length for approval might be extende to allow most of the active members a chance to vote. I think the reasons Sirens and Veks take care of the approval process is because its more easy to get a group of say 4 or 5 togehter to discuss the questions and the thread, rather then a group of say 30-50.

Though I do believe that if anyone has problems or kudos in particular with one intro thread or wht not they can go to sirens or veks.


Though you are right, it is the community in large who tehy will have to mesh with :)

[Cherri Tart]

i have often, when i'm really sure of a member being a good fit, made a point to say that in the intro itself, or if i've had contact with them in, say Chat room, or such and i know they'd do well here. :)

[Greenthorn]

Well as with all votes, there should be a time limit..and majority rules.  Of course if the vote turns towards no approving someone, then a good look into why should be done by the Sirens and Vek...and if ll of us say yay let em in but the Sirens are saying hmmm there's something amiss..then yeah those members need a more thorough phase of questioning.

I could really go on and on about this idea..but..knowing how I cannot gather my thoughts correctly and tend to just type a jumble of things..I'll stop *laughs*

[Sherona]

The idea really has merit, and really just kind of puts some organization to the way things are currently already. From what I can see.

[Moondazed]

I'm going to play Devil's Advocate... this forum is a kind of community, but in the end there has to be a 'core' of people who hold the purpose and intent sacred, so to speak.  I think that the approval system the way it is works, as long as it's clear to current members that they can PM the sirens and/or Vek regarding endorsements/concerns for individual new members.

More of my pocket change...

[Vekseid]

Voting... I'm rather eh on that. While most people here are open and loving, that really is a way to castes/classes forming and I don't like the possibility, especially considering, with Elliquiy's complexity, a buddy/mentor system seems like it's so badly needed anyway.

[HairyHeretic]

If you need another mentor type, I'd be happy to volunteer.

[Storiwyr]

As one of the newest members of the site, I definitely have something to say on this topic.

I definitely would have no problem with the standards becoming more choosy when it comes to how people present themselves in their introductions. The rules make it clear that acceptance to Elli is not a gimme, and that answers need to be detailed enough that it's possible to get a good feeling for the person behind the new name. I don't really feel that this is being elitist, for those who have that worry. It's clearly stated in the rules, and as far as I'm aware, there's no magic word or tricky ritual involved in being accepted. One of the things that the site seems to be looking for--and to have found in its older members--are people who are capable of interacting well with others.

Attention to detail is a big part of writing well, whether you post a novel or a sentence. People who post intros with short, unedited one word answers to questions are not paying the attention they should. It's not elitist to expect someone to show that they are truly interested in a community like the one at Elli. In fact, I see it as disrespectful and lazy if people post an Intro thread that makes it clear that they either didn't bother reading the rules, or else they just didn't care enough to put effort into it.

Even the silly questions asked on the Intros by members ... "Leather or silk?" ... you can put more than one word into an answer for that. There's always elaboration to be done. Laziness at a juncture where you are attempting to make a first impression is not a good sign. Just think how lazy someone may get once they don't feel like they're trying to get 'accepted' anymore.

There's no need to feel bad about rejecting people who do not seem to care enough to put the effort into their intro to show that they are serious about their application here. There's no reason not to make people wait a week or so while decisions are made, if necessary. If the person is really, truly interested in a way that will further the community, they'll wait. It's not like the people who Intro themselves sloppily are going to be cut down and never RP again. Lazy, haphazard, quick-fix sex RP sites are a dime a dozen ... if rejected from here, they'll shrug and go elsewhere to find what they're looking for--and probably like it better that way anyway. From what I've seen in my short stay here, Elli is a gem. There's nothing wrong with keeping things selective for people who will keep it that way.

As for a mentor program, I don't think it would be remiss. I got myself into RPs fast and am very much enjoying myself, but I'm NOT sure where exactly to start when it comes to integrating myself into the community and getting to know people. I DO tend to be shy, even if my longwindedness seems to belie that statement. While people have been extremely kind to me, and I haven't felt rejected in the least by anyone, I'd certainly not say no to being 'shown the ropes' when it comes to the non-roleplaying, more social part of the site especially.

[Moondazed]

From what I've seen in my short stay here, Elli is a gem. There's nothing wrong with keeping things selective for people who will keep it that way.

Amen, sister! *giggle*

[Vekseid]

Alright, everyone interested in being a mentor type please pm me.

[Xillen]

The "Mentor" thing sounds quite useful. I've talked to quite a few newbies over IRC, giving them pointers on what to do where, etc... since most seem to be quite lost. I already noticed others taking up Mentorlike actions as well, like Cherri and Elvi, who post in a lot of intro threads to offer help. Getting a bit more structure in it does sound useful. I'd offer my services if I wasn't a bit inconsistent with availability.

A basic "Ok, you got approved, now what?" guide would come in handy for people to link to, of course being available to answer the questions that might raise with people.

Would the Mentorship basically mean being open for questions, and checking to see if everything goes ok, if you don't see much happening, or are there other things you assume the Mentors be checking out as well?

[Captain Maltese]

Xillen, much have happened around the Mentor issue the last month. The short version of status is that there is a Mentor corps, but they don't carry badges any more. Check out the middle column for more info.

[Xillen]

Ah thanks. :)

Yeah, I really need to check up on a lot of stuff... :/