Hi I am Ulriken, a pretty new user. I have an idea for new members that I think can be a useful addition to the site, so I am suggesting it here (I did bring it up on #mentor but got no response).
My idea is essentially a tutor-apprentice like program, except for just new(er) members. I know for myself, and I imagine the same goes for many other new players, that I joined Smogon without knowing anyone, nor anyone in real life still playing Pokemon, especially at this level. Then going into the forums and seeing the accomplishments and depth of knowledge of the established players is more than a little intimidating. I find that this is reflected in the tutee applications.
The idea behind this is to give new players someone on their own level chat with, learn with, and practice against. This provides the dual purpose of giving new members an easier time integrating into the game and to Smogon in general in a less-intimidating environment, while also freeing tournament-winning Tutors from having to deal with things like "I just discovered a great new team combo: Skarmory AND Blissey!" This isn't a knock against the Tutors, just that this would be aimed at the newest users, the ones under the Battling 101 25 post mark.
Although this would require extra work, I don't believe it will need to be quite as involved at the Battling 101 program. It shouldn't need the quality assurance that the Tutor program needs, as members would not be acting as representatives of Smogon in the same way that tutors do. The reason behind this being implemented as a site-wide program would just be to keep everything organized; I envision something similar to the 3-4 week sign-up and matching system that Battling 101 has. It doesn't have to go too much beyond simply providing a resource for new players to meet. If mentors are interested in getting involved and occasionally checking in on a pairing, that can be implemented on a gradual level at whatever rate the mentors desire.
I think this can help prevent many "one-and-done" posters, instead allowing those players to become valuable and contributing members of the community. Assuming an increase in new members coming after the release of XY, this may assist in both retaining new users, and giving new users a resource to ask questions to, rather than off topic general questions clogging up threads. I know the word "optics" is being used alot around Smogon right now, and I believe this can also contribute to presenting a friendlier image to the general public, and potential new members.
I should mention that this is not another request for an Introduction thread/ Newbie forum. I think I understand the reasons that this was opposed for so long, and I believe that this program will eliminate the "need" for one by giving new members not only a place to start, but a more effective and long-lasting introduction than one simple post.
If this sounds like a good idea to anyone, or if it doesn't, please let me know. Any of your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time.
My idea is essentially a tutor-apprentice like program, except for just new(er) members. I know for myself, and I imagine the same goes for many other new players, that I joined Smogon without knowing anyone, nor anyone in real life still playing Pokemon, especially at this level. Then going into the forums and seeing the accomplishments and depth of knowledge of the established players is more than a little intimidating. I find that this is reflected in the tutee applications.
The idea behind this is to give new players someone on their own level chat with, learn with, and practice against. This provides the dual purpose of giving new members an easier time integrating into the game and to Smogon in general in a less-intimidating environment, while also freeing tournament-winning Tutors from having to deal with things like "I just discovered a great new team combo: Skarmory AND Blissey!" This isn't a knock against the Tutors, just that this would be aimed at the newest users, the ones under the Battling 101 25 post mark.
Although this would require extra work, I don't believe it will need to be quite as involved at the Battling 101 program. It shouldn't need the quality assurance that the Tutor program needs, as members would not be acting as representatives of Smogon in the same way that tutors do. The reason behind this being implemented as a site-wide program would just be to keep everything organized; I envision something similar to the 3-4 week sign-up and matching system that Battling 101 has. It doesn't have to go too much beyond simply providing a resource for new players to meet. If mentors are interested in getting involved and occasionally checking in on a pairing, that can be implemented on a gradual level at whatever rate the mentors desire.
I think this can help prevent many "one-and-done" posters, instead allowing those players to become valuable and contributing members of the community. Assuming an increase in new members coming after the release of XY, this may assist in both retaining new users, and giving new users a resource to ask questions to, rather than off topic general questions clogging up threads. I know the word "optics" is being used alot around Smogon right now, and I believe this can also contribute to presenting a friendlier image to the general public, and potential new members.
I should mention that this is not another request for an Introduction thread/ Newbie forum. I think I understand the reasons that this was opposed for so long, and I believe that this program will eliminate the "need" for one by giving new members not only a place to start, but a more effective and long-lasting introduction than one simple post.
If this sounds like a good idea to anyone, or if it doesn't, please let me know. Any of your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time.
