We know many new players need help getting started and might not find the forum, tutorial or chat right away. A little help might help keep the new player from being overwhelmed, and help get them hooked on the game.
Many of the people who are getting recruits are new themselves so aren't able to teach someone else how to play since they're still learning too. Couple this with the fact that the tutorial is out of date, reads like an EULA, and it isn't very hands on. So while in theory it might be explaining how things work, it isn't really teaching mechanics overly well, nor is it providing up to date, salient information that will benefit a new player long term.
What I propose:
* Add hand picked volunteer newbie helpers
* Don't require it as a full time activity.
* Helper availability on and off indicator in profile which has to be ticked 'on' when a player logs on, or is able to help, and ticked 'off' when finished or when player logs off. Default setting would be 'off' when logging in.
* Automatically have the indicator turn off after three (3) hours, in case someone forgets to log off.
* Notification of status change in helper's log.
* make helpers easy to locate (see images)
* Links below: 'view tutorial' and 'view online players' 'chat with a newbie helper' or 'view online newbie helpers'
* Allow (possibly) a method for helpers to indicate which languages they are able to speak well.
* help irc channel
* Helper indicator for who might be on irc (also ticked 'on' by the helper if they're in irc)
Why?
Having readily available newbie helpers would be like an outreach project which acts as a method of absorbing new players into the community. Since the community is generally the heart of the game and being part of it adds to how loyal someone might be to the game, getting people into that community early is important.
How would these people be chosen?
The initial group could apply and HCS would decide which of those people are appropriate, much like applications were taken for moderators. Later additions could be screened first by those who are already newbie helpers and then nominated. This would cut down on having additions to the newbie helper pool being as much work as it possibly could be. These people should be those who show a clear understanding of the game, a sensible grasping knowledge of the rules, and be level headed and newbie friendly.
Why would people volunteer?
* Helpers get to know these new players, and in a sense, get cream of the crop for a recruitment field for their guilds.
* Knowledge that they're helping the game grow and retain players.
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Images mentioned earlier:

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~additional reasons to volunteer~
(ideas for minor rewards **Non transferable! ** )
* Medals for numbers of newbies helped.
* Helper credits awarded if a newbie feels they were assisted. Points would be good for use towards various things, such as a free ticket in a lotto for a certain number of helped points.
* increased stamina regeneration for x number of hours, for turning in helper credits.
* a small amount of extra stamina, for turning in helper credits.
A reward isn't necessary but might be a nice bonus (or reimbursement in cases where temporary increased regeneration is an option) if there is a reason to later offer an incentive, or a reward as a thank you to the players.
How would you avoid abuse of being a helper if a reward was given?
To circumvent abuse issues, a helper could not get helper credits from anyone they themselves recruit to the game. They'd still be getting bonuses for helping their own recruits, the same bonuses that everyone else gets. Being a helper, and helping your own recruits would not be a cause for 'double dipping' the system. Only players within a specific level range would be able to give a helped credit.
If you say that something could be modified in this to make it better, please post what you suggest



