New Ensigns and Mentors

[Garnoopy 0]

Alas, I have been on this forum for going on 6 months. Now, I don't consider myself to be an expert simmer, but I have been thinking about how I've been seeing all teh Cadets graduate to Ensigns, and then move onto ships.

 

I've seen how some Cadets, become Ensigns, and they are very good at simming. However, the passage of moving from an Academy sim to an Advanced one isn't as simple as some people make it to look, and I've seen some new Ensigns be confused, frustrated, and feel as though they cannot understand or get the hang of an advanced sim.

 

I was thinking that it might be helpful, for the first few weeks of an Advanced sim for a new Ensign, if they were assigned a "mentor" as one might put it. Someone that they could ask teh "dumb questions" that your to embarresed to ask because they are so silly. ( Hey, I admit, I didn't know what "Jg." stood for in Lt. Jg. untill I was promoted to the rank. ) And also someone who can fill the new Ensign in on whats going on in the plot, and give advice when they ask for it. Such as when a new Ensign is wondering "Is it ok to do this?" Or "Should I be saying this to a senior officer?".

 

Also things like how to address senior officers, standard procedures for Yellow and Red Alert. When Ensigns should be on the bridge and discussing things with teh Captain, and even something as simple as how long diognostics take at what levals for those who don't own teh TNG Technical Manual.

 

I think that, if Ensigns had someone to answer silly questions and give advice, they would move into the Advanced sims a lot more smoothly, and it would help them to be better simmers.

[Atragon9 0]

I was thinking that it might be helpful, for the first few weeks of an Advanced sim for a new Ensign, if they were assigned a "mentor" as one might put it. Someone that they could ask teh "dumb questions" that your to embarresed to ask because they are so silly. ( Hey, I admit, I didn't know what "Jg." stood for in Lt. Jg. untill I was promoted to the rank. ) And also someone who can fill the new Ensign in on whats going on in the plot, and give advice when they ask for it. Such as when a new Ensign is wondering "Is it ok to do this?" Or "Should I be saying this to a senior officer?".

::looks around:: okay, who's been letting Garnoopy into the staff lounge ! ?

 

Yes, it just so happens that the GMs have just started discussing the idea of mentors and/or greater documentation  for the new Advanced sim player.  I think that players in the Advanced sims will start seeing some of this starting up very sooon.  Good observation, Garn.

[Garnoopy 0]

::looks around:: okay, who's been letting Garnoopy into the staff lounge ! ?

 

Yes, it just so happens that the GMs have just started discussing the idea of mentors and/or greater documentation  for the new Advanced sim player.  I think that players in the Advanced sims will start seeing some of this starting up very sooon.  Good observation, Garn.

:: puts key copier machine away, then slips lounge key back under doormat :: Letting me in? Do you think I'm that sneaky A9?  :D

 

I love the idea for a mentor, that would be something that I feel would be very helpful for a new Ensign. The idea of great documentation is good, but still, documents can't think, and can't respond with an opinion. A mentor can. Also, a mentor knows what is going on in a sim, and documentation doesn't.

[HyperDrive 0]

Yea.... I know that I could have used it when I graduated. Face it, it is hard to ask the captain over a PM "what to do" in a certain situation. And the thing of it is, you don't always get a great answer back from anyone who is simming, mainly because they are simming.

 

Perhaps, instead of using a member of the crew for this mentor program, you should have a GM volunteer, or even a long-time simmer, stop by on a new ensign's first sim, and be there solely for that new ensign. I know that that would be quite hard to do, mainly because we just don't have enough GMs. But, perhaps something like this could be used in the near future. ::hoping so, at least::

 

HD

[Garnoopy 0]

Well, hd, I agree.

 

The other thing with PMing the CO or XO during a sim is you really don't want to. I mean, the almighty CO and XO. Who wants to really PM them going "I don't know what to do!". And if you've ever tried it, the responces can sound kind of abrut, which is natural since they are simming. However, to a new Ensign who isn't completely sure of how he's doing, he/she can take these the wrong way.

 

If you wanted to use a GM, that'd be great. However, the GM would have to know whats going on on each sim he/she was mentoring for, and would have to have a general knowlage of the crews.

[Atragon9 0]

I mean, the almighty CO and XO. Who wants to really PM them going "I don't know what to do!". And if you've ever tried it, the responces can sound kind of abrut, which is natural since they are simming.

Actually, I would hope that this is NOT the case.  The CO and XO are there to move the plot forward and to insure that the crew is having a good time simming.  This ABSOLUTELY includes helping out the newest players with questions.  Having said that however, you will have many new players who will feel awkward asking the CO or XO questions (or even some other GM) and that's where a mentor on the ship can be a big help!

[trek_fan03 0]

I think it is a great idea. being the newest ensign garnoopy has helped me alot from creating a character to getting a guest appearance on an advanced sim. I nominate him to be the first mentor and me to be his first mentee.  :D

[Garnoopy 0]

Having said that however, you will have many new players who will feel awkward asking the CO or XO questions (or even some other GM) and that's where a mentor on the ship can be a big help!

Exactly. Someone who knows what it is like to be an Ensign, and can answer questions that need to be answered.

 

No offence to you A9, but you probabaly don't truely remember or know what it is like to be an Ensign on a new forum like STSF.net. In all reality, how can you answer a question when you've been simming for so long, you may have forgotton the feeling of confusing being a new Ensign can bring to you?

[Yuri 0]

As a cadet who has not yet participated in this sim thing, I think it is a a smashing idea!

[Dumbass 0]

To add to the excellent comments already posted, being a new Ensign today is a completely different experience than even a few months ago when Precip, Garnoopy, and myself were the very first STSF grads since moving to startrek.com.  Back then most of the GMs didn't know how to graduate someone, or even that it was an option.  If the experience has changed that much in a few months I don't see how a CO or XO can emphathise with a new Ensign after so many years.

 

On the other hand, empathy is not necessarily the most important consideration.  As Starfleet Officers we are expected to be professionals with a job to do, and how we "feel" about it shouldn't matter one bit.  Save it for the personal logs, don't let it get in the way of the job.  I can also see a mentorship program as *potentially* disrupting the chain of command.  An "Assistant" reports to a "Chief"  who reports to one of the command officers.  Bridge officers such as TAC, HELM, OPS, etc. may not report to a "Chief" per se, but the CO and XO are a few feet away.  Now you throw in a mentor who you kinda report to, but not really, and it has the potential of making a bad problem worse.  The mentoring program itself would have to be "mentored" to keep this from happening.

 

That having been said, I think it's something worth pursuing.  However, it won't be an easy transition for every ship.  I'll use the Reaent as an example.  We now have more Ensigns (all STSF graduates) than every other rank combined.  Some of us will have to be promoted or we will have to double up.  *All* Ensigns would have to be doubled up or it wouldn't be fair.  If we take on any more graduates or someone comes back from a leave of absence then we would have a problem doing this as we would have an odd number of Ensigns.  And if we are talking about making "graduation" from a mentorship program a requirement for promotion then those of us that are already pretty close will have a last minute obstacle thrown at us.  "A week ago you were good enough, now you're not" is not an answer I would accept.  There would have to be some kind of grandfather clause thrown in so we don't change the rules in the middle of the game.

 

That's probably a worst case scenerio.  The best case would be something like the Qob-Lakota.  We have 1 Ensign (myself), possibly 2 if Garnoopy decides to join us.  Finding mentors would be no problem - they would probably fight over us.  Even still, things can go wrong.  Personalities can clash, and it's hard to find a good fit for a new Ensign you know nothing about.  Without naming names there was one person who, although not in my chain of command, took it upon himself to mentor me on being a good CENG without my consent.  I'm a corporate technical buyer for 50 research engineers in real life, 20 of them Ph.D.s, and 2 or 3 with multiple Ph.D.s, and didn't need most of his advice.  I eventually had to call in the CO and XO to resolve the dispute.

 

For me biggest change would have to do with adapting the ship cultures to be more "Ensign friendly".  Many COs and XOs have a rule saying if someone asks for a promotion they get ridiculed or moved to the bottom of the list.  At the same time, it's their job to provide feedback on how we're doing and to get us to a point to where promotion is an option.  If we're not encouraged or even allowed to ask then how do we get that feedback?  Having a mentor could be useful here, but it means the COs and XOs would have to be consistent and predictable doing promotions or the mentor's advice wouldn't be worth the PADD it's printed on.

 

Maybe we need to think about what it would take to make this work.  Let's keep this going.

[Garnoopy 0]

Vanroy, you make some excellent points.

 

First and formost, a mentor would only be assigned if a new Ensign requested it. The last thing someone wants is to have someone forced upon them. That would just cause the opposite of what was intended. So it would not be for all. Some peopel may come to the ship already knowing how to sim. They might not feel they need any advice or have any questions.

 

My idea for a mentor would be someone on a ship, who outside of the sim, was willing to answer questions and give advice. The label "Mentor" would not effect their rank, or power during a sim. They would be there for outside of a sim time to help out with questions and give opinions when someone asked for them.

 

With the concern over promotion and info on when they occur, you have a good point. Naturally, whoever was given a mentor position woudl have to know they have no control over this, and therefor have no right to tell someone they will get promoted in 3 months, or however long.

 

The other thing would be, a mentor isn't supposed to like watch over someone they are helping and answering questions to. Lets say, Ensign A has just been promoted. He has a question, so, he goes to the ship's mentor, and asks. The Mentor responds with the info, blah blah, and Ensign A goes off knowing more and being able to sim better. However, the mentor does not constantly bug or harass Ensign A, just gives advice or info when requested.

 

Opinions and suggestions are welcomed to these ideas.

[Yuri 0]

I think, after reading the above that ultimately, that what the counsellor is for, you should be ale to talk to the councellor at any time, but then there is the potential for the councellor to be overflowed with ensighns (why is that funny), so maybe ther shoud be other influential peoples who you can report to, something like one for the engineering ane for the bridge .ect

[trek_fan03 0]

I think that is exactly what the Counsellor is for. If there Wes didn't know how to do something, like get a girl(lol), he might go to Counsellor Troi for advice.

[Garnoopy 0]

But remember, a Counselor is part of the sim, therefor, has a rank and a position in the crew. A mentor is just something a character does outside of the sim to help new Ensigns. Now, someone could be a Counselor and a Mentor, but that would be coincidental.

[trek_fan03 0]

But to tie this with the other thread if there was a course for officers like a bridge officers exam why can there not be one for counselors that involves mentoring

[Atragon9 0]

Many COs and XOs have a rule saying if someone asks for a promotion they get ridiculed or moved to the bottom of the list.  At the same time, it's their job to provide feedback on how we're doing and to get us to a point to where promotion is an option.  If we're not encouraged or even allowed to ask then how do we get that feedback?  Having a mentor could be useful here, but it means the COs and XOs would have to be consistent and predictable doing promotions or the mentor's advice wouldn't be worth the PADD it's printed on.

 

Maybe we need to think about what it would take to make this work.  Let's keep this going.

 

First and formost, a mentor would only be assigned if a new Ensign requested it. The last thing someone wants is to have someone forced upon them. That would just cause the opposite of what was intended. So it would not be for all. Some peopel may come to the ship already knowing how to sim. They might not feel they need any advice or have any questions.

 

Well, let me say first that I'm not aware of a CO or XO who would move someone down a promotion list for asking, unless that person were being exceedingly annoying and asking for a promotion every week (this is not the same as asking for feedback, this is "can I get promoted this week, PLEASE!!!  I already asked last week and the week before and the...)

 

But I digress...

 

As I mentioned in an earlier posting, the GMs are discussing many ways to help new Ensigns feel comfortable on their Advanced sims.  We do appreciate any and all thoughts and comments from any players.  However, please keep in mind that the final decision will be with each CO and XO team of each sim and there will be no overriding rule mandated from STSF.  

 

This discussion is very interesting and I would like to see more comments, but it will not be leading us to a group vote on mentors and a system to be instituted.  Thanks.

[FredM 0]

Hey there all,

 

Something else to consider...in a way there already is a mentoring program in place aboard every advanced sim. It's the mentoring a department chief normally does to someone new in their department. We may need to refine it to come up with suggestions on how to make this more effective, but it already exists in many ways. :D

[Cptn Moose 0]

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink?   :D  

 

Folks, you're surrounded by mentors.  If you're the newest Ensign on the deck, then every other player on your ship is a mentor.  And every message on this board is written by someone who wants to share their simming experiences with anyone who cares to read about it.

 

Don't take rank too seriously.  It dictates allowable actions within a game, but it has no meaning in personal relationships.  They're not really "Superior Officers", they just play them on T.V. (well, in chat. but you know what I mean).  I have yet to meet an advanced sim player who can resist a private message that says "I'm not sure whether I can do such and such, what do you think?"  Just ask, advise is plentiful and freely given when invited.

 

The same applies if you feel left out.  The other players already know each other, and naturally seek each other out.  It may seem to a new player that they are being ignored.  A private message cures that too.  "I'm not sure what I should be doing, can I join your story line?" has rarely failed.

 

In short, new players should never be shy about asking for help.  Everyone's here to play together and that's how you become part of the team.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Cptn Moose

USS Arcadia, NCC-1742-E

[Garnoopy 0]

Moose, first of all, your text is black, and I can't read it. Though after highlighting it...

 

Very very good point. I fully agree.

[Dumbass 0]

Moose, first of all, your text is black, and I can't read it. Though after highlighting it...

 

Very very good point. I fully agree.

Uh, "Goopy", you might want to check your eyes.  It's bright red-orange to me.

[Garnoopy 0]

:: rolls eyes ::

 

Vanroy, it was black before he changed it...

 

Ty for changing it Moose. Easier on the eyes.

[Webmaster 20]

Moose, ya need to goto ya profile and change ya "default" post color.  That way ya don't have to keep editing your posts.  ::D:  That will help save ya a little time.

 

Also... I agree with what Moose says.  Many of ya have already contacted me via AIM and Private Message.  Ya for the most part know I'm a pretty friendly person, and not too hard to get along with.  Should you have any questions about  STSF, how to play, or anything else...  please feel free to contact anyone on your crew or in STSF.  You may also feel free to approach me with ANY STSF issue that you have.  I would be happy to answer any questions that you have, or help you resolve any issue that you have.

 

If I can't handle or solve your problem for you, I will get it to the folks who can and get back with you.  I have no problem with playing middle man if needed.  And I have no problem with helping anyone here in any way that I can.

[STSF Precip 0]

One of the amazing things about STSF is quality of the CO's and XO's that run the boats.  I have simmed elsewhere in different organizations and  upon comparing my experiences so far with the COs of STSF to those I have had in the past I can only share compliments.

 

Every CO in here has helped me from day one...I can't express my appreciation with that.  When I first started in the Academies..I couldn't get the format right, the academy GMs..politely steered me the right way.

 

After I graduated the academy when I experienced a bit of ...okay where am  I...hello...I'm  here guys...a few PMs to senior officers in my specific  Department and XO got me rolling on Manticore.  And I have had a blast since.

 

Moose is right here..every player can help get an ensign on track. So my advice to anyone taking their first steps is to follow that axiom...Seek and you shall find, knock and the door will open...aka..ask and there will be  help. Use that private message button..It helped me.

 

Precip

[LtCdrGromVik 0]

 And I have no problem with helping anyone here in any way that I can.

Note to self: Hit up Webmaster for college tuition.

[Guest STSF Lightning]

Actually many GMs do recall being Ensigns. Though not in this group, I am actually an Ensign and a LtJg in others. Personally I prefer the lower ranks.   The reason I remember Ensign so well is because I started not knowing *anything* and really it was a 'learn as you go' situation. To be honest I didn't have a mentor that was a higher rank. My first three sims (different groups) I was put right into chief posts, and as a counselor. So it was more challenging than just being an Assistant right off the bat. But learning by watching was the best way for me. What I did was more or less, ask people how they approach simming. When a sim was not happening. It was the best way to get input and insight.   GMs can help you. :) If you want to know how you're doing in the Academy, Email, IM, or use the PM on the boards, to contact the GMs and ask. (Or possibly even ask in the Lounge. ;x) It allows better timing and more time to have a conversation, instead of in the middle of what at times can be fun chaos.  ::):   There is a difference between asking "Can I graduate?/Am I promoted?/Are you going to promote me now, or what?" and "How am I doing?". The reason it's asked is because Advanced sims take patience and time. Promotions there take much longer, even the plots. It's a way of seeing how patient some people are willing to be, and if they would be able to do an Advanced sim without going absolutely stir crazy because of the waiting. It factors into how well people will do on an Advanced sim. If someone wants it all and wants it *right now*, then an Advanced sim might not be the best situation for them, yet. It's partly why the Academies are there. They're a place to learn.   To the comment made. We don't ridicule, there is no need for that. We do make a note because what I said above about patience is one of the few reasons. Normally people do ask at least once, it's normal to be curious. Can't blame anyone for that. :) It's a matter of seeing if someone is ready to commit to an Advanced sim and if they will be likely to not get frustrated and quit. GMs want to see people sucessful in the Advanced sims, and patience is a big factor into being successful on the Advanced sims. There are going to be times it's quiet and you can relax and talk and do what you want for the most part. And then the exact opposite other times, where the sim plot has everyone in absolute chaos, going by very fast, and you have to be at your post.   Mentors are a great idea. If you can find some, really be sure to take advantage of the oppertunity. Some prefer to go it alone. And others would like someone to help them be shown the ropes.   If you need help or are curious about something, just ask. Moose is right. You have mentors all around you. :D   ~ STSF Lightning ~ Star Trek™ Simulation Forum Game Master (GM) Saturday STSF Lounge Bartender In the StarTrek.com Holodeck Chatroom 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Eastern) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Pacific)