wikiHow_talk:Mentors

Probably an idea is that the mentors will check out frequently the list of new users, so they will send out a special template about mentoring. By this way , we will find potential mentees. Another way to find mentees is the forums. Probably a sticky post, would do. Give me out your opinions. :)

I've been working for a long time to formulate some kind of a proposal that will address these issues and provide some suggestions. The proposal can be found here. It is a huge document so I split it into four pages with an index page that you will find by clicking the link above. Please read carefully. I tried to be as clear as I could but taking into consideration that I've been working on this for more than 14 hours straight and that English is my second language, you might find some of the statements gibberish, mere nonsensical ramblings or at least unclear. Please forgive me if that happens. I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have. I'd suggest that discussing the proposal be focused in one place which I suggest to be here in this discussion page. However, I'll answer any questions posted to my talk page, to the forum post regarding the project or on the discussion page of the proposal's index page. Thanks for your patience.

Warning: it is a long document so I suggest you have a clear mind when reading it or skimming it first then reading it thoroughly when you have the time for it. A PDF version of the full proposal can be found here

• Should settle on term...Project vs. Program
• Instead of the help desk, have a core group of people that would 'field' the initial request and see if it is a single request for help or if a mentor is more of what is wanted/needed.

• Selecting mentees
  • Do we take all who ask? Good with the bad - requires a judgment call and is actually counter to the program if we only take the 'promising editors'
  • How do we decide to 'cut bait'. If there is a lack of interest or mentee disappears, what then?
• In regards to the mentor subpages - ultimately, this could be a way of creating a FAQ.

Moved from other discussion page

• Selecting mentors
  • Take test (to be created)(would appreciate some sample questions)
  • Have 500 minimum edits
  • Have some experience/knowledge of
    • NAB
    • RC
    • Forum
    • IRC (even if not used)

(to be continued)

Talk page message to be disseminated

A mentor program is being developed. A PDF version of the proposal (not by any means a final proposal) can be found here. While we have some volunteers at this moment, there should be a selection process put into place.

Jack has given the program his 'stamp of approval' and we just need to move forward. We would like as much input as we could get from others before we go further.

Maybe I could be of some assistance by generating some rough sample questions for the "test" if needed.

An interesting concept. Good luck with it. This proposal is huge and entails a large commitment and a lot of effort on behalf of those who take on mentorships. Having taken on mediation, I can promise that this type of relationship-building/guidance really is quite a commitment. Some thoughts:

1. Has anyone considered the suitability of strange adults (yes we are all strangers in cyberspace when it comes to parents wondering what their kids are up to) mentoring kids? Not really a desirable thing IMHO. We have had this discussion time and again but we need to be careful not to step into the role of babysitting. And unfortunately, this happens and often creeps up on us unawares. And e-mailing under 13's is just not on without parental permission. For our own protection as much as theirs.
2. It is also really important to stress number 5. How-to's by nature attract resourceful people who have often nutted out answers by themselves and don't have the personality type that really likes a lot of help. Or if they do need assistance with something, don't be surprised if they never answer back. Often people like a quick directive but don't want to be bothered further or strike up a "warm & fuzzy". As mentors, people need to not be let down by this type of response, nor push the limits. We can also scare off people by bugging them too much; not everyone is the "great to meet you" type and some just like to get on with it.
3. And all of us always need to be heedful of not crossing the line between helping and telling people what to do. There is an enormous amount of erroneous advice that gets flung around wH about what is "the right way to do things" here. Wikis have ground rules but not nooses or strait jackets. Creativity must be allowed to thrive to some extent or we won't innovate and keep creating in ways that reflect the broad spectrum of abilities, talents and ideas that come to wH. Yes it is a hard balance to strike between what is standard and what is boldly innovative and gets accepted but we must keep open minds to new ideas.
4. Until IRC cleans up its act, I wouldn't be sending any newcomer in that direction. We want to keep people not terrify them off the site.
5. As someone known for writing too much and making things more complex than needed, may I suggest this mentor scheme be shortened? There is a lot for people to digest and may create a hurdle against participation in and of itself.
6. We all of us mentor well by doing and setting a good example to follow. Let us all keep this up and not become overly reliant on those who take on the mantle of mentors.

Mentoring the young is a very good point and definitely something we should be prepared to answer before we put the program into effect. I would hate for that to be what stops it from happening though.

men·tee (men-t) n. : One who is mentored. thefreedictionary.com

men-tee [men-tee] -noun- a person who is guided by a mentor. dictionary.reference.com

men-tee : one who is being mentored : protégé Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Hi, I'd like to be part of the Mentors. I'm almost always available and absolutely love wikiHow.

Thank you for your consideration and Happy Holidays,
Helpersz

hello i need help trying to set up model with camcorder,need to know what to do first please contact me thank you.

I would like to join. Unfortunatley, I have not stayed long enough. I do have enough edits though. When I reach the 2-month mark, please give me the test-if there is one. And, another thing - I don't have an e-mail account. Please reply.

Xxxx 22:38, 28 April 2010 (GMT)

I would like to join

I would Love to join. I am sorry to say that I have not reached 300 contributions quite yet. Mabye you can make an exception? I am on wikiHow almost everyday.

Would like to join please!

I think the page needs to be changed so that mentors are required to list the wikiHow tasks they are good at -- specific things they can help with like editing, patrolling etc.

I think in terms of experience, someone should have been here for at least 3 months and made at least 750 edits. Also it would be good to require that it be someone who logs on regularly, not someone who takes frequent wiki breaks.

I would love a mentor to teach me how to do some really well advanced editing!

how can i be a mentor

I would really like to be a mentor!

I would like to be a mentor!

I would like to be a mentor! :)

~Ariana Luna

I am an experienced editor and am looking into this project. This is an inactive group, though? ;)

Im interested.