advice for advisors

[Nyramael]

Hi,
i was wondering what can we say over the help channel and what can\'t we say? I was hoping to clear up a few problems with players asking about things such as quests and NPCs for training. At the moment, i understand that quest advice can be done player to player but not through the help system.

A while back i responded to a player asking about where an NPC for a certain level was, and I responded that we advisors couldn\'t give that info. I then received a /tell saying that we could, so I made ammends. A few days later I did the same and received a /tell saying that we shouldn\'t tell players where trainers are. Who is right?

Forgive me if this has already been asked but a search on \'advisor\' doesn\'t turn up much. I would be happy with just a link to the info.

Thanks
me

[Drey]

well.... there are no dead set rules.

but some examples of what i would do:

x asks: where can i train sword after level 10????

(i dont even know if those levels are right...)

you: \"something to the affect of try around akkaio\"

x asks: how do i complete the xyz quest????

you: \"something about, i\'m sorry i cant tell you that, finding the solutions to the quests on your own is all part of the fun ;)\"


but then thats just my views... janner seems to get upset by them.


editation: ...am i the only one who finds it odd that someone who has been playing about a month is advising O.o
editation2: i use \"...\" alot dont i >.>

[Bereror]

There are many advisors and everybody seems to have his own opinion about the help channel. Here is my opinion, no more true than any other opinions

As far I can see, the help channel is mostly for technical help and game bugs. Players should be encouraged to role-play and ask questions about quests and trainers from other players, preferably in an role-playing manner.

Other advisors might have a different opinion and I\'m not the person to tell them that they are wrong as long there are no official rules for the help channel.

[DaveG]

When it comes to quests, and the like, your best bet is to be helpful but not specific.  Try to remember any quests that have problems, and tell someone who asks.  If they ask about a step you might consider a vague hint, but don\'t spoil it for them.  (aka, \"where is X?\" => \"try asking around Y town\")

[Tuxide]

Here are the rules that I follow when advising.

* If it\'s content-related, I don\'t answer it.  I would say something along the lines of \"Sorry, no content-related questions please.\" and maybe suggest they ask another player.  This is an MMORPG, and as an advisor, I wouldn\'t want to volunteer spoilers to anyone.  If it\'s a newbie, I might redirect them to the plaza depending on race or the question.  I also try not to sound like a jerk.

* All other questions I answer, like questions on the user interface.  This includes \"Help I am stuck\" or \"How do I dig\".

A while ago, I made a log of conversations that appeared on the help channel, and I posted it on the Advisor Haven wiki.  Feel free to read it or dork around with the subject of the page.  This includes examples of what to say and what not to say on the help channel.

http://www.ps-mc.com/advice/index.php/Talk:Advisor_Quiz

[r.guppy]

Originally posted by Drey
well.... there are no dead set rules.

but some examples of what i would do:

x asks: where can i train sword after level 10?

(i dont even know if those levels are right...)

you: \"something to the affect of try around akkaio\"

x asks: how do i complete the xyz quest?

you: \"something about, i\'m sorry i cant tell you that, finding the solutions to the quests on your own is all part of the fun \"


but then thats just my views... janner seems to get upset by them.

  NO I don\'t, you are my second favorite alf SMILES.
 The good fairy beats you just grins



editation: ...am i the only one who finds it odd that someone who has been playing about a month is advising O.o
editation2: i use \"...\" alot dont i >.>

Things I think of first before answering, will my answer HELP them. Were posable hint rather than directly answer, Unless a direct answer is needed, /die /unstick. for example.

[Tarel]

This is the advicing policy, that the Gamemasters use at this moment:

Advising Policy

Advising and monitoring player advisers are important parts of GMing. Firstly, if no players are available to answer a question, GMs should be there to help. It\'s important to know how you (and other players) can answer questions so that you can answer the question, if need-be, and inform player advisers of when they are advising incorrectly. Note that these responses are guidelines. Some of these responses are in quotes; this does not mean you should have to use those responses, but that you should say something to that effect. Remember that not only is it your responsibility to advise when no one else is available to do so, but that it is also your responsibility to correct advisers who give bad information or information that they should not be giving.

List of Question Categories and General Responses

Where can I find [quest item/NPC/trainer/etc]?
  \"Ask a player in-character in-game or explore. Advisers are not permitted to answer this question.\"  

How do I get to [place/out of the death realm]?
  \"Ask a player in-character in-game or explore. Advisers are not permitted to answer this question.\"  

How does [the skill system/the NPC system/the trading system/the duel system/etc] work?  Answer to the best of your ability.  

When will [feature] be added?  \"I don\'t know. Search the forums (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/) or ask on IRC.\"
   
I want [feature]!  \"Post to the wish list on the forums (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/board.php?boardid=11). Make sure to search first!\"
   
I just started this game. What do I do?  \"Read the Gameplay FAQ on the forums (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/thread.php?threadid=21677&boardid=1).\"
   
I\'m stuck! Help!  \"Try /unstick. If that doesn\'t work, you use /die or send a petition to a GM.\"  
 
[Player] is harassing me! What do I do?  \"Send a petition to a GM.\"  

A GM changed my name. What did I do wrong?  \"Your name likely violated the naming policy. Please view the policy on the forum (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/thread.php?threadid=21538&boardid=1]). Additionally, you can take this up with the GM through PMs.\"  

Someone just told me that I was OOC and need to be IC. What does that mean?
  You were \'out-of-character\' and need to act \'in-character.\' Please read the player policy (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/thread.php?threadid=21538&boardid=1]).\"  

There is a problem with [NPC/command/feature]. What should I do?  If you know the solution, answer. If not, suggest they search (http://www.planeshift3d.com/wbboard/search.php?boardid=1) the forums and post if they can not find anything.

And to end my post i like everyone to know, that the players policy is updated too.

Player Policy