Mentor Program

1. 89

   SimeyCposted 12 years ago

   One thing I wished I had when I first started on Hubpages was a mentor - someone I could turn to and ask all those 'silly' questions that new users on HP ask, someone I could seek objective advice from and someone who would be able to help me focus on my writing, and give me tips on how to be successful.
   
   I therefore think it would be useful if HP developed a volunteer Mentor program - this is almost like the 'greeters' program, but more personal and more on a one to one basis.
   
   I'd see 'quality' Hubbers taken on about 5 Mentees each for a period of one month and ask them to communicate with these mentees daily - responding to questions, sending quick tips or generally taking time to look at the Mentees work.
   
   It's a huge commitment, but one I think would benefit the Mentee, the Mentor and Hubpages.
   
   What do you think? Who would make a good Mentor? Who would want to be a Mentor?

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   1. 63

      Lisa HWposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Just for the purpose of discussion (kind of, but not entirely, a devil's-advocate type of thing) (rather than a "reading-the-riot-act" thing, which this isn't AT ALL intended to seem like)....
      
      I'm reluctant to be candid here because I don't want to appear to be "shooting down" what is a valid and good suggestion.  Mentoring situations work better for some people than for others.  It's never been something for me, and as a "writer type", I tend to assume that's because writer types often have to find their own way and do things their own way.  Also, some people just operate best on their own and without involving others. 
      
      I see writing on this site as two separate things:  Writing and knowing how the site and the Internet work.  A lot of people don't want or need help with writing, and those who have trouble with writing and/or grammar aren't likely to have their "issues" fixed in a month.  As far as "operating on the site/Internet goes", I think it's all pretty self-explanatory if the person puts in the time and effort to read the "Help" section (and if he's new, to keep going back when he runs into one or another new situation).
      
      So I don't see this as a setting in which mentoring is particularly required.  There are the forums here for new people who have questions.  True, not all the replies are always the best; but usually a few (or more) people kick in and add more knowledgeable replies to those.
      
      The site, Helium. got into a whole big thing where it started to call itself "a writing collaborative" and where "everyone helps everyone else learn", and - really - a lot of people aren't on these sites to learn.  Either they already know, or else they don't want to know.    When I started to get the invitations to get involved with other people's contributions on there, and when I started to see words like, "we're all here to learn", I was out of there (well, sort  of - they don't let people delete their stuff from there  ).
      
      Another concern would be with regard to "expertise" involving tips on getting traffic and earning money.   One size doesn't always fit all among individuals, and one approach isn't always guaranteed to work forever anyway.  Basically, when it comes to that stuff, I'm not sure everyone doesn't need to figure out, on his own, what he believes will work best for him.  For example, a lot of people still don't know a lot about what, exactly, Google "likes".  Based on some comments I've seen on Hubs that are articles written based on web research, it's clear that a lot of people still don't realize that Google's quality guidelines include "intimate familiarity with the subject" or  "original, in-depth analysis".  Separate from that, I know that if I'd followed a lot of the advice of those who saw themselves as "experts" on here a couple of years ago, I wouldn't be doing as well as I am now (to whatever extent I'm "doing well" on here or elsewhere with this particular kind of writing).
      
      Having said all that ("obnoxious") stuff, I don't think the idea of offering that to people is a bad one, and I have no doubt that some people would be willing to take on a mentee.  It's never a bad thing to offer something helpful to someone who may need/want it.
      
      I'm happy to try to be helpful to anyone on here.  Heck -  I don't just try to be helpful with HubPages stuff but also with anything else that I think I may be able to be a little helpful on.   I don't want to be "all involved" with someone else's "deal" on here, though.  BUT, that's because I've never been much the "mentor program" type.  I'm sure there are people who like "being all involved" with others in their efforts and who would think it's a great idea.  (A kind of funny thing I've noticed over the years is that the mentoring thing comes up on here every so often, and it's most often either brought up by a teacher or someone who works in business in a capacity where mentoring is common or else played a big role in their own "doings".) 
      
      Personally, I've seen way too many people giving way too many other people bad advice/information on here. Even if it isn't "bad", it's often information that isn't right for some people's aims.  That's another reason I had reservations about a mentor-type program on here.  People just have to be careful about whose advice they listen to.
      
      I really think what any new person needs is already here.  We've all seen how many people don't take advantage of, or pay attention to, it.  Those who do, and who use their own common sense with regard to their own aims, tend to do well on their own.  BUT, the existence of a mentor program certainly wouldn't hurt me or others who aren't interested either - so there's that too.   

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   2. 77

      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      When I first got here I had someone offer to mentor me if I wished-- it was a really nice gesture and it was helpful. I didn't utilize him terribly much, but I'll admit, it was nice to ask him totally random questions and he was able to direct me as needed to helpful resources. It was on an as-needed basis and it worked for me.

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   3. 72

      Barbara Kayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think a mentor program would be a good thing, but only for those that ask for it. I think having 5 to mentor might be a bit much, but I'd volunteer if I only had 1 or 2. If I saw it wasn't that much work, then I'd take on 5.

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2. 89

   SimeyCposted 12 years ago

   Some very valid points. It has to be a voluntary program and perhaps should be limited to some areas such as:
   -formatting
   -Grammar and spelling
   -Getting the best out of the Learning Center
   
   The forum and learning center does have a lot to offer, but I have been here two/three years and still have not read the Learning Center fully - also some replies on the forums can often be snippy and condescending - heck I often get 'scared' when I see some of the replies!!!
   
   Perhaps it can be an informal thing - if someone really seems to be stuck, then let some of the more experienced users reach out to them.
   
   One thing that I suspect people don't realize is that a Mentor / Mentee relationship isn't always one way - in my work experience I've learnt a lot from Mentees - sometimes someone asking a question will make you think carefully about the repsonse and may even 'change' the way you do something.

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3. 63

   Greek Oneposted 12 years ago

   I have asked all the successful Hubbers to be my mentor
   
   They have all refused me.
   
   I think their rejection stems from creative jealousy and penis envy

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   1. 77

      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Could also be that you aren't as attractive as me.....

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      1. 63

         Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         you are cute...
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         but I am gorgeous!

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         1. 77

            Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            
            
            The face just screams "My name is Greek One...will you be my mentor?"

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            1. 63

               Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               make fun if you want...
               
               but that pic turns me on

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               1. 77

                  Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I'm pretty sure a post-it note would be all it takes to turn you on.

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                  1. 63

                     Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     is the post-it note single?

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                     1. 83

                        CMHypnoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Since when have you been fussy?  Pink or green?

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                        1. 63

                           Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           I have found that the more green I have, the more pink I get

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                           1. 77

                              Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              You nearly killed me there Greek... I must remember to stop drinking whatever I'm drinking when I come across your posts, or I will start laughing and choke to death.

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                              1. 63

                                 Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 it's OK.. lots of women have choked on my post
                                 
                                 

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                                    SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    ...yor quik!

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                                    1. 63

                                       Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       sadly, I have been told that many times as well

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                                    2. 60

                                       SomewayOuttaHereposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       GO...i realized what your come back would be right after I submitted  my response....and now what?  ...

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                                       1. 63

                                          Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          I have never had a woman come right back after me...
                                          
                                          I'm usually out the door by then

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   2. 94

      melbelposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You never fail to crack me up. Totally made my day right there.

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      1. 63

         Greek Oneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         thank you for not envying my penis...
         
         will you be my mentor?

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4. 77

   Shadesbreathposted 12 years ago

   I think mentoring is a good idea, but I also know a lot of people fancy themselves experts who are not near as adept as they think they are.
   
   Mentors would have to be vetted by HP staff, or maybe given silos of expertise/competence.

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5. 91

   habeeposted 12 years ago

   Mentoring would be a good idea, but it would have to have a specific focus. For example, I could help someone with grammar, organization, and other writing skills, but I wouldn't be a lot of help with SEO and such. lol

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6. 74

   Kangaroo_Jaseposted 12 years ago

   I feel that Greek One is requiring some mentoring with his envy, so it doesn't get outta hand.......oh for goodness sake, bloody double entendre's when you didn't mean to write one...

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