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The Sim Mentoring Program
Original article written by Carolyn Eaton posted 14 years 0 weeks agoI started playing the Sim in September 2006 after visiting my best friend Laura, with the intention of having “maybe 20 or 30 horses”. Suffice to say, I picked up the bug and within a Sim year was up over 200, and at one time was close to 500 horses (which I have now whittled back down to a much more manageable 366 horses, of which 77 are pensioners who require no maintenance). I have had fairly steady success, and a lot of that is due to the advice and help of Laura and some other veteran players when I started. I have in turned helped others, when Mike Eaton (no relation) was a very enthusiastic Junior High player, he couldn't keep his fingers from those new training buttons, and to keep himself from injuring more yearlings (he'd already injured Building Empires) – he sent his yearlings to me, and I would train them and send them back as 2yo's when races were getting to their appropriate distance. He now consistently has many top runners. Helping him helped keep me invigorated and interested in the game.
Recently there has been a rash of experienced players leaving the game, most from real life issues, but some simply due to waning interest. We have also had a problem with new player retention. If Mike's enthusiasm was contagious for me, maybe a new player's enthusiasm will help a veteran player keep their own interest peaked and help guide a new player through all the complexities in the Sim. The new FAQ's, forum information and other tools are wonderful, but having someone answer a specific question can help bring a person to connect better with the Sim and it's community. In this vein, I am initiating an (unsanctioned, voluntary) mentor program. Thus far I have 8 veterans and 2 newbies signed up. I am hoping for up to 20 veterans to sign on.
Each newbie/veteran pairing will of course be unique, as are all personalities. I am hoping that the veteran can direct newer players in a way to help pique interest in the areas they are most interested in – whether it be the chat, in breeding, alternate breeds, etc and show all the areas available in the Sim. I hope veterans are re-energized in the Sim, and continue to play and enjoy a game that constantly adds variety and nuance (should the horse walk the shedrow a day before the race, a week before or at all?). If anyone feels their veteran or newbie is not meeting their needs, then they can always request a new pairing. I hope none take that too personally.
I realize now, after being a member for 10 Sim years, that many players start with a general interest in horses, but little knowledge of horseracing. As such, those players start with some disadvantages and may take some time to get to know the game and racing in general, so for those players, and those who have not had a lot of time to commit to the Sim to learn about racing, they may feel the need for a mentor even though they've been in the game a year or two, and should feel free to request a mentor. If anyone would like to add themselves to the list of veterans or mentees, please do not hesitate to add themselves on the forum or message me in the game.
I hope everyone continues to enjoy the game as much as I do.
Happy Racing!