Rather than offering new players to play other new players, which tends to not to work, automatically give newcomers a volunteering greeter, who has a rating that is 1400 or below to introduce them / answer questions, etc.
The greeter could be someone who has made 10,000+ moves or is on alot so can make the game go fast, so that new players don't become impatient and leave.
Then the greeter could explain, let them know that to log on later and finish.
If there are no volunteers, offer a status in their profile as a Greeter 😲
Originally posted by RamnedHow many people do you actually trust to do that? It's sometimes worse here than for a high school freshman on day one in a new school.
Rather than offering new players to play other new players, which tends to not to work, [b]automatically give newcomers a volunteering greeter, who has a rating that is 1400 or below to introduce them / answer questions, etc.
The greeter could be someone who has made 10,000+ moves or is on alot so can make the game go fast, so that new players don't b ...[text shortened]... ater and finish.
If there are no volunteers, offer a status in their profile as a Greeter 😲[/b]
Originally posted by RamnedThis has been under consideration for years since the first time someone offered to do exactly this.
Not many people in the forums would be well trusted but there are plenty of others. Any twirling red star player.
I will get it in there because we do lose people where they choose to only play one game, and they pick someone who then goes on to abandon their game. This results in both new players being lost.
Originally posted by RussWhat sort of numbers are involved?If someone can greet 2 or 3 players at a time how many greeters do we need?
This has been under consideration for years since the first time someone offered to do exactly this.
I will get it in there because we do lose people where they choose to only play one game, and they pick someone who then goes on to abandon their game. This results in both new players being lost.
We could do with some one on the door to alert for possible banned players coming back.
I think it is an excellent idea. If you could get people who make multiple moves a day, might be a help also, in keeping the new person from becoming bored.
EDIT: Might be a good idea to have people of different ratings to be Greeters, not just 1400 and under. The new people could be rated from beginner to Master level, or higher.
Originally posted by Very RustyRight, just ask them on joining what their playing strength is. Maybe a few questions would help:
I think it is an excellent idea. If you could get people who make multiple moves a day, might be a help also, in keeping the new person from becoming bored.
EDIT: Might be a good idea to have people of different ratings to be Greeters, not just 1400 and under. The new people could be rated from beginner to Master level, or higher.
1. Do you have a rating with a different organization, e.g., ICC, USCF, etc?
2. Have you played in formal OTB tournaments, and if you did, how did you do? (e.g., won 1st place undefeated, won and lost about the same number, lost every one)
3. How long have you been playing?
4. Have you read any chess books and studied the game?
5. How strong do you think you are? (If the world champion is 100, and someone who doesn't know how to move the pieces is 0, and someone who is just average is 50?)
Maybe you could offer to let them get an approximate rating. For instance, a series of 10 puzzles, purely voluntary, if they have no idea. (Puzzle #1, an obvious mate in 1; Puzzle #2, an obvious mate in 2 based on a pin or discovered check etc; Puzzle #3, a win of a queen with a N fork etc)
There's nothing worse than going into a clothing store and having the salesperson hover over you when all you want to do is browse. If you are going to implement this idea, be sure to choose people who know when and how to respectfully give people their space or else you'll chase away as many people as you recruit, in my opinion.
Originally posted by RussCould this problem be solved by not letting two new players (under 5 games each) play against each other? Send a new player to the open invite screen and tell them to grab games from there against established players who likely won't abandon a game and thus turn off the new player from the site. The only exception might be players specifically challenging another new player (i.e. two friends who join at the same time.)
This has been under consideration for years since the first time someone offered to do exactly this.
I will get it in there because we do lose people where they choose to only play one game, and they pick someone who then goes on to abandon their game. This results in both new players being lost.
If I remember correctly, when I signed up I was immediately challenged by a couple unknown players. A couple who never moved more than once. I'm assuming this was an automated match-up.
If there are automated match-ups for new players, what about having a pool of volunteer subscribers (with unlimited game load) automatically matched up with new players. Then there would be less chance of the abandoned game scenario.
Originally posted by darvlaySince when have you ever been worried about chasing anyone off Mr. bouncer?
There's nothing worse than going into a clothing store and having the salesperson hover over you when all you want to do is browse. If you are going to implement this idea, be sure to choose people who know when and how to respectfully give people their space or else you'll chase away as many people as you recruit, in my opinion.
I think you are right though. Be helpful not pushy.