Oh Lordy, I'm getting frustrated with people applying for the mentor program!

Contributor: Tessa Taboo Tessa Taboo
The mentor program is a valuable asset on EF when it comes to writing reviews. However, for the mentor, it does take quite a bit of time. On top of that, we can only accept 5 new students per 30 days. It doesn't matter if the mentor accepts them, and then the student cancels, or whatever. Once someone is accepted, it counts. But the only time we get points, is if we graduate a student. We don't get points for mentoring a review, or accepting a student... just if they graduate, which takes AT LEAST 2 reviews, usually more.

In the past few months, I've gotten plenty of mentor requests, and accepted the ones that I could. One of them asked for a push assignment, which I went through the trouble of requesting. But out of all of them, most of them haven't done a thing, including the one I got the push assignment for.

I'm incredibly frustrated for several reasons.

1. I can't accept any new students until November 10th, even though I don't have any active students, and I've had a couple of people ask me if I could mentor them.

2. I'm getting screwed out of points, because I could have NOT accepted the people that weren't going to do the class, and instead accepted someone who was actually willing.

3. Don't even get me started on people who get free stuff for reviewing, and don't do it... how fucking RUDE!

I seriously wish there was a way to ban people from reviewing, or becoming an advanced reviewer, at least, after this happening! Or maybe even have it to where if a mentor waits a certain amount of time, they get points for canceling the class if nothing has been done, or at least not have cancelled classes count towards our 30 day limit :/ But above all, people should be more respectful to our time!
10/29/2012
  • Save Extra 50% On Sexobot Attachment
  • Upgrade Your Hands-Free Play!
  • Complete strap-on set for extra 15% off
  • Save 50% On Shower Nozzle With Enema Set
  • Enjoy 50% Off Selected Items
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
All promotions
Contributor: Eva Schwaltz Eva Schwaltz
There are a lot of mentors now so it makes sense that we only get to pick 5 students a month. You'll just have to let your future students (who want to be mentored by you) know when your next available date is. I cancel a class after a month if I haven't heard anything from a student. I believe people need to work towards getting free products so I don't do push assignments. Not sure what advice you're looking for but that's just my 2 cents.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Tessa Taboo Tessa Taboo
Quote:
Originally posted by Eva Schwaltz
There are a lot of mentors now so it makes sense that we only get to pick 5 students a month. You'll just have to let your future students (who want to be mentored by you) know when your next available date is. I cancel a class after a month if I ... more
That was the first time I'd had someone ask for an assignment, and although it doesn't directly reflect on me as a mentor, that is the last time I will probably ever get one. I will tell them that they have to purchase the products themselves. I understand WHY there is a limit on how many we can have, but when we don't actually get the student because they sign up, and you never hear from them again, it's a bummer when someone who really WANTS you to be their mentor can't, because of the people who just blow it off.
10/29/2012
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
I find it frustrating that I have certain students that requested me, and though I've tried to contact them, I haven't heard anything back. People who seem interested at first, and then never reply to my messages. I understand that people have a life outside of Eden, but that tends to be rather frustrating at times.

If you don't want to help students get free products, I would write it in your little mentor blip or let them know in a message before accepting them that you don't do that. A lot of students hear from others about the free products that are given away to review, and it's an amazingly generous thing that Eden does for its students. Everyone likes something for free, and while it's frustrating when a student receives the item and then bails, it's still something that is a part of the program and it's not wrong for a student to want or expect it.

I think the biggest thing we have to keep in mind is that this program is something that users can choose to take part in or not. While we, as mentors, might like for everything to go smoothly, people are able to come and go as they please. This isn't school, this isn't work, this is something you choose to take part in or not.

If you're concerned about losing out on points, perhaps being more selective about who you're mentoring would be smart. Or messaging the requesting student letting them know your expectations.

The points are an added bonus to me. I didn't HAVE to be a mentor, I wanted to become one to help others do well with their reviews, like others have helped me. We aren't employees of Eden, this is their way of thanking us for the time and effort put into the program. I understand how frustrating it can be when students aren't doing the things you expect them to do, but to say that you're getting screwed out of points seems a little bit much, in my opinion.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Hello,

I would like to clear a few things up regarding this post.

1) All mentors MUST offer two free assignments per student per class; unless the student is already an advanced reviewer. If he/she is an advanced reviewer then they must request assignments for themselves as they normally would without a mentor present.

2) A mentor receives 500 points for graduating/failing a student regardless of reviewer status in addition to receiving a $25 gift card for failing/graduating a basic reviewer.

3) Mentors should not be concerned if a student fails to submit a review for a free product. Sounds counterintuitive, right? I assure you, it is not. Ever been late on one of your reviews and received a message from an admin? There's a late review report done at least once a week and those people are contacted. Let the staff at EF worry about these things.

Posts from contributors policing the behavior of other contributors is not welcoming, nor is it friendly. When new reviewers read these posts, they get turned off from the program and to be honest we can't blame them for bailing if they see hostile posts by the people who are supposedly here to help them.

The mentor program is not "churn and burn"; message the student before you accept them. Get a commitment from them after you've explained your class to them. There is more than one way to skin a cat and you just have to find the best method for you.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Sodom and Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah
Ohhh wow, not sure if I really want to strive to be a mentor after reading how hard it is.
10/29/2012
Contributor: BrittaniMaree BrittaniMaree
<---- Not a mentor but found this while friend hunting
I do understand what you are talking about, not to say in anyway that I know all the stuff that comes with being a mentor because I do not Hun. you all seem to have a lot more to do on Eden than reviewers. I am sad to hear you have a few problems on this matter. I was playing on Facebook everyday, A game called Sim city, and found Eden and was going back and forth between the two. Now that I am exploring more and more everyday on here the game is a thing in the past for me. I am trying to learn new things with the writing reviews and learning from others reviews all the 411 on it. But anyway I am sorry again and some people I guess it's just a phase maybe but I am trying to devote my attention to Eden Fantasy because this site is incredible I was shocked find this site and what they offer. I love being here and will do my best to express it. Thank You All.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
In attempt to wean out the ones that won't do reviews. I made my own rule that a student must write and have published one review within my class. This is because most of the time the students who don't even write one review, never come back. If they write at least one, they have shown a sign of good faith, at least to me. I have made exceptions to this rule.
10/29/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I totally understand all of these frustrations. It's upsetting to me to have people sign up, me accept them, and then nothing from them after that. That's using spots that could have gone to people who wanted to actually participate in the program.

I usually require one completed review before offering push assignments. Too many have requested them and dropped off the face of the planet. I'm more than happy to offer them to students so long as one review is done prior.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Tessa Taboo Tessa Taboo
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Hello,

I would like to clear a few things up regarding this post.

1) All mentors MUST offer two free assignments per student per class; unless the student is already an advanced reviewer. If he/she is an advanced reviewer then they must ... more
I wasn't aware that we were required to offer them free assignments. I've seen quite a few mentors saying that they don't offer push assignments, so I thought that this was something that was optional, and not required.

I know we get points for passing or failing them, but we can't fail them if they haven't submitted any reviews, and that is the problem I'm having. I have people I accepted months ago that haven't submitted their first review yet, and don't respond to any messages from me. So I'm stuck canceling the class, and not being able to accept the people I have messaging me asking when I can mentor them, because I've wasted my slots on people who aren't willing to actually do anything.

I'm not particularly worried about the people who don't submit their assignments, and I know EF sends them reminders, but I really just don't get people like that.

I'm not trying to be rude, or crass, or unfriendly. I'm trying to get advice from other mentors on how to handle this, and at the same time, trying to let people know what mentors limitations are, and what happens when they don't live up to what they signed up to do.

I busted my butt to get my rank up, and was very excited when I could finally be a mentor, because I loved going through the mentor program myself. Maybe some of this could be solved by not offering points for signing up with a mentor? I have a feeling that some people do it just for that. There was one morning I woke up and had 5 class requests from the same person, and they had canceled all of them before I even got to them. I love being a mentor, I love helping people write full, helpful reviews, but it's extremely frustrating to deal with this, and not even have the other side know what we deal with.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Tessa Taboo Tessa Taboo
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I totally understand all of these frustrations. It's upsetting to me to have people sign up, me accept them, and then nothing from them after that. That's using spots that could have gone to people who wanted to actually participate in the ... more
But from the post above, we are required to offer two? I've only had one person write one review and never get back to me. The others signed up and just dropped off the face of the earth.... errr... EF.
10/29/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Quote:
Originally posted by Tessa Taboo
But from the post above, we are required to offer two? I've only had one person write one review and never get back to me. The others signed up and just dropped off the face of the earth.... errr... EF.
I had never heard that rule before. Not sure if it's new.

After they do one I offer them push assignments. If we do more than two reviews in the class that means they get the two. I've had some that we've done two and I've offered a second push but they've said they were happy with their progress and felt they were ready to graduate if I thought so too. So they're getting offered two, just not until I get one review first. Not sure if this complies with the rule I wasn't aware of or not...
10/29/2012
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
The only suggestion I have is to make sure you communicate with prospective students before accepting them and make sure you each have an understanding of expectations. If they contact you back, I think it's a pretty good chance that they are genuinely serious.

Personally, I do not accept any student that does not demonstrate at least some effort in their written request. I also wait at least 1-2 days to see if anyone else accepts them first. Many prospective students will send out blanket requests to multiple mentors. I don't have a lot of time to devote to mentoring so I'm only interested in students that are specifically interested in learning from me. Do I still get AWOL students? Sure do, but I also don't max out my monthly allotment of students this way.
10/29/2012
Contributor: mama2007 mama2007
Quote:
Originally posted by Sodom and Gomorrah
Ohhh wow, not sure if I really want to strive to be a mentor after reading how hard it is.
It's not hard at all Kindled. I am a mentor, and have 3 students. 1 am waiting on assignment so i can graduate them, 1 needs to do 2 reviews and same with 3rd person. I can accept more students nov 4. It's fairly easy but takes a little time to read thoroughly through reviews. If changes are needed, send it back to them. yeah you get $5 in points & a $25 GC once graduated. only get a GC if non advanced reviewer. I have 2 ppl wanting to get me as a mentor nov 4. I find the program very rewarding as in it helps me earn points and such, but a lot more so because I can help others write their reviews where they will get great votes and move up in their reviewing status.

I love being a mentor, I find it enjoyable and rewarding for both student and mentor. And yes you have to ask them to pick out 2 diff. assignments if they aren't advanced yet.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Tessa Taboo
I wasn't aware that we were required to offer them free assignments. I've seen quite a few mentors saying that they don't offer push assignments, so I thought that this was something that was optional, and not required.

I know we ... more
Your post insinuates that your time is too valuable to wait around for people who aren't holding up their end of the bargain. And you're absolutely right, it is too valuable.

Which is why the mentor program allows for cancellations by both the student and the mentor. There have been mentors who have life smack them down for a bit with responsibilities and unforeseen/unplanned events; it happens.

If they haven't submitted any reviews and you haven't heard from them, then cancel the class. It's okay to just pull the trigger after the deadline you've set and say what's done is done. You can't reach every person.

By being a mentor for EF's review program, you are not automatically accepting the responsibility of answering for your student. They have to account for themselves, just as would be the case if it were a real-life student/teacher situation. If they don't adhere to your requirements, that's fine. Fail them or cancel the class. Be fair, but be mindful that everyone has varying degrees of commitment to EF.

Because my mentors offered me a free product to review, I turned around and placed a fairly large order. They were friendly, welcoming and determined I would have the best reviewing experience possible. They also offered to show me around the site and pointed out additional ways for me to participate.

I think the biggest disservice a mentor can do to both the student and themselves is to approach it with a negative outlook from the very beginning. I am a mentor. I've had people who just refused to make the changes I asked of them, refused to ask questions, and never communicated with me outside of just submitting a review to me. I've also had some really great students who are still active on the site.

As far as the limit of students; you can accept 5 new students every 30 days. It doesn't mean you have to graduate all 5 of your students so you can accept 5 more. In regards to the cancellations, the system automatically cancels the request if you have accepted 5 students within 30 days. This may have confused the contributor and they resubmitted their request.

Offering a student a chance to review a new toy they don't already own guarantees two things: excitement and eagerness to write a review, and a chance to experience something new. That just doesn't seem very fair to me; to deny them something you have access to - I mean in truth, we all could come upon times in our lives where we just get too busy and have outstanding assignments but don't log in for six months. Hell, I work here and I'm occasionally late on my assignments. It happens. But it doesn't mean someone is trying to get one over on EF.

We appreciate the concern, really we do. We appreciate those who are so involved and champion EF that it really chaps their hides when people don't exceed the expectations set for them. It's not a perfect system, but nothing is. We're more than happy to hear suggestions.

I'm just really curious to hear the argument out on why a mentor should receive points for canceling a class when they receive 20 points for accepting a student? If a user hasn't submitted any reviews, what work has the mentor put in to warrant receiving points? I'm not being snarky, I'm genuinely curious. If you can make the argument for it, we just might be able to justify it and make the proposal.

In the meantime, I think it would be really great if we could take a step back and realize that maybe posting to the forum in moments of frustration really isn't a great way to communicate our needs. Without intending to, the word choices can be a bit more harsh than needed. The forum is a permanent record of our thoughts and we need to be mindful of our tone when we post them.

I'm not asking for the forum to be filled with rainbows and unicorns farting EF-colored glitter, okay. There are things that need to be fixed, that will always be the case.

If a potential student of yours read this post and was genuinely interested in reviewing for EF with you as their mentor, do you think they would still want to sign up for your class, or any other class?
10/29/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
The only suggestion I have is to make sure you communicate with prospective students before accepting them and make sure you each have an understanding of expectations. If they contact you back, I think it's a pretty good chance that they are ... more
Those requests are automatically canceled by the system now. If someone requests more than one mentor at a time, the previous request is canceled.

All very reasonable points, otherwise.
10/29/2012
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
Ok, so we offer, have them make a list of assignments they'd like, and submit it to JR?

But if they'd rather review items they have on hand, they can do that as well?

Am I understanding that correctly?
10/29/2012
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
While I have no issue, I do want to comment on this quote, Stormy:

"If a user hasn't submitted any reviews, what work has the mentor put in to warrant receiving points?"

I take the time even before an item has been picked out, received, and reviewed; to give every student a list of things to consider for when their item arrives. I take the time to explain the program, give them tips, answer any questions, and genuinely try to connect with each student.

If someone isn't replying to my messages much, I try to seek them out, check on them to make sure things are okay, and let me know that I'm thinking of them and am around if they need anything.

I haven't been a mentor for very long, but I put a load of effort into my students, and a lot of that is even before a review has been started.
10/29/2012
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
Quote:
Originally posted by charmedtomeetyou
Ok, so we offer, have them make a list of assignments they'd like, and submit it to JR?

But if they'd rather review items they have on hand, they can do that as well?

Am I understanding that correctly?
The items can't have more than three sponsored reviews on them. The student makes a list of several items and gives them to you in order of what they most would like. You send the Catalog ID numbers in an email to JR and he tells you which one he'll assign.

It's not required for them to do a free review. They can review items they have on hand if they would prefer!
10/29/2012
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
Quote:
Originally posted by PropertyOfPotter
The items can't have more than three sponsored reviews on them. The student makes a list of several items and gives them to you in order of what they most would like. You send the Catalog ID numbers in an email to JR and he tells you which one ... more
Awesome! Thanks!

I knew it had to meet the less than three criteria, but wasn't sure about the process of putting the request in. I'm a newbie to this mentor game and my first student was easy peasy!
10/29/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by charmedtomeetyou
Ok, so we offer, have them make a list of assignments they'd like, and submit it to JR?

But if they'd rather review items they have on hand, they can do that as well?

Am I understanding that correctly?
This is 100% correct. Just say something like "Do you already have something to review?" Leave it as an open ended question and decide what to do based on their reply.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Your post insinuates that your time is too valuable to wait around for people who aren't holding up their end of the bargain. And you're absolutely right, it is too valuable.

Which is why the mentor program allows for cancellations ... more
The issue I have is with students that submit one review and are then never heard from again. If I cancel, I get no compensation for the time invested but also there is no record that I worked with the student on that one review. Canceling a class erases all history between mentor and student.

Of my 8 active classes, I have worked on a review with 5 of them. Some of these published, some are still pending revisions. Either way, I've spent a significant amount of time working wit them up to this point. As I've said previously, I don't care about points, but I think we should be able to fail these students rather than have to cancel the class.
10/29/2012
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
This is 100% correct. Just say something like "Do you already have something to review?" Leave it as an open ended question and decide what to do based on their reply.
Awesome! That's what I'll do!

Thanks for the clarification, I want to be sure I start out the right way!
10/29/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Your post insinuates that your time is too valuable to wait around for people who aren't holding up their end of the bargain. And you're absolutely right, it is too valuable.

Which is why the mentor program allows for cancellations ... more
I'm going to attempt the argument.

Cancelling class shouldn't be the option for the mentor. A student should have the option to cancel class. As long as they don't want to continue class. However, as the mentor is suppose to be the teacher of the class they should be able to fail a student if they don't complete the work that is required to complete the class.

Students that never come back for whatever reason should be able to be failed. The reason is simple. They didn't complete the work required to complete the class.

Perhaps there should be an option for "incomplete." ; ; When I was in school this was what the teachers did to the students who didn't get work done within the semester. They had 2 weeks to make up this work in order to be graded on it. If the student failed to do so, they received an F for all the things they didn't complete. Maybe something like this could be in place for the mentor program?

It seems like the majority of mentors say 1 month before canceling. The option for incomplete could appear 30 days after the student request. After that, an auto message to the student saying they have X amount of time to complete the class before they are failed. I'm not saying the mentor should get the gift card for a fail like this or that they should receive the 500 points, but half of the 500 points is fair for having someone waste your time and effort.
10/29/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by PropertyOfPotter
While I have no issue, I do want to comment on this quote, Stormy:

"If a user hasn't submitted any reviews, what work has the mentor put in to warrant receiving points?"

I take the time even before an item has been picked ... more
See? These are the things we use to determine. We appreciate and applaud your effort and hope you'll continue to reach out to people.
10/29/2012
Contributor: tami tami
I understand how you feel. It is rotten and rude of the people that take advantage of Eden and you when they get the assignment and then do nothing afterwards. I am very greatfull that Eden has the points program. I am very happy to be here and happy that my daughter talked me into joining. Hubby and I have increased our fun by tons since becoming a member on Eden. Shame on the people that take advantage maybe Eden could do something like a person can only be a student if they have published a beginners review? Or something like that then it would show that they are willing to stick around for more than a free item.
10/29/2012
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
See? These are the things we use to determine. We appreciate and applaud your effort and hope you'll continue to reach out to people.
Thanks Stormy! I hope that I'm able to be a help in all areas around Eden!
10/29/2012
Contributor: js250 js250
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
The issue I have is with students that submit one review and are then never heard from again. If I cancel, I get no compensation for the time invested but also there is no record that I worked with the student on that one review. Canceling a class ... more
I agree. I do put a lot of my time into pre-review and the first review. Then having to cancel the class due to no second review--ouch. However, in the least month, I decided to just never cancel the classes.

It does not hurt me in any way to have these non-responsive students as open classes, and maybe someday they will return and write a review. If not, no big deal...I will just show 20 students and have 5 active ones.

I do wish that the system could be set up to allow us to fail after one review though. I agree with the cancel for no reviews--that is a chance all of us mentors take and we answer questions all the time from new members without expecting compensation, so what is the difference there?
10/29/2012
Contributor: Tessa Taboo Tessa Taboo
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Your post insinuates that your time is too valuable to wait around for people who aren't holding up their end of the bargain. And you're absolutely right, it is too valuable.

Which is why the mentor program allows for cancellations ... more
I wasn't trying to be rude at all. It was more of a PSA... like, 'Hey, we can only accept so many students a month, so if you sign up, you are taking a spot from someone else that might want to work with me.' On the other hand, I wasn't really sure if this was something that other mentors were dealing with, or not, because I haven't been a mentor for all that long. So, I'm sorry for the way it came across, but that wasn't my intention.

I really agree with what Beck said. I go to school online, and if my class starts, and I'm struggling with an assignment, or just forget to do my homework, I get failed. The only other option I have, is to contact my advisor, and withdraw from the class, and start it again when I have time.

My main frustration lies within the area where, of the last group of students I've accepted, only ONE has done anything, and they graduated. One of them got a push assignment, which I probably spent a total of two hours arranging, and explaining to them how to choose, and messaging back and forth, because they just didn't understand. Another one messaged back and forth a few times, and then did nothing. I've sent each of them messages, asking if they are waiting for products to review, or if they still want to be part of the mentor program, and have gotten nothing back.

I actually wasn't aware of the fact that we got points for accepting them. I don't know if I click off of the page too fast, or what, but I've never noticed the pop up for it.

Maybe there should be 3 options available: Pass (which would be available after two reviews are written), Fail (which would be available after one review is written, in the case that they never submitted another one), and Inactive Student (which would be available from the beginning). Because it does take time to try and communicate with the student. I don't want to cancel on someone if they just can't get to it right now. I have a student that I've had for MONTHS, that did one review, and she's dealing with a lot right now, and I told her to just get to her next one when she can. I'm an understanding person. I tend to bite off more than I can chew. I know how it goes. But when I spend hours dealing with setting things up, or trying to get ahold of people to figure out where they stand, it sucks to just cancel the class and get nothing for it. I've checked all of them to see if they've published reviews outside of the program, and they haven't (although, I think I read somewhere that option was eliminated). So, for the mentors that put an effort towards the communication, it's a little more than just accepting the student. Because even if I message them, or put in my little area where they read what I do, that I have expectations, it doesn't prevent me from ending up in this situation.

And maybe if they read this, and realize that it sucks when this happens to us, they won't sign up until they are as willing to commit the time to work on their reviews as we are.

I highly encourage people to sign up for the mentor program. It really helps you to learn what a quality review is, and in turn, helps with getting your rank up so that you can get better products to review. It helps with making EF a better place overall, for the people that want to purchase things, because the reviews are insightful, and detailed, and truly help to make a purchasing decision. So, I love doing it because it makes EF a better place to shop because you can truly understand what you are getting before you buy it.

But people need to understand that on the other side of the computer, there are people, and we don't do this for a living. It's a hobby. A little respect and communication go a long way.
10/29/2012
Contributor: deltalima deltalima
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Hello,

I would like to clear a few things up regarding this post.

1) All mentors MUST offer two free assignments per student per class; unless the student is already an advanced reviewer. If he/she is an advanced reviewer then they must ... more
When I was in the mentor program, my mentor sent me 2 assignments.

I just think those who didn't even know the full requirements about the program AND are complaining about it are off-putting and like Stormy said, not welcoming.
10/29/2012