Mentoring new reef keepers?

[Flippers4pups]

I'm not sure that need has been filled. The RS is fantastic, as are many of the contributing and active members, but it isn't a mentorship program. Some of these volunteers may help 80 different people a day. You can't spread yourself that thin and still be effective at mentoring someone that needs more hands on. I just don't feel it can be formalized or organized through R2R. I was looking at some numbers. 3,000+ members and 5,000+ guests logged in at a slower period this morning. This site is massive. R2R doesn't have the resources to try and even manage a user organized mentorship program that could be effective. This is also why we rely on our members to help guide people. We have a great RS team but they couldn't keep up with all the questions and concerns that people have. We need everyone's help who has the knowledge and desire to share.

I would never try to take on the role of a mentor. I'm pretty strong when it comes to setting up a new system and fish QT practices but I almost never give coral advice. I am learning every day but I am very far from qualified and often post questions in the coral sections trying to learn more.

I'm thinking it may be worthwhile to put together an article, or at least a post, with some solid recommendations on what to look for when it comes to who to take advice from. And, as always, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you look at my tank you have no expectation that I could help with leather corals. I've never owned one. Don't ask me for general guidance on how to best set up a nano tank, I've never done it. If you want help setting up a larger mixed reef I can probably offer some advice. If you want the brightest colors on your coral, I'm not there yet. In my opinion, I would avoid taking advice seriously unless they can show a picture of their efforts, are willing to openly discuss their problems and solutions, they can prove it using equations and/or math, or they can link scientific articles.

I mean, seriously.... When Don @Flippers4pups can show you a FTS that looks like this.

Why would you take advice from someone who has a tank that looks like this? (my tank, btw...)

Thank you for the kind words Steven! I had a crappy day at work and this made my day!

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

#reefsquad

What would you all think of having a mentor program?

We have so many new people joining lately, many who join and their first posts are about things gone horribly awry or they are panicked and think they have.

I have been doing this all along via PM.

One reason is, we have way too many cooks stirring the pot and it confuses people.

It's best that a person pick a mentor that knows what they are doing and stick with them for a while at least to follow things to either success or someone else needing to step in.

We could do a # like #mentor to call for someone to step in.

What are your thoughts?

Also making the new ones aware of all the different features for them, to help them grow successfully. might help, I didn't know about Reefmod for a while when I was new.

 

[jsker]

I honestly think we need to delete this thread.

I never meant for something so positive to cause such an argument.

Please, mods, delete this post.

My point of view, again there are a lot of positives coming from all, and when a member is reading through this thread, they will understand the roll of the reefsquad more

 

[Big G]

My input on this is that there are many, seasoned reefers with a huge amount of experience and advice that share on a regular basis here on R2R that aren't Reefsquad members. Their contributions speak for themselves.

As stated, Reefsquad members are here to help when they can. We are volunteers here and do not get paid to do so. We have responsibilities outside of R2R. We have family's, jobs and our own households that come first.

It is of our own willingness and hearts to aid members with their questions. We do the best we can and see questions of every aspect one could ever imagine asked. We are, as are regular members, not versed in every topic nor experts in everything reef related, But as a popular insurance commercial says, "we have seen a thing or two"! Lol. When we can't answer questions, we commonly ask other Reefsquad members to chime in. We do, on a regular basis, spend time trying to answer "unanswered" threads. Believe me, at times there is a huge number of them.

Over all, the Reefsquad is pretty darn good at it. I've seen this time and time again and I'm very proud to be apart of such selfless, dedicated individuals of the Reefsquad. They are my friends.

On the topic of mentoring, this what we all do here. Reefsquad and membership alike. We are a community and are open to all thoughts and input, good or bad. Just because one may disagree with someone's input, doesn't always make it bad. This is how we have progressed in hobby, ideas sometimes outside the box fuel ideas.

There are many, many, many different ways to reef. Yours will most likely be different than mine. That's what makes this hobby and this site so special.

Don for #Reefsquad leader, Emeritus

 

[Flippers4pups]

I honestly think we need to delete this thread.

I never meant for something so positive to cause such an argument.

Please, mods, delete this post.

No, well respectfully, no. We get the idea of mentoring and no one is mad or upset by you bringing up the idea, but the site is HUGE and it would be a logistical mountain to manage.

I personally do like the idea and you have valid points, but it may be very difficult to pull off.

Please don't take it personally and everyone's input is welcome.

It's a great discussion!

 

[dantimdad]

No, well respectfully, no. We get the idea of mentoring and no one is mad or upset by you bringing up the idea, but the site is HUGE and it would be a logistical mountain to manage.

I personally do like the idea and you have valid points, but it may be very difficult to pull off.

Please don't take it personally and everyone's input is welcome.

It's a great discussion!

Thanks bud. I appreciate it.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Thanks bud. I appreciate it.

Anytime my friend!

 

[Foothill Corals]

We just need to clone Flippers4pups he gives the best advise on this site. I have never had an issue with anything that I have seen him post.

Great job Flippers

 

[Flippers4pups]

We just need to clone Flippers4pups he gives the best advise on this site. I have never had an issue with anything that I have seen him post.

Great job Flippers

Thank you, but I'm not sure if my wife would be okay with a clone of me! Lol She has her hands full with just one! Lol

;Happy;Wacky

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thank you, but I'm not sure if my wife would be okay with a clone of me! Lol She has her hands full with just one! Lol

;Happy;Wacky

I'll take one if you're handing them out!

 

[Brew12]

I honestly think we need to delete this thread.

I never meant for something so positive to cause such an argument.

Please, mods, delete this post.

Not going to happen. Just because I don't think we can pull it off in a meaningful way doesn't mean I don't feel it is an excellent suggestion.

My my point of view, again there are a lot of positives coming from all, and when a member is reading through this thread, will understand the roll of the reefsquad more

And maybe a few people will come across this thread and be motivated to find someone who will act as their mentor. Can't think of a good reason to delete it, but I can think of a few why it should stay.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Ok. Wait before this is deleted, and FYI I read to about post 30 and skipped to the end. If I can just point out that I’m a newbie who has been lurking here for months. This thread is the first time I have heard or seen anything about the # reefsquad.
That in itself is a huge help knowing it’s there if I were to really have a problem or need the squad (think mentors) to help.

 

[Brew12]

Ok. Wait before this is deleted, and FYI I read to about post 30 and skipped to the end. If I can just point out that I’m a newbie who has been lurking here for months. This thread is the first time I have heard or seen anything about the # reefsquad.
That in itself is a huge help knowing it’s there if I were to really have a problem or need the squad (think mentors) to help.

And this is why we aren't deleting the thread. Proof positive that this thread has added value to R2R!

I will say that I am sorry it took this long for you to find out about the Reef Squad. I'm going to take this back to the team and see if we can improve the visibility of the Reef Squad.

 

[ca1ore]

Problem with that is @HotRocks not everyone that mentors or should be mentoring is in the reefsquad.

LOL, sounds like a Groucho Marx comment .... I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. Always makes me laugh ..... which I did while typing this. I ‘offerred’ My services to the reefsquid and got rejected. Knowledgeable ..... check; helpful .... well, sometimes; friendly .... oh dear .

 

[DLHDesign]

I'm going to take this back to the team and see if we can improve the visibility of the Reef Squad.

I already said "No" to wearing sequin vests while posting - not going to change my mind on that one!

 

[dantimdad]

I already said "No" to wearing sequin vests while posting - not going to change my mind on that one!

Then I am not going to be on reef squad. I was picking out a vest.

 

[Brew12]

I already said "No" to wearing sequin vests while posting - not going to change my mind on that one!

;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious I got nothing!

 

[DLHDesign]

Then I am not going to be on reef squad. I was picking out a vest.

Fun Reef Squad Fact: Each member currently has the option to choose their own uniform.

@Flippers4pups, for example, uses this:

(The lack of fingers makes the replies posted all the more impressive, I think. Hats off to you, Don!)

((Sorry; don't mean to derail the thread here. Just trying to show that even Squad members make mistakes too, eh? <grin>))

 

[Flippers4pups]

Fun Reef Squad Fact: Each member currently has the option to choose their own uniform.

@Flippers4pups, for example, uses this:

(The lack of fingers makes the replies posted all the more impressive, I think. Hats off to you, Don!)

((Sorry; don't mean to derail the thread here. Just trying to show that even Squad members make mistakes too, eh? <grin>))

Very funny, but I do like this uniform:

Lol

 

[dantimdad]

So is that helmet displaying the duality of Dolphins?