I was thinking that it might be neat to have resident-Mentors here: a representative from each forum platform (vB, IP.Board, MyBB, etc.) who would stand for an official rep from each script. They could offer official insights, help and advice to questions and discussions pertinent to their respective forum software. What are your thoughts?
It's a nice idea. Pending the participants are able to be active at some level or another and help/guide the community or people that need guidance, insight on their forum software.
I'm not quite sure how to explain it. But take Wayne Luke for example - he frequents this forum fairly frequently and offers his insights where possible. He'd be a perfect candidate for the vBulletin Mentor position because, well, he obviously knows the most about vBulletin here. Another example is Justin S. He's the MyBB designer and knows quite a bit about the script, and he spends his time here, often answering MyBB-related questions. It's not 'job' that would have standards and requirements - but mainly a way to recognize some official members we have here.
The idea has recently crossed my mind too; I presume you saw that post already. I think, if anything, they can have their own rank and username color. They wouldn't be required to do much, but at least we know their posts in regards to the script they represent are a little more official or "accurate" than normal.
Probably a privileged tag/rank so that a member can see whos associated/mentor to which board software.
They will certainly have a rank image and a custom user title as well as be listed on the Forum Leaders page.
They would need to be able to moderate threads in their software section, it's always been like that...
When proficient knowledge in a certain forum script is exhibited, we will gladly invite the respective members. Until then, we have what we have.
Maybe there should be a little thing in their postbit that says "Don't PM me for help, ask on the forum where everyone can benefit from the answer!"
I'm sure it will be a while before the Mentors start getting harassed. If they do, they can restrict PM sending or add a warning to their signature. If it becomes a huge problem, members who continuously PM Mentors for assistance will be disciplined accordingly by the administration.
