I've been pondering whether to post this note here or under newbie help, but, since this is the 'suggestions' section, here i go...
As many of you know, due to a disk crash, nanny was down for a few days a couple of weeks ago. Since my cable connection had been just set up and my craving for nanny was too much to handle, I just randomly picked another mud to enter just to get the warm&fuzzy feeling
What _really_ impressed me there was the existance of a newbie line. Two kinds of players used the line: newbies, who obviously needed the assistance, and experienced players dedicated to helping the new ones get the hang of the place. Most impressing was the elders' eagerness to teach and help and the quickness in their response.
I think nanny would really use such a line. Newly created chars would be automatically joined and older, dedicated players would join offering help to those who need it.
The idea of this note came to me a couple of days ago when a poor newbie had who caught the black plague was just standing on the green saying that he needed help, but no one was heeding his words. I felt really sorry for not being able to help so I advised him to talk to someone who had a better chance of knowing what to do. It wasn't much, but it was something. And much more can be done for newbies that come to nanny.
The newbie booklet is really nice but more 'active' help is also appreciated. And it's nice to know that there's a quick way to get it other than randomly asking someone. Knights do a wonderful job helping newcomers but there are many players who enjoy helping others and this is an easy way for both the helpers and the ones that are helped to get in touch.
Ok, I can't help but notice that this note is waaaaay longer than I wanted it to be so I'll just end it here.