Would there be any issue with PM mentoring as long as the mentor is not actually in the game? It is after all, the player who is making the final decision, the mentor would only make suggestions. I don't know what you guys think, but that would be my take on it.

We'd have to have specific people in a "mentor registry" and application to it or something along those lines or metagaming and multiing with the claim of mentoring would be way too easy.

I think one of the great things about Diplomacy is that the game is easy to learn but extremely difficult to master. Mastery takes time as well as a great deal of trial and error. We have the SOW series to help new players learn and seek advice during the course of a game, but during normal play, it should be up to the player and player alone to determine strategy and tactics.

From my understanding, it is acceptable practice to talk to people about ongoing games as long as it does not circumvent any of the rules of the game. For instance, if it would allow you to communicate with someone in a GB game or to figure out who people are in an anon game, then it's against the rules.

So, chatting to your friend or messaging someone about an ongoing game is entirely within the rules assuming that they aren't in the game.

Well I was thinking that vets could sign up to be a mentor and be a newer/less experienced persons go-to for actual game advice as long as they werent in the game. Like oh, I got to 8 centers would you focus on the sea or the land from here? Would you stab an ally at this point? What SCs/stalemate positions should I go after from here? I know when I first started there was a player that offered to coach me, and gave me his personal email. But he said he would have to ask the mods if he could first and I never heard back, so I was wondering if this type of program exists.

Of course now that I think about it I could PM several players that I respect post game and ask for their analysis on my moves/ what they would have done - and I think I will do that.

Can anyone confirm what Yonni is saying, b/c thats really what I'm talking about.

http://webdiplomacy.net/rules.php

okay, apparently it is allowed.

I think some people would be annoyed if it had a great effect on their GR, points, or tournament standings. However, I think discussions add to the sense of community and quite fitting for a hobby site like this.
Just my two cents though.

It's not directly encouraged though. Not necessarily a bad thing that it isn't, but nobody has come forward with an idea like this.

Maybe we could have more SoW type games that are "practice" or something like that.

Well, for now i'll just PM ppl for their analysis post-game if they are willing to give it. There is sort of a stigma against any game-in-progress talk so I don't want to violate a community "rule".

I'm not very patient - the game issue that came up for me and made me wish I had a tiny Czech or cspieker sitting on my shoulder to consult with I just went ahead and made my best guess at, lol.

I would like to let you know about a new service you should all get to know. "Mapu's Move Consultants" Low rates -- guaranteed results -- top mentors -- complete confidentiality. Boost your GR score by 20% the first month or your money back.

Hopefully a more active mod will chime in, but the last time we discussed this, I believe it was decided that seeking advice from other players in private was fine. I'm not sure where we stand on communicating about gunboat games in private.

I thought we said it was like poker, one player one hand. I know I think it is unfair to have to play against two people playing the same nation. If announced up front when setting.up the game, OK. But to just get help. Seems like cheating to me.

Personally I agree. But to the best f my recollection, the last time it was brought up, Figle, then the top ranking admin, gave it the green light. But as I said, I'd like to hear from Ye or one of the other mods.

Practice games sounding even better.. ;)

Well, as moderator emeritus, I would think your opinion should carry some weight. But the best solution woild be a private mod discussion and a unified declaration about it.