[Bartholomew Foulsteel]

Helping becomes a hinderence when the new player won't learn. What I mean is, you teach them about TPing without asking, and they keep doing it. You're in Tormenta whacking brinescum and *POOF*! Suddenly they're running and screaming "HELP ME!"

When they are CONSIDERATE, POLITE, and APPRECIATIVE then it's a PLEASURE helping new players. That's what I try to do and how I usually meet new people. I've met pirates that were mastering whom I've been able to help. I taught them how to get the most rep per kill and also crewed with them and healed them so they could go up against Gen DH.

I've helped the babies with their Pearl quests (how I met Lizzy) and am always happy to help out. I love being a healer for the new guys and giving them pointers and tips. Again, I expect a certain appreciation for my time, not just a "HEAL!" and a "FOLLOW!" from them. When it gets to bossy, I get to teleporting away.

As for friending, I get friend requests all the time. I NEVER accept a friend request unless there's a reason. What I mean is, if some dude in RL walking down the street came up to me and asked if I would be his friend I would be concerned. So I handle it the same way in game. When I work with a new or experienced player and we seem to be doing well and it looks like it would be good to be able to work together again, I friend them.