One of the most successful methods of bringing in new members into a community is the sponsor/sponsee relationship that loosely follows 12 steps programs and groups.

New members find existing more experienced members with some time and expertise under their belts. Newbies can do so by looking at a list of Old Timers that volunteer to help and by searching the threads they have started or posts they have contributed. Somebody from Atlanta that regularly flies Delta may be a better match than an oldtimer flying American from Dallas as an example for somebody that regularly flies Delta

The relationship is strictly volunteer and if one member doesn't think the other is doing their research and just looking for spoonfeeding or if the oldtimer is sending the newbie on a wild goose chase with bad information, they just quit working together.

I think the idea has merit in conjunction with the other stickie providing information about oneself to the group but here the information would go to one trusted mentor, sponsor adopter whichever name fits best.

I'll follow up with two other posts below one each for newbies and old timers and lets see if the idea gains some traction.

Are you willing to give back to the community by answering one or two PM per week from a newbie or two? As many of you know, misinformation is sometimes spread to newbies on the forums to throw them off track. And newbies suffer great frustration and fear of being snarked on or called out when they want to ask a question. They need someplace to go that is safe to get started. YOU can be that safe place

You can greatly help the community by volunteering to help one or two by just posting your FT handle as an Old timer willing to volunteer. The newbie will find you based on their search of your past posts and threads and the information you provide on your location, time on the site and info provided under your handle.

This community has given us many wonderful experiences and opportunities and I'm sure those of us Oldtimers that are grateful for the help we got when we got started, will be willing to pass it on to the next generation of travel hackers

Old timers hate to spoonfeed. If you are looking for a quick and easy substitute for the "search' function, this thread and idea is not for you. Most old timers will gladly give you a hand IF you have demonstrated a willingness to do your homework. Old timers have a wealth of experience and have the answers to your questions about programs, locations and generally what worked best for them when they were learning the game.

In order to find a sponsor, mentor or adopter whichever you which to call them, search though this thread (and possibly wiki if one gets started) of old timers that are willing to help you out on a one to one basis. Then study their posts in other threads to see if they generally know about what you need, speak clearly on the topics and are general friendly and helpful. Once you find one that seems to fit, send them a PM and ask them to sponsor or mentor you. You can set up your own guidelines on number of communications per week, projects you as a newbie may need to study to get up to speed on a given program or promotion and between the two of you, get you the newbie up to speed in a safe environment with a fellow member you can trust.

I hope this idea catches on for newbies, old timers and the community as a whole. WE want you to enjoy the game, and start making contributions back to the group as soon as you can.

I think this is an excellent initiative. Sign me up. ^

Just tell me please that this is not like a corporate intern policy, where they do all the thankless work in the name of 'learning by doing'!

Thank you for being the first Old Timer. As a sponsor/mentor you will sponsor their learning curve. Be kind. Be patient and be helpful if asked to be a sponsor.

Rick, if you're asking, I'm volunteering.

I'm a 'former' UA flyer that has been flying Southwest Airlines the past 18 months. I live in the NY Metro area.

Anyone have a question, ask away or send a PM (Private message).

dh

I think that's the first time in my life I've been called an Old Timer!

But what the hell, I'll take one for the team!

I'd like to jump in as a newbie. I'm a UA flyer out of NJ who can use NYC airports as easily as PHL.

I think this is a great idea ^ and I'll throw my veteran* hat into the ring for United and SFO


*I refuse to associate with the word "old"

I would like to join as a newbie as well...I am looking for deals from BOM to SFO sometime in late july/aug..
extremely new to flyertalk so looking through old posts to search for a good credit card as well.

Welcome. But this is the kind of thing we are trying to avoid with this idea. We want newbies to pair up with an old timer for more than one specific trip. We are looking here for long term contributors to the hobby and people that want to learn the ropes of the game. Keep your eye open for an old time member that is willing to help you with your credit card questions. That is more of a learning curve than just one trip and something you can share later with the next group of newbies.

I don't mean this post as a negative comment, but more of a clarification of the intent of starting the thread.

Sure, thanks for your message. I am looking forward to being a long term member myself and not just a one-time user. Looking to getting tips from all of you on becoming a smart traveler.

Hi,

This is all so new to me. I've learned how to earn points, but never learned how to utilize them. I don't mind being independent after being told where to look and what to do. A step by step process would be great. I just really need to book flights for the Philippines ASAP. Here is the breakdown:

One way/Round trip: Cheapest possible, but OW to destination is my concern right now
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: Any cheapest
From: LAX
To: MNL (MANILA, PHILIPPINES)
Departure dates: June 17,18, or 19 2014 at the latest
Return airports: LAX
Return dates: Open but before July 8, 2014
Class: Any
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: Any; I have MR, UR, Delta Miles, United, AA, and BA miles (I would prefer to use points or points/cash hybrid).

My wife and I will be volunteering in Tacloban City, Philippines where Typhoon Yolanda hit the hardest. :-[ We will be spending at least 2 weeks in the Philippines, but will be traveling elsewhere tentatively for a few days before going back home. I know it takes time to check these sites, so I can do some research too. I just need to know which are the best airlines to transfer points to with minimal fees besides United and Singapore for the time being. Thank you to my future foster parent!!!

Prospective Newbie here. Based in Stockholm, recently reached Gold level with SK and matched that with temporary (challenge) gold with Air Berlin and Delta as well as with a number of hotel chains. Looking forward to flying ARN-PDX-ARN later this month as well as other flights (mix of business and leisure) within Europe and to the Middle East and Africa during the next 8 months. Primarily interested in making the most of opportunities for myself and my family to collect and use mileage effectively.

Great idea! I'd love to join as a newbie. I'm just starting to get in this game, been lurking around here recently (heh. heh.), just recently signed up for the FF programs and a couple of travel cards.