[Molly]

I think in most Muds this is handled by the general player attitude.

In 4D, for example, we claim to be newbie friendly on the basis of a very detailed Mud school and several newbie zones. The players are generally pretty nice to newbies, but they also generally tell them to go through the Newbie School and Quest academy first, before asking too many questions on the newbie channel, simply because most things that newbies ask about can be found there.

The usual response to the eternal question about where to go to level and find equipment, is generally to refer them to the Map room for directions of how to get to the different zones.

I doubt many of our players would take a newbie on a 'guided tour' before they have gone through the School and Academy. Afterwards some of them might - if they are in a good mood and the newbie seems sensible and polite. Obvious Twinks are usually ignored or made fun of. One of our rules states: 'If you act like a jerk, expect to be treated like a jerk'.

All players also typically refuse to answer any questions that have to do with Quests, except with the generic advice to 'use all your senses'; That's part of the Quest culture of 4D.