OK, because this thread seems to have gotten a bit off topic since its creation i want to try to summarize the most important points. please correct me if i'm wrong or if i have missed something.

to attract and keep a trad mentor, the most important things to remember are:
1. be eager to climb whenever you can
2. listen attentively and be willing, even excited, to learn everything she/he has to tell you
3. do everything you can to pull your weight; sometimes this can be taken literally to mean carrying more than your fair share to the climb
4. take the time and effort to learn on your own, in your spare time
5. frequently provide inebriants (thanks tom for the great word) to your mentor

also of note are the following principles, which while not related to the topic seem important enough to list here as well:
1. any thread on MP.com that lasts long enough will inevitably descend into a flame war
2. a male climber who takes a romantic interest in a female climber is a shameless sex predator

of these 2 off-topic principles, #1 seems to be an unbreakable cosmic law, but as far as #2 is concerned it seems like we can take some sort of action against the problem by increasing the climbing community's awareness of this principle as it seems that this would benefit the community immensely. perhaps the authors of future instructional climbing books can put this principle into their sections on climbing etiquette?

That's "principles" Jon, tsk, tsk..

Maybe I should have mentored you in some English spelling & grammar as well. :-)

whoops, thanks dude i corrected the problem. what ever would i do without my mentor? =)

If you don't understand your instructions or how a situation is going to work, tell your mentor that you don't understand. Potentially putting them at risk or endangering yourself is much worse than admitting asking them to explain something again.

wow. look at all that bent steel

That's not a train. It's Hank's mangled meat after a night of wild porn.

Okay, back on track.
I love the "How To" teachings by Long, John. Study up before you hook up with your mentor. It's all about team work from day one. Your mentor(s) will appreciate it.