Fourth Gen, Metal & Color

[curiousnathan]

So as a lot of the community knows, Metal & Color Gen as well as Fourth Generation are pretty inactive. There's a multitude of reasons for this but the major one is a natural lack of interest in the games since so much time has passed since they were first released. The purpose of creating this thread was to ask you guys as supporters of our community, for your input.

What kinds of things would you like to see in Fourth Gen and Metal & Color?
Do you have any suggestions on how to ramp up activity?
What sorts of threads do you dislike/like?

Please feel free to include anything and everything you have to say about the sections, it's moderation and upkeep, atmosphere etc. All feedback is welcomed. I intend to hopefully make some transformations to these sections as I've left them stagnant for a little too long.

Thanks guys!

 

[Otamajakushi]

(The banner in Fourth Generation isn't loading for me.)

Fifth Generation and AG aren't super active either. I'd say they have less activity than Fourth Generation and Color & Metal.

For me, whenever I come up with a thread to post, I always see the same topic half-way down the page with a post from me in it already. (I'm not so good with coming up with discussions.)

I think maybe the rule about Duplicate Threads should be amended to allow for a thread of the same topic to be posted after a certain amount of time. Say the original topic is dead for 30 or 60 days, then a new thread can be posted.

I have two additional ideas before I have to go. They are similar enough to where they both can't be done at the same time, and different enough to where they present different strategies.
1) Do some sort of Daily Chit Chat in both forums. My idea was a "Pokemon of the Day". There are 251 Pokemon in Gens 1 and 2, and 207 Pokemon in Gen 4. Plenty of days.
2) Do a Pokemon of the Week, of sorts. Instead of 1 Pokemon per week, do 3 or 5! I haven't done the math, but there roughly isn't enough weeks to get to every Pokemon. Ask which of the selections is the favorite (add them up, and pick 1). At the end of the event, do a big poll (or series of polls) with all the favorites and get the absolute favorite. This Pokemon is featured in some way.

I can go in to a lot more detail later, but I just now thought of those. I'll have more ideas later!

I have to cut this post short, so I'll make a follow up post, or edit this post, with more suggestions later in the day!

 

[VisualJae]

As any community has to deal with, you can't really force the issue. If people have nothing much to say, pushing people to talk creates an awkward atmosphere. There's only so much you can talk about before people start repeating themselves. 99% of members on any given forum either lurk or have nothing substantial to say when it comes to leading a conversation.

Some ideas to throw around include attempting community activities centered around themes. For instance, speed runs, 17 different monotype runs, the most creative way of defeating Cynthia in DPPt or Red in HGSS, etc. Ever thought about hosting a Twitch stream featuring four players on one channel all speeding through Diamond/Pearl at the same time and see who completes the game first? It's not that difficult to set up through screensharing.

Possible remake topics have been discussed ad nauseum so perhaps lean more toward Sinnoh lore and cultural concepts. Fewer polls and basic questions, especially questions that don't have any input from the original poster. It's much better to ask a question, then follow up with relevant examples or anecdotes than to leave it completely open-ended. Oftentimes I see open-ended threads receive little to no responses because the topic is so broad. Then again, I'm speaking at a high level here. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty, perhaps this isn't the best way to go about it as I'd like to assume the vast majority of people here are younger and likely aren't too interested in diving into in-depth conversations about cultural comparisons and diasporas, or the development process and creative mindset behind producers of GSC and HGSS. I don't know the demographics here of active users, so *shrug*.

It's also an inevitable result of passing time. Sure, many people still play older games, but generally as long as more recent games are enjoyable in varying degrees (content, graphics, accessibility, etc.), more people will gravitate toward them.

 

[Ammako]

I think maybe the rule about Duplicate Threads should be amended to allow for a thread of the same topic to be posted after a certain amount of time. Say the original topic is dead for 30 or 60 days, then a new thread can be posted.

I don't know about modifying the rules, but they need to be clarified a bit.

The forum's rules state that, "A thread that has not been posted in for more than a month (generally around 30 days) is considered "old". Please do not revive old threads. If there's a topic you're interested in but the thread is too old to be posted in, create a new thread. Exceptions do apply in certain forums, so check the rules to see if they're exempt. Sticky threads are also usually exempt."

But the 4th Gen. forum rules say, "Before creating a new thread, always check the forum for an existing thread that either serves your demands or covers the topic you plan on starting using the Search Function."

Which seems to contradict themselves. The PC rules lead me to believe we'd be able to create a new thread on the same thing if existing threads are too old, but the 4th Gen. forum rules state the opposite.

In my opinion, as long as a thread is still relevant, we should be allowed to post in it even if it hasn't been posted in in months instead of creating a different thread on the same subject.
The only problem I could see is that "still relevant" is up for interpretation. Someone could have legitimate reasons for thinking a certain thread/subject is still relevant, while a mod might not feel the same way.

 

[Hiidoran]

I think maybe the rule about Duplicate Threads should be amended to allow for a thread of the same topic to be posted after a certain amount of time. Say the original topic is dead for 30 or 60 days, then a new thread can be posted.

Maybe a little late (I never check this board... my bad), but this was something that bothered me the last time I was attempting to discuss gen I and II. Like Ammako said above me, the PC rules and the board-specific rules clash a bit and are a little confusing.

I like the idea of allowing a topic to be remade after a given amount of time of being inactive. It just opens the window and allows for fresh discussion, and while repeating topics do get old to see over and over again, being forced to reply to a thread that could be considered decrepit is somewhat off-putting. At least for me.

 

[Aslan]

I remember a few years ago that we ran a Fourth Gen trivia competition. It was pretty successful and people thought it was both challenging and enjoyable! Maybe we could bring it back alongside new ones for the other forums? Here's the original thread but I'd be more than happy to organise or create a new one! Just let me know. :]

 

[Nah]

I'm not seeing what's so confusing about the rules thing when the PC rules state "Exceptions do apply in certain forums, so check the rules to see if they're exempt.".

It's telling you right there that if the section's rules say something different about thread revival, then you follow that.

 

[Otamajakushi]

I remember a few years ago that we ran a Fourth Gen trivia competition. It was pretty successful and people thought it was both challenging and enjoyable! Maybe we could bring it back alongside new ones for the other forums? Here's the original thread but I'd be more than happy to organise or create a new one! Just let me know. :]

I wish I could have participated in that! I would gladly do so if it were to be revived!

 

[Ammako]

I'm not seeing what's so confusing about the rules thing when the PC rules state "Exceptions do apply in certain forums, so check the rules to see if they're exempt.".

It's telling you right there that if the section's rules say something different about thread revival, then you follow that.

I don't think it's that simple.
Clearly it was confusing enough for me to feel like it should be clarified. It may seem obvious to you, but that doesn't mean because it looks fine to you, then it is fine to everyone else.

It says that exceptions apply in certain forums. But the forum-specific rules thread doesn't really mention anything about being exempt. It just directly gives contradicting rules. Should I assume here that the rules are being contradictory and something is wrong, or should I assume that means this section is exempt to those rules?

This is why I think some things could use being clarified. And it's not like I'm the only one who feels they are confused, and that the only reason why I'm confused is because I'm an idiot and the rules are fine as-is.

 

[Otamajakushi]

Here are what the PC rules state:

A thread that has not been posted in for more than a month (generally around 30 days) is considered "old". Please do not revive old threads. If there's a topic you're interested in but the thread is too old to be posted in, create a new thread. Exceptions do apply in certain forums, so check the rules to see if they're exempt. Sticky threads are also usually exempt.

Here is curiousnathan's rule:

Before creating a new thread, always check the forum for an existing thread that either serves your demands or covers the topic you plan on starting using the Search Function. To see a helpful GIF on using the Search Function, click here.

I think several things need to be addressed here to make everyone happy.

First, I think curiousnathan should state his stance on whether or not old threads should be revived, or if one should just post a new thread.

Second, the rule needs to be modified based on what curiousnathan has to say about the first issue. It should either be changed to be changed to look like PC's rule, or clarified.

Personally, I like PC's rule better. Even if discussions are repeated, they'll be fresh and invite new users to participate.

 

[antemortem]

I've been of the long time opinion that a separate board for every generation of Pokemon is stretching things a tad too thin.

 

[Otamajakushi]

There are arguments for and against it, but I like the separate boards because it keeps things nice and organized. All of them are fairly active, with replies being made daily. I think if boards were combined, it'd be hectic.

I think we'll eventually start to see more activity in those forums, especially so with Gen 1 being re-released. On top of that, I think the moderators of the forums are doing a nice job of keeping things flowing and active.

 

[Ammako]

There are arguments for and against it, but I like the separate boards because it keeps things nice and organized. All of them are fairly active, with replies being made daily. I think if boards were combined, it'd be hectic.

I think we'll eventually start to see more activity in those forums, especially so with Gen 1 being re-released. On top of that, I think the moderators of the forums are doing a nice job of keeping things flowing and active.

This, pretty much.

If someone wants to find discussion topics about Gen. V they'd go to the Gen. V board, not to a "Pokémon Games" board where all the Gen. V-specific discussion topics would be mixed in with tons of topics from different generations. That could get confusing and hard to navigate.

I am not sure why certain sections being slower than others has to be a problem.
Merging them with other sections only makes things a mess, or so to say. And trying to force activity doesn't always turn out well, if people aren't really interested. Not to say we shouldn't be trying to find ideas of things to do in these sections, in fact, more power to you if you want to do that, and awesome if it works, but if they are slower than other sections, we should probably just accept it.

 

[Sun]

So as a lot of the community knows, Metal & Color Gen as well as Fourth Generation are pretty inactive. There's a multitude of reasons for this but the major one is a natural lack of interest in the games since so much time has passed since they were first released. The purpose of creating this thread was to ask you guys as supporters of our community, for your input.

What kinds of things would you like to see in Fourth Gen and Metal & Color?
Do you have any suggestions on how to ramp up activity?
What sorts of threads do you dislike/like?

Please feel free to include anything and everything you have to say about the sections, it's moderation and upkeep, atmosphere etc. All feedback is welcomed. I intend to hopefully make some transformations to these sections as I've left them stagnant for a little too long.

Thanks guys!

First I'd like to say that, you are a rare sight over here. Lol I'm hoping that you aren't taking too hard when your sections are bit quiet, not telling you to play the blame game, but truth is those Generations' limelight have ended already. (I kinda feel like I should have PM this, haha. Nvm.)

One of the smartest thing that Ben has done to the Fifth Gen is closing the QQ&A Thread. That thread should exist in an active generation (but the Sixth Gens are relatively quiet on their respective QQ&A Threads as well). I say you can try that for the Fourth and Second Gen too, I know it doesn't help much in the long run, but at least that kinda makes your sections still look active.

Events. Creative events are vital. Fun events help keeps the flow, these events shouldn't be too time consuming or require too much time commitment. Look at how successful are Cathy's ORAS Anniversary Countdown and Questions of The Day. Those events are the perfect examples of little time consuming events/zero time commitment (daily participation weren't compulsory but encouraged).

Shorten the thread revival rule period, 30 days is already too long for an old generation. But we wanna keep a healthy balance on the activity and not to overstress the mod-in charge, right? I say cut it down to 10-15 days, that will encourage the members to create more threads. In case of concern over repetitive threads, you can feature and sticky around 3 threads and these three threads are allowed to stay longer (perhaps 30 days?). The original posters of those three featured threads should also be rewarded with emblems.

You can also introduce a reward system, like distributing emblems? Emblems for the regulars, emblems for those who got their threads featured for three months consecutively.

EDIT: Ashley and Ben's game streaming event was relatively successful, you can do one for Gen I and II. (: If you don't wanna do it, you can always ask for volunteers to host it for you. :D

 

[Palamon]

Splitting the forums seems like an interesting attempt, but for gen II and IV, perhaps "revamp" the sections, and make them feel new again? Stupid idea on my part I guess...but.

I agree to Pokemon of the Week. Spotlight a Sinnoh/Johto Pokemon a week, see if the idea catches on.

I'd suggest combining the sections, but that would be a mess, imo.

Try Pokemon of the Week.

 

[curiousnathan]

I remember a few years ago that we ran a Fourth Gen trivia competition. It was pretty successful and people thought it was both challenging and enjoyable! Maybe we could bring it back alongside new ones for the other forums? Here's the original thread but I'd be more than happy to organise or create a new one! Just let me know. :]

Let's do it. 8)

I wish I could have participated in that! I would gladly do so if it were to be revived!

You can count on it returning!

I don't think it's that simple.
Clearly it was confusing enough for me to feel like it should be clarified. It may seem obvious to you, but that doesn't mean because it looks fine to you, then it is fine to everyone else.

It says that exceptions apply in certain forums. But the forum-specific rules thread doesn't really mention anything about being exempt. It just directly gives contradicting rules. Should I assume here that the rules are being contradictory and something is wrong, or should I assume that means this section is exempt to those rules?

This is why I think some things could use being clarified. And it's not like I'm the only one who feels they are confused, and that the only reason why I'm confused is because I'm an idiot and the rules are fine as-is.

There are a lot of things that will be streamlined in regards to stickies, rules, design and threads throughout all three sections (now). While I agree with Nah, I do realise that improvements need to be made for sure.

I think several things need to be addressed here to make everyone happy.

First, I think curiousnathan should state his stance on whether or not old threads should be revived, or if one should just post a new thread.

Second, the rule needs to be modified based on what curiousnathan has to say about the first issue. It should either be changed to be changed to look like PC's rule, or clarified.

Personally, I like PC's rule better. Even if discussions are repeated, they'll be fresh and invite new users to participate.

Originally, I liked the idea of having a single thread for each topic. It was neat, clean and organised. However as we've all realized, over time it's only been dead, uninviting and stale. In this way, I agree completely that a revival rule of some sort should be re-introduced. It wouldn't be a "rule" as such, more of a general guideline. One of the major changes I really want to push (and the staff want to as well) both in these forums but also throughout the rest of PC, is to encourage a more relaxed, casual atmosphere full of conversation. But that's a separate matter altogether.

All in all I'm in agreement with you guys. Having a thread revival limit keeps things fresh and topics constantly churning. Plus, it's more inviting.

I've been of the long time opinion that a separate board for every generation of Pokemon is stretching things a tad too thin.

This idea has been brought up before and I wasn't a fan back then and unfortunately I'm not swept away now by the idea either, unfortunately. Simply, it would be a massive clutter. Even with thread prefixes and filtering, squeezing six generations of Pokemon games who differ so greatly in mechanics, graphics and Pokemon among other things doesn't seem completely logical. That being said though, I'm always open to ideas. Heck, we're trying a Color and Metal split (with the obvious risk of splitting activity). I do think it's a risk worth taking though to test the waters!

First I'd like to say that, you are a rare sight over here. Lol I'm hoping that you aren't taking too hard when your sections are bit quiet, not telling you to play the blame game, but truth is those Generations' limelight have ended already. (I kinda feel like I should have PM this, haha. Nvm.)

No hard feelings! I'm definitely pushing to increase my forum presence; it does have an affect on the health of sections, no doubt.

One of the smartest thing that Ben has done to the Fifth Gen is closing the QQ&A Thread. That thread should exist in an active generation (but the Sixth Gens are relatively quiet on their respective QQ&A Threads as well). I say you can try that for the Fourth and Second Gen too, I know it doesn't help much in the long run, but at least that kinda makes your sections still look active.

Yeah this point has been brought up before and I'm going to start removing the help threads. I've harped and harped and harped about "quick questions belong in the help thread," but I do think it's time to make a different approach. Expect to see them disappear soon. :p

Events. Creative events are vital. Fun events help keeps the flow, these events shouldn't be too time consuming or require too much time commitment. Look at how successful are Cathy's ORAS Anniversary Countdown and Questions of The Day. Those events are the perfect examples of little time consuming events/zero time commitment (daily participation weren't compulsory but encouraged).

Great point and something that will definitely be happening with the help of yourself as we've discussed, others if they want to and myself. Expect to see them appear soon. :p

You can also introduce a reward system, like distributing emblems? Emblems for the regulars, emblems for those who got their threads featured for three months consecutively.

I'm not a massive fan of emblems, and there is one that already exists, but perhaps there's room for more. I like the idea of emblems for users who make a thread that is chosen to be featured. That's certainly something to consider!

EDIT: Ashley and Ben's game streaming event was relatively successful, you can do one for Gen I and II. (: If you don't wanna do it, you can always ask for volunteers to host it for you. :D

Yeah I think I might do something like this in the near future. I'll need to do a little investigative work on setting things up, but yeah. Remind me if I forget about this for too long!

 

[Sun]

Yeah I think I might do something like this in the near future. I'll need to do a little investigative work on setting things up, but yeah. Remind me if I forget about this for too long!

Expect them to appear soon, he said. Soon as in Soon™? ;)

You know me, I tend to think I'm bothering you when it comes to reminding hahaha. But we'll see, I can remind after you're done with the major stuff.

 

[Otamajakushi]

Oh! I would also recommend changing the sticky posts in Generation 2 from "Metal & Color" to "2nd Generation". Then, make similar threads for the Generation 1 board. I would also change the headers so they have the Gen 1 and Gen 2 boards separated.

When RBY are rereleased next month, I think the Travel Journal might be pretty popular!

 

[curiousnathan]

Oh! I would also recommend changing the sticky posts in Generation 2 from "Metal & Color" to "2nd Generation". Then, make similar threads for the Generation 1 board. I would also change the headers so they have the Gen 1 and Gen 2 boards separated.

When RBY are rereleased next month, I think the Travel Journal might be pretty popular!

Nice spot! I'll fix things up now. :)