fishyfool
Bitter old fart.
- 45
- Posts
- 16
- Years
- Somewhere where the werewolves were wearing tweed
- Seen Apr 19, 2013
After skimming through just a few of the countless trade threads here, I have came to a horrifying conclusion that common sense in this forum is SEVERELY lacking. To explain why would take an age, but it's rather simple.
For a start, aside from the seemingly-draconian laws around Darkrai, Shaymin and Arceus trades, which is understandable, whenever someone offers these, there is a fustercluck of traders here who seem to mini-mod. Allow me an example...
*Joe has an 11th movie Shaymin he would like to trade in the forum to someone for something good, and has taught it Earth Power, due to him having Platinum. He makes a thread, (instead of using the QT forum, but that rant will come later) and waits patiently.
Dan, a rather established trader here, notices the thread and immediately posts on it, berating Joe for even thinking of offering said Shaymin, and fails to simply report him. Another lesser trader, Steve, sees the post and reminds him coarsely that Shaymin is not allowed to be traded in PC, and once again fails to report.
After a few put-downs, someone finally has the nerve to report the thread, naturally posting and insulting Joe for his idiocy. Before the mods come with their chains, Joe's forum morale is in the dumps, and he feels much too intimidated to even post here again. As a result, Joe's account dies, as does his Shaymin hopes, and he's unheard of again.*
In many forums, Mini-modding normally gets the infractions spun out faster than an Ariados in a Trick Room does Spider Web, and not only does this lead to people quitting before they even make friends, it makes the reputation of this place seem as habitable and friendly as a terrorist hideout.
Let's have another look at said scenario, this time from the perspective of Common Sense.
*Joe has an 11th movie Shaymin he would like to trade in the forum to someone for something good, and has taught it Earth Power, due to him having Platinum. He makes a thread, (instead of using the QT forum, but that rant will come later) and waits patiently.
Jack, a respected member of the PC, notices the thread, and PM's Joe the policy on trading Shaymin, as well as a post on the trade thread and a reatively friendly report. He does so before Dan trolls the thread with his idiocy, and upon reading the PM, Joe apologises and deletes the thread, eliminating this. He sends thanks to Jack for notifying him, and asks for advice on trading here. Jack gives Joe advice, and eventually the two become friends and trade partners.*
As you see here, there is much less trouble in this scenario, and Joe continues to be part of the community. As well as this, the whole scenario with infractions is also avoided, and everyone is happier as a whole.
There are naturally other points that Common Sense is lacking in here, one important one being the honours of Truthfulness. This is evident in quite a few threads, and this lack of truth can be detrimental...
*Rob is looking for a competitive Alakazam for the Battle Tower and enters John's trade thread. He notices that John has one Zam, with a usable Timid Nature and no other info, and immediately asks what John would like for it. John replies that he would like a Moltres for it, to which Rob accepts, as he has a couple thanks to abuse of the GTS Glitch, likely brought on by Missingno. becoming said GTS.
They trade, and Rob logs off with his new psychic type...before looking at the stats. He notices that the Special Attack is not as high as he had hoped, and worse, it's Attack is higher than he would actually like. On top of that, the held moveset is exactly what you would expect from Magikarp than Alakazam. Rob tries to complain about it to John, but finds that John isn't returning said Moltres.
Angered, Rob reports John for scamming, but a mod speaking to him states that he had merely stated what he had, and never mentioned anything about the 252 Attack EVs it had on it. As a result, Rob gets swindled out of a nice bird while he gets a crappy level 100 Alakazam that likely came straight off the GTS. Rob then quits PC on account that nobody is honest.*
This scenario here is a dreadful one, and I know how it feels to be scammed out of something you put hours into obtaining, it hurts. In this case, John had neglected to state enough information, possibly because he didn't know how to EV train, but also because he just wanted that Moltres. Common Sense looks here and it turns out like this...
*Rob is looking for a competitive Alakazam for the Battle Tower and enters John's trade thread. He notices that John has one Zam, with a usable Timid Nature and no other info, and immediately asks what John would like for it. John replies that he would like a Moltres for it. Rob does indeed have one, but asks John what the EV spread of the Alakazam is, to which John admits he's not sure of, but posts the stats.
Rob finds the stats a little poor, and tells John this in a friendly manner, to which John then apologises for, saying he isn't great at this business and he just wanted a wide variety of pokemon. Rob asks if he has any other Alakazam, untouched, and John states he has a Modest one he hasn't used. Offering it for Moltres, Rob uses some clever candying tactic to deduce the IVs and finds the level 22's Special Attack IV to be a very tasty 31, as well as Speed. EVing him, he then gives John a little course on EVs and IVs, explaining them, and John thanks him for the info.
A few days later, John has a smaller variety of pokemon with better stats than most, and he becomes successful, while Rob gets to and beats Palmer with Alakazam, before being haxed to death by that damn Quick Claw-Guillotine Crawdaunt.*
Here, one inquired about the pokemon in question to get more info, and eventually got a good deal. John's inexperience as a trader hurt him a little, and with Rob's guidance, both gain from the trade.
In conclusion, what I am trying to say is that people here need to be friendlier to newcomers, and at the same time give a good explanation of their pokemon. I myself have a Calm Regice that's among the best at Smogon, so by stating that, one makes sure that a pokemon they have is damn good. Of course, one is pretty much a solid trader at Smogon, (in part to the fact I have the emo and the shrubbery due to trades there) and by this very thought, one is perhaps a little reluctant to open a trade thread here.
This brings me to the final point, threads. If someone is going to offer a pokemon, it would make sense to actually use the Quick Trade Thread for these things.
*Sam has a legitimate XD Lugia he has to trade with someone, and would like a fully-EV'd Adamant Gyarados for it, as he's more into competitive battling.
He makes a thread advertising this, and immediately feels his bladder argue with him. Running to the crapper holding his arse, he spends a full 15 minutes on the throne, admittedly shorter than my average of 20 minutes and record of 30: Diarrhoea is a pain...
Sam returns, and notices that his thread is clustered with idiot offers, such as a few Bibarel here, a few Cradily there, but nothing he actually wanted. Rejecting them all, he then finds that there's not much point trading here because there's only fools and Rapidash in PC, and leaves for good.*
Common sense screwed over, once more. Let's see what would happed if Sam went and done it in the QTT...
*Sam has a legitimate XD Lugia he has to trade with someone, and would like a fully-EV'd Adamant Gyarados for it, as he's more into competitive battling.
He goes to the Quick Trade Thread, and makes a post explaining what he wants, and to PM him if they have one. George notices the ad and PMs him, stating his BulkyGyara replete with Taunt, DD, Waterfall and Ice Fang, and the Smogon-standard spread. He asks about the Lugia, and finds it to his liking. Him and Sam trade, and Sam goes on to dominate the battle scene with his monster while George gets bragging rights for his awesome Psycho Boost birdy.*
So here, making a single post avoids major flaming and fail, and also gets him what Sam wanted. The moral here? Post fluently, and obey the 'Four-word rule'.
For you tl;dfr people (most of you, I assume) here is a condensed summary of this rant.
1: Attacking those unfamiliar with the rules is Mini-Modding, which gets you infracted! PM, Report, then post on their thread letting them know why it's wrong. Just one will work, no need to seek +1 post count on fail like scenario 1.
2: Be completely truthful in your trades, and make sure you state whatever you know about a pokemon. Nobody likes getting scammed, and I'm sure you don't as well. If in doubt, admit your lack of knowledge: Better to get mocked from one than from all.
3: If you've just one thing to trade, USE THE QUICK TRADE THREAD! It's what it's there for, so there's no need to make a mess. When you do, preferably let the prospects contact you for the info, it saves server space.
That is all, and thank ye. If this is in the wrong place, then feel free to move it for me and let me know, will ya?
For a start, aside from the seemingly-draconian laws around Darkrai, Shaymin and Arceus trades, which is understandable, whenever someone offers these, there is a fustercluck of traders here who seem to mini-mod. Allow me an example...
*Joe has an 11th movie Shaymin he would like to trade in the forum to someone for something good, and has taught it Earth Power, due to him having Platinum. He makes a thread, (instead of using the QT forum, but that rant will come later) and waits patiently.
Dan, a rather established trader here, notices the thread and immediately posts on it, berating Joe for even thinking of offering said Shaymin, and fails to simply report him. Another lesser trader, Steve, sees the post and reminds him coarsely that Shaymin is not allowed to be traded in PC, and once again fails to report.
After a few put-downs, someone finally has the nerve to report the thread, naturally posting and insulting Joe for his idiocy. Before the mods come with their chains, Joe's forum morale is in the dumps, and he feels much too intimidated to even post here again. As a result, Joe's account dies, as does his Shaymin hopes, and he's unheard of again.*
In many forums, Mini-modding normally gets the infractions spun out faster than an Ariados in a Trick Room does Spider Web, and not only does this lead to people quitting before they even make friends, it makes the reputation of this place seem as habitable and friendly as a terrorist hideout.
Let's have another look at said scenario, this time from the perspective of Common Sense.
*Joe has an 11th movie Shaymin he would like to trade in the forum to someone for something good, and has taught it Earth Power, due to him having Platinum. He makes a thread, (instead of using the QT forum, but that rant will come later) and waits patiently.
Jack, a respected member of the PC, notices the thread, and PM's Joe the policy on trading Shaymin, as well as a post on the trade thread and a reatively friendly report. He does so before Dan trolls the thread with his idiocy, and upon reading the PM, Joe apologises and deletes the thread, eliminating this. He sends thanks to Jack for notifying him, and asks for advice on trading here. Jack gives Joe advice, and eventually the two become friends and trade partners.*
As you see here, there is much less trouble in this scenario, and Joe continues to be part of the community. As well as this, the whole scenario with infractions is also avoided, and everyone is happier as a whole.
There are naturally other points that Common Sense is lacking in here, one important one being the honours of Truthfulness. This is evident in quite a few threads, and this lack of truth can be detrimental...
*Rob is looking for a competitive Alakazam for the Battle Tower and enters John's trade thread. He notices that John has one Zam, with a usable Timid Nature and no other info, and immediately asks what John would like for it. John replies that he would like a Moltres for it, to which Rob accepts, as he has a couple thanks to abuse of the GTS Glitch, likely brought on by Missingno. becoming said GTS.
They trade, and Rob logs off with his new psychic type...before looking at the stats. He notices that the Special Attack is not as high as he had hoped, and worse, it's Attack is higher than he would actually like. On top of that, the held moveset is exactly what you would expect from Magikarp than Alakazam. Rob tries to complain about it to John, but finds that John isn't returning said Moltres.
Angered, Rob reports John for scamming, but a mod speaking to him states that he had merely stated what he had, and never mentioned anything about the 252 Attack EVs it had on it. As a result, Rob gets swindled out of a nice bird while he gets a crappy level 100 Alakazam that likely came straight off the GTS. Rob then quits PC on account that nobody is honest.*
This scenario here is a dreadful one, and I know how it feels to be scammed out of something you put hours into obtaining, it hurts. In this case, John had neglected to state enough information, possibly because he didn't know how to EV train, but also because he just wanted that Moltres. Common Sense looks here and it turns out like this...
*Rob is looking for a competitive Alakazam for the Battle Tower and enters John's trade thread. He notices that John has one Zam, with a usable Timid Nature and no other info, and immediately asks what John would like for it. John replies that he would like a Moltres for it. Rob does indeed have one, but asks John what the EV spread of the Alakazam is, to which John admits he's not sure of, but posts the stats.
Rob finds the stats a little poor, and tells John this in a friendly manner, to which John then apologises for, saying he isn't great at this business and he just wanted a wide variety of pokemon. Rob asks if he has any other Alakazam, untouched, and John states he has a Modest one he hasn't used. Offering it for Moltres, Rob uses some clever candying tactic to deduce the IVs and finds the level 22's Special Attack IV to be a very tasty 31, as well as Speed. EVing him, he then gives John a little course on EVs and IVs, explaining them, and John thanks him for the info.
A few days later, John has a smaller variety of pokemon with better stats than most, and he becomes successful, while Rob gets to and beats Palmer with Alakazam, before being haxed to death by that damn Quick Claw-Guillotine Crawdaunt.*
Here, one inquired about the pokemon in question to get more info, and eventually got a good deal. John's inexperience as a trader hurt him a little, and with Rob's guidance, both gain from the trade.
In conclusion, what I am trying to say is that people here need to be friendlier to newcomers, and at the same time give a good explanation of their pokemon. I myself have a Calm Regice that's among the best at Smogon, so by stating that, one makes sure that a pokemon they have is damn good. Of course, one is pretty much a solid trader at Smogon, (in part to the fact I have the emo and the shrubbery due to trades there) and by this very thought, one is perhaps a little reluctant to open a trade thread here.
This brings me to the final point, threads. If someone is going to offer a pokemon, it would make sense to actually use the Quick Trade Thread for these things.
*Sam has a legitimate XD Lugia he has to trade with someone, and would like a fully-EV'd Adamant Gyarados for it, as he's more into competitive battling.
He makes a thread advertising this, and immediately feels his bladder argue with him. Running to the crapper holding his arse, he spends a full 15 minutes on the throne, admittedly shorter than my average of 20 minutes and record of 30: Diarrhoea is a pain...
Sam returns, and notices that his thread is clustered with idiot offers, such as a few Bibarel here, a few Cradily there, but nothing he actually wanted. Rejecting them all, he then finds that there's not much point trading here because there's only fools and Rapidash in PC, and leaves for good.*
Common sense screwed over, once more. Let's see what would happed if Sam went and done it in the QTT...
*Sam has a legitimate XD Lugia he has to trade with someone, and would like a fully-EV'd Adamant Gyarados for it, as he's more into competitive battling.
He goes to the Quick Trade Thread, and makes a post explaining what he wants, and to PM him if they have one. George notices the ad and PMs him, stating his BulkyGyara replete with Taunt, DD, Waterfall and Ice Fang, and the Smogon-standard spread. He asks about the Lugia, and finds it to his liking. Him and Sam trade, and Sam goes on to dominate the battle scene with his monster while George gets bragging rights for his awesome Psycho Boost birdy.*
So here, making a single post avoids major flaming and fail, and also gets him what Sam wanted. The moral here? Post fluently, and obey the 'Four-word rule'.
For you tl;dfr people (most of you, I assume) here is a condensed summary of this rant.
1: Attacking those unfamiliar with the rules is Mini-Modding, which gets you infracted! PM, Report, then post on their thread letting them know why it's wrong. Just one will work, no need to seek +1 post count on fail like scenario 1.
2: Be completely truthful in your trades, and make sure you state whatever you know about a pokemon. Nobody likes getting scammed, and I'm sure you don't as well. If in doubt, admit your lack of knowledge: Better to get mocked from one than from all.
3: If you've just one thing to trade, USE THE QUICK TRADE THREAD! It's what it's there for, so there's no need to make a mess. When you do, preferably let the prospects contact you for the info, it saves server space.
That is all, and thank ye. If this is in the wrong place, then feel free to move it for me and let me know, will ya?