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scpinion
Jun 21, 2015, 3:59:13 PM6/21/15
to monotype-str...@googlegroups.com
(adapted from the OM C&C forum on Smogon)
Don't reserve analyses of Pokemon that you haven't used. We can tell just by reading through it, and analyses that show this will be reassigned. We will try to work with the analysis writer to bring the analysis up to par, but if it is so far out there that QC members have to basically write the analysis for the person (dictating everything about the sets, redundant details or lack thereof, misinformation), the analysis will be reassigned.
Be detailed. When experienced writers and players (both groups individually) write analyses, the quality is much higher because they include a lot of the finer details. QC can help with this, but only so much. You shouldn't be writing a novel, but when your sections are two or three lines long (this excludes Set Details, which is generally shorter if there isn't much to say), you haven't included enough detail.
Stay on top of your analyses. This means that you should be active in implementing QC comments and concerns, as well as GP checks.
Overview
The purpose of the Overview is to provide a basic overview of the Pokemon.
Some tips in the form of a bulleted list:
The first sentence in the Overview should provide a concise, honest depiction of the Pokemon in the metagame. You should talk about its useful competitive attributes and niche in the metagame, as well as its flaws. A note on flaws: minor things like low Speed for a defensive Pokemon, just because they are technically 'flaws', aren't generally important to mention. You should only talk about major flaws and issues that the Pokemon has. Don't end the overview negatively; it reads strangely and is off-putting to the reader.
Sets
Remember that moves should be in order of importance. Generally, moves with more slashes should be further down on the set, and the most important moves should be listed first.
Moves
Don't just say that a move is a good move, especially for STABs. Why is it a good move? It might seem obvious to you, but a newer player won't know the implied meaning. Be descriptive, and when moves are slashed, explain the benefits and downsides of each move.
Set Details
Don't be redundant and obvious when describing EV spreads and natures. Everyone understands that a Jolly nature makes the Pokemon faster and that an Impish nature allows the Pokemon to take physical hits better. Mention specific reasons for spreads and don't say like '4 EVs in Defense boosts the Pokemon's Defense stat', as such a boost is so minuscule that it's pointless to mention.
Don't mention redundant pieces of information like the effect of the ability or that a Mega Stone makes a Pokemon Mega Evolve. However, you should talk about the effect of items like Leftovers and Life Orb; specifically, it is important to discuss how they benefit the Pokemon.
Usage Tips
Usage Tips should go in-depth on handling common situations encountered with a Pokemon and how it should be played. Remember that newer players read the analyses, so being clear and detailed is especially important in this section.
Team Options
This is another section where being descriptive and thorough is important. Be sure to mention all of the following: what types of teams the Pokemon is useful on, support it needs whether defensively or offensively with multiple examples of partners to fill those roles, and Pokemon that it partners well with in general.
Other Options
Please don't mention things that are bad here. The only exception to this is when something might look good at first glance to someone who doesn't understand the Pokemon well, but actually isn't. In this case, you want to explain the supposed merits of the option and why it isn't a good option. Here, you should be mentioning sets, moves, abilities, items, etc. that have niche use on the Pokemon (i.e. for certain teams). Don't add options for the sake of doing so; if a Pokemon doesn't have a bunch of viable additional options, it just doesn't.
Checks and Counters
Make sure to be thorough and mention what you can. Remember, you should be approaching this from the perspective of someone trying to prepare for this Pokemon, so include all of the options and techniques that they can use to counteract that Pokemon. Also, make sure you have specific examples and not just general statements.
- Cut the fluff. We don't care how dashing your Rapidash's flowing mane is, and honestly we don't even really care that it's a horse on fire. Additionally, cut the metaphors, similes, or cute pet names for the Pokemon. If we're talking about Infernape, don't call it a monkey, don't talk about it swinging, just call it Infernape and concentrate on its competitive aspects.
- Don't sell the Pokemon. Overviews are about describing the Pokemon, not trying to make people use it. Describe the Pokemon, tell people what they're getting into, and let people decide what Pokemon works for their team. It is not your job to try and convince people that they should use the Pokemon in the analysis. This is something that tends to pop up a lot when people are writing about their "favorite Pokemon" and think that the Pokemon they're writing about gets a short shrift in the metagame, and overhype it in order to make up for it.
- Brevity is your friend. Make sure that your writing is flowing and easy to read, but still concise. Overviews should generally not be longer than 2 paragraphs- 1 about strong suits, 1 about weaknesses / issues.
- There's a difference between concise and short. Make sure that while you don't get all fluffy and overly wordy, you also don't leave out significant detail. An overview should be a general introduction to the Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses, not a couple words about some things the Pokemon can do.
- This is more stylistic than a "rule", but the first sentence should go out of its way to pull the reader in. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and analyses are no exception. The best analyses have a first sentence that captures the attention of the reader and makes them want to read the rest of the analysis.
The first sentence in the Overview should provide a concise, honest depiction of the Pokemon in the metagame. You should talk about its useful competitive attributes and niche in the metagame, as well as its flaws. A note on flaws: minor things like low Speed for a defensive Pokemon, just because they are technically 'flaws', aren't generally important to mention. You should only talk about major flaws and issues that the Pokemon has. Don't end the overview negatively; it reads strangely and is off-putting to the reader.
Sets
Remember that moves should be in order of importance. Generally, moves with more slashes should be further down on the set, and the most important moves should be listed first.
Moves
Don't just say that a move is a good move, especially for STABs. Why is it a good move? It might seem obvious to you, but a newer player won't know the implied meaning. Be descriptive, and when moves are slashed, explain the benefits and downsides of each move.
Set Details
Don't be redundant and obvious when describing EV spreads and natures. Everyone understands that a Jolly nature makes the Pokemon faster and that an Impish nature allows the Pokemon to take physical hits better. Mention specific reasons for spreads and don't say like '4 EVs in Defense boosts the Pokemon's Defense stat', as such a boost is so minuscule that it's pointless to mention.
Don't mention redundant pieces of information like the effect of the ability or that a Mega Stone makes a Pokemon Mega Evolve. However, you should talk about the effect of items like Leftovers and Life Orb; specifically, it is important to discuss how they benefit the Pokemon.
Usage Tips
Usage Tips should go in-depth on handling common situations encountered with a Pokemon and how it should be played. Remember that newer players read the analyses, so being clear and detailed is especially important in this section.
Team Options
This is another section where being descriptive and thorough is important. Be sure to mention all of the following: what types of teams the Pokemon is useful on, support it needs whether defensively or offensively with multiple examples of partners to fill those roles, and Pokemon that it partners well with in general.
Other Options
Please don't mention things that are bad here. The only exception to this is when something might look good at first glance to someone who doesn't understand the Pokemon well, but actually isn't. In this case, you want to explain the supposed merits of the option and why it isn't a good option. Here, you should be mentioning sets, moves, abilities, items, etc. that have niche use on the Pokemon (i.e. for certain teams). Don't add options for the sake of doing so; if a Pokemon doesn't have a bunch of viable additional options, it just doesn't.
Checks and Counters
Make sure to be thorough and mention what you can. Remember, you should be approaching this from the perspective of someone trying to prepare for this Pokemon, so include all of the options and techniques that they can use to counteract that Pokemon. Also, make sure you have specific examples and not just general statements.
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