Goddess Briyella
Banned deucer.
Hi there. :)
This thread will be a workshop via the Smogon Starters Hangout, where users can become knowledgeable in the ways of Grammar and Prose (commonly referred to here as GP). What is this, exactly? This is the facet of the site that deals with editing content to be sure that it is grammatically correct, among other things, before going onsite to be available to the public. Areas that have a need for this ability are as follows:
Areas Where GP Is Needed
Knowing The Tricks Of The Trade
Applying Your Knowledge As Contribution
Before being accepted as an official member of the GP team, you'll obviously need to prove that you have what it takes to fit the bill. The best way to show your skills here is to do what we call amchecks, or amateur checks. These can be posted in any analysis after it reaches the Copyediting phase as indicated by the thread tag. The writer is not required to implement your changes, but they are allowed to, and it's not uncommon for an official GPer to come behind you and validate your work or give you a few pointers to help you improve. Keep in mind, however, your amchecks do not count as official checks and thus do not count toward the completion of the Copyediting phase, unless an official GPer stamps your work to indicate that it is satisfactory (which is huge if that happens). However, official GPers will not always go over amchecks and may go on and just post an official one. Remember that you cannot leave placeholders for amchecks, as they are not official; always make sure the writer knows it's an amcheck to avoid confusion. Amchecks can be done in The Smog if you already have access for another reason.
Now, to the hands-on part of this. The first thing you'll want to do is establish a key at the top of your amcheck post, which indicates what colors mean to add and remove content, and you can use them to indicate other things as well, including side comments, capitalization, and so on.
An example of this is as follows:
Practice Here!
Below are some exercises that contain several errors. Test yourself here first if you'd like, by providing GP editions of these examples to correct where they are wrong. Some have more identifiable mistakes than others and some may need to be completely reworded.
I may have forgotten a few things, so I may edit this post later or make another post, depending on how this goes. We are having a live Q&A for this on IRC in #hangout on February 2nd at 6:00 PM EST if you want to come check it out and see what you can learn. A link to that channel can be found here.
This thread will be a workshop via the Smogon Starters Hangout, where users can become knowledgeable in the ways of Grammar and Prose (commonly referred to here as GP). What is this, exactly? This is the facet of the site that deals with editing content to be sure that it is grammatically correct, among other things, before going onsite to be available to the public. Areas that have a need for this ability are as follows:
Areas Where GP Is Needed
Contributions & Corrections
Commonly abbreviated to C&C, this is the part of the site where Pokemon analyses and articles that dictate or explain relevant information for the many generations and tiers are written. The GP phase happens after the QC (Quality Control) phase, which fine-tunes the competitive quality of the content. After an analysis has received all its Quality Control checks (indicated by QC 1/3 or whatever phase of the project it's in), the writer will change the thread tag to Copyediting and it's time for the writeup to go through GP, which consists of two parts. After the writer of the analysis has implemented two GP parts, the analysis is generally ready for upload.
Commonly abbreviated to C&C, this is the part of the site where Pokemon analyses and articles that dictate or explain relevant information for the many generations and tiers are written. The GP phase happens after the QC (Quality Control) phase, which fine-tunes the competitive quality of the content. After an analysis has received all its Quality Control checks (indicated by QC 1/3 or whatever phase of the project it's in), the writer will change the thread tag to Copyediting and it's time for the writeup to go through GP, which consists of two parts. After the writer of the analysis has implemented two GP parts, the analysis is generally ready for upload.
The Smog & The Player**
These facets of the site are of webzines that highlight Smogon and Pokemon Showdown, respectively. As of right now, Quality Control for both of these areas occurs before the articles are approved (not to say that people can't make suggestions later), which means you don't have to wait for Quality Control checks to be able to GP check these. You only need to wait for the thread tag to change to Grammar, which indicates that the writer is done with the article and is now awaiting your edits. After the writer of the article has implemented two GP parts, the article must have HTML done, and then it is generally ready for upload in the next release of the webzine. Be advised that art may come to a project at any time of these projects and has no bearing on the order of phases therein.
**You must have permission to see the writing workshops of these areas, which is usually only given through having an article approved in the submission phase or becoming part of the official GP team.
These facets of the site are of webzines that highlight Smogon and Pokemon Showdown, respectively. As of right now, Quality Control for both of these areas occurs before the articles are approved (not to say that people can't make suggestions later), which means you don't have to wait for Quality Control checks to be able to GP check these. You only need to wait for the thread tag to change to Grammar, which indicates that the writer is done with the article and is now awaiting your edits. After the writer of the article has implemented two GP parts, the article must have HTML done, and then it is generally ready for upload in the next release of the webzine. Be advised that art may come to a project at any time of these projects and has no bearing on the order of phases therein.
**You must have permission to see the writing workshops of these areas, which is usually only given through having an article approved in the submission phase or becoming part of the official GP team.
The Competitor
This area of Smogon focuses on articles that highlight the tournament scene here at Smogon. Only one GP check is required for one of these articles, so typically this task is better off in the hands of an experienced GP checker. The writer will usually ask directly for an official GP checker's assistance here.
This area of Smogon focuses on articles that highlight the tournament scene here at Smogon. Only one GP check is required for one of these articles, so typically this task is better off in the hands of an experienced GP checker. The writer will usually ask directly for an official GP checker's assistance here.
Knowing The Tricks Of The Trade
In addition to knowing basic grammar that includes punctuation, how to use commas, when to use a dash or a hyphen, knowing not to allow a run-on sentence or a series of repetitive ones, PokeGrammar here is also very important, especially considering that pretty much everything you would GP check here will contain at least some. Here are some common examples of correct ways to use PokeGrammar here at Smogon:
fleurdyleurse has compiled an extensive list of notes for new GPers to use as a reference as well, which can be found here.
Additionally, as the place you'll be getting your practice in will be the C&C forum, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the correct set format for Generation VI, which can be found here. Looking around in the C&C forum will let you find examples of how this is used, and you will catch on easily. The reason this is so important to know is that the format will cause the upload to be rejected if there is even one thing wrong with the set format. The mods and site staff will be able to catch these errors, but knowing it yourself saves them the trouble and also makes you more handy as a GP checker to have around.
- Fire-type is the correct way to identify a Pokemon's typing by using an adjective. When talking about the type itself, as in "Torkoal and Charizard are of the Fire type," the hyphen is not needed. Fire typing is fine just like this with no hyphen.
- OHKO is the term used here to indicate a one-hit-KO, or an attack that causes a foe to faint in one blow. 2HKO, 3HKO, and so on, are used to indicate how many hits it takes. When pluralizing this, knowing the difference is important. OHKOs is used when referring to kills themselves as nouns. OHKOes is used when it's an action, as in "Fire Blast OHKOes Ferrothorn."
- Mega Evolutions and the act of Mega Evolving are capitalized and do not contain hyphens anywhere. Mega Mewtwo X is the correct way to write this, for instance.
- All Pokemon names, moves, items, abilities, names of stats, areas in-game, and otherwise proper nouns are always capitalized. Klinklang, Life Orb, Speed Boost, Special Defense, and Pallet Town are written as such. It's important to note that evasion and accuracy are lowercase, however.
fleurdyleurse has compiled an extensive list of notes for new GPers to use as a reference as well, which can be found here.
Additionally, as the place you'll be getting your practice in will be the C&C forum, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the correct set format for Generation VI, which can be found here. Looking around in the C&C forum will let you find examples of how this is used, and you will catch on easily. The reason this is so important to know is that the format will cause the upload to be rejected if there is even one thing wrong with the set format. The mods and site staff will be able to catch these errors, but knowing it yourself saves them the trouble and also makes you more handy as a GP checker to have around.
Applying Your Knowledge As Contribution
Before being accepted as an official member of the GP team, you'll obviously need to prove that you have what it takes to fit the bill. The best way to show your skills here is to do what we call amchecks, or amateur checks. These can be posted in any analysis after it reaches the Copyediting phase as indicated by the thread tag. The writer is not required to implement your changes, but they are allowed to, and it's not uncommon for an official GPer to come behind you and validate your work or give you a few pointers to help you improve. Keep in mind, however, your amchecks do not count as official checks and thus do not count toward the completion of the Copyediting phase, unless an official GPer stamps your work to indicate that it is satisfactory (which is huge if that happens). However, official GPers will not always go over amchecks and may go on and just post an official one. Remember that you cannot leave placeholders for amchecks, as they are not official; always make sure the writer knows it's an amcheck to avoid confusion. Amchecks can be done in The Smog if you already have access for another reason.
Now, to the hands-on part of this. The first thing you'll want to do is establish a key at the top of your amcheck post, which indicates what colors mean to add and remove content, and you can use them to indicate other things as well, including side comments, capitalization, and so on.
An example of this is as follows:
Overview
########
Zangoose is one of the most effective wall breakers wallbreakers and late-game sweepers in the NU metagame. Zangoose also shines as one of the best possible sweepers for Sticky Web-based teams. After just a single turn needed to activate toxic boost, Zangoose has more initial power than most Pokemon in the tier. Its power can be bolstered further with Swords Dance, although Zangoose's poor bulk and lack of resistnces makes it difficlut for it to find a time to set up. This forces Zangoose to rely on double switches, and pivoting moves in order to switch in safely. Despite Zangoose's excellent offensive moves in Facade, Knock Off, and Close Combat Zangoose's base 90 speed is merely above-average. Thankfully, Quick Attack and Sticky Web support can make up for this flaw, making Zangoose one of the top offensive threats in the tier.
########
Zangoose is one of the most effective wall breakers wallbreakers and late-game sweepers in the NU metagame. Zangoose also shines as one of the best possible sweepers for Sticky Web-based teams. After just a single turn needed to activate toxic boost, Zangoose has more initial power than most Pokemon in the tier. Its power can be bolstered further with Swords Dance, although Zangoose's poor bulk and lack of resistnces makes it difficlut for it to find a time to set up. This forces Zangoose to rely on double switches, and pivoting moves in order to switch in safely. Despite Zangoose's excellent offensive moves in Facade, Knock Off, and Close Combat Zangoose's base 90 speed is merely above-average. Thankfully, Quick Attack and Sticky Web support can make up for this flaw, making Zangoose one of the top offensive threats in the tier.
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Additions
Removals
Comments
(you would usually have hide tags here to hide this below; otherwise the post would be very long)
Overview
########
Zangoose is one of the most effective wall breakers wallbreakers and late-game sweepers in the NU metagame,(replace period with comma) Zangoose and it also shines as one of the best possible sweepers for Sticky Web-based teams (you should probably add Sticky Web users to Team Options below). After just a single turn needed to activate toxic boost Toxic Boost, Zangoose has more initial power than most Pokemon in the tier. Its power can be bolstered further with Swords Dance, although though Zangoose's poor bulk and lack of resistnces resistances makes it difficlut difficult for it to find a time to set up. This forces Zangoose to rely on double switches,(RC) and pivoting moves in order to switch in safely. Despite Zangoose's excellent offensive moves in Facade, Knock Off, and Close Combat,(AC) Zangoose's base 90 speed Speed is merely above-average (even for NU haha). Thankfully, Quick Attack and Sticky Web support can make up for this flaw, making Zangoose one of the top offensive threats in the tier.
Additions
Removals
Comments
(you would usually have hide tags here to hide this below; otherwise the post would be very long)
Overview
########
Zangoose is one of the most effective wall breakers wallbreakers and late-game sweepers in the NU metagame,(replace period with comma) Zangoose and it also shines as one of the best possible sweepers for Sticky Web-based teams (you should probably add Sticky Web users to Team Options below). After just a single turn needed to activate toxic boost Toxic Boost, Zangoose has more initial power than most Pokemon in the tier. Its power can be bolstered further with Swords Dance, although though Zangoose's poor bulk and lack of resistnces resistances makes it difficlut difficult for it to find a time to set up. This forces Zangoose to rely on double switches,(RC) and pivoting moves in order to switch in safely. Despite Zangoose's excellent offensive moves in Facade, Knock Off, and Close Combat,(AC) Zangoose's base 90 speed Speed is merely above-average (even for NU haha). Thankfully, Quick Attack and Sticky Web support can make up for this flaw, making Zangoose one of the top offensive threats in the tier.
As you might have guessed, (AC) and (RC) are short for add comma and remove comma, respectively. These are commonly used at Smogon in addition to the punctuation change simply because a color change on something so small can be easy to overlook otherwise. Comments you make, as indicated by your key, are not implemented and you can use them to convey thoughts you have throughout the read as you are checking. The example comment here regarding adding Sticky Web to Team Options is assuming that the writer left it out, and their mention of Sticky Web mitigating one of Zangoose's flaws is a good place to bring that to their attention.
You can use any colors you like, though I recommend at least starting with blue and red, especially since red is extremely easy to indicate that something is incorrect and casts out all confusion early on.
After you have 3 or so solid amchecks, you can submit an application to join the GP team by messaging Jellicent, SuperJOCKE, and Calm Pokemaster a submission including proof of your GP abilities. They will either tell you how you can improve, ask for more examples before they come to a decision, or add you to the GP team. If you'd like for an official GPer to look over your work, you can inquire about this in #grammar on IRC, where the AOps (@ rank, looks like a star on mibbit) are the official GP checkers. IRC is definitely the best way for you to get to know other GPers, get instant feedback or answers to their questions, and generally integrate yourself into the community.
You can use any colors you like, though I recommend at least starting with blue and red, especially since red is extremely easy to indicate that something is incorrect and casts out all confusion early on.
After you have 3 or so solid amchecks, you can submit an application to join the GP team by messaging Jellicent, SuperJOCKE, and Calm Pokemaster a submission including proof of your GP abilities. They will either tell you how you can improve, ask for more examples before they come to a decision, or add you to the GP team. If you'd like for an official GPer to look over your work, you can inquire about this in #grammar on IRC, where the AOps (@ rank, looks like a star on mibbit) are the official GP checkers. IRC is definitely the best way for you to get to know other GPers, get instant feedback or answers to their questions, and generally integrate yourself into the community.
Practice Here!
Below are some exercises that contain several errors. Test yourself here first if you'd like, by providing GP editions of these examples to correct where they are wrong. Some have more identifiable mistakes than others and some may need to be completely reworded.
Swoobat is a psychic flying type Pokemon with the ability Simple, which causes all of it's stat changes to double. It even gets Stored power to attack with, but it unfortunately does not have very good defense and special defense to put up with dammage.
Earthquake scores an easy OHKO against Magnezone even though it appears to be levitating. Steel and electric are both weak against ground which amplifies the weaknesss and so the opponet might switch in a flying type Pokemon to nullify the Move.
Yanmega was banned from RU for getting easy 2HKOes against almost everything in the metagame and its speed boost ability made it almost impossible to outSpeed. Zoroark was also banned in that suspect round for being able to fool opponent with illusion and hit with a strong knock off or Dark Pulse.
Some speculated that mega Camerupt was going to go all the way up to UU and get banned however it is seeing use in RU and even NU. A lot of people invest heavily in speed when using it to be able to move before Amoonguss and Slowking which are two mons that could prove truoblesome if they get to Move first.
onix has the highest defense stat of every mon in little cup just imagine it with eviolite well it actually runs berry juice because it can use it with sturdy to get up stealth rock and taunt is nice for it too and 17 speed. rock ground typing is bad four it tho because water and grass weakness.
Geomancy and Baton Pass are the combination that made people want to ban Smeargle. I'm telling you they could have just banned Geomancy and kept Smeargle but they didn't. Even though nothing outside of ubers can learn it so it was relly no reason not to just ban Geomancy. Or Power Herb.
The newly released Mega Rayquaza caused a huge tier shift here at Smogon, with its ability to hold an Item unlike other Mega Evolutions making it overwhelimngly strong for even the highest banlist. This led to the creation of Anything Goes and the reclassification of Ubers from banlist to a Tier. Rayqyaza is not allowed there for obvious reasons but they still have Salamence which is strong too.
Delta Stream is an exclusive ability to Rayquaza-Mega that makes all flying weaks nullify fast and right away. This means that a Normal/Flying Pokemon under these effects of that Delta Stream have no weaknesses even though the Notmal type makes it not resist Fighting despite being Flying.
I may have forgotten a few things, so I may edit this post later or make another post, depending on how this goes. We are having a live Q&A for this on IRC in #hangout on February 2nd at 6:00 PM EST if you want to come check it out and see what you can learn. A link to that channel can be found here.
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