Article Pitch - Rotation Beginner's Guide and Metagame Analysis

[Whiskey Tango]

Hey all,

I'd like to make a pitch for a new rotation battling article. As the only format currently without a simulator, it often doesn't get the play and recognition it deserves. With its own demands on teambuilding and play style, there can be a bit of an entry barrier for curious battlers as well.

The only previous Smog article I've been able to find on it is this one from generation V, more encouraging players to check out the format than providing any sort of guide or analysis.

What I propose is this:

1) An introduction including the differences in teambuilding and finding win scenarios in rotation.

2) A case for why more players should try it (more similar to singles than doubles or triples while remaining balanced, heavily reliant on prediction and experience).

3) General tips.

4) An assessment of current threats, solutions and other strategies gleaned from experience and Pokemon Global Link statistics.

Please envision something close to the information provided in this thread, cleaned up, expanded and reworded into a general-audience article.

Qualifications:

I'm currently a 1722-ranked rotation player, #19 worldwide and #2 in the U.S., though I've gone back and forth with, and have beaten, the current #1 U.S. player. My ranking trajectory is upward and this is only week three of the season. Rankings proof here, here and here. In-game name is Ian.

I'm aware that rotation Battle Spot has overall lower rankings than other formats, as well as the fact that other members here have finished seasons as highly or higher. I don't think I'm fantastic, but I do think I have at least a fair understanding of the format, backed up by a decent score, and would plan to reach out for input and advice from previous high-ranking members as well.

Writing-wise, I'm a fiction-writer with a background including college journalism and editing. I'll be attending a graduate MFA program this fall.

Let me know if you'd be up for this. I'd love to write it. I think rotations is a fantastic game and I'd love to give it a little more press and help aid accessibility via one of the most traveled competitive sites.

Best, and thank you for considering it either way,

WT/Ian

 

[Bummer]

Oh dear, better not let this thread stray to the bottom. Rotation battles are certainly something that has passed under our radar and I'd be intrerested to see someone writing about both the basics and higher levels of play. We're usually hesitant to let newer members handle metagame articles as it's somewhat difficult to confirm their knowledge and writing capabilities, but given your introduction and article skeleton, I'm all for giving you a shot.

I'll let this thread be open for one more day, but if no objections are had, either I or Toast will look into giving you access to our workshop.

 

[Bummer]

No objections, then. Sorry for the tardy replies, Whiskey Tango , but if you still want to write it, then consider your article appeal approved. You should now have access to our workshop that's usually hidden from public eyes, and here's some general advice we give all new writers:

1) Get your stuff done on time. If there's ever a situation that comes up, talk with The Smog Staff, and we'll make accommodations. The key here is communication; we need to hear from you if something is up that will prevent you from meeting the deadline. Try to get your stuff done in two weeks if possible, in order to give the GP/HTML/art team time to get everything done.

2) Don't leak any of our stuff until the release happens. This includes art and any other information. If you ever want feedback on your work or have questions, you can join us in #thesmog on IRC (if you don't have IRC, you can PM me or another staffer on the forums and I'll give you a link).

If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask The Smog Staff. When you post your thread in the Article Workshop, you need to set labels for it. You'll need to set the issue's number too. For the tags that say WIP, Grammar, etc, those are the stages your article are in. Since you'll ideally be working on the article after posting your thread, mark it as WIP. When you finish, move it to Grammar and get it checked twice by other people. Afterward is the HTML stage and someone will put it into HTML code. Your article will eventually get art done for it and it'll be complete!

So yeah, if you have any further questions, just ask. Welcome to the force!

 

[Whiskey Tango]

That's cool! Thanks, Bummer. I'll likely have to wait a few days to get properly started, as I'm in the middle of a move, but I'm in.