rules

// Site-wide rules

General “netiquette” applies. Be polite and don’t make offensive or explicit posts. Don’t overuse formatting and don’t reveal your or others’ personal information. Don’t spam or “troll” on the site.

Don’t make duplicate questions or bump posts unnecessarily. Don’t post on old or resolved questions if you can’t add important new insight that warrants bumping the post to the front page.

Make your posts on the correct section. Sections are coloured green for the main PokeBase, grey for Meta and orange for Battle Subway. Questions made on the wrong section cannot stay.

Make your posts informative. Only answer if you’re sure about your response and can justify it. Describe and tag your posts well. Take off-topic discussion to user walls or the chat room.

Limit your use of images. Add large images as links instead. Especially in large threads that already have large amounts of formatting and images, try to use small, static images.

Understand and respect community moderation. Don’t answer questions that break the rules (flag instead if you can), listen to staff direction and leave moderating to the moderators.

Your posts should be your content. Do not mass copy-paste pages directly. Credit your sources. A link is not an answer even if the link contains the answer; describe it yourself.

Only answers in the answer box. Anything that doesn't fully resolve the question should be made as a comment. If your post resolves the question, add it as an answer instead.

Respect the points system. Don’t participate in buddy-voting or vote out of spite. Don’t ask people to vote you up or not vote you down. Earn your points and privileges honestly!

Don’t ask silly or unreasonable questions. For example, don’t ask why Turtwig is green. Also don’t ask the question if the answer is not known (ask whether it’s known if you’re not sure).

Follow any guidelines prescribed in the original post. Particularly on moveset questions, responses may be removed for not meeting requirements set or linked in the original post.

One account only. Do not make additional accounts for any intent or purpose -- you only need one. We can’t guarantee that you will use extra accounts in the best interest of the community.

// PokeBase rules

Make sure your questions are specific to Pokemon. If the question is widely applicable beyond the Pokemon franchise, or not about Pokemon at all, it doesn’t belong here.

No opinionated, discussion-based or open-ended posts. The point of the Q&A software is to find objective and definite “correct” answers to questions, which can’t happen for these posts.

--> Questions requesting advice for movesets and in-game teams can be considered open-ended; only post these if you can restrict and specifically outline what you’re looking for.

--> Question with many variables to consider, such as “what is the best Pokemon”, also apply. Please narrow down the options and mention important areas for comparison.

No “what is a good team/moveset…” questions. These already exist or will be posted on a dedicated account. Movesets for Pokemon not fully evolved belong on their final stage’s page.

--> Special conditions and requirements do not make exceptions. The rule in bold is definitive. If the existing questions and answers do not meet your requirements, it is bad luck.

Only official Pokemon media. Do not make posts about unofficial or fan-made games. Do not post about ROMs, emulators or modification. Pokemon Showdown! is an exception to this rule.

// Meta rules

Be specific. Tag your posts descriptively and use specific titles. Detail your problem or suggestion well. Be sure to mention your browser and include screenshots if necessary.

No trivial posts. Please don’t complain about getting down-voted or flagged. Try not to make threads about personal topics that would be equally suited to a notice on your account page.

// Battle Subway rules

Post competitive teams and decks only. In-game teams for use to progress the game’s story are not “competitive”. Teams specifically for the Battle Tree or similar services are allowed.

Include all relevant details and information. Items, abilities, natures, moves and EVs or roles are necessary details for every Pokemon. Specify the format and if you’re using Smogon rules.

Your team or deck won't be made for you. Finish it, describe your thoughts on what the final parts could be or don't post it. If your post is more about team building, it is not allowed.

// Chat room rules

Don't be disruptive. No controversial topics; friendly debate is fine. Don't get mad if nobody responds. Roleplaying disrupts active conversation, please take it elsewhere.

// Consequences for breaking rules

If a post is breaking a rule, moderators will see if it can be modified slightly so that it would fit within the rules. If it cannot, the post will be taken down, or “hidden” as it is known here. If users regularly break important rules, especially after having been warned by moderators, they may receive a temporary or permanent ban. In some circumstances, such as when a duplicate or spam account is found, accounts may be banned without warning. Users who are disruptive in the chat room may receive a “kick”, which blocks them for chatting for 10 minutes.