Tell about the obstacles as a Pokémon fan that you encounter on a regular basis. Are these obstacles caused by those who claim to have specific reasons for finding Pokémon unacceptable or is it more of a general (undefined) dislike of Pokémon? Does this take place during school, church etc...? Are you able to express your opinions regarding Pokémon in these situations? How does dealing with one attitude differ from the other?

Tell about what it's like to be a Pokémon fan in your particular age group; do you think this has something to do with the opinions of your peers? Do you know people who used to like Pokémon but have changed their opinion because of their age? Has your age always been a factor?

Try to avoid addressing the same issues that have already been covered on other Pokémon sites. If you do plan to elaborate on some of the issues found in other AAP sections, be sure to base your arguments on your own opinions and individual experiences.

Don't copy and paste entirely from other people's sites. Your AAP section should not be just a reprint of someone else's. If you are quoting a few lines of someone else's work, be sure to link back to the original site.

Be sure to explain on your page what you like about Pokémon, in addition to a general statement such as "why we (fans) like it", and why.

Use proper terminology; the Pokémon television series should be referred to as "animé"; comparisons should be made between "the Pokémon world" and "our world", as well as "Pokémon" and "animals in our world". Also, when describing Pokémon battles (especially in reference to the games), never state that a Pokémon that has fainted or has been defeated in battle as having "died" or been "killed"; despite these being age-old (and usually non-literal) gaming terms (that we've all blurted out in frustration from time to time!), they could give the wrong impression that Pokémon are fought to the death.

Cite examples of the positive aspects of Pokémon (friendship, kindness, etc.) on which your opinions are based, such as a favorite episode, movie, character, or game storyline so that those you are trying to convince have something tangible to research (and that you can stand behind), rather than just taking your word for it (like this site's Related episodes).

Be honest in your explanations about how you because an advocate for Pokémon. Did you initially have reservations about certain aspects of Pokémon, such as capturing or battling? Explain how you came to understand what Pokémon was really about. Do you think these same things would help others to better understand Pokémon?

Explain how Pokémon has helped to influence other positive aspects of your life. Has your writing and/or art (through fanfiction/art) or computer skills (through building websites) improved? Have the lessons learned through Pokémon helped you to become a better sport or friend?

Consider how attitudes toward Pokémon may have changed over the years. Are the people around you still holding firm to their anti-Pokémon beliefs and attitudes or have they come to understand more about Pokémon? What do you think caused these changes or lack thereof?

Tell about how you show your Pokémon pride. Are you always able to do so? How do others react? What causes you not to be able to? Are there others who support and/or share your interest in Pokémon? If so, explain how they help you. Explain why defending Pokémon is important to you.

If there does happen to be something about Pokémon you don't personally care for or disagree with, leave it out and focus on the positive. Also, discrediting one aspect of Pokémon in defense of another only hurts the Pokémon franchise as a whole; for example if someone were to argue that Pokémon was only for little kids, don't respond by agreeing that the animé is, but that the strategic play of the games is not. Rather, allow each aspect to stand on its own merit.

Always use a non-confrontational tone when making your point. Defending Pokémon is about education and making peace, not fighting.

Remember, I'm always looking to affiliate with other Pokémon sites that feature AAP; feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to affiliate or if you just need some help with your AAP section.

Text and artwork copyright © 2000-2010 by Kimberly (RageOfInnocence) Pokémon © Satoshi Tajiri, Nintendo/Creatures, Inc./Game Freak, The Pokémon Company International The beautiful screenshots of Ash and Pikachu are from the premiere episode "Pokémon! I Choose You!" and the Diamond & Pearl ending "Kaze no Message"

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