A few days later, I heard some kids in my class talking about "some weird new game" that had just come out for the GameBoy. Already a young gamer, I was curious, and made sure to check out the video game isle that weekend at Toys 'R Us, when my mother took me.

Sure enough, Pokémon Red and Blue were in that isle. Being a huge dinosaur and dragon fan [huge tomboy :D], I snatched up Red Version and begged my mom to buy it for me, and with it, my first Game Boy Color.

The moment I started up that game, I was hooked. I eventually got Pinball and the TCG video game, started to collect the cards and figures, and counted the days down to the premiere of the anime.

But then, I was introduced to the haters. See, my elementary school was awesome enough to have a huge, nearly school-wide Pokémon club after class. It was primarily for the cards, but also for trading in-game and such.

I brought only a few of my cards one day. The first card I ever got, a first edition Lv 76 holo Charizard, my favorite Rapidash, and a Slowpoke.

The club went smoothly that day, until I left to wait for the bus. Digging through my backpack for my cards to show my friends, I realized my Charizard was missing. I went home in tears.
I found out the next day, that some jerky 5th grader had stolen it, and he was never giving it back. He told me this himself.
"Why?" I asked. "Why would you do that??"

He said that it's what I deserved for being a "nerd" and a "bookworm". He told me Pokémon was stupid, and nonsense. Being so young, I was very hurt by this, and was upset for most of the week, if not more.

Ever since then, I've always wondered why people insist on hating the series. I didn't understand.

Over the years, I've certainly gotten over it, and continue to enjoy Pokémon and its fanbase. I have a large circle of friends, and most of them love Pokémon as well. Some of us will be camping for HG/SS next year. ;D

When I found and read this site today, I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I don't know why. It just filled me with some kind of "warm fuzzy feeling", knowing that there's someone out there who really cares this much about the fanbase.

So, Ms. Kim, I thank you, and those who help you with this site. From the bottom of my Pokémon-obsessed heart, for trying to fight the good fight, and doing a good job of it!

As the saying goes: Pokémon will continue forever.

Rock on, Pokéfans!"
-Shiny Hunter Haku, age 18
12/3/2009

"I love Pokémon. I thought there were no sites like this. Its very comforting. I don't know how to group the words to describe it, but it is something incredibly wonderful. I'm also very glad that there are people that truly care for Pokémon.

I love Pokémon so much. With the discovery of the Forerunners (Halo), I associated both into a very emphatic story. I prefer the anime, because for me, its the best, most friendly and consistent interpretation of Pokémon."
-Nuno, age 19
11/2/2009

"Hiya Kim! It's Silver_Lugia!~ ^^ I've been a fan for eleven years now. (I watched the animé as a little kid)
I'm still avidly obsessed with it, even as a teenager. I love your site, the content is great and it's the best site I've seen that can defend Pokémon so well :D
I just wanted to drop by so I'll be seeing you!~
~Silver_Lugia/Kaylee/who cares?!"
-Silver_Lugia, age 13
10/18/2009

"People my age are shunned for loving Pokémon, particularly by non-fans, or people not wanting to admit it. Also, for those labeled as 'intelligent' or 'mature', it can be devastating admitting this to people.
I'm glad that there are adults out there who understand why I love Pokémon. It's the one thing that holds my friend group together. And that's why I love Pokémon."
-Bethany, age 14
10/5/2009

"A very nice site, with some really mature yet simple thoughts about Pokémon. Has some very nice feeling in it!"
-Ash_Pokemaster, age 18
8/20/2009

"This page has been a great effort... Ah, what the hell. I don't need to say anything, your site's perfect enough as it is. Defend Order, Pokémon!"
-Tenken22, age 19
8/2/2009

"This is one of the best sites I have seen in a long time, to defend Pokémon and to actually have the proof to back it up. Thank you for making this wonderful site."
-Kristofer S, age 18
7/29/2009

"THANKS KIM!!!! I was reading your guestbook and someone else did the same thing I did. I am currently writing a persuasive essay advocating for Pokémon too. Your website has been my #1 source of info. Thank you so much for defending Pokémon. Wish me luck!"
-Miles, age 18
7/27/2009

"I cannot say how wonderful it is to have stumbled upon this website. I loved every single page and wish every parent, critic, educator, and other personnel who work with children who have ever heard of Pokémon would read this website. Really, it would help a lot. I remember elementary school years where I was heartbroken to realize that Pokémon cards were banned from school and when I was bullied for loving Pokémon. Through middle and high school, I was continually made fun of for merely having a Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance at school (during free periods at lunch, of course) - that's not even mentioning that I played other games besides Pokémon. It took until I was in college where I regained the confidence I lost in middle school to admit that I loved Pokémon and was proud of it, which led to a heated Pokémon TCG match in anime club. I wish I could've found this site sooner (ie, elementary school) so I could have sent this to everyone who needed to see it. I also wish I could've had you as a substitute teacher for back up against the bullies I had to endure.

May you continue to touch the lives of countless Pokémon fans with this website. :) Pokémon will go on forever, continuing to attract new fans and keep the ones that have loved them all since only 151 existed. After all, there is a reason my screenname is a combination of Butterfree and my real name Catherine and has been in use for nearly 10 years when I first got on the internet. :3"
-Catherine DeKorte, age 20
Follow the Dream
7/17/2009

"I've been a fan ever since i was really young. The first time i saw them was on TV when i found Ash, Brock, and Misty being attacked by Team Rocket. I was wondering who they where and instantly loved it. I have friends who share the same feelings, but none strong as mine. I'm never afraid to say I like Pokémon, and I never really get criticized. This site really helps and I somehow find hope that people will start to look at Pokémon in a different light."
-Samantha
7/5/2009

"You have a great site! I defend Pokémon with you! POKÉMON RULES!!!"
-Hazel, age 8
6/2/2009

"I have been a Pokémon fan and a Nintendo fan since I got Pokémon Yellow, which was my first game. I was attracted to it by the anime, but now I hardly keep track of the shows, preferring to play the mainstream games. Although the anime is great, I believe it is the main reason that Pokey-Man is hated and interpreted as a @#%$! child's show and lame series of video games, but the series has something for everyone: The games appeal to gamers, the anime to the children, and the manga to older fans who are interested in the stories and mythos. I strongly believe in the Anti-Anti Pokémon movement. I also believe in not accenting the "e" in Pokémon because it is a combo of Pocket and Monsters!"
-Nathan, age 14
5/29/2009

"I love Pokémon, and yet I am constantly getting hassled by other people, asking me, "Why do you like Pokémon? It's stupid - you should watch The Simpsons instead." Me and a few of my friends actually like it, and we feel that it's not fair how Pokémon fans are pressured to give up on Pokémon, especially by parents. So, when I found this website, I showed it to my pushy parentals, and, they actually registered the information. Now, my mum thinks Pikachu is cute, and dad thinks the anime has a good plot! Thanks for a great site, it's really helpful for Poké Fans!"
-Hannah
5/28/2009

"I love how there are so many sites that defend Pokémon! My mom thinks I'm too old for it, but I disagree. (It doesn't help that both my parents pronounce it "po-kee-MAN".) Even if my parents won't let me watch the anime shows, I still love Pokémon. I've been a fan for a long time, in fact since 2nd grade when my friend had a GBC and Red version. Then my brother borrowed Blue from his friend and it snowballed from there. I can still remember how excited I was about Emerald... Anyway, thanks for your site! -A true fan, Ellie"
-Ellie, age 14
3/7/2009

"WOW! I love your site! This is like the most amazing site i have ever seen! Can you drop by mine sometime? Please?

(added from 1/27/2009)
Sorry, but last time i forgot to say this. You are really good at defending Pokémon! NO one im my class likes Pokémon and they call it to childish. Yesterday, we had to write a persuasive essay on a show or something you liked. I chose Pokémon and your site helped me get an A! thank you! I'm going to read it to t he class next class! Keep up the good work!"
-Sarah (aka Vappy), age 14
1/15/2009

"wow, I can't believe it's been 4 years since I found a Pika-Plushie at the local dump. Me and my 5 friends, Mason, Matt, Ryan, Jen, and Jen's sister Katie, well we are true blue Pokémon Trainers. Ask me a division problem and I stare blankly. Ask me when does a Ponyta evolve, I say LEVEL 40! in less than a second."
-Shea Smith, age 13
11/17/2008

"Wow...I am amazed by your website!! I've looked through every page and I can think of very few other such devoted adult fans....This is my new favorite website! Cx"
-SilverLatios47, age 12
EonRiders
11/2/2008

"This site is GREAT, and the best website I have ever seen in the defense of Pokémon. Even though my parents think I'm too old to like Pokémon, I browse fan websites, play the games, and try to find some reasons to make my parents see what's so great about Pokémon. But I don't have to look any further! This is great!"
-Roanna, age 12
Electric Pokémon
10/18/2008

"Thank you for sticking up for Pokémon! It's my life and I'm so glad someone is finally taking a stand against the idiots who don't know what its really about! Arigato Gozaimasu!"
-Kaete
10/17/2008

"I absolutely love Pokémon and I'm gonna put a few Pokémon videos I found onto my site. I've seen almost every Pokémon episode and am still watching the ones that are airing today -DP battle dimension-"
-Mokona, age 11
9/27/2008

"It's 4:50 am. I have to be to work in a few hours.. and instead of sleeping.. I found myself glued to my monitor pouring over every word of your site. Finally someone is speaking ( Or typing I suppose. ) a little sense."
-John, age 24
8/19/2008

"I think We All Live In A Pokémon World is one of the best Pokémon websites, with numerous articles that should be read by anyone that calls themselves a Pokémon fan."
-Cat333Pokémon, age 17
Floatzel.Net (formerly Buizel.Net)
8/14/2008

"Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I love your site. A lot of the accusations against Pokémon are stupid, especially since they come from people who don't play the games or watch the show, so I'm glad that people like you make sites like this to let them know what Pokémon is really like :) I really hope some of those Pokémon haters are reading this (if Pokémon were real, they'd probably be illegal in some places...). Maybe they'll learn a thing or two (nod)"
-Hannah-chan, age 13
8/4/2008

"awesome site!"
-Rozi
7/31/2008

"Wow, I never thought such a thing was possible, for an adult to like and understand Pokémon~

That is just seriously awesome. Your site is very excellent. I do hope that you continue to run it, so that perhaps other adults who happen to stumble upon it can be enlightened. :D "
-Arylett, age 16
6/27/2008

"This is such an awesome site~ It's great to see such a well organized, honest site in defense of Pokémon - especially still running, this long after the fad. Also, I think you're probably the first adult I've heard of liking Pokémon; and that's brilliant.
Fantastic site, keep up the good work."
-Alice, age 15
6/22/2008

"What a wonderful sight! I know that Pokémon has captivated my imagination for life. It's great to hear someone make a convincing case for the love of Pokémon. Very few people I know understand my avid interest in Pokémon. Charizard is my favorite!!!"
-Karlina, age 18
5/30/2008

"I love this site. It inspired me so much. You see,it's not too easy to be a girl Pokémon fan(excuse the non-accented "e"). When you're a guy, it's weird if you're NOT a Pokémon fan. But when you're a girl, it's a whole other story. I'm bullied quite often by boys(as quoted by boys,"You know NOTHING about Pokémon!")and girls(as quoted by girls,"Pokémon was made for boys, not girls!"). And there's also people who just bully me for liking Pokémon in the first place, doesn't matter if I am a guy or a girl or an alien. I refuse to let that change my interest at all, and you just helped my situation. Thanks a ton from Piki a.k.a Melanie. ^-^ "
-Melanie, age 11
4/23/2008

"I have to say that up until now, I have been afraid to admit that I still like Pokémon. There is just me and a small group of people that I now that still like them and we host battles with each other on the way to and from school on the Nintendo DS. When I stumbled across this site and read what it had to say, I became inspired to not be ashamed anymore. Thank you ;-)~"
-Deus Ultima, age 18
3/23/2008

"I saw this page, and at first thought it to be another average fan site, but then I realized it's more than that. I just have to say, I carry around a Pikachu plushie for the same reason your site is up! I'm going to show this to all my friends, Pokémon lovers, or not. I never even knew half of the information on here, as I got into RPing it, when I was 10. Thank the lord that you made this site, and I hope it stays up for good. I wish you the best of luck, and now, I'll read up on these, and make my voice heard!"
-Nicholas Koceja, age 20
2/25/2008

"I'm really glad that you have this site up, Ma'am. I've been a Pokémon fan since third grade, and am now well into my Junior year in High school. I may have started out at the end of the fad, but I am one of the few people I know that held on. I plan on eventually showing your site to my parents, so that hopefully they will stop poking fun at me for still DVRing the anime every time it comes on. I thank you for opening your well researched facts to the public, and wish to thank you.

Sincerly, Dragonicsoul."
-Dragonicsoul, age 17
1/26/2008

"im glad that there is someone else who thinks and feels the way i do [who is older]no offence kim about Pokémon i am disabled and lives alone they really are great company [likes being alone] and collects store signages on them [Pokémon]"
-judah snyder, age 50
1/20/2008

"finally, a site that points out the ridiculous editing....I'm sure I'll be visiting again sometime soon."
-KyubiiKana, age 16
1/13/2008

"I absolutely ADORE this website. It gives out a really good word for Pokémon fans everywhere... Especially those who are maybe a little older (like me!). Now, granted, I only have a couple of the video games and haven't seen the show in about four years (cough, cough) but that's mainly because the English dubbings have gotten.. worse.

I was really happy to see that article on "Mewtwo Strikes Back".. AKA one of the best movies. x3 I was reading some online reviews and a couple of kids said that it "wasn't violent enough". Uh, hello, violence doesn't make a good movie!

Anywho, keep updating the site, and encourage people to show it to their parents.. and adults in general. I know I'm showing this to my parents!"
-Christine, age 14
12/4/2007

"Pokémon completely rules and it's great to find a website that understands the friendship side of Pokémon, too-something that many fans unfortunately don't."
-Holly Gray, age 10
11/28/2007

"After eight years of gaming, I've finally found a website that speaks my mind. I've been a competitive battler (Tournaments and such) for a while now, and I've studied and deeply researched nearly all Pokémon (except some 4th generation ones >
Keep this site going! It's awesome.

~LampShade"
-Steve, age 14
9/21/2007

"Pokémon rule, I dun care what other people say. I love the creativity in the monster designs, and the myths and legends in the video games are awesome!"
-Sammi, age 19
8/20/2007

"Comments: I really like your site! People are always like, "Oh, Pkmn is a dumb show for dumb little kids," but they don't realize that it's a lot more than just a show! I absolutely love the video games--I own Red, Silver, Ruby, Fire Red, and Pearl xD I've been a fan for, oh, eight years now! ...(edited)... I like Brock with his no eyes and Misty and Ash's secret relationship. . .lol xD "
-Skyrunner, age 18
7/15/2007

"I support Pokémon in EVERY way possible. I think what you are doing here is great."
-Theo Donnelly, age 14
7/1/2007

"I say if you hate Pokémon, you're missing out on alot of life. I can't tell you how many Anti-Pokémon websites I've seen, so a website like this is hard to come by. I don't really know anyone who hates Pokémon (my best friend is also a Pokémon fanatic), but I know how to get any easily to this website.
That'll change their views on Pokémon!"
7/1/2007

"When I was little, (ages 5-8) I HATED Pokémon- I thought it was boyish, that it was animal mistreatment, ect. (What? You think I'm about to trash on Pokémon next? Just keep reading, and you'll see! ^_^)

Anyway, on my eighth birthday, my grandpa got me a Gameboy color (the most advanced handheld game EVER(lol)) that came with- what other than- a free Pokémon Crystal Version. I would have flushed that thing down the toilet that night if my mom hadn't convinced me to try it that night, if nothing more than to please my Grandpa. Well, I tried it, and fell in love. Since then, I have gotten every Pokémon related game (and whatever other items my parents would agree to letting me get) I could get my paws on. (I even bought a Nintendo DS this year just so I could get Pearl!)

I still remember reading the original Crystal dex entry for Hoppip- something about it being light enough to float across water- and trying to use it to cross the water in Cherrygrove city! And now, all my friends who do like Pokémon come to me when they are having trouble on any of their games, cards, drawings, collections, ect.

Anyhow, as a previous Poké hater, I can read your site's arguments and fully understand both sides. And, if I still hated Pokémon, I would change my mind after reading your points. I'm sure, if other Poke` haters would read your arguments (or pick up the games -_-') they would, too.

Thanks for your awesome site!"
May, age 13
6/19/2007

"Wow, I love this site! If I could convince some of my Poké hating friends to look at this, they'd be speechless! (...Or make up more arguments. ^_^')

I have to hide my liking of this fantastic game- it slipped out last year, and I had to fight through people pointing at me during lunch and whispering, "THAT's the girl who likes Pokémon," and, "Hey, Sam, wanna see my Pokémon (They pronounce it 'Poke-ee-mon) card collection?!" Anyway, it helps to know some people older than me (besides my grandma- she watches Pokémon every Saturday even when I'm not there!) know what it's all about and don't listen to all the stupid rumors (or at least don't believe 'em).

Thanks again (and I'm sure you're getting a lot of people to change their opinions, so keep it up)!"
~Dragonairee~ (Sam), age 13
6/19/2007

"I love your site you have proved that Pokémon isn't just a thing for little kids and that everything that went wrong with Pokémon wasn't the fault of the show or the creators."
-Togepi, age 12
6/14/2007

"I will never forget or leave a Pokémon behind!"
-Marko P, age 16
Tsukasa7's Anime Home
6/4/2007

"Pokémaniacs unite! The world must know that we will not stand for this uneducated slander anymore!"
-Max Dweck, age 14
5/18/2007

"Hi! I saw your website, and I totally agree with you. Most adults don't understand Pokémon at all, and they might make stereotypes about it, but why would they do that if they haven't even TRIED Pokémon?!?!"
-Emma, age 11
Sweet Miyoko's kawaii page
4/15/2007

"If you are not already a member of the AAP, then you should join, this is the kind of info they could really use to fight Anti-Pokémon"
-Christian %22Pikapik%22 Lariviere, age 11
4/8/2007

"I really enjoy this site. To tell the truth, I never noticed much in the way of people hating Pokémon. The most I ever got in grade school, that I remember, was a teacher telling me to put the cards away. Other than that, nothing. I have also never had trouble telling people I like Pokémon. The most I've gotten is a meh. But other than that, I still like it; the games, the show, everything. Keep up the good work"
-Dawne, age 18
4/4/2007

"Hello...I just wanted to say how great I think your site is, and how much truth it has in it. I used to not know much about Pokémon, I collected a couple cards and watched an episode or two, but soon forget about them. Years later my parents got me Pokémon Sapphire for my GBA, and I met Timaria...my Treecko (now Sceptile) and first Pokémon. She changed my life forever. Since then Pokémon has taught me so much about life, friendship, and trust. It has also given me an understanding of love I had never known before. Playing the games I have laughed, cried, and found out many things about myself. Thanks for supporting Pokémon in the way you do, from me and all my Pokémon."
-Cassandra, age 15
1/20/2007

"I love Pokémon! I am so excited to see that there is another fan that feels the same way about Pokémon!! i have been a fan for a VERY long time!! but i would really like it if u could tell me how to get those Pokémon bullets...if u could ever tell me!! please and thanks!!"
-vaporeon44, age 12
1/3/2007

"Hello, I think what you are doing for Pokémon is awesome. I have been a fan for a while. In first through third grades, Pokémon is all that we would do. In fourth grade the fad faded and nobody really played. In fifth grade when FireRed and LeafGreen came out me and a group of friends would grab our wireless adapters and do some two on two battles. Those are some of the best memories I have of Pokémon. Now I'm in seventh grade, and almost nobody plays anymore, except for me and a handful of people, so I turned to the online community to discuss Pokémon with, and it has been a great experience. I think what you are doing with the site is great, so keep up the good work. I even created my own, and it's slowly getting better each day!

Keep up the excellent work!"
-Austin, age 13
Fight for the Light!
10/31/2006

"This site rules!"
-Jeffrey Gene Hankins Jr., age 20
9/28/2006