We're starting discussions on the new ASB this week on AIM chats. TML, a few choice people, and myself are trying to sort things out and come to agreements. I feel that you, the people, should be "in the know" about our discussions. So I'll be posting the main topics of each chat. I'd post the whole log, but they can really derail at times.

May 31st, 2004
Topics: Mostly Refs

Summary: One concern was that matches need to keep going. One suggestion was that, after a certain period of ref absent, a sub-ref was free to jump in and offer his or her services. While there was some argument about how a ref should ref the whole match (rather than a change halfway through), eventually it was decided that it should be up to the trainers. A "Ref DQ" time can be added to the match's rules if the trainers wish it. After the time limit is reached a sub-ref can fill in. This would be completely optional. If the trainers are willing to wait on a ref, so be it.

Ref's may have to list their style of reffing somewhere. Biased refs were discussed and perhaps the number of complaints about biases may go down if trainers knew what to expect.

The point system came up. Evolution may require points, and it was also discussed if a pokemon should particpate in the battle to evolve. This brings a problem with pokemon like Magikarp. In the end, harder-to-evolve pokemon may require fewer points. Also, evolution will likely not be "nerfed" that much since the absent of businesses will slow down evolving and catching by quite a bit.

Refs and testing was discussed. New refs may be evaluted for their first couple of matches (older refs going for a higher rank have always had their previous battles evaluted when considering promotion).

Ref rewards were discussed. Some felt that giving refs points or a free catch/evolve would make them too powerful compared to non-refs. Others felt that refs are vital to ASB and that a good reward is neccessary to get more refs signed up.

Other people who partook in this may add their own commentary or other issues I missed.