I happened to read a bit of the spriting guide and discover that it was largely terribly written, so I went and rewrote most of the text in the recoloring, revamping and splicing sections and some of the rest. Man, I really need to get around to making that outline shading guide.

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I tweaked the genetics theory a bit more, most notably the bit about move inheritance (adding in why the mother and father both need to know level-up moves for them to be passed on, but only the father needs to know TM/egg moves), but also rewording various parts to make at least somewhat more genetic sense. Going to make illustrations for the whole gamete formation thing, too, as per Negrek's suggestion.

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So I wrote a thing. I hope it more or less works, but I can't shake the feeling it may completely not.

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I am now, for the first time in a long while, up-to-date on affiliation/site rating requests. As usual, some requests were ignored because they were down, hadn't been updated for three months, had announced they were closing, were no longer properly Pokémon sites, etc.; if yours was one of them and you bring it back, you will now have to send me another request. Also, for some time now I could actually respond to affiliation/site rating requests at a sensible time, so this is probably the time to make one if you're going to.

Over these past years where I've slacked off a lot with responding to affiliation requests, I've noticed a very prominent and consistent trend of the number of sites that are actually still around, active and Pokémon-themed being inversely proportional to how long it's been since they submitted the request. The turnover rate of Pokémon sites, in other words, is pretty tragically high. I can't help sometimes feeling like I should delay responding to affiliation requests on purpose just so only the ones that really mean it will be left by the time I actually consider their request - over the years I've spent far too much time typing out lengthy advice for sites only to have them die on me a few months later anyway. But that would be extremely annoying for the applicants that really do mean it and I have a feeling I'd just fall even further behind on them, so I won't.

Stop giving up so much, webmasters.

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And the year that The Cave of Dragonflies turns ten years old is here.

I've added that example about the new genetics theory to the fan theory guide, as promised. It rambles a bit about how I came to those particular conclusions about the theory, so if you find that interesting you might want to check it out even if you don't plan on making your own fan theories.

Now for that yearly tradition, the New Year's Thanks. For 2011, I would like to thank the following people:

• Dannichu, for hosting our Week of Centrifuges and TARDISes last May. I had an unbelievably wonderful time and can't wait to have more extended stays with you (if you'll have me, of course).
• opaltiger, for Roger Waters, housing me those other few days in May, watching ReGenesis, helping organize TV Tropes Mafia, laughing at my horrible Mario Kart playing, and all those TMI conversations. :D
• elyvorg, for writing the most wonderfully heartbreaking fanfic in the universe, Tefiren, reviewing Morphic, squeeing over fictional characters' fear and suffering with me, listening to my rambles about Dave, housing me in October, watching things, and being generally wonderful.
• Espeon, for conspiring with me to make an April Fools' joke. It was wonderful and hilarious. Also being at the Expo!
• Everyone else who was part of 2011's epic Expotimes, because it wouldn't have been the same without all of you. :D
• Psychic, because I love you no matter how long it takes you to judge contests, Sickie-Snookums. :3
• Shadey, for being the softest cuddliest most wonderfullest f***ing scientist.
• Kratos Aurion, for unwittingly being the reason Shadey and I now routinely call one another 'f***ing scientist'. Somehow. I'm sure you're very proud. Also for agreeing to be a sibling site.
• Everyone who played TV Tropes Mafia and didn't stop sending in night actions, because I had so much fun with that. I really need to get around to reviving it.
• My dad, for continuing to be an all-around cool guy that I can talk to about computers and genetics and evolution.
• Penn & Teller, because I just love them, damn it.

Happy new year, everyone. Hope you all had a good 2011.

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