The Curve

It's no secret that the highest-traffic Pokémon sites get a far greater number of hits than those at the other end of the spectrum. Specifically, something like this:

Source: Pokémon Top 50 average unique hits 8/25/2001

By the way, I should point out that this is a logarithmic chart, and that the levels have been accordingly distorted. Now, take a look. Normally, Pokéwatch is between 200 and 300. Beyond that point, the curve kicks in, and it takes more than a few extra hits to move up.

What's my point? I like to put things in perspective. The highest number of hits is concentrated in a very small number of sites. Pojo and Pokémasters both fall into this range. These sites are generally well established and provide mainstream content.

Below this, we have sites like Pokémon Aaah!, who provide more specific content. Why is this important? It shows that Pokémon is like any other community. It has a mainstream and a subculture. Not an irrelevant subculture, but one that still has influence at the top. While PA may not be the cream of the crop hitwise, it isn't so far removed that no one has heard of it beyond its main market.

That's the allure of this society-the idea that a rogue site can make a move all the way to the top. Why do you think I keep working? I realize this editorial doesn't quite have the grip of some of my others, however, I think it's important you know what goes on behind the scenes. That, and I don't want the perception Pokémon is dying, which creates a cycle-a curve I don't want to be in.