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{{Fan site|
{{Fan site
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'''Bulbapedia''' is an English-language community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia. It attempts to document the [[Pokémon]] franchise as a whole, in a system that anyone can read and edit.


'''Bulbapedia''' is a community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia that is based on the {{wp|wiki}} concept, meaning it may be read and edited by anyone. It is similar in spirit to {{wp|Wikipedia}}, but is focused solely on documenting the Pokémon canon and the fandom surrounding it.  
Its name is a {{wp|portmanteau}} of ''[[Bulbagarden]]'', the Pokémon website which runs Bulbapedia, and ''{{wp|encyclopedia}}''. It is affectionately known as ''the 'pedia'', ''Bulbawiki'', or simply ''Bulba'' among its contributors. Both Bulbapedia and Bulbagarden get their names from {{p|Bulbasaur}}, notable as the first {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the [[National Pokédex]] order.


Its name is a {{wp|portmanteau}} of ''[[Bulbagarden]]'', the Pokémon website which runs Bulbapedia, and ''{{wp|encyclopedia}}''. It is affectionately known as ''the 'pedia'' among its contributors. Both Bulbapedia and Bulbagarden get their names from {{p|Bulbasaur}}, notable as the first Pokémon in the [[National Pokédex]] order.
Images for the website are stored at the [[Bulbagarden Archives]], which also supplies artwork, photographs, and screenshots for [[Bulbanews]], an affiliate news site also run by Bulbagarden.


For a number of reasons, such as a reputation, waiting to add facts until they are confirmed by official sources, and a wide array of information, Bulbapedia can generally be accepted as the most in-depth site within the Pokémon fandom. Images for the website are stored at the [[Bulbagarden Archives]], which also supplies artwork, photographs and screenshots for [[Bulbanews]], an affiliate news site also run by Bulbagarden.
The wiki is constantly evolving with thousands of articles and hundreds of new users joining weekly. Despite its extensive content, it remains incomplete due to the frequent release of new Pokémon media and the growing fandom. Contributions from anyone are welcomed as Bulbapedia strives to maintain its status as the leading Pokémon wiki globally.


==Development==
==History==
Bulbapedia was set up by {{u|Zhen Lin}} on December 21, 2004. The original period of development sought members of the Bulbagarden community to write for "a collaborative and open work environment which makes interacting with other staff and looking up information very simple."<ref>[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=6497 Original announcement]</ref> This proved unsuccessful, but Bulbapedia proceeded with a dozen or so contributors, and reached 100 articles within three weeks. It eventually opened to the public on February 14, 2005, marketed as "Bulbagarden's Valentine's Gift to the Fandom".<ref>[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/showthread.php?t=6899 Bulbapedia's release notes]</ref> At least 21 new articles were created within the first 24 hours of operations, and within three months 1,000 articles had been written. The 10,000th article was created 3 years later, on June 29, 2008.<ref>[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbapedia:About#Milestones Bulbapedia statistics]</ref> Currently, it is the largest English-language Pokémon wiki.
Bulbapedia was set up by {{u|Zhen Lin}} on December 21, 2004. The original period of development sought members of the Bulbagarden community to write for "a collaborative and open work environment which makes interacting with other staff and looking up information very simple."<ref>[https://bulbagarden.net/threads/wanted-staff-writers.6497/ Original announcement]</ref> This proved unsuccessful, but Bulbapedia proceeded with a dozen or so contributors, and reached 100 articles within three weeks. It eventually opened to the public on February 14, 2005, marketed as "Bulbagarden's Valentine's Gift to the Fandom".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090126181810/http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net:80/showthread.php?t=6899 Bulbapedia's release notes] (Archived on Wayback Machine)</ref> At least 21 new articles were created within the first 24 hours of operations, and within three months 1,000 articles had been written. The 10,000th article was created 3 years later, on June 29, 2008.<ref>[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Bulbapedia:About#Milestones Bulbapedia statistics]</ref> Currently, it is the largest English-language Pokémon wiki.


Like every wiki, Bulbapedia's development was dependent on the community, and in the years that passed since its opening, many thousands of users have contributed to its success. In the summer of 2007, when the subject of starting of publishing advertisements on the website to maintain its costs came up, the entire community {{bp|Advertising|was given the right to vote}} on the matter, eventually deciding to agree to the advertising.
As a wiki, Bulbapedia's development is dependent on the community, and in the years that passed since its opening, many thousands of users have contributed to its success. In the summer of 2007, when the subject of publishing advertisements on the website to maintain its costs came up, the entire community {{bp|Advertising poll|was given the right to vote}} on the matter, eventually deciding to agree to the advertising.


==Staff==
===Staff===
{{u|evkl}} was the first Editor-in-Chief of Bulbapedia and remains the Deputy Head of Bulbagarden. During his time as Editor-in-Chief, evkl's primary goal was to build the foundations of Bulbapedia. Although no longer regularly active, evkl still maintains contact to assist the staff when needed. evkl remained the Editor-in-Chief until early 2006, when he made way for Bulbapedia founder {{u|Zhen Lin}} to take the helm.  
{{u|evkl}} was the first Editor-in-Chief of Bulbapedia and remains the Deputy Head of Bulbagarden. During his time as Editor-in-Chief, evkl's primary goal was to build the foundations of Bulbapedia. Although no longer regularly active, evkl still maintains contact to assist the staff when needed. evkl remained the Editor-in-Chief until early 2006, when he made way for Bulbapedia founder {{u|Zhen Lin}} to take the helm.  


Zhen Lin has a background in coding and helped the site to perform its abilities on a consistent basis even as the site has grown. He still remains responsible for much of the technical operations of the wiki. Zhen remained Editor-in-Chief until 2008, when {{u|TTEchidna}} took over.  
Zhen Lin, who has a background in coding, ensured the site's consistent performance as it grew. He established much of the technical operations of the wiki that remain to this day. Zhen served as Editor-in-Chief until 2008, when {{u|TTEchidna}} assumed the role.  


TTEchidna's reign continued to grow and develop Bulbapedia, and he is largely responsible for the bold colored, round-bordered templates that are now associated with Bulbapedia. His influence helped Bulbapedia become one of the most distinctive and recognizable wikis on the net, often being praised for its appearance. On December 1, 2010, TTEchidna resigned and passed the torch to {{u|MAGNEDETH}}.  
From the early days, Bulbapedia has been overseen by an {{bp|Leadership Board|editorial board}} that collaborates on all executive decisions, including the making of {{cat|Bulbapedia policies|Bulbapedia policy}}. There are also many {{bp|administrators}} and other {{bp|staff}} who oversee the day-to-day running of the site. On April 22, 2010, the addition of a "Junior Administrator" position was announced to give accepted users a chance to learn the tasks of a staff member and possibly be accepted onto the staff.
 
TTEchidna's tenure continued to grow and develop Bulbapedia. He was largely responsible for the bold colored, round-bordered templates that are now associated with Bulbapedia. His influence helped Bulbapedia become one of the most distinctive and recognizable wikis, often praised for its appearance. On December 1, 2010, TTEchidna resigned and passed the torch to {{u|MAGNEDETH}}.  


While in position, MAGNEDETH put a main focus on the user experience, stating "We are here for the fans, so the site should cater to them." There was also a focus on staff organization to make it easier for users to identify moderators that would be best able to answer their questions. On December 9, 2012, MAGNEDETH stepped down and handed the site to {{u|Werdnae}}, appointing him the fifth Editor-in-Chief.
While in position, MAGNEDETH put a main focus on the user experience, stating "We are here for the fans, so the site should cater to them." There was also a focus on staff organization to make it easier for users to identify moderators that would be best able to answer their questions. On December 9, 2012, MAGNEDETH stepped down and handed the site to {{u|Werdnae}}, appointing him the fifth Editor-in-Chief.


From the early days, Bulbapedia has been overseen by an {{bp|editorial board}} that collaborates on all executive decisions, including the making of {{cat|Bulbapedia policies|Bulbapedia policy}}. There are also many {{bp|administrators}} and other {{bp|staff}} who oversee the day-to-day running of the site. On April 22, 2010, the addition of a "Junior Administrator" position was announced to give accepted users a chance to learn the tasks of a staff member and possibly be accepted onto the staff.
On February 17, 2014, Werdnae stepped down and chose {{u|Kogoro}} as his successor.
 
On March 3, 2021, Kogoro was succeeded by {{u|Pokemaster97}} as Editor-in-Chief.
 
On April 19, 2023, Pokemaster97 was succeeded by {{u|Maverick Nate}}. As Editor-in-Chief, Maverick Nate simplified the {{bp|staff}} structure and reworked the editorial board into the {{bp|Leadership Board}}, a committee responsible for guiding the site's progress, upholding Bulbagarden's values, and representing Bulbapedia within the broader Pokémon community.


==Content==
==Content==
[[File:Main Page.png|thumb|right|250px|Bulbapedia's Main Page, in its standard coloration]]
[[File:Main Page.png|thumb|250px|Bulbapedia's Main Page, in its standard coloration (as of 2011)]]
===Articles===
===Articles===
Bulbapedia offers information on every aspect of the Pokémon franchise. {{bp|Projects}} exist for many areas, where editors can work together to grow Bulbapedia. The {{pkmn|anime}}, {{pkmn|Trading Card Game}}, {{pkmn|games}}, and {{pkmn|manga}} each have their own Project. One of the newest Projects, {{bp|Project Globe}} aims to increase Bulbapedia's international content, an area that was previously scarce. These Projects are run by {{bp|Project Leaders}}, whose job is to manage their Projects and make sure the Projects move forward.
Bulbapedia offers information on every aspect of the [[Pokémon]] franchise. {{bp|Projects}} exist for many areas, where editors can work together to grow Bulbapedia. The {{pkmn|anime}}, {{pkmn|Trading Card Game}}, {{pkmn|games}}, and {{pkmn|manga}} each have their own Project. Additionally, {{bp|Project Globe}} aims to increase Bulbapedia's international content, an area that was previously scarce. These Projects were originally run by {{bp|Project Leaders}}, whose jobs were to manage and oversee the development and growth of their Projects.
 
{{bp|Featured articles}} are articles that were at one point recognized for their high quality and completeness. They could be {{bp|Featured article candidates|voted on and nominated}} by every member of the community. New nominations have not been considered since 2010, though other practices have been adopted to acknowledge quality work and contributions from the community, such as featuring content updates in the {{bp|What's Growing On|What's Growing On?}} newsletter.


{{bp|Featured articles}} are articles that have been recognized for their high quality and completeness. Featured articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] of the wiki on a one-month rotation, and can be {{bp|Featured article candidates|voted on and nominated}} by every member of the community.
Until 2012, several articles were featured on the [[Main Page]] of the wiki on a one-day rotation.


===Images===
===Images===
In the initial stages of Bulbapedia, images were hosted on the same site. Nowadays, they are kept on the [[Bulbagarden Archives]], which allows interaction with [[Bulbanews]] as well. From early 2009, the Bulbagarden Archives has been running off a separate server from Bulbapedia; this has reduced stress on and sped up the site.
In the initial stages of Bulbapedia, images were hosted on the same site. Nowadays, they are kept on the [[Bulbagarden Archives]], which allows interaction with [[Bulbanews]] as well. From early 2009, the Bulbagarden Archives has been running off a separate server from Bulbapedia, reducing stress on the site.


The majority of images on Bulbapedia are recognized as "fair use".
The majority of images on Bulbapedia are recognized as "fair use".
{{-}}
==Vandalism==
Due to the interactive and collaborative nature of the site, Bulbapedia is prone to vandalism. This is often quickly seen and reverted by good-faith contributors, but two incidents have stood out in the site's history. '''The Great Bulbapedia Turkey Shoot''' is the first, and was for a long period of time documented for its historicity. The second, more recent spate is unnamed, although it was once jokingly referred to as '''The Great Bulbapedia Turkey Shoot II: Back for Dessert'''.<ref>[https://bulbagarden.net/threads/because-of-vandalism.37837/page-2 Turkey Shoot II]</ref> The Turkey Shoot had its own article on the site for a fairly long period of time, but many people, both general users and staff alike, found the article to be of questionable notability. The {{bp|staff}} of Bulbapedia held a vote in late March of 2012 and decided the article was no longer worth keeping.
:"Things like [that page] give us the small-town feel, but we've almost certainly outgrown it. I'm fine with it being taken down." — {{u|evkl}}
:"It has been decided that although [the] page details a major point in Bulbapedia's history, it glorifies vandalism, which sends the wrong message. We do not tolerate vandalism, nor shall we ever again dedicate a page to showcasing such heinous acts on our site." — {{u|MAGNEDETH}}


===Vandalism===
Vandalism is not tolerated on Bulbapedia and accounts performing such actions are blocked from editing by staff.
Due to the interactive and collaborative nature of the site, Bulbapedia is prone to vandalism. This is often quickly seen and reverted by good-faith contributors. Vandalism, of course, is not tolerated on Bulbapedia and accounts performing such actions will be blocked permanently.


==Server issues==
==Server issues==
Bulbapedia has encountered numerous server issues over the years. A notable time frame was early 2008 when server issues caused multiple downtimes every week. The servers were upgraded later in the year to handle more, but to combat future issues, the {{bp|userspace policy}} was instituted to encourage less editing of the userspace (userspace edits being considered less constructive while still putting daily stress on the servers). Although disliked by many users of the site, it has had a noticeable effect on the site bringing more mainspace edits.
Bulbapedia has encountered numerous server issues over the years. Notably in early 2008, server issues caused multiple downtimes every week. The servers were upgraded later in the year to handle more, but to combat future issues, the {{bp|userspace policy}} was instituted to encourage less editing of the userspace (userspace edits being considered less constructive while still putting daily stress on the servers). Although unpopular at the time, it had a noticeable effect on the site, bringing more mainspace contributions.
 
Significant server problems recurred in mid-2010, though servers were quickly upgraded. However, new issues cropped up resulting in "session data loss" errors and involuntary log-outs, and it was later discovered that the server load balancer had malfunctioned.


In mid-2010, server issues cropped up again. The reaction was more swift in the case, bringing upgraded servers, but new issues cropped up resulting in "session data loss" errors and involuntarily log-outs. It was later discovered that the server load balancer had malfunctioned and caused the issues.  
Bulbapedia still experiences occasional server issues, notably more than other sites. These issues have been identified as unfortunate side-effects of its rapid growth and popularity, often finding itself run by servers that can't handle the capacity of people using the site. In recent years, server maintenance is done more frequently as the site grows in popularity, but major game releases have resulted in momentary server outages or slowdown.  


Bulbapedia still experiences server issues from time to time, notably more than other sites. These issues have been identified as unfortunate side-effects of its rapid growth and popularity, often finding itself run by servers that can't handle the capacity of people using the site. In recent years, server maintenance is done more frequently as the site grows in popularity, but major game releases have resulted in momentary server outages or slowdown. To combat these issues, the servers may be locked during major news events or big game releases by the staff to ease server stress.
To combat these issues, the servers used to be locked during major news events or big game releases by the staff to ease server stress. In recent years, this practice has been avoided without significant problems, and has been successful at allowing regular users to contribute and add new information without significant downtime.


==Relations with other sites==
==Relations with other sites==
Bulbapedia is a founding member of the [[Encyclopædiæ Pokémonis]], a multi-lingual group of wikis documenting all aspects of Pokémon. As a part of Bulbagarden, it is also considered an affiliate site with all Bulbagarden affiliates.
Bulbapedia is a founding member of the [[Encyclopædiæ Pokémonis]], a multi-lingual group of wikis documenting all aspects of Pokémon. Bulbapedia also co-founded the [[Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance]] with [[Zelda Wiki]] and [[Super Mario Wiki]], a network that comprises fan-run wikis from several Nintendo franchises. As a part of Bulbagarden, it is also considered an affiliate site with all Bulbagarden affiliates.


Bulbapedia also co-founded the [[Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance]]. This network comprises fan-run wikis from seventeen Nintendo franchises.
Many attempts were made by Fandom early in the site's history to acquire the wiki as part of the Fandom enterprise, though all of them were rejected. Their last known offer was made in April 2010.


Relations with [[The Pokémon Wiki]], of Wikia, have not been as promising. This is to no fault of the Wikia administration, but due to Wikian contributors misunderstanding the various clauses of Bulbapedia's Creative Commons license, which prohibits commercial use of Bulbapedia information, and the redistribution of it. This has been a problem with other sites who wish to profit off of Bulbapedia's volunteer staff, such as the [[n:Apple iPhone Application infringes on Bulbapedia license|makers of one iPhone application]]. An attempt was made by Wikia early in Bulbapedia history that would have seen Bulbapedia become part of the Wikia enterprise. It was, clearly, unsuccessful. Since then, Wikia has made a number of offers for Bulbagarden, most recently in April 2010. All of them have been rejected in a rather emphatic fashion.
==Trivia==
* Bulbapedia was mentioned in the £4,000 question in the December 7th, 2023 episode of the British game show {{wp|The Chase (British game show)|''The Chase''}}.<ref>[https://twitter.com/itsmattwilmott/status/1732811718651158831 X post by @itsmattwilmott]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/Mason72x/status/1732882566527504761 X post by @Mason72x]</ref>


==Future==
==External links==
As a wiki, Bulbapedia is always growing, expanding, and [[Evolution|evolving]]. Despite the thousands of articles and hundreds of new users each week, it still remains incomplete; but as the nature of any wiki, anyone and everyone is welcome to help contribute to the site. With a constant stream of new Pokémon {{pkmn|games}}, {{pkmn|anime}}, [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|trading card]]s, {{pkmn|manga}}, {{pkmn|merchandise}}, and more being released every month (not to mention the ever expanding fandom), Bulbapedia's job will never be done as it continues to be the #1 Pokémon wiki in the world.
*[https://bulbagarden.net/forums/bulbawiki-forum.195/ Bulbawiki Forum] on [[Bulbagarden forums]]
*[[Bulbapedia:About|Bulbapedia's About page]]
*[http://wikiindex.org/Bulbapedia WikiIndex Entry]
*{{nw|Bulbapedia|Nintendo Wiki Article}}
*{{zw|Community:Bulbapedia|Zelda Wiki Community page}}


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
==External links==
*[http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/forumdisplay.php?f=195 Bulbapedia discussion forum] on [[Bulbagarden forums]]


{{Encyclopaediae Pokémonis}}
{{Encyclopaediae Pokémonis}}
<br>
<br>
{{Niwa|grass}}
{{Niwa|bulba}}
<br>
{{Project Fandom notice}}
{{Project Fandom notice}}


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Latest revision as of 16:42, 29 August 2024

Bulbapedia
"the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia"
Bulbapedia logo.png
Bulbapedia's logo, the bulb of a Bulbasaur with a Poké Ball superimposed on it
Language English
Status Active
Run 2005–present
Date opened February 14, 2005
Creator Archaic and Zhen Lin
Current owner {{{owner}}}
Number of Articles 54,799
Forum BMGf
Mascot Bulbasaur
Website Main Page

Bulbapedia is an English-language community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia. It attempts to document the Pokémon franchise as a whole, in a system that anyone can read and edit.

Its name is a portmanteau of Bulbagarden, the Pokémon website which runs Bulbapedia, and encyclopedia. It is affectionately known as the 'pedia, Bulbawiki, or simply Bulba among its contributors. Both Bulbapedia and Bulbagarden get their names from Bulbasaur, notable as the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex order.

Images for the website are stored at the Bulbagarden Archives, which also supplies artwork, photographs, and screenshots for Bulbanews, an affiliate news site also run by Bulbagarden.

The wiki is constantly evolving with thousands of articles and hundreds of new users joining weekly. Despite its extensive content, it remains incomplete due to the frequent release of new Pokémon media and the growing fandom. Contributions from anyone are welcomed as Bulbapedia strives to maintain its status as the leading Pokémon wiki globally.

History

Bulbapedia was set up by Zhen Lin on December 21, 2004. The original period of development sought members of the Bulbagarden community to write for "a collaborative and open work environment which makes interacting with other staff and looking up information very simple."[1] This proved unsuccessful, but Bulbapedia proceeded with a dozen or so contributors, and reached 100 articles within three weeks. It eventually opened to the public on February 14, 2005, marketed as "Bulbagarden's Valentine's Gift to the Fandom".[2] At least 21 new articles were created within the first 24 hours of operations, and within three months 1,000 articles had been written. The 10,000th article was created 3 years later, on June 29, 2008.[3] Currently, it is the largest English-language Pokémon wiki.

As a wiki, Bulbapedia's development is dependent on the community, and in the years that passed since its opening, many thousands of users have contributed to its success. In the summer of 2007, when the subject of publishing advertisements on the website to maintain its costs came up, the entire community was given the right to vote on the matter, eventually deciding to agree to the advertising.

Staff

evkl was the first Editor-in-Chief of Bulbapedia and remains the Deputy Head of Bulbagarden. During his time as Editor-in-Chief, evkl's primary goal was to build the foundations of Bulbapedia. Although no longer regularly active, evkl still maintains contact to assist the staff when needed. evkl remained the Editor-in-Chief until early 2006, when he made way for Bulbapedia founder Zhen Lin to take the helm.

Zhen Lin, who has a background in coding, ensured the site's consistent performance as it grew. He established much of the technical operations of the wiki that remain to this day. Zhen served as Editor-in-Chief until 2008, when TTEchidna assumed the role.

From the early days, Bulbapedia has been overseen by an editorial board that collaborates on all executive decisions, including the making of Bulbapedia policy. There are also many administrators and other staff who oversee the day-to-day running of the site. On April 22, 2010, the addition of a "Junior Administrator" position was announced to give accepted users a chance to learn the tasks of a staff member and possibly be accepted onto the staff.

TTEchidna's tenure continued to grow and develop Bulbapedia. He was largely responsible for the bold colored, round-bordered templates that are now associated with Bulbapedia. His influence helped Bulbapedia become one of the most distinctive and recognizable wikis, often praised for its appearance. On December 1, 2010, TTEchidna resigned and passed the torch to MAGNEDETH.

While in position, MAGNEDETH put a main focus on the user experience, stating "We are here for the fans, so the site should cater to them." There was also a focus on staff organization to make it easier for users to identify moderators that would be best able to answer their questions. On December 9, 2012, MAGNEDETH stepped down and handed the site to Werdnae, appointing him the fifth Editor-in-Chief.

On February 17, 2014, Werdnae stepped down and chose Kogoro as his successor.

On March 3, 2021, Kogoro was succeeded by Pokemaster97 as Editor-in-Chief.

On April 19, 2023, Pokemaster97 was succeeded by Maverick Nate. As Editor-in-Chief, Maverick Nate simplified the staff structure and reworked the editorial board into the Leadership Board, a committee responsible for guiding the site's progress, upholding Bulbagarden's values, and representing Bulbapedia within the broader Pokémon community.

Content

Bulbapedia's Main Page, in its standard coloration (as of 2011)

Articles

Bulbapedia offers information on every aspect of the Pokémon franchise. Projects exist for many areas, where editors can work together to grow Bulbapedia. The anime, Trading Card Game, games, and manga each have their own Project. Additionally, Project Globe aims to increase Bulbapedia's international content, an area that was previously scarce. These Projects were originally run by Project Leaders, whose jobs were to manage and oversee the development and growth of their Projects.

Featured articles are articles that were at one point recognized for their high quality and completeness. They could be voted on and nominated by every member of the community. New nominations have not been considered since 2010, though other practices have been adopted to acknowledge quality work and contributions from the community, such as featuring content updates in the What's Growing On? newsletter.

Until 2012, several articles were featured on the Main Page of the wiki on a one-day rotation.

Images

In the initial stages of Bulbapedia, images were hosted on the same site. Nowadays, they are kept on the Bulbagarden Archives, which allows interaction with Bulbanews as well. From early 2009, the Bulbagarden Archives has been running off a separate server from Bulbapedia, reducing stress on the site.

The majority of images on Bulbapedia are recognized as "fair use".

Vandalism

Due to the interactive and collaborative nature of the site, Bulbapedia is prone to vandalism. This is often quickly seen and reverted by good-faith contributors, but two incidents have stood out in the site's history. The Great Bulbapedia Turkey Shoot is the first, and was for a long period of time documented for its historicity. The second, more recent spate is unnamed, although it was once jokingly referred to as The Great Bulbapedia Turkey Shoot II: Back for Dessert.[4] The Turkey Shoot had its own article on the site for a fairly long period of time, but many people, both general users and staff alike, found the article to be of questionable notability. The staff of Bulbapedia held a vote in late March of 2012 and decided the article was no longer worth keeping.

"Things like [that page] give us the small-town feel, but we've almost certainly outgrown it. I'm fine with it being taken down." — evkl
"It has been decided that although [the] page details a major point in Bulbapedia's history, it glorifies vandalism, which sends the wrong message. We do not tolerate vandalism, nor shall we ever again dedicate a page to showcasing such heinous acts on our site." — MAGNEDETH

Vandalism is not tolerated on Bulbapedia and accounts performing such actions are blocked from editing by staff.

Server issues

Bulbapedia has encountered numerous server issues over the years. Notably in early 2008, server issues caused multiple downtimes every week. The servers were upgraded later in the year to handle more, but to combat future issues, the userspace policy was instituted to encourage less editing of the userspace (userspace edits being considered less constructive while still putting daily stress on the servers). Although unpopular at the time, it had a noticeable effect on the site, bringing more mainspace contributions.

Significant server problems recurred in mid-2010, though servers were quickly upgraded. However, new issues cropped up resulting in "session data loss" errors and involuntary log-outs, and it was later discovered that the server load balancer had malfunctioned.

Bulbapedia still experiences occasional server issues, notably more than other sites. These issues have been identified as unfortunate side-effects of its rapid growth and popularity, often finding itself run by servers that can't handle the capacity of people using the site. In recent years, server maintenance is done more frequently as the site grows in popularity, but major game releases have resulted in momentary server outages or slowdown.

To combat these issues, the servers used to be locked during major news events or big game releases by the staff to ease server stress. In recent years, this practice has been avoided without significant problems, and has been successful at allowing regular users to contribute and add new information without significant downtime.

Relations with other sites

Bulbapedia is a founding member of the Encyclopædiæ Pokémonis, a multi-lingual group of wikis documenting all aspects of Pokémon. Bulbapedia also co-founded the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance with Zelda Wiki and Super Mario Wiki, a network that comprises fan-run wikis from several Nintendo franchises. As a part of Bulbagarden, it is also considered an affiliate site with all Bulbagarden affiliates.

Many attempts were made by Fandom early in the site's history to acquire the wiki as part of the Fandom enterprise, though all of them were rejected. Their last known offer was made in April 2010.

Trivia

  • Bulbapedia was mentioned in the £4,000 question in the December 7th, 2023 episode of the British game show The Chase.[5][6]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Original announcement
  2. ↑ Bulbapedia's release notes (Archived on Wayback Machine)
  3. ↑ Bulbapedia statistics
  4. ↑ Turkey Shoot II
  5. ↑ X post by @itsmattwilmott
  6. ↑ X post by @Mason72x
Encyclopædiæ Pokémonis
English: Bulbapedia German: PokéWiki Japanese: Pokémon Wiki French: Poképédia Italian: Pokémon Central Chinese: 52Poké Wiki Spanish: WikiDex
English German Japanese French
Bulbagarden's
Bulbapedia 		Filb.de's
PokéWiki 		Pokémon Republic's
Pokémon Wiki 		Poképédia
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Pokémon Central's
Pokémon Central Wiki 		Pokémon Zone's
52Poké Wiki 		WikiDex
Defunct Members
Portuguese: LANDpedia Spanish: Pokéteca Polish: Wikinezka
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Pokémon LAND's
LANDpedia 		PkStation's
Pokéteca 		Pokémon Polska's
Wikinezka


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