I seen a total of 14 pokemons, and captured 12. (My 2 fails are on Firered)
The first time I play: Walk in grass, then see a orange Rattata having some stars on it. No pokeballs, then notice that rattatas are purple...
3 hours later: Walking in MT-Moon, see a black zubat, try to capture it, waste my only 3 pokeballs.
It hurts when you loose a shiny, seriously.
I don't use "uber" Pokemon, I don't calculate stat values, I don't use cheating devices, I don't breed my way to perfection, and I don't care about natures.
I catch my Pokemon the way they are, and treat them like individuals instead of brainless drones.
If you use this philosophy, copy & paste this into your signature.