Spoiler When Making A Theory

[Naruto321]

A successful theory thread should follow a few basic guidelines.
1) It must contain a theory.
2) It must be legible and make sense.
3) It should have some sort of basis.
4) It should not be based on small similarities.
5) Organization is important.
6) You should be prepared to argue for your theory.
7) You should be prepared to hear criticism on your theory.
8) Examples of good theories.


1) It must contain a theory.
This seems rather simple, but many threads have been posted that are not theories. Now a theory is an idea in which empirical data is used as its base. Basically, a theory is an assumption based on established information or knowledge. Here are a few things that a theory is not:

A theory is not a question.
Example: "Why does Kakashi have the Mangekyo Sharingan?"
It should belong here in the Towns Bookstore. If you have a theory of talking about to a certain character and relates to the chapters, it belong here. Or you can post the theory here I guess: http://naruto.viz.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=19

A theory is not a prediction. A prediction is a guess that needs very little to no support (see point number 3).
Example: "I think Kakashi is going to kill Kakuzu."
Should probably go here to since it relates to Naruto of course: http://naruto.viz.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Also the theory must have to do with Naruto, since this is obviously about Naruto


2) It must be legible and make sense.
This is rather obvious. Theories should be written with the intent that others should be able to read them. That means no L337 speak, talking like an idiot (dat mens leik dis), and of course having proper spelling. This is a basic rule for the entire forum, and not just Theory Lane, so this shouldn't be something new. A good idea is to run a spell checker to make sure you have everything in order. You can run it through a different program, or use a web browser that automatically checks as you type.


3) It should have some sort of basis.
You need to have a reason for your theory. A theory, as I said before, is an assumption based on limited information or knowledge. Saying that you think Kakashi is going to marry Tsunade simply because you want it to happen lacks any basis or base of support. You should have a reason for coming to your opinion and it should not be based on a whim or preferences.


4) It should not be based on small similarities.
Many of us can remember the thread "Danzo and Hanzo brothers?" That is the perfect example of basing a theory on small similarities. Hanzo and Danzo having nearly identical names is not enough to make them brothers. It lacks enough support. Theories need to have a stronger base of support than similarities in names, faces, or hair color.


5) Organization is important.
If your theory goes all over the place, those reading your theory will have no idea what you are trying to say. It is important that you organize your post in some way that each piece fits with the piece before it and the piece after it. A good way to make your theory is to first give an introduction, provide some background information that you will use to introduce your theory, then give your theory. Then you should provide evidence or support for your theory, why you think it is plausible or possible. Then finish by summarizing what you think and give your final comments on the theory. This is not a set way to organize theories, but organization of some kind is a good idea.


6) You should be prepared to argue for your theory.
When posting in Theory Lane, it is inevitable that someone will disagree with you, and they will certainly post their disagreement. You need to be prepared to debate and argue for your theory and have proof of some kind (again, proof that is more substantial than a similarity in two names). If you can not provide an argument or proof for your theory, it will quickly be shot down.


7) You should be prepared to hear criticism on your theory.
As I said in point number 5, it is inevitable that someone will disagree with your theory. Remember, a theory is an educated guess, not a fact set in stone. So you should be ready to hear other members disagree with your idea and be ready to argue for it, but you should not flame or insult them for their opinions.

Thanks to Kengen


8) Examples of good theories.
Here are links to two examples of how theories should look like. One from Vivi and the other from Shikamaru Nara

http://naruto.viz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81425
http://naruto.viz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70913

[deidara330]

This is a pretty good layout, nicely done.

[♥♥♥♥♥♥]

*Claps* Very helpful ^^

You for the president! xD

[madara']

That is nicely done and true.

[zerosameri]

It's sad that you had to make it. People should all ready know this... But some don't. Any ways good thread!

[UnDeAd Hikari]

it should be based on facts instead of just being "oh, since i like this so much, it has to win!" and such...that really pisses me off when people do that

[Sina]

your helps will revive The book store all the facts are true

[JazzJunkie4]

um.. was this really necessary?

[zerosameri]

Originally Posted by JazzJunkie4

um.. was this really necessary?

This thread is not necessary... But some people really need this XD

[Uchiha Raimaru]

Rule #2 really should apply to every post in the whole forum.

But great job on this.

/reps.