Section Rules - READ BEFORE POSTING!

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I don't care how tl;dr worthy this post is. These aren't only section rules, they're also in part forum rules.
This means that you follow them - or else.

1) The "-quote- This." Phenomena.

This.

Spare me.

It's remotely ok if you quote someone's opinion and add a 'this' to show your support of that opinion.

It's kind of redundant and pointless when someone gives a legitimate answer to a factual question, and someone quotes the thing and just slaps on 'this'. Either you add in something even the least bit productive, or leave it the hell alone.

On that note, we realize that not all of you are into the "omg super special awesome theory" scene, not everyone is into the games enough to be able to provide in-depth analysis on the more elaborate theories some of us come up with. But it'd be appreciated if you could try to add in a bit more input then simply "cool theory bro i guess".

2) "/Thread"

Also relates to "This can be closed now" posts, etc.

The only people that have the right to decide when a thread is to be closed are the thread opener, and the moderators.
Unless you fall under these categories, either keep such comments to yourselves, or VM/PM a mod and have them decide the thread's fate. If it's legitimate, the thread will be closed.

3) Double posting

Don't double post. That means that someone else has to post after you before you can post again.
That is not to say I want to see two posts that make up a single sentence with someone else's post in between them. Those will be merged.
There're the 'edit', and 'multi quote' buttons. Use them. If you don't know how, ask.

If you ended up double posting by accident (clicked twice by mistake, server lag, etc), it's fine that you edit one into an apology, but it's still a post that shouldn't be there. Let a mod know about it.

4) You're spamming too

Much in regards to the previous paragraphs, if someone double posts and you feel like saying something about it - say it to a mod. Otherwise, again - you'd be spamming.

By all means, help new people understand the forums better via usage of the 'edit' and 'multi quote' buttons. Just do it in a PM/VM instead of on the discussion thread.
Thanks much.

To put it shortly:

Originally Posted by Vandread

When a member posts something off topic, flames, or anything else considered spam, notify a moderator via PM or some other means. That's it; do NOT waste time replying to it.

5) "Favorite/most hated" threads.

I don't mind 'favorite/hated' threads that give room for legitimate debate, such as favorite characters or what not (so long as it doesn't escalate into "Kairi's a ****" or "Sora's an idiot!") (catch is, you need to actually debate and not throw character names back and forth).
However, if you want to hear which Keychain is the favorite, or which Keyblade wielder is the best, take it to the Forum Games section.

6) Necro posting.

I realize people want to take part in the forum life, but there are so many better ways than to look up old threads and post in them. There are many active threads around, and despite what you might think, many undiscussed issues you could start a debate over - in a new thread.
There's very little honor in pwning a theory from three years ago that was disproved by the canon two years ago.

However, in some cases, you can necro-post as long as it's for a legitimate reason and if it's not too old. For example, bumping a 1-3 month old thread is fine, but please make sure you're adding a decent post to continue the discussion, not something like 'oh i agree lol', etc.

7) Why don't you just wait for the game?

...ugh!
Yes, we all realize the games haven't been released yet.
Yes, we all realize we're lacking a painfully huge amount of information in order for us to come up with something even halfway decent and remotely truly possible.

However, that is, ironically, precisely the point of the Future of Kingdom Hearts section. Debating possibilities, humoring each other with ideas, and accidentally spoiling ourselves.
If you've nothing better to contribute to a theory discussion thread other than "wait for the game to be released", keep it to yourself. If you don't like talking about theories, don't post in threads that have them, go talk about something else elsewhere.

8) Credit

I've seen lately that some people, jokingly or not, accused each other of having stolen a theory.
If the theory's of any merit at all (And even if not...), chances are someone came up with it before you.
Find comfort in the fact many people more will only realize the possibility exists after you did, and move on with your life.
Unless of course you've proof they copied the theory word for word and then that's a different matter.
There's having two theories that say Sora has Ven's Heart.
Then there's having two people post the exact same theory post about that. That's unacceptable.

9) Elitism
It's inevitable that theories will get rehashed. We've all seen the "Terra/MX/etc = Xehanort" theory, and wonder how Ven's Heart could yet be inside Sora.
With information coming in so far and few in between, there aren't too many new theories and concepts we can come up with, so those of us that hang out either here or on other KH forums often enough probably had more than enough chances to discuss these concepts to death.

The same cannot be said for everyone around, however. New members keep coming in. Old members return from hiatuses. Someone blinked and missed it. To them, these would be new and possibly thrilling concepts.

We need you to accept that.
Refrain from viciously attacking people, telling them their ideas are old, and trying to vehemently crush any idea that isn't your personal belief. Either let them be, or discuss it with them. You'd be amazed at how much you could contribute, sharing what you've already been through.

On the other hand, we realize that along with mainstream concepts come mainstream opinions about said concepts. Points of views spread and become accepted amongst members, probably because they were started by a well respected member of the forums.

We need you to accept that too. In the event that you propose an 'alternative', don't take it the wrong way if people disagree with you. It's only natural not everyone will see things the same way so long as it's in the field of speculation and theory (no point in saying Nomura's wrong).
If you have anything to back up your claims with, by all means, present it. Theories are received better when added with an appropriate quote from a Nomura interview, or a cut-scene clip showing what you're talking about.
If despite all this your point still doesn't hold, and could go as far as being disproven, don't get upset. We've all been there. Learn what you can from that debate; don't write people off simply because you're pissy they disagree with you.
Disagreement =\= flaming, and the former is something we need all members to learn to live with.

10) Likes, dislikes, and respect

I don't care how many people here like a certain character, or how eagerly you'd like to see a certain character die, or how this is nothing more than a stupid game so who gives a fuck.
If you come up and bluntly mock a person for that opinion (so Axel fans think he's the strongest org member ever, so what?), or write off their opinion simply for their preferences (it doesn't matter how much I dislike Kairi, it doesn't change the fact the Gayblade isn't hers), we'll be as intolerant towards you and your flaming as you are towards other members of the forum.
Someone was out of line ridiculously about a character? Let a mod know. Don't get out of line about another member over it. Opinions are just that - opinions. There's no such thing as a 'wrong'. And if it bothers you so much to see the opposite view to yours - open a club in Forum Insanity.
Don't flame other members.

11) Spam on topic

Spam comes in many forms, this type involves repeating what one individual has already said. While your answer may be right, it's not adding to the conversation at hand. If you want to post bring something new to the table that's fine. But if you come up with an answer like "Axel is not Riku's nobody", that has been repeated numerous times expect the thread to be closed or your posts to be removed.

12) Use the search tool

Before making a thread about asking a question, etc, always use the search function to see if it's already been answered. Anytime you're not sure if a thread you want to make has already been made, use of the search function is encouraged. This helps unwanted flaming and keeps the section clean from any repeated threads.

13) "Ninja'd"

Guys, this is pointless. It's spam, and it doesn't relate to the topic in any way.
You guys know better, so stop doing that, or your post will be deleted. Continue, and you'll get a warning. Still don't get the message, and you'll have yourself an infraction and possibly a short ban time. Simple, read the rules.

14) Theory Guide 101

Please, just read this. You might actually learn something. Props to Hikari221.

To clarify: This concerns making threads about theories, not theories in general.

Listen guys, we need to start putting some serious thought into our theories and our attitudes concerning them. The past few days I've seen everything from "Ven is Vanitas" to "Aqua is Sora's mother", with absolutely NO basis behind them. Not only do these theories make no sense (Ven can't be Vanitas because the latter beats the crap out of him and Aqua is estimated to be about 17-19 when Sora is about five) but the theorizer's attitudes in defending them are completely out of line.

Tip #1: Put forth some real effort.

Obviously everyone is going to theorize. However, if you're going to make an entire thread based on your theory, please put some thought into it. An excellent example of this are KeyofValor's posts. While I don't really agree with his theories, he puts a lot of good thought into his threads. He backs things up with videos, pictures, and good grammar.

This is important. If people can't read your thread, then it just becomes a waste of space, and people will be more prone to shut you down. I know this because I was a member here when I was in, oh, 6th/7th grade? Back when it had a different name (kingdomhearts2.net or something along those lines). My theories were terrible; looking back on them, I can understand why people disregarded them immediately. People are more likely to take your thread seriously if you write well. If you don't have the best grasp on the English language, use spellcheck.

Tip #2: Be nice to the people reviewing your theory.

I was reading one theory where the person defending it said that anything the person disagreeing with it said was stupid because they couldn't disprove it. Not only was that person's theory shut down moments later, but they were just rude. I didn't make this thread to single them out, that was just the most recent example.

Tip #3: If someone's theory sucks, be nice.

I'm aware that to some of you this may seem contradictory to tip #1, but it really isn't. I'm not discouraging theorizing by any means. What I'm discouraging is making a thread about your theory versus sharing it in, for example, the Jump Festa thread, or a Famitsu scans thread.

You all have to keep in mind that this is Kingdom Hearts. There will be 12-14 year olds on this board, and while some of their theories may be bad, they are trying and they are only children.

Tip #4: If your theory is disproven, accept it and move on.

I can't stress this one enough. There are some people who are basically good-natured about their theories being disproven, but some of you are just mean.

If we don't like your theory, it isn't an affront to you or your personality, merely your theory. We are your only audience. If you really believe in your theory, go back over it, this time thinking like your opposition. Think to yourself, "What could be wrong with this theory?" and then "Okay, so this this and this are wrong, so how can I fix that?" You might even end up with an entirely new theory.

For the younger theorizers, try to get a senior member to proofread for you. I'm always available, and while I wouldn't advise messaging a mod, an older member whose writing you admire will doubtlessly help you out. I know this sounds like a lot of extra work, but it pays off. Definitely DO NOT use the Kingdom Hearts Wiki (kingdomhearts.wikia.com) as a reliable resource since just about anybody who visits their pages can edit them.

Tip #5: Don't use design as a theory point unless well thought-out.

Tetsuya Nomura is a genius, no doubt about it. However, his aesthetic designs are often very similar to each other. Sephiroth and Xehanort's Heartless are examples of his idea of an evil archetype. Long silver hair, deep voice, etc. Cloud and Sora have ridiculously spiky hair. 'Nuff said.

Saying that, as an example, Terra and Zack are related simply because of their hair style, is beyond foolish. A more recent example is Vanitas' eye: Because it's drawn in a style similar to Sora's eye, people think that he looks like Sora. It's actually an interesting theory, but not one that I would necessarily agree with. There is no real basis behind it, just a design choice.

[Salty]

Only 2,000 views after 8 months? Start reading this. I shouldn't have to change the thread title to make you do so.
By the way, a KH3 trailer is not out.

Spoilers

Sol says: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.