Theories Forum FAQ

[Exie]

Theories Forum FAQ

This thread is here to help you get started and answer a few questions. Be aware, Theories is one of the most heavily moderated sections of the board. If your theory has already been proven false by the show, the Powers That Be, or just plain common sense, your thread will be closed. Before you start posting, you should read the Lost Forum Rules and FAQ.

How do I get started in theories?
Everything you need to know to get started is in the Orientation thread.

What should I do when I want to post my theory?
Before starting a new thread, check in the Debunked/Discussed to Death thread to make sure we haven’t already discussed it previously. If it's already been discussed, it already has a thread, and you should use it to avoid numerous duplicate threads.

What topics are already being talked about?
Look at the Stickied Threads (they are at the top of the list of threads under each subforum.) This will tell you which topics are important enough to keep at the top of the page.

How do I know where to find a specific theory?
Use the Search function to check to be sure your theory hasnt already been discussed, or to find a specific theory thread. Read the Search Tutorial to get help on searching.

How is Theories set up?
Theories is divided into six separate subforums:

• Dharma related theories: Dharma, the Others, the Hatch, People associated with the Island previous to the crash.
• Character based theories: All of the main Losties, Danielle, Desmond, Freighties, Ben, Widmore, etc.
• Island History and Environment: contains all scientific theories; the sickness, Lostzilla, Magnetism, the Plane, the Black Rock, etc.
• Grand Theories: all grand/ultimate theories binding together several aspects of the show and history; Flashbacks, Time Travel, Large-scale manipulation, etc.
• Speculative Theories: for non-spoiler speculation and theories that do not fit into one of the main categories.
• Dead Horse Theories -- for those dead-on-arrival theories or discussed to death theories (Purgatory, Genetic Twins, Alternate Realities, Manipulated Realities, etc, etc).

In addition, the Foyer contains all important must-read threads (Orientation, FAQ, etc.) Scroll down to see all of The Foyer.

What are the Stickied Theories?
Stickied threads are those that cover canon discussions relating to Lost: The Monster, The Island, The Others, Dharma, etc. These threads can be found at the top of every page in theories and should be read first for information on those subjects.

Where do I put my thread?

• Decide what sort of theory it is
• Be prepared to explain your theory
• Provide a clear explanation with links to back up your facts, if possible
• When you know what your theory is about, decide where it goes based on what it has to do with MOST (Dharma, the Island, the Characters, Over-arching themes)
• When in doubt, PM a Theories Mod FIRST to clarify, before posting.
• Theories Mods: shred, Exie, bookworm

Where did my thread go?
After a set period of inactivity or in the case of redundancy, it is moved to the archives.

• If you want your thread back, PM a mod (see above for usernames)
• Mod moves threads at his/her discretion
• Thread resurrection is based on current significance to the storyline/currently open theories
• Threads that are duplicates or rehashed theories will not be reopened

Why did my thread get closed?

• Duplicate of existing thread
• Debunked or overly discussed
• “Scientific” theory that is not backed by fact (it only takes a minute to google)