A practical reading method
Separate Fan Theory From Page Evidence
State the theory as a possibility rather than a hidden fact. List supporting pages and the inference made from each one. Add at least one conflicting page or missing fact and define what would falsify the theory.
Use this when predicting a mystery, fantasy, or serialized story. A theory becomes harder to revise when inference and fact share one note. Three columns preserve play while protecting accuracy.
Use case
When this method helps
Use this when predicting a mystery, fantasy, or serialized story.
A theory becomes harder to revise when inference and fact share one note. Three columns preserve play while protecting accuracy.
Method
Build the note
1. State the theory as a possibility rather than a hidden fact.
2. List supporting pages and the inference made from each one.
3. Add at least one conflicting page or missing fact and define what would falsify the theory.
Example
See the boundary in practice
Theory: the archivist sent the map. Support: pages 44 and 88. Conflict: page 102 shows the seal was inaccessible.
Quality check
Before you trust the note
The note should make it possible to abandon the theory without rewriting the earlier evidence.