This hasn't even been a particularly combative year...
I enjoy speculation. Both sides of it. I do a lot of it before I start alluding to stuff. Aside from a couple of people, I wait until I get the same information from two-three sources before I start talking about details. I pay attention to specific posts from certain individuals that, at first glance, look innocuous but could mean more. I follow context and discussion flow, which can hint to stuff. I read other threads where I KNOW legitimate clues are dropped. Most of all, I care more about the process than the solution. That's why I refer to speculation as a game.
What I struggle with is a mindset that's, "This is what was leaked, so this is what has to happen." It forces the entire conversation into a box. People start getting excited, then potentially devestated, by unverified rumors. Instead of questioning validity, the discussion gets wrapped up in why the leak can't be wrong.
That thought process isn't speculation. Speculation requires doubt and deduction. From where I sit, there's not much of that happening. I have indicated that I have dropped house codenames in posts (1 post here has 2). I have intimated that I was told an IP that IS coming (to a soundstage) that is not on the list and hasn't been speculated at all. Both of those things, to me, are pretty big. No one's asked about them. Sure, maybe I'm being too vague. But if I have to put stuff like that in bold font, it's not speculation.
Legitimately, the only consistent doubt I've seen is if JungleSkip is reputable or not. Even that looks couched in a desire for IT to happen more than actual speculation. So here: I think he's legit. I wouldn't keep referring to him if I didn't.
I love speculation. I just wish there was more actual speculation happening.
