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0.02: RJ says the FAQ is only 1/3 right. Why should I bother reading it?

RJ's standard comment on the FAQ is that it's "about one-third correct, one-third close but not quite, and one-third dead wrong" [e.g. post-ACOS signing in Charleston, South Carolina, 21 June 1996, report by Brian Ritchie]. If it's so incorrect, why bother reading it? Bill Garrett explains:

1. The FAQ isn't intended as a benchmark of absolute truth. It's a collection of frequently asked questions and our best answers to them, right or wrong. It's there so people with questions can find out what our answers and ideas are, all organized in one convenient place.

2. Of course the FAQ isn't 100% correct. Much of it is devoted to describing opposing viewpoints on key questions. For example, consider the "Who killed Asmodean?" entry. Numerous theories are presented, but at most one of them is correct and the rest are wrong -- unless Asmodean was killed by a posse consisting of various Forsaken, Myrddraal, darkfriend Aiel, Padan Fain, and Bela.

You should read the FAQ because it will give you an idea of what has been said before by many people. Chances are, if you want to know what people think about a given theory, it's in here. Familiarizing yourself with other people's arguments will help you make your own more interesting and persuasive.

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