How come i keep reading threads that say you have to join factions to do the main quest? you don't have to join any factions. i have played the main quest alot of times. and i never had to join any factions. people say they force you to join The Thieves Guild. you can just talk to the argonian Keerava and she tells you how to get to the ratway warrens (Esbern's Hideout). if you don't want to be a thief then just tell Brynjolf that you won't break the law. then talk to the argonian bartender Keerava. and people say you have to join The College of Winterhold. just don't report to Mirabelle Ervine then go right up to the Orc mage Urag gro-Shub he tells you how to find Septimus Signus and thats it. am i missing something? because i don't get it maybe i'm wrong about something i don't know.

YOU know this because you played many times already.

Many new players do NOT know this. The MQ should not force or direct anyone into a faction. The MQ should be independent from ANY other side quest or faction.

except logically, the innkeeper would be easier to know about then having to join the thieves guild, so that is STILL not an excuse. As for the MAges college, no where does it tell you HAVE to go through the questline.

People get anxious and just go with the general direction they're pointed in.

To find out about the Ratway I've never talked to the Thieves' guild guy. I just listened to Delphine; she says that she would hide in the Ratway. I just went down there on my own. And while I usually do join the Mage's guild, I've gotten in by just demonstrating a shout.

Yes i know that new players don't know this. i was talking about threads i've read by people that have played the game alot and still don't know this. but yes The MQ should not have anything to do with factions or side quest.