What makes a good conspiracy theory?

[Ralph Sir Edward]

I thought this might be a good thing to yap about. (This it not talking about any particular conspiracy theory, but general requirements for one that lasts. . . )

The rules (that I consider necessary.)

Rule #1. The number of participants has to be small. Preferably only a handful. The more people involved, the less likely it is. (Rule #1(A). It helps if they are dead, preferably without any questioning.)

Rule #2. The official theory has to have gaps in the reasoning.

Rule #3 . There has to evidence that does not fit the official theory. The more evidence, and the more varied types of evidence. the better the grounds for a conspiracy theory.

Rule #4. There is something to gain for the officials, by some form of a cover-up. (I say gain, but it doesn't have to be financial. It could be things like preventing panic, power gains by people being supported by the official theory, ect.)

Feel free to comment or add to this. . .

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

In the 1997 movie - Conspiracy Theory - the Mel Gibson character said :
“Just because you’re paranoid-doesn't’ mean someone isn’t trying to get you “

I always liked that line -

 

[taterhed]

I know exactly what comprises the fundamental ingredients to a viral conspiracy theory.

Unfortunately, I can't reveal that information here, for reasons of National Security.

 

[fer829]

The rules (that I consider necessary.)

You require ALL FOUR rules to be necessary for a good conspiracy???
I thought all conspiracies jumped at any one of them only--why spoil all the fun!!!

 

[DaveNV]

^^^ I agree.

The next time somebody says the Moon landing was fake, throw them a curve ball, and say, "Oh, I see. You're one of those people who believes in the Moon?"

Dave

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

You require ALL FOUR rules to be necessary for a good conspiracy???
I thought all conspiracies jumped at any one of them only--why spoil all the fun!!!

But the more and stronger each one is, the more the conspiracy theory gets converts and keeps going. . . .

(That's why the fake moon landing conspiracy doesn't have the following of, say, the JFK conspiracy. . .It is low to nil on all four rules. . . )

 

[magmue]

In the 1997 movie - Conspiracy Theory - the Mel Gibson character said :
“Just because you’re paranoid-doesn't’ mean someone isn’t trying to get you “

That quote goes further back than that. Mel Gibson's character borrowed it from Joseph Heller , who said in Catch 22 that ""Just because you're paranoid,doesn't mean they aren't after you.". It was later mis-attributed to Kurt Cobain.

 

[Talent312]

..."Oh, I see. You're one of those people who believes in the Moon?"

Everyone knows it is the Goddess Selene who drives the moon-chariot across the skies.

 

[DaveNV]

Everyone knows it is the Goddess Selene who drives the moon-chariot across the skies.

I thought it was Maui? Wait - he snared the Sun, to slow it down. Never mind.

Dave

 

[bizaro86]

I think conspiracy theories are more likely to take off when they fit preconceived notions of a group of people. 9/11 being faked fits the political leanings of some folks, etc. (Not intended to be political, there are other examples in different realms, Bilderberg conspiracy theory has racial undertones, etc)

 

[pedro47]

A good conspiracy theory starts with an outright untrue of an event. IMO.

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

I think that falls under Rule #3 . . .