[Anthony G Williams]

There's actually an article in the current New Scientist magazine about conspiracy theories, why they are believed, and how to start one!

Apparently the most gullible groups are those most detached from power in society - the poor, ethnic minorities and so on. One example: 20% of African-Americans believe that HIV was created in a laboratory and distributed by the US government to restrict the growth of the black population.

A summary of the guidelines:

1. Pick a big, bad organisation as the target

2. Choose a dramatic, newsworthy event as the basis.

3. Construct your theory from carefully selected information designed to link your target organisation with the event. Reinterpret evidence in your favour whenever you can, and create uncertainty by questioning official evidence.

4. Prepare your defence, including accusing those who deny your story of being involved in the conspiracy. Be flexible over the details, but keep the core story going.