Let's live dangerously

Is it helpful if we differentiate between wild speculation, the sort that happens in ignorance immediately after an event, and the formal presentation of a conspiracy theory in a book, article, or TV program? Please note that when I use the word "formal" I am not actually implying any credibility to the conspiracy theory! Does the length of time between the events tell us anything about how the general population regards the event in question? Can we distinguish between such theories about an unexpected point event (such as an death) as opposed to a well publicised program (like Apollo)?

I think this is relevant because the appeal of the Apollo hoax to many maylie in an understanding of how the public sees and seeks to explain major events. Therefore it is part of a broader spectrum of conspiracist world pictures (or even world views). For me the difference with the Apollo Hoax is the nature of the event that people try to explain away. the Apollo missions were an enormous achievement not just for the United States, but all humanity. Most conspiracy theories try to explain tragic or horrific events (Kennedy shootings, Diana, September 11) or even explain them away (Holocaust deniers)


Best wishes
Jon