Accusing Oneself of Grand Conspiracy

[G-K-4]

I have an idea for a short story about a group of do-gooders who are tarred with the charge of conspiracism. Not simple criminal conspiracy, though. I'm talking about an accusation of grand, historical manipulation, that "these people are the Illuminati/Freemasons/whatever with a new name".

That might be good enough as it is to build a story. But I thought of a twist. What if this is the kind of reputation a new organization wanted to promote (in secret, of course)? Does that make any sense?

It might make a nice counterintuitive twist to the tale, but I'm not sure that I can find a good motive. So I ask you all for an evaluation of the idea. Why might some new and genuinely sociable* organization want to leave hints that it is part of a secret elite? Wouldn't that be dangerous? Wouldn't that sow mistrust and defeat their efforts?

Thanks in advance for any comments.



* I say this to distinguish them from such self-serving hoaxers as Pierre Plantard.

 

[Horatius]

On motive might be that they could more easily get people to do things for them, for whatever reason they exist in the first place.

For instance, if Joe Blow asked you to donate $100,000 for widows and orphans, you might not be willing to do that. But, if you thought Joe Blow was in fact a 12th-level Wizard in the Global Ruling Council, you might say yes out of fear, or in hopes of currying favour with a powerful man.

 

[bob_kark]

I have an idea for a short story about...

What better way to gain influence over the rich and powerful? Allow them to join your secret society so they can share your power.

Also read Foucault's Pendulum, it has a similar, but different, plot line. Really good read IMHO.

 

[jujigatami]

The more power people think you or your group has, the more will want to be a part of it, giving your group more power.

A good "Outer Limits" or "Twilight Zone" style ending would be to have the group actually grow huge and become all powerful.

 

[defaultdotxbe]

A good "Outer Limits" or "Twilight Zone" style ending would be to have the group actually grow huge and become all powerful.

it would have to somehow be a direct result of all the unfounded accusations, that would be a good twist, liek they had to defend themselves fromt he CTers, lol

could be a lesson to the few CTers who are capable of learning "Be careful you dont give birth to the very beast you seek to slay"

 

[G-K-4]

The more power people think you or your group has, the more will want to be a part of it, giving your group more power.

I hadn't considered this particular angle before. Thanks, jujigatami. I'll mull this over. Inflating one's reputation to win friends who want to kitch their wagon to your rising star.

it would have to somehow be a direct result of all the unfounded accusations, that would be a good twist, liek they had to defend themselves fromt he CTers, lol

I had thought of something like this: generate controversy to (1) give yourself a reason to promote what you really believe, and (2) identify your adversaries by making yourself an irresistable target.

could be a lesson to the few CTers who are capable of learning "Be careful you dont give birth to the very beast you seek to slay"

That's the other side of it: if your values really are good, it's instructive to see what kinds of people decry them. If they're the right kind of problem group, it actually makes you look good. Knowing a man from his enemies, and all that.

Thanks, folks. I might not actually right it this way, but I thought it would be a fun idea to explore.