...Since Hofstadter’s book was published, our access to information has vastly improved, which you would think would have helped minimize such wild speculation. But according to recent scientific research on the matter, it most likely only serves to make theories more convincing to the public. What’s even more surprising is that this sort of theorizing isn’t limited to those on the margins. Perfectly sane minds possess an incredible capacity for developing narratives, and even some of the wildest conspiracy theories can be grounded in rational thinking, which makes them that much more pernicious. Consider this: 63 percent of registered American voters believe in at least one political conspiracy theory, according to a recent poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University.

While psychologists can’t know exactly what goes on inside our heads, they have, through surveys and laboratory studies, come up with a set of traits that correlate well with conspiracy belief. In 2010, Swami and a co-author summarized this research in The Psychologist, a scientific journal. They found, perhaps surprisingly, that believers are more likely to be cynical about the world in general and politics in particular. Conspiracy theories also seem to be more compelling to those with low self-worth, especially with regard to their sense of agency in the world at large. Conspiracy theories appear to be a way of reacting to uncertainty and powerlessness...

Virtual RPG Gaming Convention! - AetherCon 2013


Any current or former Table Top RPG players out there? ( e.g. AD&D, Call of Cthulu, Pathfinder, Savage Worlds, Shadowrun, etc. )


We're providing an Online, Virtual Gaming Convention called AetherCon (www.aethercon.com) to
be held in Cyberspace on Nov 15-17, 2013. This will be our 2nd annual AetherCon.


We use proven, free Internet applications for:
o Multiplayer RPG gaming sessions, including some Tournament games.
o Presentations from artists, authors, and gaming industry personalities.
o "Vendor Booths" representing gaming companies.


There is no cost to attend.
All necessary applications are free and web-based (except for Skype which is free, but requires installation).


AetherCon is a non-profit event staffed by volunteers. Want to help? Contact stephen@aethercon.com


mini-FAQ:


Q. How do the Players/Game Masters interact with each other over the Internet?
A. We support games using either Roll20's or Infrno's Virtual Table Top (VTT) web software.
Both Infrno / Roll20 have built in Audio/Video capability, although some folks prefer to
use a Skype conference call instead. Games will be scheduled with the Game Master's requirements
specified for which VTT to use and if Skype will also be used.

www.roll20.net Overview video: Roll20 -- Overview - YouTube
www.infrno.net Overview video: Infrno Game Table - YouTube


Q. Do I have to create characters beforehand?
A. No - Game Masters will provide player character sheets.


Q. Do I have to have a microphone and web camera?
A. Generally a microphone is required. Web Camera is optional.


Q. How will Authors/Artists/Gaming personalities hold their Presentations, Panels, and Q&A sessions?
A. We use Anymeeting webinar software - which integrates text chat, audio, 6-way video conferencing,
and screen / document sharing for up to 200 attendees.
www.anymeeting.com


Q. How can I find out more info?
A. Visit our Website! www.aethercon.com Be sure to read the About web page: www.aethercon.com/a2/cpanel.php?get=chord_AboutWhatisAethercon
Also,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AetherConRPG
Twitter : https://twitter.com/AetherCon
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/107862761979224199437/posts


*** Note: This probably is a better fit for the Alternate Realities forum area, but since there is no General or Other game category, Scuttlebutt seemed ok.