The theory of a flat earth is wrong. To the point where even typing the words 'the theory of a flat earth is wrong' is giving the "theory" too much credit. But a confession: I find flat earth theory and the people who believe in it fascinating. I don't mean to patronise. It's just really interesting.

I also really, really love the drawings and paintings: the depictions of what a flat earth might look like from space, created by artists who are 100 per cent serious. Here are a few of my favourites.

Put on your tin-foil hat, cover your webcam with a piece of tape, and wait for the imminent arrival of the lizard people because it's time for some conspiracy theories. Over half of American adults believe in at least one wacky theory, but why are these absurd and complex ideas are so appealing?

Dear Lifehacker, Over the years I have heard various whack-job anti-government conspiracy theorists and their ilk talk about income tax being illegal. They mention things like "Income has never been defined under Australian tax law", which apparently means we can claim we earned only chickens, conches, ceremonial wreaths or whatever, and apparently this befuddles the taxman into not being able to actually charge us anything. Is there any truth in this, or can it be easily debunked? Cheers, Tax Time Truth

Dear Lifehacker, I have several close friends who are intelligent, worldly and opened minded. I respect their opinions generally and we can comfortably debate where there is disagreement. However there is one big exception: conspiracy theories.