While most cult leaders exploit their followers for money and sex, it still wasn’t clear what Q was getting out of fueling QAnon, cult expert Rick Ross told me. Whatever Q got out of creating QAnon—some political advantage or a sick amusement from stirring up strife—his goal wasn’t typical of a leader. “The idea that a cult leader would be anonymous and not appear and have no ability to be seen and adored—that goes contrary to what most cult leaders are like,” Ross said.
