To foist yourself up as someone who can give advice based on this takes a kind of an arrogance and stupidity. And don't forget that poor self esteem is the driver for arrogance. My advice to you - don't take my advice. But you ask why they have such followings. Let's face it.
People like to be told what to do.
Abby told me to do it. I call it the seduction of the dictatorship. Now people, I want each of you to send me 5 dollars. Then tell 5 of your friends to each send me 5 dollars. Then have them tell 5 of their friends to send me 5 dollars, etc, etc.