There are several threads that give pointers on a "winning thread"...
But I'll give you a short walk-through here as well.
1. Step 1:
When the idea of a thread occurs to you, your first step should be to
search for existing threads on that
topic.
For example, if you searched for "Illuminati Real" you would get results such as "The Illuminati isn't real anymore", "The Illuminati is real",
"Why do people believe in the illuminati when there is no evidence ...", "the illuminati are real proof here:" and so on. So obviously the
question "Is the Illuminati real?" has been asked.
You could now do one of two things: Both directions include
reading some of existing threads before continuing. After reading through some of
the threads you will have a better idea which direction you should take. You can either add your thoughts to one (or more) of the existing threads. OR
you can take what you've learned from the existing threads and start a new thread with a different or new angle...
2. Step 2:
Starting writing down your thoughts on the thread you would like to start. (It's best to type your initial opening in a word processing document.)
While you're writing down your thoughts, do the research. You'll hear it a million times: Google is your friend. Quote other articles on the same
topic to back your take on the matter. A well researched post gets better responses. Check your grammar and spelling (see: creating your post in a
word processor).
Don't simply post a YouTube video without giving a description of the video and your take on it.
Don't post 1-liners.
Stay on topic.
Don't respond to baiting.
Take a look at the threads of the top contributors
listed here. It should give you a pretty good
indication of how a good opening post is written.
There's no recipe for a "hit thread". It's always a surprise to see which threads are the hot topics... If you try and force a thread or beg for
responses it WILL fail like this thread. Post a thread because you're interested in the topic, and because you want to hear other people's opinion.
Not because you want a popular thread and lots of flags and stars...
Here's some additional How to's:
Starting a new thread?... Look here first!
Creating a great title for your thread
Index of important ATS related threads
That should get you going in the right direction.
Never hesitate to ask for help or advice!