Well, there ARE a lot of real issues that are either hidden or ignored.  Those that benefit from these can cheaply fund people who are on the wrong track, thus pushing those who may take an interest to waste their efforts.  Sure this can be a person who just wants to make a buck, or it can be someone who truly cares about the issues they push. 
Mix the corruption of corporate media with the tangle of independants and it can be truly difficult to interpret what is going on behind the scenes.