Since we cannot influence the formation of cloud charge or stepped-leaders with the current available technology,  if we want to influence the attachment of cloud-to-ground lightning we must influence the formation of ground charge and streamers.

If you want to direct lightning to a preferred attachment point do so with a conventional lightning rod. If you merely want to intercept a close proximity lightning strike use a conventional lightning rod system. If you want to discourage lightning from attaching to a protected structure, use streamer-delaying air terminals (static dissipators).

All objects have natural dissipation points. On a structure the charge tends to gather at, and streamers form from, the top of the structure (the ultimate point) and from the edges and corners. The most effective way to mount a streamer delaying system, in terms of structure, weight, wind loading and cost, is to enhance this natural tendency by supporting the system from the structure itself at these natural charge accumulation points or the highest point. In other words, the installation of the system should be tailored to the structure, not vice versa. How does a system enhance natural charge accumulation and dissipation? Keeping in mind the nature of the static ground charge, a simplified way to envision system design is to imagine taking the structure, inverting it, and dipping it into syrup. When the inverted structure is raised from the syrup, the points from which the syrup drips will be analogous to the charge accumulation and streamer formation points. These are the points at which the streamer delaying components should be mounted. 

Specifications

Application:  For use wherever an air terminal (lightning rod) is appropriate and streamer delaying or static dissipating qualities are desired.

Description:  Solid Stainless Steel. These spot dissipators are used in place of standard air terminals in a structural lightning protection system installed to UL-96A and NFPA 780 specifications.

Standard Elevation Conductor:  5/8"x18", 1/2" Thread