Real and fake and imaginary and authentic

Posted by Rob Walker on January 18, 2008
Posted Under: Fakes,Murketing,Virtual Whatever-ness

A couple of interesting things in this Metropolis slideshow on “The Unreal World.” For instance, while it’s no surprise that you can hang out at an H/M store in The Sims, I’m not sure what to make of the fact that “the latest edition of Sim City Societies challenges players to ­create a green society by using alternative energy sources.” Is it good news that we may be on our way to tackling global warming in an imaginary world?

Also: Herman Miller “now offers Second Life members a collection of virtually rendered authorized editions of some of its best-known pieces.” Big deal, right? But this is what I like: The company “will make most of these new designs available for free to users who purchased virtual knockoffs. … from unauthorized sellers.”

That’s fantastic! If you’re going to have a representation of Herman Miller chair in a virtual world, you better make sure it’s, um, authentic. Make sure all your fake things are the real thing!

And finally, Fabjectory, which makes physical representations of avatars, for a fee.

Further diversion may be found at MKTG Tumblr, and the Consumed Facebook page.

Reader Comments

“And finally, Fabjectory, which makes physical representations of avatars, for a fee.”

a) old news
b) there are other players in this space, including a former MS exec
c) expect continuing talk of the potential hit videogame “Spore” (yet to be released) allowing people to order their own, individually-created custom critter
d) if it’s 3D it can be manufacturing/fabricated; there’s little fundamental difference between a 3D avatar and the CAD files used to create most everything at the local Wal*Mart.

#1 
Written By csven on January 18th, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

Sorry I mentioned it!

#2 
Written By murketing on January 18th, 2008 @ 4:32 pm

I’d rather you were sorry you said,

“If you’re going to have a representation of Herman Miller chair in a virtual world, you better make sure it’s, um, authentic. Make sure all your fake things are the real thing!”.

It’s a pretty stupid comment, imo. After all, there’s nothing “real” about a brand in the first place. It’s intangible. It’s an Idea. Nothing more.

#3 
Written By csven on January 18th, 2008 @ 4:43 pm

Okay. Thanks for weighing in, and all best to you.

#4 
Written By murketing on January 18th, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Next Post: