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KidConsumerz
Subtitle: Boy, I wish I'd thought of that.
So we're probably the last people with school-age kids to explore the crazy world of Webkinz.
What's Webkinz, you ask?
Take the craze of the Cabbage Patch doll and export it to the Internet Age. Basically, you 'adopt' these little stuffed animals, and use their enclosed secret code at the the Webkinz site to register them. Once you're logged in, you see a virtual representation of your pet, and you can do all SORTS of things with him.
Much like neopets and other gadgety pets, you have to keep your Webkinz healthy by feeding, exercising and entertaining him. You can also outfit him and his room with furniture, toys, clothes, and a million other things.
Of course, you need money to do these things. Shopping for items for your Webkinz closely resembles a real online shopping experience; you choose the items, put them in your shopping cart, and check out. You start out with a certain amount of KinzCash, and once you've exhausted your funds you can play games to earn more.
It's cool that Christopher has to learn the value of earning (using the term loosely here) rewards and saving up for things. I was sort of interested to see how he prioritized his Webkinz's needs, and had to shake my head & smile that he saved and saved for......
...a big-screen tv for his Webkinz's room. While his Webkinz went hungry and got sick.
But he did display one redeeming nugget of responsibility: when I suggested he go play some more games, to earn money to feed his pet, he asked me, "But you wouldn't leave ME to go shopping if I was sick."
A good point.
It'll be interesting to see how he progresses from here. More conspicuous consumption? Budding nurturing instincts? We'll see!
And don't tell him this, but there's a hidden benefit to the game: he's forced to READ more. ssssshhhhh.
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been waiting for this!!
:)
Carla
The bit about being sick is really cute...and the TV is hilarious.