Jason and I noticed an interesting document come through the site today, it’s called Webkinz a Ganz Website, it talks about an MMO meets RL plush toy product. Like beeny babies with an virtual world twist. Last year they were reporting about 2 million units sold and some pretty solid web site traffic growth.
Virtual worlds (especially for the kids demographic) are continuing to grow and sprout up today. I’m dying to know what my kids will be drawn to in the future. I might not have to wait much longer to find out it seems. 
On a similiar note, is it wrong to consider internet presence when naming your first born? I mean how long in advance should you register a kids Twitter name? Oh, now I’ve gone too far…
Check out the presentation below.
Webkinz a Ganz Website - Get more Creative Writing
July 7th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Being the father of 2 (7yr old girl & 9yr old boy) I have mixed feelings about these virtual worlds. I think they’re pretty cool, and my kids seem to be having fun together on them, but my fear is that they are just being groomed for a future generation World of Warcrack. Then again I don’t want to be a hypocritical father as I will play some of these games from time to time. So I have to find a balance and educate them along the way. Fyi…my kids site of choice is currently Club Penguin.
July 7th, 2008 at 7:19 am
@mark
Thanks for the insight, I must say I have many of the same feelings.
July 7th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I’ve put a second mortgage on my home because of Ganz! I’ve lost count how many my daughter has bought and then “activated” on the webkinz site. By the way, each “life” you create on webkinz “expires” in a year. This means you’ve got to go buy another plush toy to get a code. It would be interesting to find out if kids value the code they get for each plush toy they buy or the toy itself!
July 11th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
i work in retail, and let me tell you, its impossible to keep webkinz on the shelf! They are extremely popular!
July 14th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Hi,
Wanted to let you know we are having a give away.
http://www.thelamberts.com/webkinz_blog/