Monday, January 28, 2008

This Deal Doesn't Pass The Sniff Test

Little Chick is obsessed with Webkinz and Neopets. If you don't have a child who's into these online "pet" worlds, I will spare you the detailed explanation. But trust me, they're huge. It's a big deal for the kids to log on and earn points they can spend on digital toys & treats for their virtual pets. Yesterday Little Chick came screaming down the hallway completely thrilled and shouting that she had the greatest news ever.

“Mommy mommy mommy!! I was just on Neopets and I was racing against all these other people to get free specials from the Money Tree and I got one! I got one! I got one! I got a Rainbow Doug!”

“A Rainbow Duck? That sounds cute…” I replied without paying attention.

“No. Rainbow Duuuuug.” As she corrected me I could see she was beginning to realize she had no clue what she was saying.

“Spell it for me, baby” I asked.

And she did very clearly, “D-U-N-G.”

DUNG? I went to the computer to see what amazing deal she had just procured on behalf of her online pet and this is what I found:







With this caption:

“IF IT WASN'T SO SMELLY, EVERYONE WOULD WANT IT”

This is when I had to pull out some old power point presentations from my consulting days and explain to Little Chick the concept of “perceived value”. It may be rainbow colored and completely free, but when no one else wanted it, she should have researched this 'great deal' a little more closely.

But not too closely because after all, it is a steaming pile of manure.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ahhh yes Neopets. My son isnt into them YET, but I remember a time when I went over there to play! LOL No shame!

Thanks for stopping by! I LOVE your header!

Anonymous said...

Okay.. I am belly laughin over here.. sorry.. but that is just great parenting on your part.. Love it..

Graham Ettridge said...

Awwwwww, there are some moments that are pure magic and are definitely what memories are made for. I'm sure you will have great fun reminding her of her rainbow coloured dung in years to come.

Thanks for making my laugh after a crappy day at work :)

Warm wishes ~ Graham

MarĂ­a said...

I want one!

Amy said...

Oh too funny! My daughters are also into Webkinz and Neopets. And Club Penguin now, is yours doing that one? I didn't know about the rainbow dung, if I had, maybe I would play with them when they begged me!

Momo Fali said...

That's what my son's dung looks like when he eats Lucky Charms.

Don Mills Diva said...

OMG - I can't believe this is for real!

Tara R. said...

This is hilarious! My daughter had a Digi-pet when she was little. It would poop too... I'm glad these weren't around a few years ago, I'd never get the kids off the computer.

The Sports Mama said...

I think I'd rather have my sons young enough to still be excited about rainbow dung....

My teenager spends a ridiculous amount of time on MySpace. Ugh.

piper said...

That's why I don't let my kids near my computer... otherwise I'd be copying pictures of rainbow dung into my blog. LOL!

WittRick said...

I can smell it from here

Anonymous said...

That's what mind looks like!

suchsimplepleasures said...

i'm so glad that my kids are out of the webkinz and neopets stage...and, i can't wait to see the next big stupid trendy computer-involved money eating toy that is going to come out next...sorry about the lack of punctuation...

DIXIECHICK said...

I am sure my eight year old would love this...he loves his computer time, I never thought about getting him a neopet...I will have to check into it..the dung thing...very funny! Loved it....also, thanks for bloghopping by my place last week.

Anonymous said...

Rainbow dung? Who ever thought up such a thing?!?

Oh...the things I have to look forward to as my boys get older!

~liz

Rachel said...

That's the stuff Rainbow Bright's unicorn leaves laying around, right?

That is hysterical Christine! I am laughing so freaking hard over here! I am so sorry, but damn that's funny and hallelujah my kid isn't old enough for that *ahem*'crap*ahem* yet :-)
Hee Hee Hee

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to ask another parent this question. Do the webkinz die? We have been neglecting our husky online now for about a month. THE GUILT! and now I feel like if we log in and the virtual dog spirit is dead I'm going to scar my 5 yr old! AHH!

Anonymous said...

I love it - you are a true executive, schooling Little Chick with a Powerpoint presentation!! Good job, mom - an in-depth understanding of supply and demand is a must for the youngsters of today.

Nissa said...

I play Neopets. Busted! My son was so excited about it a year and a half ago, that I started playing to help him, but then I got so into it. Totally addicting. I started telling him 'go play yourself if you want to buy paintbrushes; I work really hard for all of my Neostuff!' That's when I knew I had a problem.

DO NOT go on to help little chick. You will be sucked in. I have an addictive personality, I'll admit. But I never thought I'd be paying money (yes, I bought the premium package) to play a kids' game.

I'm currently trying to quit. I have have been offline from Neopets for 27 days. I take it one day at a time.

MelissaQ said...

hehehe, Ahh the world of virtual pets. My lil one is into the webkinz too. She even has me helping her with the quiz questions, to help her earn more money. I must say, when I do, I get addicted quickly. I have to help her earn more $$ than that snotty girl in her class that has 2 more pets than my girl and always brags about her cash flow. tehehe