Posted 9:32 PM by Gene

While using a download service to get another discontinued album we came across an ad with a cute anime-like avatar for something called Zwinky. Zwinky is -- but let its parent tell it:

Zwinky is more than just a virtual world; it’s a fast-growing online community where social interaction reaches new heights. This Mindspark product encourages users to showcase their individuality by creating distinctive avatars, decorating personal dorm rooms, playing casual games and connecting with others in the world of Zwinktopia, the center of all the action. Members have access to a wide array of wardrobe and furnishing options; however, users can further enhance their experience by purchasing exclusive clothing, accessories and decor using Zwinktopia’s unique online currency, ZBucks™.

Zwinky has also become one of the hottest online destinations for today’s young talent. Artists such as 50 Cent, American Idol Winner [SIC] Jordin Sparks, Aly & AJ, Lil Mama and Kelly Rowland have all leveraged their brands within Zwinktopia. The same can be said for some of the most well-known and trusted consumer products companies in the world such as Nike, Sketchers, Sears, Shoebuy.com [!!!!!] and many others. Zwinky.com continues to expand its offerings, and with more than 18 million registered users to date, the world of possibilities is limitless.

Zwinky has over 20 million registered users [Make up your minds!] who average 54 minutes on the site each session; also [SIC] garners 8.1 million unique monthly users (comScore May 09) [SIC] [Twenty-one months ago?????]

Zwinky works with a wide range of artists who have leveraged their brand and music in Zwinky's virtual world, Zwinktopia, including 50 Cent, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, Aly & AJ, Lil Mama and Kelly Rowland [SIC] [These names ring a bell; where have I heard them before?]

Product Releases:

● Gifting (using Zbucks to buy items for users on your Zwinky friends list)

● ZGreetings (leveraging and linking to our MyFunCards product)

● Zwinky Gift Cards (available in Target stores)

● Music listening parties for Crash Romeo, Danity Kane, Day 26

● Movie promotion in Zwinktopia for Fox Nim's Island generated 640k unique visits,

● 1.9mm video streams and 700k downloads of Nim's-branded virtual items

● Shoebuy boutique launched in Zwinktopia

Zwinky's parent lives in a building designed by the Leaky Superstarchitect. It's run by the man who used to be the Second Coming of Christ.

It's official -- there's another high-tech bubble.

P. S. Its Quantcast profile is not flattering -- and some of the specifics make no sense. A little more air, please!