Sounds more creative than it is

Buying non-existent merchandise with real money has become a trend, as today’s New York Times business story  points out — a total bonanza for companies seeking to advertise themselves and increase their customer base at practically no cost.  But, in fact, people who purchase virtual items – whether a house on Second Life or a cyber-copy of  Paris Hilton’s underwear — aren’t getting nothing for something. They’re buying entertainment. And we humans have proved over centuries that we’re willing to spend ridiculous amounts of money for stuff that diverts us, whether we can put it in our pockets or on our coffee tables or just perceive it with eyes and ears.

Is it news that the business world can help itself by selling us brain candy?