Entering Virtual Worlds for Real-Life Pitches

Starting in June, people who play The Sims 2 will be able to buy a
“stuff pack” that lets them decorate their simulated families’ homes
with Ikea furniture.

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Advertising – Marketers Entering Virtual Worlds for Real-Life Pitches – NYTimes.com
IN 2002, when Electronic Arts signed a multimillion-dollar agreement with McDonald’s to place virtual burgers in an online version of its popular Sims video game, the move drew protests from players who resented the commercial intrusion.

But the Sims, a virtual family designed by players, are only becoming
more brand-conscious. Starting in June, people who play The Sims 2, the
current version of the game, will be able to buy a “stuff pack” (on a
disc or online) that lets them decorate their simulated families’ homes
with Ikea furniture. Last year a similar deal was made with H&M,
the Swedish clothing retailer, that lets players buy a disc full of
H&M-branded clothing for their Sims avatars.

Filed under: Gaming, advertising, digital, gardening

Next Big Gardening Trend: More Green Than Bloom

Turns out that this year, the biggest idea is more green, fewer flowers.
“While blue and purple flowers have dominated the Show Gardens the past
few years, this year the Main Avenue is awash with shades of green,” the
Royal Horticultural Society reports. Today marks the kickoff of London’s
Chelsea Flower Show.

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MediaPost Publications – Next Big Gardening Trend: More Green Than Bloom – 05/20/2008
It may be easy to dismiss London’s Chelsea Flower Show, which kicks off today as just one more event for Brits in big hats. But it’s a much bigger event, influencing not just American gardening and home-improvement trends, but fashion as well. Turns out that this year, the biggest idea is more green, and fewer flowers. “While blue and purple flowers have dominated the Show Gardens the past few years, this year the Main Avenue is awash with shades of green,” the Royal Horticultural Society reports.

Filed under: gardening, trends