Famous on Facebook

Chris linked to a story about a school course run through Parsons The New School for Design in New York City where students are trying to become famous in a virtual world. I had a quick look at the website and found this amazing story!

An opportunist, on reading of the death of Benazir Bhutto and the subsequent expected elevation to leadership of her son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, set up a Facebook account in his name.

The story of this 'prank' was detailed on a internet forum site, home to many video-gamers. The man known as 'Tonay' lists some of the letters of support he received of condolence for his mother, as well as lots of messages from "hot pakistani girls" (his words, not mine!)

The story escalates, as many national and international papers pick up the story, and 'Tonay' starts issuing statements littered with references to West Wing and Buffy, some of his favourite shows.

He's since been outed as a fraud and the account suspended, but the forum is an interesting read as people tell him to 'cause as much mayhem as you can before the world finds out!' and Tonay debates on whether to put a link to his mates MySpace band. It just goes to show, don't always believe what you read on the internet.