So, I was just reading an article about Zynga and Farmville, and the tremendous amounts of money they are fighting over, and the long hours they have to work. Soon they'll offer an IPO, an a few people will get really really rich. (Yay, more 1%ers. Arrrgh!)
Where did all this money come from? From folks on Facebook, playing a virtual game, buying VIRTUAL carrots with REAL money. (yes, and viewing advertising) Real life is not as charming as the dewy eyed cartoon farmers. Real life farmers are dirty, tired, and love what they do, because they are creating a real product, for real people. They work hours that would put any whiny dot-commer to shame. Oh yeah, and it's outside, in the rain, heat, humidity, hail, snow.... Know how many carrots farmers have to sell at $1.50/lb to stay above the poverty line? (minus seed costs, minus transportation, minus electricity, water, rent, etc. etc.)
Supporting a real farm, keeps a real person in business, preserves your agricultural landscapes, and you get a real carrot in the end! (way better "rewards")
Whew. Sorry. Just consider taking those hours you were going to spend investing in a virtual farm, and invest in a real, local farm.
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