I used to use Neopets back when I was 7 or 8. That's when I got started in really dodgey first websites. Back then, Neopets was starting to introduce some product placement, but it only took hold after I grew out of it. Nowadays, Neopets.com is a huge marketplace with large companies such as Walmart and Disney competing to do market research on and advertise to kids. I remember a Wired article talking about this, and I came to the conclusion that Neopets is making money in what could be the most immoral way possible. I just don't think that kids should spend most of their night playing games like "Walmart shopping adventure".
I got lucky, I have 3 kids and they all had neopet accounts for over a year, then one day all three were banned, we got an email saying it was a multiple account used to make NPs. My kids (8,7, and 5 at the time) were devestated as they became attached to their pets. I sent neopets proof (ie: birth certificates) that it was 3 kids sharing one computer, but no response. This happened about 3 days after I spent $300.00 on neopet toys for christmas which were promptly returned. At the time the McDonalds advertising on Neopets was just starting up, seems like they did me a big favor.
I will murder anyone who tries to market products to my kids. I will be the only one planting seeds in their heads
Don't let your kids play Neopets. <sarcasm>Outwar is way better.</sarcasm> But yea, I agree, Neopets is a waste of time and its sad how Neopets is selling out itself to large companies.
Neopets it´s great, im 24 and sometimes i still play it . In these days i think it´s kind of logic that every site has publicity, regardless beeing for adults or kids oriented. It might not be correct but for sure is profitable...a lot.