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The Right Way to Deal with Parody

Linden Labs, the people behind Second Life, recently sent a letter specifically permitting parody of the burgeoning online service. [link]

The parody, called "Get a First Life", exhorts users to "Go Outside. Membership is Free!" amongst other hilarious send-ups of the service.

This has resulted in positive coverage throughout the blogosphere, even recently rising to coverage on Slashdot and Digg.

Where this could have resulted in a PR debacle that would have damaged Linden's reputation, it has instead resulted in a positive spread of inbound links and linkbaiting.

While this strategy would not be appropriate for all companies and all parodies, it certainly proves that it is smart business to give the funny bone a chance before calling in the lawyers.

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