The Kickstarter Project called Run Free 2013 is a fake marathon that Ridiculo.us is putting on to see if they can use user-submitted photos of an event that isn't actually happening, to make it seem like it did. While certainly a fun idea, a bigger question begs to be asked– if all it takes are photos and tweets to make something seem like it actually happened, how in the future can we account for the difference between the real and a hoax? Embedded video inside.
Below is their Kickstarter video, which explains the details of their ruse, complete with registration packet information, bib numbers, race bracelets, and even medals for the "runners". The fake race takes place on February 2, 2013.
Making people believe something that is not true goes hand in hand with a video Digital Rev TV posted recently, where they Kai attempts to re-create a images where instagramed and facebook-posted images make it seem like you have things that you do not, which came from this photographer's blog.
So what do you think? This is a fun idea for sure, but am I the only one who thinks there is something a bit unsettling about this concept? It's easier than ever before to spread rumors like wildfire with social media outlets and every that has a cameraphone connected to a network. A wise man once said, with great power comes great responsibility, I'd hate to think about what someone with an devious agenda might do. Who knows how many rumors and things that were just popular beliefs became fact over years of history being lost, and the writers of the history book publishing what they heard?
"Who knows how many rumors and things that were just popular beliefs became fact over years of history being lost, and the writers of the history book publishing what they heard?"
It's already like that. Look at the Bible, Coran or Torah...
Yes, you are probably the only person who thinks there is something unsettling about this concept.
Or at least the only person who has somehow managed to live his entire life without ever learning, accepting, and dismissing the fact that it happens every single hour of every single day in the media.
Re your 'big' question': How do you currently know if what the media and politicians tell you is happening is truly so or not?
Did something happen and if so, did it happen in the way told or completely different?
One example: The 'Gulf of Tonkin incident.'
What a great, fun idea!
Waste of time...
I concur :)
Kickstarter is getting abused! I have seen some lame Kickstarter projects, mostly for their own personal projects. I am more inclined to send money to those Kickstarter projects where they have designed a useful product and are looking for funding to start manufacturing.
Perhaps I should start a lame Kickstarter project to have strangers contribute to my Canon EOS 1-Dx and EOS L lenses fund.
This seems like a really great cause for anyone to invest time in!