I am in the first chapter of Trust Agents, by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, and can’t help but thinking how the two events  this month are perfect validations for what the book is about.

The Balloon Boy hoax has been condemned by people across the board. But right on its heels comes the other stunt by Zappos, whom no one likes to offend. Turns out this streaker spotted in New York, was an actor, part of  a clever stunt. Which explains the great video (and a YouTube channel). And media coverage.

In both cases the media were duped into carrying the story. Richard Heene, the father of the balloon boy must be smiling.