Get a Life (on eBay)

If anyone ever tells you to "get a life" look no further than eBay. Here's a listing that can proudly join the long list of zany listings that seem to make their way to the site. A few days ago, Nicael Holt from the coastal town of Wollongong, Australia, listed his "life" on eBay. He declared that the winning bidder would take ownership of his name, phone number, and all his possessions, which included 300 CDs, childhood photos, and golf clubs ("which you will have no idea how to use").

Not everyone can slip into a new persona with ease, so Holt also threw in a comprehensive four-week training so that the winning bidder could become his doppelganger. This included transferring skills such as intermediate-level fire twirling and expert-level handstands. The winner would also take over Holt's lifestyle, including his "cruisy job in march delivering fruit" and his powerful arsenal of 6 jokes. After the four week training, the winning bidder would also receive two months of "on-call" support.

When you've invested 24 years in building up your brand, you're understandably picky about who takes it over. "Only people who will make a full attempt to embrace my life need apply," Holt wrote.

Evidently there's quite a demand for doppelgangers. Holt's listing drew 48 bids and ultimately sold for A$ 7500 (US$5,875).

Needless to say, the media have widely picked up on this story, with stories appearing on CNN International, Sydney Morning Herald and Ireland Online. It even drew a chuckle on NPR's Morning Edition (which is how I got to hear of it). Most of these reports also say that Holt is actually planning to make a documentary about the process. Maybe he'll sell the world rights on eBay too (and I wonder if he'll have a double role in the movie).