Zwinky’s virtual cash gets real
Teen-oriented virtual world Zwinky has 
expanded its e-commerce operations so that members can use real-world cash to pay for virtual goods. Starting Monday, credit cards and PayPal accounts can be used to purchase the in-game “ZBucks” currency, which members could heretofore only earn by visiting certain in-world locations and winning games. The cash will then go on new “ZCard” shopping cards which members will be able to use at the in-world retail hub, the–wait for it–Zwinchester Mall, which contains stores like the Z-Loft trendy furniture outlet and “Like Dat,” a boutique branded with the identity of the rapper 50 Cent.
For an idea of the exchange rate, 5,000 “ZBucks” will cost you $19.99.
