This post on the New York Time tech blog Bits makes me feel sorry for all of the physical Webkinz "marooned" on the shelves of retail stores after their tags (with the secret code to register online) have been stolen. Maybe we need a Webkinz shelter...

In other tween digital news, it seems that the Barbie v. Bratz war has gone digital. Paid Content distills the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal pieces on both companies' online efforts including the planned Bratz social network launching August 1.

Disney, in addition to selling this purple shiny "High School Musical 2" tote bag, is also now marketing Pirates of the Caribbean- and Buzz Lightyear-branded fragrances to Hispanic boys ages 4-11...because "Baby colognes [for boys and girls] are part of European and Hispanic grooming habits," said Johanna Mooney, director of food, health and beauty at Disney Consumer Products, Burbank, Calif. "The general U.S. population does not have that habit. Fragrances are typically for girls and adults."

And just when you were worried about how these kids would buy their Buzz Lightyear-branded fragrances, "debit card debutantes" now have their own pre-paid plastic to pay with. Oof. These colognes (and all this consumerism) are giving me a headache.

Posted by anastasia