October 23, 2002

6:03 AM

Who owns the moon? Apparently these people do, and they’re selling it off acre by acre. They are “The founders and leaders of the extraterrestrial real estate market.” Do we really need a Galactic Government with an embassy on the moon? I guess The Federation had to start somewhere. This just begs the question, “Does Venus have its own laws?”
posted by archimago (17 comments total)

Own the moon, do they? Well then explain this!
posted by UnReality at 6:24 AM on October 23, 2002

I wonder if these are the same people who used to sell one square inch portions of the state of Texas in 70's-era comic book ads?

Or the folks who'd "register" stars in your name?

In any case, it's a nice piece of cheese to go with the brine shrimp...
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:25 AM on October 23, 2002

My favorite is their FAQ page, where they basically answer any of the "how can you prove you're real?" questions with lenghtly screeds that basically boil down to "because we're not." Oh, and they also say they're selling entire acres of the Moon for only twenty bucks out of the goodness of their hearts.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:52 AM on October 23, 2002

Suzanne Sommers has bought some? Count me in!
posted by mkultra at 7:03 AM on October 23, 2002

Apparently, this guy might have something to say about their claim.
posted by Imocrep at 7:35 AM on October 23, 2002

I heard the guy on Howard Stern the other day saying that big hotel chains like Hilton and Ramada have bought large acreages, as well as presidents Reagan and Carter. I understand Reagan, in a low moment of ill health, but is Carter planning some sort of Habitat for Extrahumanity? If you believe they've bought, that is.
posted by archimago at 7:49 AM on October 23, 2002

If you have the right kind of significant other, this makes a neat romantic gift.
posted by quirked at 8:18 AM on October 23, 2002

Gee, Imocrep, your first comment, huh? I almost feel bad for posting that link here an hour before you...
posted by UnReality at 8:31 AM on October 23, 2002

XQUZYPHYR : I too enjoyed reading the FAQ page, but found it simply inadequate. I thought there may be folks out there who'll want to know the answers to the following questions (by no means exhaustive) before leaping to make a celestial purchase :
" Can I use lunar currency for payment ?"
" Can I barter trade my free geocity site for a moon site ?"
" What happen if I do not like my neighbours ?"
etc, etc..

At least, the page ends on a reassuring / promising note : " You can look into the night sky and say 'I own a piece of that!' "
posted by taratan at 8:49 AM on October 23, 2002

Gosh, it's like TWO Pink Floyd songs wrapped up into one tidy capitalist enterprise.
posted by DenOfSizer at 8:56 AM on October 23, 2002

"If you have the right kind of significant other, this makes a neat romantic gift." - Quirked

Don't you mean the wrong kind of significant other?

I bet this real estate is more secure than many parts of south America...

posted by zekinskia at 9:14 AM on October 23, 2002

This reminds me of a particularly funny entry to my (self-plug) First Words on Mars competition:

"In the name of our Sponsor, The Mars Society, we claim possession and ownership for all of Mars! Any and all claims made or held by the Lunar Embassy are hereby declared null and void."
posted by adrianhon at 10:09 AM on October 23, 2002

The Stern Show finally makes it to MeFi: France surrenders.
posted by Mr_Spook at 10:16 AM on October 23, 2002

My 3 year old was giddy with the little document and map he got when I bought him land on the moon for christmas a year ago.
posted by glenwood at 10:37 AM on October 23, 2002

So Glenwood, now you've got to break it to him that Santa Claus doesn't exist *and* his title to moon acreage is worthless...
posted by kerplunk at 12:18 PM on October 23, 2002

Mr_Spook: What do you mean "makes it"?
posted by languagehat at 12:32 PM on October 23, 2002

I bought a half lot (he tore the deed in half) from the Moon Man who hung out in Madison in 1976. As I recall he spent the summers in Madison and the winters in Berkley. I'll have to dig it out and see if my property values have gone up.
posted by tio2d at 3:48 PM on October 23, 2002