Technology 'Planking' death puts spotlight on bizarre Web craze.

[tom_mai78101]

(CNN) -- Apparently lying face down is all it takes to create an Internet phenomenon. An obscure activity called "planking" is garnering international exposure after an Australian man fell to his death last week while attempting to take part in the online fad.

Planking takes its name from how players mimic a wooden board by lying rigid -- preferably in a public place or on an unusual spot, such as a washing machine, a sign or a railing. The point is to post a wacky planking photo online. But Acton Beale, the 20-year-old Aussie who fell seven stories while planking on a high-rise balcony, upped the ante to fatal consequences, police said.

While some have expressed disapproval, including the Australian police and prime minister, the spotlight has helped the activity reach a wider audience.

All the recent attention has sparked a flood of fresh planking photos, as well as YouTube clips of television-news anchors face down on their desks.

'Planking' death puts spotlight on bizarre Web craze

Apparently lying face down is all it takes to create an Internet phenomenon.

edition.cnn.com

 

[xPass]

Yeowch! Planking to his death...

 

[Narks]

wtf is this

most pointless boring activity imaginable... pretending to be an inanimate object

 

[Bloodcount]

they actually talk about trolls in the video, very nice that internet culture is starting to come more and more into the real life.


Also, sucks that the dude died, but I can see how this can turn into something fun.

 

[BlackRose]

rofl. I have people in my school doing it. Funny shiz.

 

[seph ir oth]

...Planking?

Even with the ridiculous ones, I barely get a chuckle out of it.

 

[FireCat]

This is Just human stupidity at it's best!

 

[Wiseman_2]

It's crap that the guy died, but... if you're prepared to go to such ridiculous lengths for a stupid internet fad, then you shouldn't be surprised when you become a nominee for a Darwin award.