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Clones-R-Us
Dream Technologies International
by
(Posted June 27, 1997 ? Issue 11; archived July 11, 1997)
"Dream Technologies International is the first and largest life duplication provider," states the DreamTech Clones-R-Us Web site. This slick corporate site with the periwinkle-blue and sea-green background leads you into the futuristic world of cloning technology. In this alternate reality, you are presented with cloning not as an abhorrent process, but as a very real alternative to sexual reproduction. In the DreamTech world, cloning has become "merely a different way of making babies."
Clones-R-Us describes how DreamTech International provides you with a human or animal clone. When choosing a human clone "you may opt for a custom clone, such as a family member, friend, or somebody you simply respect, or a designer clone, a set of acclaimed genes you can get only at DreamTech." DreamTech can also produce reproductive clones of pets and livestock. The company staffs labs in Costa Rica, Liberia, and Vanuatu, and will provide qualified surrogate birthing candidates if desired. "No wonder we have hundreds of satisfied clients!"
The "Introduction to Dream Technologies" section compares conventional reproduction to reproduction by cloning. "Cloning Myths: Debunking Science Fiction" addresses some concerns that the general public may have about cloning technology. It discusses the reasons why genetic clones can never be exactly alike, such as only their DNA being identical. Interested parties can read on to discover why DreamTech is the right cloning company for them. Reasons for choosing DreamTech include a huge selection of designer donors, guaranteed quality, and "low, low prices." A "Cloning FAQ" section answers questions ranging from "What's the difference between in vitro fertilization and cloning?" to "Why is licensing Cindy Crawford's genes so expensive?"
You will be surprised to learn that the DreamTech lab fee (which covers screening of the DNA sample, the duplication process, and the delivery of a complete embryo) is only $8,000 U.S.! However, this price does not include the licensing fee for such celebrities as Cindy Crawford ($80,000), Troy Aikman ($90,000) or the early Michael Jackson at the bargain price of $300. Sex switch and backup embryos can all be selected using a simple online order form. Testimonials are provided from satisfied clients all over the world.
An extensive links page provides connections to real-world cloning information and discussions. This section includes links to: The Roslin Institute, which sponsored the first successful mammalian cloning; the Nature paper that reported the sheep cloning, a CNN Special Report on Cloning and The Asexual Revolution, a debate on the science and ethics of cloning here in HMS Beagle. The "Cloning News" section posts current news items related to cloning, particularly worldwide reaction to advances in reproductive cloning and legislation that affects cloning science.
What makes the DreamTech Clones-R-Us site so funny is its very serious approach and its professional tone. The wording is meticulous. You could be easily fooled into thinking that Dream Technologies is a real corporate site. In fact, DreamTech site designer Hiromi Amano cannot "believe the number of people who take DTI for real. Some of them are young kids, of course, but I have also had adults writing in and asking for brochures, etc. One gentleman in South Africa even gave me his credit card details."
Amano, the developer of the DreamTech Web site, states that the goal of his site is "to contribute a unique perspective towards society's interpretation of the reproductive cloning issue, as well as to dispel unrealistic notions related to reproductive cloning." He became concerned when the sheep cloning story broke in February. "The cloning issue triggered a lot of talk about fanciful scenarios which in my opinion had very little bearing on the actual issue. I felt someone ought to contribute a different perspective."
The Dream Technologies International site came online on March 16, 1997, beginning as a few short pages. It is maintained by "just me, Hiromi Amano," who intended it to be a fun and interesting side project. After a tremendous and encouraging e-mail response, he expanded the site. In the real world, Hiromi runs a Web presence business and does site creation work. He is a founder of the Global Village Bank (which is attempting to establish a Net-only currency (see Wired News).
Amano originally thought that the DreamTech Guestbook might serve as a means for people to debate cloning issues. But he says "feedback has been substantial in volume but rather disappointing in terms of content. It is mostly the humorous aspect that has grabbed popular attention, and thus most posts have tended to be jokes." In the Guestbook you are asked to log whether you are pro-cloning or anti-cloning. Amano says that current results are: pro-cloning 90; anti-cloning 35.
Future improvements planned for the DreamTech Web site include the addition of a section to describe the reproductive cloning process in more detail "as it would be implemented by a company such as DreamTech." New sections would discuss the surrogate birth process and safety issues. Amano may include a section on "lobbying government to scrap anti-cloning legislation."
The Dream Technologies Clones-R-Us spoof site "exists in a different dimension" and is intended as a simulation of one possible use of cloning technology. In the real world, bioethics panels in the U.S. and other countries are currently recommending that legislators ban the use of cloning to produce a human being. Underlying the very humorous presentation of the DreamTech site is a serious admonition to keep an open mind about reproductive cloning science.
Pamela M. Gannon, Ph.D., is the founder and Webmaster of Cell and Molecular Biology Online.
President Clinton, on the advice of his National Bioethics Advisory Commission, actively supports banning cloning techniques for creating human children. The scientific press has taken note. You must first register with Science or register with Nature to read the following free articles in their respective journals:
Other science humor on the Web is explored in this issue's In Situ column.
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