The Best Spoof Sites on the Internet

Of all the Internet’s many treasures, none are as clever as the spoof Web site. Hilarious or offensive, silly or disturbing, a good spoof site never fails to pop your eyes open and make you say, “WTF!” out loud. In essence, a spoof site is a humorous but fake Web site. The best are those where you can’t quite tell if it is a real deal or a fake. Trust me, folks, they ain’t for real.

So, in no particular order, these are the best Internet spoof sites:

1. Bonsai Kitten: http://www.shorty.com/bonsaikitten

What it claims to be: Stuff your kitten into a small glass jar and don’t take it out. As it grows, its body and bones will conform to the shape and angles of the interior of the jar. When the animal is full grown, break the glass open and your cat will then permanently retain its freaky inside-the-jar shape. The site walks you through the process and will sell you all the supplies you’ll need such as oddly shaped jars, shoe horns to get the pussy in, etc. One can only imagine the weird alien forms you can turn your kitten into!

“Who has not been stricken with the expressive grace of Japanese Bonsai? Though once the sole province of Bonsai masters within Japan, Bonsai plants have been available to fortunate consumers throughout the world for some time. With this in mind, we are proud to now offer to you the animal complement of this art form; the Bonsai Kitten.”

What it really is: Bonsai Kitten is one of (if not the) very first spoof Web sites. Purportedly created by a group of MIT students in the web’s early days, the site caused genuine furor as many took it for real. Petitions against the site were passed and signed by animal rights activists. Finally, even the FBI got involved and investigated which only adds to the hilarity. This is THE classic example of a spoof site.

2. Modern Man Eater http://modernmaneater.com/

What it claims to be: Bringing the ancient art of Cannibalism into the present day. Posed as an alternative to cremation or cemetery burial, Modern Man Eater provides you a healthful and legal method for consuming your dead relatives or yourself when you have passed.

“Do you want your Life Force to Vanish or Pass on to your Children and their Children?
The Ancients knew. Warriors regularly fed themselves upon the Organs of defeated enemies to steal their Strength and Energy. In Pre-History, Families consumed their freshly Dead Ancestors so that their Wisdom and Essence is Preserved and Carried On within the Family. Modern Man-Eater provides the Modern Equivalent using current Technology. Your or your Loved one’s body will be separated into its basic Components then Dried, Distilled, and Processed into Vitamins, Minerals, and Food Additives that can Strengthen your entire Family for years to come! Sanitary and Food-Grade Quality. Not only Good for your Body but truly feeds your Soul.”

What it really is: So shocking and gross that you’ve just got to check it out. A terribly clever satire of both the death industry and wiccan/nature worship. Be sure to check out the hilarious FAQ and the testimonials. Notice the Google Adsense ads on this page? That’s how spoof sites like these actually make money and not by really grinding human bones into calcium tablets like they say they do.

3. Dog Island http://thedogisland.com/

What it claims to be: Although Fido may appear happy, our dogs are actually imprisoned in our homes and enslaved in chains on leashes. If you really loved your pooch, you’d send him to live free on Dog Island where he can cavort and mate in a natural setting unencumbered by cruel fencing.

What it really is: A poke in the eye to dog fanatics. We all know that childless couple who treat their dogs better than most people treat their kids. Are they pets or are they really prisoners? If they were truly honest about wanting the best for their beasts, they’d send ’em to Dog Island. The site is well written and very professional looking.

4. I See Jesus! http://iseejesus.com/

What it claims to be: Professional religious hoaxing. Is your business in trouble? Call IseeJesus to make a fake Mother Mary appear on your wall while you profit from the ensuing crowds.

“Jesus is Everywhere. Sometimes, We need a little help to see Him.
IseeJesus.com provides assistance to You and your Customers to see the Spirit all around us.
Our Artists will come to your Establishment to Pray for Creation. Through their Special Prayer Techniques, a Holy Visage will be invoked and made Visible for all to See! What happens next is up to You.
DISCLAIMER: We cannot be held responsible for the resulting huge number of people rushing to your business, house of worship, building, farm, restaurant, car lot, or retail outlet of any type to see the Holy Divination.”

What it really is: This is my favorite site because it works on so many levels. For one, it’s truly hilarious. A fake site about hoaxing the masses. But it actually makes an important point. When Mother Mary’s blurry apparition appears in some unlikely place, you’d be stupid to believe it’s real since there are artists that actually can easily fake things like this. I see Jesus should raise the level of cynicism when they need it most.

5. Lasik at Home: http://lasikathome.com/

What it claims to be: Affordable In-home Lasik Surgery that You can do Yourself! Just mail order their product, hold it up to your eye, and Presto Chango: perfect vision. Cheap, easy, and you don’t have to leave home!

What it really is: A satire of the medical products industry and the Do-It-Yourself craze. The site is wonderfully subtle with funny details that don’t jump out at you at first. For example, if the product works so well, why does the doctor pictured promoting the product need to wear eyeglasses. This site charted on both Digg and Reddit and with a high dollar AdSense word like ‘lasik’, it has to be one of the most profitable spoof sites.

Honorable Mentions:

After Life Telegrams: http://www.afterlifetelegrams.com/ The terminally ill will memorize your message and deliver it after they die.

The Child Rod: http://childrod.com/ Extreme child discipline with a religious basis.

Post Rapture Post: http://postrapturepost.com Godless atheists will send your “I told you so” messages after you’ve ascended.

Potato Fetish: http://www.potatofetish.com/ Vegetables literally bumping uglies.