20 April 2006

A man from Canada who had an unusual Internet trading idea has shown just what can be achieved using the world wide web.

Kyle MacDonald posted a red paperclip on his personal blog and online swapshop and offered it up for trading bids.

His first swap was for a pen in the shape of a fish, but the rewards have definitely grown in value and usefulness as his most recent gain is a year's rent on a house in Phoenix, Arizona.

The 26-year-old from Montreal has gained and given away a snowmobile, a recording contract and a van, over the course of the trade.

Mr MacDonald is going to stay online for as long as he is trading upwards, though, telling the BBC: "I'm going to keep trading for bigger or better things until I get a house."

© Adfero Ltd

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