We’ve written previously about the reverse trend of internet memes inspiring honest-to-goodness books, but it appears that the web’s influence on real life as reflected in popular media knows no bounds following news that five of New York Magazine’s most prolific commenters have made the unprecedented leap from peanut gallery to professional.
The five vocal contributors will be lending their unique perspectives to a series of chatroom-style ads for British bank HSBC. The campaign is tied to the bank’s “Soapbox” television and print ads, which feature conversations on hot button topics such as education, the economy and the environment. For the online component [...]

HSBC recently surprised travelers at Heathrow Airport with a temporary, build-your-own magazine shop, where patrons were given the opportunity to pick and mix articles they liked from various mags to create their own ‘perfect travel companion’. Over the two week event created by Cunning, 2,030 customized magazines were created, and more than 7,000 travelers visited the stand. Watch the video for some happy traveler reactions: