Our First Time
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Our First Time was one of the first widely popularized Internet hoaxes. Eighteen-year-old teenagers "Mike" and "Diane" made a public announcement declaring they were to lose their virginity on August 4, 1998. It was claimed this was to convey an act of love; purportedly, it was in reaction to the first Internet broadcast of a baby being delivered.
The project was to be bankrolled by Seth Warshavsky's Internet Entertainment Group (IEG), at the time one of the largest distributors of internet pornography. It was produced and promoted by aspiring filmmaker Ken Tipton. Millions of people viewed the initial episodes. Tipton registered the domain OurFirstTime.com and IEG hosted it. The Web site followed Mike and Diane through HIV tests, condom selection, and telling their parents about their decision.
Over time, some began to suspect it was a hoax. Mike and Diane looked older than 18 and appeared to be actors. It turned out the entire concept was a publicity stunt to promote abstinence. The goal was to have them decide at the last second that it was better to wait than have sex before you're ready.
"Mike" turned out to be out-of-work Alabama actor Ty Taylor and "Diane" turned out to be Michelle Parma, an aspiring actress from Texas who had appeared in MTV's Road Rules Europe. Michelle Parma was killed on October 19, 2002 as a result of a vehicle crash in Texas.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Our First Time on Museum of Hoaxes
- E! Online article on the hoax
- Salon.com article on the hoax
- Description
- Time Digital 50 entry on Seth Warshavsky
- Ken Tipton at the Internet Movie Database
- Michelle Parma at the Internet Movie Database
- Michelle Parma Official web site
