World of Warcraft Grunt Labor is Humanitarian Gold...maybe?

This buddha really has nothing to do with the
whole Warcraft thing. Except he's made of GOLD!
Well, its just gold paint, actually.
But seriously you guys...
...some people are trying to meditate.

Some countries promote microfinance and small businesses to help lift people out of poverty.

Some countries sell piles of videogame gold.
 
It is common practice in the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft to buy "gold" that has been "farmed" by workers in China. Now, one report is suggesting that NGOs should help poor folks get jobs manufacturing virtual money for the virtual market.

Jon Stokes wrote for Ars Technica that, according to a new study, "the market for virtual goods and services represents a growth opportunity for developing countries, and that NGOs should consider getting involved in connecting poorer, mostly rural residents with opportunities to help meet the demand for farmed gold, high-level player characters, crafted in-game items, and the like."

It is reprehensible that some people can afford to pay real money for play money, when others can't afford to eat. But virtual products sell. If we'll buy "fair trade" coffee and chocolate, and decorate our houses with international gew-gaws, why not furnish our videogame lairs with virtual "gold" made by paid workers in China?

Would you support an NGO whose goal was to get poor people jobs where they produce virtual money for which wealthier people will then pay actual money?