A popular peer-to-peer file-sharing website disclosed plans to rename a desolate Russian town after it for $148, 000.
In an article published in its official website, Torrentreactor.net said that it has already acquired the rights to rename the Gar City, a rural town 500 miles north of Kazakhstan border in eastern Russia, using money it has generated from advertising.
The P2P file-sharing website has been generating massive amount from its advertisers in the past years of its operations.
Torrentreactor.net, which is among the most popular P2P websites in the world, allows users to share bits of digital information – including movies, music, and TV programs –available for download using BitTorrent protocol.
Internet users were surprised by the article, which has made its way to Slashdot, a popular technology clipping website.
The said posting, which includes a picture of the Gar City with a new Torrentreactor sign, was believed to be counterfeited by many of the commentators in the website. They said that Torrentreactor was known for pulling shenanigans and other mischiefs.
But Torrentreactor, in a statement published in its website, said that the story is true, noting that the negotiations between the file-sharing website and the local government of Gar are already in the midway point.
Paul Ivakno, the Torrenreactor official familiar with the matter, said that they were now finalizing the renaming procedures, saying that there are still minor proceedings needed to be addressed with the Russian authorities.
“The documentation package is being approved at a federal level in Moscow,” Ivakno said.
Ivakno said that Torrenreactor will give further details as soon as the agreement is done, saying that a media buzz might give negative vibes to the Russian authorities.
Torrentreactor, according to Ivanko, has already shell out money to the town of 214 people. He also said that $30, 000 will also be given to the town to provide its people a broadband connection, schools, hospital, and other necessities.