France's Internet "clowns" get the last laugh...

Pictures of clowns are popping up all over Paris, but the joke is on you if you've ever mocked France's Internet entrepreneurs.

Underneath the face paint, funny noses and fright wigs are Internet start-up business founders who were lampooned for their early online enthusiasm. Now they're having the last laugh in an advertising campaign showcasing their success.

"We are serious people," said Jean-Pierre Villaret, founder of communications consultancy June21 who came up with the idea for the campaign, www.jesuisunclown.com.

In subway stations and on street billboards, clowns complete with wigs and jaunty hats stare sombrely out at passers by. More...

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