Comments on: Target's creepy data-mining program predicts your future shopping changes, disguises this fact from you http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Fri, 24 May 2013 10:34:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Jayarava Attwood http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1351417 Jayarava Attwood Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1351417 Yikes. It's a cruel world. Yikes. It’s a cruel world.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1351006 Antinous / Moderator Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1351006 We have a mechanism for reporting bad ads, which you'll find on the Policies page. We have a mechanism for reporting bad ads, which you’ll find on the Policies page.

]]> By: IronEdithKidd http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350817 IronEdithKidd Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350817 It doesn't bother me, per say, but it does annoy me a bit.  They're still sending coupons for formula.  For my nearly 3 year old kid.  They also don't tend to send me coupons for things I actually buy.  No, it's for a competing brand of the same product, generally the most expensive 'normal' brand, that either doesn't work as well or I just simply don't like and would never buy. If this is targeted advertising, I humbly suggest they're doing it wrong. It doesn’t bother me, per say, but it does annoy me a bit.  They’re still sending coupons for formula.  For my nearly 3 year old kid.  They also don’t tend to send me coupons for things I actually buy.  No, it’s for a competing brand of the same product, generally the most expensive ‘normal’ brand, that either doesn’t work as well or I just simply don’t like and would never buy.

If this is targeted advertising, I humbly suggest they’re doing it wrong.

]]> By: SamSam http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350723 SamSam Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350723 Those are pretty much the exact reasons I finally gave in and turned AdBlock back on for BoingBoing. I felt bad doing it -- I had turned AdBlock off for sites I enjoy -- but it sometimes took minutes to load a BoingBoing page, with ad scripts spinning out of control, frequently (well, maybe once a week) causing Chrome to slow way down and finally crap out, throwing up little frowny faces for every BB tab. I was going to post a dump of the time states at some point, but AFAIK this site no longer has the "Untitled" post or other places where we can make random comments on the site. (Or, at least, it doesn't link it in any way that's helpful for the average reader). So, to repeat your words back to you: Boing Boing, If you want ad revenue, don't accept ads from vendors that don't provide adequate resources to allow the ads to load quickly. Or ones that use buggy scripts. Or ones that are so content-heavy they eat bandwidth. Those are pretty much the exact reasons I finally gave in and turned AdBlock back on for BoingBoing.

I felt bad doing it — I had turned AdBlock off for sites I enjoy — but it sometimes took minutes to load a BoingBoing page, with ad scripts spinning out of control, frequently (well, maybe once a week) causing Chrome to slow way down and finally crap out, throwing up little frowny faces for every BB tab.

I was going to post a dump of the time states at some point, but AFAIK this site no longer has the “Untitled” post or other places where we can make random comments on the site. (Or, at least, it doesn’t link it in any way that’s helpful for the average reader).

So, to repeat your words back to you: Boing Boing, If you want ad revenue, don’t accept ads from vendors that don’t provide adequate resources to allow the ads to load quickly. Or ones that use buggy scripts. Or ones that are so content-heavy they eat bandwidth.

]]> By: James Hardy http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350689 James Hardy Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:48:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350689 In the UK, this service is provided by the mail preference service and is called Baby MPS http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/bmps/ In the UK, this service is provided by the mail preference service and is called Baby MPS

http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/bmps/

]]> By: Jerry Kindall http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350638 Jerry Kindall Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:42:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350638 They don't really need your card number to aggregate information on you, since YOUR NAME is electronically encoded on the card. They don’t really need your card number to aggregate information on you, since YOUR NAME is electronically encoded on the card.

]]> By: James B http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350637 James B Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:34:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350637 I guess if I cared that much, I would pay with cash and politely decline to provide my phone number.  But say my neighbor is watching me out the window, trying to piece together details of my life based on little things they see - that is real friggin creepy.  If Target does it with a computer, it doesn't really bother me; it is just business.  I like getting register coupons for things I would actually buy anyway.  Or at least I think I would buy them anyway . . . maybe they are tricking me. I guess if I cared that much, I would pay with cash and politely decline to provide my phone number. 

But say my neighbor is watching me out the window, trying to piece together details of my life based on little things they see – that is real friggin creepy.  If Target does it with a computer, it doesn’t really bother me; it is just business.  I like getting register coupons for things I would actually buy anyway.  Or at least I think I would buy them anyway . . . maybe they are tricking me.

]]> By: Shard Aerliss http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350456 Shard Aerliss Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:56:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350456 New parents are clearly seen as very easy targets by the marketing vultures. New parents are clearly seen as very easy targets by the marketing vultures.

]]> By: Ito Kagehisa http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350433 Ito Kagehisa Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350433 But then sweet little old ladies couldn't send me wonderful notes in Palmer hand and the world would be a lesser place. But then sweet little old ladies couldn’t send me wonderful notes in Palmer hand and the world would be a lesser place.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350430 Antinous / Moderator Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350430 800-555-1212 is the old long distance directory assistance number. There used to be television commercials with a jingle. 800-555-1212 is the old long distance directory assistance number. There used to be television commercials with a jingle.

]]> By: artbyjcm http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350360 artbyjcm Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350360 My main thing is if I go to check the mail there's always at least some junk mail, some of it targeting people who are about to retire, coupons for stores I never go to. If it cut down the ads down to just a hand full of stuff from the stores I go to, I really wouldn't be that upset. Using that comparison, if I buy it from a store, it's in public, filled with cameras already watching every move I make. There's nothing embarrassing I buy from Target. I don't care if they, or anyone else knows what I buy from there. Now, tell me an Adult store is doing this, and letting everyone know what sex toys people are buying and I'll be pissed because you do buy more private things from a store of that nature. But honestly, this in the long-run will be a resource saver and invades no more privacy than is already invaded by cameras. If we're bothered by this, then we should be demanding the removal of the cameras as well. (which honestly, I'd prefer, but I know realistically won't happen.) My main thing is if I go to check the mail there’s always at least some junk mail, some of it targeting people who are about to retire, coupons for stores I never go to. If it cut down the ads down to just a hand full of stuff from the stores I go to, I really wouldn’t be that upset. Using that comparison, if I buy it from a store, it’s in public, filled with cameras already watching every move I make. There’s nothing embarrassing I buy from Target. I don’t care if they, or anyone else knows what I buy from there.

Now, tell me an Adult store is doing this, and letting everyone know what sex toys people are buying and I’ll be pissed because you do buy more private things from a store of that nature. But honestly, this in the long-run will be a resource saver and invades no more privacy than is already invaded by cameras. If we’re bothered by this, then we should be demanding the removal of the cameras as well. (which honestly, I’d prefer, but I know realistically won’t happen.)

]]> By: Lurking_Grue http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350342 Lurking_Grue Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:55:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350342 I so miss him. I so miss him.

]]> By: Lurking_Grue http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350340 Lurking_Grue Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:53:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350340 That and 555-1212 tends to work. That and 555-1212 tends to work.

]]> By: Lurking_Grue http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350339 Lurking_Grue Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:52:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350339 I rather have the bank sell anonymous data in arrogate than a store tracking people individually via their credit card with no opt out or transparency. A loyalty card you can choose to not use and know what it is all about. I rather have the bank sell anonymous data in arrogate than a store tracking people individually via their credit card with no opt out or transparency.

A loyalty card you can choose to not use and know what it is all about.

]]> By: Lurking_Grue http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350333 Lurking_Grue Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:46:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350333 I found many of those store that let you key in your phone number accepts xxx-555-1212.   I assume those numbers were in the database for testing. (xxx being the local area code.) I found many of those store that let you key in your phone number accepts xxx-555-1212.   I assume those numbers were in the database for testing.

(xxx being the local area code.)

]]> By: robdobbs http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350313 robdobbs Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350313 Corey has a post someplace on BB here about this exact thing.  Corey has a post someplace on BB here about this exact thing. 

]]> By: robdobbs http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350311 robdobbs Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:12:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350311 There is; It's called lying.  I admit I have about 4 Safeway cards. I use them all and other's. If I forgot one, I just recall friend's phone numbers. One of them usually is on file, and then I get the loyalty discount and obfuscate their database. If only a little. There is; It’s called lying. 

I admit I have about 4 Safeway cards. I use them all and other’s. If I forgot one, I just recall friend’s phone numbers. One of them usually is on file, and then I get the loyalty discount and obfuscate their database. If only a little.

]]> By: JmarD http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350239 JmarD Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:53:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350239 I've miscarried twice (mid 2010 & early 2011) and still receive mailings from Target about our new baby, which we do not have. It is a little sting every time. But since approx 75% of wanted pregnancies result in a baby or babies, they're hedging their bets. Unfortunately we were on the bad side of the stats twice. I work in marketing and this kind of customer following isn't new. As others said as a consumer culture we're highly predictable and so are the outcomes of major life events. That's why I just toss the ads and move on. I’ve miscarried twice (mid 2010 & early 2011) and still receive mailings from Target about our new baby, which we do not have. It is a little sting every time.

But since approx 75% of wanted pregnancies result in a baby or babies, they’re hedging their bets. Unfortunately we were on the bad side of the stats twice.

I work in marketing and this kind of customer following isn’t new. As others said as a consumer culture we’re highly predictable and so are the outcomes of major life events. That’s why I just toss the ads and move on.

]]> By: taintofevil http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350205 taintofevil Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350205 This is the ultimate wet dream of retail.  Selling to everyone at the same price is wasteful, since many people would pay more, and some people would by at a lower but still profitable price.  Maybe they'll start handing out VR goggles instead of putting price stickers on things. This is the ultimate wet dream of retail.  Selling to everyone at the same price is wasteful, since many people would pay more, and some people would by at a lower but still profitable price.  Maybe they’ll start handing out VR goggles instead of putting price stickers on things.

]]> By: Jayarava Attwood http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350199 Jayarava Attwood Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:42:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350199 I do not get any of this kind of spam, or at least none of it gets through my spam filter. So it's hard for me to understand what people are complaining about. I'd never heard of Target before this. It is hard to imagine that you are getting email from millions of corporations - I wonder if you are accurately reporting the scale. However if billions of people mark a sender as spam sender, then it does scale.  I do not get any of this kind of spam, or at least none of it gets through my spam filter. So it’s hard for me to understand what people are complaining about. I’d never heard of Target before this. It is hard to imagine that you are getting email from millions of corporations – I wonder if you are accurately reporting the scale.

However if billions of people mark a sender as spam sender, then it does scale. 

]]> By: mrpp http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350162 mrpp Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350162  There are millions of corporations in the US alone. "Just hit delete" or "just take two minutes to filter them" does not scale.  There are millions of corporations in the US alone. “Just hit delete” or “just take two minutes to filter them” does not scale.

]]> By: hostile_17 http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350154 hostile_17 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350154 Company in profiling customers SHOCKER. I actually find it clever, not creepy. Amazon is always trying to sell me stuff based upon what it thinks I want. Facebook has decided that certain friends it won't even tell me about because it thinks I shouldn't care about them (that's more creepy to me.) Company in profiling customers SHOCKER.

I actually find it clever, not creepy.

Amazon is always trying to sell me stuff based upon what it thinks I want. Facebook has decided that certain friends it won’t even tell me about because it thinks I shouldn’t care about them (that’s more creepy to me.)

]]> By: Jayarava Attwood http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350152 Jayarava Attwood Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350152 Like others I notice that ads appearing on this site reflect my recent searches for products - presumably using cookies? But I would never, ever click on an internet ad, so I don't really care. They might know stuff about me, but they don't seem to know that. Like others I notice that ads appearing on this site reflect my recent searches for products – presumably using cookies? But I would never, ever click on an internet ad, so I don’t really care. They might know stuff about me, but they don’t seem to know that.

]]> By: Jayarava Attwood http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350148 Jayarava Attwood Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350148 This is why we have email filters which take all of 2 minutes to set up. This is why we have email filters which take all of 2 minutes to set up.

]]> By: Jayarava Attwood http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350149 Jayarava Attwood Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350149 If you miscarry presumably your shopping choices will reflect that fact. If you miscarry presumably your shopping choices will reflect that fact.

]]> By: RJ http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350141 RJ Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350141 Just because you use their little loyalty cards and coupons doesn't mean you're required to acknowledge their advertising. If a few data points get some marketing slob all excited, that's their business. If same slob is then willing to mail you a coupon - and you can actually use that coupon to meaningful ends - go ahead and use it. If not, chuck it in the trash and carry on. Just because you use their little loyalty cards and coupons doesn’t mean you’re required to acknowledge their advertising. If a few data points get some marketing slob all excited, that’s their business. If same slob is then willing to mail you a coupon – and you can actually use that coupon to meaningful ends – go ahead and use it. If not, chuck it in the trash and carry on.

]]> By: Anon_Mahna http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350129 Anon_Mahna Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:20:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350129 I must be doing something that confuses the systems, as I never get a useful coupon..  Or perhaps my habits are not desirable and this is their attempt to dissuade me from shopping at any of these places. Pro tip: if you get snail mail spam with a prepaid envelope, send them your unwanted coupons :) I must be doing something that confuses the systems, as I never get a useful coupon..  Or perhaps my habits are not desirable and this is their attempt to dissuade me from shopping at any of these places.

Pro tip: if you get snail mail spam with a prepaid envelope, send them your unwanted coupons :)

]]> By: Anon_Mahna http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350127 Anon_Mahna Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:59:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350127 I can see it now, going to college and attending "Seldonic Studies 101" I can see it now, going to college and attending “Seldonic Studies 101″

]]> By: jon winchester http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350119 jon winchester Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350119 this is the internet, you can't know for sure he's a dog. this is the internet, you can’t know for sure he’s a dog.

]]> By: retepslluerb http://boingboing.net/2012/02/19/targets-creepy-data-mining-p.html#comment-1350113 retepslluerb Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:21:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=144630#comment-1350113 You aren't supposed to be excited I guess. But you shouldn't be surprised and enraged when you notice that they track your purchases after you authorised them to do so. You aren’t supposed to be excited I guess. But you shouldn’t be surprised and enraged when you notice that they track your purchases after you authorised them to do so.

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