[LINK] Bruce Schneier: Privacy eroded in virtual world

[Deus Ex Machina]

Howard Lowndes [lannet at lannet.com.au] wrote:
> On Fri, 2005-02-25 at 10:06, Deus Ex Machina wrote:
> > Howard Lowndes [lannet at lannet.com.au] wrote:
> > > > you are of course assuming that people are zealots about ther privacy
> > > > which is of course not the case. in regards to the potential issues
> > > > raised, most people in many circumstances couldnt care less.
> > > 
> > > Which is exactly Richard's point about "sheep".  What you say Vic is,
> > > regrettably, true, but if ppl were more aware, and more caring, of the
> > > issues then it would be better for all of us.
> > 
> > I know I dont care about for example what information is kept by loyalty card
> > programs keep on me because a) I have nothing to loose by someone
> > knowing what I buy b) I expect them to do something useful with the data.
> > 
> > the issue is not one of sheep but differing points of view. business that
> > have half a brain are out to add value to customers and thats what
> > theyll use the data for. while people like Richard resent others trying
> > to add value for them, most people dont. maybe I am on the wrong track
> > but I think youd be crazy trying to prevent other people trying to
> > impove your life.
> 
> Define "improve".  I don't define "improve" as a business trying to sell
> you more of something.

good thing you have choice isnt it. perhaps you would rather nobody
bothered, we can have egyptian like stagnation for a few millenia.

improve is all about finding new sources of value and business models
which customer see value in and are prepared to part money for. you are
confusing "improve" with advertsising which I agree is mostly noxious.

but the great thing about loyalty programs if they have half a brain
is they should be only offering what you are likely to be interested in
like amazon recomendations. I check out my amazon recomendations weekly.

Vic