5 replies to this topic

[V.T. Eric Layton]

Everyone’s Trying to Track What You Do on the Web: Here’s How to Stop Them

Enjoy!

[LilBambi]

Before I joined the Lifehacker team, I worked at a company that traded in information. Our clients were huge companies and one of the services we offered was to collect information about people, their demographics, income, and habits, and then roll it up so they could get a complete picture about who you are and how to convince you to buy their products. In some cases, we designed web sites and campaigns to convince you to provide even more information in exchange for a coupon, discount, or the simple promise of other of those. It works very, very well.

The real money is in taking your data and shacking up with third parties to help them come up with new ways to convince you to spend money, sign up for services, and give up more information. Relevant ads are nice, but the real value in your data exists where you won't see it until you're too tempted by the offer to know where it came from, whether it's a coupon in your mailbox or a new daily deal site with incredible bargains tailored to your desires.

Great article Eric!

[V.T. Eric Layton]

Yeah... LifeHacker always has good stuff!

[LilBambi]

Sure does!

I just downloaded a browser for iOS called Atomic that actually has adblock capabilities and privacy mode, etc., etc.

Very nice so far...that was in an article linked from the one you posted.

[V.T. Eric Layton]

COOL!

[abarbarian]

Neat   I'll try some of those out with Iron.