Can anyone tell me, precisely, why it is so very scary to imagine that
somewhere in a corporate database is a notation that you like to buy Coca
Cola? Corporations don't scare me -- they want me to be alive, free, and
earning money so that I can buy their products. Corpses and prisoners make
lousy consumers.
I'm just curious as to the source of this fear of corporate 'spying', at
least as regards public habits like what you buy. If they were tracking
union membership or the like, I'd be more scared -- that's information that
they could use to wreck your life. But who gives a smeg if they know what
soda you drink or your favorite brand of shampoo? The WORST that will
happen is you'll end up on some mailing lists. The best? You'll get a
coupon and save 50 cents.
Can anyone who finds the concept of corporate databases keeping them awake
nights explain to me precisely WHY this bothers them? Obviously, it IS a
major concern for a lot of people -- but, as with genetic engineering or
nuclear power, I cannot understand the CAUSE of the fear. I need to know.
