I’ve been noticing over the last few months more and more “Cookie Notifications”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hell, even I post a cookie notification on this site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don’t collect or indeed look at the metrics provided by these cookies but the blog application collects them. I don’t monetize the readership of this blog, I’ve thought about it, but decided against it . <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While I could use the money, ultimately it’s more important to be able to speak my mind without worrying about someone having leverage to force me to take down or apologize for a post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I posted the cookie notification because you, the reader, have the right to know that information is being collected about you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, I’ve noticed while reviewing the various cookie policies of sites that I visit, a shocking amount of information is being collected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most egregious site thus far, is a site of an adult nature that I’ve enjoyed for many years. This adult site posted their cookie policy sometime in the past few weeks, (Hey, I enjoy the site, but don’t live on it.<\/em>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reviewing their policy presented me with over 100 “Affiliate” companies all of whom set tracking cookies, share information about my interests, have access to my location as listed on site, and pretty much anything and everything I’ve provided about me. Given the nature of the site, the immense sharing of information is troubling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the one hand, they’ve probably always been sharing this information, such is the nature of monetization. On the other hand knowing what they’re sharing, and the breathtaking length of companies they’re sharing information with, gives me considerable pause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any reasonable adult knows (or should know<\/em>) that sites of an “Adult” nature are risky by nature, these sites are “The Wild West” and often beyond the reach, or notice of law enforcement. These sites come & go without warning. If you’re a “Free” user they’re going to sell some of your information. After all, they’re in it to make money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a reasonable adult, we each must make a value choice. Do we really want to see what’s on the site versus how much we’re willing to “pay” to see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That thought leads me to question if these sites will make the next logical move. A move where paid membership affords you privacy from tracking and monetization. If the site is making money from memberships do they need to also share the member’s data?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’d actually pay a membership fee, if I knew that I’d be excluded from having my peculiarities broadcast to hundreds of unknown advertising agencies attempting to target me with their wares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, if you’re using a paid VPN service that’s what you’re doing when you’re surfing the web but not logged into Bing, Google, Yahoo, or whatever. Most of the people I know, use a “Burner” email address for questionable sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I wonder about all the information that’s already out there on us all as individuals. The genie is pretty much out of the bottle. Will I forever be followed by an ad showing ‘Fat bottomed Blow Up Slut doll’ because once in 2000 while operating my computer intoxicated, I thought it was interesting to click on that particular genre of ad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This line of thought has also led me to wonder about my overall membership, free or otherwise on the small number of sites that I frequent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Much as I’ve enjoyed the site I visited last night, do I really need to visit it, or any sites? I really appreciate their upfront attitude and transparency. For me that is a definite check in the “Plus” column. But as someone who tries to keep a low internet profile, (this blog not withstanding,) how much do I want to share?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brietbart is an interesting case study in persistence. Almost every time I go to their site I’m being asked to accept tracking and cookies. Every single time I tell them they’re not allowed to sell my information and confirm that choice. But they keep asking, I suspect they’re hoping that one day I’ll just cave in and say “Accept All”. That is somewhat ironic because they’re always ‘banging on’ about freedom and privacy. Them constantly asking the way they do is also degrading the user experience and I find myself less inclined to visit their site at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, the same is true, for me, of all websites. I’ve noticed that when I’m confronted with yet another “Cookie \/ Privacy notice” I’m more prone to not click beyond the notice, instead I’ll close the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe that’s a good thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If people get tired of answering questions about cookies and tracking, perhaps they’ll stop relying on the internet for all their information… I doubt it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can say that since I’ve put the cookie notice up on this site, the traffic through the site has decreased. That data is gleaned not from cookies, but from a count of incoming ip addresses the site maintains over a 24 hour period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From my perspective, the usability of the internet is degraded. It’s like getting gas at some gas stations or making a purchase with my debit card. I don’t think it’s reasonable to be asked if I want a car wash, to donate to this or that cause, do I want a receipt, or be shouted at with advertisements from a blaring screen, or whatever… I just want to get on with my day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The internet is becoming another case of answer 50 questions get the simplest things done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In that regard… I’m leaning more to closing accounts I don’t absolutely need and moving back to good old fashioned printed books and reference manuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve been using cash for purchases a lot more lately. It’s really nice, transactions the way they’re supposed to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some would say that’s a sign of paranoia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, it’s about not wanting to be bothered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I was much younger, I worked at Radio Shack. We didn’t use a cash register, we wrote out orders on a receipt book and had only a cash drawer. We were supposed to ask each and every customer for their name and mailing address. Many customers, young and old refused to provide this information. It’s amazing to me how much has changed and in such a short time.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’ve been noticing over the last few months more and more “Cookie Notifications”. Hell, even I post a cookie notification on this site. I don’t collect or indeed look at the metrics provided by these cookies but the blog application collects them. I don’t monetize the readership of this blog, I’ve thought about it, but … <\/p>\n