|
Yes, that was sarcasm in the title. Why is it that we will go to tremendous lengths to rid our computers of spyware, then voluntary download it if it is packaged as a "convenience" to us. In some cases, we will even pay for the spyware, if someone manages to convince us that it'll protect children online (see: This software can protect children online...are you KIDDING me?!).
Now a company has found a way to provide you with additional spyware for FREE (imagine that!). My6Sense promises to learn your reading habits based and pick the items out of your RSS reader that will be most interesting to you. If that's not the definition of spyware, what is?
This would never work for me, because my reading habits change on a daily basis. One day I may be interested in reading about current events in Egypt, and the next, about a dread disease one of my friends thinks she might have. By the end of the week, I may be focused on entertainment news, and/or a blizzard that is happening in some place I want to travel to. This does NOT mean I want to read about all of these things on a daily basis. Also, I have a few links in my feed reader of friends who only post occasionally. I want to read all of their posts - even if they only post twice per year, and the spyware would not understand that.
Yes, I can see how this would work for some people in certain circumstances. Just be aware that this is a data-harvesting application, and the company is eventually going to need to make money - most likely through targeted ads - but there is no telling where that data will eventually end up.
Download wisely, and have a nice weekend!
Jennifer Pointer (e-mail) is in Tulsa, OK. She promotes a simple, a low-tech approach to effective online profile management, search engine optimization and social networking.
|
