Attention, Shoppers: You're Being Watched

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Since I am a mindful shopper who likes to vote with my dollars by making the majority of my purchases organic, sustainable, from cottage industries, etc., I really wish "Big Brother" were watching, paying attention and responding appropriately.
I can dream, can't I?

Cranky_Old_Batt of CA 5:35PM November 02, 2008

RFID chips are now inside tops I buy and such. I cut them off at home but in futre I decided just today, so this is a coincidence to read this tonite, I will have the store take them off b4 I leave store. NO RFIDs. We stopped them years back when proctor & gamble and others wanted them on products so they'd know how often you picked tehm up and used them. NO THANKS. YES Big Brother. The gov't should fear the people not the peple fear govt so why don't we do soemthing about anything anymore JMO

watchinghawk of 1:55AM November 02, 2008

the 'arresting clause' but this time "everything you do may be used against you"!

adelacuesta of NJ 11:14AM October 31, 2008

This is very disturbing. People who normally don't look for discounts are being penalized and charged higher prices. This sounds more like socialism than democracy.
I canceled all of my store "discount cards" because I found out a few years ago that stores track your spending and also sell your name and address to marketing companies. I shop at stores that don't require a discount card to receive discounts such as Target, Shoppers, and Walmart.
I also shop using cash and rarely use my debit card or credit card to make purchases. Thanks for keeping the public informed.
Author of How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free

Harrine Freeman of DC 11:21AM October 30, 2008

When I buy personal items that I'd be embarrassed about, then I don't use my loyalty card. Strange, maybe, but it makes me feel better.

Amy of 9:53AM October 29, 2008

As long as I feel that being watched is to my advantage, I won't mind. I participate in my grocery store's loyalty program for the discounts. I don't care what information is gathered about my purchases.

jimmy of MD 8:14AM October 29, 2008

Where to these creeps come from with all the so-called research they peddle. Don't they have day jobs?
Maybe the upcoming new administration could hire them to spy on Osama Bin Laden & his army? The current administration can only spy on us.

HillbillyBill of TN 7:49AM October 29, 2008

I can't help but feel it's creepy. Reminds me of the movie Minority Report, when Tom Cruise walked into GAP. And if companies are going to invade my privacy, so to speak, I don't want targeted ads. I want things that are actually useful, like those coupons and discounts on the things I actually buy.
Although I have to say, the companies have a long way to go to make their software actually achieve the results they want, if the coupons I get from CVS and Ralphs are any indication. I use about 1/10 of the coupons I get from CVS and may 1/100 of the coupons I get from Ralphs. (I've actually yet to use a coupon from Ralphs, but chances are good that I'll use one before the 101st.)

Cathy @ Chief Family Officer of CA 10:49PM October 28, 2008

It's one thing for a store to know what I purchase bc of the loyalty card and give me coupons that I never use. Another to change the ads when I walk into the store. What's next, beaming commercials into my dreams while I sleep?
Didn't we learn anything from skynet in the terminator movies....

Veronica of NY 5:19PM October 28, 2008