Gordon Tosses a Few Monkey Wrenches into the Retailers' Data Mining Machine

 

 

 

Addressing some obnoxious dating mining accounts, Gordon C writes:

A few years ago, I decided I'd had enough. It wasn't the fault of the 16 year old running the register. Still, I wanted to toss a few monkey wrenches in the works.

I now try and use cash for smaller purchases. With a young one who needs to know that Wally Mart (or Target) costs real money, we will even hit the ATM just before a trip and pay with cash.

When asked for ZIP codes, I rotate a few including one for the Federated States of Micronesia (96942 - yes, they use our postal system). I try to give either the phone number of the Chinese Embassy or of the actual store itself. Lowe's frequently asks for a phone number. I like giving them their own.

Oh, and not one store reward card I have has correct information.

I should say, I don't mind aggregate data analysis. If I, like 50,000 other people, buy Strawberry Pop-Tarts after a storm (real example from WalMart) thats okay.

If Target had pulled the pregnancy ad bundle on us after a miscarriage (like baby formula vendors did) , I would never EVER forgive them.