Comment from Ray Everett-Church

Posted on December 1st, 2006 by Ed Lau in Tech and the Net


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  1. Carl said on December 1st, 2006 at 5:21 am

    I replied on John’s blog too:

    OK, let’s not argue about semantics. Instead, just read the Membership Agreement. Take the word ’spyware’ out of every argument I gave. It’s not installed without permission, it is possible to remove, and it only only sends information to companies and partners stated in the membership agreement.

    The word ’spyware’ certainly causes a stir with people, so call it what you want. You’re still agreeing to be tracked, shown ads, promotional materials, and who knows what else (the agreement isn’t clear, but it is likely that ads aren’t the only thing you are going to get from the Agloco).

    I am not trying to rip on Agloco’s program or dissuade people from using it. Everyone who signs up knows what they are giving (their privacy while browsing) and what they are getting (shares in a company that sells ads in a voluntarily-installed toolbar).

    The main point still remains, regardless of semantics, I hope.

    Reply
  2. Ray Everett-Church said on December 2nd, 2006 at 2:50 am

    I would certainly agree that not everybody is keen on the idea of having their online behavior tracked, willingly or not, for the purpose of serving up ads. Although it’s happening all the time, all over the web, to you and everybody, whether you want it or not. There are ways to protect yourself and to limit the amount of information people can capture (entire chapters about that in “Internet Privacy for Dummies”). The value proposition from AGLOCO is simply that since it’s happening, you ought to profit from it. Not a deal that everybody cares to make, but I think it’s good to have the option. And of course, variety is the spice of life! :)

    Regards,
    -Ray

    Reply

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