Tim May <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >Collecting valid name information costs a vendor money (both in labor, >computerization/records, and in driving some customers elsewhere). It also >deters some people from completing transactions.
To see an example of data collection done on a grand scale, have a look at http://www.flybuys.com.au/information/fly_web_inf_pa_002.asp. The information they collect is (from their web page): * name, address & telephone number(s) * e-mail address * names of additional cardholders * date of birth * ages of household members * transaction details associated with the collection of Fly Buys points * points collected and awards provided. Members' signatures/authorities are also collected by Fly Buys. where "transaction details" cover everything you buy over $5, not just the usual groceries and whatnot but extending to things like travel, phonecalls, power bills, car rentals, petrol, banking, hotels, etc etc etc. The usage is: Information about members and supplementary cardholders (whether provided on application, or by participating companies and/or reward providers about member transactions) will be collected by Fly Buys [...] This information will be used by Fly Buys, and its agents, to provide services relating to the Fly Buys programme including to provide a telephone service centre, membership and supplementary cards, Point Summaries and market research. Information from the database will also be used by Fly Buys for marketing purposes, planning, product development and research. Someone looked at some of the details a few years back and found that "its agents" seemed to be a maze of affiliated companies that were difficult to trace. At the moment it's targeted purely at customer loyalty and to a much lesser extent marketing, but it's a ready-made TIA facility if the government ever decides they need it (actually knowing the Australian government, ASIO may have already decided they need it). Peter (who gets sick of being asked if he's been assimilated yet on every purchase he makes).
