72 replies to this topic

[Orik]

Yeah, I should know this, but what's with those phone calls where you pick up and then there is a pause and then two or three beeps, and then you get disconnected?

 

The auto dial system just keeps trying numbers and then if more people answer than there are operators, you get dropped. Another case is that the system is just testing numbers for human response. 

[Wilfrid]

Thanks.

 

Opting out of any tracking would be extremely difficult.  A number of major data platforms claim to have records on all U.S. consumers, and they're probably close: doubtless some profiles are richer than others.  You might be able to avoid most online tracking if you use something like the Tor browser.  I'm not sure the equivalent is available for mobile.  But you're still going to give up data every time you make an online (or indeed in-store) transaction.

 

This gives an idea of the scope of commercial tracking going on in the U.S.

[taion]

This is a cool art-y thing that explores a little bit about in-browser tracking: https://clickclickclick.click/

I think it's just the sort of thing that you have to live with and not think too much about. Sort of like the potential for random nuclear annihilation.

Has anybody ever clicked on a retargeting ad, BTW? I'm not sure I've ever cared for any of them.

[Suzanne F]

This is a cool art-y thing that explores a little bit about in-browser tracking: https://clickclickclick.click/

I think it's just the sort of thing that you have to live with and not think too much about. Sort of like the potential for random nuclear annihilation.

Has anybody ever clicked on a retargeting ad, BTW? I'm not sure I've ever cared for any of them.

 

For once, I agree with you.

[Lex]

Has anybody ever clicked on a retargeting ad, BTW? I'm not sure I've ever cared for any of them.

 

"You won't believe what Marcia from the Brady Bunch looks like today!!!"

[taion]

Retargeting like your light fixtures thing or Wilfrid's drill thing.

[Wilfrid]

I have a drill thing?

[taion]

I have a drill thing?

#22

[Orik]

Retargeting like your light fixtures thing or Wilfrid's drill thing.

 

They're very effective exactly because the only people clicking them still care about the product.

[Wilfrid]

 

I have a drill thing?

#22

 

 

Oh. I've never shopped for a power drill.  I wonder why that came to mind.

[Wilfrid]

 

Retargeting like your light fixtures thing or Wilfrid's drill thing.

 

They're very effective exactly because the only people clicking them still care about the product.

 

 

Yes.

 

And in theory you mainly see ads for things you might care about (that part of it is not working very well yet).

[Orik]

Right. Specifically the greatest difficulty with remarketing is figuring out whether a transaction already took place, or conversely the person wasn't very interested in the first place. When you only look at the best subsection - abandoned carts (meaning someone almost bought) - you get terrific conversion rates of 15%-30%.

 

I'll happily lend you my power drill. (just working on establishing that Wilfrid is really in the market for a power drill and the internet should keep on trying to sell him one)

[Rail Paul]

Amazon uses your browsing history along with your actual purchases to offer "you might be interested in" stuff.

 

I often abandon a cart on purpose to see if they'll give me free shipping later.  King Arthur Flour has done that a few times. They send me an email with a code for a $25 threshold instead of $49 for free shipping.  Especially if I go toAmazon or Bob's Red Mill from their site.

[taion]

Caught doing sketchy shit in Chicago: https://chicago.eate...ants-valentines

[Lex]

One employee, who they fired.  If more of this type of tactic is uncovered there are definitely grounds for a lawsuit by their competitors.  If not, I think this story will go away.