Cookies, meet THE COOKIE MONSTER!!!

Think of all the times you have gone through your internet browsing history to discover a plethora of cookies inside your computer monitoring your every move. In my case it is a lot considering I erase my internet history with frequency to get rid of those evil cookies. I always imagine sending the the Cookie Monster after those evil spyware cookies. Oh if only there was a way to either have the Cookie Monster go to town those cookies...

Though somehow I believe the reaction of the Cookie Monster to deleting cookies and not eating them would be something like this...

But wait, I don't need a cookie monster. That's what the FTC is for! Yay! Recently the FTC announced that they are tighten the reigns on those evil ad agencies and cookie developers that pry into your personal browsing histories and online behavior in order to sell me more......... NASCAR T-Shirts....... Yes, I am one of the few and proud NASCAR fans out there but that's beside the point. What business is it the cookie developers going into my personal and private internet history and purchasing patterns? Why am I getting these ads in my Facebook and newspapers. It is truly annoying to see that in your face when you are surfing the web. It's like driving on the highway for the simple pleasure of enjoying the countryside view but instead you get nonstop billboards in your face. Please get out of my face and stop ruining my driving/browsing experience.

This brings me back to the FTC. According to this release they are beginning to tighten the reins on internet privacy and the sneaky ad agencies that put cookies in your computer. They have come to the extent of suggesting an option on your web browser in which you as the user can decided whether to have cookies put into your computer or not. An option... Who seriously wants what they do on the internet monitored to get personalized ads? Seriously? I can of only one company who does this right. Amazon monitors your interests and behavior in the website in order to suggests things for purchase. All within the website though. This is awesome because I am there to shop and my mindset is set on shopping. Also, this does not leave the Amazon website, it stays in there or at least I hope it does.

So is this enough of an effort by the FTC to protect the privacy of internet users? Ad companies are complaining about their right to do this. Let's take a quick second to think about this... Who gave these ad companies the right to create programs and code which sneak into our computers like ninjas in the night in order to gather data on what we do on the internet, when, how often, what we buy and so much more? It sounds to me like a serious invasion of privacy! Am I the only one thinking that a simple button to opt out of having cookies is not enough? I'd love to see the FTC put it into overdrive and prevent these companies from invading our personal privacy.

Either the FTC does more about this or I'll have to hire the Cookie Monster to take care of my cookies and other adware/spyware.

Salo

Get your Groupon!

Get your Groupon with everyone out there and get Coupons!!!

It wasn't long ago that I bought a packet of coupons to local restaurants, supermarkets and other things. I really only only cared for two things in that booklet. Pizza coupons and restaurant coupons. The booklet cost $25 but it was for a good cause. The way this booklet came to my hands was through a door to door salesman who was selling the coupon books to raise money for a local charity in which all local businesses participated. Coupon included free oil changes, amazing pizza discounts and deals and even free drinks at a local pub. I was truly disappointing when the coupons expired because I had used only the food deals for the coupons. Granted the oil change was free and other deals like that but I preferred going to the dealership and to my favorite and trusted businesses before making a purchase even though it was free somewhere else.

When purchasing a coupon book I really had no choice in determining what coupons I would get, until now. All I have to do is get my Groupon and wallah!!! I decided what coupon I want and when and where to spend it! There is one catch though... You seriously need to get your Groupon. By getting your Groupon if enough people decided to purchase this coupon the coupon becomes valid. This is where you turn into a pro salesman and get all your buddies and family into the Groupon in order to get the coupon.

Is this new method for getting coupons working and is it a profitable business? It has $1billion+ in valuation...... in 16 months... And, It receives monthly traffic of about 3 million people. A TC Teardown Of course this is working!

Recently Google tried to acquire this company but was unsuccessful in the process. It's not that Google did not offer enough money but it was Groupons decision not to sell. If Google wants to buy anything and throw that much money at you. It means you are worth something! Did Groupon make the right decision in not selling to Google after seeing all the green flashing in front of their eyes? Only time will tell. It's up to the people running this online sight to determine the its future. As for an increasing amount of competition with other sites offering the same services... Competition is a good things and maybe the Groupon quotas for achieving your coupons will come down and it will be easier for me to get better pizza deals.

Speaking of, just got hungry after writing this. I think I'll get my Groupon right now and see what food specials there are out there.

Salomon