I was at Border's bookstore yesterday, buying a book, and the cashier asked me for my Border Bonus card (or something like that). I said I didn't have one. He asked me if I would care to sign up, absolutely free, and it only takes a minute. I said "No Thanks" but he persisted . . . he must've asked me at least 3 more times, explaining to me the benefits and privacy of the information, etc. I almost asked for my money back and walked out.

Which leads me to this: it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to buy something "off the grid" - meaning, to buy something with cash that is completely untraceable. Even when paying cash, almost every store seems to have a system in place to "track" you. Best Buy asks for your phone number; grocery stores have "Bonus Savings Cards", bookstores have member savings cards too. Use your debit card anywhere and there's a record of it.

It's not a big deal right now, but I can see in the near future how this "innocent" system could be misused. Think about it, somewhere there is a record of what you're reading, eating, listening to, how often you're filling your gas tank, etc. Again, seemingly innocent stuff - for now.

I don't sign up for ANY of those store card things, and when they ask for my phone number, I say "No."

it's completely possible to use cash and not be tracked. you can always say no to the savings cards, etc. i've got one for a grocery store 'cause i need the savings

jerseykrs said:

has anyone ever refused to sell you something when you've said no? i went through a phase when i would say no too, but they'd always start bickering with me - "what's the big deal, it's just your phone number? we don't give it out!" - and eventually i broke down because i didn't feel like haggling over my private information when all i wanted was a pepsi.

Anx said:

I WISH a mother fucker would try and start that shit with me. I think I give off that vibe of "no means no" when it comes to that sort of stupid shit.

Free!!! It’s twenty-five dollars at Barnes and Nobles... but anyway no I don't believe there's anything today that's untraceable, Big Brother is definitely watching and can track everything. They also ask for your zip code, as a way of getting still getting to the people who don't want to give their phone numbers.

I didn't end up signing up for the Border card, but the cashier's persistence really got me thinking.

Just to make things easier, when they ask for my phone number at Best Buy, I give them the wrong one - but it's always the same wrong one!

To me, it's not such a big deal with grocery stores; I don't care who knows what I'm eating/drinking. It's when it involves media (books, CDs, DVDs) that it starts feeling like Big Brother.

Se7en said:

it's already not so innocent. mailing advertisements are sent to folks based upon their patterns of shopping

Se7en said:

Just wait. 20 or so years from now you will get sick and then either the insurance company or government will step in and say it is your fault (and refuse to pay or even charge you) because you ate too much red meat, or drank too much alcohol, or didn't eat enough vegetables, etc.....

I have one of those cards, but I never linked it to my address or phone number (don't know why they never figured it out and tried to force me to give up that info).

They're awesome.

Ya get coupons.

Whats the big deal?

Sowhat said:

you can't honestly believe that.

SureThing said:

That's the hook ... they reel you in with a seemingly innocent "reward" program (which costs them nothing). Once it's in place, you're being tracked.

Some things you know are being tracked (Internet activity, cellphones, online purchases) and you feel comfortable knowing you're not anonymous. In those cases, you almost expect it. It's when you don't know that it could get scary.

See, this is why I don't read.

evenstar3 said:

I wish I didn't, but look at everything that is going on today.

Sowhat said:

damn, and i thought i was paranoid & anti-government. guess we'll find out.

Se7en said:

Paranoia Paranoia Everybodys coming to get me!!!!!

jerseykrs said:

you must be a real treat of a customer

I always give a fake number, zip code, etc. It's none of their damn business.