I was home yesterday afternoon. Unexpectedly, the phone rang. I was greeted with a "Hi, is this Doug?" after my "Hello?". When someone uses your name, your immediately begin to scour your auditory archives to figure out whose voice it is. I did not know, but didn't need to guess. "This is the Apple Online Store", came the quick answer I had been looking for. Interesting. The lady said that she noticed that I had been looking at the new iMac on-line, and was wondering what she could do to aid me in my desire to get one. Short of Steve-o donating one to the church I don't think it's gonna happen, but she sent me an e-mail anyway, just in case.
At first I was flattered/pleasantly surprised my this encounter. Then questions began to arise; Wait a minute, how did she know that I was looking at the iMac? I checked and I didn't have one in my shopping cart or wishlist or anything. And how did they get my phone number? I did sign-up for a free GAP iTunes download (I got King of Spain by Moxy Fruvous if you're interested), and I believe I included that info there. But what of my actual on-line presence at the apple store? People know a lot more than I think they do I suppose.
Something else I thought of was my initial reaction; I was pleased that Apple was calling me. Upon examination I was a little disturbed. Let me explain. I think it's a bit like sexual harrasment, it depends on where it's coming from. Since most cases are directed at women I will use that POV. Say Brad Pitt starts flirting with you, chances are most women would not report that as sexual harrasment. Say your slimy, over-weight boss starts flirting with you, chances are that would get reported as sexual harrasment. It depends on where the flirting is coming from. Now with my Apple experience, I didn't mind, because I like Apple. If it was, say, something I don't like so much, like a car company (let's use Ford as an example) then I would feel it an infringement on my privacy. The only difference between Apple and Ford is that I like one and not the other.
Anyway, just thought I would mumble about that for a bit. I know I said I wouldn't be here today, but the fact that I was home yesterday to answer Apple's call means I went home early and needed to come in today. No more posts, I promise. I'll recap the conference early next week.
4 comments:
ok, i think it's freaky! how did they know?! i see what you're saying about liking one company and not the other, but still - how did they know you were there? that would freak me out!
That is kinda freaky. And as much as I like Apple, I don't like what they did to you--though I do think it's somewhat cool. This is how I imagine this happened...
You downloaded your iTunes song and provided them with personal information, like your name. They also have a record of the IP address that you downloaded the song from. So later when you're pricing a Mac on their store, they see your IP and link it up with your name (and maybe phone number?) If you gave me a name and an IP address, I'd probably be able to get you a phone number.
I imagine they don't call me because they know I already own a Mac. :)
that is weird. that would bug me. like today....as I was leaving my house, someone drove up behind me and took a picture of my house!! i pulled over and waited for them and asked "did you just take a picture of my house?" they answered.."yes, I'm an appraiser and need it for comparisons" But it was still weird. people knowing too much about you is troubling
Hello I do not agree ...
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