Mined Data

[dusty]

Is there any significance to the fact that since I began visiting a number of RV sites that I now find RV related advertisements being displayed as ads along with the other web sites that I visit.

Example: When I go to some sites (even a particular woodworking site), I see references to eTrailer or Dometic or Atwood (there are others) which are RV related names on sites that I frequent.

Is this a byproduct of data mining? Is there someone out there who establishing links between all of these sites that I frequent and me whenever I am logged onto the web?

[forrestb]

Don't know for sure, but Google has been collecting this kind of information for some time. They say it is to improve their algorithms, but I think we all realize they make more bucks from advertising. Targeting your interests in the ads you see has to improve responses by which they are paid.
Forrest

[dusty]

Don't know for sure, but Google has been collecting this kind of information for some time. They say it is to improve their algorithms, but I think we all realize they make more bucks from advertising. Targeting your interests in the ads you see has to improve responses by which they are paid.
Forrest

Hmmm, Google huh. Well that is possible because I do use Google. I guess I could shed some light on that theory by using a different host (like AOL) and not using Google as a search engine.

I've joined a couple other forums unrelated to woodworking and RVing to see if the related industries pick me up. This could be scarey.

[joshh]

This is common practice nowadays. Just about every search engine, and many websites that have 3rd party ads on them) monitor every click as well as your IP address. There are computer algorithms that attach your IP address to various ads. If you and I were to visit the exact same page, the ads displayed will probably be different based on our search history. It seems harmless enough, but I hate the concept. I always use the incognito mode of google and spybot.

Many search providers, and websites, will also attach your email address (if you provide it somehow) and will focus ads into your email.

Should be illegal IMO.

[fredsheldon]

The internet is free. Would you be willing to pay $100 per month like your cable to get ad free web browsing? I didn't think so. Those ads pay for all the servers that are required to provide you with links to the entire world. Small price to pay from my point of view. Now back out to the shop to start on my 4th bowl for the day

[dgale]

I noticed recently that every time I check out an item on a website like Home Depot that I then see that same item and similar items displayed on the sides of other websites I subsequently visit...basically a rolling advertisement for something I looked at (ie a specific DeWalt tool or something like that) that follows me everywhere else I surf, constantly reminding me of my interest and hoping I'll bite the worm and get reeled in. One side of me realizes it's probably smart advertising to follow me around and remind me instead of just random ads that are more likely than not of no interest...the other side of me finds it invasive and annoying. I wonder if this is simply a matter of disabling cookies or some other increased privacy measure or if we are doomed in this day and age to have to deal with this.

[joshh]

My main issue is that the data stored seems innocent enough, but all it would take to cause harm is someone adding some code to also store your CC number, passwords, etc. There have been numerous cases of this happening. All of this is done without the consumers knowledge or consent. Often times the website owner allows the targeted ads only to find out the ad actually contained a trojan that is active without the user even having to click that ad. Worse than that, many companies hire someone to create the ad and that 3rd party writes code to steal your info without the website, the ad owner, or the user knowing. Really well written code can steal your info by simply viewing the webpage and without even clicking the ad. Also, because this is common practice and not considered "malicious", many anti-virus software looks right passed it.

If this practice was illegal, the back door would be closed so to speak. I am not against advertising at all, but IMHO they shouldn't be able to steal your info without your knowledge and consent.

[ljhhontx]

It's not foolproof but try using Mozilla Firefox as a browser and set it to private. Doesn't stop it completely but it is noticeably better as for as the adware and cookies go. IE is by far the worst browser for this kind of thing. This has been going on for years you just never noticed it I guess.

[letterk]

It's called behavioral targeting. Large networks like advertising.com secure huge amounts of inventory from all across the web and collect cookie tacking information on your data usage. It allows them to target you based on your interests and to charge more for what often would be really cheap inventory. They also use something called pixel tracking so you don't even need cookies. The website is loaded with a 1x1 image that is so small you don't see it. When you load a web page it pulls in the request for the pixel and they track you.

Google does the same type of procedure. It is also why Google can target you with local specific ads. Watch what Google suggests if you have the search recommendations set.

If you read news stories they can also target based on the content of the news story too. This is called contextual targeting.

[saminmn]

I get ads for golf and and I think Facebook is the source of this. I indicated that golf was one of my activities. I get adds for pool too, but in that case I do go to pool league sites, etc. The golf thing not so much...well none in the last couple of years.

Social media should be a very good source for targeted adds.