In general, I like the way that Google and other providers track what you want, and give you targeted adverts. I personally don't get people who say it's a breach of privacy, because for me, it makes my online experience better, I get better adverts, of things that I might actually be interested in. And it works for advertisers, because in turn I'm more likely to click on those adverts.
However...
If you're a reader of my blog, you may be aware that recently I was looking into new mattresses.
I am now being stalked by the Simba mattress.
Let me start this by saying that the Simba Hybrid mattress looks damn good. It's been extensively tested, it's made up of an awesome combination of special gel, memory foam, and loads of conical pocket springs. I bet, if I tried a Simba mattress, it would be brilliant.
The problem is, I already have a new mattress.
I went into a store, tried some mattresses out, and based on that went online (to mattressonline.co.uk) and ordered some mattresses. They arrived, and they are in use.
So I have a new mattress. My son has a new mattress. The spare bed, admittedly, does not have a new mattress, but it's very rarely used and the mattress is in good condition, so I don't foresee it being replaced any time soon.
Nevertheless, as I spend time online, what keeps slipping in the adverts?
The Simba mattress.
I wonder what it will be like when we move from our current computer interaction into a VR world - will I be "walking" through a virtual reality - perhaps a park, say - and occasionally a guy will step forward and say "hi there, would you like to try lying on a mattress?"
Hopefully at that point you'll be able to speak directly to the guy and say "STOP SHOWING ME THIS!!"
(If you liked this post so much that you want to experience it again, but without all that pesky reading, here's my video :D )