How Did They Know?

There are some things that I just shouldn't do. One of those things is window shop on amazon.com. It wouldn't be so bad because there are crazy good deals on books... you know, if you aren't shipping halfway around the world. It was worth it for Dave Eggers, but I can't be spending all my money on shipping and handling. Still, I have had a nice little day (got an A on a paper, got a decent start on actually writing my mini-thesis, bought groceries which always indicates a feast for dinner just to celebrate) so I thought I would check up on my books on amazon.com to continue the pleasant day trend.

First off, I want to say that I am lazy and so buy most of my DVDs, CDs and books that are going to be presents from amazon (I should so be getting royalties for this post) so their recommended readings and what-have-you are usually quite off the mark. I am not a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber music, for instance. Also, not really a huge fan of Meatloaf, but there they sit in my recommended list. Just as I was laughing at the obviously botched system, I saw some Dave Eggers stuff. Okay, fine, I did just buy some Dave Eggers. Then, it shocked me. It had up a Scrubs DVD. Gasp. When did I express amazon interest in my all time favorite show (of the moment)? Then it had Pete and Pete! Double gasp. How did they know that I used to love that show back in the day?? Then they put up three books that were on my personal wish list, but nothing that I had expressed on amazon. Then three or four CDs that I had on my birthday wish list... but how could they have known?!

I mean, yes, I am sure they have some tracking thing that tells them what I look at, but hey, I've looked for baby gifts and wedding presents... do they just know that those are obviously for someone else? They assume that Meatloaf must be mine, but baby? Lord, no. While I marvel at the wonder that is the amazon person-judging technology, I have to be slightly suspicious. I don't like thinking that I am this predictable. I have bought a handful of things from this company and already they can make out my Christmas list better than I can. I hate being transparent.