Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!cbnewse!cwpjr
From: cwpjr@cbnewse.att.com (clyde.w.jr.phillips)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.misc
Subject: Re: Anyone using prodigy with an AMIGA?
Summary: Prodigy = DM Junk Mailer Extraordinaire!
Message-ID: <1991May2.151223.19343@cbnewse.att.com>
Date: 2 May 91 15:12:23 GMT
References: <22263@shlump.nac.dec.com> <6283@iron13.UUCP> <1579@tronsbox.xei.com> <+W6B79@irie.ais.org>
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 42

In article <+W6B79@irie.ais.org>, jph@ais.org (Joseph Hillenburg) writes:
> In article <1579@tronsbox.xei.com> dfrancis@tronsbox.xei.com (Dennis Heffernan) writes:
> >
> >	RE Prodigy
> >
> >	There's a class action suit originating in California against Prodigy-
> >a number of people claim that the Prodigy software glomms files off of their
> >hard drives, puts them in a file called STUFF.DAT and uploads it to Prodigy.
> >People examinging their STUFF.DAT files claim to have found copies of source
> >code they've been working on, or even personal or government information from
> >their HD's.
> >
> >	I consider the lack of Prodigy availability for the Amiga to be a 
> >selling point.
> >
> >	(I have a text file that goes into more detail on the case; if anyone
> >wants it, email me.)
> 
> Please send it to me! I wanna nail the local Prodigy yuppies. :)

Since this is .misc post it here. I'm very interested.

Prodigy is definately a "personal data collector" as I'll explain below
but I did'nt know it was a data "stealer". YES! Nail the Puppy to the WALL!

Essentially Prodigy has enough MIPS behind it to collect and analyse
all your keystrokes while you are logged on. It analyses what groups
you read, how often, what services you sign up for and what you purchase
from the groups/services.

At the very least this data is massaged into the "consumer profile"
Direct Marketing mailing lists. It uses the lists internally to
tailor ads for you online sessions, also. I'm certain the list
are sold far and wide, commercially, also.

So pay them to observe and analyse you if you like. I don't.

If this were a partnership in any real sense I might consider
it but just like speculatively developed tract housing
sold as my dream house I don't buy it.

Clyde