I’m sure this is going to be a surprise to many of you reading this, but I will imminently be undergoing a sex change and making the transition from male to female. I may also be going blonde, my eye color is definitely likely to change, and I’m going to shrink. A lot.
I realize this will mean a whole new wardrobe, not to mention a fair supply of hair color and a somewhat complicated operation, but I think it will be worth it. Besides, in a few weeks I’ll probably change back.
You see, Google have decided to not only track our likes (google +1s), but to use our image and name in association with the ads they show. It’s a process called shared endorsements in ads.
This could be good, of course. You could see that your friends like a restaurant before you visit. On the other hand, they might just have liked the place because of their nifty sign.
You can opt out of Google’s shared endorsements in ads (the use of your name and likeness), but somehow this doesn’t feel like enough for me. Hence, why I will be switching sex at regular intervals. And shrinking. And changing my hair and eye color. At least as far as Google’s records are concern. With luck this may just be enough throw off their tracking. There again, I may have to become Norwegian as well.
Unless you have other suggestions?
Cheers!
WOWZA, Nigel! This knocks the old be careful what you wish for off the charts. Now, I have to be careful what I Like?
After your (temporary, your wife hopes, I’m sure) sex change, will you change your on-line identity to Nigelita? Nigellina?
I knew I’d eventually find a use for the Mr and Mrs Potato Head kits I purchased. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be sure to LIKE you right back.
LOL. Some of my engineering friends used to refer to my daughter as Nigelina 🙂 Yes, be careful what you like out there!
Cheers!
Aha! Thanks for this, Nigel. As of today, my persistent refusal to “like” anything has ceased to be curmudgeonry and has become clever advance planning. Some days you win. 😉
But I really like your solution, too – I hope you’ll keep us updated with all your wonderful new identities. I can’t quite see you as a cute little blonde but for your sake, I’m willing to give it a try.
Hi Diane.
Good thinking on your part. I used to not “like” (or +1 for google) very rarely, but that was just because I’m a rotten old meanie. But now I’ve got a great excuse 🙂
As soon as I can find the right shade, I’ll post a few pics of my new hair color 🙂
Cheers!
Guess we’ll never be able to recognize you at writers’ group anymore. And of course, you won’t be paid since you won’t be recognizable when you show up for work. But you may like being blonde enough to offset the disadvantages.
No one talks to me when I turn up at work anyway, but I suspect I’ll get a few more looks like this. May not be quite the looks I’d hope for, but beggars cant be choosers.
Cheers!
LOL Well played, Nigel! Thanks for the useful tips.
You’re very welcome, August.
Cheers
Nigelina 😉
Nigella Blackwelldatter, you’re making me glad once again that I don’t have a Google + account. Or a google anything account. Looking forward to your fashion show.
Hi Piper
Yep, as soon as I’ve mastered my new high heels, I’ll be strutting the catwalk with vigor 🙂
Cheers!
Google is getting too big for its britches. They seem to be taking a cue from Facebook and their sleazy marketing.
If you need any tips on hair coloring or makeup, just let me know.
And they just got dinged for another $20m fine for circumventing Apple’s Safari browser to gain personal info. Like they don’t have more than the NSA to start with.
Cheers!