The Big Brother insurance bot
[NOTE: This blog is in recovery mode with posts exported from another site. I aplologize for broken links/missing files, but plan to have this resolved in the next few weeks.]
This came into my inbox today. It got me thinking about other uses for it and how media companies might benefit. It also creeped me out a bit.
Get $50 for participating in a research study.
As a valued Progressive Direct customer, we're inviting you to participate in an innovative research study. The purpose of this study is to help us reduce the cost of car insurance. And you’ll earn $50 just for participating.
How it works:
Let us know you'll participate by visiting us online.
We’ll send you a TripSensor –- a matchbook-sized device that easily plugs in near your vehicle’s steering column. Just plug it in, drive as you normally do, and forget about it. In six months, we’ll ask you to unplug the TripSensor and send it back to us, and we'll send you $50. It's that easy.
The data you provide are for research purposes only, and will not, under any circumstances, have an effect on your current or future car insurance rate.
Then I had a chat about it with a good friend, who is as addicted to all things online as me...
FriendOfChad: oh hell no
FriendOfChad: that cant be real
FriendOfChad: :-(
Chad: oh yes it is
FriendOfChad: omg
FriendOfChad: thats it i want to move to NH
FriendOfChad: and live off the grid and never be heard from ever again
Chad: that thing works in NH too, i'm sure
Chad: you're screwed!
FriendOfChad: damn
FriendOfChad: lol
FriendOfChad: yeah
FriendOfChad: hmmm...
FriendOfChad: maybe i can hook it up
FriendOfChad: to my bicycle
FriendOfChad: and screw with their data
Chad: or a city bus
FriendOfChad: HAHAHAH
FriendOfChad: ya
Chad: or an airplane
FriendOfChad: lol