I've seen a lot of Facebook posts about "women get it free"--then there's
usually a URL that takes us to a site that promises all sorts of free
goodies. All one has to do is sign up. I must reiterate what I've
suspected for many years: beware of "free" offers--anything free is
worth what you pay for it. Here are a couple of paragraphs from the user
agreement at worldwide web dot get it free dot us:
"...you
generally provide: your name, mobile phone number, zip code, e-mail
address, postal address, date of birth, gender, user name, password and
other registration information; (b) transaction-related information,
such as when you make purchases, respond to any offers, or download or
use applications from us; (c) information you provide us when you
contact us; (d) credit card information for purchase and use of the
Site; (e) information you enter into our system when using the Site,
such as contact information which is clearly labeled at the time you submit
it; and (f) information you post on our Site." (PLEASE note two things:
"mobile phone number"--which renders your cell phone available to
marketing calls; "credit card information for purchase and use of the
Site"--Yikes.)
They then explain how your personal information
is used: "We do this by transferring, licensing, and/or sharing your
personal information with Our Companies and hope you will be interested
in the marketing materials and/or promotions with which you are
presented. Our Companies also transfer, and/or share your personal
information with unaffiliated list brokers, affiliate marketers, and/or
companies that want to advertise other products and/or services. Once a
third-party obtains your personal information, its subsequent use is
controlled by the business practices of the third party, which is beyond
our control."
Is it free? Or are we being persuaded by the
idea of getting something for nothing, especially when those
"somethings" are products that have been pushed at women for
decades--makeup (myriad ways to make us look "better, more
desirable"--whitening toothpaste, anti-aging cream, lipstick, "intimate
lubricant" (pink, of course); soap (laundry & bath products);
chocolates and "get in shape" CDs; baby products; craft books &
supplies, etc. All offers end with an exclamation point.
I'm done. This is my warm-up writing for the day.
*Title is from "Me and Bobby McGee" by Kris Kristofferson.
