i'm imagining someday well into the future (about 9 months from now) i'll surf to Amazon.com and, click around until i find what i'm looking for--eg that Disney Frozen merchandise for my daughter's birthday--and add it to my cart, followed by a voice that reminds me of Lilith Sternin-Crane:<p>LSC: so how much do you want to pay for that<p>me: $49.99, like it says right next to the item on your Site<p>LSC: we'll let you have it for $85 and throw in free one week shipping<p>me: that's unethical<p>LSC: okay $80 and thanks for the compliment.<p>me: look, $55 is all i can afford to pay, that's all i have on me, i swear--so take it or leave it.<p>LSC: unlikely, in fact almost impossible--let's see, your median cumulative Amazon purchases by month for the past 24 months is just under $450; plus you have a cumulative balance of $216.34 on three Amazon gift cards in your name. You must be doing pretty well, sir.<p>me: i'm just a programmer--overworked and underpaid, etc.<p>LSC: yes we know. Now let's see...according to your shipping address and zip code, you live in...downtown Palo Alto!<p>me: well yes, but towards the dodgy end.<p>LSC: no you don't. So the median household income in your neighborhood is....<p>me: no idea where that figure came from, anyway, you can't tell my salary based on a neighborhood average.<p>LSC: well technically i could...but why should i in this case when i know your exactly how much you earn.<p>me: you're lying<p>LSC: you'll regret that. how's this for lying...remember about six months ago when you, persuaded by the 10% off the total in your shopping cart we promised, you clicked on our Amazon credit card offer and filled out the application right before you checked-out--giving us access to your entire credit history...<p>me: oh god<p>LSC: tell you what, i'll let you have it for $90, you pay for the one-day shiping and sign your family up for Amazon triple prime, and we'll say good night. Deal?<p>me: oh god<p>LSC: what's the problem? you soulnd depressed.