Sunday, March 08, 2015

21st Century problems - the mandatory mailing list sign-up

I bought some "vinyl" the other day, i.e. an LP. It came with a little card to download the mp3 files for the tracks, which sounded like a good idea.

I typed in the URL and it said this:



If you can't see that, it says,
It's easy and quick to download your music now. Just input the unique code from the coupon you received inside your record jacket.

Please note you will only be able to access the files once. After that your pass code is deactivated. Your files will download as a zip file, so if you have not prepared your mobile device with an app to deal with zip files we don't recomend downloading to an iPhone, iPad, or other mobile device.
Notice: By submitting your email address at the time of download redemption you are agreeing to be added to the artist's mailing list.
If you encounter any problems with your downloads, please click here.
If you did not receive a download card click here.
Enter your info below.
* indicates required field


The required fields are first name, last name, date of birth, zipcode and email address. In other words, enough to steal my identity and go to town with it. 

I'm not saying URP - a company who once gave me a tour of their facility and had the nicest employees I've ever met - are themselves identity thieves, but buying a record shouldn't involve sending your personal details across unsecured links. It's not like we don't hear about data being stolen, even from https:// -using guys, by the gazillion-load every day with a "y" in the name. 

It certainly didn't mean handing your details to strangers when I was a kid. You turned up at a record store, shoved cash at the guy and left with your record. 

Also, that bit about agreeing to be added to the artist's mailing list. You're going in the spam bin, artist, so don't get your hopes up. 

And there's a typo. That's not how you spell "recommend".  I sure hope I didn't do anything similar and misspell my name or date of birth or anything!

The download itself was quick and easy.

2 comments:

KaliDurga said...

God or whatever's above, thank you for the 'unsubscribe' button...

Lyle Hopwood said...

Well, I wouldn't speak for URP or Third Man, but generally pressing the "unsubscribe" button just sends a message to the website that says, "We've got a real email address here -she didn't fake it. Sell it on to spammers immediately."

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