They are watching you.
See khoros.com/platform/klout
Also, I got the sense in the past few days that Seabreeze now customises its ad banners to MY other interests/recent online search activity.
Goes against the grain for me, but I can't articulate why.
No, didn't notice 'Google ads' in any part, although I am using Chrome as my browser.
The first add was from Chain Reaction Cycles (the UK retailer) from whom I have recently bought gear. It was in the banner spot but was sort of greyed out. I clicked on it out of interest and it came up into full colour.
The second banner ad was for OPSM on Wednesday - again, I have been searching online comparing new specs prices recently.
All too coincidental?
seabreeze is all about advertising these days.
And yes all info and preferences goes to internet marketing companies. Ask someone in IT and you will have your answer.
True, any webmaster has access to visitor geographical data. Even data such as browser capability and OS. Time spent on which pages and frequency of visits as well. Google's Webmaster tools and Analytics service is used by a huge number of web techies. Im sure there are more 'in depth' progs out there though. Microsofts share in facebook allows it to provide you with the Ads that might tempt you to buy stuff after reaping the info from facebook beforehand.