Your opinion matters. Really.

One thing that might stop the switch to more internet shopping is the threat of being bombarded with ‘review your purchase’ emails, often followed by reminders and a blizzard of inducements to shop again. At least one can generally get out of an actual shop without someone seeking to interrogate you. The fake reciprocity disease has now spread to the Guardian. Under the heading ‘Your opinion matters’ a survey has been emailed out to subscribers, initially with a non-working link, but a working version came today. I was looking forward to filling in the sections headed ‘What do you think of our coverage of alleged anti-Semitism in the Labour Party’ etc., or 'should Marina Hyde write in English?' - but sadly there were no such invitations. The survey was, of course merely market research, a bit like local political party leaflets which suggest that your thoughts on potholes would be welcome, but crucially always ask which party you might support. All this stuff is a bit analogue when your behaviour can be so closely monitored and predicted electronically. Anyway, I completed the survey. Spending £500 a year on a knowledge medium which came to maturity in the late 18th Century is surely a commendable commitment in this age of instant gratification? There is still something pleasurable about opening the paper in the morning, even if swearing ensues.