Innovate personal tracking... time for an evolution

There has been an evolution on the internet over the last few years. Websites no longer offer one page for all viewers. In fact some websites - depending on where you log in and what log in name you use will generate a very different webpage. For instance, one company I am sure everyone is familiar with is Amazon. As you (probably) know when you visit Amazon and log in you will see a list of things you are interested in, or at least things Amazon believes you to be interested in. This is designed to be a wonderful feature. However it can also be a very discouraging feature. Allow me to elaborate.

I have many interest. Lots of times Amazon reflects my interest within its recommendations. However I also have many moods and states of mind. Some days I am a high powered marketing professional. I am looking for ways to further my career, enhance my professional life, and make a splash in the marketing world. Other days I am drinking and need to further my mini-helicopter aviation or become the expert brew master and create the ultimate home brew. This is in fact where Amazon begins to fail me. Instead of recognizing my mood and adjusting my recommendations it combines them. I become a high powered brew master looking for elevate (pun intended) his helicopter and marketing abilities.

Now I know what you are going to say... I could easily create two different accounts, but lets face it that is a pain. I also am just going to end up using the one with correct billing and shipping and I am back to square one. Instead I think Amazon should be the one adapting. Give me an option to set up a 'mood'. Let me choose to be a professional marketer or a professional mini-helicopter pilot. Better yet, recognize this mood and adjust only temporarily. I understand the process at work here, and I understand Amazon thinks it is merely getting to know me better but I also believe it is stepping on its own feet.

I think there is an opportunity to evolve - not only at Amazon but on similar websites and across the web. Maybe one day technology will go so far that the PC will actually be able to judge my BAC from my breath through the digital camera and adjust all my searches to be micro-helicopter related. Just maybe someday websites will recognize that not only am I a huge Bruin fan, but the Bruins are in the playoffs and offer me relevant information without the need for me to search. In turn when/if they lose offer me items to help me grieve. Evolution is a constant process - for now I will allow Amazon to see me for what I truly am - a creative marketer with a passion for (Bruins) hockey, mini helicopters, and micro brewing!

Images via Amazon and Chelseaevo