I expect lots of arguments from both sides of the fence on this one . . . Among the improvements I am considering making to the ToughCOINS website is adding a feature which some of the more sophisticated sites employ - that of displaying your most recently viewed items as you continue browsing through new ones. This feature would permit a visitor to easily return to a previously viewed item, without having to "search" for it again. Unfortunately, such a feature requires tracking of the visitors computer via "cookies". That is where the controversy arises. I don't like cookies on my computers, and don't expect you to like them any more than I do. There's obviously a tradeoff here, and before spending good money to incorporate such a feature, I want to find out how the objection to cookies versus the desire for a recently viewed merchandise tracker is likely to impact traffic on my website. Will you share your thoughts? - Mike
I have no objection to cookies, and I like the convenience of the recently viewed items list. It might be beneficial to look up and see if there are statistics available about how many people have cookies turned off in their browser. I think it would be a low percentage.
Set the cookies. Most folks who understand the technology can or already do employ browser extensions and other software to be able to manage which sites they allow cookies from. If you really want to be nice, put a link up somewhere on the site explaining that your site uses cookies, how it uses them, and gives them pointers on how to disable them if they feel necessary. This will be more beneficial, and you also have the added benefit of being able to track how many folks visit that page and subsequently follow the links to find out how to disable them.
Personally I have my browser set to allow some cookies and not allow others, based on type. In today's world you pretty much have to allow some cookies or you would never be able to sign in to any web site. It's the cookies that allow you to do that. The type you're talking about, I have no problem with.
As others have stated, a generic "I don't want cookies on my computer" is not a good answer (pardon the EU...). It's a bit like saying "I don't allow knives in my house".
I would agree. I am a libertarian by nature, but I see no issue with your proposal. Maybe state on your site that you have cookies, to warn those who do not want them.
Cookies are just part of life on the internet. They make things easier and more convienent for the user. Just go for it. For any of the folks who object, they have the ability to block them if they choose.
Cookies are a tool. It's the intent that counts. If your just create a book mark, that one thing. If your tracking someone across the internet and selling their demographics, that another. In set-up you could put up a privacy statement and let the user decide with a check box.
In the European Union some info regarding the use of cookies (and similar tools such as web storage) is mandatory. Problem is, if you make it hardly visible, people won't notice - but if it is very obtrusive, most will find that annoying. Here are a few examples: http://econsultancy.com/de/blog/63118-17-useful-examples-of-eu-cookie-law-compliance What I find OK is a small horizontal bar at the top that is displayed if there is no such cookie yet. Bottom line: Using cookies etc. for the purpose you (the OP) mentioned, nobody will object - and those who might will be able to delete such cookies anyway. Christian
Thanks for the information Christian. While most of the EU is not my target market, I'll look that up, and consider the recommendation. - Mike
Cookies aren't so bad now that more people understand them. I like seeing my recently viewed items so I can go back if I need to or forgot something.
It can't be stored with the account information in a non-cookie version? Hmm, no I can already see this would create a perpetually growing data set. My browser allows cookies on a site by site basis, but is set to erase them anytime I move to a different website. So, go ahead.
