The tyranny of technology

I think I’m being followed. No sooner do I look something up on the internet that an ad relevant to my search pops up within seconds. That’s amazing, but also worrisome. Big brother is everywhere. 

I have a problem with overpriced printer ink. For many years I’ve been using generic ink that works just fine. But when I updated my driver for a printer from the ABC company, the printer refused to print unless I installed ABC ink cartridges. I liked the printer; too bad I have to spend and arm and a leg to get it to print. 

So I went back to using a retired printer from the ABC company. And a message came along to update the driver. Not on your life. But the ABC company wasn’t through with me. “Low on cyan” appears in the screen - and immediately an ad from the ABC company appeared urging me to buy more ABC ink. Not at those prices. So I installed a generic cartridge and received an onscreen warming that it wasn’t ABC ink. It works! Don’t upgrade. 

I’ve bought my last ABC printer. Will the XYZ corporation be any better? 

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