Algorithms

A little self-disclosure…

I love books. I write software. I struggle with a tendency to be critical.

These traits manifested together a few moments ago as I visited the Amazon site. With their knowledge of my tastes in books, they recommended that I buy “Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro.”

As a proud Grandfather and Great Grandfather I’ve bought gifts for expectant parents over the past few years, so I wondered what purchase(s) the recommendation was based upon. I like to do my part in refining the data that their algorithms consume so as to give them the best chance to tempt me. So, I clicked on the “Fix this recommendation” link.

It turns out that I was offered advice on potty training because I have read James Bradley’s “Flags of Our Fathers,” the story of the men who raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi.

I began today with a bemused smile, courtesy of Amazon.com – thanks!