Monitoring Member Online Activity Member online activity may be monitored or tracked. This may be done by CompuServe or an independent third party who CompuServe has contracted with to provide a unique service on CompuServe. Providers, including CompuServe, can improve their online services by collecting and thoughtfully using data about members online activities. This data is primarily about the choices members make among the range of available services or merchandise, and the times and ways that members use CompuServe. This information is used internally by CompuServe for programming, marketing and promotions, research on usage patterns and account administration and billing.
Aggregated information includes descriptive or demographic data, usage patterns and preferences.
This aggregated information about members may be provided to independent third parties to aid them in their programming decisions and, if a member chooses, used for marketing promotion purposes. Online Marketing and Promotions CompuServe and affiliated third parties, such as content providers who manage CompuServe Forums or who host an affiliated Internet site, may send postal and electronic mailings or make telemarketing calls to members who have chosen to receive these marketing efforts. These efforts might include announcements of new services and features, or tips for using a particular service more effectively. These communications could come from Forum operators, Electronic Mall vendors, Internet site partners or other CompuServe content providers. For instance, a camera equipment manufacturer might offer the members of photography-related Forums a new product or service in which they might be interested.