The Economist has led the debate on privacy issues concerning the work of the US National Security Agency, but has it also been taking tips? Inhabitants in well-to-do areas have been receiving tailored communication encouraging them to subscribe.
“I discovered something interesting about your postcode recently,” a letter to an N8 dweller reads, “it has a higher-than-average number of subscribers to The Economist. And that made me want to write to you.” The correspondence continues with a portrait of the magazine’s typical reader.
“What about when the conversation turns to a topic that lies outside your interests? Is your knowledge of the world broad enough to be able to offer an informed opinion?... Do you feel that the pursuit of knowledge is a valuable activity? I believe you do. Please prove me right.”
Smug tone aside, where’s our letter? The Londoner’s W8 address surely puts us in the catchment area for this tome of enlightenment?
