Why is it everyone seems to expect to find a 
"Privacy Statement (PS)" on a business website?

How many people actually read these long and complex documents in some effort to feel more comfortable with a business entity?

I've read many of these PS in the past, and have come to the conclusion that most are full of BS.

For example #1, your customer information will be kept strictly confidential except to our third-party vendors. (say what?)

For example #2, we are not responsible for what third-party vendors do with the confidential information we disclose, please review their own PS for more details. (give me a break!)

For example #3,  in cooperation with our targeted advertising supporters to provide a better surfing experience, cookies and invisible web bugs will be used to track, log, and profile your movements (this is almost funny!).

I actually worry when a website feels they need to offer a PS. When you see "Privacy Statement", think Disclaimer!

RJTaylor Enterprises does not harvest data for sale to others. Information disclosed by e-mail, telephone, or FAX is indeed confidential and for internal use only. If you haven't noticed yet, their are no banners ads or popup windows trying to seduce you to click on some new multilevel affiliate marketing program. We are a licensed retail business who just happens to own a business website where common sense rules still apply. Nuff Said?

Internet privacy and security is a true concern of mine, which is why I offer another very unique service in this regard. For more information, click here.

RJTaylor Enterprises
Phoenix, Arizona (623) 930-9949

P.S.
In an effort to fight spam and safeguard a person's right to privacy, individual US States are beginning to pass legislation regarding online business practices.

In my opinion, this matter is best addressed at the Federal or International level (if at all) by some US government agency. The Internet is global, dynamic, and self-regulating on matters of proper netiquette. Individual states have no business regulating the global community's conduct on the World Wide Web.

If States are allowed to create individual criteria on how businesses must interact with their local-residents, it would be almost  impossible for small business owners in other states (or even other countries) to know all these rules and regulations, or when these new laws go into effect. Subsequently, if my humble PS above unintentionally violates someone's state imposed regulations in the years to come, I do apologize in advance. (grin)

If you ever feel uncomfortable or insecure with any website you visit on the Internet, for heaven's sake leave it ASAP. Never provide confidential information at some website you don't feel 95% safe visiting (everyone is at lease 5% paranoid, lol).

Although I can be sued for many things in this world, I refuse to allow someone to sue me because I don't have a properly constructed PS for their state. To be blunt, privacy advocates that pose as concerned citizens can simply take their business to someone much less opinionated on this particular topic.

YES ... I feel business owners should be held accountable for misusing confidential information, however, simply allowing individuals or states to sue because a website PS is not filled out correctly is totally outrageous in my opinion. Although our visitors and customers could sue for everything else under the sun, I believe state imposed PS laws are illegal, therefore, anyone who discloses information on this website forfeits this type of questionable legal claim.

P.P.S.
We value our visitors opinions, if our unique PS is offensive in any way, or, gives you pause for concern, please express your opinion by using our convenient "Quick E-mail Submitter" to contact us directly. If you like this open and honest PS, I'd like to hear some good comments as well.