So, I went to a chain restaurant here in R.I., and the bill had an offer to win $1,000 by filling out a customer-satisfaction survey. There was a web address and a code number.

I could certainly use the bucks, so I logged on. It turns out that they can identify the restaurant and the actual waiter who waited on us, and if I wanted to be horrible I suppose I could have flamed him, though he did nothing wrong.

Actually, in working-class solidarity, I made sure to give him some creds.

It’s all too complicated and 1984 for me. I think I’ll go local next time.