II remember as a youngster in the early 00's our teachers and librarians constantly reminded students, "Don't believe anything you read on the internet. Always check your references."

This was an inherent precursor when using the early internet, and is even more relevant today.

That's a false dichotomy brother.

Being honest about malicious intentions does not vindicate your actions.

No one said that it does, you are misrepresenting what you are replying to.

Actually that's pretty much the way the original comment (4 levels above yours) reads:

"I'd rather have the company tell me it's all about the baseline (i.e. screw people over) and be honest about it -- than pretend that it cares"

That doesn't say anything about absolving bad behavior with honesty, only that deception and bad behavior is worse than bad behavior alone.

and i don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Ah yes, this is another great point. When people think they are being watched or monitored, activity fundamentally changes.

Excellent comment. I fondly remember the old advertisements and banner ads. Now-a-days most online ads are by major international corporations.

I was having this thought this morning in the gym, they had fox news blaring and I thought, who still believes this nonsense? The US should bring back the FCC fairness doctrine pertaining to TV and radio news channels, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCC_fairness_doctrine