Read this report by WebTrends
http://www.webtrends.com/AboutWebTrends/...00000013Di
Quote:Both cookie rejection and cookie deletion result in a loss or distortion of essential metrics. Cookie deletion artificially inflates unique visitor counts and degrades repeat visitor metrics over time, since visitors who delete their cookies are incorrectly recognized as new visitors upon their return. The effects of cookie rejection typically result in the loss of unique and repeat visitor metrics and in some extreme cases, the web analytics system does not track the visit at all. Report distortion from cookie rejection is much greater if the web analytics solution heavily relies on cookies for purchase histories or campaign responses, or, as the solution's only method to sessionize visits.
Quote:the following industry verticals are experiencing third-party cookie rejection at the following rates:
* Retail - 16.9%
* Technology - 12.4%
* Media - 12.1-%
* Services - 11.8%
Microsoft says
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/docum..._cook.mspx
Quote:First-Party vs. Third-Party cookies
A first-party cookie either originates on or is sent to the Web site you are currently viewing. These cookies are commonly used to store information, such as your preferences when visiting that site.
A third-party cookie either originates on or is sent to a Web site different from the one you are currently viewing. Third-party Web sites usually provide some content on the Web site you are viewing. For example, many sites use advertising from third-party Web sites and those third-party Web sites may use cookies. A common use for this type of cookie is to track your Web page use for advertising or other marketing purposes. Third-party cookies can either be persistent or temporary.
How do you move to first-party cookies from third-party cookies ?
[quote author=valleygirl link=topic=1273.msg4817#msg4817 date=1132080632]
How do you move to first-party cookies from third-party cookies ?
[/quote]
One way would be not to use a hosted web stats service (unless the service has moved to 1st party cookies). Unless you eliminate all 3rd party stats services, advertising, etc that are still using 3rd party cookies you won't be able to eliminate their use on your site...and in most cases you'd probably lose more by giving up the services these companies provide than you would gain by eliminating the use of 3rd party cookies on your site.
An article from earlier in the year about cookies. The article summarizes the different arguments for/against cookies.
Quote:"But perhaps reassuring their safety is not enough of a benefit to move the needle," he added. "In other words, the real challenge may be in telling consumers how cookies make their lives (or at least their online experience) better."
Rich Person, chairman and CEO of Poindexter Systems, suggests the debate over cookies must go even further than deciding how to educate consumers. "Marketers need to understand that this isnt about cookie deletion or even data collection -- this is about relevance and control for consumers. And once we realize that and deliver upon its promise, then relevance will lead to an even greater amount of data," he said.
full article:
http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/5801.asp
I have a long history of rejecting/deleting cookies and hating markerters. I'd love nothing more than to screw up their data.