So last month I jokingly commented that Amazon should let people surf by books that look like other books, but I realize now that I missed the far, far bigger picture.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Amazon's purchase circles. Amazon takes all their information on who buys what and who likes what and creates aggregations of what items are disproportionately popular in a given geographic region, company, school, or other institution. Similarly, they use this data to tell you what you'll think of other items based on the opinions of 'people like you.'

All very well and good, as now they can tell you what your community is reading and listening to, so you have to think less, but I'm waiting for the next step. With all the data they have on people, places, purchases, and your likes and dislikes, it seems only natural that Amazon should branch out into the real estate market.

Think about it: Amazon could turn the tables 90 degrees and tell you "People who think like you do live in Anytown, USA. Click here for houses in that area."

In fact, why stop there? What about Amazon.com Dating Circles? "Here are the top ten people in your area who share your taste in Books | DVDs | Music | Toys" Amazon could give advice on roommate selection. you can run a credit check and an amazon personal compatibility profile for only $9.95 per pairing.

You could tie in your E911-equipped cellphone to amazon and it can call you when there's someone near you who's also read "To Kill a Mockingbird" in the last 6 months.

The possibilities are endless. Buy stock now...