October 2012 prompt: Micro-targeting Considered

A few weeks ago, the New Yorker published a piece by James Surowiecki about the campaign strategy of micro-targeting, using specific data to pinpoint likely supporters and persuading them to vote on election day.  What do you think of such a strategy?  Is it merely the latest version of "vote for me" appeals candidates have always made or have campaigns taken it one step too far?  Is this a sign of the digital information age being out of control or just modern campaigning?