Before we get to online travel, an announcement: It’s that time of year again. Our favorite trade show -- @d:Tech New York -- is coming up in about a month and, as we’ve done many times in the past, we’ve worked out a special discount offer for MediaPost members.

Here’s a nice surprise: while some areas of e-commerce are stagnant or slumping, online banking is actually experiencing strong growth.

I don’t know if the following is mildly amusing or seriously alarming. You decide.