Cheap and it is highly secure, in the sense that no one knows that you are looking at them. In recent years, the internet has vastly increased the ability to do passive intelligence. The flow of passive material decreases the cost of intelligence and increases the time for analysis. Problem-the same intelligence is available to everyone. Stratfor’s strength is efficient gathering of passive intelligence, rapid patterning, superb analysis. Or so we tell our customers. Better to have a few sources in your pocket as well.

Either to contact existing sources or to ping people who make their living being sources (State Department Country Desk.) Carries a minimal risk of revealing the mission. Sometimes requires masking and a cover.

Always requires more effort that browsing the internet. Too bad.