What is this registration craze ?

[skuz]

I noticed since the last year or so that the number of websites that require registration has increased a lot.

Most are free registrations, but still, what is the point ?

[PSU2Fan]

So they can send you more "relevant" email offers

[Toadman]

Also prevents multiple usernames by requiring an e-mail address for confirmation. A common troll tactic.

[skuz]

But what's the POINT of having a username just to READ articles ?

For forums, I understand and it's quite logical.

[no1_vern]

So they can provide "user statistics" to the advertisers they are trying to sell space to. The higher amount of users they can prove are visiting their site = the more money they can try to extort for advertising space.

Vern

[Richard Cranium]

For purchasing of hardware, if a site requires my name & email just to give me pricing, they can FORGET IT.