Aqua-Soft ForumsI know that there is a Web Development soction, but I don't feel that it belongs there. This thread is too informal for that. Now, let's begin.
I just signed up for an MLB account (on mlb.com of course) to get the text game feed, and I couldn't believe the rediculous things they do when you sign up. Fist they give you three fields: Email; Password; Confirm Password and of course the standard submit. With this you think it will be a simple and quick form. Maybe just those two elements. But no.
Then you get to a screen where there are about 20 other questions ranging from your first name, last name and where you live. First off, this is a sports site, you don't need to know what state I live in or if I would like to "Recieve any other offers" If you have to ask, always assume the answer will be no. Don't make the user have to take the initiative to not to be bothered. Also, about 2/3 of the items were marked as "must answer" and the rest not. Don't put all the other crap if you don't need to know them, simple as that.
Then the next page, does MLB.com really need to know how much I make? What my marridal status is? No. Another use less page and more wrong answers to give to the thrid party company that pays you money to ask these ridiculous questions that we give no effort in answering.
The next page: Don't have the "Newsletters" all added to our profile to recieve, and then once again, make the user take the initiative to get rid of the stuff WE DO NOT WANT. Not only do they do that, they want you to check the ones you don't want, and then click "Remove". So you have to send the data, and load an entierly new page. Way to make is user friendly.
Lastly, don't make it go back to a page that every link that you click opens a new window. It's just as easy to click the "back" button as it is to close a window.
Conclusion: If anybody out there has a company or something that requires registration, adhear to these wise words of the wizard:
1. If something is "Not Required", I guess you don't need to waste the time to add it, now do you?
2. If you supply news, or anything that does not need what my sex is, don't ask it.
3. If you are asking questions for trivia or because somebody else wants you to, don't.
4. If you have "Newsletters" or other "Helpful Information", don't assume that we want them.
5. Don't give the "We find that our customers like getting the information." "Our customers like getting e-mail telling me how I can lose 40 pounds in 2 hours." We don't buy it anymore.
Thank you.
