A year-and-a-half later and DZone is still using this outdated business practice, (although it looks like online newspapers will soon attempt the same).

Looks like I’ll be going elsewhere for the info that’s given in the DZone ref cards. (Thanks Skidoosh).

@Rick Ross, I think you have really missed the boat here. Every online service today can benefit from sponsorship and collected data, however, every online service gets you in the door with just 4 fields; Username, email, password, password verified.

It’s how you go from there that makes all the difference. What online service do you know that doesn’t allow you to create a profile once you are a member? Tell me you couldn’t scour through twitter users and find 75 % of them have filled in most of the information you are seeking on your login wall. The difference is that they chose to do this because the feel they own the space and that they can “personalize” it.

Your method of 18 required fields of highly personal information (circa 1999) leaves the hair on most peoples necks standing on end. I suggest a simple registration of 4 fields and let the rest take shape at the users will. Either way it shows up in your database at some point. The later method just leaves a better taste in visitors mouths.

Today I found this blog and I thought I would find more on the same line. Instead, I find all this rant about “why does DZone want my personal information???”.

Is it really worth it? I mean, if the business seems legit and the product provided seems good to me, then why not? I mean, they are not asking me to install some suspicious toolbar, to give my credit card info for no good reason, or anything beyond what is to be expected from your usual customer segmentation. I share some info, I get some useful files; win-win. Should I worry of the use they will make of my info? Well, as much as I worry about leaving my suit at the dry-cleaning: there’s always the risk that something might go wrong; it’s up to you to take it or leave it. The web is no different in many respects to the “outside” world.

I find the risk acceptable. If you don’t, don’t get it. I think comments here should be more about the refcard and less about the way it’s being distributed.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t all the content on DZONE contributed?

thanks for the refcard tho

Dick Ross, how many of the 50,000 users had names like NunuvyerBizniss and YeuSuck Bawls. Because that’s exactly what I put in your ridiculous form. That and my Spam address, tailored for bottom feeders like your associates.

Sell ads, pal. Sell a service. Do NOT force your users to accept unsolicited crap. Anyone making money with this ‘sponsorship’ nonsense is a hack and an idiot. For every one of those knuckledraggers, there’s 20 times more people who make a living without being parasitic dirt bags.

I’m sorry for being so rude, but I haven’t seen anything like for years and I feel very strongly about it. Seriously, didn’t you get the memo?

Today was the first and last time I go to that silly website. It will fail if you continue your misguided tactics. jQuery rocks. I love that book. You have sullied the names of all involved.

I wondered why the hell I hadn’t already registered for DZone, right up to the point that I started registering. I thought I’d check out the comments here to see if I should just suck it up and register. Mr. Ross’ comments sealed my decision.

DZone is welcome to rest their business upon users’ personal information. Hell, Rick is even welcome to his condescending tone. In turn, I’m welcome to ignore them.