Boston.com: Registration

Boston.com is going to go on an use registration for their site starting next week. Registration is free, but its just another step to go through. My advice, sign up now. Here is the letter from Boston.com:

Dear Friends,

You've probably had to register at other websites that you visit -- online stores, auction sites, and so forth. Now it's our turn to ask you to please register with us.

This week, we're holding a preliminary registration period; beginning some time next week, registration will become mandatory.

Yes, we know, we know -- it's a bother. And we don't like to bother you. So why are we doing it? We have two really good reasons:

1. We want to know you better. Seeing how many users read a story or do the crossword puzzle is limited research; we want to give you more of the stories and features you like.

2. Our advertisers want to reach those who are most interested in their products. So if you live in a certain geographic area, for example, one of our retailers might place an ad for a store near you on the pages you visit.

Our registration is free, and we've worked hard to make it quick and easy. If you don't delete the "cookie" that will be set on your computer, you'll never have to sign in again -- we'll recognize you. (If you use a different computer, you will have to sign in.)

Please stay with us and become a member of Boston.com. We'll continue to provide you:

Up-to-the-minute breaking news
Sports news and features, chats, and Dirt Dogs
The Boston Globe daily and Sunday editions
Photo galleries and audio slideshows

Restaurant and movie reviews
Crossword, comics, and puzzles
E-mail alerts and newsletters
Message boards and chats

And we promise to keep improving. If you have any questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions or send us feedback. Thanks for visiting Boston.com.

Lisa M. DeSisto
General Manager, Boston.com