Can't see lobby or games without Registering

[GoodKarmaKid]

Hi I am getting ready to launch a new website and was considering Poker.com as one of the programs that I was going to promote.

As part of my prep for the website I have been downloading screenshots of both games and the lobbies of the various card rooms I will promote.

I hate sites that won't even let you look at the lobby or the games without registering an account. Really low-budget in my opinion. You are basically saying, we are so desperate for your email address that we won't even let you look at our site until you give it to us.

The only other site that I can think of with mandatory registration before even being able to look at the site is True Poker and I feel the same about that site.

I think you should reconsider your policy and allow (potential)players to take a look at your lobby and poker games without having to register.

A Good analagy would be to say that you have a store that sells chocoloate, but you have the windows Tinted black and someone standing at the door saying, "Sorry unless you want to give us your address you can't look at our chocolate, even if you might buy something" Doesn't make much sense if you think about it.

Jason

Edit: I guess you aren't alone, you can add PokerRoom.com and PacificPoker.com to the list of Poker rooms that won't let you look at the games unless you register.

[GregK]

That would make those screenshots on your (& my) site pretty damn worthless then too!

food for thought

[Holis]

I think there are screenshots in the affiliate area...

interesting position you make, I do not share it

[GoodKarmaKid]

I guess I didn't articulate my point that well. Obviously, If you have an affiliate account it isn't that big of deal to create a players account.

I was speaking mostly of the end user-potential player. I don't think the end user/potential player should have to create an account just to look around at the software or a website for that matter.

Drawdead, you don't require vistors to your website to register to look at your site do you? How is this any different? Why should you have to give up your email address just to look around? How is it any different than a store? Why wouldn't you want people to look around and see what you have to offer?

Another example is this forum. I'm guessing this board probably has 3 or 4 times more guest viewers (non registered users) than registered users. If Jeremy required people to register for an account just to view it, he would effectively be limiting the potential exposure the site has by as much as 300% or more.

RE: the screenshots. I like to have fresh screen shots that accurately portray the current version of the software and are unique different than everyone elses screenshots. It's not acceptable to just go to pokerlistings or some other big site and borrow their screenshots.

I think more harm comes than good by requiring users to register/leave an email just to view/software or web pages. Don't get me wrong I want their email address just like the next guy or company but I don't want to miss the opportunity to get the email voluntarily instead of in a mandatory fashion.


Jason

[GregK]

who said anything about stealing screenshots?