Online Journalism News

Media Guardian online to require registration

The Guardian Unlimited, web site of the UK broadsheet newspaper, has begun asking users of its media section to register before using the site.

Registration is not compulsory until 8 March, and users are being offered the chance to win a Mac iPod digital music player if they register before then.

There are no plans to start charging for the site, according to the newspaper, though no other free part of the site currently requires registration.

"We don't anticipate that the drop-off rate will be a problem," said a Guardian spokesperson.

"For most people, this is an essential site - and it's a very simple registration process."

Registration involves giving information about your location, employment status and industry sector. The Guardian estimates that process will take less than one minute, and the information will inform both their editorial content and their advertising.

"We're not planning to change the product, but it will help us to give readers what they want," said the Guardian.

"This will also help to keep the site free by allowing us to offer more targeted, effective advertising."

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See also:
http://media.guardian.co.uk

Tags (click tag to find related articles; click icon for feed):
the guardian | united kingdom | broadsheet newspaper | the guardian unlimited |

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Got a story? Email our news team: Laura Oliver; Judith Townend or telephone +44 (0)1273 384290. You can also follow us on Twitter: @journalismnews / @LauraOliver / @JTownend.