Curious about "Guests"

[wuzzy]

Just wondering why "guests" can see posts and links and don't have to register. There any reason why everyone doesn't have to register to view posts.There would be a big increase in members if they had to register. I know they can't post anything unless you're a member. Reason I ask is because I am on some other forums, mostly car ones, and most you have to register to see posts.

[random.]

What would the benefit of requiring people to post? Sure, some of those would eventually post, but if people don't want to register and post to begin with there's no reason for them to, it would just take up possible names of people who do wish to post.
Also, some guests are just members who don't stay logged in all the time.

Oh, and like Xnarg said a few threads down...
Keep in mind that competing sites do not have such requirements.

[arjunsr]

most sites that force you to register either charge you, reasonably small and want to boost their membership #'s, or there's a privacy concern. its a public board. the only real request we get a lot is to "save" deals.. but the site doesn't live in a vacuum.. fi they don't lurk here. they'll lurk somwhere else.

[Aluvus]

When I come across a site that requires registration to view, I just hit the back button and find another site with the information I want. I think most people take a similar approach.

On rare occasions I will visit Bugmenot or look for a technical loophole (some sites use CSS to hide content... and my browser can just disable CSS). But register? Unlikely.

[implode]

I see the benefit of that being like a car dealer that lets people roam the lots on certain times without dealers showing you around. Your free to try out the business or slickdeals without any pressure to join or not join. You like it you will inevitably join. Non subs see additional ads, and support our site.

I wish they would institute some private threads for things like coke cap giveaway.