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This is intersting. From a UX perspective, you're basically forcing the user into making a choice on the spot: to subscribe or not. You're in or you're out. It

This is intersting. From a UX perspective, you're basically forcing the user into making a choice on the spot: to subscribe or not. You're in or you're out. It takes away the non-commital mind wandering, nudges those who are favorably on the fence to sign up ("why not; I might forget about this site so let's do it now") and weans out those who don't immediately see the value. For this use-case, it's probably a good thing.

LiterallyDoge 8y ago
I think it's basically a paywall mental model, but without the pay part.
ccantana 8y ago
Exactly. It’s also kind of jarring in a world where content is unlimited, free, and available on every channel. It piques some people’s curiosity to land on a site where it’s semi-restricted.
- mkirklions 8y ago
  I run into the issue that I would much rather give away my money and time saving advice completely free, than charge money. I started my website to help people, not make a petty few grand in profits or grow an email list. However, I know this is bad capitalism. I just don't know if I want to restrict access.
  - graeme 8y ago
    The email list is free though. You just have to take affirmative action to get it. OP meant that this "restriction" piques interest instead of merely closing the tab on ten articles you skimmed the headlines of. No need to charge for the emails or profit from them. But people will give you more attention if your writing is in their inbox.
    - ccantana 8y ago
      Exactly. And if somebody subscribes, you have the chance to reach (and thereby help) them many more times in the future than a fairweather fan who forgets you as quickly as their feeds refresh.
  - mobjack 8y ago
    You don't have to restrict access behind an email to improve signup rates. Have a simple landing page asking for an email address when someone first visits, but provide a way to bypass it if they don't want to give it out. A simple direct ask up front is more effective than having lots of distractions on a page.
    - markhopkins 8y ago
      > Have a simple landing page asking for an email address when someone first visits, but provide a way to bypass it if they don't want to give it out. That's exactly what is there. You can click View The Archive, if you don't want to give your email.
- xapata 8y ago
  BTW, I think you meant "pique" not "peak".
  - ccantana 8y ago
    Good catch, thanks :)

LiterallyDoge 8y ago

I think it's basically a paywall mental model, but without the pay part.

ccantana 8y ago

Exactly. It’s also kind of jarring in a world where content is unlimited, free, and available on every channel. It piques some people’s curiosity to land on a site where it’s semi-restricted.

mkirklions 8y ago
I run into the issue that I would much rather give away my money and time saving advice completely free, than charge money. I started my website to help people, not make a petty few grand in profits or grow an email list. However, I know this is bad capitalism. I just don't know if I want to restrict access.
- graeme 8y ago
  The email list is free though. You just have to take affirmative action to get it. OP meant that this "restriction" piques interest instead of merely closing the tab on ten articles you skimmed the headlines of. No need to charge for the emails or profit from them. But people will give you more attention if your writing is in their inbox.
  - ccantana 8y ago
    Exactly. And if somebody subscribes, you have the chance to reach (and thereby help) them many more times in the future than a fairweather fan who forgets you as quickly as their feeds refresh.
- mobjack 8y ago
  You don't have to restrict access behind an email to improve signup rates. Have a simple landing page asking for an email address when someone first visits, but provide a way to bypass it if they don't want to give it out. A simple direct ask up front is more effective than having lots of distractions on a page.
  - markhopkins 8y ago
    > Have a simple landing page asking for an email address when someone first visits, but provide a way to bypass it if they don't want to give it out. That's exactly what is there. You can click View The Archive, if you don't want to give your email.
xapata 8y ago
BTW, I think you meant "pique" not "peak".
- ccantana 8y ago
  Good catch, thanks :)