I’m starting work on a new website, and I’ve come across a stumbling block. Should I make the site anonymous, like fml and mlia, or shall I require users to register for an account? It’s a big decision, and one which will change how the entire is created and used.

Anonymous Accounts

I like the idea of anonymous accounts, I think it’d encourage more people to post, comment, and rate each feature. It means everyone can jump right in, and start using the site as it is meant to be used, without having another arbitrary login slowing them down/putting them off.

Required Registration

On the other hand, allowing the users to create an account would allow them access to better features, such as a control panel with all their posts, favourites, comments etc. It may put users off from using the site though, if they think that filling out a registration form to post something is too much effort.

I think a happy medium may be to allow both, maybe anonymous comments and ratings, but signed in to post?

How many people would be put off by a registration form?