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by jwuphysics 1009 days ago
As others have said, forcing a login is a huge barrier.

I wanted to see if any astronomy posts were on the front page, and when I didn't see any, I tried to check out the categories. But when prompted for a login/sign-up, I lost interest.
2 comments
dndndnd 1009 days ago
No worries, I've just removed this, now you can freely read any article with no account needed.

> I tried to check out the categories

Hm, okay!

> But when prompted for a login/sign-up, I lost interest.

This is a one I cannot remove that fast (due to the way backend processes these categories), but I'm just curious, why did you loose an interest? I mean, yes, it requires login, and so?

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jwuphysics 1009 days ago
> why did you loose an interest?

Two reasons:

1. The posts I'd find most interesting in the site are ones related to astronomy and applied machine learning. If there wasn't anything on astronomy (or physics) then I probably wouldn't use the site in the long run.

2.HN is a news aggregator. Most links that reach the front page have something interesting to offer. If I can't access the part of the site I find interesting, then I'll like go back to HN and find another post. (This isn't something I'd love to admit, but oh well.)

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dndndnd 1009 days ago
> If there wasn't anything on astronomy

Okay, gotcha, I think I have an idea how to fix this :)

> Most links that reach the front page have something interesting to offer.

Synthical has this functionality (I mean, "Top articles") in the right bar, but yep, I understand what you mean

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TheHumanist 1009 days ago
I thought you said above that you had removed the login requirement to view categories? I am still being asked to login. Or did I misunderstand? Would be nice to access categories without login necessary. Not seeing a reason that should be required?
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dndndnd 1009 days ago
Nope, I'm sorry if I was unclear, I was saying I've removed requirement to click on articles in the feed. This is a bit more complicated task with categories (due to some backend things I need to change), but I do understand the problem
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TheHumanist 1009 days ago
All good. I misunderstood! I realize it isn't necessarily a quick and easy thing to change. :)
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nsesites 1009 days ago
What do u think is the best login option with least friction? Google login, email link?
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jwuphysics 1009 days ago
Although not the point of my comment (I don't want to sign in at all) -- I personally like a username/password the best.
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Obscurity4340 1009 days ago
Don't use assisted login services. Use a password manager with autofill if you need convenience.
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lying4fun 1009 days ago
Care to elaborate on using assisted logins?
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Obscurity4340 1009 days ago
Assisted logins are any "Login with ____" options. Google, Facebook, Apple, et al offer this. Its a bad deal because they (to a degree) take control away from you and contribute to further unnecessary tracking. I have anecdotally also found it to be annoying in terms of disabling if I changed my mind and wanted to use my own username/address and generated password to more directly control my account associated with it.

Additionally, if your account with the assistee was ever terminated or restricted, you may have a bad time trying to (as I remarked about) get back in direct control of your account. I don't like having all these things daisy-chained. Its like to digital version of being under conservatorship or babysat. If you're not prone to phishing I would advise against it, although I would prefer resolving that cardinal sin in shorter order where possible and practicable.

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