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First off, please know that you do not have to register in order to read any articles posted on the Shovel web site. You don't even need it in order to respond to posted articles that are set up for replies (though I may eventually add some posting options only available to registered surfers). The following reasons are why you may want to register (click on "+" for more info):
1) to open a channel for personal contact
What do I mean by "a channel for personal contact"? Basically, email ... without either one of us having to provide an email address (Even though you may want to provide one in your profile for accessing other features. This is explained on the registration page). One of the benefits of this set up is that all correspondence is privately and securely stored in the shovel database. This means I can keep up with you wherever I am, as long as I can get online. So can you. This feature can also be set up to send out an email notification when a response is made.
2) to take advantage of automatic updates and responses to your replies
What are "automatic updates"? When I post a new article, Q&A or a front page "Latest Scoop" you can have it set up to notify you by email. This feature also keeps a record of your last logged in visit so that if you login from any other computer you can quickly find any new postings. Handy, eh? :) This also applies to any responses you've added, as long as you set it up to do so.
3) to not have to enter a security code each time you respond
Because of Internet spam, the "security code" is a necessary inconvenience. And I can tell you from much experience in setting it up that if this was the only benefit offered in registering I would quickly do it! :) When you register you'll need to enter the security code, but then after that - as long as you're logged in - you won't ever have to do it again in order to post!!
4) to personalize your responses
Personalized Responses. Posting as a guest provides an input box where you can enter your name. If you forget to type it in you will only be known as "Guests", and that cannot be changed. Even if you do remember to enter your name in the provided box you'll notice that even though the post shows your name, where it links to the latest entry it will still say, "Guests" rather than the name you entered. Totally impersonal, eh? If you register and then are logged in you won't be asked to enter your name, as it's automatically taken care of. Any other info you enter in the registration, other than your name, will not be visible.
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