The Cost of Registration

Somebody commented on one of my blogs today that having to register for free SW applications and solutions was not open and it was just plain wrong.  Why?  In registration, you are asked to provide some information.  Why?  So the people who are working hard to GIVE you your free application can communicate with you, can get feedback and can inform of you new developments.

And at the end of the day, what is the cost of that reservation?  And what did you gain from that registration?  In many cases, open solutions result in fairly significant cost savings or allow you to get something you may not have been able to afford.  What are those savings?  What is the ROI on the newly gained functionality?  What price can you place on the free and open solution?  

A registration process in many cases.  Small price to pay.

Last question:  When is the last time that you, avid user of free software, gave back to the creators in some way?  Giveback takes many forms and often can be as simple as a thank you email.  Most of us are in this because we have a dream that we are following.  And you have nothing if you don't have dreams.