Jul 08 2008
Tip of the Day: Non-User Amenities
Today’s post is about non-user, -member, or -registered amenities. These are those services or features that are offered to end-users who are not yet members of your site.
For example: http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/
Visit this URL while on a mobile device, or using a mobile browser, or even with spoofed user agent settings and you can see that it immediately asks you the type of connection you are on and whether or not you would like the full user experience or a limited one (for those with obvious broadband deficiencies).
Now, let’s be honest. No one needs to provide everyone anything. That is, if I have a commercial site or a site that generates revenue in any fashion — it is simply NOT my responsibility to provide for users that have not enlisted my services.
So for them to be aware of this situation and then develop their site accordingly is a very unique, far too uncommon practice. I would not be surprised if they had an R&D person or two.
Think about these things when you develop your applications or sites. After all, giving a bear a taste of honey is not a way to scare him off.

