BBC sites now reqire login for services...

[Technical Ben]

For their radio and iplayer. I can understand for the iplayer, it's a pain though for the radio (and wonder if it breaks some devices???).

I do not feel one way or the other, I totally am not annoyed, and am indifferent to this... as I know they are probably all watching us now checking what we do and say!!!

[Simon]

I use iPlayer Radio quite a bit, and I've only had to login once.

[zappaDPJ]

Why do you need a login to listen to the iPlayer Radio when you don't need a licence? Not that I do listen to the radio. They will probably make it a criminal offence not to listen to the radio one day

[Simon]

Presumably because it's part of iPlayer streaming services?  Obviously, if you just listen to a normal radio live, you don't need a licence. 

[Technical Ben]

As said, they tell us already "to help improve services and track..." well, I assume it's just so they can track everything.

[zappaDPJ]

well, I assume it's just so they can track everything.

Absolutely.

I know I'm an anomaly, a freak of nature but I don't watch television which is verging on a being a criminal offence in the UK. This doesn't affect me but it's clearly aimed at licence enforcement.

[mervl]

I assume it's the catch up facility on the apps. I use the FM radio facility on my mobile. The sound is great with the right firmware mods, and there is no need to register for anything, even recording. Even (or especially) the exercise for my brain is free!! 

But I'm amused by the way so many of us think things should be "free" (for us, of course; not for other people).  How many of us work in our main employment for no wages? Or even for a fixed fee, and don't expect to be paid more for extra services? And enthusiastically charge extra when we can. Especially, in my experience, in IT services!!!

[nowster]

Especially, in my experience, in IT services!!!

Never heard of "mates' rates"? 

[Technical Ben]

Absolutely.

I know I'm an anomaly, a freak of nature but I don't watch television which is verging on a being a criminal offence in the UK. This doesn't affect me but it's clearly aimed at licence enforcement.

Oh, I got a nice ambiguous and leading email from them... with the little reminder at the end "you don't need a tv licence if you don't watch TV..." because they have to put that in there!

OH, I don't think it should be "free". I can always go back to my CDs. If they wish to charge per "performance" of cd (some countries do, offering a general Tax or a general blank media tax), then I'll just whistle to myself... if they charge for this (again, some countries cover this as a "performance" and tax it), I can listen to my phonographic memory.

I don't mind paying for things. I want to keep to the law. But if it's annoying or troublesome, difficult or just plain rude, I'll live without. I don't see ice cream men/women forcing a fee on everyone when it rains! The rest of us do work for our wages, and don't ask others to pay for us to do an enjoyable job (and where I work we do have volunteers, so I know not everything/everyone has to do the job they do, such as we don't have to have musicians, but I'm grateful for them and buy their records etc).

[zappaDPJ]

I don't mind paying for things.

I don't either and I used to be of the opinion that the BBC should be funded from taxes even though I don't watch it. However the lack of accountability within the organisation makes me think a subscription service might a be the better option.

[Simon]

To be honest, I listen to radio a heck of a lot more than I watch TV.  It's on all day while I am working, and while I'm pottering about at home.  I'd be quite happy to pay the licence fee just for that, as I find what I listen to informative and entertaining.  At around 40p per day, it's cheaper than most newspapers, and far better value, in my opinion.  TV as well, is an added bonus!   

[zappaDPJ]

It appears this has now been implemented and the registration process goes way beyond a simple login and password: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37477229

[Technical Ben]

Do some research on Coca Cola and schools/young people. It's interesting how they "help" people with tracking and advertising. Plan ahead and all that.