Unique Usernames vs. Email Addresses - What does this mean for OpenID?

[Dick Hardt]

On 14-Nov-06, at 2:36 AM, Joshua Viney wrote:

> Dick, thanks for your reply.
>
> On Nov 12, 2006, at 5:58 PM, Dick Hardt wrote:
>
> Here is a screen shot on how a site that is taking both existing  
> accounts, OpenID and InfoCards could prompt the user. If the user  
> does not understand InfoCard or OpenID, they will ignore the right  
> hand side. (hopefully this email looks ok to others, looks nice on  
> my Mac right now! :-)
>
> After some serious thought, I am leaning away from the idea that  
> OpenID should support email addresses as an alternative. Make  
> OpenID different so it stands out and users remember it. There is a  
> usability concept that says something to the effect: "If you're  
> gonna make change, make a big one". Make it so users notice it. The  
> OpenID experience needs to be brand-able so users will know what to  
> do when they see the OpenID icon, or at least they'll be prompted  
> to find out more about it. I attached a quick and dirty of a  
> "smart" sign in/reg box that incorporates an interesting concept  
> but relies on all ID formats being unique.

Interesting idea of how to integrate email / password into the flow ...

>
> Is this referring to an RP's implementation? Because it will take  
> pretty significant buy-in from RP's to make these changes. Granted,  
> that might be the price they pay for wanting access to users of  
> IdP's (OpenID, CardSpace, etc.).
>
> I have to ask the question of all questions. Why would any existing  
> high-traffic membership site want to implement OpenID?
>
> I have a little experience managing a few membership/subscription  
> sites (20,000 + registrations/day), and I can't quite see the  
> business motivation unless implementing OpenID could guarantee more  
> memberships or increase conversion. There may be some technical  
> appeal to not having to manage member data, but remember that for  
> membership sites each piece of information gathered is considered  
> an asset.
>
> Can someone give me the elevator pitch? I see the possibilities on  
> the horizon, but I want to know what it can do for us now.

I think it is as you have stated. increased conversion.

-- Dick