No, actually, I don't need to create an account

There is a danger out there on the Internet. It's putting our very sanity at stake. Maybe it's just me who has noticed but I'd like to call all of your attention to a silent threat to all of our online time: "Uneccesary Account Creation" (UAC).

I'd noticed UAC increasing over the last few months and years. It started in obvious places. Buying something online and using my credit card. Online bill pay and banking. Joining some type of social networking something. Creating an online email account. Places where I want my information to be password protected. Places where I don't want someone to have access to my content, or posting content on my behalf. Where it makes sense for the online resource to have some information about me in exchange for better and more personalized service and some security.

Ok, fair.

Then it began to creep to other places...like travel websites that you frequently use, online publications, local ticket information sources and email newsletters. But I get that too. I need to sign up to read your publication. You want marketing data or I have to pay for a subscription. I give you my info, you let me read yours.

Good trade.

But it's slowly become completely out of control...nowdays it seems every website I visit wants me to create an account. Do I really need to create a password protected account on Hallmark.com to send a FREE e-CARD? Really? Cause if someone out there is sending unauthorized birthday wishes to people in my name I am actually ok with that. Do I really need to create a password protected account to view the traffic on the local news website? Really? Cause FYI - you can get that information from a FREE broadcast on TV and the RADIO.

While UAC is an increasing problem, it's the side effects that are actually more dangerous. Millions of American face the password dilemma EVERYDAY: Do you create a new and unique password for every website or do you just keep using an old favorite over and over?

And if you DO use an old favorite, don't you worry about the fact that so many potentially dodgy websites have your password that you may or may not use (or a version of) for your online banking and other actually important information?

Shoot, I have so many passwords to remember that I am screwed on those websites that lock you out after the 3rd failed attempt.

Just send me a new one. It's easier.

So this is a call to action people! Refuse to register! Refuse to give them a user name and password! Together, we can STOP UAC TODAY!!!

Maybe I can get Colbert to take this up as part of his campaign. Whaddya think?

Update: I actually found a pretty cool website with fake logins for websites that make you register and coupon codes for retail stores that make you register. Apparently, I'm late to the game.