On: I don't want to register before downloading

[teej]

One thing that I'm surprised I don't see more often is an un-required mailing list sign-up integrated into the download. iTunes does this (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) and it makes sense. You're asking something simple of the downloader, not getting in their way, and you have the chance of getting another email on your mailing list. Mailing lists are valuable, so it's a great way to monetize a free user without being an ass.

[akirk → teej]

Well, most people don't get that it's optional, and this is also in part because they don't make it obvious that it is in fact optional.

Clever in some way but I still consider it as tricking people into signing up.