Don't stalk your customer Imagine having the feeling that someone is always watching you, lurking in the shadows, following you when you drive around town, or peeping through your window at home. In the extreme, they may even be aware that their employer is monitoring e-mail and phone usage. Regardless of the circumstance, it is evident someone is watching and recording their behavior.
Web users are accutely aware of and concerned about privacy issues.
In particular, users are concerned about how their most private information will be used, such as credit card information, addresses, purchasing habits, etc. However, some web sites ask users to provide info before they can even enter the site. From a usability perspective, it slows the user down, which is inappropriate. If you are attempting to prevent abuse of certain features, such as message boards, ask users to provide as little information as possible. Determine what information is absolutely essential, and resist asking for additional information.