Deleting Accounts - Not Easy
27. September 2007 – 20:02 byToday I had a look at the long list of passwords at the various services I registered with over the last couple of months. It is an impressive list though I hardly use some of the services anymore; some accounts were created just for testing purposes anyway.
But is it easy to delete an account? Well, it is not. Here’s the list of services which I am not using anymore:
- Listible: I don’t have a clue why I registered with it. I don’t have a need for a service like that. Though where is the “Delete Account” button? I guess I have to write an email to Listible.
- Frappr: I hardly used Frappr. Also have there been any new features recently? It has been easy to deactivate my account, though.
- Folkd: I just registered for testing purposes. It’s not a bad service, though. Users are sent a verification code for account deletion; still waiting for it.
- Cluztr: Never really used it. Account deletion by email (hopefully).
- Keepm: When I was looking for a contact manager I tried Keepm as well; don’t need it though. Account deletion by email.
- Shared Copy: I just had a short look at it. Account deletion by a web form.
- StumbleUpon: Many people love it. Probably I just can’t see the usefulness of it. Account deletion page, discovered after reading the FAQ.
- BlogCatalog: It’s similar to MyBlogLog but I don’t think it’s very useful for me. Account deletion by email as stated in the Help section.
- Profilebuilder: I haven’t tried Profilebuilder again. No button or info on how to delete an account. Hopefully an email works.
- coRank: Actually I like coRank but unfortunately I don’t have enough time to use it regularly. Haven’t found a link or button to delete the account, so I have tried a web form.
- Omnidrive: Used it for testing purposes only. Account deletion by email.
I will probably delete more accounts later; those ones above are just a start. I have had to realise that it is more difficult to delete an account than to create one. Of course, services don’t want to lose any users but it doesn’t make much making account deletion difficult. Yep, I know, the number of users is important for services regarding funding, ad revenue,… but still. Make leaving as easy as joining, please.
8 Responses to “Deleting Accounts - Not Easy”
Yeah, came across deleting some accounts I don’t use or just tried and cancelling an account is a nightmare these days. Either they want to collect your info or they just need it for their “statistics”. It’s not that they need it to raise funds or VC, they won’t even make revenues from the ads as most people visit the site only for a few days and then never again. And most people don’t even bother deleting accounts as they are not so much concerned about it.
Try reading the TOS of many sites and many vaugley describe that you might cancel the service, but when it comes to actually doing it there ist NO Button or at least an application form for deletion. Worst was an local “Networking Site” (KL.eins.de) which ignored my request COMPLETLEY!! Even after trying a few times. It’s not myspace or some startup where they are bombarded with mails from everyone. It is a simple procedure in their database. Nothing less.
Tried cancelling Pownce? You can’t unless you write an E-Mail.
It’s a 50/50 situation as most sites do actually provide the function, but still, as a user you should decide what you want to do at most of the sites that tell you they want “user generated content” but just don’t really care about the user himself.
By JVXP on Sep 27, 2007
Pownce is difficult as well? Well, I’ll keep it for while, I guess.
And yes, it’s a bad user experience if you can’t delete an account easily. Unfortunately you just realise it, after registering an account.
By Carsten Pötter on Sep 27, 2007
Fortunately, I’m not using any of the services you mentioned, but I am registered with a plethora of others. I’m already afraid of the day when I will sit down and try to delete a great part of my accounts. Planning to do so within the next months; I’ll try to remember to blog about my experience.
By Matthias on Sep 28, 2007
Yes, would be interesting how it works with other services.
By Carsten Pötter on Sep 28, 2007
Try Digg. You have to send them an email and after that, your account is not deleted, it’s simply “suspended”. What’s up with that? If I want out, I want out!
By Trok on Sep 29, 2007
Ha, I don’t have a Digg account.
By Carsten Pötter on Sep 29, 2007
Yeah, I’m really upset that I can’t delete my accounts. Not only that, but google has cached all of them so now, anyone can search and know about what I’m doing online and there’s nothing I can do about it. Fuck, this comment will probably get cached too.
By Jen on Oct 4, 2007
The internet is still a rather new medium and people will have to learn how to deal with it. A lot of information will be available for years, so it is a good idea to think about what to post online (images, comments, blog posts,…). Though Google doesn’t know everything about your online life.
By Carsten Pötter on Oct 4, 2007