Asking for an email address. The question of timing pops up.

You visit a site and three seconds into your experience the site asks for the email address.

Aggressive marketing or bad form? What if a car dealer met you at the door and asked for your personal information before saying hello? You would probably look for the door.

Yet websites continue to ask early and often for the keys to your inbox. Better to give you a peaceful experience before popping the question of the email address. You want a chance to look around, feel welcome and become engaged in the content.

Courtesy and privacy

The email address today is like a social security number or driver's license. This unique identifier provides access not just to your mailbox but to your life. Why would anyone give it out to a stranger?

Timing is everything.