The picture here is part of the signup process for Brand Republic’s website.  I’m wondering why I have to go through mental gymnastics to ensure I don’t get sent stuff from the guys at Brand Republic?  Why is it, that on the one hand that I have to opt in, then on the other opt out of the default?  Is this another case of marketers poisoning the well?

Isn’t the whole point of following Twitter friends or opting in to email the same thing – it’s about finding the people who’ve got something you think is worth investing your time on?  If Brand Republic are trying to trick me into giving my details to some mailing list, is it because it’s easier than helping me see the real value of a subscription – or is it that the value of their email database is higher than the revenue they make from subscription to their magazine?

Unless there’s some legal reason for this, it seems a bit dishonest?  What do you think?