Serial-Numbers-We-Love-You

I type in my share of cryptic serial numbers. Product registrations, software keys, warranty info–any number of associated features and services are often only accessible by entering in a series of letters and numbers. And over the years, I’ve developed an opinion or two about them. Here are some:

First, do serial numbers have to be so long? If you’re Adobe and you’re protecting an entire suite of products, well then, OK. You have a big product. But a children’s toy or a power tool? If you have a kid on your lap, do you really want a parent to type LL95-TG6H-ES64-G9D7-XTS7-MX96-3JAA??? I say, if someone is able to hack the Beanie Babies 2.0 code system, they’ve earned their virtual stuffed animal. Keep in mind that the IRS tracks the entire US Population with just nine numerical characters.

Second, PLEASE stop mixing numerals like zero or one, with letters like lower case l or captital O. They both look the same and I can’t tell which is which.

Third, make the code you want REALLY OBVIOUS in the packaging. Too frequently, I get a box full printed matter, each with an assortment of numerals. We often don’t know the difference between a UPC, WebID, or the 56 other random sets of numbers included with the product. If you require a code, make it obvious.

Finally, stop waterboarding my brain with a form that asks me to fill in my name, pets name, mother’s birthplace, and the place where my great Aunt Alice first tasted ice cream before submitting me to a 34 character typing test, only to give me an error, and making me start from scratch. At the very least, let me prove my validity to you up front, and then treat me with the dignity worthy of a paying customer.

Anyone else fed up? Then join me, by registering at my free Web site, Just use the serial number 100looI-o0ol1lii7H65-sdf*^@(&%^-$/25565xylt-34-ZTstr (it is case sensitive).