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Requiring login after getting user input is a dark pattern.

This bad implementation of it makes it even worse.

I hate it with a passion and I will boycott services that do those inconsiderate things to me.

True, but it's extremely effective at getting registrations, almost to the point that you're dooming yourself without it. Anyone and everyone uses it, big and small. Google can afford any random user to run a few queries before dangling the hook, but it's all the same.

Most dark patterns are indeed done for the benefit of the one who is doing them.

We just updated the product! now your initial prompt is passed by after you sign-up

But you still let the user put in the effort before revealing they'll have to sign up. Just be upfront.

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