The Internet invasion of privacy - what is sensible data to request from users

Ok, can you see a theme yet ?

No, it's just not a place to rant, although you may think that. Rather I am trying to make people think about their world a little differently, and how they live in it.

Now, the web. The web is becoming such a standard social interaction and workflow tool that it's almost as vital as a credit or debit card. Just today I found the same issue in two different areas , so what do you consider about these two interactions (ie what would you do and do you find it reasonable) - they are both asking for my full name (what I consider a very personal request for such an impersonal/anonymous medium as the web):

1. I received an email from the admin of a site about a email subscription I completed. Their only request was for a valid email address. Fine I thought, so I gave them my internet email address. I then got a reply from one of the people there asking for my full name. No reason was provided at signup point, so I decided to write back asking how they will use the information. With so much spam email and phishing occuring, why would anyone just send their details out to anyone who 'seems to be' the same people.
2. I joined a new social networking (ie web 2.0) site. All well and good, but I could not register until I provided my full name. Tried a few obvious options, but no, I needed a 'full name'. I did this but on my terms.

My 'take': In many internet sites I question the validity of the information they ask to collect. Why ask for a full name, when I cannot see what I am getting myself into and what they intent to do with my details once they've got them. It may have been the fault of the person who invited me to join this site, but is the onus on my friend to say something about registration (if in fact they care) or the company to tell me how they will use my information and why then need to collect it.

I would recommend that websites should only collect enough information they need to do whatever it is that you want, and inform people how the information will be used upfront, so they can agree or not right at the start. Some forms are just stupid and longwinded and downright invasive with no regard to privacy.

Can u use this - if you would feel uncomfortable having to give this information to someone you don't know then don't ask for it and don't collect it. Also, look at the entire picture and the sum of data you are trying to collect on a person. Make collection of this information OPTIONAL. Google manage to let you sign up to accounts with a existing current valid email address and an username (if it's free). The web medium is NOT the same as snail post so don't try to get the same information.