You're basing your opinion on no data, I presume? I'd bet that some users absolu...

timcederman · on July 13, 2009

Really? If they're attentive enough to turn off masking, why wouldn't they just enter their password into notepad and then copy/paste?

huhtenberg · on July 13, 2009

Because it's less convenient.

inerte · on July 13, 2009

And what data do you have? I don't have statistics favouring a checkbox password masking option neither.

We're into untested territory thinking here, and I don't believe calling for statistics will disprove anyone. In the absence of hard numbers, I take your challenge.

staunch, I bet you $25 (via PayPal) that two users will not uncheck password masking off, when presented with an explanation what it's for, without looking either to the left, right or behind before typing the password.

staunch · on July 13, 2009

I think the percentage will come down to demographics, the kind of site, the copy, and ten other variables. My wild guess is that it will be 5%+ without trying hard.

I'll probably try this on one of my sites (I've tried no masking before). Maybe I'll blog it. You can keep your $25.