You don't have to register as a Reader: you're free to download as much or as little as you like. Eat for free. Full registration as a Reader provides benefits:
 

• You can post feedback for the stories you've read, and rate them
• You can opt to receive new stories posted in a particular genre, sent directly to your in-box
• You'll be automatically notified  about competitions we'll be running in the future
• You'll have access to the Y2R community in which you can share ideas, promote a favourite author, recommend books, and tell everyone about what you're reading at the moment
• You can place links to your own Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts