Ok, makes sense, but here's my suggestion then:

You could at least tease the users with some details about the opportunity, instead of let them hit hard on a register screen/paywall. It might not give much, but at least the they won't lose context of what they were doing. Only after that, I think it would be more reasonable to ask for registration.

The question here really is: Why do you need to collect user information, and what are gonna do with that? I really believe that you made an amazing piece of work here, but requiring users to register to get access to a collection of public information is simply nonsense...

Sorry, but I immediately lost interest when I found out that I had to register to see something that's already available somewhere else.

Same here too!

Same as well

Then a bad way to do it. Twice!

First, because you should focus on quality content, if you want a steady increase of the number of visitors. Second, because you chose a subject that doesn't have anything good or new to offer.

Here's my friendly advice. Take some time and do a research in some of your favourite blogs. See what kind of subjects attract more visitors, by analyzing the discussion in comments. Then try to find new blogs with those subjects, if they are of your interest. This will help to give you more ideas of what to write. At last, think of something that hasn't been covered much yet in that subject and write about it. This is a good way to attract visitors!

My two cents. ;)

And I read it. Popups are bad for UX, full stop.

You must be joking, right?

I've been receiving FFC newsletters for a while now. Such quality content! Thank you very much for this piece of gold! :D

I already completed the survey, but only remembered of this now. Please, fix the ghost replies bug. I have one sitting on my sidebar for ages!...