question about the Facebook sign up page birthdate link

I was looking at the facebook signup page contemplating joining or not. (yes, one of the handful non FF members remaining on the planet). I saw the help link "Why do we need your birthdate?" But when I clicked it, a popup box started up with: "Loading..." . I immediately closed the tab to stop the load. Why does some app have to load on my computer to answer that question? The fact that the answer to the question was not simply available kinda reinforces why I haven't joined FF up until now. Loss of control. TMI.

Even this forum registration had excess info required. what games I play? birthdate? I participate in MANY online forums and have never seen so much information requested to signup to a simple forum.

Well, nothing so serious about it. They are asking so much info so as to make the site more and more relevant to Facebook original. Thats all. And about that loading thing, I havent checked it but i guess they were trying to redirect you to some other page which may be FAQ or some Help Center, no big deal in that.