Clarify optional zoomcamp registration

Author: alexeygrigorev

courses/zoomcamp-logistics/before-you-start.md

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ DataTalks.Club zoomcamps are free, multi-week, cohort-based online courses. Each
 
 ## Cost
 
-Free to register, free to take, free to receive the certificate.
+Free to take, free to receive the certificate. Optional registration for course updates is also free.
 
 You may incur small third-party costs if a course uses a paid cloud service. Most cloud providers offer free tiers or trial credits that cover the course material. See the course-specific environment-setup pages.
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Each course runs once a year as a live cohort. Approximate windows:
 - AI Dev Tools Zoomcamp: dates announced separately.
 - Stocks Analytics Zoomcamp: dates announced separately.
 
-For the exact start date, check the course landing page on [datatalks.club](https://datatalks.club). Sign up early to receive cohort announcements by email.
+For the exact start date, check the course GitHub page. Register there if you want to receive cohort announcements by email.
 
 ## Format
 

courses/zoomcamp-logistics/joining-mid-cohort.md

@@ -12,15 +12,15 @@ Discovering a zoomcamp after the cohort has already started is the most common s
 
 ## You can still join
 
-- Registration stays open the whole cohort.
+- Optional registration for course updates usually stays open the whole cohort.
 - Past homework deadlines are missed (no individual extensions).
 - The project window is at the end of the cohort - that determines the certificate.
 - Homework is not required for certification.
 
 ## Catch-up steps
 
-1. Register for the cohort if you have not already (see [Joining a Cohort]({{ '/courses/zoomcamp-logistics/joining/' | relative_url }})).
-2. Open the course's GitHub repo and find the `cohorts/<year>/` folder - the canonical schedule and homework list.
+1. Open the course's GitHub repo and find the `cohorts/<year>/` folder - the canonical schedule and homework list.
+2. Register for email updates if you want them (see [Joining a Cohort]({{ '/courses/zoomcamp-logistics/joining/' | relative_url }})).
 3. Watch the videos for the modules you missed.
 4. Catch up on the homework even if a deadline has passed. It solidifies the material and you can include it in your portfolio.
 

courses/zoomcamp-logistics/joining.md

@@ -12,13 +12,15 @@ The general flow is the same regardless of which course you take. The course-spe
 
 ## Registration
 
-- Register on the course landing page on [datatalks.club](https://datatalks.club). Free, stays open the whole cohort.
-- Registration only signs you up for cohort updates by email. It does not create your platform account.
-- You receive an email with the cohort schedule when the cohort kicks off. Far-away cohorts: the email arrives closer to the start date.
+- Registration is optional. You only need it if you want to receive email updates about the course.
+- The registration link is on the course GitHub page. It is free and usually stays open for the whole cohort.
+- Registration does not create your platform account.
+- If you register, you receive an email with the cohort schedule when the cohort kicks off. Far-away cohorts: the email arrives closer to the start date.
+- If you do not want email updates, you do not need to register. Just show up when the course starts and be ready to work through the materials.
 
 ## Course platform account
 
-The [course management platform](https://courses.datatalks.club/) is a separate account, used to submit homework, track your score, see deadlines, and submit your project. Sign up with any email - it does not have to match the email you used to register for cohort updates.
+The [course management platform](https://courses.datatalks.club/) is the only course account you need. Use it to submit homework, track your score, see deadlines, and submit your project. Sign up with any email - it does not have to match the email you used for optional cohort updates.
 
 For the platform UI, see [Course Management Platform]({{ '/courses/course-management-platform/' | relative_url }}).