As my free introductory one-month membership nears expiry, I’ve just noticed that some people are ‘Members’ rather than ‘Chartered Members’ - which I thought was the opposite of ‘Guest’.
Any difference between the two?
This should be in ATMB, but the difference is, that once the board decided to go pay, they offerred existing members a reduced rate. That gave the title of “Charter Member”. Everybody that signed up after that was simply known as member. Welcome to the boards! It is the best and most authoritative site on the web.
Not sure, but I think you may be seeing “member” used in old posts before there was a fee for membership.
Are you sure Shagnasty? I’m pretty sure all paying members are called Charter Members.
Guinastasia is one such ‘Member’. He joined in July 2000, incidentally.
Of course, it’s Charter not Chartered.
Move the thread by all means to its proper home!
The main difference is one of breeding and penis size.
Of course CHARTER MEMBERS are far in advance in this matter.
Why do you ask, Shortround?
Ah, I didn’t realise *that * kind of member was involved!
Absolutely. That’s why Guinastasia got one when we did the change.
(But just a little one.)
Yeah, these title things are confusing. 
Initially, perhaps.
What’s up with that? I see “member” tacked on posters who haven’t written anything in over a year. I don’t think they registered, but then some “members” do post. So, like, what’s up?
That would be She joined…
And of course CHARTERED MEMBERS are so far in advance people are paying THEM.
Moved to ATMB.
-xash
General Questions Moderator
$10 and a couple months.
Guin is a special case. Her title was changed to something else, and then back to member manually, so it didn’t automatically switch when the switch to CM was made.
Most others are old threads when everyone was a member. If that person hasn’t come back to post (say, Scylla) since the switch, they are still member.
So, if you never posted as a “guest” when the subscription plan changed, you remain a “member” forever? (At least on screen.)
Yeah, as a guest or never paid up your sub.
You mean a Member pays $4.95?
“Couple months”?
Have I stumbled on a plot for Umbeerto Eco’s next novel?!
To clarify: from March of 1999 until March 21st 2004, the Straight Dope Message Board was free to anyone. Anyone could register and become a member. After 12:00h on Monday, March 21st 2004, the SDMB went pay. For a one month period, anyone could sign up at $4.95 and become a charter member. Anyone else became a “Guest” and their account was terminated after thirty days and their status changed to “Member.” After April 21st, the rate became $14.95 and the title granted to payees became “Member.” Thus, anyone who signed up between March and April, 2004 is a charter member. Anyone who signed up and did not pay anytime after March 21st is a “Guest.” Anyone who either: signed up before March, 2004 and did not pay after March, 2004 OR payed for an account after April 21st, 2004 is a “Member.”