# Why am I a "Guest"
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696
**Category:** About This Message Board
**Created:** [September 8, 2008, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696 "2008-09-08T23:27:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2008, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696/1 "2008-09-08T23:27:20Z")
I joined up in 2000, but took an extended break from 2004 through now (lost my password in a computer snafu, and got really busy at work and home). I see I’m listed as a “Guest” under my name. Shouldn’t that be “Member” (or do I need to take some additional action to get membership status back)?
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### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2008, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696/2 "2008-09-08T23:32:15Z")
We’re deciding whether to keep you or not.
Actually, the whole registration system needs to be re-done since the server move and software upgrade. It’s just not a super-duper high priority; eventually, they’ll get everything sorted again and you’ll have your proper title back. Patience.
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### Author:  [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2008, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696/3 "2008-09-08T23:38:18Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#):
>
> We’re deciding whether to keep you or not.
>
> Actually, the whole registration system needs to be re-done since the server move and software upgrade. It’s just not a super-duper high priority; eventually, they’ll get everything sorted again and you’ll have your proper title back. Patience.
Thanks. It’s great to be back.
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### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2008, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-a-guest/462696/4 "2008-09-08T23:44:34Z")
Also, while you were gone, the board went pay-to-post. Unpaid registrants could post for 30 days free, with the member title “Guest.” Once paid, their title changed to “Member.” For those who paid during the initial grace period when PTP was started got the “Charter Member” title and could keep it provided they never let their subscription lapse. But, now, PTP is over and posting is free again; eventually, they’ll get rid of the “Guest” title and change them over to “Member.”
Anyway, that’s why you’re currently a “Guest.”