I find Jennie's comment to be a bit disturbing. I'm a member of many internet boards like this, and I think the reason I never became a member has more to do with the fact that I've never had to pay a membership fee on any of them. To be considered "cheap" is insulting.
I don't think it's really a matter of considering guests to be cheap, or of giving members an advantage.
If I have a rental, and two people make equivalent offers, I have to choose between them. I could simply accept whichever offer comes first, or I could set a criteria - all things being equal, maybe I prefer to do business with the person who supports TUG through paying a membership fee.
If Jennie ad stated it that way - giving a slight edge to someone supporting the website, rather than implying cheapness on the part of non-member, I don't think anyone would have taken issue.
By the same token, I am also more likely to do business with someone I have seen contributing in other ways, such as offering solid helfulp advice on the BBS and being an active member of the community (I am probably more likely to do business with such a person than with someone who has simply paid the membership fees, though the person who does BOTH trumps all).
While I agree in principle with the idea of not paying for content which is available for free, I also believe in supporting those who make that information more readily available. I make extensive use of our public library for both books and DVDs, but I do still sometimes buy books or DVDs of particular interest, and I do occasionally see movies in the theater... same idea. TUG membership is not for everyone, in the same way that timeshare ownership is not for everyone... to each his own.
by remaining a guest.
