Evan,

>The problem with a trial period is that there is no way to verify who the user really is. They can keep signing up for trial periods. Actually I guess there is one way, you can take a credit card... but this may deter people from even trying out the UT.

Yep, this would be a major problem. The fine thing about the UT is that it's open to everybody (Note that I am also not a PUTM. But i've decided that as soon as I get my creditcard I'll sign up).

Here on the UT we have a tradition of a friendly helping people, no matter the their religion, opinions and the country they come from. Some people simply cannot afford a PUTM, because they live in some 3rd world country. I really hate to see that they would be excluded from the UT.

It also burdens people to get a member because they're not sure it this is what they're looking for, or if it's worth the costs. Personally I think I wouldn't be here when I didn't have the opportunity of getting on the UT for free.

I think it would be a major mistake to close the UT for non-members !

Walter,