>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,

Walter, is it fair though for 'others' to pay for what you are getting for free? How about we all get it for free so we are on the same playing field. At that point, none of us have anything. Whether you have to pay has nothing to do with how friendly we all are or how helpful. I don't think the two are related.