I understand why you needed to implement this requirement, but is there an way lurkers like me can get around it? And I'm not talking about a never-poster, just someone who fills in when needed, and keeps quiet most of the time.

I have been a member of the community since way before the congas started spaming the S.P.A.M board, I just don't talk much. Never really saw the point in spamming the boards with "me too" comments, so I try and make my posts count; not in a numerical, but in a meaningful way.

Is there anyway to allow access to these boards once you have been a member for 6 months or a year? I read FT everyday, but am active on less active boards, such as WN. We don't have much to complain about there, or have to worry about making elite or upgrades, so most of the posts are speculation on future cities and how to use the new online technology. Hence my low 29 posts for being a member since November of 2003. And I don't even remember how long I lurked before signing up for an account because I had something to say.

If there cannot be a provision for people like me, I will take my time earning 100 posts. I still see no need to say "yeah, i agree" in a thread full of "me too" posts. Its just a shame that members of the community that contribute cannot have full access to the board.

Thanks for the great site, either way I am happy to be a member.