I am confused, I created this account about 2 years ago. Lately I have been using another account created by the person I am working for (I showed him Buzztouch and he fell in love with it and created an account), but now that I log back on (it has been quite a while) to check on my apps, I see that my account is guest. I remember getting an email congratulating me that I was promoted to a member (I think because of all the time I spent on it at first) . I assumed that since I never payed in the first place, that I wouldn't have to (for a renewal or anything else membership related), is this true?

Well, I'd rather let the BT Admin staff answer you. But, recently I was 'a member'. It didn't cost anything. Then I upgraded to a $9.99 account. I was still a member, but my 'membership' was upgraded. Recently, before the end of 2012 (or just in the new year), they released a different 'membership' model. So, in the new business model, former non-paying members are now 'guests'. 'Membership' is via a yearly fee, of which comes many benefits. 'Guest' membership (if that's what it is called) has the same features and capabilities as the former 'non paying' membership. I'm not sure if that will clear things up; Stephen Mecurio is the man of the hour in that respect. If your account is somehow erroneous, he'll be the one who can set you straight. Give him an email (contact info is available on the 'about' page...), and he'll be able to provide the 'official' details and explanation. Cheers! -- Smug

Thanks, it makes sense now

@five_character_name: Welcome back! @SmugWimp is correct, we've made some changes around here and things are moving ahead quickly. We never had a "membership model" before Jan 1st. The idea that you "felt like a member" makes perfect sense..you've been around awhile. You had an account, it had some limitations (that were upgraded for free when we announced the Developer option) and all was good. On Jan 1st we introduced a Membership / Guest approach to try to simplify the idea - it was super confusing before! This means that nothing on your account has changed (number of apps allowed etc) it just means that because you've not clicked through to become a member your account now lists you as a guest It's one or the other - Member or Guest. Regardless of what you're called, you're appreciated. You've been around forever, we're stoked about that, and we don't have any plans to "take anything away" from you. Have a great day.

so @david, does that mean that all of us "old-timers" now have to Pay to continue developing apps and plugins? I went to look at doing a plugin today and it said I needed to become a member...

@david...Along those lines, I just checked and it also says I do not have a self hosted server. I DO have one, although I have never updated to Version 2.1.8, I am still running 2.1.6. Should I update? Will I lose everything i have if I do? Thanks Al :-)

....just don't want all the apps i have to crash....:-(