Numbering by IP wouldn't need a cookie, but it would require the Mudcat server to store information about IP address vs. numbers. A waste of resources on users who can't be bothered to register!

Even then, there'd be no consistency.
Using the same conmputer on a dialup link can result in a different IP address each time you connect.
Even a broadband connection may not keep the same IP address for ever.

Max has always allowed guest postings on principle. Just remember that any GUEST posting, being anonymous and untraceable, does not have to be taken seriously.

I believe IP addresses are logged - that's different. It enables a particular connection to be traced back at least to the originating ISP. Not that I can see much practical use for that...

Anahata