Well, registered Members can:

1. Send each other private messages (and therefore sign up for members activities like the Secret Santa exchange)


2. Keep track of favorite threads indefinitely (and thus, refresh them whenever they want, so they need not drop off the forum after 24 hours)


3. Participate in the Mudcat Auction (both offering and bidding on items)


4. Take part in the live chat room.


Those options don't appear in the drop-down menus to GUESTS or members who have logged out, so they literally don't see what they are missing.

And, Nottingham, if become a member, and sign up for the SS exchange, I'm sure your Santa would be very happy to send you pictures of a scantily-clad Kate Rusby, if that truly is your heart's desire.