I had actually been a member for approximately 15 years. Here is what I learned. You dont need to pay to get a stripped down service, however once you do pay they automatically renew your membership until you figure out how to shut that feature off. AS a paid member with an extensive profile I could go a week or two without receiving a message from anyone. However Once I signed up under a second profile which had no information and no photo I was receiving multiple daily emails form people that were supposedly interest in the phantom member they knew nothing about. This is a procedure they use to grab your attention. The emails form supposed members are funneled to you as a new member to get your interest since the only way they can be fully read is for you to get a full membership. A sort of illegal bait and switch if you will. As soon as you become a member emails will be sporadic once in a while. I had a charge show up on my credit card for AFF in August for $107. Although my membership didnt expire until December of that year. I challenged it with my credit card company and as a result my profile was removed with no explanation. I sent 3 emails asking why and never received a response to date. They are essentially a large corporation that wants to separate you from your money and could care less about you as a customer which is a toxic combination.