As a newbie who has entered 2 contests, I'm already seeing that becoming an Advantage user will have several benefits. Standard members just don't get very many votes unless they can whip out a masterpiece within the first 2 hours of contest opening, and even then, they are using a source image that is lower in resolution than what Advantage Members get to use.

I want to upgrade to Advantage, but I want to try out the 3-month membership. I'm about 99% sure I'll love it and will be happy to pay future dues. But let's just pretend I don't find the benefits of the Advantage Membership worth keeping. What happens after 3 months? Will I lose my previous work? Do I have access to the previous work I did as an Advantage member? I sense some possible technical issues for this scenario.

nope, it's all worked out. It'd be ridiculous if it weren't all planned out. My advantage expired in December, and I went without it for about a month before a friend got me a 3-month Advantage upgrade, and you don't lose anything, besides access to the Advantage sources, chat, and other features, obviously. You still keep your old work done while using Advantage.

I see you are now an official advantage member. How is it for you?

Non advantage people rule!! Uhm, ok maybe they don't...

just wanted to say u have serious skillz, this should go really good for u here..;welcome.

Yes! I've joined the club! So far so good. I immediately downloaded my first Advantage members only image... Lawn Angel. 26 people already entered. I see that I get the entire months lineup. I spent several hours on the Angel piece, my wife wanted to strangle me because of the time I was putting into it. The only thing that I disagree with is that I'm still being blocked from voting (since I've only done 3 images and need 10). I think I should be allowed to vote immediately since I'm an Advantage member.

GOOD POINT

actually that is a very good point right there

Nah. Let 'em pay their dues and do their 10 chops just like the rest of us.
It builds character.

and less cheating.

true Pro, I am amzed a person would buy several memberships just to cheat... how sad is that

It's money for the site...if we could just code it so people cant vote their IP this'd be good.

I like Advantage, I was bought it as a pressie, for my birthday, by my son. I am working on a chop that will take me an age( I chop slowly!), and would not even attempt it sans Advantage.
I like the point about votes as well, if you have a years membership doesn't that show some commitment?

NAh--it's just a few dollars.