Chiming in as someone who doesn't work here to support what Stacey's saying. 

I'm VERY sensitive to things that are unfair and things that are misleading.  Honestly, this isn't either of those things. 

I'm not sure, theKageRyu, why you are thinking this is an activation fee?  Memberships DO cost money - that's how you get the items at membership prices. 

It's not an issue of semantics, interpretations, or legalese.  An activation fee is something that you pay (not just in some of the memberships for graphics sites but often for things like getting a cell phone or other utilities) as a ONE TIME fee that is in ADDITION to any membership or monthly fees you pay.  For example, you join a gym that has a $25/month membership fee plus a one time activation fee of $50 (typically activation fees cover, I think, administrative costs to set up memberships and such).

With this, you pay the membership fee and you get member benefits for one year.  You want another year?  You buy another membership.  

Cheers,
Alisa

RETIRED HiveWire 3D QAV Director