Thank you Trulee... now i figured it out. That before a newbie can benefit from his/her Treasure Points, (i.e., exchange it to Forum Points and apply the Forum Points to VIP points), the newbie must become a VIP member first. So, the 2nd WAY to become a VIP Member is tricky... right? Therefore, a newbie must do the 1st WAY to become a VIP Member..... GOT IT!