Thanks Morgwen.

Perhaps I was logged in. I was required to enter name & password to send that message.

Now that I have returned, I don't have to enter name & password to send this message. Still, I can't see any sign of whether the forum recognizes me or not.

Slashdot (slashdot.org) always gives me a funny welcome when I go to their site, with a prominent option to change my preferences, etc. MacNN also gives a friendly welcome. I guess I'm getting spoiled.