paid via paypal.... when i eventually found the link

from a forum page...
'settings' button top right
left column, 'account', select 'Paid subscriptions'
platinum membership, select your amount (unless you want to be a vendor)
then 'order'
takes you to the 'pay by paypal' or 'pay by paypal' choices
'order using paypal' button
go through your paypal login routine

and done!!!!