Came here to ask the same question. If Armslist was charging just the seller I could understand, but to charge someone who just wants to communiate with the person, ask questions, that seems unreasonable. Or have it set to be a LOT less - like $3.99 for a year.
Anyways, on MNGuntalk there's a 'marketplace' with 5 categories (Accessories, Deals, Loaner, Everything Else, Charitable) doesn't seem to be an actual spot for selling GUNS. Am I missing something? Oh I see, they hid it until you log in. Not fond of that.