socalpunX explained it fairly well (we have had a few converstaions about it)

To answer your question more completely about the differance between a vendor and a member.

A vendor would be someone who works for or runs a business that sells products and makes a living from selling those products (Shrockworks, Courtesty Parts/Xterra Parts, Tire Rack, Calmini, SLR, AC, BP etc...). A member is the average Joe that owns an Xterra and came up with some cool idea but does not make their living selling the idea (Thor mod, Coolkits).

As for EOE. I know Todd and he is grandfathered in. He has been around from the start and as such gets special treatment.