Hi Monique!
If you go to your profile (single kitty cat icon at the top of the page), you can adjust your settings. You can select the option to 'hide' your presence and people will not see your name on the forum. They will only see 'hidden'.
Guests are not 'hidden'. They are counted as guests.
I considered using the 'hidden' option because sometimes I'm using my iphone and can't reply to people's messages. (Texting is not one of my skills...as of this moment!) Then I decided to come out of hiding and let myself be seen...ha!!
There are valid reasons as to why someone might want to remain 'hidden' and you or anyone are perfectly within your right to choose this option! Personally, I like knowing who's online when I'm there. Makes me feel like we're in the same room!
Hugs,
CZ
You can change your profile settings whenever you want. Here's the breadcrumb trail:
Click on My Profile
On left side of screen, select Account related Settings
Scroll down the options: Show others your online status?
Total Members: 
