What kinglizard said is correct.
I would like to add that you don't have to pay the 250 points every month, unless you want to view that forum every month. You can pick it back up at
any time, after the initial 5k "payment"
So if you decide to pay the 5000 points, but when that month runs out you don't have enough points, don't worry. Even if it is a couple months
later, you still only need 250 points to get back in.
Hope this helps to clarify it a bit better.