Robert will have to resolve
Did your brother post at HZ.com? I remember a discussion about the new site back on HZ.com and no new members who weren't already Zoners were going to be admitted for awhile.
The other thing is that there is a problem once in awhile with this software that the confirming e-mail doesn't go out so Robert has to do his thing and let the person in. Others have had this problem.
Anyway you look at it, this is a Robert issue.