diff --git a/lib/referrals.js b/lib/referrals.js
index 21a166e..692121f 100644
--- a/lib/referrals.js
+++ b/lib/referrals.js
@@ -139,7 +139,9 @@ function state(member) {
     const paid = bountyPaidFor(x.memberId);
     return {
       name: x.username || ('#' + x.memberId),
-      joinedAt: x.firstSeen || null,
+      // when they actually joined InstantAdPay, not when this directory first noticed them:
+      // the backfill stamped firstSeen at seeding time and made everyone look brought-in today
+      joinedAt: x.joinedAt || x.firstSeen || null,
       finds: theirFinds.length,
       state: paid ? 'earning' : theirFinds.length ? 'hunting' : 'signed up, no find yet',
       stillNew: x.joinedAt ? (Date.now() - Number(x.joinedAt)) / 86400000 <= Number(c.refMatchDays) : false,