Google Maps intergration -- aparently API KEYS are no lo

I was trying out the view as Map setting. Noticed it wanted an google maps API key. Which of course I do not have one, so I left it blank in the setup screen. As this was the first time I have tried the google map function, I was pleasantly surprised when it worked perfectly on my development box after generating the project.
Uploaded to the server, and when I click on the map field, I get a alert box stating "This web site needs a different Google Maps API Key. A new key can be generated at http://code.google.com/apis/maps/."; I click okay to the alert, back to page but alas no map image.
Your docs say we have to get our own Maps API Key, from http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html

I go there, sign up for an google account, and nowhere can I find where I can get this API Key. I do read up there that Good Maps no longer requires an

API key. Unless you buy the premier edition.
So, what do I do to get the map link working on my live application.
On a side note, the google docs mention that you can freely use the API as long as the service is Free to users. Guests that log in are certainly free, but we do charge Registered Users a membership fee. Does this negate the ability for us to include the google map view as feature??.