Passing cgi parameters

So, I’m trying to pass variables to a wordpress page using cgi. I’m using month and day permalinks if that makes any difference.

When I try to pass variables by adding ?variable=value, i get 404 errors.

I’m obviously missing something basic here… I’m fairly versed in cgi, but have no idea how wordpress deals with this type of thing.

Obviosuly there is something funky going on in the permalink url rewrites, but I am unsure how to get around it.

Can anyone help me ?

thanks!