Having trouble with Gather? Lost, not sure what to do or where to look? Then, you have probably encountered the Guru of Gather. No, he is not a Gather Co-CEO, or an assistant, or any other title associated with Gather. In fact, Kevin V. is not even an employee of Gather. He will be the first to tell you he is a Gather member just like you or me. The fact is, Kevin knows so much about computers, computer language, programming, and cyber space that he is an awesome person to know.
Kevin will answer the most mundane question as though it were the most important question he has ever been asked. Perhaps that is one of the qualities in Kevin that makes him so special to those of us who know him. He knows how to answer the question in detail and to simplify the process so that the most computer ignorant person can understand and follow his directions. PLUS, if you are still uncertain, he will guide you step by step.
I think he needs to change the shirt in the photo to a white sports coat with a red rose in the lapel. That is how I see him in my mind's eye. I have never met Kevin in person, but his charm, kindness, charisma and helpfulness comes shining through. I don't know how he finds the time to help everyone he helps, plus writing technical articles, and reading and commenting on tons of articles every day.
When he sees this article he is going to be embarrassed because he doesn't like attention. However, Janet B. formed a Kevin V. Fan Club and I would love to see all of you who know him and have received helpful tips and ideas from him, come over to the Group's homepage and become a member. Those of you who don't know Kevin are welcome to come over, check out the Group's page and you, too, are welcome to join.
Kevin's fan club: http://kevinsfans.gather.com/ Remember, Kevin is NOT an employee of Gather, nor does he try to present himself as such.
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Comments: 58
Kevin is our lighthouse in time of storm. He looks at things in perspective and can grab hold of a messy situation and defuse it somewhat. I don't know why this jealousy has sprang up suddenly because he is certainly not out to get points or even call attention to himself. He is just the Gather Guru who knows more technical stuff in one finger than the rest of us will learn in a lifetime. Give honor where honor is due. Hy hat is off to you Kevin.
Kevin has never once tried to assert that he is a member of the Gather Staff or upper management of Gather. I think Tom is missing out by not placing Kevin on the staff, but Kevin is probably making more money where he is at.
From your Fan CLub, Kevin! We bow on bended knew fefore you! Please do not let these few people discourage you. You know who your friends are and we are here to back you all the way!
Okay, that is news to me, too !
Anyone who is doing any good and receiving any significant amount of attention for it on Gather has attracted these abusers.
Good writers are leaving Gather and good thinkers are now declining to comment in articles that will draw the attention of the abusers to them and their own articles.
The drinking water has been poisoned. Kevin is doing his best to stop the abusers, but I can't see that he is receiving any support from the Gather board.
Kevin is our White Hat leader.
I think Gather should hire him as a "consultant at large" for maybe "X" number of points per month or something. Perhaps that would stop the few with their petty jealousies and unwarranted taunting. I have never understood things like that.
Well, thoughtful article, and I tip my hat to you. Thanks.
The comments above about jealousy hit the nail on the head. Some folks around here just can't stand the fact that they are not the center of the universe. It is unfortunate that a few bad apples spend all their time and energy trying to ruin the Gather experience for the rest of the Gather community!
Kevin is ever present whenever any Gather related issue crops up; be it help to the beginners, improvements to the platform or infightings amongst the members. His thorough understanding of the intricacies of Gather, his technical expertise in computers and, most of all, his ready willingness to help are his qualifications to be natural leader in this sphere. Apart from this dreadful obsession to help fellow-Gatherers he is one of us; he has no pretense to be superior. Umpteen times he has been reminding us that he is an ordinary Gather member like us and has no special connection with the Gather staff or management.
Why is he doing this thankless service, which earns him more brickbats than bouquets? Perhaps he loves Gather and the unique opportunity that it presents in spreading goodwill and enlightenment in a strife-ridden world. Perhaps he wants Gather to be more of a membership-driven rather than a management directed experience.
Go ahead, Kevin, with your mission. Let not the storms in little tea cups deter you. All well-meaning people on Gather back you all the way.
Well, as a tribute to YOU June, for this, and for everyone, I have implemented a limited edition icon, replete with rosebud, bow tie, and the best rendition of a tux I could come up with in the short time available to me this morning.
Thank you for your thoughts, and appreciation. I only wish I had more time to comment on the work of others. I do read quite a bit, but when it comes to comments, I tend to get stuck for words that would do the work, and my feelings, justice. Somehow, 'Nice Job!' or 'Really enjoyed this!' just seems woefully inadequate.
I love to help, and I'm glad that y'all love what I do!
Have a wonderful Holiday, for those celebrating, and an enjoyable, relaxing week!
TY FoxyLady
Happy Holidays everyone.
Kevin V Is The Man
Thanks for the icon Kevin. It suits you.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and don't forget Gather.
Yes, I did read the FAQs when I joined....but I'm the kind of person that can read a recipe and immediately know if I will like it or not and udnerstand what I'm reading........but.........Alas, technical material is ussually gibberish to me.
I learn more from trying to stumble along than from reading most instruction manuals.................instruction manuals are not written for people like me........
Kevin has the nack for simplifying technical gibberish so that people like me can understand............
Thanks you Foxylady559 for this article and thank you Kevin for being you....the most helpful and selfless person I have encountered in Gather!
Thank goodness Kevin is mature enough to weather the storm. In terms of general membership Kevin is the most thoughtful and helpful member that there is. He should be payed for the work he does and recognized by the gather team.
Thanks again everyone.
so....when can i expect this?!
Lori, you are so naughty but if you could get Kevin to dress like that I would find a way to pay some points! :)
Foxy thanks for giving him this tribute and credit for the help he offers all at any time of day or night.
Kevin you will always be my guru of gather!!
Foxylady, everytime I say your name I start singing Jimmi Hendrix. Damn you! Now that song is stuck in my head. This was a wonderful tribute to Kevin. Way to go, woman.
Kevin, I'm proud to call myself a card carrying member of your fan club. I anxiously await it in the mail. You are truely a selfless person to give so much time in helping us all with our problems here on Gather. Thank you so much for that.
I love the white jacket with the red rose! Now, not only are you the Guru of Gather, you are now OFFICIALLY the PRINCE of Gather!
I wonder how it feels to be so adored that other members are wanting a white jacket like Kevin's. Quite an honor. The problem being that no one else can wear the jacket and look as good in it as Kevin does. (Sorry, guys, go cry.)
Sydney, LOL! since you are so LOL! experienced at that LOL! maybe you LOL! could start some LOL! more fan clubs LOL! for Kevin. LOL!
I remember when Kevin first joined Gather. From the very beginning, he was always very helpful to members.
Carton...sounds like the silent K in Knauer? Once I addressed a comment to Sydney Carton that his/her/its comments were sounding like other people I knew on Gather..
Guess who answered that one? Sandy Knauer....answered a comment addressed to Sydney Carton on my thread.
Jarte
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976831201
Some months ago I awarded Kevin the Golden Boot Award for his outstanding, cheerful help - always. Consider this accolade as a bar to that Award.
Merry Christmas to you and to Kevin.
This comment may not be accurately placed, however, I am putting it here because maybe Kevin will know the answer as to why my name, Sue B. has not shown up logged in since January 1st. Also, I am asking you what to do about this horrible sort of accusation.
This is what ElizabethR. wrote in response to a comment I had written. How would you like to have this kind of accusation, whatever it is, thrown at you? She is obviously a bitter woman. This is what she writes:
"Uh, there's a problem here. I looked up Sue B. She hasn't signed on since January 1, 2007. Wonder exactly who you are? Why can't you sign as yourself?"
This came as a response to a comment I had written about one of her articles at
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976892405
There are several members that use the same display name as Sue B (onedrflday.gather.com).
Their membernames are different however. One of the other Sue B.'s has not signed in since January 1st (suebee.gather.com).
I hope that resolves this unfortunate dispute.
(it is always a good idea to look at the MEMBERNAME, and not the display name to determine identity)
Animal Glitter Graphics
Ok I have a question - I desperately need help with - do I ask it here??? Salud