Since early December I have been traveling extensively to complete the implementation of a major project. This left me with little time for active participation in the Gather community. Consequently, many of my projects, groups and connections languished from lack of attention and follow through.
I apologize for the delay in getting some new, exciting initiatives off the ground (especially as I announced that some of them would begin in December!). However, with a hectic travel schedule now behind me, I will endeavor to pick up where I left off, and to be more attentive to my connections, and the community, once again.
Also, if anyone is curious as to what is on my 'to-do' list for Gather, here it is...
(I hope to have each of the initiatives below up and running within the next week or so)
♥ Happy Valentines Day! ♥
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The new 'Purple Cow' award is based upon concepts developed by best-selling author and marketing guru, Seth Godin, in his new award-winning book Purple Cow. This award will recognize content, ideas, or activities in the community which are innovative and unique in some way. While the 'Spirit of Community' award remains a weekly event (announced each Friday), the 'Purple Cow' award will be spontaneous, and may be presented more, or less often. Are you a purple cow? __________________________________ The 'Spirit of Community' awards will sport a new look, and will now provide a personalized prize to future recipients. purplecowawards.gather.com (not quite ready!) |
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In addition to a variety of new and improved tutorials, I am nearing completion on 'My Tutor', which is a categorized master index to all of the most helpful content within the community. The 'My Tutor' index will provide single-click access to just about everything you need to know to improve your Gather experience. Also, a new troubleshooting guide will provide recommended step-by-step solutions to many of the most common problems affecting newer members. helpforum.gather.com |
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While we get to know individuals through their content and commentary, often there is a vast amount of talent, experience and knowledge which lies hidden behind our icons. This potentially unexplored or unheralded facet of Gather membership may provide another means for ‘connection' with other members, a connection through the sharing of ourselves, and our specific creative interests or expertise. To that end, the series of groups displayed above will be devoted to showcasing member talent and knowledge. You may read more about this initiative by reading: |
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A New England Gathering - Due to significant scheduling conflicts during the latter half of last year, I was unable to coordinate an East Coast get-together for Gather members in 2006. I am hopeful that this second attempt will be more sucessful! Therefore, please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 17!! (details to be announced shortly) Gather Radio - Just what it says it is! Streaming audio 'channels' bringing you a variety of member content...including downloadable 'podcasts'. If you are interested in hosting your own radio program on Gather, please contact me. Note: audio files will be hosted outside of Gather (for now), but playback occurs normally via your preferred media player. Additional Programs - The remaining initiatives will be back in operation, with a more effective interface and visible presence. Stay Tuned! |
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Digging for 'Gather Gold' - A series of weekly 'themed' scavenger hunts developed around member content and community. Members may also compete to locate golden coins (Gather Gold) hidden throughout the site! Photo Editing Competitions - This will be a reprisal of earlier contests. With more members on Gather experienced in photo editing, I am hoping for broader participation this time around! |
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The first edition of the newsletter will be distributed to group owners in February through Gather Mail. You will receive only one copy, no matter how many groups you may own. |
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The Gather Grapevine - Gather specific news, announcements, information, rumors, hearsay, scuttlebutt, hypothesizing...you can find it all here: gatherbuzz.gather.com (opening in a few days!) |
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Comments: 44
Ha ha ha ...well, it really isn't as time consuming as it may appear. I have learned to automate many tasks, which frees up a lot of time normally spent dealing with the administration of groups, and general navigation/functionality. Once the basic framework is in place, some of the items above will almost run on their own.
Please let us know when Gatherbuzz is open!
The mini-banners above will actually be used later on as hyperlink buttons for 'promotion and marketing' ;-)
Q: Who will determine the 'winner' of the purple cow award?
Like the 'Spirit of Community' award, the 'Purple Cow' will be my own personal way of recognizing another member or group. However, I greatly appreciate receiving suggestions for potential nominees!
I love the Purple Cow award.
I think it's awesome that it looks like some of the artists and craftsmen are going to finally have a place as well as the photographers! Thanks for all your hard work. You rock!
Here's a Gather Buzz 'teaser'... (well, for Barry Manilow fans):
Guess who's coming to Gather for a live 'conversation'?
Happy Valentine's Day.
I think I actually have March 17th off from work. I will check my sched.
What about my brilliant Golden Boot Award? Do I have to do that as well ... grumble, grumble.
And where's the humour award? Another bloody thing for me to do.
Well, at the very least, you should have a Vegemite Award for all things Australian (and the kiwis can lick the jar). What, I've got to do that as well?
And what about the Interesting Group Award that would have occurred to you if you hadn't been travelling so much?
Thanks for the comment on my review. Do you have time to go to the movies? :-)
I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one.
But then again on second thought,
I'd rather see than be one.
The name of the author of that little ditty is on the tip of my tongue.
Get some rest!
And the Gather Buzz teaser... Barry Manilow is coming here for an interview? Can't say I'd be interested to read it but, wow.
Thanks.
How do you ever find time for one? I've gotten so far behind in my reading since I joined gather and found all the interesting content here... if I tried to do even half of what you're doing plus my real world job I'd never get to sleep (not that I do much now either) or eat or anything else for that matter. I hope the 'real' owners of this website compensate you in some way for all of this... I know your articles on fonts etc have certainly enhanced My gather experience. Your tutorials are most helpful and definitely appreciated. Thank you Kevin.